50 episodes
Marketplace Marketplace
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- Business
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4.6 • 7.4K Ratings
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Every weekday, host Kai Ryssdal helps you make sense of the day’s business and economic news — no econ degree or finance background required. “Marketplace” takes you beyond the numbers, bringing you context. Our team of reporters all over the world speak with CEOs, policymakers and regular people just trying to get by.
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$2 trillion in savings, spent
Americans saved a lot during the first few years of the pandemic. But some economists say those excess savings are running low or even have been entirely depleted. Where did all the extra cash go? Also in this episode: Unemployment falls to fantastic lows in three states, a government shutdown would bring financial stress to Native nations and the majority of millennials now own homes.
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Feeling the oil-flation?
Oil keeps the gears of the American economy running, from transportation to manufacturing. But the cost is creeping up — crude may well reach $100 a barrel soon. In this episode, we’ll trace how high oil prices ripple through our lives. Plus, college cost transparency, aircraft order volatility and federal firefighter pay cuts.
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Housing market role play
The July Case-Shiller home price index came out today, and it hit an all-time high. But mortgage rates, at 7%, are also high. We’ll demonstrate what this unusual pairing means for the housing market with some buyer-seller role play. Also in this episode: Staving off climate change will cost trillions, the pumpkin spice latte turns 20 and gas prices fuel consumer sentiment.
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The business of getting offices back in business
How do I make non-Zoom eye contact? What should I share about my personal life? Is my lunch stinky? Work etiquette experts are helping companies ease the back-to-office transition. Also in this episode: UAW strike strategies, the economics of recycling plastic, a hops farm check-in and domestic worker contracts.
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The early bird gets the worm
Diners are digging in earlier than ever across the U.S. It’s an adjustment for the restaurant industry, but it might be better for workers and eaters alike. Plus, a flood of new apartment buildings should ease rent inflation, but it won’t solve the housing crisis. We’ll also analyze the week’s economic happenings with The New York Times’ Jeanna Smialek and Politico’s Sudeep Reddy.
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50 years after the oil embargo, the U.S. is playing catch-up
The idea of energy “conservation” was new to Americans in 1973. Experiencing a first-of-its-kind gasoline shortage, the U.S. began to encourage fuel efficiency in cars and homes. If President Ronald Reagan hadn’t reversed such commitments, would renewable energy be ubiquitous today? Plus, doing without: manufacturing without temp workers, the Fed without government economic data and NYC without Airbnb.
Customer Reviews
Obsessed
This is the one podcast I make a point to listen to every day. Love the way they tell micro stories that tie into a macro perspective.
Engaging, but out of touch?
I listen to this show through my local NPR station on my commute home. I’ll start with the good and then go through what Kai and his team need to work on.
Kai is a captivating host and makes the economic news of the week digestible and even fun sometimes. For example, I enjoyed especially the episode regarding the business aspects of role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons earlier this year.
I wish however there was more content like this because it makes economics relatable… I’ve noticed a pattern recently that Marketplace discusses economics on a macro scale and notes booming business alongside inflation struggles and a very nervous consumer sector. Repetition of topics aside, I really wish Kai would take the time to focus more on the consumer (who is more than likely the person listening to the show) rather than how the Fed seems to think the economy is doing fine. As an aside, if I hear the phrase “soft landing” one more time, I might have an aneurysm!
All in all, this is a really informative podcast and I’m having a good time and learning a lot while I try to stay informed. That said, I wish the topics were a little more understanding of the circumstances most Americans are facing. Definitely worth a listen!
Absolutely informed, witty and intelligent host
I am listening for 4-5 years. Initially it sounded like another podcast. But within a month I realized the true value of it. We live in a socio-economic world. Economics always influences our daily life. The program gives you a unique perspective. Needless to say Kai is very witty and intelligent. Start listening and it becomes difficult to stop.