Make Me Smart

Hey smarties! We’re on a break for the holidays and revisiting some of our top episodes from 2025. We can’t do this show without you and we still need your support. If you can, donate today to keep independent journalism going strong into 2026 and beyond. Give now to support “Make Me Smart.” Thank you so much for your generosity, happy holidays and we’ll see you in the new year.The holidays are just around the corner. And for many, it might mean being a guest at, or hosting, a friendsgiving get-together or other holiday party. Regardless of which side of the gathering you’re on, it can be stressful. But fret not! Casey Elsass, author of the book “What Can I Bring? Recipes to Help You Live Your Guest Life,” joins Kimberly from New York City to share tips on how to host and attend a great holiday party without breaking your bank account. Plus, we’ll play a round of This or That!

Mitchell Berger, Executive VP of Global Commerce at Crunchyroll, shares insights on anime's booming year in 2025. He highlights 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle,' which shattered box office records and became a cultural phenomenon. Berger explains the film's marketing strategy aimed at passionate fans and its appeal to newcomers. He discusses the importance of theatrical releases for a communal experience, as well as Crunchyroll's plans for monthly 'Anime Nights' in theaters. Curious about anime? Berger encourages listeners to connect with young fans for guidance.

Dan Runcie, founder of Trapital, breaks down the evolving music industry landscape. He discusses the implications of Anthropic's copyright settlement for record labels and the ongoing fair use debates surrounding AI. Runcie reveals why even top artists are struggling to produce hits amid changing algorithms and fragmented audiences. He also highlights how labels are acting like private equity firms, increasingly buying proven catalogs. This insightful conversation dives into the legal and economic shifts shaping music today.

Listeners weigh in on the future economy, spotlighting tariffs as a major concern influencing uncertainty. The hosts discuss the challenges posed by shifting tariff actions on businesses. They explore the K-shaped economy, highlighting growing inequality and its impact on consumer spending. Attention turns to the Fed, with important discussions about Jerome Powell’s chair term and its political implications. The show ends on a positive note, celebrating a listener's personal triumph in community support.

In this engaging discussion, guests share their unique perspectives on the evolving food landscape. Alan Perlstein, CEO of California Cultured, reveals how lab-grown chocolate could mitigate climate-related cocoa shortages. Kiki Ruff, a savvy cook known for 'recession recipes,' gives tips on creating budget-friendly meals effortlessly. Paul Penner, a Kansas farmer, discusses the impacts of climate change and tariffs on agriculture. Lastly, Toto Alamasi, a refugee farmer, talks about cultivating culturally significant crops, showcasing resilience in urban farming.

Elizabeth Miller, founder of Happy Healthy Caregiver, shares her inspiring journey from personal caregiver burnout to advocating for others. She discusses the financial stresses caregivers face, practical self-care strategies, and how to initiate tough caregiving conversations with family. Miller emphasizes the importance of scheduling dedicated caregiver time and suggests involving professionals as needed. Plus, listeners enjoy a fun holiday-themed round of 'This or That' to add some festive cheer!

Allison Hoffman, a scholar at the University of Pennsylvania specializing in health law and long-term care financing, joins the conversation to shed light on America's pressing long-term care challenges. She discusses the significant role immigrants play in the caregiving workforce and the implications of current immigration policies. Hoffman also highlights the financial burden on families providing unpaid care, the high costs of nursing homes, and the reasons behind stagnant wages for direct care workers. Solutions such as public programs and improved regulatory frameworks are explored.

Debra Whitman, Chief Public Policy Officer at AARP, shines a light on the 63 million family caregivers in the U.S. She discusses the emotional and financial burdens these caregivers face, including an annual out-of-pocket cost of $7,200. The conversation explores the economic impact, revealing that support could yield a $1.7 trillion GDP boost. Debra emphasizes the need for policy changes like tax credits and flexible work options to ease the crisis, while highlighting the importance of having open conversations about care within families.

Jessica Meszaros, a Florida climate change reporter at WUSF, joins to discuss how the state is coping with the impacts of climate change. She shares insights on the welcome break from hurricanes this year, yet highlights the continuing challenges of skyrocketing home insurance premiums and rising utility bills. Jessica dives into the pressures facing Tampa residents and the political ramifications of these climate costs on local policies. The conversation wraps up with a fun segment, blending serious issues with light-hearted banter.

Nancy Marshall-Genzer, a Marketplace correspondent with expertise in Federal Reserve coverage, dives into the recent interest rate cut by the Fed. She explores the internal debates among Fed members about inflation and jobs and the implications of incomplete data on decision-making. Nancy also discusses President Trump's influence on Fed leadership choices, the potential successors, and what the rate cut means for consumers, from credit cards to refinancing risks. It's a fascinating look at the intersection of economics and politics.