
Make Me Smart
Each weekday, Marketplace’s Kai Ryssdal and Kimberly Adams make today make sense. Along with our supersmart listeners, we break down happenings in tech, the economy and culture. Every Tuesday we bring on a guest to dive deeper into one important topic. Because none of us is as smart as all of us.
Latest episodes

Apr 18, 2025 • 28min
Trump's immigration crackdown is coming for legal workers
The impact of Trump's immigration policies extends beyond undocumented workers, now threatening green card holders as well. The discussion examines how these actions could disrupt the labor market and affect higher education. A legal case raises questions about due process for immigrants facing deportation. In a lighter segment, the hosts dive into crunchy food trends and the quirky idea of living underwater, highlighting the blending of serious topics with entertaining banter.

Apr 17, 2025 • 10min
Trump vs. Powell
The conversation dives into President Trump's bold claim about firing Jerome Powell, linking it to Supreme Court implications. It also revisits the economic factors that sparked the American Revolution, drawing parallels to today’s issues. A fascinating segment celebrates Ken Griffey Jr.'s late-life passion for photography, showcasing his memorable shot at the Masters. The discussion wraps with entertaining anecdotes about former athletes exploring creative careers and a light-hearted critique on the sports commentary landscape.

4 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 14min
Let's talk about Zeno's paradox
The hosts explore the intriguing Zeno's paradox and its connection to modern constitutional crises, particularly through recent court challenges facing the Trump administration. They delve into the hidden economics behind luxury goods, revealing how many are overpriced due to their Chinese origins. Plus, they highlight the quirky fascination with the Great Moose Migration, showcasing a fun live-streaming phenomenon. Expect insightful legal discussions peppered with humor and engaging listener interactions!

Apr 15, 2025 • 27min
Will Congress deliver Trump's tax cuts?
Caitlin Reilly, a tax and economics reporter at CQ Roll Call, breaks down Congress's complicated journey towards enacting Trump’s tax cuts. She delves into the reconciliation process, explaining how it makes certain tax cuts appear budget-friendly. The conversation also touches on the political tug-of-war within Congress and the implications of the U.S.-China trade war on Boeing. Additionally, Reilly humorously addresses skepticism about the likelihood of bipartisan support for tax reform amidst current political divisions.

Apr 14, 2025 • 15min
Brexit ... but make it American
Exploring the lingering effects of Brexit, the discussion reveals how the British economy continues to struggle while drawing parallels to Trump’s economic strategies. A shocking proposal to send Americans to prisons in El Salvador raises eyebrows, alongside concerns about cuts to Medicaid. Meanwhile, health inspections on cruise ships are put at risk due to layoffs. To lighten the mood, there's a look at NASA's amusing challenge of recycling human waste in space, showcasing the unexpected challenges the future holds.

10 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 35min
Selling America
U.S. stocks are tumbling amid tariff turmoil, raising questions about the future of the American economy. Is the era of cheap goods over? Officials argue it's a good thing, but many disagree. There's humor in discussing penguin memes tied to tariffs, and a shift towards vocational skills over traditional degrees is noted. Plus, retailers face challenges with unpredictable consumer demand as the holiday season approaches, blending serious economic insights with lighthearted banter.

10 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 12min
Your hot takes on this week's tariff insanity
This week, listeners share their thoughts on the chaotic world of tariffs and how they navigate economic uncertainty. Is Trump's tariff pause just a temporary measure? Personal anecdotes reveal the hardships tariffs impose on businesses and a teacher's creative methods to explain these concepts to kids. The discussion highlights the broader impacts on the economy, including market dynamics and the emotional toll on everyday life. Tune in for engaging insights and lively listener interactions!

Apr 9, 2025 • 11min
Another day, another tariff switch-up
Recent government tariff changes have the economy reeling, with a 90-day pause on new tariffs announced unexpectedly. Tensions ran high as the U.S. trade representative faced tough questions in Congress. The discussion also dives into the chaotic reactions from businesses and individuals trying to adapt to the shifting rules. Anticipation looms over the potential for unethical practices like insider trading, while small businesses grapple with unpredictable inventory challenges. Humor is sprinkled throughout to lighten the mood amid economic uncertainty.

11 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 23min
Move over taco Tuesday! Tariff Tuesday is here
Martha Gimbel, Executive Director of the Budget Lab at Yale, dives into the complex world of tariffs and their potential effect on consumer prices, including tech gadgets like iPhones. She explains how tariffs can shape the economic landscape and challenges the notion that trade deficits are inherently bad. The discussion also lightly touches on the joy of children learning to speak, coupled with insights from Carrie Lane, author of a book on professional organizing, who discusses the importance of embracing our clutter.

5 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 18min
Is the tide turning against Trump’s tariffs?
The podcast dives into the chaos following President Trump's sweeping tariffs, with business leaders like Jamie Dimon raising alarms about rising prices and slowing growth. There’s a critical look at the political hypocrisy around trade policies that impacts ordinary citizens. The hosts discuss social issues and the crucial need for accountability amidst economic challenges. They also examine Trump’s tariffs' long-term effects on the U.S. economy and global trade, highlighting the shifting dynamics with China and public reactions.
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