Make Me Smart

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.

In this engaging discussion, guest co-host Sabree Beneshore, a savvy contributor on economic topics, dives into why you can't tariff-proof your shopping list or cocktail. The conversation explores the challenges of reshoring and the complexities of tariff negotiations. They reflect on Congress's potential power changes over tariffs while balancing lighthearted mentions of drinks. Plus, there's a fun analysis of the latest season of 'White Lotus.' Join them in navigating economics with an entertaining twist!

The podcast dives into the sweeping tariffs imposed by President Trump, revealing unexpected price hikes consumers might face. Economists share strategies for stockpiling essentials amidst rising costs. Internationally, countries react with concern, raising tensions in global trade. The discussion also touches on the quirks of imposing tariffs on uninhabited territories near Antarctica, exploring the bizarre implications of such policies. Join in for a lively analysis of how these economic changes are reshaping consumer behavior and political dynamics.

The discussion dives into the complexities of tariffs announced by Trump, highlighting their mixed results and the economic uncertainty they bring to the Fed's interest rate decisions. Listeners learn about the hidden costs to farmers and the overall impact on various industries. A humorous twist comes with an April Fools' prank related to Home Depot. The podcast also celebrates a historic Senate speech, marking a significant step in civil rights and voting discussions, adding depth to the political landscape.

Philip Joyce, a public policy professor at the University of Maryland, discusses the pitfalls of running government like a business, emphasizing that unlike businesses, governments can't afford to take risks. He highlights the historical roots of this idea and contrasts success metrics between the two sectors. Joyce also analyzes the implications of business-minded leaders like Trump and Musk on governance. The conversation touches on special elections' stakes in Wisconsin and Florida and offers reflections on community engagement and the value of admitting mistakes.

Sabree Beneshore, a Marketplace contributor and keen observer of economic trends, joins the discussion to unpack the implications of impending tariffs and their historical context. They analyze whether Trump's promised manufacturing growth echoes past failures, citing George W. Bush's steel tariffs that backfired. With a rising 'buy Canadian' movement and its impact on U.S. businesses, the conversation shifts to fun topics like the social etiquette of punctuation in texting, revealing how emojis and punctuation shape our communication today.

CoreWeave's IPO offers a glimpse into the AI boom, showcasing market volatility and operational challenges. A key ruling enhances presidential powers over independent agencies, potentially reshaping governance. Meanwhile, the hosts explore the societal impacts of credit reliance for essential needs, while the rising popularity of Crocs among youth highlights the comfort versus style debate. They also engage in lighthearted banter and celebrate community support for public radio, making for a lively and thought-provoking discussion.

The podcast dives into the alarming detention of a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, sparking discussions about academic freedom and political repression. The hosts highlight the chilling effects on activism and free speech. Additionally, they examine the inequality faced by women in sports, as exemplified by the disparity between WNBA facilities and those of men's teams. The episode also touches on security blunders by a national security adviser, showcasing the potential risks of being too open about personal finances.

Rima Kreis, host of the podcast "This is Uncomfortable," dives deep into significant current events. They discuss the overlooked repercussions of U.S. military operations in Yemen and the humanitarian crisis at hand. The chilling effects of the Trump administration on U.S. tourism are highlighted, predicting a $18 billion hit to the economy. Kreis also shares insights on unique car-free communities, promoting innovative social interaction, and touches on amusing linguistic blunders in broadcasting.

Gracelin Baskaran, a mining economist and founding director of the Project on Critical Mineral Security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, shares insights into the U.S. and Ukraine's negotiations over rare earth minerals. She explains why these minerals, pivotal for technology, aren’t as rare as believed and discusses the U.S.'s struggle to compete with China's production. Baskaran also highlights that recycling is only part of the solution. The conversation takes a humorous turn with musings on dreaming and Canadian travel boycotts.