Make Me Smart

Pharmacy closures are creating dangerous 'pharmacy deserts' in low-income and rural areas, leaving residents without essential medications. A revealing New York Times investigation uncovers the middlemen fueling this crisis. Meanwhile, the American Dream is being redefined, with rising housing costs pushing people toward townhouses. The conversation also explores a shift in family dynamics, highlighting more stay-at-home fathers and the challenges working women face in achieving balance between career and family life.

Exploring the divide between wealthier Americans driving retail spending and the struggles of lower-income households reveals a unique insight into the consumer economy. The rise of the Birkin bag on TikTok highlights this disparity vividly. Meanwhile, Cuba faces a severe power outage affecting millions, creating economic paralysis. The conversation also takes a fun twist with Halloween treats, comparing chocolate to gummy candy while reminiscing about childhood traditions and spooky movies, ensuring a blend of insightful discussion and lighthearted banter.

Amy Scott, a Marketplace reporter known for her insightful coverage on climate change, dives into the intricate world of corporate political spending. She highlights the risks companies face when navigating political donations, pondering their alignment with company values. The conversation also addresses the struggles disaster survivors face in securing assistance post-hurricanes due to funding shortages. Additionally, Scott explores how immigration impacts agriculture and why tech giants are eyeing nuclear energy to tackle future demands driven by AI advancements.

The discussion kicks off with Kamala Harris's strategy of engaging popular podcasts to boost voter turnout, particularly among Black audiences. It highlights how traditional media is evolving in this fragmented landscape. The talk then shifts to the sad news for savers as lower interest rates signal the end of easy yields. Listeners are also treated to charming stories, like the return of pandas to D.C. and the transformation of a cherished maple tree into stunning wooden bowls, weaving together themes of nature and community.

Vince Beiser, the author of "Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future," dives into the hidden costs of sourcing metals like lithium, cobalt, and copper for renewable energy. He explores the environmental and social consequences of mining practices and exposes China's dominance in the supply chain. Beiser also suggests sustainable solutions like recycling and discusses why space mining remains just a fantasy. This insightful conversation reveals the complexities of transitioning to green energy.

Federal emergency responders face rising threats amid recent hurricanes and misinformation, raising alarms about political violence. Discussions center on the implications of calls for military action on Election Day and the danger of false narratives impacting disaster response. Meanwhile, SpaceX celebrates its latest test launch, sparking debate about environmental practices and the ethics of commercial space travel. The challenges of transitioning to clean energy and its social consequences are also highlighted, exposing the complexities behind the drive for sustainability.

This week, the discussion dives into TikTok's awareness of its harmful effects on teens, spotlighting recent lawsuits. The hosts also ponder the exorbitant costs of disaster recovery and how it reflects social inequality. In a lighter vein, they debate the growing trend of wearing pajamas in public and explore various consumer patterns leading up to the holidays. Plus, there's a glimmer of tech intrigue with the CIA's investments, mixing humor with contemporary fashion and political engagement!

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has already burned through almost half of its $20 billion Disaster Relief Fund that’s meant to last for another year. We’ll get into why the agency’s current budget shortfall is a sign of future problems as extreme weather events like Hurricane Milton become more common. Then, we’ll get into Vice President Kamala Harris’ new plan for funding at-home health care, some in the weeds inflation vocab, and why the identity of the creator of Bitcoin matters. Here’s everything we talked about today:“FEMA spent nearly half its disaster budget in just 8 days” from Politico“As Helene barrels into the Gulf Coast, FEMA faces shortfall for longer-term recovery” from Marketplace“Chicago Fed’s Goolsbee: Inflation has come down and job market is around full employment level” from CNBC“Inflation slowed again, new CPI report shows: Will the Fed keep cutting rates?” from USA Today“Kamala Harris proposes Medicare pay for more in-home health care during appearance on “The View'” from CBS News“Harris proposes expanding Medicare to cover home health care” from Marketplace“The quest to discover the creator of bitcoin” from MarketplaceJoin us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

Hurricane Helene's aftermath could cost $250 billion, but most homeowners lack flood insurance. Rising costs drive many to forgo coverage, leaving them vulnerable. The podcast highlights the political fundraising frenzy alongside pressing social issues like housing and education. It also explores how zookeepers protect animals during storms and the peculiarities of recent journalistic practices. Lastly, Floridians are urged to update their iPhones for better communication during emergencies.

Peter McGraw, a behavioral economist known for his insights on singlehood, joins Micah Smith, a Denver reporter, Andrea Dunphy, a single parent, and Molly Berger, a wealth management advisor specializing in singles. They explore the financial landscape for the growing single adult population, touching on systemic economic challenges and the cultural shift towards embracing solo living. The conversation includes personal anecdotes, financial strategies, and discussions on breaking stereotypes, all while advocating for a world that better understands and supports single individuals.