Make Me Smart

Stefanie Stantcheva, a Harvard economics professor, dives into public perceptions of inflation and how Americans attribute its causes to government actions and corporate practices. She discusses the significant political divides in these beliefs and the role media plays in shaping opinions. The conversation shifts to current retail theft trends, examining innovative strategies retailers are using to combat crime. Plus, comedian Rola Z adds her unique perspective on the topic, sparking a lively dialogue about economic understanding and societal challenges.

Jerome Powell, the Chair of the Federal Reserve, joins to discuss the highly anticipated interest rate cuts, with investors divided on the extent of the decrease. He delves into the labor market's role in these decisions, shedding light on the broader economic implications. The conversation takes a twist as they explore the origins of false rumors affecting the Haitian community during a presidential debate. Powell also addresses the potential rise in costs for popular e-commerce brands, all while sharing a light-hearted look at the trials of gardening.

Former President Donald Trump shares his bold plans to eliminate federal taxes on tips, Social Security benefits, and now overtime pay. The conversation dives into how online dating might exacerbate income inequality through partner selection. Alongside these topics, the hosts weigh in on Taylor Swift's political endorsement and its effects on voter engagement, and explore United Airlines' new free Wi-Fi initiative with SpaceX. The mix of politics, modern relationships, and cultural observations keeps the discussion lively and relevant.

Jared Isaacman, a billionaire and leader of SpaceX's crew of private astronauts, discusses the monumental achievement of completing the first-ever commercial spacewalk. He dives into the innovative spacesuit designs and the exhilarating possibilities of private space exploration. The conversation also touches on Congress's struggles with government funding and the implications of recent oil price declines on inflation. Additionally, the latest advancements in Apple’s artificial intelligence reveal a mix of excitement and concern about technology’s role in our lives.

Vice President Kamala Harris brings her insights on the presidential debate dynamics, focusing on topics like abortion and the economy. Former President Donald Trump offers his perspective while the discussion reveals a surprising lightness on economic policy. They explore how voter opinions may clash with candidate positions, and tackle clever alternatives for dating, like run clubs and grocery stores becoming new hotspots for singles. The mix of serious political dialogue and humorous dating anecdotes makes for an engaging conversation.

Dive into the controversial Project 2025, a policy proposal that could reshape American governance and raise constitutional concerns. Explore how Trump's influence on the Heritage Foundation may alter political discourse and civil service. Reflect on the recent surge in household income and its effects on spending habits, along with discussions on financial literacy mishaps and quirky money-related stories. The episode wraps up with an invitation for listener engagement and a nod to another podcast focused on business news.

Join an inspiring Paralympic marathoner, celebrated for her sportsmanship and her act of helping her guide during a race, as she discusses the implications of recent changes in mental health coverage. The conversation dives into the Biden administration's new rule aimed at ensuring mental health parity, highlighting the ongoing struggles and triumphs in accessing care. They also tackle the potential threats posed by Supreme Court rulings to these advancements, combining a powerful narrative of sports and the urgent need for mental health equity.

The IRS has successfully recouped $1.3 billion from wealthy tax evaders, thanks to new funding for enforcement. Meanwhile, there's a fresh probe into airline rewards programs sparking debates. The discussion takes a lighthearted turn with a game analyzing the cultural value of musical-turned-movie remakes. In financial news, the challenges of retirement saving come to light, while private equity's potential role in the NFL raises eyebrows. Don't forget to check out some fun summer jams on their curated playlist!

The discussion kicks off with Vice President Harris proposing a capital gains tax hike, showcasing an attempt to win over corporate supporters. Next, the conflict between Disney and DirecTV leads to major channel outages, leaving viewers frustrated. The podcast also dives into the struggles of Medicaid patients accessing GLP-1 weight loss drugs, highlighting issues of health equity. Lastly, insights into the restaurant industry reveal a shift towards fast-casual dining amid ongoing labor shortages and inflation adjustments.

Discover the latest enterprise AI launch from Anthropic, designed for businesses looking to enhance efficiency. Delve into the implications of AI on creative jobs and personal writing styles, while addressing concerns over job displacement. The conversation shifts to pivotal actions by the Biden administration against Russian interference in the upcoming election. Plus, marvel at the fascinating discovery of ancient fish fossils and recognize the unsung heroes in coal mining safety efforts. Tune in for a blend of tech, politics, and appreciation for public service!