Make Me Smart

The podcast delves into what happens to Biden's campaign money if he exits the race, the government's plan to reduce single-use plastics, nostalgia for DVDs and paper checks, Hello Kitty's origin story, Target's decision to stop accepting paper checks, and tips for discussing politics at work.

Sean O'Brien, Teamsters union president, speaks at RNC causing controversy. Lock-in effect affecting housing market and rise of first-time buyers. Discussion on avoiding online misinformation during crises. Federal Reserve may lower interest rates before inflation hits 2%.

Climate populism threatens climate action progress, green tech is the solution. Arizona faces budget crisis from school voucher program. NASA sends Missy Elliot song to Venus. Paris mayor swims in Seine. Mayor of Baltimore warns against harbor jump.

Lawyer Emily Amick discusses empowering civic engagement for all in democracy. Tips include treating civic participation as self-care, finding your civic personality, and managing a healthy news diet. She shares insights on voters in Utah protecting citizen-led initiatives and the impact of consumer behavior. Plus, debunking misconceptions about homeowners' costs and cosplay costume making.

Topics include the dismissal of Trump's classified documents case, evictions surge post-pandemic, a malaria vaccine rollout in Africa, $14 million investment in battery recycling, and fostering civility in the community

Guest host Sabri Ben-Achour discusses the funding freeze for Biden's campaign. Topics include unique food choices like cricket protein powder, retail's shift to digital price tags, technology's impact on pricing strategies, kids' interest in skincare products, exclusive restaurant reservations, and ethical dilemmas in influencer copyright disputes.

Federal Reserve Chair Powell hints at the end of near-zero interest rates. NATO members increasing defense spending. Hospitals face financial strain. Changes in administrative agencies post-Chevron doctrine. Healthcare job market still hot.

Exploring Gen X retirement confidence, gender and generational wealth gaps, cyberbullying in schools, Olympic gymnasts in crystal leotards, Shrek 5 comeback in 2026, and teen-centric movie discussions.

Professor Andra Ghent from the University of Utah discusses the origins of the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and its impact on the housing market, including the lock-in effect. The podcast also delves into the FTC's scrutiny of pharmacy benefit managers and shares a travel lesson learned. Could the Danish mortgage model be a solution for the US?

Global temperatures exceed 1.5°C for 12 months, sparking climate concerns. Insurers profit from false Medicare diagnoses. $1 billion medical school donation. Textile recycling breakthrough. Generational wealth gap and free medical school tuition initiatives