Make Me Smart

Explore the intriguing history of tariffs, particularly the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, and its disastrous impact during the Great Depression. Learn how these past policies illuminate the current protectionist measures in play. Discover unexpected connections, like why this discussion links to 'Ferris Bueller’s Day Off' and Roomba vacuums. Plus, enjoy a dive into local meat sourcing, the joys of pets, and insights on navigating dating apps for more meaningful connections as Valentine’s Day approaches.

A constitutional crisis is unfolding as the Trump administration boldly disregards court orders, including a judge's ruling on deportation flights. The discussion highlights how executive power can clash with judicial authority. In a surprising twist, anime is used to explain the GOP's attempts to navigate the complexities of a massive tax cut. The hosts blend serious topics with humor, addressing everything from military inclusion to local political accountability. It's a rollercoaster of critical issues and light-hearted banter!

A last-minute spending bill has sparked tension among Senate Democrats trying to avoid a government shutdown, causing frustration among their voter base. The discussion shifts to Southwest Airlines' controversial new baggage fees and the potential fallout for customer loyalty. Meanwhile, a $19 strawberry raises eyebrows as it epitomizes luxury fruit consumption. Lastly, celebrity cooking shows spark debate on their cultural influence, showcasing both beloved personalities and rising culinary trends.

The discussion revolves around the chaotic impact of tariffs on U.S. farmers, particularly with China's strategic moves against key agricultural states. Unpredictable tariffs are creating challenges for industries, making markets feel 'untradable.' Small businesses share their struggles, feeling the economic strain of these policies. A historical song from the Farmers Alliance critiques monopolies and political corruption, adding a whimsical twist to the serious subject. Tune in for insights and a dash of humor!

California Governor Gavin Newsom dives into the podcasting world, recruiting unlikely conservative guests like Steve Bannon. The hosts debate the merits of engaging with differing political views while addressing misinformation challenges. They discuss recent federal layoffs impacting civil rights in education and highlight the heartwarming stories of rescue dogs in the Iditarod. Finally, they share their explorations of nature through fun mobile apps that help identify birds and plants, sparking laughter and discovery in their everyday walks.

David Wallace-Wells, a science writer for The New York Times, discusses the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on American society. He highlights how the rush to recover often neglected the collective trauma experienced, resulting in increased individualism and less empathy. Wallace-Wells points out the shift from public health responses to a privatized approach and reflects on how this impacts trust in institutions. The conversation also dives into the new consumer behaviors shaped by the pandemic and personal stories from listeners about their experiences.

The future of clean energy tax credits hangs in the balance as GOP lawmakers show support for their continuation, even as the administration rolls back climate resiliency measures. Tensions rise with the arrest of a pro-Palestinian activist, sparking discussions about civil liberties and activism in education. Lively banter also includes the cherry blossoms in D.C. making their annual comeback, providing a refreshing contrast to the heavier political themes.

The Trump Organization's lawsuit against Capital One raises eyebrows over consumer protection laws. A deep dive into media bias and the Pentagon's historical censorship highlights the challenges of accessing accurate information. Recent legal changes from the White House could reshape law firm dynamics. Meanwhile, discussions on Trump’s Bitcoin strategy and tariff impacts add a modern twist. The playful debate on the 2026 World Cup halftime show rounds off a mix of serious themes and lighthearted banter, reflecting on leadership accountability and pandemic lessons.

Donald Trump administration officials disbanded two expert committees on economic data this week and suggested altering the way the U.S. calculates gross domestic product. It’s not the first time the administration has hinted at fiddling with important numbers, and a listener wrote in to ask how all this might impact businesses and the market. We’ll break it down. Plus, why is nobody talking about the debt limit? And, congrats to Bill in Ohio on scoring a hat trick!Here’s everything we talked about today:“Trump administration disbands two expert panels on economic data” from Reuters“Can the U.S. delete government spending from GDP?” from Marketplace“Key House Republican Warns May Debt-Ceiling Breach Possible” from Bloomberg“Explainer: Why would the US government shut down?” from Reuters“A campus sign said ‘Tell us something good.’ Students delivered.” from The Washington PostJoin us tomorrow for “Economics on Tap.” The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern.

On today’s episode, we’re discussing a pair of recent rulings about the Trump administration’s efforts to cut foreign aid and fire federal workers, leaving us with a “Through the Looking-Glass” moment, where the nonsensical is reality. Plus, we’ll explain some ways to catch a breath in the midst of uncertain economic times. And, we’ll smile at a math problem solved through the power of anime fans.Here’s everything we talked about today:“Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Bid to Freeze Foreign Aid” from The New York Times“How to handle the stress of tariff escalation and stock market jitters” from The Washington Post“‘He Finally Shot the Hostage’: Trump’s Trade War Is a Brutal Reality Check” from Politico“OPM retroactively edits probationary firing guidance to note it did not order probationary firings” from Government Executive“How Anime Fans Stumbled upon a Mathematical Proof” from Scientific American“Steve Carell tells students affected by wildfires that prom tickets are paid for” from The Washington Post Got a question or comment for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.