Slate Money

This week, energy expert John Kemp, owner of Base Research, joins the conversation to dissect the recent 18-hour blackout in the Iberian Peninsula. He dives into the fragility of power grids and the critical role of renewable energy. The hosts also challenge the relevance of GDP as an economic measure, calling for a broader perspective on well-being and inequality. Finally, they explore the pitfalls of stack ranking management in the tech world, arguing for more collaborative workplace cultures.

In this Money Talks: Succession may be over but the drama continues for the Roy family’s real world counterparts. Felix Salmon is joined by McKay Coppins to discuss his experience getting up close and personal with the Murdoch family and break down the dynamics behind the battle over the family empire.  Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a lively discussion, hosts tackle Trump's reversal on tariffs and the Fed, blending humor with insightful critique. They explore Hollywood's declining allure as productions flee California for better budgets, drawing parallels to Detroit's automotive downfall. The revival of the Ice Bucket Challenge sparks a debate on the effectiveness of awareness campaigns in making real change. Additionally, the impact of streaming services on film quality and production dynamics is examined. Join the conversation on this engaging journey through politics and entertainment!

This week features Cardiff Garcia, Editorial Director of the Economic Innovation Group and host of The New Bazaar podcast. He discusses how Fed Chair Jay Powell is resisting Trump's tariff pressures while navigating a complex economic landscape. The conversation dives into the politicization of the IRS, including potential consequences of its gutting. Additionally, they examine the escalating trade war with China and its economic implications while keeping the tone light with humor and personal anecdotes.

Jillian Berman, assistant managing editor at MarketWatch and author of 'Sunk Cost,' dives deep into the complexities of the U.S. student loan system. She discusses how well-intentioned policies have led to crippling debt for many students. Berman highlights the challenges faced as loan repayments resume post-pandemic and critiques the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. She also explores the historical shift in educational funding and the impact of socio-political changes on tuition, posing tough questions about the true value of higher education today.

Barry Ritholtz, an investments expert and author of 'How Not To Invest', discusses the chaotic influence of Trump's tariff policies on market volatility. He highlights the 'One Guy Problem', revealing how individual decisions can significantly sway economic trends. Ritholtz shares strategies for navigating investment during crises, emphasizing emotional control and rational decision-making. The conversation also touches on shifting investor behaviors and the impact of global trade dynamics, making for a thought-provoking exploration of today’s unpredictable financial landscape.

Mark Joseph Stern, a Slate writer specializing in legal issues, joins to dissect Trump's controversial tariffs and their dubious calculations. The discussion highlights the troubling implications of these tariffs on the legal system and the economy. They analyze the surprising decline of the U.S. dollar following the tariff announcement and the complexities it introduces to global trade dynamics. The conversation also humorously touches on inflation and whimsical scenarios involving penguins, blending serious analysis with light-hearted commentary.

David Enrich, the New York Times Business Investigations editor and author of "Murder the Truth," joins to discuss the alarming erosion of press freedoms. He reveals how powerful entities exploit legal systems to intimidate journalists, threatening the very foundation of accountability in democracy. The conversation dives into landmark cases like Times vs. Sullivan and the current landscape of misinformation, underscoring the necessity of truth in journalism amidst rising hostile forces.

A leaked Signal message reveals how common illegal communications are, even among government officials. The hosts dive into the rising trend of people relocating due to political polarization, especially after major rulings on sensitive issues. They also analyze Dollar Tree's surprising sale of Family Dollar, reflecting on the disastrous merger and shifting retail landscapes. Plus, a light-hearted take on egg price dynamics and humorous tales from the world of discount retailers rounds out the discussion!

Dan Primack, an Axios reporter and expert on business deals, joins the discussion to shed light on the groundbreaking $7.3 billion valuation of the Boston Celtics. The group dives into the implications of private equity's growing influence in sports ownership and its effects on team dynamics. They also tackle Elon Musk's controversial maneuvers against the Social Security Administration, questioning political motivations behind recent policy changes. With insights into legislative power plays and a humorous take on local governance, this chat is packed with thought-provoking commentary!