Slate Money

Lizzie O'Leary, a Slate journalist and host of What Next: TBD, joins to dissect the Trump administration's controversial actions in Venezuela, revealing the oil-driven motives behind the abduction of its president. She also highlights alarming trends such as AI-generated explicit images on Elon Musk's platform, Grok, and his troubling lack of response. The conversation extends to Trump's $10 billion funding freeze for childcare, examining how political narratives around 'waste, fraud, and abuse' impact vulnerable communities.

Tarpley Hitt, a journalist and author of *Barbieland: The Unauthorized History*, dives into the untold stories behind the iconic doll. She sheds light on Ruth Handler's controversial history, including her questionable inspiration for Barbie, her resistance to maternity leave policies, and Mattel's espionage tactics against rivals. Tarpley also unpacks the deeper implications of lawsuits like the Bratz case, revealing the human cost of corporate battles, while discussing Barbie's transformation and enduring commercial strategy.

In 2025, the US stock market gained but left investors feeling underwhelmed compared to international performance. The role of AI in these gains sparked an engaging debate. Surprisingly, Mexico emerged as a winner during the Trump trade war, capturing supply chains. M&A activity skyrocketed to $2.4 trillion, while Warren Buffett's impending retirement raised questions about Berkshire Hathaway's future direction. The hosts also pondered Tesla's valuation despite declining deliveries, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the market.

The hosts dive into a year of wild hot takes, debating Elon Musk's claim that AI will eradicate poverty. They explore the potential comeback of suits in NYC and discuss the curious phenomenon of 'looks maxing' in Silicon Valley. A surprising hot take from Bloomberg suggests a shift in Europe's geopolitical role. There's also a lively debate on whether recent tariffs truly harmed the economy, along with a discussion of personal-injury advertising's surge. The episode wraps up with amusing anecdotes, including a prank involving live fish!

Join Mary Childs, a host at Planet Money and an insightful journalist, as she delves into the aftermath of USAID funding cuts on humanitarian initiatives. Mary discusses how organizations like GiveWell and ALIMA are grappling with the urgent demand for aid. Discover the heart-wrenching decisions made by charities, the emotional cost of determining who gets saved, and how effective altruism struggles against the backdrop of limited resources. Learn why now may be the perfect time to maximize your philanthropic efforts.

Craig Trudell, Bloomberg's Global Automotive Editor, dives into the unraveling global electric vehicle (EV) transition. He discusses the impact of European regulations, consumer reluctance towards EVs, and Ford's shift toward extended-range electrics. The conversation takes an intriguing turn with the merger of Trump Media and a fusion power company, exploring the unusual combination of politics and tech. Lastly, audience favorites emerge as they dissect the booming Hallmark movie industry and its popular tropes, revealing the appeal and cultural implications behind these festive films.

Disney's groundbreaking $1 billion investment in OpenAI is a hot topic, sparking debates about the enforceability of complex licensing agreements. The conversation turns to future tech IPOs, with SpaceX potentially vying for a $1 trillion valuation status. Meanwhile, Instacart's dynamic pricing strategies raise ethical concerns about personalized pricing using consumer data. The risks of algorithm-driven prices are examined, alongside a discussion on regulation, disclosures, and variations in food pricing amid inflation.

Tim Wu, a Columbia Law School professor and author of The Age of Extraction, joins Elizabeth Spiers to discuss the troubling dominance of Big Tech. They explore how corporate greed has led to the erosion of ideals surrounding the internet as a democratizing force. Wu highlights the pressures from shareholders that drive extractive practices and the alarming shift toward monopolization, which he warns could lead to authoritarianism. He also touches on the potential impacts of AI and emphasizes the need for regulatory reform to combat tech concentration.

Nicholas Kulish, a New York Times reporter known for his expertise in philanthropy, joins the discussion. He delves into Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. and its profound impact on the media landscape. The talk shifts to the Dells' staggering $6.25 billion donation and its political implications, exploring the motives and potential effects on wealth inequality. Finally, the group uncovers consumer fraud at Dollar General and Family Dollar, highlighting how pricing errors exploit financially vulnerable shoppers.

Austan Goolsbee, Chicago Fed President and monetary policy expert, joins the discussion. He shares insights from his first FOMC meeting, detailing the unique deliberation process. Goolsbee explains the shift in the Fed’s communication strategy towards transparency and why it’s crucial for public trust. He also addresses criticisms of the Fed and the dangers of the gold standard. With humor, he likens data analysis styles to 'data dogs' and 'data cats,' emphasizing their different approaches to economic indicators.