Slate Money

This week, a chaotic ICE raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia raised concerns about foreign investment in the U.S. and strained diplomatic ties with South Korea. Meanwhile, Oracle's stock soared thanks to a groundbreaking AI deal with OpenAI, bringing Larry Ellison close to the title of the world's richest man. The hosts also critique JP Morgan's opulent new skyscraper, comparing it to Vegas hotels, while discussing the evolving landscape of corporate work culture and rising energy costs.

Elon Musk is offered a jaw-dropping $1 trillion package by Tesla, sparking a debate about executive compensation and corporate valuations. A recent court ruling recognizes Google as a monopoly but stops short of breaking it up, raising questions about antitrust logic. Meanwhile, traders are jumping on potential tariff refunds as the Supreme Court considers Trump’s tariffs, leading to a deep dive into the world of litigation finance. From tech monopolies to the dynamics of wealth, the conversation covers a lot of ground!

David Gelles, a New York Times reporter, dives into the captivating life of Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia. He discusses the paradox of a billionaire advocating for environmental sustainability, challenging the norms of capitalism. The conversation explores Patagonia's unique blend of profit and purpose, its ethical business philosophy, and the complexities of navigating growth while staying true to environmental values. Gelles sheds light on how Chouinard's vision has redefined corporate responsibility and the future of ethical leadership.

Kashmir Hill, a technology reporter at The New York Times and expert on privacy and AI, joins the discussion about the implications of the recent lawsuit involving Fed Governor Lisa Cook. The conversation takes a darker turn as Kashmir reveals startling stories of individuals forming dangerous emotional bonds with AI chatbots, leading to severe mental health crises. The hosts and Kashmir also debate the urgent need for ethical regulations in AI technology, highlighting its profound societal impacts.

This week explores a wild ATM glitch that let NYC teens withdraw unlimited cash, revealing ethical dilemmas and chaos. The conversation shifts to modern financial literacy, showcasing students struggling with unexpected banking fees. They also critique platforms like Yieldstreet, questioning the true accessibility of private investments. A provocative op-ed about sacrificing youth for wealth sparks a debate on societal pressures and the real meaning of success. Finally, the discussion touches on the evolving landscape of personal branding in today's digital age.

Join Steve H. Hanke and Matt Sekerke, both esteemed economics professors and co-authors of a new financial reform book, as they dive into the complex world of the U.S. monetary system. They unravel how misconceptions about the money supply fueled the global financial crisis and discuss urgent reforms needed in banking and monetary policy. The duo critiques current Federal Reserve practices while advocating for a stable money supply and tackling the U.S. trade imbalance. Get ready for a thought-provoking journey into fixing economic structures!

Dive into the intriguing world of travel spending! Discover why some are eager to pay extra for perks like legroom and quicker boarding. Explore the psychological factors behind impatience in air travel, revealing class divides and the pressures of status. Plus, learn about dynamic pricing in the restaurant industry and how it mirrors consumer behavior in airports. The discussion critiques irrational spending in upscale environments and probes the complex relationship between time and money while traveling.

The podcast dives into the intriguing intersection of state capitalism and corporate America, examining Trump's influence on big businesses. It also uncovers the alarming rise of 'wrench attacks' targeting crypto investors, shedding light on the dangers of digital wealth. The hosts discuss an audacious bid by AI startup Perplexity to challenge Google’s dominance with its beloved Chrome browser. Plus, unexpected and costly adventures involving a girl and a bat add some wild humor to the mix.

The discussion revolves around whether travel truly broadens the mind. It distinguishes between merely visiting places and immersing oneself in different cultures. The speakers argue that genuine engagement, even locally, can lead to deep personal growth. They explore how travel shapes cultural understanding and perceptions, and delve into the unexpected parallels between travel experiences and the philosophical notion of death. It’s a thought-provoking examination of how we interact with the world and the transformations that can arise from meaningful encounters.

Mary Childs, co-host of Planet Money and author of 'The Bond King', dives into the intricate issues surrounding the national debt. She discusses why current concerns about fiscal deficits demand attention, contrasting them with historical precedents. The conversation reveals the political fallout from Trump's firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics head, highlighting the trust crisis in economic data. Finally, they explore Tesla's hefty incentive package for Elon Musk and its implications for corporate governance.