Slate Money

Andrew Biggs, economist and former Social Security deputy commissioner, challenges the idea of a U.S. retirement collapse. He disputes the pessimistic narrative, compares pensions and 401(k)s, and contrasts past and present retiree incomes. He probes longevity, health and housing costs, Social Security’s financing gap, reform politics, and practical steps like modest saving increases or working longer.

Volatility in Japanese government bonds and how a spike in yields can topple global carry trades. The weakening US dollar and market reaction to Trump's Fed nominee. Corporate America’s muted messaging after immigration raids and the pressure from tech workers pushing CEOs to respond.

A rundown of why Davos feels geopolitically relevant again and how leadership shifts reshaped the meet-up. A look at Trump’s Davos remarks and whether affordability belongs on the international stage. A discussion about AI hiring tools and a lawsuit pushing them under stricter reporting and audit rules.

Joe Salama, Chief Compliance Officer at Coinbase and an expert in anti-money laundering, joins to discuss the global landscape of money laundering. He explores the intricate stages of laundering and highlights cash-heavy businesses versus trade-based schemes. Salama shares insights into the staggering $2–$5 trillion laundered annually, the vulnerabilities of the art market, and the influence of Chinese currency controls on laundering networks. He argues for improved international cooperation and the role of blockchain in tracing illicit flows.

This week, the hosts dive into Polymarket's live betting integration with the Golden Globes, stirring ethical debates about gambling on artistic awards. They explore the consequences and potential manipulation risks in prediction markets, revealing insider trading concerns. The discussion shifts to the DOJ's investigation of Fed chair Jerome Powell, highlighting his surprising bipartisan support amidst political tensions. Finally, they examine the unsettling rise of Chinese institutions in scientific research, questioning America's investment in innovation.

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.