Slate Money

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.

In this Money Talks: The Wall Street Journal’s Heather Haddon joins Emily Peck to unpack her recent reporting on the fast food industry, including the reason we’re seeing the “Value Wars” play out at places like McDonalds and Chili’s, Starbuck’s strategies to revive sales, and the intense drive-thru operations research being done by Chik-fil-A.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: Larry Summers has stepped down from his public positions following the release of unsavory emails he exchanged with Jeffrey Epstein. Felix Salmon, Elizabeth Spiers, and Emily Peck discuss Summers’ correspondence with the infamous sex trafficker, the veracity of his “genius” reputation, and his beef with Felix. Then, Meta has won its anti-trust case, highlighting the current struggle to regulate Big Tech. The hosts examine the landscape of anti-trust efforts in the US and whether it is the correct tool for regulating tech behemoths. Then, everyone is talking about the “AI bubble” right now, but what does that actually mean? The hosts break down the state of the AI market and whether or not calling it a “bubble” is the right way to think about it. In the Slate Plus episode: Thanksgiving Hot Takes!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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the hosts dive into the idea of 50-year mortgages and the mixed reactions they sparked, especially from conservatives. They explore how these long-term loans could actually inflate housing prices rather than solve the crisis. The conversation transitions to the power dynamics of proxy advisers and asset managers, revealing how billionaires like Musk oppose them for more control. Finally, there's a playful discussion about Robinhood's cash delivery service, weighing its practicality and who would really benefit from it.

Adrianna Adams, a financial advisor from Domain Money, shares her expert insights on balancing personal financial health with caregiving for aging parents. She highlights the importance of prioritizing your own financial foundation to effectively support family. Adrianna also discusses creative strategies to assist parents financially, like home purchases, and the crucial conversations around sharing money values with adult children. Additionally, she covers protective measures against scams and the need for regular updates to legal documents as life circumstances change.

In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, to discuss her book The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Underpaid. They discuss Anna’s extensive research into how racism and sexism create real economic barriers in the US, why it’s not just women of color who should be worried about this disturbing trend, and what can actually be done about it.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.