Slate Money

Julian Sanchez, co-host of the Watchcats podcast and a Dogecoin expert, joins the discussion. He dives into Elon Musk's recent retreat from government influence and the implications for Dogecoin's future. The talk shifts to how Musk's chaotic strategies have impacted both the federal government and economic policy. They also tackle the unexpected social dining dilemmas brought on by GLP-1 medications, exploring how these changes affect group dinners and restaurant culture.

Hillary Frey, Editor in Chief at Slate and a Disneyland enthusiast, delves into the magic of Disneyland. She argues why Disneyland outshines Disney World, sharing tips on planning the perfect trip and making the most of the experience. Frey discusses the unique culture of joy and community within the park and the profitability strategies behind theme parks. Humor fills the conversation as she recounts entertaining moments and rides, highlighting the shared adventures that make a visit to Disneyland unforgettable.

The stock market is showing signs of recovery after recent falls, but what does it really mean for the economy? A deep dive into UnitedHealth Group reveals the hurdles it's facing amidst scrutiny and investigations. Interestingly, discussions include unique insurance policies for self-defense situations and even AI chatbot errors. Plus, there's a quirky exploration of an expensive calendar aimed at fixing marital woes. Perfect for those curious about finance, ethics, and the intersection of technology and insurance!

Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin and author of 'Hate the Game', shares her insights on economics applied to life and work. She reveals game theory strategies for negotiating salaries, illustrating her points with pop culture references like Destiny’s Child. Fairweather also discusses the impact of remote work on housing choices, and the challenges Gen Z faces in today’s job market. Her unique experiences highlight the importance of understanding value and identity in professional settings, making economic concepts relatable and practical.

The hosts dive into a significant trade framework between the UK and US, scrutinizing the persistence of baseline tariffs and their impacts on luxury car exports. Bill Gates plans to ramp up his philanthropic efforts while winding down his foundation, raising questions about billionaire philanthropy in light of changing global needs. They also address OpenAI's pivot back to a Public Benefit Corporation, spotlighting governance challenges in ethical AI development. Plus, a humorous look at online shopping mishaps adds a lighthearted touch.

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.