Slate Money

This week: Felix Salmon left Axios. He, Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the opaque language and politics around parting ways with an employer and the motivation behind giving severance packages. Then, it seems the threat of AI taking over jobs is becoming real as the hosts examine the role state of AI in tech and other industries and its effect on the job market. Finally, major stablecoin issuer Circle is going public. So what is a stablecoin and why do people want them?In the Slate Plus episode: Donald Trump’s Rococo ShareWant 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.

Hillary Frey, Editor-in-chief of Slate and former executive editor of HuffPost, joins the conversation to dissect the portrayals of wealth in the Apple TV+ series 'Your Friends & Neighbors.' They debate whether the show's depiction of affluent life is aspirational or cautionary. The discussion dives into themes of financial instability, the absurdities of suburban wealth, and the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. Humor mixes with insights on potential plot twists, including money laundering and the role of a murder plot in shaping audience engagement.

Explore why hotel breakfasts may not be worth it and the debate over whether locals should get discounts at tourist hotspots. Dive into how tourist traps can overshadow authentic local experiences, especially in vibrant cities like New York. Discover the complexities of pricing dynamics in popular destinations, such as Venice, and how these affect both tourists and residents. Finally, hear thoughts on the balance needed to cater to visitors while preserving local culture and access to essential amenities.

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.

This week: The UK and the US agreed to the framework for a trade deal. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the details of the agreement and what it means that it includes keeping the 10% baseline tariffs staying in place. Then, Bill Gates has announced that he’s winding down the Gates Foundation and doubling the money he’s giving away. The hosts discuss how this is a reaction to Elon Musk’s slashing of USAID and the state of billionaire philanthropy. And finally, OpenAI has reversed its plan to become a for profit enterprise after public backlash. The hosts discuss implications of the governance structure going forward. In the Slate Plus episode: Can Trump really put tariffs on Hollywood?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, 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.