Everybody's Business
Bloomberg and iHeartPodcasts
Bloomberg Businessweek brings you a smart and fun chat show about all things...business. Hosted by award-winning business and economics journalists Max Chafkin (author of The Contrarian: Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley’s Pursuit of Power) and Stacey Vanek Smith (former co-host of NPR’s Planet Money and reporter for Marketplace), Everybody's Business is powered by the unparalleled sources and reporters who bring you Businessweek magazine’s headlines and the stories behind them. The show gives listeners a window into the discussions happening in boardrooms, Zooms and group chats in power centers around the world. From interpreting Fed meetings to the business of wolf cloning, each week Max, Stacey and their friends at Bloomberg Businessweek guide listeners through what really went on during the last week from Wall Street and Main Street. Because what’s happening with money and markets is everybody’s business.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 30, 2026 • 38min
ICE's Boiling Point
In the midst of sub-freezing temperatures in Minneapolis, conflict is heating up between residents and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Meanwhile, a similar battle is brewing between Senate Democrats and Republicans as a pending funding package determines the future of ICE's funding. Reporter Fola Akinnibi joins Max and Stacey to figure out just how much ICE costs to function.Plus, reporter Sarah Frier tells us about a startup that believes it can reverse the declining US population, and two stories about some very precious commodities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 23, 2026 • 38min
Why the US May (Eventually) Get Greenland
President Trump caused some serious whiplash this week. First he called for the US to buy Greenland, and said he would impose tariffs on the European countries standing in his way. But days later, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he seemed to reverse course. Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff and Stacey join Max from the Swiss Alps to make sense of a potential acquisition of the arctic territory. Plus, hold onto your parkas, because Derek Guy (aka "the menswear guy") discusses how America can remanufacture its cool by bringing craftsmanship back stateside. And: Lululemon takes customer transparency to a new level.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 16, 2026 • 38min
Janet Yellen Thinks We’re at a Dangerous Moment
Former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen shares insights on the critical importance of Fed independence amidst political pressures, warning that such interventions could lead to renewed inflation. She elaborates on the chilling effect of DOJ investigations on Fed leadership. Tech reporter Ashley Carman delves into Spotify's transformation, discussing its new leadership and business strategies while addressing artist payouts and the controversial impact on music. Both guests highlight the changing landscape of financial and music industries, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
Jan 9, 2026 • 41min
How Venezuela Hit Rock Bottom
David Papadopoulos, an experienced journalist and Latin America economics expert, dives into the devastating economic collapse of Venezuela. He explains how oil price fluctuations, overspending, and poor governance led to hyperinflation and poverty. Dina Shanker, a Bloomberg Businessweek food columnist, discusses the impact of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs on dining trends, revealing how restaurants are adapting with smaller, protein-rich meals to cater to changing consumer appetites. It's a fascinating intersection of economics and food culture!
Jan 2, 2026 • 39min
Will 2026 be the Year of the "Hairy 12"?
Brad Stone, Editor at Bloomberg Businessweek and tech and business journalist, joins to forecast 2026. He dives into the potential for an AI bubble burst and highlights key economic indicators to watch. Political trends, such as the impact of Trump's expanding power, are also explored, along with corporate pushback against governmental pressure. Amid playful predictions, the hosts engage in mad libs and debate rivalries like NVIDIA versus Huawei, making for a lively discussion on what's ahead.
Dec 26, 2025 • 51min
The Year, According to Tracy Alloway, Felix Salmon, and Robert Smith
Join Tracy Alloway, a savvy markets journalist, Felix Salmon, an economics expert, and Robert Smith, a master storyteller, as they unpack the chaotic twists of 2025. They dive into AI’s massive contribution to GDP growth, the startling legal saga involving Charlie Javice, and the implications of declining global fertility rates. Expect laughs while they tackle absurd moments like the ‘Flub of the Year’ and engage in a quiz about Trump’s colorful remarks. Their sharp insights and playful banter make for a compelling recap of a wild year.
Dec 19, 2025 • 44min
Did the Trump Memecoin Kill the Crypto Boom?
Amanda Mull, a Businessweek columnist specializing in consumer finance, explains the rising trend of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options, highlighting its mechanics and risks. Zeke Faux, a reporter and author, delves into the wild world of the Trump meme coin and its launch coinciding with the 2025 inauguration. He reveals the Trump family's estimated $350 million earnings, while discussing the fallout and market implications of this cryptic phenomenon. Together, they navigate the intersection of politics, finance, and consumer behavior.
Dec 12, 2025 • 45min
Trump's AI Hail Mary
Dive into Trump's bold AI strategy as he allows Nvidia to sell chips to China. Experts explore if this decision will fuel AI growth or risk creating a larger economic bubble. The podcast also dissects the intense competition for Warner Bros. between Netflix and Paramount, assessing the impact on streaming prices and content quality. With insights on trade-offs in chip sales and the evolving AI landscape, the conversation raises critical questions about the future of both tech and media.
Dec 10, 2025 • 19min
Big Take Bonus: Why We Can’t Quit Microsoft Excel
Max Chafkin, a Businessweek journalist, and Dina Bass, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in Microsoft and AI, explore the wild world of Microsoft Excel. They discuss its unexpected status as an esports phenomenon thanks to the Excel World Championship. The duo dives into Excel's cultural baggage, from productivity paragon to capitalist drudgery. Despite new contenders like Google Sheets and AI tools, they argue Excel's unique format and reliability keep it irreplaceable in the corporate realm. Why can’t we quit it? Tune in to find out!
Dec 5, 2025 • 38min
Will Chatbots Break Our Brains—And Our Hearts?
Ellen Huet, a Businessweek reporter and author of Empire of Orgasm, joins the discussion on the profound impacts of chatbot interactions. She reveals alarming cases where deep connections with chatbots disrupt lives and even break apart families. The conversation touches on emotional dependence fostered by chatbots, raising concerns about potential delusions and addiction parallels. Huet also emphasizes the need for better design in chatbot technology to mitigate harmful effects and compares their influence to cult dynamics, urging for critical changes in how they're developed.
