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 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.
Nov 28, 2025 • 41min
The Business Behind the 'Turkey 5'
Ken Belson, a New York Times sports reporter and author, joins the conversation to reveal the NFL's transformation into a cultural titan. He discusses the unique elements that make football a TV powerhouse and the impact of celebrity fans on its viewership. Annemarie Conte from Wirecutter shares insights on Black Friday shopping, detailing how they sift through countless deals to find genuine bargains. She also highlights shifting strategies and categories for this year's sales amidst economic challenges.
10 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 41min
Examining Epstein, Inc
Max Abelson, a Bloomberg reporter focused on money and power, dives into the disturbing business dealings of Jeffrey Epstein, revealing the cruel language and relationships found in thousands of emails. He discusses Epstein's intertwining of money management, influence-building, and illicit activities. Dina Shanker, a Businessweek food reporter, surprises listeners with predictions that Thanksgiving meal costs may actually decrease in 2025, unpacking the complexities of grocery pricing dynamics.
Nov 14, 2025 • 41min
Can Makeup Help Prop up the Economy?
Allison Schrager, an economist and Bloomberg Opinion contributor, delves into the controversial 50-year mortgage proposal as a potentially helpful solution for first-time homebuyers. She discusses how this plan might ease housing affordability but warns of the political obstacles ahead. Joining her is Amanda Mull, a Businessweek reporter, who shares insights on Ulta's dominance in the beauty retail space, highlighting the 'lipstick effect' where consumers splurge on affordable makeup during tough times. Their conversation reveals intriguing connections between beauty and economic trends.
