Explore the historical impacts of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act from 1930 and its lessons for today’s trade policies. Discover how current protectionism mirrors past economic crises and the potential risks of economic isolation. Enjoy a humorous take on tariffs' implications and a listener's call to support local butchers. Plus, get dating advice from a coach just in time for Valentine's, while discussing the joy pets bring during tough times. All this, sprinkled with pop culture references, keeps the conversation lively!

Join Matt Levin, a savvy Marketplace reporter focused on AI acceleration in Silicon Valley, as he discusses the innovative wave energy project at the Port of Los Angeles. Discover how scientists are capturing energy directly from ocean waves, a potential game-changer for renewable resources. Levin also touches on the labor shortages crippling New England due to an aging population, alongside insights into the shifting landscape of the U.S. steel industry facing fierce global competition.

The discussion tackles whether the 2017 tax cuts have actually paid for themselves through increased economic activity, revealing insights on federal revenue growth influenced more by inflation. It also dives into a corporate giant's ambitious investment proposal linked to AI and its implications. In a fascinating twist, genetic engineering efforts aiming to revive extinct species like woolly mammoths and dodo birds are put under the spotlight, exploring the science behind 'functional de-extinction' and its broader ecological impact.

Elon Musk is making headlines with a bold bid to acquire OpenAI for around $100 billion, but the founder has other plans. The tumultuous dynamics behind this unsolicited approach reveal a clash over the future of AI. Meanwhile, the new head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has ordered a work stoppage, raising questions about its original mission. The podcast also dives into the complex interplay of blue state Republicans juggling party priorities while addressing the unique needs of their constituents.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance argues at a summit that strict European tech regulations may stifle AI innovation. Discussions swirl around the balance of competition and cooperation in advancing equitable technology. Meanwhile, Irish dairy farmers celebrate a financial windfall from their cooperative shares in the Kerry Group, signaling a new era in agricultural prosperity as other industries, like oil, shift towards renewables.

Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a law professor at Vanderbilt University and author of "The Licensing Racket," delves into how AI is reshaping professions requiring licenses, from lawyers to barbers. She discusses the implications of bypassing qualified workers and the risks of consumers receiving subpar advice. The conversation also covers telehealth's rapid evolution, highlighting licensing challenges during the pandemic, and emphasizes the need for modernization in regulatory frameworks to keep pace with technological advancements in the legal field.

The podcast dives into President Trump's controversial purge of federal workers, drawing unsettling parallels to the McCarthy-era Red Scare. It raises important questions about the erosion of institutional expertise and public trust. A significant court ruling on Trump's funding freeze highlights dangers to judicial authority and potential for increased corruption. Meanwhile, breakthroughs in xenotransplantation offer hope for organ shortages, and students share uplifting experiences, reminding us of the power of positivity amidst political turmoil.

Mitchell Hartman, a Marketplace reporter specializing in steel and aluminum tariffs, discusses the ongoing impacts of various policy changes on the economy. He highlights that despite rising inflation concerns, consumer spending habits remain steady, especially in dining out. Hartman delves into the dual nature of steel and aluminum tariffs affecting different markets, the struggle of homeowners grappling with soaring insurance and property taxes, and the contentious debate over recent vehicle safety inspection abolishments.

Social Security, signed into law 90 years ago by President Franklin Roosevelt, is the financial foundation of retirement in America. But it’s not just those getting to retire who feel positive impacts from the retirement benefits — more children living with older adults are benefiting from Social Security too. Also on the show: new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and a summit on artificial intelligence.

U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum could significantly impact major suppliers like China, Canada, and Mexico. The podcast dives into how these tariffs have altered global trade dynamics and currencies. It also highlights China's response and the decline in U.S.-China trade dependence. There's an engaging discussion on AI's role in energy independence, along with regulatory efforts by global leaders. Plus, a humorous anecdote about a rock star's concert cancellation adds a light touch to the serious topic.