Marketplace All-in-One

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Gorong Zhang, a public wheat breeder at Kansas State University, shares his innovative work developing drought-resistant wheat varieties for a changing climate. Fifth-generation farmer Paul Penner provides firsthand insight into adapting farming practices like no-till methods in response to shifting rainfall patterns. Together, they explore the impacts of the moving dry line, the threat of the wheat streak mosaic virus, and the critical relationship between local farming adaptations and global food security.

Raya Jetha, a tech culture reporter at The San Francisco Standard, dives into the evolution of Silicon Valley’s tech culture. She highlights the shift from software-focused founders to charismatic leaders in the hard tech and AI space. Jetha contrasts today's geopolitically minded entrepreneurs with the optimism of the 2010s app era. She also discusses the dominance of young male founders in funding, their role models like Elon Musk, and their new conservative family values. The conversation sheds light on the changing dynamics of this vibrant industry.

Blake Emerson, a UCLA law professor, dives into the major questions doctrine and its implications for President Trump's tariffs, explaining how it could reshape executive power. Katie Lazar, from Kane Vineyard and Winery, shares her struggles with international sales due to tariffs, recounting her battle to revive distributions post-wildfire. Todd Adams discusses the ripple effects on supply chains, emphasizing the need for strong vendor relations in turbulent times. Together, they unpack the potential refund of $90 billion in tariffs and explore alternative tariff strategies if SCOTUS rules against the current policy.

Asma Khalid, co-host of the BBC podcast The Global Story and former NPR White House correspondent, joins to dissect the complexities of Trump's tariffs. She emphasizes how these tariffs affect international relationships, especially with allies like Canada and how India is realigning with China. The podcast dives into the implications of a Supreme Court case that could redefine presidential power over tariffs, revealing the potential shifts in global power dynamics as the U.S. battles its trade policies.

Savannah Peters, a Marketplace reporter specializing in policy and education, discusses the significant changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, highlighting borrower reactions to these adjustments. Carla Javier, also a Marketplace reporter, dives into Kimberly-Clark's staggering $50 billion proposal to acquire Kenvue. They explore the potential liabilities tied to Tylenol amidst ongoing lawsuits and how these risks might affect Kimberly-Clark's financial future. The podcast also features insights from Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook on labor markets and inflation.

Ben Nepler, co-founder of True Places, shares insights on how shifting tariff policies impact his Pennsylvania-based folding chair company. He discusses the challenges of moving production from China to Cambodia, highlighting the unpredictability of tariff changes that disrupt planning. Nepler explains why domestic manufacturing isn't a viable option due to cost and infrastructure issues. As Supreme Court hearings loom, he reflects on the potential consequences for U.S. jobs and the ongoing tariff rollercoaster affecting small businesses.

Surinjana Tawwari, a BBC correspondent focused on China's business landscape, discusses Starbucks' significant sale of a majority stake in its Chinese operations to Boyu Capital for $4 billion. She highlights how this move aims to tackle intense local competition. Meanwhile, Tim Mansell, a BBC reporter on automotive and labor stories, provides insight into Tesla's challenges, including its impending vote on Elon Musk's controversial pay package and recent strikes in Sweden, where workers rally for better collective bargaining rights.

Join the hosts as they celebrate Skimbleshanks' birthday and explore the curious case of $2 bills! From their origins in Civil War-era wages to the ghostly encounters that reveal the myths surrounding them, the conversation is rich and lively. Learn why businesses keep $2 bills as curiosities and hear humorous tales from listeners about their unique experiences. With history, superstition, and a touch of nostalgia, this lively discussion sheds light on why this rare currency still matters today.

Sophia Rubinson, Senior Editor at NewsGuard, delves into the troubling world of Sora 2, OpenAI's AI video generator. Despite its intended guardrails, it frequently produces videos based on false claims, including stories of election fraud and immigration controversies. She reveals that Sora 2 successfully churned out videos for 80% of tested false narratives, exposing loopholes in its safety measures. Their conversation highlights how these realistic AI creations could erode public trust and blur the lines between truth and fabrication.

Samantha Fields, a dedicated reporter focusing on SNAP benefits, discusses the complexities of food assistance amidst a government shutdown. Mitchell Hartman unpacks the conflicting indicators in the manufacturing sector, revealing why it feels 'meh' despite some positive signs. Lane Florsheim dives into the quirky world of pumpkin-styling, exploring its surprising rise as a microbusiness phenomenon during the pandemic. Together, they navigate the intricate links between economics, supply chains, and the creativity of entrepreneurs.