Marketplace All-in-One

Mitchell Hartman, a Marketplace reporter specializing in economic and labor trends, dives into the delayed November jobs report, revealing concerns over weaker job growth from private data. He highlights Fed Chair Powell's warning about potential overestimation of job gains. Meanwhile, investigative reporter David Brand sheds light on alarming allegations against banks regarding interest calculation in foreclosure auctions. He discusses the unjust practices affecting homeowners, urging a needed legislative response in New York to standardize these calculations.

Alexander Demling, an automotive correspondent at Der Spiegel, discusses Volkswagen's historic closure of its Dresden plant amidst a challenging EV transition and stalled sales, outlining the pressures and job cuts involved. Maxim Timchenko, CEO of Ukraine's largest energy provider DTEK, details the ongoing assaults on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, emphasizing the company's crisis management in a relentless state of emergency. The conversation highlights the intertwining of economic shifts and geopolitical strife.

Nicholas Miller, a policy associate at the National Conference of State Legislatures, dives into the booming data center industry driven by AI investment. He reveals how 37 states are rolling out lucrative tax incentives, hoping to attract these billion-dollar facilities. Miller explores which incentives are most effective, discussing upfront tax exemptions and energy benefits. He also outlines what states expect in return—jobs and capital investment—while highlighting the evolving landscape of energy regulations as states reassess these incentives.

A mix of insightful voices, including economics professor Abdullah Al-Burrani, delve into the surge of new business applications, particularly in retail. They explore why many are trading corporate roles for side hustles amid economic uncertainty. Al-Burrani highlights the gaps in economic data and public mistrust in government statistics. Additionally, the impacts of phasing out pennies on cash transactions and the gradual rise in home builder confidence are discussed, showcasing the multifaceted nature of today's economic landscape.

Julia Coronado, founder of Macro Policy Perspectives and a professor at UT Austin, and Michelle Fleury, BBC journalist, dive into the signs of a stalling Chinese economy. Coronado explains the slowing U.S. labor market and the stubborn inflation that won't quite fall to target levels. Meanwhile, Fleury reports on retailers expecting the lowest seasonal hiring in years, despite projected strong holiday sales, attributing this to economic uncertainties. Both guests highlight the mixed responses from shoppers regarding their holiday spending plans.

Kimberly Adams, Senior Washington correspondent for Marketplace, delves into the $900 billion National Defense Authorization Act, highlighting its unexpected non-defense provisions like climate spending cuts. Su Lin Wong, Asia correspondent for The Economist, reveals how China dominates global money laundering through mirror transactions, driven by strict capital controls. They discuss the underground banking networks involving wealthy individuals and criminal groups, as well as the enforcement challenges faced by authorities in both China and the U.S.

In this insightful discussion, Devina Gupta, a BBC correspondent based in Delhi, shares her vivid experiences of the city's severe air pollution crisis. She describes the oppressive atmosphere, where visibility is compromised by thick clouds of dust and smoke. Devina delves into the new local restrictions that are hampering productivity and affecting daily wage workers. Most strikingly, she highlights a staggering economic burden, estimating annual business losses in Delhi at $95 billion as consumer activity declines amid this escalating environmental issue.

The show returns with an exciting weekly format, diving deep into how money shapes our lives and relationships. Rima shares a personal experience that sparked a midlife crisis reflection. Listeners can look forward to actionable advice for tackling financial tasks and discussions on hacking impulse spending. There will also be explorations of the financial burdens of parenting and how money influences intimacy and trust in relationships. Plus, Rima invites stories about the concept of 'enough' money. It promises to be an enlightening journey!

Gary Marcus, a cognitive scientist and author known for his critical views on deep learning, shares his insights on the importance of 'world models' in AI. He explains how these models offer systematic representations of reality, unlike large language models that predict text probabilistically. Marcus discusses the resurgence of interest in world models due to the limits of scaling LLMs, emphasizing their role in robotics and gaming. Ultimately, he argues that understanding the world is crucial for achieving artificial general intelligence.

Jessica Meszaros, a climate change reporter at WUSF, discusses Florida's unique relationship with climate change. Despite being hurricane-free in 2025, the aftermath of past storms has left communities grappling with rising insurance costs and steep utility bills. They explore how Floridians are adapting to these financial pressures while navigating political shifts. The conversation also touches on innovative recycling solutions and a light-hearted debate on holiday treats, showcasing Jess's engaging insights on regional issues.