Marketplace All-in-One

Tensions rise as President Trump pressures the Federal Reserve, even calling for a governor's resignation over fraud claims. A significant court win for SpaceX could reshape the National Labor Relations Board's power. The conversation also touches on the role of museums in representing history and the complexities of discussing slavery. Lastly, a listener shares a heartwarming story about restoring cherished boots, illustrating the joy found in maintaining personal treasures.

The Santa Fe Indian Market is a vibrant showcase for over 1,000 Indigenous artists, but rising tariffs are complicating their participation. Artists share how increased costs and sales declines impact their work. Meanwhile, international connections grow as India and China restart direct flights, potentially benefiting trade. On the housing front, mortgage rates dip slightly, yet demand struggles with limited inventory and job market challenges. The discussion paints a complex picture of tradition, trade, and economic resilience.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick discusses the Trump administration's potential stake in Intel, sparking debates on taxpayer money and government influence in private sectors. Insights from the World AI Conference reveal the dual-edged sword of AI: job automation versus new tech opportunities. Meanwhile, retailers like Best Buy adapt by collaborating with third-party vendors, mimicking successful strategies from giants like Amazon. The risks of this marketplace model, such as brand reputation issues and cannibalization, are also examined, highlighting the need for strategic vendor management.

Hundreds of thousands gather in Cologne for Gamescom 2025, the biggest gaming event of the year. Despite studio layoffs and tough competition, the energy is high as major companies unveil new titles. The conversation also shifts to Kiruna, Sweden, where a town is being relocated due to mining challenges. The move of a centuries-old church symbolizes the community’s evolution. This juxtaposition of gaming excitement and significant societal change creates a thought-provoking narrative.

Join Raya Jetta, a tech culture reporter for the San Francisco Standard, as she uncovers the alarming world of AI-powered wearables. Discover how these devices have evolved beyond health tracking to potentially eavesdropping on conversations. Raya discusses the growing presence of covert recording in Silicon Valley, its effects on workplace dynamics, and the tangled legal issues surrounding consent. She also explores how perceptions of these technologies vary outside tech hubs, revealing widespread concerns over privacy and the future of workplace communication.

Sabri Beneshore, a reporter for Marketplace, shares insights on the shift to flat pay raises at companies like Starbucks, highlighting their cost-effectiveness in tough economic times. They discuss how this change impacts workers and contrasts with merit-based systems. The conversation also touches on China's expanding trade relationships with developing countries, and how U.S. tariffs are reshaping global supply chains. Lastly, there's a look at the low sentiment in the housing market amid all these economic shifts.

In this insightful discussion, Egan Loo, Senior Editor of Anime News Network, sheds light on the explosive growth of the anime industry, with over half of Netflix's viewers now tuning in. He addresses the concerning conditions for animators amidst this boom and the potential impact of AI on the industry. The conversation also touches on how Korean webtoons are reshaping comics, while new anime titles soon streaming on Delta flights are highlighted. Plus, Loo shares personal experiences that capture the vibrant culture surrounding anime.

Amid a long decline in U.S. apparel production, there's a surprising silver lining: high-quality clothing can still turn a profit domestically. A New Bedford suit factory showcases how quality over cost is key in this challenging landscape. Meanwhile, Home Depot's disappointing profits reveal changing consumer habits and pressures on major retailers. Automation plays a role in streamlining suit production, showing that efficiency and craftsmanship can coexist.

Generative AI is dramatically changing the job landscape, threatening outsourced roles like customer support and software engineering. Experts discuss the shift from human labor to machines and how this may reshape workforce dynamics. Additionally, the conversation touches on the implications of SoftBank's investment in Intel and the challenges facing the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency amid a backdrop of political and economic uncertainties.

Japan's SoftBank makes headlines with a $2 billion investment in Intel, aiming to boost the struggling chipmaker's position in the growing AI landscape. Meanwhile, the podcast delves into the grim reality of North Korean workers in Russia, highlighting their challenging conditions as they become embroiled in new labor demands. Additionally, the discussion touches on the U.S. government's potential stake in Intel and the ongoing geopolitical tensions sparked by the war in Ukraine.