Marketplace All-in-One

Jake Kwan, a BBC correspondent based in Seoul, discusses Australia's bold new law banning children under 16 from popular social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. While teens express their frustration over the restrictions, many parents cheer the government's efforts against Big Tech. Jake also covers the staggering Kupang data breach impacting 33.7 million customers and the ensuing police investigation. The podcast dives into the global implications of Nvidia being cleared to sell AI chips to China, raising questions about the tech landscape.

In this insightful discussion, Britt Young, a writer and UC Berkeley lecturer who uses a prosthetic arm, unpacks the complexities surrounding 3D-printed prosthetics. She reveals why the technology, despite its early promise, has not significantly reduced costs. Britt highlights the hefty expenses of professional 3D printing, insurance hurdles, and legal barriers that inflate prices. Additionally, she shares inspiring stories of global initiatives using hobbyist printers, and suggests framing prosthetics as everyday assistive devices to drive change.

Catherine Ann Edwards, an economist and host of the Optimist Economy podcast, dives into the Federal Reserve's considerations ahead of a crucial meeting, discussing the effects of limited data on decision-making. Elizabeth Troval, a Marketplace reporter, reveals the details of the Trump administration's $12 billion farm relief package and addresses farmers' urgent cash-flow needs amid rising costs. They also explore rising ACA health insurance premiums and the housing market's misjudgment of future demand.

Julia Coronado, an economist and founder of Macro Policy Perspectives, dives into the sticky inflation and the realities of a K-shaped economy, highlighting how wealthier households are benefiting disproportionately. Robert Byrne, a director at Technomic, shares insights on the dining habits of different income groups, revealing that lower-income households are eating out less, while high-income patrons continue to indulge in restaurant experiences. Together, they illustrate the growing economic divide and its effects on consumer behavior.

The Supreme Court is set to tackle a significant case regarding presidential power to fire leaders of independent agencies, impacting consumer protection. AI is revolutionizing holiday shopping, boosting traffic and assisting shoppers with gift ideas. Meanwhile, a Michigan wood factory is making waves by hiring and housing workers in recovery from addiction, highlighting the power of employment in transforming lives. Experts weigh in on the importance of meaningful work and support in the recovery journey.

Nick Marsh, a BBC correspondent specializing in international economics, discusses how China has managed to surpass a $1 trillion trade surplus despite a significant drop in exports to the U.S. He reveals that Chinese manufacturers are redirecting their products to new markets in Southeast Asia and Europe. Hugh Schofield, a BBC journalist based in Paris, shares insights on the contentious dynamics within France's divided parliament, focusing on ongoing budget disagreements and the tensions surrounding pension reform and wealth tax proposals.

Dr. Daria Georgievich, an adolescent psychiatrist and co-author of a Stanford/Common Sense Media report, explores the concerning trend of U.S. teens relying on AI chatbots for companionship. She reveals that chatbots lack the nuance necessary for genuine emotional support and can negatively impact social development. Highlighting risks, she shares instances where bots failed to recognize harmful behavior and reinforced negative thoughts. Daria emphasizes the urgent need for caregiver education and stronger regulations to protect young users.

Join David Gura, a senior business journalist at Bloomberg, and Catherine Rampell, an expert on economic policy, as they unpack the current affordability crisis for small businesses. Justin Ho shares firsthand stories from small business owners navigating rising costs while trying to keep prices stable. Samantha Fields discusses the possible implications of the Netflix-Warner deal, warning of reduced content variety. Together, they explore consumer sentiment, economic headlines, and the challenges of balancing profitability and accessibility.

Kristin Schwab, a Marketplace correspondent, dives into the curious landscape of the holiday shopping season. She unveils the K-shaped economy, illustrating how high earners are fueling retail spending despite overall consumer caution. Findings show that November's spending surged by over 7%. Kristin also touches on the rise of credit card debt and the 'buy now, pay later' trend, sparking concerns about accumulated consumer liabilities. They discuss the growing, albeit small, influence of AI on shopping habits and the increasing popularity of secondhand gifting.

Explore the intriguing marketing genius behind Spotify Wrapped, which compiles user data into a compelling year-in-review. Discover how personalized data and AI create an intimate connection in advertising, driving FOMO among listeners eager to share their Wrapped experiences. Get insights into the latest Fed meeting and industry developments, including an $82 billion bid from Warner and the effects of tariffs on manufacturing. Lastly, delve into the state of factory activity and Rockwell's commitment to U.S. manufacturing with a new Wisconsin plant.