Marketplace All-in-One

In this conversation, Ken Goldberg, an engineering professor at UC Berkeley and co-founder of Ambi Robotics, shares his insights on humanoid robots. He discusses the challenges of home environments that confuse robot sensors and the timeline for when these robots might actually help with chores—predicting a 10 to 25-year wait. Ken emphasizes that while robots will augment human roles, they won't replace jobs requiring empathy. He also highlights realistic near-term applications in logistics rather than household tasks, dispelling sci-fi myths about humanoid capabilities.

Wendy Edelberg, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, dives into the economic repercussions of a low-immigration landscape, predicting lower job growth and a shrinking population. The discussion also touches on the surprising stability of oil supply amid low demand, driven by high production from several countries. Additionally, Wendy explores the implications of Zillow’s decision to remove climate risk labels from home listings, highlighting how this affects buyer awareness. It’s a fascinating exploration of current economic challenges!

Join Jill S. Robbins, a former Los Angeles Family Court judge, as she unpacks the intriguing world of private judges for hire. She explains how these legal professionals provide swift resolutions when traditional courts can't keep up. Discover the family law matters they address, like custody and support issues, and learn about their qualifications and experiences. Additionally, Julia Coronado shares insights on the boost in holiday shopping driven by AI, highlighting significant trends in consumer spending.

Record Black Friday spending topped $11 billion, with electronics and toys flying off the shelves. Cyber Week is projected to reach an astonishing $78 billion, as consumers embrace buy-now-pay-later options. Meanwhile, the housing market is stuck in a rut, with homeowners slashing prices by an average of $25,000. On a brighter note, innovative agrivoltaic systems are merging solar power with farming, creating new revenue streams while promoting sustainable agriculture.

Nick Marsh, a BBC correspondent, analyzes the surprising contraction of China's manufacturing sector, highlighting the implications of the latest Purchasing Managers Index. He discusses how weak domestic demand and housing crises are stifling growth. Meanwhile, journalist Bering Tajdin sheds light on Iran's dire water crisis caused by unprecedented drought, detailing the economic impacts, including blackouts and government shutdowns. He also explores the controversial proposal to move Tehran, weighing its challenges against the backdrop of infrastructural collapse.

Marketplace reporter Matt Levin interviews Philip Comins, who shares his experience using an AI-enabled pendant that records conversations with his wife, Corinna. They explore how these wearables act as personal assistants and even relationship therapists, documenting everything from daily reminders to replayed arguments. Philip discusses the couple's rules around privacy and mutual consent for reviewing transcripts, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of this high-tech approach to communication.

Join Amy Scott, a Marketplace reporter passionate about food and climate, and Laura Griggs, who shares her family's journey from rural homestead to city life. They discuss the rising credit card debt this holiday season, with households facing significant repayment struggles. Laura explains the economic factors driving her move to the city for better opportunities. Meanwhile, Amy explores a lab growing the chocolate of the future, highlighting both culinary innovation and climate challenges. It's a fascinating blend of personal stories and economic insights!

Brenda Hammer, a consumer advocate known for her insights on retail strategies, dives into the intriguing world of Black Friday. She explains tactics like loss leaders, used to lure shoppers with deep discounts that encourage additional spending. From the historical roots of the shopping frenzy in 1950s Philadelphia to modern bundling and doorbusters, Brenda shares expert tips on shopping smarter. The discussion also highlights how retailers play with timing and promotions to drive traffic, helping listeners navigate holiday sales effectively.

In this discussion, Jessica Parker, a BBC reporter specializing in maritime security, highlights the troubling rise of Russia's 'shadow fleet'—unidentified vessels evading sanctions with fake flags. She reveals how these tankers are often uninsured, complicating enforcement efforts. Parker shares insights from her time aboard an Estonian Navy ship, detailing the growing concerns among European naval officials. The podcast also touches on the limits of international law at sea, raising important questions about maritime safety and accountability.

Black Friday remains the ultimate shopping day, drawing huge crowds despite economic anxieties. This year’s retail scene also highlights the rise of Small Business Saturday, focusing on the importance of shopping local. While consumers are eager to support mom-and-pop shops, they may spend less due to inflation. Additionally, Social Security benefits serve as a crucial safety net for families, with real stories showcasing their impact on the lives of survivors. This discussion sheds light on the intersection of shopping habits and social welfare.