Marketplace

Nova Safo, a reporter at Marketplace, dives into the unexpected growth of the U.S. economy, with GDP figures at 3.3%. She highlights the booming AI data center investments and their transformative effect on energy and construction. The conversation touches on how shifts in trade policy and corporate America are coping with these changes. Safo also explores the rising acceptance of nuclear energy, fueled by climate concerns, alongside a compelling story of a retired Air Force officer's new journey in interior design.

Consumer confidence is slipping, but that doesn’t always mean less spending. The struggles of working mothers are on the rise, highlighting challenges in the workforce post-pandemic. The podcast also tackles the implications of changing trade regulations for international shoppers. Meanwhile, Houston's housing market shows a shift towards increased buyer confidence, even as home prices climb. Lastly, a recent graduate shares insights on navigating early career hurdles, reflecting the contrasting job market experiences of her peers.

Sarah Binder, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and a political science professor at George Washington University, dives deep into the implications of President Trump’s efforts to remove a Federal Reserve governor. They explore the complexities of the Fed’s independence and the potential economic consequences of political interference. The discussion also touches on the Fed's role in the housing market and disaster preparedness, highlighting critical challenges in climate resilience and financial strategies to mitigate disasters.

Max Adler, Editorial Director of Golf Digest, shares insights on the evolving caddy economy and how app-based services are transforming the golf experience. Sarah House, Senior Economist at Wells Fargo, discusses the puzzlingly slow response of prices to tariffs and what shoppers can expect this fall. They explore the unintended consequences of government investments in companies and how both the caddy industry and broader retail market are adapting to economic shifts. Tune in for a fascinating blend of sports, economics, and innovation!

Patrick Smith, a fourth-generation apple and hops farmer from Loftus Ranches, shares his firsthand experience with the impact of trade policies and climate conditions on agriculture. He discusses the pressing challenges such as labor regulations and fluctuating export markets that threaten the stability of farming in central Washington. Additionally, he highlights the broader implications of these agricultural issues, including supply chain unpredictability and the effects of wage increases in related sectors, painting a vivid picture of the real costs facing today’s economy.

Ivan Penn, an energy reporter for the New York Times, dives into the surprising success of Chili's amid economic fluctuations. He explores how the restaurant's viral marketing and appeal to Gen Z have sparked record sales. The discussion also covers the rising energy demands of AI data centers and their impact on consumer electricity costs. Additionally, insights into interest rate adjustments by the Federal Reserve and their broader economic implications are shared, revealing the intricate connection between dining trends and financial realities.

Mitchell Hartman, a Marketplace reporter, dives deep into unemployment claims and the Federal Reserve's upcoming decisions. He sheds light on how rising rates affect job seekers. Joining him is Ellen Cushing from The Atlantic, who explores the spicy food trend, linking it to economic factors and Gen Z’s taste for intense flavors. Together, they connect food, art, and economics, sharing how emerging tariffs and cultural shifts influence various industries, from the grocery store to Indigenous art markets.

Recent earnings reports reveal consumers are flocking to off-price retailers like TJ Maxx while big-box stores like Target struggle. The podcast dives into changing shopping habits, with bargain hunting becoming the new norm. It discusses retailers' creative price hikes in response to inflation, the impact of tariffs on the semiconductor industry, and the surprising environmental cost of textile waste. Additionally, it highlights regional unemployment disparities, underscoring how individual consumer behavior shapes the economy.

In a bid to save costs, more companies like Starbucks are opting for flat percentage pay raises instead of merit-based increases. This shift simplifies compensation but raises questions about motivation. Meanwhile, China is enhancing trade ties with developing nations amid changing global dynamics. The discussion also touches on the challenges rural airports face with potential funding cuts, as well as ongoing concerns in the housing market, marked by a drop in building permits despite rising housing starts.

Lydia Clark, the owner of DTLA Cheese, shares insights on the unique challenges of running a specialty cheese shop in a shifting economy. She discusses how economic disparity impacts consumer spending, with wealthier households increasingly driving purchases while lower-income shoppers struggle. Clark dives into the emotional toll of rising tariffs on imported cheeses and the complexities of maintaining a small business amid inflation. Her personal stories reveal both resilience and the human side of navigating economic fluctuations.