Million Bazillion

It’s karaoke night for Bridget and Ryan, but something stops them from belting their favorite tunes on their podcast: the law. It’s the perfect setup to answer a question from Garrett, who wants to know about copyright, trademarks, and royalties. We all know people deserve to be paid for their creative ideas. But how does it actually work? Together, we’ll find out how creators protect their ideas and make money from them. Plus, will Ryan be able to turn what he’s learned into a lucrative musical career?If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

In this enlightening discussion, Alexander Hamilton, portrayed as a ghost, shares the intriguing history of the $2 bill. He reveals how these once common bills were used during the Civil War and why they've developed a quirky reputation. Listeners learn about superstitions that led to decreased circulation and the challenges businesses face with rare currency. With humorous anecdotes and engaging tales, the episode sheds light on why $2 bills still hold value and charm despite their scarcity.

It’s Halloween, and Bridget and Ryan are trying to answer a question about the national debt while preparing for their town’s giant Halloween extravaganza. The town has taken on debt to make things extra spooky this year and things are starting to get a little out of control! Can Bridget and Ryan help the town navigate their monster debt?(Grownups: This is episode does contain monsters but no jump scares! You know your kid listeners best, so exercise caution if Halloween is more tricky than treat for them!)If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

In the previous episode of “Million Bazillion,” listener Aditya wanted to know all about the stock market, and how people make money from stocks. So what happens when a kid actually decides to try it out? Well, today we’re going to hear Joshua’s investing story, in his own words, and what happened when he decided to invest money in the stock market instead of keeping it in the bank. Don’t worry! He didn’t do it alone. His dad helped every step of the way, because investing is serious stuff and should always involve a trusted grownup! This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

Two reporters visit the New York Stock Exchange to figure out how stocks make money. They explore share price gains and dividends as the main paths to profit. The episode contrasts risky single-stock chasing with low-risk, diversified index investing. A real eight-week experiment shows the different outcomes of those strategies.

Today, we’re resharing an important episode from our archive! There’s a major storm brewing, and Ryan and Bridget are stuck inside. It’s the perfect opportunity to answer a question they got from Archer in Los Angeles: What is insurance? Archer’s dad is an insurance agent, and Archer wants to know what his dad does all day. Turns out insurance is uh, complicated. From home insurance to health insurance, we’re going to figure out what it is and why people use it. Plus, we have a catchy song to help you remember the difference between some confusing insurance jargon.If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

Curious Esmé discovers her dad is home due to a government shutdown, sparking a dive into what that means. The hosts explain that a shutdown halts funding when Congress misses deadlines, affecting many federal workers. Essential services like safety and defense keep running, but many families face uncertainty. They explore past shutdown durations and how the U.S. differs from other countries in managing budgets. It's a blend of learning and fun as they tackle this important topic through a kid's perspective!

Bridget and Ryan are at the Podcast Hosts for Youths Sleepaway Camp, but Ryan just can’t fall asleep. That’s when they meet Dougie Pickles, host of the Cozy Critters sleepy time podcast, with a surprising bedtime trick. Together, they unpack the world where animals and money collide, learn what bull and bear markets are, and introduce us to a fishy little entrepreneur, all while soothing Ryan to sleep. Plus, what do you think is more expensive to feed, a tiger or an elephant?If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

You had lots of travel related money questions! So, Bridget and Ryan are on a money mission. While racing through the airport on their way to the San Fran Fin Lit Pod Con, they get to the bottom of why stuff costs more at airports than at regular stores, how currency exchange works and where our money actually comes from. How does it travel from the U.S. Mint to our wallets? Cue the spy music! If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

Today, we’re talking about bubbles. Not the kind you play with. The kind that happen in the economy! Bridget and Ryan take a trip down memory lane to answer Jocelin’s question about what caused the 2008 housing bubble. With help from Bridget’s unforgettable treehouse bubble tale, we’ll learn what can happen when prices rise too high, too fast and the bubble finally pops! Plus, why it’s so tricky to spot a bubble before it bursts.If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.