Make Me Smart

The future of beer is here. “How We Survive” host Amy Scott is on the show today to help us taste test beer brewed from recycled water. And we’ll get into George Santos’ expulsion from the House and why his lies and luxurious spending were particularly provoking. Then we’ll weigh in on Walmart’s creative spin on holiday romcoms and more in a game of Half Full / Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about: “Water, water, everywhere” “Rep. George Santos expelled from House in 311-114 vote” “The Undoing of George Santos” “Why George Santos’ lies are even worse than the usual political lies – a moral philosopher explains” “New North Carolina bar offers cocktails and college classes” “Beyoncé, Taylor Swift films mean big business for movie theaters” “How Mortadella Went From Cold Cut to Hot Item” “Watch, Shop and Swoon with Walmart’s First Fully Shoppable Series” “I’m Serious: Drive to the Airport for the People You Love” “Thanksgiving Travel: No One Should Pick You Up at the Airport” Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

It’s day one of COP28, the global climate conference, and countries have already agreed on details for a fund to aid developing countries affected by climate disasters. As wealthier nations begin paying for their contributions to the climate crisis, how long will their support last? Plus, we’ll hear a Fed Chair’s divisive turkey analogy for what happens when interest rates are too high for too long. And, why brands are extending those Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Here’s everything we talked about: “COP28 leader Sultan Al Jaber hits back at allegations he used climate talks to strike oil deals” “COP28 delivers breakthrough by way of climate disaster fund details” “The long-expected consumer pullback may finally be materializing” “George Santos Says He Won’t Resign Ahead of This Week’s Expulsion Vote” “House Ethics Committee report on George Santos finds ‘substantial evidence of wrongdoing” “Johnson says he has ‘real reservations’ over expelling Santos as GOP support grows for ousting New York congressman” “Chicago Fed chair on the data versus the economic mood” Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

General Motors is planning higher-octane cash returns for investors in an attempt to restore confidence in its main gig — making vehicles that are not electric. We’ll get into what this could signal for the broader EV industry. And, many of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s regulatory powers are on the line in a current Supreme Court case. We’ll examine what the case has to do with conservative justices’ disdain for the administrative state. Plus, a National Spelling Bee champion’s secret to success. Here’s everything we talked about today: “GM Plans $10 Billion Stock Buyback in Bid to Assuage Investors” “Supreme Court’s conservatives voice concerns about SEC’s in-house enforcement” “Supreme Court to consider multi-pronged constitutional attack on SEC” “Major OxyContin case headlines December session” Opinion | “I won the National Spelling Bee. This is what it takes to master spelling.” If you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Americans consume a lot of stuff and in turn produce a lot of waste. The average American generated 46 pounds of just e-waste in 2019. But what if there was a way to design an economy that’s less wasteful and more environmentally friendly? On the show today, Callie Babbitt, professor of sustainability at Rochester Institute of Technology, breaks down the circular economy, its role in fighting climate change and the challenges that lie ahead in public policy and manufacturing if we hope to achieve circularity. We’ll also hear from a listener with a smart hack for airport pickups during the holidays, and our beloved intern answers the Make Me Smart question. Here’s everything we talked about: “The right-to-repair movement is just getting started “What is a Circular Economy?” “Our prosperity is in peril unless we shift from a wasteful world to a ‘circular economy'” “World’s Oldest Sealed Terrarium by David Latimer” “Investors See Interest-Rate Cuts Coming Soon, Recession or Not” “17 top-selling items for Amazon Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2023” It’s Giving Tuesday! Let’s unlock $100,000 for Marketplace today.

After being banned from talking about artificial intelligence at Thanksgiving, guest host Matt Levin is eager to chime in on the ongoing Sam Altman controversy and news about a powerful artificial intelligence development at OpenAI. Plus, tech tycoons are behaving more and more like foreign dignitaries. And: Doritos’ new crunch-cancellation technology. Here’s everything we talked about: “Unpacking the hype around OpenAI’s rumored new Q* model” “OpenAI researchers warned board of AI breakthrough ahead of CEO ouster, sources say” “Elon Musk Meets With Netanyahu in Israel Amid Backlash Against Social Media Post” “What’s Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2023? Hint: Be true to yourself” “The sound of crunching chips is annoying. Doritos has made a silencer. Help us get a head start on our Giving Tuesday challenge to unlock $100K for Marketplace.

This month, at least 12 members of Congress have announced they won’t seek reelection at the end of their terms. We’ll get into the record number of retirements and why the job might not be worth the trouble. Then, we’ll discuss how OpenAI’s leadership turmoil might be a turning point for the artificial intelligence industry. Plus, a St. Louis football team’s failed attempt to become a Thanksgiving game day staple. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Larry Summers Is OpenAI’s Surprise Pick to Mend Fences” “The Old-School Artillery Shell Is Becoming High Tech” “Frustrated lawmakers run for the exits: ‘DC is broken'” “2 more House lawmakers announce exits, marking retirement record” “Before Dallas ruled Thanksgiving, the NFL tried St. Louis” “Identifying fake news will now be a school requirement in California” If you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

The holiday shopping season kicks off this week with Black Friday, and American shoppers are expected to spend a record amount, particularly in online sales. Consumer spending keeps the U.S. economy humming, making up 70% of the country’s gross domestic product. But it wasn’t always this way. On the show today, Cornell economic historian Louis Hyman gives us a history lesson on how the American economy became dependent on the consumer, why that change has created serious environmental consequences, and whether there are alternatives to the consumer-driven economy we know today. Plus, what it all has to do with the Salem witch trials. Then, a federal appeals court decision could significantly weaken the Voting Rights Act. We’ll get into the economic implications of the ruling and how it could play out in the Supreme Court. Plus: Oh, how the mighty crypto kings fall. Later, we’ll hear listener suggestions for signature state cocktails. And food journalist Francis Lam was wrong about what was on the menu at the first Thanksgiving. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Ringing in the holiday shopping season with low consumer sentiment” “A Brief History of Consumer Culture” “Frank Trentmann: How Humans Became ‘Consumers'” “U.S. Economy Grew a Strong 4.9%, Driven by Consumer Spree That May Not Last” “Appeals court strikes down key tool used to enforce Voting Rights Act” “Federal appeals court ruling threatens enforcement of the Voting Rights Act” “Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao Agrees to Step Down, Plead Guilty” “What Was Eaten at the First Thanksgiving?” We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

In this tight labor market, a growing number of companies are trying to discourage workers from quitting by charging them. Stay or pay clauses are becoming a thing in more workplaces. We’ll talk about who really bears the cost of calling it quits. Plus, how Federal Reserve economists are taking a page from journalists. And Snoop Dogg, the master marketer! Here’s everything we talked about: “Federal Reserve Seeks Anecdotes Over Economic Data for Uncertain Outlook” “The Stay-or-Pay Clause That Demands You Pay to Quit Your Job” “Snoop explains going smokeless – and it’s not what you thought” “Thanksgiving Travel: No One Should Pick You Up at the Airport” If you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace

Since Oct. 7, Palestinian and Jewish Americans have been navigating work while enduring anxiety and heartache as the Israel-Hamas War plays out. We’ll discuss the pressure to perform professionally as the conflict continues. And there’s some hopeful climate news out of Portugal: The country ran on 100% renewable energy for six days. Plus, we’re settling the debate on the least-liked Thanksgiving side dish in a round of Half Full/Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about: “If Gaza were in your city, how much would be destroyed? | Israel-Palestine conflict News” “Palestinian Americans on working while grieving: ‘How many days off do you take when Gaza’s bombed daily?’” “Portugal just ran on 100% renewables for six days in a row” “Sam Altman fired as CEO of OpenAI” “As streaming services search for ad revenue, expect more political ads — and minimal regulation” “Meta allows Facebook and Instagram ads saying 2020 election was rigged” “Have dating apps lost their spark?” “Martha Stewart Says She’s Canceled Her Thanksgiving Dinner: ‘Turkeyed Out!'” “The 3 Most-Hated Thanksgiving Side Dishes In America” Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

It’s been a wild week on Capitol Hill. GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Teamsters union President Sean O’Brien almost came to blows in a Senate hearing. And Republicans averted a government shutdown, but only to push the deadline to next year. We’ll dig into the historically low congressional productivity amid a growing mountain of work. And we’ll hear President Joe Biden’s remarks about meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Plus, a look at YouTube’s AI musical experiment. Here’s everything we talked about: “GOP senator challenges Teamsters president to fight during hearing” “Did Biden and China’s Xi hit a reset? Not quite, but they agreed on a few things” “Take heart, it looks like China could send new pandas to the US” “Government shutdown: Senate passes temporary plan before Thanksgiving” “An early look our AI Music experiment” Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

Elon Musk today disputed claims that an initial public offering is in the works for his satellite business Starlink, an offshoot of SpaceX. But hypothetically speaking, would more eyes on Starlink following an IPO change the way Elon Musk operates on the global stage? And, an influential liberal super PAC is ditching TV ads. We’ll get into what that tells us about political campaigning in the modern age. Plus, let the holiday party invites start flowing! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Elon Musk denies report of potential Starlink IPO in 2024” “SpaceX Gets FAA Approval for Do-Over Starship Launch” “Liberal Super PAC Is Turning Its Focus Entirely Digital” “More Americans are getting news on TikTok, in contrast with most other social media sites” “The case for inviting everyone to everything” “A Guide to the James Webb Telescope’s View of the Universe” “A Supernova ‘Destroyed’ Some of Earth’s Ozone for a Few Minutes in 2022” Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Many of the world’s largest companies are setting net-zero climate goals, and they’re using carbon credits to get there. That means they can keep producing carbon emissions as long as they pay for emissions to be reduced elsewhere. But do carbon credits actually incentivize companies to reduce their emissions? On the show today, Pedro Martins Barata, associate vice president for carbon markets at the Environmental Defense Fund, explains what carbon credits are and the ethical concerns with companies relying on them to meet net-zero emissions goals. Plus, what future regulation of carbon markets could look like. Then, we’ll unpack the good and bad news in the latest U.S. climate assessment. And, some industries are compensating for widespread staffing shortages by requiring employees to work excessive overtime. Later, we’ll hear about how some farmers are combating climate change. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question was inspired by a listener. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Fossil-fuel company net zero plans ‘largely meaningless,’ report says” “Carbon credit speculators could lose billions as offsets deemed ‘worthless’” “The Climate Solution Actually Adding Millions of Tons of CO2 Into the Atmosphere” “Analysis: How some of the world’s largest companies rely on carbon offsets to ‘reach net-zero’” “Action needed to make carbon offsets from forest conservation work for climate change mitigation” “Carbon offsets: What are they and do they work?” “36-hour shifts, 80-hour weeks: Workers are being burned out by overtime” “US climate assessment lays out growing threats, opportunities as temperatures rise” “Farm fields don’t just feed us. They store carbon. But a big question is how much” We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

Marvel Studios’ latest movie, “The Marvels,” had the franchise’s worst opening weekend. We’ll dig into whether superhero movies are a thing of the past and if theaters can get by without them. Then, another government shutdown may be around the corner. This time it could interfere with Thanksgiving travel plans. Plus, news you can use about online payment apps, and what would be your state’s signature cocktail? Here’s everything we talked about: “‘The Marvels’ Disappoints at Box Office, Showcasing Disney’s Studio Challenge” “Payments app Zelle begins refunds for imposter scams after Washington pressure” “Thanksgiving shutdown sets up nightmare scenario for travels” “Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon Falls to a Five-Year Low” “Wisconsin snubs bourbon by elevating the brandy old fashioned to state cocktail status”recipe If you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org

We’re discussing some heavy topics today, including threats to democracy from Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump, and traditional Republicans bowing out of reelection as the party heads further to the right. Then, we’ll reflect on how we should honor our veterans. Later, we’ll weigh in on an Elon Musk biopic and a global Starbuck expansion in a game of Half Full/Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about: “Trump suggests he or another Republican president could use Justice Department to indict opponents” “Moody’s cuts U.S. outlook to negative, citing deficits and political polarization” “Manchin, Romney Introduce Bipartisan Fiscal Stability Act” “Soft saving trends reshape Gen Z, millennials’ personal finance goals” “Hot desking gains popularity among employers” “Why is Starbucks opening more stores?” “Elon Musk Biopic Enters Development at A24 Under Darren Aronofsky” “Why isn’t there an Amazon for real estate?” Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

After 118 days, the SAG-AFTRA strike appears to have come to an end, marking a historic win for actors. We’ll hear from the union’s president, Fran Drescher, about her delight with the new deal. Also, what Fed chief Jay Powell’s recurring message on interest rates says about economic belief versus reality. Plus, it’s the beginning of the end for panda diplomacy, as D.C. bids farewell to its cuddly friends. Here’s everything we talked about: “Powell Closes The F—— Door On Early Rate Cut Hopes: Stocks, Bonds Tumble While Dollar Rallies” “Treasury’s Yellen calls Republican effort to cut IRS funding for Israel ‘damaging and irresponsible'” “Why did Speaker Mike Johnson disclose zero assets?” “As Pandas Leave National Zoo, Is Panda Diplomacy Over?” Video: “SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher reacts to historic actors’ agreement” “SAG-AFTRA Approves Deal to End Historic Strike” Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap! The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 p.m. Pacific time, 6:30 p.m. Eastern. We’ll have news, drinks, a game and more.

High interest rates are making our already enormous national debt more expensive, and many economists are worried. We’ll discuss what it may cost to get the national debt under control. Plus, a referendum to replace Maine’s two main power companies with a publicly owned alternative was shot down in yesterday’s election. And, the James Webb Space Telescope is revolutionizing the way we see the universe. Here’s everything we talked about today: “What it would cost to stabilize the soaring national debt” “Maine voters reject utility takeover after heavy spending from CMP and Versant” “What the Failed Pine Tree Power Proposal in Maine Could Have Accomplished” “More states strive to make parks, trails accessible to people with disabilities” “A Guide to the James Webb Telescope’s View of the Universe” Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Today we’re talking about another potential tool in the climate solutions toolbox: carbon capture. The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law put $12 billion toward the tech, which promises to take carbon emissions straight from the air and store them underground. But there are concerns that supporting the fledgling industry could backfire. On the show today, Inside Climate News’ Nicholas Kusnetz explains the ins and outs of carbon capture and the challenges of making it work on a scale big enough to be meaningful. Plus, how investing in the tech could prolong dependence on fossil fuels. Then, studios want to own actors’ digital likenesses forever, and that’s a sticking point for SAG-AFTRA in the actors strike. We’ll get into what this has to do with trends in the generative AI industry. And, some news about former President Donald Trump’s net worth that made us say, “Huh?” Later, we’ll hear from listeners about hydrogen fuel cell cars and shower design flaws. Plus, what a listener got wrong about the climate crisis. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Pipe Dreams” “How Does Carbon Capture Work?” “Controversial carbon removal technology just got $1.2 billion from the Biden administration” “Carbon Capture” “Companies capture a lot of CO2. Most of it is going into new oil.” “SAG-AFTRA won’t budge as studios push to own actors’ likenesses in perpetuity” “OpenAI unveils personalized AI apps as it seeks to expand its ChatGPT consumer business” “As shutdown looms, US House Republicans search for stopgap solution” “Donald Trump Net Worth Reaches $3.1 Billion Amid Trial” “How We Survive” We want to hear your answer to the Make Me Smart question. You can reach us at makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

SpaceX is on track to make record profits this year, particularly through its Starlink satellite program. With the reins of this powerful company in the hands of a celebrity entrepreneur, has that celebrity, Elon Musk, become invincible? We’ll also dig into the details of the U.S. birthrate. As it turns out, being an only child did not become the norm we expected it would be. And we’ll learn about the physicist who’s created over 1,000 Wikipedia bios for neglected female scientists. Here’s everything we talked about: “Millennials aren’t having kids. Here are the reasons why” “SpaceX Eyes $15 Billion in Sales Next Year on Starlink Strength” “This 33-year-old made more than 1,000 Wikipedia bios for unknown female scientists” “Why it’s so hard for women’s bios to stay on Wikipedia” “Electric Planes, Once a Fantasy, Start to Take to the Skies” Do you have a question that you want to ask us or a comment on something we talked about? Call us at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

A new United Nations report found that wealthy nations are scaling back funding for climate adaptation in developing countries, while the cost of mitigating the effects of climate change continue to grow. We’ll get into it. And, the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit against Amazon revealed a secret pricing algorithm used by the company, known as Project Nessie. We’ll unpack how the algorithm has amassed huge profits for Amazon while raising prices across the board. Then, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty with guest host Amy Scott. Here’s everything we talked about: “Critics: Tuberville is just the face of a ‘broken’ confirmation process” “Amazon made more than $1B using secret algorithm called ‘Project Nessie,’ FTC says” “Developing countries need at least $215 billion a year for climate adaptation” Adaptation Gap Report 2023 “Rewriting the rules for the Colorado River’s management” “Why small phones are hard to find” “Super Commuting Is on the Rise, Thanks to Flexibility of Hybrid Work” “Are your company’s cybersecurity trainings a waste of your time?” “Brains and Losses: Aging and Financial Vulnerability to Scams” “Do We Really Need Tequila From Celebrities Like Matthew McConaughey?” “The Beatles’ ‘Now and Then’: The Band’s ‘Last’ Song” Got a question for the hosts? Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email us at makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Hey Smarties! We recorded today’s episode before the news of Sam Bankman-Fried’s conviction came out. We’ll continue to monitor the story. This week, President Joe Biden signed a sweeping executive order on the safety of artificial intelligence, and world leaders (plus Elon Musk) met to discuss the risks of the rapidly developing technology for the first time. We’ll get into what future AI regulation could look like as governments agree to cooperate. And, we’ll hear from Target’s CEO on trends in consumer spending. Plus, Sen. Tuberville’s block on military promotions is reaching a boiling point. Now, his own party is turning on him. Here’s everything we talked about: “How much AI regulation can come from the president?” “UK, US, EU and China sign declaration of AI’s ‘catastrophic’ danger” “Target CEO says shoppers are pulling back, even on groceries” “Sam Bankman-Fried’s fourth day on the stand did not go well” “Sam Bankman-Fried Is Convicted of Fraud in FTX Collapse “Republican Sen. Tuberville doubles down on blocking military nominees despite GOP pleas” “Playbook: Tommy Tuberville vs. everybody” Join us for Make Me Smart Virtual Trivia on Nov. 9! Give $5 or more and the link will be in your confirmation email: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn