"Marketplace" Live
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In this special live episode of Make Me Smart, host Kai Ryssdal welcomes economist and educator Kyla Scanlon and longtime Marketplace host David Broncaccio for a deep dive into the current state of the U.S. economy and the future of public media. Scanlon, known for her accessible economic storytelling on social media and her book *In This Economy: How Money and Markets Really Work*, discusses the growing disconnect between economic data and public sentiment, the rise of financial nihilism among younger generations, and her concerns about AI's impact on jobs and housing affordability. She emphasizes the importance of economic literacy and the need for more hopeful, community-driven narratives. Broncaccio, stepping down from the Marketplace Morning Report after 13 years, reflects on his career, shares his new role as a 'future effects' correspondent, and introduces a new series exploring long-term societal challenges like AI, demographic shifts, and the future of work. He also shares personal stories, including rebuilding his home after a wildfire and his 'Business Envy' series, imagining alternative careers. The episode closes with Ryssdal announcing his own pivot to video content, driven by a commitment to truth, economic facts, national security, and democracy in an era of misinformation and political volatility.
Economic literacy is critical—especially for younger generations facing inflation, stagnant wages, and a sense of economic displacement.
The gap between economic data and public sentiment (the 'vibe session') remains a key challenge, with many feeling disconnected from the economy despite positive metrics.
AI is creating both opportunities and existential risks, particularly around job displacement, energy consumption, and the financialization of everything.
Housing affordability is a structural crisis rooted in supply shortages and rising infrastructure costs, not just demand.
The U.S. economy is hyper-financialized and overly focused on short-term shareholder returns, undermining long-term national productivity.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to the Live Show & The Power of Public Media
Kai Ryssdal opens the live episode with a heartfelt appeal for donations to Make Me Smart, emphasizing the importance of public media in times of economic uncertainty. He introduces the event's format and expresses gratitude for the audience's presence.
Kyla Scanlon on Economic Literacy and the 'Vibe Session'
“The economy is everything. If you buy a cup of coffee, if you rent a place, if you're trying to buy a house, if you're trying to afford child care, if you're trying to afford elder care, like the economy is everything.”
The State of the Economy: Inflation, AI, and Financial Nihilism
“I really worry about this concept that Dimitri Kofinas calls financial nihilism. So people not believing in the economy, choosing not to trust that they have a path forward in life and then just resorting to sports betting and gambling.”
David Broncaccio’s Legacy and New Role as 'Future Effects' Correspondent
“The future is a privilege if you're living hand-to-mouth. That's nice for the guy to come on the radio and talk about saving more for retirement, but if you're worried about getting food on the table, you may not have the luxury to focus on the beat.”
The K-Shape Economy and the Need for Long-Term Thinking
The hosts discuss the K-shaped recovery, where some thrive while others struggle. Broncaccio argues that short-termism dominates policy and business, and that a 'secretary of the future' model—like in Sweden—could help realign incentives.
“When I tell you that the president of the United States doesn't understand this economy, that's not opinion, it's fact. And if you don't believe me, go ask him how tariffs work. I'll wait.”
“The economy is everything. If you buy a cup of coffee, if you rent a place, if you're trying to buy a house, if you're trying to afford child care, if you're trying to afford elder care, like the economy is everything.”
“I'm not going to compromise on national security. I'm a veteran of the United States Navy and the United States Foreign Service. Don't have to squint too hard to see the connection between national security and our economic security.”
Host
Guests
Kyla Scanlon
person
Marketplace
organization
David Broncaccio
person
Federal Reserve
organization
AI
other
Kai Ryssdal
person
Trump administration
organization
Jay Powell
person
housing market
other
prediction markets
other
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