Marketplace All-in-One Kimberly's final cheers on "Economics on Tap"
May 8, 2026
David Brancaccio, veteran public radio journalist and longtime Marketplace Morning Report host, talks about his new 'future effects' beat and career reflections. They discuss short-term thinking and the idea of a 'secretary of the future.' Other highlights include AI's fiscal risks, cuddly robots skepticism, and lively summer reading picks.
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Episode notes
Vonnegut Sparked The Secretary Of The Future Idea
- David Brancaccio recounts interviewing Kurt Vonnegut who suggested countries need a 'secretary of the future.'
- That moment inspired Brancaccio's beat idea and led him to seek examples like Sweden's planning role.
Future Officers Need Real Power To Matter
- Sweden (and some corporations) have roles that advise leaders about long-term impacts, not just short-term profit.
- Effective future-focused officers must have real power and access to CEOs to avoid greenwashing.
Begin Reporting On Future Effects Now
- Start discussing medium- and long-term effects of technology now rather than waiting until disruption peaks.
- Brancaccio is launching reporting this summer (June) and solicits sources and ideas from listeners.
