Slate Money

This week dives into the unexpected political landscape in New York City, highlighting Zohran Mamdani's surprising primary win and the tense reaction from capitalists. The hosts also dissect Donald Trump's latest antics regarding Fed Chair appointments. Luxurious celebrations take center stage as Jeff Bezos's extravagant wedding features a foam party on a yacht, sparking a discussion on contemporary opulence versus traditional elegance. Humor prevails as they critique billionaires' lavish lifestyles amidst pressing societal issues.

James Frey, acclaimed author of 'Next to Heaven' and a Hollywood veteran, explores the intense allure of money and its addictive qualities. He shares insights from his experiences with the ultra-rich, discussing the psychological implications of wealth and how it affects personal worth. The conversation touches on the paradox of wealth, contrasting the lavish lifestyles of the rich with the struggles of the less privileged. Frey’s satirical take on extreme wealth raises ethical questions about society's views on financial success.

The hosts cheer on new crypto regulations that aim to clarify and protect stablecoins. They delve into the surprising pay raises for Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, challenging historical disparities and societal perceptions about their role. A playful segment features AI-generated versions of the hosts, prompting discussions on the impact of AI in podcasting, privacy concerns, and the evolution of storytelling. The episode also touches on cultural shifts, modern work challenges, and Gen Z health trends.

Warner Brothers and Discovery are parting ways, sparking discussions on media mergers and leadership challenges. The hosts dive into the ever-rising AI valuations, linking them to high-profile investments from Meta and the warnings of a potential bubble. They also tackle the ramifications of aggressive immigration policies, particularly how they impact the economy and industries reliant on immigrant labor. Lastly, there's a light-hearted take on how these changes affect social dynamics, including the fate of happy hour.

In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon is joined by Barry Lam, host of Slate’ philosophy podcast Hi-Phi Nation to help him explain how the GOP sees the budget deficit in the “Big Beautiful Bill” using philosophical arguments. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: Prices are going up, but inflation data has become unreliable under Trump. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers discuss how staffing cuts at The Bureau of Labor Statistics have called economic data into question, and what that means for our economy. Then, someone went ahead and told Trump what TACO stands for and he’s pissed. The hosts discuss how a markets term coined by finance journalist Robert Armstrong went mainstream and whether Trump knowing about it changes anything. And finally, does Gen Z hate reading or not? What are these kinds of stories really telling us?In the Slate Plus episode: The most anticipated fight is ON!Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts dive into how vacation length impacts enjoyment, debating if a week is sufficient for truly recharging. They discuss the importance of recovery time post-travel and how time zones play a role in vacation plans. Personal stories highlight the joy of leisurely trips, suggesting ideal lengths to read two novels and connect deeply with destinations. They also examine the shift towards digital nomadism and the evolving dynamics of work-life balance in America. It's a fresh take on maximizing escape time!

This week: Felix Salmon left Axios. He, Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the opaque language and politics around parting ways with an employer and the motivation behind giving severance packages. Then, it seems the threat of AI taking over jobs is becoming real as the hosts examine the role state of AI in tech and other industries and its effect on the job market. Finally, major stablecoin issuer Circle is going public. So what is a stablecoin and why do people want them?In the Slate Plus episode: Donald Trump’s Rococo ShareWant to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hillary Frey, Editor-in-chief of Slate and former executive editor of HuffPost, joins the conversation to dissect the portrayals of wealth in the Apple TV+ series 'Your Friends & Neighbors.' They debate whether the show's depiction of affluent life is aspirational or cautionary. The discussion dives into themes of financial instability, the absurdities of suburban wealth, and the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. Humor mixes with insights on potential plot twists, including money laundering and the role of a murder plot in shaping audience engagement.

Explore why hotel breakfasts may not be worth it and the debate over whether locals should get discounts at tourist hotspots. Dive into how tourist traps can overshadow authentic local experiences, especially in vibrant cities like New York. Discover the complexities of pricing dynamics in popular destinations, such as Venice, and how these affect both tourists and residents. Finally, hear thoughts on the balance needed to cater to visitors while preserving local culture and access to essential amenities.