

Marketplace
Marketplace
Every weekday, host Kai Ryssdal helps you make sense of the day's business and economic news — no econ degree or finance background required. "Marketplace" takes you beyond the numbers, bringing you context. Our team of reporters all over the world speak with CEOs, policymakers and regular people just trying to get by.
Episodes
Mentioned books

24 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 25min
The job market keeps flashing warning signs
Samantha Fields, a Marketplace reporter, sheds light on labor-market indicators during the government shutdown, revealing risks of a stalled job market despite recent private job additions. Michael Grunwald, a journalist focused on environmental issues, discusses the extensive land use and emissions linked to beef production, emphasizing the challenges of balancing food demand and climate goals. They also touch on the K-shaped economic recovery impacting housing and creative solutions for first-time buyers navigating affordability.

22 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 25min
What to know as SCOTUS weighs Trump's tariffs
Blake Emerson, a law and political science professor at UCLA, discusses the legal implications of Trump's tariffs and the major questions doctrine. Katie Lazar, general manager at Kane Vineyard and Winery, shares how her business has suffered from collapsing international sales due to tariffs. Todd Adams, president of Sanitube, talks about supply-chain issues and how his company is adapting to price pressures. Together, they explore the potential economic fallout and legal battles ahead as SCOTUS weighs in on these critical trade policies.

16 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 26min
How long until SNAP reaches kitchen tables?
Samantha Fields, a Marketplace reporter specializing in social safety nets, discusses the recent court-order mandating partial SNAP funding amid government shutdowns. Mitchell Hartman analyzes mixed signals in the manufacturing sector and the impact of tariffs, while Lane Florsheim introduces the quirky trend of 'pumpkin styling' as a burgeoning small business. The episode also touches on OPEC's strategies and the U.S. efforts to secure rare earth element supplies, highlighting the intricate dance of economics in everyday life.

43 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 25min
How the economy went "K-shaped"
Courtney Brown, a reporter at Axios specializing in the Federal Reserve, and Katharine Rampell, an economist and columnist, delve into the growing K-shaped economy where wealth disparities are stark. They discuss how big tech thrives while smaller firms struggle and the implications of government policies on growth. Will Quam, a tour guide from Brick of Chicago, shares insights about his unique walking tours, illustrating the personal impacts of economic trends. Topics like agrivoltaics also highlight innovative farming solutions amid economic challenges.

13 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 25min
The case of the missing GDP report
Daniel Ackerman, a Marketplace reporter, delves into how economists are estimating third-quarter GDP amidst a government shutdown, revealing mixed but generally positive growth forecasts. Justin Howe discusses challenges in commercial real estate, highlighting high vacancy rates and the impact on banks. Megan McCarty Carino explores viewer dissatisfaction with new TV technologies, addressing the 'soap-opera effect.' Lastly, Natasha Dangoor shares insights on the niche of premium 'fine water' in restaurants, reflecting changing consumer preferences.

29 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 26min
Nvidia: Boom or bubble?
Greg Barlow, President of Merriam-Webster, highlights how AI poses limited risks to dictionary trustworthiness. Sabri Beneshore discusses Trump's trade agreements with Japan and South Korea, and the governance issues involved. Megan McCarty Carino examines NVIDIA's booming valuation and warns of potential market bubbles fueled by artificial chip demand. Meanwhile, baker Rita Magaldi shares her challenges prepping for the holiday season amidst rising costs, reflecting on community support and innovative strategies to thrive in tough times.

30 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 26min
AI is here. Where are the new, better jobs?
Matt Levin, a Marketplace reporter with insights on the job market, discusses the layoffs at Amazon and Chegg, raising questions about the future of AI-created jobs. Dr. Elizabeth Bick, a science integrity investigator, dives into the rising issue of academic fraud, highlighting how AI both aids and complicates research integrity. Sabri Beneshore shares the latest on consumer confidence, revealing how inflation impacts public sentiment and the unique circumstances that allowed Wayfair to thrive despite economic challenges.

10 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 26min
A sluggish spin cycle
In this discussion, Marketplace reporters Matt Levin and Justin Howe dive into the state of the appliance market, focusing on Whirlpool’s recent lukewarm earnings. They examine the impact of high beef prices on restaurateurs and ranchers, along with how small businesses are adjusting staffing amidst economic uncertainties. The conversation takes a turn towards the consolidation of regional banks and the shifts in consumer demand for high-end appliances versus cheaper models. It’s a lively exploration of modern economic challenges and strategies.

8 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 26min
Not everyone’s stretching the dollar the same way
David Gura, a national political correspondent at Bloomberg, and Rachel Siegel, an economics reporter at The Washington Post, dive into the complexities of inflation, Fed policy, and how delayed data impacts government decisions. Yasmin Tayeg, a staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses the global cocoa shortage and its effect on Halloween candy production. The guests explore how various income groups are adapting their spending habits and why a young graduate chose to seek employment overseas amid economic uncertainty.

15 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 26min
The national debt hit $38 trillion, and yes, you should care
Join Sabri Beneshaw, a Marketplace reporter, as he uncovers the implications of the U.S. national debt hitting $38 trillion and its effects on everyday consumers. Amanda Mull from Bloomberg Businessweek delves into the world of premium credit cards and their enticing perks designed for big spenders. Matt Levin explores how always-on AI wearables are reshaping relationships, with couples using technology to enhance communication. Spencer Kornhaber from The Atlantic discusses the evolving landscape of criticism in the digital age.


