Marketplace

Daniel Tarullo, a former member of the Federal Reserve Board and an expert in monetary policy, discusses the recent divisions within the Fed regarding prioritizing jobs versus inflation. He explains the significance of consensus for effective communication with the markets and highlights the increasing political pressures affecting FOMC dynamics. Tarullo also reflects on the Fed's evolving role and its long-term challenges, while other topics touch on consumer trends at dollar stores and the growing electricity demands from data centers.

Henry App, a Marketplace reporter specializing in energy markets, discusses the current oil supply dynamics, highlighting high production levels from countries like the U.S. and Brazil amid low demand. Wendy Edelberg, an economist at the Brookings Institution, paints a sobering picture of a no-immigration economy, emphasizing potential declines in job growth and productivity. They also examine Zillow's removal of climate risk data from home listings, the impact of shipping tariffs, and PepsiCo's new dye-free snack options.

In this engaging discussion, Amy Scott, host of How We Survive, explores the innovative world of lab-grown chocolate as a sustainable food option amidst climate change. Meanwhile, Mary Pilon, a journalist and author, dives into the cultural significance of Monopoly, reflecting on its ties to American values around wealth and property. The conversation also touches on rising credit card debt as holiday spending increases, highlighting the financial pressures many families face this season.

Ben Jordan, a musician and scientist, dives into the world of AI-generated music, discussing how artists are combatting unauthorized use of their work. He unveils innovative techniques like adversarial noise and Poisonify to protect original music from AI scraping. The podcast also touches on the surprising dip in retail temp hiring for the holidays while other sectors like event venues and transportation still seek workers. Additionally, there's a focus on managing kids' screen time and lessons in stock market investing.

Justin Ho, a Marketplace reporter, breaks down the implications of falling Treasury yields on Fed expectations. Sabri Beneshour explains how market participants use Fed funds futures to hedge bets on the Fed's decisions. Ben Cohen dives into the rise of PG movies at the box office, highlighting studios' strategies to target kids. Kristen Schwab sheds light on the confusing labor market dynamics, while Matt Levin discusses the safety implications of AI toys making their way into children's hands this Christmas.

Jessica Rett, a linguist at UCLA, delves into the definition of 'affordability' and its implications in economic discourse. Economists Abdullah Al-Burrani and Mihaly Pintia share insights on how affordability is perceived across different households, emphasizing personal experiences amid rising costs of essentials like groceries and medical care. They discuss the tension between quantitative measures and individual feelings of financial strain, making the concept of affordability both a statistical and a personal matter.

Dylan Demery, owner of She's Fly, a women’s fly-fishing outfitter based in Fort Collins, discusses the unique challenges small retailers face during the holiday season. He reveals insights on pricing strategies and supply chain issues that impact sales. The conversation also touches on the rising trend of Americans juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet, highlighting shifts in today’s workforce. Demery's candid perspective sheds light on the tough economic landscape for small businesses and their resilience.

Alan Perlstein, CEO of California Cultured, dives into the world of lab-grown chocolate, revealing how climate change is driving this innovative solution to cocoa shortages. Toto Alamasi, a refugee farmer in Houston, shares his experiences with urban farming and the impact of USDA funding cuts on food accessibility. Together, they discuss the challenges of maintaining food security while exploring new markets for local produce. This engaging conversation offers a fresh perspective on food sustainability and the future of family meals.

In this discussion, Greg Ip, the Economics columnist from The Wall Street Journal, dives into the recent successes of off-price retailers like TJX, who thrive as shoppers seek bargains amidst economic stress. He explores sluggish job growth and implications for the Federal Reserve, highlighting how political sentiment influences consumer confidence. Additionally, Greg addresses challenges in supply chains and the impact of USDA funding cuts on small farmers, showcasing the interconnectedness of today's economic landscape.

The September jobs report finally arrived after a six-week delay, showing employers added 119,000 jobs — well above expectations. The BLS also recorded an unusually strong 80% employer response rate, the highest since 2019. Improved accuracy came as a consequence of the deferred report. Also in this episode: Food service gained 36,000 jobs, America’s brand image hit a new low, and a scholarship celebrated 20 years of supporting Latina students.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.