Million Bazillion
Marketplace
Million Bazillion is a podcast from Marketplace that inspires families to talk about money. Described as “a godsend for anyone who knows a little kid with big questions about money,” by The New York Times, the podcast tackles questions from: "What is cryptocurrency?" to “How do I save money?” and “How does inflation work?” Hosts Ryan Perez and Bridget Bodnar take listeners on an awesome adventure to answer the awkward, complex, and sometimes surprising money questions from real kids.
Million Bazillion is funded in part by the Sy Syms Foundation, partnering with organizations and people working for a better and more just future since 1985. And special thanks to The Ranzetta Family Charitable Fund and Next Gen Personal Finance for providing the start-up funding for this podcast, and continuing to support Marketplace in our work to make younger audiences smarter about the economy.
Million Bazillion is funded in part by the Sy Syms Foundation, partnering with organizations and people working for a better and more just future since 1985. And special thanks to The Ranzetta Family Charitable Fund and Next Gen Personal Finance for providing the start-up funding for this podcast, and continuing to support Marketplace in our work to make younger audiences smarter about the economy.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 7, 2026 • 3min
“Million Bazillion” Season 10 is almost here!
Hello, Million Bazillionaires, we’ve got a new season of “Million Bazillion” coming your way on April 14!To mark the 10th season, Bridget and Ryan are going all out to answer your money questions. If you’re wondering why gas prices keep going up? We’ve got answers. Curious what the fuss is about Tax Day? We’ve got that covered too. Plus, a special episode about the gold standard, recorded in front of a real live audience. If you’re in or near the Boston area come see us live. Check our events page for ticket information.Don’t forget to sign up for the “Million Bazillion” newsletter so you never miss an episode and get access to episode extras, including conversation starters for grownups and kids.New episodes drop every Tuesday starting April 14. Listen to a sneak peek above, get caught up on any episodes you may have missed and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
Mar 30, 2026 • 27min
What is inflation?
Today we're resharing an episode from our archive that might feel more relevant with gas prices up. We're going to dig more into those gas prices in the new season of “Million Bazillion: (coming soon). But this is a good time to learn about something called "inflation." After traveling back in time to stock up on snacks, Bridget and Ryan get a chance to try to control runaway inflation … but their ideas don’t quite go as planned.
Nov 11, 2025 • 33min
What are royalties, trademark and copyright?
It’s karaoke night for Bridget and Ryan, but something stops them from belting their favorite tunes on their podcast: the law. It’s the perfect setup to answer a question from Garrett, who wants to know about copyright, trademarks, and royalties. We all know people deserve to be paid for their creative ideas. But how does it actually work? Together, we’ll find out how creators protect their ideas and make money from them. Plus, will Ryan be able to turn what he’s learned into a lucrative musical career?If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!
Nov 4, 2025 • 29min
Why do we have $2 bills if nobody uses them?
In this enlightening discussion, Alexander Hamilton, portrayed as a ghost, shares the intriguing history of the $2 bill. He reveals how these once common bills were used during the Civil War and why they've developed a quirky reputation. Listeners learn about superstitions that led to decreased circulation and the challenges businesses face with rare currency. With humorous anecdotes and engaging tales, the episode sheds light on why $2 bills still hold value and charm despite their scarcity.
Oct 28, 2025 • 26min
What is the national debt?
It’s Halloween, and Bridget and Ryan are trying to answer a question about the national debt while preparing for their town’s giant Halloween extravaganza. The town has taken on debt to make things extra spooky this year and things are starting to get a little out of control! Can Bridget and Ryan help the town navigate their monster debt?(Grownups: This is episode does contain monsters but no jump scares! You know your kid listeners best, so exercise caution if Halloween is more tricky than treat for them!)If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!
Oct 24, 2025 • 6min
How do stocks make money? (Part 2)
In the previous episode of “Million Bazillion,” listener Aditya wanted to know all about the stock market, and how people make money from stocks. So what happens when a kid actually decides to try it out? Well, today we’re going to hear Joshua’s investing story, in his own words, and what happened when he decided to invest money in the stock market instead of keeping it in the bank. Don’t worry! He didn’t do it alone. His dad helped every step of the way, because investing is serious stuff and should always involve a trusted grownup!
Oct 21, 2025 • 29min
How do stocks make money?
Two reporters visit the New York Stock Exchange to figure out how stocks make money. They explore share price gains and dividends as the main paths to profit. The episode contrasts risky single-stock chasing with low-risk, diversified index investing. A real eight-week experiment shows the different outcomes of those strategies.
Oct 14, 2025 • 28min
What is insurance?
Today, we’re resharing an important episode from our archive! There’s a major storm brewing, and Ryan and Bridget are stuck inside. It’s the perfect opportunity to answer a question they got from Archer in Los Angeles: What is insurance? Archer’s dad is an insurance agent, and Archer wants to know what his dad does all day. Turns out insurance is uh, complicated. From home insurance to health insurance, we’re going to figure out what it is and why people use it. Plus, we have a catchy song to help you remember the difference between some confusing insurance jargon.If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!
9 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 7min
What is a government shutdown?
Curious Esmé discovers her dad is home due to a government shutdown, sparking a dive into what that means. The hosts explain that a shutdown halts funding when Congress misses deadlines, affecting many federal workers. Essential services like safety and defense keep running, but many families face uncertainty. They explore past shutdown durations and how the U.S. differs from other countries in managing budgets. It's a blend of learning and fun as they tackle this important topic through a kid's perspective!
Oct 7, 2025 • 26min
Why is it called a bull market or a bear market?
Bridget and Ryan are at the Podcast Hosts for Youths Sleepaway Camp, but Ryan just can’t fall asleep. That’s when they meet Dougie Pickles, host of the Cozy Critters sleepy time podcast, with a surprising bedtime trick. Together, they unpack the world where animals and money collide, learn what bull and bear markets are, and introduce us to a fishy little entrepreneur, all while soothing Ryan to sleep. Plus, what do you think is more expensive to feed, a tiger or an elephant?If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!
