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
Nov 12, 2024 • 27min
How do people pay for things when they retire?
Grammy Gracie, a retired longtime bread-factory worker, shares life on a fixed income and how she pays the bills. She talks about Social Security, pensions versus employer accounts like 401(k)s, and why starting retirement savings early matters. Short stories and a tree metaphor make compound growth and saving habits easy to understand.
Nov 5, 2024 • 25min
Sing along with “Million Bazillion”
This week, Ryan and Bridget take the stage to perform some greatest hits from the “Million Bazillion” songbook. They’ll revisit some of their favorite songs about why it can be awkward to talk about money, why the United States has its own currency, how to spot a scam and more. Plus, a never-before-heard song from “Million Bazillion: The Musical.” So put on your top hats and sequined ponchos, and get ready to sing along with us!To follow along with song lyrics, check out this episode on our website and visit our YouTube playlist to sing and dance to all your favorite “Million Bazillion” hits. We’ve also have discussion questions and tips!
Oct 29, 2024 • 23min
Why do we have pennies? (and more money questions)
Ryan and Bridget are back in the studio to host another live call-in show to answer the quick but not always easy questions listeners have about money. Together, they break down the difference between credit and debit cards, explain why pennies exist and show you how to spot fake money. But things take a turn when their soundboard develops a mind of its own.If your family is interested in learning more about any of the questions we answered in this episode, check out our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips!
Oct 22, 2024 • 27min
What’s the difference between brand-name items and generics?
Million Bazillion listener Kade wants to know why brand-name products cost more than store-brand and generic products. Bridget and Ryan head to a grocery store where they meet a talking can of soup in need of a brand makeover. In this episode, they learn the differences between brand-name products and generics, why we care about brands, and why they’re more expensive.If your family is interested in learning more about the difference between brand names and generics, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips!
Oct 15, 2024 • 29min
Let’s talk about savings accounts
Bridget and Ryan are back for a whole new season of “Million Bazillion”! With the help of their new All Questioning Questioni machine, they’re ready to answer more money questions than ever before — starting with savings accounts and how they work. Bridget and Ryan visit a circus-themed bank searching for answers and learn the step-by-step process of opening a bank account.If your family is interested in learning more about savings accounts, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips!
Oct 8, 2024 • 3min
“Million Bazillion” is back Oct. 15!
Hey Million Bazillionaires, are you ready? We’ve got another season of “Million Bazillion” coming out October 8! This season, Bridget and Ryan will be answering your questions about savings accounts, retirement plans, the difference between brand name and store brand products, why we use pennies and so much more. They’ll even visit a circus bank and hit the mall for some Black Friday shopping! 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. We’ll be making dollars make more sense every Tuesday starting Oct. 15. Listen to a sneak peek above, get caught up on any episodes you may have missed and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
May 28, 2024 • 26min
Why is there so much gold at Fort Knox?
It’s our final episode of the season, Million Bazillionaires! Today, we’re answering Sadie’s question about why there is so much gold at Fort Knox. It’s one of the most secure places in the world, and Bridget and Ryan are determined to get inside! But just as the pair lands a special tour to the top-secret gold vault, a couple of mysterious Fort Knox enthusiasts throw a wrench in their plans.If your family is interested in learning more, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more.
May 21, 2024 • 24min
What does money have to do with climate change?
Listener Frieda wrote in with a big question: What does money have to do with climate change? Luckily, Bridget and Ryan get help from a time traveler who takes them back to a time when some decisions about how we make things, how we run our economy and how we buy stuff were made. Turns out we’re feeling the ripple effects of those choices today. We’ll also hear from some real-life kids who have been looking for ways to slow and stop climate change in their communities.If your family is interested in learning more, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more.
May 14, 2024 • 27min
How does the economy work? (and other important money questions)
It’s a big day for Ryan and Bridget. They’re hosting their first ever live call-in radio show to answer listeners’ questions. After some awkward stumbles in the studio, they’ll explain how the economy works, why we use money, why some stores give out coupons and why the symbol for dollars ($) is an S with a line through it.All good questions! It’s going to be a jam-packed episode!If your family is interested in learning more, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more!
May 7, 2024 • 33min
What is bankruptcy?
Bridget and Ryan are studying at the library, hoping to answer Maebinn’s question about bankruptcy. The duo discovers an epic fantasy storybook about a bankrupt prince and his dangerous and frustrating journey to declaring bankruptcy. There are a lot of tricky rules! They learn about the different types of bankruptcies for people and businesses, and why bankruptcy can sometimes give folks a financial fresh start but is still an option of last resort for those who can’t pay their debts. Along the way, they’ll also meet knights, princesses, wizards, and even some lawyer elves.If your family is interested in learning more, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more!
