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 30, 2024 • 30min
Why does it feel so good to spend money?
Ryan feels a little down about not winning a podcasting award. When they get Malin’s question about why it feels so good to spend money, Bridget suggests they go on a shopping spree to cheer him up! And it works — thanks to some brain chemicals and Ryan’s Emotions Elf. But when the shopping trip gets a bit out of hand, those happy emotions turn into regret and fear, and the duo need to get help from experts to understand what shopping does to our brains and how to have a healthier relationship with spending.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!
Apr 23, 2024 • 28min
How do people pay for college?
In this episode, Bridget and Ryan answer Aela’s question about college saving accounts and how they work with a special guest: an aspiring tooth fairy hoping to embark on her own college adventure! Together, they’ll learn all about the ways people save or pay for college: savings accounts, 529 plans, scholarships, and student loans during orientation day at Magic University. And they’ll meet some magical (and spooky) creatures along the way.If your family is interested in learning more about ways to save for college, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more!
Apr 16, 2024 • 31min
What are unions?
This week, Bridget and Ryan are working hard to answer a question many listeners sent in, including Benicio, about labor unions and how they work. They get some help from a group of middle school babysitters called The Caregiver Crew who want to form a union. We’ll learn the ins and outs of negotiations, collective bargaining, strikes, and even … scabbing.If your family is interested in learning more about labor unions, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more!
10 snips
Apr 9, 2024 • 33min
How are cars made?
Join Bridget and Ryan as they dive into the fascinating world of car manufacturing! Discover how cars go from parts to finished products with insights from a factory visit. They creatively compare the assembly process to pizza-making, highlighting teamwork and technology. Plus, Ryan's newfound passion for soapbox car racing adds an exciting twist, culminating in a playful competition. Learn about the economic impact of the auto industry and get inspired by innovations in car manufacturing!
Apr 2, 2024 • 2min
“Million Bazillion” is back April 9!
Hey Million Bazillionaires! Get ready for another season of “Million Bazillion” coming to your feeds April 9. This season, Bridget and Ryan will be answering your questions about labor unions, the different ways to pay for college, bankruptcy, the gold at Fort Knox and so much more. They’ll be getting up to hijinks in factories, consorting with magical beings, and even … consulting experts! 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 April 9. Listen to a sneak peek above, get caught up on any episodes you may have missed and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
Mar 5, 2024 • 1min
A new edition of Million Bazillion Academy!
Hey, Million Bazillionaires! We’re working on a brand new season of “Million Bazillion” (more on that very soon). But if you need more “Million Bazillion” in your life, we have something just for you. It’s the latest round of the Million Bazillion Academy, a free email newsletter course that teaches kids about business, the economy and lots of other good money stuff we haven’t covered on the show before. New lessons arrive weekly, and you can complete them at your own pace. To enroll, visit Marketplace.org/Academy.
7 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 16min
From “Financially Inclined”: How to make the workforce work for you
Discover how young professionals can effectively navigate the corporate world! From a recent graduate's firsthand insights into expectations versus reality, to strategies for mastering interview preparation, there's so much to learn. Explore the importance of aligning personal values with workplace culture, and understand the evolving priorities of Gen Z, like mental health and work-life balance. Plus, find tips on building relationships at work and discovering career paths that resonate with your passions!
Nov 21, 2023 • 21min
From our friends at “Financially Inclined”: How to save money
Saving money might sound like a chore, but Yanely Espinal and Berna Anat are here to remind you that saving money can help you afford more of what you want, and you can have fun along the way! Think you’re financially inclined? Check out the savings tips below:A comparison of high-yield savings accounts from NerdWalletHere are some free savings trackers you can printLook at these different savings apps reviewed by BankrateYou can find more financial tips from Berna on her Instagram Are you in an educational setting? Here’s a handy listening guide. This podcast is presented in partnership with Greenlight: the money app for teens — with investing. For a limited time, our listeners can earn $10 when they sign up for a Greenlight account. Join today.
Oct 17, 2023 • 28min
What’s up with those claw machines?
It’s our last episode of the season, Million Bazillionaires! And we’re answering Maddox’s question about what happens to your quarter when you put it inside a claw machine. It just zips away! Ryan and Bridget talk to an expert who lets them peek inside a claw machine to find out where that quarter goes. After getting some tips on how to win at the claw, Bridget gets a little too hung up on trying to win a stuffie, leaving it up to Ryan to bring her back to reality (shocking, we know).If your family is interested in learning more about claw machines, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more!
Oct 10, 2023 • 31min
Who sets the price of rent?
It’s board game night and Ryan and Bridget are also planning to answer Amala’s question about the price of rent. She wants to know who sets it. Luckily for everyone, Bridget happens to have handy her version of “Real Estate-Opoloy.” It’s the classic board game about renting and buying that’s inspired family fights and feuds for generations. But before they can get started, the duo are sucked into the game. While they try to figure out a way out, they’ll learn the answer to Amala’s question and a whole lot more about renting and owning a home.If your family is interested in learning more about rent and housing, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more!
