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
Oct 3, 2023 • 23min
Presenting “The Ten News: Operation Climate Conservation” ♻️
“Ten News” Road Trip Remix: 👟 Grab your AirPods, favorite pair of tennis shoes, and hop outside, Ten’ers. Today’s episode is meant for a long walk or bike ride as we learn about ways to be more climate friendly. Let’s start with “Nature Nerds'” Laine Farber’s take on reducing your carbon footprint. Oh, we can’t forget Laine’s rundown of potty training cows.🌱 And last, but certainly not least, we’re talking futuristic farming and revisiting Garrison Harward at his aquaponics farm in Brooklyn!
4 snips
Sep 26, 2023 • 29min
Ponzi schemes, tricks and scams!
Brenda Hammer, the lead investigator from the hit show "Scam Slammers!", joins the discussion to uncover the world of Ponzi schemes. She shares her investigative insights and helps unpack the mechanics of these scams, revealing how they deceive victims. Listeners learn to identify warning signs, like unrealistic returns and unsolicited offers. Personal anecdotes from the hosts add humor while driving home the critical need for scam awareness, equipping young audiences with essential tips to safeguard their investments.
Sep 21, 2023 • 2min
Introducing: PBS Kids’ “Jamming on the Job”
Dive into a vibrant world where music meets meaningful careers! Join talented hosts as they explore diverse jobs through catchy tunes and inspiring tales. Each episode features a new profession, sparking curiosity in kids while teaching vital skills like empathy and problem-solving. With help from a magical boombox, original songs are crafted that make learning about work fun and engaging for the whole family. Discover how creativity and careers come together in this delightful journey!
Sep 19, 2023 • 27min
Why do some jobs get tips but not others?
In our previous episode, Bridget promised Ryan she’d take him to Happy Land Theme Park and Resort. And Bridget keeps her promises! It’s the perfect place to answer Henry’s question. He wants to know why some jobs get tips and others don’t. This proves to be a tricky one to answer, as Ryan and Bridget soon find out. They enlist the help of Happy Land Founder, Mort Bisby. Inside Mort’s hidden lair, they’ll learn some tips on well… tipping.If your family is interested in learning more about tipping, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more!
Sep 12, 2023 • 27min
What’s a recession? Let’s talk about it.
When listener Lulu asks a question about economic recessions and depressions, Ryan and Bridget know they have to go to where some of the best scholars of recessions and depressions are working: the Federal Reserve! While learning about how the Federal Reserve keeps an eye on the health of our economy, the pair accidentally unleash an economic disaster. They’ll need the help of the Fed’s Recession Crushers to get things back in line. Who ya gonna call? The Recession Crushers!If your family is interested in learning more about recessions, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more!
Sep 5, 2023 • 28min
What is an auction and how does it work?
It’s a new season of Million Bazillion and in this episode, Ryan and Bridget are answering Hezekiah’s questions about auctions. He wants to know everything about them — what are they, how do they work, and what’s up with those paddles and the fast talkin’? Ryan and Bridget head to their very first auction to find out. But the pair get caught up in the excitement and end up accidentally buying the very first Million Bazillion mascot. They’ll use the help and experience of their new friend, a real-life 16-year-old auctioneer, to navigate the auction and steer out of trouble.If your family is interested in learning more about auctions, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more!
Aug 29, 2023 • 2min
New episodes of “Million Bazillion” coming Sept. 5!
Hey Million Bazillionaires, are you ready? We’ve got another season of “Million Bazillion” coming out Sept. 5! This season, Bridget and Ryan will be answering your questions about recessions, auctions and something called a Ponzi scheme. It’s gonna be an adventurous season, so buckle in! 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 Sept. 5. Listen to a sneak peek above, get caught up on any episodes you may have missed and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
Mar 14, 2023 • 25min
Why are there so many of the same stores?
In our final episode of the season, Bridget and Ryan get a question from Will in Ohio and are taking a cross-country road trip to answer it. Will wants to know why there are so many of the same stores. From Starbucks to Home Depot and all the McDonald’s in between, we’ll break down the reason why.For a special cartoon, discussion questions and tips for parents, check out our website!
Mar 7, 2023 • 30min
Why do some people get paid more than others?
For this week’s question, both Henry and Nathanial wanted to know why workers don’t get paid the same. Ryan and Bridget help break down what’s known as the “wage gap” with the help of the Vindicators superhero squad who are on a mission to make pay more fair. Plus, we brainstorm ways to fix the problem.Check out our website for a special cartoon, discussion questions and tips for parents.
Feb 28, 2023 • 29min
“Million Bazillion” Presents: “Money Mania” game show
It’s the inaugural (maybe the only one ever?) “Money Mania,” a game show from “Million Bazillion” in which five lucky listeners compete in an elaborate obstacle course to get their questions answered. This week, we’ll tackle questions like: What is profit? Why do receipts have so many words? And, what do stores do with all their leftover holiday stuff?
