There’s been a lot of debate lately about the potential effects of smartphones and social media on young people’s mental health. Some states like states like Florida and Utah have even tried to ban kids from using social media apps until they reach a certain age. But Mikey Jensen, professor of clinical psychology and director of the Interactions and Relationships Lab at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, said outright bans could do more harm than good. On the show today: How smartphones and social media are reshaping our lives. And why we should focus on the quality of kids’ online t ..read more

It’s Tax Day! Millions of Americans have already filed their 2023 returns, but today we’re talking about tax protesters and the moral and ethical reasons some refuse to file their taxes or pay what they owe. Plus, the “no landing” scenario has entered the chat. And, what are we getting wrong about the cosmos? Here’s everything we talked about today: “Taxes are due even if you object to government policies or doubt the validity of the 16th Amendment’s ratification” from The Conversation “Taxes 2024: I stopped paying taxes a decade ago. The results shocked me.” from Slate “‘The 401(k) industry ..read more

It’s hard to get around without a car these days. But in the last couple of years, owning one has become very expensive. We’ll explain the deceptive practices happening in the auto lending market. And, we’ll explain how Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s power in the Democratic Party was demonstrated by a campaign contribution. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty and weigh in on “dumbphones” and adult gap years. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Ocasio-Cortez Never Steered Money to a Key Arm of Her Party. Until Now.” from The New York Times “The rise of the scammy car loan ..read more

Today, we’re discussing the bond market’s big reaction to the latest inflation news and why you shouldn’t worry about it. Plus, a new Boeing whistleblower comes forward, and Beyoncé calls out the home insurance industry. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Bonds are talking to us after inflation gauge comes in above forecasts” from Marketplace “US consumer prices heat up in March; seen delaying Fed rate cut” from Reuters “$6.6 billion TSMC deal in Arizona the latest in the CHIPS Act’s rollout” from Marketplace “TSMC: Biden to give Taiwanese company $6.6 billion to ramp up U ..read more

Inflation is coming in hot! Today’s consumer price index shows prices kept rising in March. Kai Ryssdal explains the one thing everybody should be doing right about now in addition to taking a deep breath! Plus, the rising cost of insurance — from homeowners coverage to life insurance — and what companies are doing to dump customers. Also, hear a whale talk to a scientist. Here’s everything we talk about today: “Hot Inflation Report Derails Case for Fed’s June Rate Cut” from The Wall Street Journal “Insurers Are Spying on Your Home From the Sky” from The Wall Street Journal “The Soarin ..read more

There’s a lot of buzz about a slowdown in the electric vehicle market. EV sales, while still growing, are not accelerating at the pace of just a few years ago. At the same time, EV makers from Tesla to General Motors and Ford are pushing back EV plans. So, what gives? On the show today, Robinson Meyer of Heatmap explains what’s really happening with the U.S. EV market, what it’s going to take to rev it back up, competition from China and whether moves by the Biden administration will be enough to help domestic EV producers pull ahead. Then, can robots make the meatpacking industry safer? Plus ..read more

The Biden administration is in a mad dash to address student debt relief ahead of the presidential election. A new plan could benefit tens of millions of Americans. We’ll explain. Plus, a Kai rant about a CEO who gets too much attention. And, there seems to be a market for everything! We’ll tell you about a new fad involving kids and mini pencils. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Biden announces new student debt relief plan for millions of borrowers” from The Hill “Biden seeks student debt relief for millions” from NPR “Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Might Face Interest-Rate Spike” fr ..read more

Today, we’re talking earthquakes! First, our East Coast-based hosts react to the shaking on their side of the country. Then, we’ll examine how earthquake preparedness in Taiwan saved lives and prevented a big problem for the global tech economy. Later, we’ll weigh in on restoring blue check marks on X, New York earthquake memes and solar eclipse tourism in a round of Half Full/Half Empty! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness saved a lot of lives — and prevented a catastrophe for the global tech economy” from Vox “It’s not just you. Here’s why pollen alle ..read more

Today, we’re picking guest host Amy Scott’s brain about two major news stories: the Baltimore bridge collapse and the recent Realtors settlement. We have lots of questions for the Baltimore resident and senior Marketplace correspondent covering all things housing! Plus, we’ll celebrate an American teen who made figure skating history. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Key Bridge disaster slows or stops Baltimore port jobs” from Marketplace “Maryland legislators hope to help port workers and others affected by the bridge collapse” from Marketplace “Lina Khan – FTC Chair on Amazo ..read more

It’s spring break for a lot of you. So, today we’re taking you on a little road trip (sort of) to the Southwest. Water is running really low there. As part of the latest season of “How We Survive,” Marketplace’s climate solutions podcast, host Amy Scott traveled across the region to dig into the water tech solutions that are helping communities adapt. So buckle up and get ready to get smart about the water crisis in the West ..read more