Slate Money

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A weekly roundup of the most important stories from the worlds of business and finance, hosted by Felix Salmon.Want more Slate Money?…

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About Slate Money

A weekly roundup of the most important stories from the worlds of business and finance, hosted by Felix Salmon.Want more Slate Money? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple…

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Episodes

Latest 200 episodes in the feed

Oct 27, 2026 · 42 min

Money Talks: Is it Time To Panic About A.I. Yet?

Investment in artificial intelligence is driving our economy and the markets but it’s also doing something else … scaring the hell out of people. On this episode of Money Talks, host Emily Peck sits down with Axios reporters Sam Sabin and Maria Curie to talk about what threats are real and what threats are alarmist when it comes to AI, and how lawmakers are dealing with a fast moving situation that they don’t seem…
Oct 24, 2026 · 40 min

The A.I. Billionaire Class

This week: Meta struck a deal to keep Mark Zuckerberg in California despite the proposed “billionaire tax”. First up, hosts Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers explain the how the new stock issuance works and why Meta’s board’s hands were tied. Then, after Elon Musk floated a Tesla/SpaceX merger, they discuss what he and the companies would stand to gain and who might be able to stand in his way.…
Oct 17, 2026 · 49 min

Banana Prices Stay Sane

This week: Inflation is going bananas (unless you’re talking about the actual fruit.) First up, hosts Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers dig into what is causing inflation and why bananas should actually cost more than they do. Then, Meta wants everyone to play with its new A.I. model but is the cuteness covering up something sinister? Finally, why Kelly Clarkson really doesn’t get that Brooklyn magic…
Oct 13, 2026 · 43 min

The Specter of Puerto Rico’s Debt

When Puerto Rico’s debt crisis ballooned into the largest governmental default in U.S. history, Congress stepped in with an unprecedented solution. Felix Salmon is joined by David Skeel , who served as chair on the oversight board that helped the island regain economic stability and detailed the saga of this debt crisis in his book Promise Land . They discuss the ins and outs of government debt, the idea of state…
Oct 10, 2026 · 56 min

DiscoDance

This week, we’re talking about a mega-merger, Spain, and artificial intelligence. First up, hosts Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers go deep on the Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger. They unpack David Ellison's calculus, the potential ripple effects, and more. Then they look to Europe at the economic woes in Spain and France. Finally, Silicon Valley really, really wants A.I. in schools. But…

Earlier episodes (195)

Oct 3, 2026 The Personal Finance-sode
Adam Auriemma , author of the Bloomberg Money newsletter, brings his personal finance expertise to the show. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck pick Adam’s brain about how we should think about budgeting, his thoughts on renting and buying in the current housing market, and his take on financial advisors and planners. In the Slate Plus episode: Annuities Are So Hot Right Now Want to hear that…
Sep 29, 2026 Money Talks: Chasing Ambulances on Wall Street
In this Money Talks: Emily Peck interviews reporter Ellen Gabler about her New York Times investigation into how Wall Street investors are making money on personal-injury lawsuits that drag on for years—with unsettling consequences for plaintiffs. Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate…
Sep 26, 2026 Fabulous, Beautiful Debt
This week: The bond market continues to churn with yields spiking globally. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck are joined by Financial Times journalist Robin Wigglesworth , whose new book, A Fabulous Debt: The Epic Story of How Bonds Built the Modern World , feels particularly relevant right now. Robin recounts the research he did for the book and explains why the history of bonds is more interesting…
Sep 19, 2026 Avoiding the A.I. Apocalypse
This week: Everyone is talking about A.I. safety as OpenAI shares more alarming security breaches. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck examine the complicated reality of trying to slow down the A.I. frontier. Then, the hosts discuss Fed chair Kevin Warsh’s unexpected vote to raise rates—in defiance of Donald Trump. And finally, with the SEC opening the door to tokenized equities, they explain what it…
Sep 15, 2026 Money Talks: The Zero-sum Mistake
In this Money Talks: Roy Swan joins Elizabeth Spiers to turn the assumption of a zero-sum economy on its head. Swan, the director of the Ford Foundation’s mission investments program, explains why the idea that someone has to lose in order for you to win is not just costing societally, but economically—and how positive impact and positive returns aren’t mutually exclusive. Swan’s new book is Positive Sum: How…
Sep 12, 2026 The Private Equity Confidence Game
This week: The new book Money to Burn goes deep on private-equity behemoth Apollo Global Management and its billionaire cofounder and former CEO, Leon Black. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck are joined by author William D. Cohan to talk about his reporting on Black’s investment empire and what it means for Wall Street to be dominated by private equity. They also get into Black’s tragic origin story,…
Sep 5, 2026 The $12.93 Billion Emoji Joke
This week: Nvidia joined Silicon Valley’s A.I. investment frenzy and bought Hugging Face for $12.93 billion. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss what this deal signals about the astounding amounts of money being thrown around the relatively niche market of A.I. investment. Then, bond yields are on the rise and the hosts discuss why global concern is rising with them. And finally, what do George…
Sep 1, 2026 Money Talks: The Dinosaur Economy
One-hundred-million-year-old bones are so hot right now. In this Money Talks , Felix Salmon is joined by Salomon Aaron, director of an antiquities gallery specializing in fossils, to explain everything you ever wanted to know about dealing in dinosaurs and why the market has exploded in recent years. Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite…
Aug 29, 2026 Canadian Beef
This week: Meta settles with the U.S. states suing the company over teen safety concerns. Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers are joined by Scarlet Fu of the new Bloomberg Money (while Felix is stuck on a tarmac somewhere in Canada) to discuss if Meta’s $17 billion settlement is as big of a deal as it sounds, and what this outcome really means for the social media guardrails overall. Then, they turn to the disastrous…
Aug 22, 2026 P(doom) and Other AI Questions
This week: the Slate Money hosts ask all their burning A.I. questions to someone who can actually answer them. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck sit down with A.I. expert Noah Brier and pick his brain about the reality of all our A.I. fears, the arms race with China, and how businesses are using it now. In the Slate Plus episode: What’s Up With Robots? Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate…
Aug 18, 2026 Money Talks: Do Childcare Subsidies Pay Off?
In this Money Talks: Martha Gimble , the Executive Director of the Budget Lab at Yale, joins Elizabeth Spiers to explain their recent report on early childhood education and care policies and how federal subsidies could realistically work to make these things affordable. Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe…
Aug 15, 2026 What the Shell?
This week: The Treasury Department announced it’s killing an anti-corruption measure that requires shell companies to identify their beneficiaries. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck explain how a key aspect of the bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act ended up on the chopping block—and what lobbyists and the Trump administration stand to gain from its elimination. Then, the hosts discuss the…
Aug 8, 2026 The Unwanted Art Boom
This week: On the heels of his recent story on the glut of art that baby boomers are leaving to younger generations, Felix Salmon talks with Elizabeth Spiers and Emily Peck about why boomers like to collect things—from fine art to Pez dispensers—and why younger generations aren’t necessarily following suit. Then, the hosts look at why Scott Bessent decided to prop up the Japanese yen and what makes the move…
Aug 4, 2026 Money Talks: Live from the Library of Mistakes
In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon sits down with Lee Buchheit for an in-depth chat on sovereign debt at a live event hosted by The Library of Mistakes .  Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify . Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get…
Aug 1, 2026 Too Situationally Aware to Fail
This week: Situational Awareness—an A.I.-forward hedge fund led by a former wunderkind and OpenAI employee—was tanking fast until a rival fund stepped in. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck explain the series of events that led to Citadel swooping in to buy the bulk of assets held by 25-year-old Leopold Aschenbrenner’s investment firm. Then, it’s time to talk about the “crack spread”—aka the reason we…
Jul 25, 2026 Explosive You-Know-What
This week: The term “explosive diarrhea” captured the nation's attention, turning all eyes toward the company linked to a major cyclosporiasis outbreak. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss the much-talked about food poisoning story and the PR flubs of Trump-aligned Taylor Farms. Then, the hosts give an update on Trump’s latest attempt to keep his beloved tariffs alive after the Supreme Court…
Jul 21, 2026 Money Talks: Plastic, Plastic Everywhere
In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers talks to journalist Beth Gardiner about her expose of the plastic industry, Plastic Inc. They’ll get into the unsettling history behind the now ubiquitous material and how Big Oil has managed to hide in plain sight, shifting the burden of plastic waste onto consumers.  Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your…
Jul 18, 2026 What’s A.I. Doing to Our Energy Bills?
This week: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul put a statewide moratorium on building A.I. data centers. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss the decision and how the rush to build data centers is driving up energy costs. Then, the hosts explain how a new law–which removes an existing requirement for mobile-home construction–might help the affordable-housing crisis. And finally:what the hell is going on…
Jul 11, 2026 You’ve Got IPO
This week: The company buying up legacy brands like AOL, Evernote, and Vimeo had a huge IPO with shares immediately surging by 40%. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and guest host Stacy-Marie Ishmael discuss the Milan-based company’s strategy and unexpected success. Then, the hosts look at how prediction markets are booming during the World Cup. And later: why Bitcoin’s plummeting price is costing Eric Trump…
Jul 7, 2026 Money Talks: The Economics of Repugnant Transactions
In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon is joined by Nobel Prize winning-economist Alvin Roth to discuss his new book, Moral Economics , which uses controversial topics—like prostitution and organ sales—to explore how morality shapes a market … and how we can apply economics lessons to big ethical issues. Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate…
Jul 4, 2026 Synergy’s Must-Watch Final Episode
Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck are joined by Reuters Media Editor Edmund Lee to revisit their 2016 predictions for the Comcast/NCBUniversal merge r, now that the companies have announced their split. Then, they explore how the World Cup fits into our very American media landscape. And finally, the hosts look at Donald Trump’s latest mandatory earnings disclosure, which revealed that he’s made over…
Jun 27, 2026 The Greenspanaissance
This week: Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan passed away at the age of 100. Today: Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck examine Greenspan’s legacy and the way it’s being emulated by the Fed’s current chair, Kevin Warsh. Then, the hosts discuss succession at JPMorgan now that CEO Jamie Dimon’s latest heir apparent, Marianne Lake, has left the company. And finally they look at the latest…
Jun 23, 2026 Money Talks: The Art of Trade War
In this Money Talks: Emily Peck sits down with Soumaya Keynes and Chad P. Bown , co-authors of How to Win a Trade War , to discuss how recent conflicts have changed the rules of international trade and which strategy they believe is the key to “winning” a modern trade war.   Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 20, 2026 Investing in SpaceX’s Future on Mars
This week: We saw just how many people are willing to invest in Elon Musk. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , look at what makes SpaceX’s massive IPO so strange and why investors are willing to overlook things like Musk’s obsession with going to Mars. Then, they discuss Donald Trump’s deal with Iran and what the war has done to Iran’s economy. And finally, Emily unpacks the origin of tobacco-bonds…
Jun 13, 2026 We Hate the Inflation
This week: Inflation hit its highest rate in three years thanks to skyrocketing energy prices. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , parse through what the various inflation numbers mean and discuss the Fed’s and Donald Trump’s blasé reaction to the situation. Then, with the trustees warning of its depletion by 2032, the hosts talk about the possible consequences of losing Social Security. And finally,…
Jun 9, 2026 Money Talks: 500 Years of the Dollar
In this Money Talks: Author and financial journalist Brendan Greeley tells Elizabeth Spiers about his new book The Almighty Dollar —and the astonishing power this currency held long before the founding of the United States. Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple…
Jun 6, 2026 The Index Fund Problemtunity
This week: Google’s parent company announced an unexpected move to raise $80 billion for their AI ventures. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and guest host Mary Childs – host of the new show Mary in America –discuss the logic behind Alphabet's stock-based fundraise, which includes a $10 billion share sale to Berkshire-Hathaway.  Then, Mary explains why it’s getting harder for investors to avoid exposure to AI…
May 30, 2026 Least Cool Ferrari Ever
This week: Ferrari revealed its new EV designed by Jony Ive and it looked so bad it became a meme. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , discuss the reaction to the $640,000 Ferrari Luce and how this story fits into the overall state of the electric vehicle market. Then, the hosts dig into the stat dashboard the U.N. wants to replace GDP as the main prosperity metric and debate whether GDP is even…
May 26, 2026 Money Talks: What to Love About Limitations
In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by David Epstein, author of Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better , who explains his research into how limitations often lead to breakthroughs. Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify .…
May 23, 2026 Theories on Trump’s Trading Frenzy
This week: It was revealed that Donald Trump’s investment portfolio made a stunning 3,600 trades in one quarter.  Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , discuss theories on why the hell anyone would do this and whether it’s just weird or actually sinister. Then, they’ll get into the question of if it’s actually possible to “vote with your dollars” in the wake of the news that the famously…
May 16, 2026 We Need to Talk About Kevin (Warsh)
This week: Kevin Warsh took over as Federal Reserve Chair, while Jerome Powell will remain on the board. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , discuss how the Donald Trump appointee will deal with pressure from the president to lower rates despite rising inflation. Then, they cover Trump’s visit to China and what it could mean for the US-China power balance, particularly within the AI arms race. And…
May 12, 2026 Money Talks: Risk-Maxxing
In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon is joined by futurist Scott Smith who breaks down his theory of “risk-maxxing” and why it’s on the rise in economics, politics, and other spheres at this particular moment in history. Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple…
May 9, 2026 The Fun Little Drink Economy
This week: CEOs and investors at the Milken Institute Global Conference projected optimism about the economy despite the overall feeling of uncertainty brought on by Donald Trump. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , discuss Emily’s reporting from the conference, and the way capitalists have adapted to thrive amid the unpredictability of this administration. Then, they discuss GameStop CEO Ryan…
May 2, 2026 Google Gets Its Bag
This week: Google’s parent company Alphabet announced an incredible $110 billion in first-quarter revenue thanks, in part, to the computing needs of the AI boom.   Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , discuss the shocking earnings report and the reasons to doubt it as a sign of future growth, including the internet’s ever-evolving information economy. Then, they get into Bill Ackman once again…
Apr 28, 2026 Money Talks: The AI Job Apocalypse is Avoidable
In this Money Talks: MIT professor Daron Acemoglu joins Emily Peck to explain his research into pro-worker technologies and how we can not only avoid the AI job apocalypse but also improve workers' lives by shifting the goal of AI from automation to collaboration.  Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe…
Apr 25, 2026 The Legacy of “Tim Apple”
This week: Tim Cook announced he was stepping down as Apple’s CEO after 15 years. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , unpack his unique legacy as the leader of the very beloved, very visible brand. Then, Axios’ Senior Health Care Editor Adriel Bettelheim joins to explain what peptides are and how  RFK Jr. is trying to throw the doors open for the undertested wellness trend. And finally, they get…
Apr 18, 2026 Allbirds Aren’t Real
This week: Sneaker company Allbirds announced a pivot into A.I. infrastructure. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck explain why this absurd-sounding venture is actually a pretty clever piece of financial engineering. Then, the hosts get into the market surge that put the S&P 500 at a record high. And finally, the courts confirmed what we all knew: Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster are…
Apr 14, 2026 Money Talks: Psychopathy and Success
In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by psychologist Dr. Leanne ten Brinke whose new book, Poisonous People , explores the impact that people with psychopathic and related personality traits have on our everyday lives. Leanne explains her research on “dark personality traits” and success in the business world, how to spot a true psychopath, and what to do if you find yourself working with one.  Join…
Apr 11, 2026 Memestocks are Spreading
This week: Retail investors usually stick to the stock market, but many are rushing to make bets on oil futures. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss Emily’s piece about “dumb money” moving into more sophisticated trading markets —thanks to new crypto-driven platforms—and what’s motivating the trend.  Then, the hosts examine Bill Ackman’s grand plan to take over Universal Music Group, and…
Apr 4, 2026 Spice World
This week: OpenAI completed a $122 billion investment round. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss what this deal says about the private and public markets and try to wrap their heads around the astronomical valuations of OpenAI and SpaceX.  Then, Maryland-based spice company, McCormick, announced it will merge with Unilever’s food division to create a new spice and sauce mega-company. The…
Mar 31, 2026 The Illusion of ‘America’s Next Top Model’
In this Money Talks: Journalist Bridget Armstrong joins Emily Peck to discuss this moment of reckoning for the iconic reality show America’s Next Top Model and what she learned in reporting for her podcast Curse of: America’s Next Top Model . They explore how Top Model ’s central promise — a fast track to a career in the fashion industry — was ultimately an illusion used to make great television at the expense of…
Mar 28, 2026 Trade or Treason?
This week: Just minutes before Trump posted about talks with Iran, oil markets saw a flurry of activity. Conspiracy theories followed. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck dissect the suspicious timing of those trades and the possibility of insider trading within the Trump administration. Then, the hosts react to the surprising ruling on Meta and social media addiction. And: OpenAI’s sudden decision to…
Mar 27, 2026 Money On Film: Spirited Away
 Welcome to a very special Money On Film miniseries! Over three episodes, Slate Money’s Felix Salmon and Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe revisit three films at the intersection of culture and finance. On this episode, Nadira and Felix take a trip to a bathhouse for spirits in 2001’s Spirited Away . Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film follows a girl named Chihiro, who becomes trapped in the spirit world and…
Mar 24, 2026 Money On Film: Materialists
Welcome to a very special Money On Film miniseries! Over three episodes, Slate Money’s Felix Salmon and Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe revisit three films at the intersection of culture and finance. On this episode, Felix and Nadira discuss dating and money in Celine Song’s 2025 romantic comedy Materialists , which centers on a love triangle between a millionaire matchmaker (Dakota Johnson), a hunky financier…
Mar 21, 2026 Are the Billionaires Smothering HBO?
This week: The war in Iran has caused a dramatic spike in global oil prices. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss the international repercussions of the oil shortage and how central banks are responding. And: With the dust settling on the Paramount-Warner Brothers deal (including a $700 million payout to David Zaslav for some reason), the biggest loser in the megamerger might be HBO. The hosts…
Mar 20, 2026 Money On Film: Margin Call
 Welcome to a very special Money On Film miniseries! Over three episodes, Slate Money’s Felix Salmon and Slate culture writer Nadira Goffe revisit three films at the intersection of culture and finance. On this episode, we’re headed to Wall Street to watch a Felix Salmon favorite: Margin Call , the 2011 thriller-drama starring a long list of famous people, including Jeremy Irons, Paul Bettany, Stanley Tucci,…
Mar 17, 2026 Money Talks: Boilerplate Land Mines
In this Money Talks: UVA law professor Mitu Gulati joins Felix Salmon and Emily Peck to explain how an over-reliance on boilerplate language in contracts—that apparently never gets updated or even read—is leaving all of us vulnerable to legal traps. Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the…
Mar 14, 2026 A.I. Is a Hyperobject
This week: We summoned technologist and journalist Paul Ford to answer all our questions about A.I. As he explains to Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , A.I. is a hyperobject that touches everything in unknowable ways. They get into “ vibe coding ,” how it could change the game for small businesses and large corporations alike, and other concerns—like A.I.-powered wars.  Hosted on Acast. See…
Mar 7, 2026 The Burger CEOs Are Beefing
This week: The U.S. started a war in Iran. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck break down why the war is bumping the US dollar and threatening the UAE’s image as a safe haven, with a notable lack of “oil-shock.” Then, the hosts get into why Pete Hegseth’s Department of War is clashing with Anthropic, as modern warfare becomes increasingly reliant on AI. And finally, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski…
Mar 3, 2026 Money Talks: ‘Industry’ Insanity
In this Money Talks: Emily Peck is joined by Slate ’s Editor in Chief Hillary Frey and former Slate Money host Anna Szymanski of Reuters to break down this season of the HBO financial drama ‘Industry’. They'll get into the psychodrama of Kit Harrington’s Henry Muck, the thrilling parallels to real world stories, the tragic downfall of Eric Tao, and more. Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll…
Feb 28, 2026 Permanent Temporary Tariff Regime
This week: We saw the fallout from the Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump’s tariffs were indeed unconstitutional. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , weigh in on the decision and the ensuing confusion around what tariff refunds would actually look like. Then, in a surprise twist, Netflix has backed off the Warner Brothers deal, allowing Paramount to swoop in. The hosts explain what set the…
Feb 21, 2026 Planet Money In Book Form!
This week: Beloved NPR podcast Planet Money is now a book too! Author and Planet Money contributor Alex Mayyasi joins Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck to give us a peek into the upcoming Planet Money: A Guide to the Economic Forces That Shape Your Life . Pulling from their favorite chapters of the book, the hosts get into how Argentina’s attempt to foster manufacturing mirrors Trump’s recent…
Feb 17, 2026 Money Talks: The Business of Black Markets
In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon is joined by journalist Mariana van Zeller , who has spent years reporting on black and gray markets around the world and has a new podcast, The Hidden Third , that delves into these powerful underground economies. They’ll get into what Mariana has seen embedded with criminal operators, from the surprisingly mundane to the darker side of working outside the…
Feb 14, 2026 100 More Years of Google
This week: Alphabet announced a rare 100-year bond issuance.  Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , explain the calculation the tech giant is making here and how the market responded to the move. Then, an analysis from the NY Fed has concluded that most of the burden of Trump’s tariff hikes is on US households and the hosts debate the possible pros – and obvious cons – of this sneaky tax hike. And…
Feb 7, 2026 Di-SaaS-ter Market
This week: Anthropic released an update that seems to have tipped the scales against Software as a Service companies, erasing billions in market value. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , unpack why there was such a massive market response to such a small AI plugin, and what it says about the future of tech investment. Then, Disney has finally named a new CEO in Josh D’Amaro. The hosts get what it…
Feb 3, 2026 Money Talks: What Retirement Crisis?
In this Money Talks: Emily Peck is joined by Andrew Biggs, author of The Real Retirement Crisis , to talk about how the data contradicts the so-called "retirement crisis” in the US, what we misunderstand about the system, and what we should be thinking about when it comes to retirement savings.  Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite…
Jan 31, 2026 Global Carry Trade Chaos
This week: Volatility in the Japanese bond market is threatening the global trade house of cards. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , unpack the changes in Japan’s economy and why they have such a big worldwide impact. Then, they discuss the weakening US dollar and what Trump's fed chair nominee says about his administration. And finally, corporate messaging around social issues has all but gone…
Jan 24, 2026 Davos is So Back
This week: World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos is all over the news. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , explain the moments that made headlines and why Davos feels so much more relevant this year. Then, Trump promised to address the affordability crisis at Davos but failed to say much. The hosts discuss what he did say, and how the ongoing crisis is being addressed overall. And finally, a…
Jan 20, 2026 Money Talks: Modern Money Laundering
In this Money Talks: Joe Salama, Chief Compliance Officer at Coinbase and anti-money laundering expert, joins Felix Salmon to give us a rundown on the current state of money laundering around the world. They’ll get into the ongoing battle between criminals and AML to stay one step ahead of the other, why money laundry is thriving in China right now, and how the rise of cryptocurrency factors into the whole…
Jan 17, 2026 Gambling on the Globes & Geopolitics
This week: Polymarket teamed up with the Golden Globes, displaying a live ticker for betters on the broadcast. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , discuss the rising popularity of prediction markets and the potential consequences of having real world events–from award shows to geopolitical actions–be the basis for gambling payouts. Then, the Trump administration began an investigation into Fed chair…
Jan 10, 2026 Trump Is Stuck in the '80s
This week: The Trump administration kidnapped the president of Venezuela. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , Emily Peck , and guest Lizzie O'Leary , host of What Next: TBD , discuss Trump's rationale for the attack and the complex economics around Venezuelan oil that come with it. Then, Lizzie breaks down the unsettling trend of AI-generated nudes of real people, including many children, being created by X’s chatbot…
Jan 6, 2026 Money Talks: Barbie’s Dirty Laundry
In this Money Talks: Journalist and author Tarpley Hitt joins Emily Peck to discuss her new book Barbieland: The Unauthorized History which reveals the shady history behind the super-star doll. They’ll get into inventor Ruth Handler’s so-called "inspiration" by a popular German doll, Mattel’s industry spies and many, many lawsuits, and how Handler single-handedly prevented Nixon-era maternity leave policies. Join…
Jan 3, 2026 Schrödinger’s Equities
This week: 2025 ended on high for the US stock market but no one seems too pleased with its performance. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , unpack the story of the US markets in 2025, why it was outperformed internationally, and the role AI has played. Then, the hosts discuss how, amid the uncertainty and chaos of Trump’s trade war, Mexico has found a way to come out on top. And finally, 2025 saw a…
Dec 27, 2025 2025 Hot Takes
This week: We’re celebrating a year full of hot takes! Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , debate and rate the hottest takes they’ve heard this year — like Elon Musk’s claim that there will be no poverty in the future , the idea that Trump’s tariffs didn’t matter – and the collection of fire takes Felix gathered from around the Bloomberg news room. In the Slate Plus episode: The hot take that started…
Dec 23, 2025 Money Talks: Altruism After USAID
In this Money Talks: Planet Money’s Mary Childs joins Felix Salmon to share what she learned reporting on how private philanthropy is trying to cope with the influx of need now that USAID is gone. They’ll get into the headaches and heartbreaks charitable organizations Givewell and ALIMA are experiencing after the loss of billions of dollars of humanitarian aid, the practical costs of saving lives, and what you can…
Dec 20, 2025 Christmas Adjacent Inciting Incident
This week: The European Commission pushed back its timeline for all EV Europe. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck are joined by Bloomberg’s Global Automotive Editor Craig Trudell who helps understand how and why the global electronic vehicle transition is unraveling . Then, in a twist move, Truth Social parent company, Trump Media & Technology Group, merged with TAE Technologies, a fusion power…
Dec 13, 2025 Disney Gets Ahead of the Darth Vader Porn
This week: Disney has agreed to make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI along with a licensing deal setting limitations on the use of it’s IP on Sora. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss this is a precedent-setting deal and how well OpenAI will actually be able to enforce the terms of the licensing agreement. Then, the hosts examine the likelihood of rumored tech IPOs that could be more…
Dec 9, 2025 Money Talks: Don't Be Evil-ish
In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by Tim Wu to discuss his new book, The Age of Extraction , which breaks down how we ended up with an economy dominated by Big Tech and its purely profit-seeking mindset. They’ll get into the slow erosion of optimism around the internet as a democratizing force, the state of antitrust enforcement in America, and what it might look like if we stop allowing big companies…
Dec 6, 2025 Netflix Wants To Have It All
This week: Netflix has agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck are joined by the New York Times’ Nicholas Kulish to discuss the ricochet effect of such a massive media merger on the film and television industries. Then, Michael and Susan Dell have announced a $6.25 billion donation to the so-called “Trump accounts” for children. Nick, who has been covering the…
Nov 28, 2025 The Coolest Thing in the World for an Econ Nerd
This week: Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee joins Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck for an in-depth discussion on what exactly the Fed does. They’ll get into how voting and deliberation works at the FOMC, the different eras of the Fed’s communication strategy, his response to the Fed haters, and Data Dogs vs Data Cats. In the Slate Plus episode: Austan Goolsbee Interview Post-Mortem. Want to…
Nov 25, 2025 Money Talks: Chicken and a Cold Drink
In this Money Talks: The Wall Street Journal ’s Heather Haddon joins Emily Peck to unpack her recent reporting on the fast food industry, including the reason we’re seeing the “ Value Wars ” play out at places like McDonalds and Chili’s, Starbuck’s strategies to revive sales, and the intense drive-thru operations research being done by Chik-fil-A. Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access…
Nov 22, 2025 Good Riddance to Larry Summers
This week: Larry Summers has stepped down from his public positions following the release of unsavory emails he exchanged with Jeffrey Epstein. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss Summers’ correspondence with the infamous sex trafficker, the veracity of his “genius” reputation, and his beef with Felix. Then, Meta has won its anti-trust case, highlighting the current struggle to regulate Big…
Nov 15, 2025 The Correct Opinion on 50-Year Mortgages
This week: FHFA director Bill Pulte convinced Trump to back 50-year mortgages with some posterboard and a photo of FDR. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , discuss why Trump’s post about 50-year mortgages angered conservatives – officials and voters alike – and why they’re more of a hindrance than a solution to the housing crisis. Then, the White House is considering limiting the power of proxy…
Nov 13, 2025 Money on the Mind: Can You Save for Retirement ... and Save Your Parents?
In a new, very special, Death, Sex and Money and Slate Money crossover, Felix Salmon and Anna Sale are once again joined by Felix’s financial advisor Adrianna Adams from Domain Money to talk about…parents. They dig into the emotions of trying to take care of your aging parents while also growing your own wealth, the importance of setting goals, and to do with aging children AND aging parents at the same time, and…
Nov 11, 2025 Money Talks: Beyond The Pink Tax
In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman , to discuss her book The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Underpaid . They discuss Anna’s extensive research into how racism and sexism create real economic barriers in the US, why it’s not just women of color who should be worried about this disturbing trend, and what can actually be done about it. Join Slate Plus to…
Nov 8, 2025 Meta’s Instascam Ads
This week: Trump’s team has argued to the Supreme Court that his tariffs weren’t about raising revenue, despite his many previous claims to the contrary. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , Emily Peck , and guest Jeff Horwitz of Reuters, discuss whether this argument will hold against the law that says only Congress has the right to raise revenue via tariffs and taxes, or if the Supreme Court will agree with the many…
Nov 6, 2025 Money on the Mind: Prepping for Retirement Without Losing Your Mind
In a new, very special, Death, Sex and Money and Slate Money crossover, Felix Salmon and Anna Sale dig into the stressful world of financial advice and planning for retirement. How do you know if you’re set up financially to retire? Is it possible to think about retirement without having a panic attack? How much should you track your 401k? What apps should I delete? They’re joined by Felix’s financial advisor…
Nov 1, 2025 A Second Gold Toilet!?
This week: OpenAI has moved away from being run as a non-profit. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss the stated reasons behind the move and what it actually means to be a not-for-profit company. Then, the rates for next year's Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance have come out, and the prices have skyrocketed, reflecting an increase in healthcare costs across the board in the US. The hosts…
Oct 30, 2025 Money on the Mind: To Have Kids or Not to Have Kids
In a new, very special, Death, Sex and Money and Slate Money crossover, Felix Salmon and Anna Sale dig into the difficult decision of whether or not to have kids. Child care? School? New vehicle? All the baby gadgets? Kids are expensive! Felix is famously childless, Anna has a couple kids on the older side. Between the two of them they dig into their decisions to have and not have kids (including Anna’s family’s…
Oct 28, 2025 Money Talks: How Our Tax Code Makes the Rich Richer
In this Money Talks: Emily Peck and Felix Salmon are joined by legal scholar Ray D. Madoff to discuss her new book The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy . Ray lays out how the US tax code favors the wealthy to an unbelievable degree, helping them to essentially opt out of the system altogether. Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across…
Oct 25, 2025 The Louvre Heist Affair
This week: A spectacular heist unfolded at the Louvre, with thieves stealing priceless jewels within 7 minutes in broad daylight. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck unpack what happened, why the world was so delighted by this particular crime, and the reasons the thieves might not get that big of a big score in the end. Then, ADP has decided to refrain from giving the Fed special data access,…
Oct 18, 2025 Credit Cockroaches
This week: The downfall of First Brands and Tricolor has led to finger-pointing between banks and private credit firms. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss whether these fraud-related bankruptcies are a sign of major issues to come within the credit market. Then, car prices and sales are up across the board. The hosts cover the state of the auto industry, the spike in EV sales caused by…
Oct 14, 2025 Money Talks: Don’t Forget The 1929 Crash
In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon and Elizabeth Spiers are joined by journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin to discuss his new book 1929 , a detailed account of what led to Wall Street’s most devastating crash. They’ll discuss the lessons we should keep from the systemic failure that resulted in the Great Depression and why the knowledge feels as relevant as ever today. Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus,…
Oct 11, 2025 What Even Is Money?
This week: The price of gold has skyrocketed to over $4k an ounce. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck speculate why this might be happening right now – or if there even is a “why”. Then, Intercontinental Exchange has announced an investment of $2 billion in Polymarket, upping the valuation from $1 billion to $8 billion. The hosts discuss what makes prediction markets so big right now and the…
Oct 4, 2025 Argentina First?
This week: Felix Salmon finally gets to nerd out on Argentina's economy as Trump goes against the GOP playbook by bailing the country out to the tune of $20 billion. Felix, Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck break down why this is such an unusual move, how it shows Trump’s favoritism, and what it means for America’s soy farmers. Then, the US government has officially shut down but stocks are soaring. The hosts talk…
Sep 30, 2025 Money Talks: How Basquiat's Art Became a Good Investment
In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon is joined by Doug Woodham, author of the upcoming biography Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Making of an Icon, to discuss Basquiat’s path to becoming a darling of the art market. They discuss the idiosyncrasies of the art market and why Basquiat – the “Jimi Hendrix” of the art world – was initially undervalued but later became part of the modern day art canon. Join Slate Plus to unlock…
Sep 27, 2025 Three-Headed AI Unicorn
This week: NVIDIA has announced a $100 billion investment in OpenAI to help build out data centers equipped with NVIDIA chips. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , joined by Bloomberg’s Max Chafkin , examine the complexities of this massive deal and why it might feed the argument that the AI boom is a bubble. Then,Trump has announced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas.They discuss how the clunky rollout of…
Sep 20, 2025 The Nerds' Last Stand at the Fed
This week: The Fed announced an expected rate cut with an unexpected dissent. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck are joined by Axios’ Neil Irwin who breaks down why the Fed meeting was so unusual – thanks to the very recent Trump appointee Stephen Miran– and what it means for the future of the central bank. Then, AMEX announced an increase that brings their Platinum fee to $895. Neil and the hosts…
Sep 16, 2025 Money Talks: Battle of the AI Bots
In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin to discuss his book AI Valley , a deep dive into the Silicon Valley companies that are competing to create the best–and most profitable–AI model. Gary has been covering the tech world for decades and has seen the major players in this arms race evolve over that time. He discusses the perspectives of the companies…
Sep 13, 2025 The Hyundai ICE Raid
This week: ICE raided a Hyundai plant in Georgia. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss the somewhat hamfisted raid that detained hundreds of South Korean workers–disrupting both Hyundai’s operations and the local economy–and the potential fallout if foreign companies see this as a reason to avoid investing in the US. Then, Oracle’s stock surged this week thanks to its AI deals, bringing it close…
Sep 6, 2025 What Do You Pay the Man Who Has Everything?
This week: Tesla offered Elon Musk an incentive package worth a trillion dollars. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss Tesla's motivation and why Musk, already the richest man in the world, would be tempted by the outrageous number. Then, the big antitrust case against Google went out with a whimper, with the Judge ruling that they are a monopoly but they don’t need to break up the company if…
Sep 2, 2025 Money Talks: The Paradoxes of Patagonia
In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon is joined by author and New York Times reporter David Gelles to discuss his new biography of enigmatic Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, Dirtbag Billionaire . David does a deep dive into what makes the brand and its founder so unique, including the paradoxes of a wildly successful company trying to remain environmentally sustainable and a billionaire who believes all billionaires…
Aug 30, 2025 Sycophantic Suck-Up Machines
This week: Fed governor Lisa Cook is suing the Trump administration over her dismissal. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck , along with guest Kashmir Hill of The New York Times , discuss the weak fraud case being used to oust the Biden-appointed Fed governor and its significance in the fight to preserve the independence of the Federal Reserve. Then, Kashmir goes in depth on the many stories she’s…
Aug 23, 2025 ATM Scam Summer School
This week: We got more details on the ATM scam that swept New York City thanks to a teen summer job program and an infinite money glitch last month. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss the mechanics of the scam, the fallout for the many parties involved, and the tragic irony that a program meant to teach teen financial literacy led them straight into a harsh real world lesson. Then, Yieldstreet…
Aug 19, 2025 Money Talks: Fixing A Broken Monetary System
In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by professors Matt Sekerke and Steve H. Hanke, coauthors of Making Money Work: How to Rewrite the Rules of Our Financial System . They’ll lay out how the money supply in the US is misunderstood and underweighted in monetary policy, how that flawed system contributed to the global financial crisis, and what policymakers can do to fix it all. Want to hear that…
Aug 18, 2025 Money Travels: How Much Would You Pay to Not Wait in Line?
In this special episode of Slate Money Travels, Felix Salmon , Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers discuss what extras are really worth paying for when you travel. Airlines, especially want to nickel and dime for every little thing. But is the extra leg room worth it? What about getting off the plane sooner? Can you put a price on not waiting in line? Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate…
Aug 16, 2025 Digital Cash. IRL Wrenches.
This week: Trump continues to involve himself in the operations of large US companies. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss this slide toward state capitalism, which seemingly goes against the GOP’s usual stance on government involvement in business. Then, so called “ wrench attacks " are on the rise wherein wealthy crypto holders are being targeted with real life violence for their digital…
Aug 11, 2025 Money Travels: Does Travel Really Broaden the Mind?
In this special episode of Slate Money Travels, Felix Salmon , Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers discuss whether traveling can really “broaden your mind.” They dig into the distinction between ‘traveling’ and actually living somewhere; why you need to do more than tick places to see off a list to really have an experience; and how you can travel within the US and still have a mind-bending experience. Plus, Emily…
Aug 9, 2025 The National Debt Question
This week: Planet Money’s Mary Childs wrote about why we should all care about the growing national debt right now. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck are joined by Mary to help them understand why the arguments we’ve heard before about why we don’t need to worry about the national debt are falling short. Then, they discuss the statistical crisis that was exacerbated by Trump firing the head of the…
Aug 5, 2025 Money Talks: The Fabulous Wealth of Carrie Bradshaw
In this Money Talks: Slate ’s own Cheyna Roth joins Emily Peck to break down how HBO’s Sex and the City revival And Just Like That… has taken the fantasy of being fabulous in New York City into a whole new tax bracket. They’ll discuss the curious dimensions of the kitchen in Carrie’s Manhattan mansion among other real estate mysteries within the show, examine why it’s so annoying to watch incredibly wealthy people…
Aug 4, 2025 Money Travels: The Eternal Baggage Question
In this special episode of Slate Money Travels, Felix Salmon , Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the constant question on travelers’ minds: should you check your bag? They dig into how to make your carry-on count, the beauty of Air Tags, and Felix offers an alternative to checking a bag that isn’t a carry on. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus…
Aug 2, 2025 The Nespresso Tariffs
This week: Trump’s big trade deal deadline expired. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss where the global tariffs stand now, how they relate to the abysmal jobs report, and the Federal Court of Appeals’ challenge on the tariffs’ legality. Then, Nathan Bomey of Axios joins to break down the ways the sports betting boom could be threatening the integrity of major leagues sports and help answer the…
Jul 26, 2025 DORKs Are Cool Again
This week: The redditors have found a fresh batch of meme stocks. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck examine the so called DORK stocks – Krispy Kreme (DNUT), Opendoor (OPEN), Rocket Mortgage (RKT) and Kohl’s (KSS) among others – and what this resurgence of meme stocks says about the state of the market. Then, the Trump administration’s laissez-faire attitude toward financial regulation has encouraged…
Jul 22, 2025 Money Talks: Contemplations on Consumption
In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by Emily Mester to discuss her book American Bulk: Essays on Excess . They’ll get into the dopamine-driven appeal of haul videos and Costco, the comforts and horrors of retail chains, the variable signifiers of wealth among classes, and other ways in which overconsumption shapes and reflects our lives as Americans. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate…
Jul 19, 2025 Which Coke's For You?
This week: A judge has blocked a Biden era rule that would prevent medical debt from affecting credit scores. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss the logic behind the proposed rule and the economic consequences of this decision. Then, the French Prime Minister has proposed eliminating two national holidays as a way of reducing the national debt. The hosts discuss the likely efficacy of the…
Jul 12, 2025 One Big BS Bill
This week: Trump's supersized “One Big Beautiful Bill” is now one big BS act. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers the economic ramifications of congress passing the controversial megabill. Then, Trump’s trade war continues to shock and confuse. The hosts discuss the logic, or lack thereof, of his latest tariff proposals. And finally, buried in the big ol’ spending bill is something called a Trump Account…
Jul 8, 2025 Money Talks: The Working Homeless in America
In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by journalist Brian Goldstone to discuss his book There is No Place for Us on the rising homelessness crisis and how a huge swath of the US population can be working and still lack stable housing. They’ll dive into the misconceptions around who makes up the homeless population, the many ways people like the subjects of Brian’s book were put into precarious situations…
Jul 5, 2025 Markets Will Be Markets
This week: The US stock market has reached a new all time high. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers are joined once again by investments expert Barry Ritholtz who talked us through the market turmoil of Trump’s tariff spree back in April . Barry helps the hosts break down the behavior of the markets right now, examine the historical context of record breaking highs, and theorize why the price of the US…
Jun 28, 2025 Megayacht Foam Parties Are In
This week: Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary in the race for New York City mayor. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the alarmist reactions from business leaders to the Mamdani’s win and why he’s hardly the threat to capitalism they make him out to be. Then, Trump has turned his sights on Jay Powell once again, threatening to prematurely name his successor for Fed Chair. The hosts break…
Jun 24, 2025 Money Talks: Money is One Hell of A Drug
In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon is joined by author James Frey to discuss his new novel, Next to Heaven , set among America’s ultra-ultra-rich, the real life billionaires he knows who inspired it, and why he thinks money is addicting. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate…
Jun 21, 2025 Slate Money Submits To The AI Overlords
This week: We become cheerleaders for crypto regulation, AI, and…Cheerleaders. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the GENIUS act, the major crypto regulation bill which recently passed the Senate, and its implications for regulating stable coins and how it could upend payment processing as we know it in the United States. Then, the hosts discuss the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, who recently…
Jun 14, 2025 Peak AI Frenzy
This week: Warner Brothers and Discovery breakup again. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers examine the undoing of the three-year-old merger. Then, the hosts discuss runaway AI valuations as Meta spends billions on AI and xAI raises equity off a multi-billion dollar valuation. And finally, what effects are Trump’s aggressive immigration policies having on the economy? In the Slate Plus episode: What…
Jun 10, 2025 Money Talks: Philosophy of The Budget
In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon is joined by Barry Lam, host of Slate’ philosophy podcast Hi-Phi Nation to help him explain how the GOP sees the budget deficit in the “Big Beautiful Bill” using philosophical arguments. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can…
Jun 7, 2025 Let’s TACO ‘Bout It
This week: Prices are going up, but inflation data has become unreliable under Trump. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers discuss how staffing cuts at The Bureau of Labor Statistics have called economic data into question, and what that means for our economy. Then, someone went ahead and told Trump what TACO stands for and he’s pissed. The hosts discuss how a markets term coined by finance journalist…
Jun 2, 2025 The Perfect Vacation Length
In this special episode of Slate Money, Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers , and Emily Peck discuss how long is too long for a vacation. They dig into how time zones should factor into travel plans, how much recovery time you need on the back end of a vacation, and why you should sometimes plan a trip to do absolutely nothing. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly…
May 31, 2025 Pay Offs & Lay Offs
This week: Felix Salmon left Axios. He, Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the opaque language and politics around parting ways with an employer and the motivation behind giving severance packages. Then, it seems the threat of AI taking over jobs is becoming real as the hosts examine the role state of AI in tech and other industries and its effect on the job market. Finally, major stablecoin issuer Circle is…
May 27, 2025 Money Talks: Is 'Your Friends & Neighbors' Aspirational?
In this Money Talks: Hillary Frey joins Emily Peck to discuss the kind of rich people that populate the Apple TV+ show Your Friends & Neighbors, Jon Hamm’s Don Draper-esque charm, and whether there’s any real point to having a murder plot line. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite…
May 26, 2025 Perfecting the Balance Between Tourists and Locals
In this special episode of Slate Money, Felix Salmon , Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers . They talk discuss why you should never get the hotel breakfast, whether locals should get discounts at popular spots, and whether you should avoid tourist traps. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite…
May 24, 2025 Elon Backs Off
This week: The bond vigilantes are being summoned by Trump’s take bill. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the contents of the controversial bill and how the bond markets are reacting. Then, Julian Sanchez of the WatchCats podcast joins to discuss Elon Musk’s announcement that he’s stepping back from the government and break down what he did with DOGE. Then, has the rise of GLP-1s created a…
May 19, 2025 A Disneyland Guide
In this special episode of Slate Money, Felix Salmon and Emily Peck are joined by Slate editor in chief, Hillary Frey . They talk all things Disneyland, including why Disneyland is better than Disney World, the need to let go of the inevitable costs ahead of your trip, why it makes for a great vacation with teenagers, and more. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…
May 17, 2025 Did You Fill Yer Boots With Stocks?
This week: The stock market is coming back after its post Liberation Day fall. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss what this does, and mostly doesn’t , signal about the economy under Trump. Then, one stock that is not doing well at all is the UnitedHealth Group. The hosts explain the perfect storm the company has found itself in, and examine if that’s actually the reason for its decline in the…
May 13, 2025 Money Talks: An Economist Shares Her Cheat Codes
In this Money Talks: Redfin’s Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather has a new book, Hate The Game, where she shares the "economic cheat codes” she’s discovered for life, love and work. She joins Emily Peck to discuss topics from the book like how to use game theory when asking for a raise and why Destiny’s Child is such a good parable for knowing your negotiating power. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate…
May 10, 2025 Tariff Stockholm Syndrome
This week: The UK and the US agreed to the framework for a trade deal. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the details of the agreement and what it means that it includes keeping the 10% baseline tariffs staying in place. Then, Bill Gates has announced that he’s winding down the Gates Foundation and doubling the money he’s giving away. The hosts discuss how this is a reaction to Elon Musk’s…
May 3, 2025 Everyone Cares About Power Grids This Week
This week: The entire Iberian peninsula lost power for 18 hours. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers are joined by energy expert John Kemp to talk about why that might have happened and nerd out on power grids. Then, the GDP is down by 0.3%. But is that really the right metric to care about? Finally, the tech world is bringing back the brutal system of stack ranking management. The hosts discuss why…
Apr 29, 2025 Money Talks: The Family Squabble That Could Change Right-Wing News
In this Money Talks: Succession may be over but the drama continues for the Roy family’s real world counterparts. Felix Salmon is joined by McKay Coppins to discuss his experience getting up close and personal with the Murdoch family and break down the dynamics behind the battle over the family empire. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus,…
Apr 26, 2025 Say Goodbye to Hollywood
This week: Trump has reversed his stance on Jay Powell and his extreme tariffs on China. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss Trump’s backtrack on his threat to fire the Fed chair as well as his recent concession that his 145% tariffs on China aren’t sustainable. Then, the hosts weigh in on the growing trend of film and television productions moving out of California in search of budget breaks,…
Apr 19, 2025 Jay Powell’s Tough Call
This week: Trump isn’t happy with Fed chair Jay Powell’s take on his tariffs. Felix Salmon , Elizabeth Spiers and guest host Cardiff Garcia discuss the economic reasoning for why Powell is resisting the president’s demands to lower rates and what would happen if Trump finds a legal way to fire him. Then, the Trump administration is both gutting the IRS and potentially weaponizing it against Harvard. The hosts…
Apr 15, 2025 Money Talks: The Student Loan Paradox
In this Money Talks: The federal student loan program was meant to help students seeking a route to a better life – so why is it putting so many of them into crippling debt instead? Journalist Jillian Berman , author of Sunk Cost: Who’s to Blame for the Nation’s Broken Student Loan System and How to Fix , joins Emily Peck to unpack the fraught history of the national student debt system and discuss where it stands…
Apr 12, 2025 The Economy’s ‘One Guy Problem’
This week: Trump’s erratic tariff policies are creating a lot of volatility in the markets. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers are joined by investments expert Barry Ritholtz to unpack the week’s wild tariff news and this uniquely unpredictable situation where one person’s decisions are having a huge effect on the markets. Then, Barry helps the hosts understand investing in this environment with…
Apr 5, 2025 That Wack-Ass Tariff Formula
This week: Trump unveiled his extensive list of tariffs. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the questionable math that went into calculating these hefty tariffs and the stock market’s extremely negative reaction to the announcement. Then, Trump has picked a fight with the country's biggest law firms, threatening the integrity of the US legal system. Slate’s Mark Joseph Stern joins to break…
Apr 1, 2025 Money Talks: The Campaign Against the Free Press
In this Money Talks: Amidst the Trump administration’s continued attacks on the press, David Enrich ’s new book, Murder the Truth: Fear, the First Amendment, and a Secret Campaign to Protect the Powerful , feels incredibly timely. He joins Elizabeth Spiers to discuss his reporting on increasing efforts to exploit the legal system to protect the rich and powerful from being held accountable, creating an incredibly…
Mar 29, 2025 Illegal Group Chats Are Everywhere
This week: A leaked Signal message revealed illegal use of the commercial app by the Defense Department. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers explain how this is a common issue in finance, where employees often defy SEC regulations on secure communication in favor of more convenient ways of communicating. Then, a recent study shows that people are leaving states with anti-abortion laws and other…
Mar 22, 2025 Who’s The Boss?
This week: DOGE is taking its chainsaw to the Social Security Administration. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers examine the real reasons behind the Elon Musk led crusade against the SSA. And then, DOGE used extreme tactics against the US Institute of Peace including a physical takeover of the building by force. Meanwhile, the founder of Pirate’s Booty tried a similar tactic to try to gain power over…
Mar 18, 2025 Money Talks: The Mighty Dollar
In this Money Talks: How does America assert its power globally? The short answer is money. For the long answer, Felix Salmon calls in authors Edward Fishman ( Chokepoints ) and Saleha Mohsin ( Paper Soldiers ) who both recently published books on the subject. They’ll discuss how the US dollar managed to become the world’s reserve asset, the ways it’s been weaponized in the past, and what that global status means…
Mar 15, 2025 MrBeast and The Chocolate Factory
This week: The US Stock Market is plummeting during Trump’s second term. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers explain why headlines very rarely affect the movements of the Stock Market–and discuss whether we're currently living one of those exceptions. Then, the Wall Street Journal has reported that the Trump family is in talks to invest in the US arm of crypto giant Binance . If true, the move would…
Mar 8, 2025 Eggistential Crisis
This week: Trump’s tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China went into effect – only for him to turn around and suspend many of them. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss Trump’s love of tariffs and the political effects of his trade war. Then, Egg Watch gets a whole segment this week as Chenya Roth joins to discuss the economics of egg demand and the question of if eggs even should be super cheap .…
Mar 4, 2025 Money Talks: The American Myth of Hard Work
In this Money Talks: Emily Peck is joined by journalist and author Adam Chandler to discuss what he discovered about how Americans think about work while writing his book 99% Perspiration . They’ll get into America's often misguided and misinformed obsession with rugged individualism, the long-term effects of de-emphasizing community, and of course, Emily in Paris . Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate…
Mar 1, 2025 Trump Math & Techno-Fascism
This week: Trump has proposed a $5 million “gold card” for US citizenship, suggesting that the US could sell 10 million of them to pay off the national debt. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the logic behind this considering the similar programs that already exist and the possible pool of candidates. Then, they discuss guest Kyle Chayka ’s recent piece in the New Yorker comparing Silicon…
Feb 22, 2025 The Consequences of Getting on Europe’s Bad Side
This week: The US is weakening ties with its biggest ally while embracing an old enemy. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers explain how the Trump administration’s antagonization of Europe – and further alignment with Russia – could mean major economic blowback if it goes far enough. Then, rumor has it that Intel is looking to sell parts of its business off to foreign firms Broadcom and TSMC, possibly…
Feb 18, 2025 Money Talks: The Disappearing Databases
In this Money Talks: Lizzie O’Leary , host of What Next: TBD , joins Felix Salmon to discuss her article on why government databases are crucial to our economy , and why it’s so worrisome that this kind of public data is being removed by the Trump administration. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all…
Feb 15, 2025 Is Bribery Back?
This week: Trump has signed an order suspending the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers speculate on his motives and on how likely it actually is that this will shield anyone from the FCPA. Then, Elon Musk has taken $80 million that was sent to New York City by FEMA directly out of the city’s account. The hosts discuss the legality and worrisome…
Feb 8, 2025 The Trade War That Never Was
This week: Trump almost started a trade war with our nearest neighbors. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers explain why Trump’s trade war with Canada and Mexico not happening is still newsworthy. Then, Felix breaks down why Trump’s plan for a US sovereign wealth fund makes no sense. And finally, Kalshi seems to have found a loophole by offering event contracts on the Super Bowl even in states where…
Feb 4, 2025 Money Talks: Capitalism Extremists In the Trump 2.0 Era
In this Money Talks: Historian Quinn Slobodian’s 2023 book Crack-Up Capitalism: Market Radicals and the Dream of a World Without Democracy explored the dark reality that many extremists seek a purely capitalist society free of democracy. Now, with the Silicon Valley elite playing such a large role in Trump’s second term, Quinn's work is more relevant than ever. In this episode, Quinn joins Felix Salmo n to discuss…
Feb 1, 2025 The Federal Employee ‘Buyout’ Makes No Sense
This week: The Trump administration offered a resignation deal to millions of federal employees. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss why this plan seems like a bad idea – for everyone. Then, Invidia’s stock dropped this week when Deepseek proved AI can be done cheaper. But is this just steam engines and Jevons paradox all over again? Finally, the bookstore is back. The hosts discuss the recent…
Jan 25, 2025 Trump’s TikTok Backtrack
This week: Tiktok gets a stay of execution in America. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers speculate on the reasons Trump changed his mind on the TikTok ban and who will ultimately win the jackpot if an American company gets a stake. Then, in a move that’s sketchy at best, Trump launched a memecoin just as he became president again and the cryptobros aren’t happy. Finally, digital shoplifting is a…
Jan 21, 2025 Money Talks: The Cost of Caring
In this Money Talks: When his intellectually disabled brother-in-law suddenly came under their care, Professor Harold Pollack and his wife found themselves in a financial crisis. This huge life shift prompted him to face down his own lack of financial planning and eventually help demystify the topic for others with his book, The Index Card . In this episode, Harold joins Emily Peck , for whom this topic is also…
Jan 18, 2025 Oligarchy in the USA
This week: In his farewell address, President Biden warns of a looming oligarchy in America. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers debate whether Biden is right, or if America is already an oligarchy of sorts. Then, the FTC is suing John Deere. The hosts discuss the idea of “the right to repair” and why our ability to repair the things we buy just isn’t what it used to be. And finally, Nate Anderson has…
Jan 11, 2025 The Dire Costs of the LA Fires
This week: Los Angeles continues to try and fight back its most devastating wildfire ever. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the fires raging in Los Angles and how they highlight the growing problem with disaster insurance as well as the complex issues around prison labor . Then, Meta is walking back their content moderation, giving hate speech more of a chance to thrive on their platforms.…
Jan 7, 2025 Money Talks: Selling The American Dream
In this Money Talks: Jane Marie has spent years reporting on the tangled web of multi-level marketing companies, or MLMs, with her podcast The Dream and dives even deeper in her new book, Selling the Dream: The Billion-Dollar Industry Bankrupting Americans . In this episode, she sits down with Emily Peck to discuss their origins, their appeal to American women, and their extremely questionable business practices.…
Jan 4, 2025 The Business of Lively vs Baldoni
This week: The Lively/Baldoni PR war has become a legal battle. And it’s not just reputations that are at stake. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers explain how Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and his answering suit against The New York Times is more than just a Hollywood feud, it’s a fight to stay profitable. Then, the hosts discuss the recent ruling that seems to have killed the dream…
Dec 28, 2024 The Truth Behind Donald Trump’s Tariff Talk
This week: Paul Krugman may have ended his iconic New York Times column but he’s still going to tell us what’s going on. Felix Salmon and Emily Peck are joined by Paul Krugman to get wonky on global trade, discuss the relationship between politicians and economists, and examine the economic legacy of Joe Biden. In the Slate Plus episode: Favorite media of 2024. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate…
Dec 24, 2024 Money Talks: Can Math Really Crack the Stock Market? (Encore)
The “Fama–French model” is a Nobel laureate-designed tool for predicting the stock market. It guides hundreds of billions in investments. The problem? Its numbers keep shifting. For this Money Talks, Felix Salmon chats with Planet Money host Mary Childs about her deep dive for Bloomberg into finance mathematics. They question the nature of investing, markets, and reality itself. Mary is also the author of The Bond…
Dec 23, 2024 From Behind the Money: Why Northvolt Failed to Become Europe’s Battery Champion
This week, we’re bringing you an episode from the FT’s Behind the Money podcast: Battery maker Northvolt was supposed to be Europe's best hope for staying competitive during the green transition. But recently, that hope has crumbled. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November. The FT’s Nordic and Baltic bureau chief Richard Milne spent years reporting on the Swedish start-up and in this episode, he…
Dec 21, 2024 Who Elected Elon?
This week: Elon Musk posted enough misinformation on social media to get a bill blocked and necessitate a government shutdown. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Anna Szymanski discuss the multi-billionaire’s tweetstorm that convinced congress not to pass a bi-partisan spending bill and how he has been able to so blatantly buy that power. Then, Anna helps break down the economic crisis that is unfolding in Brazil and…
Dec 14, 2024 Why Netflix is Reducing Parental Leave
This week: Crypto companies are being debanked but they’re not the only ones. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers break down the conspiracy theory that debanking is a government attack on crypto. Then, Netflix has pared down their extreme leave policy. What does that signal about the direction of the company? And Spotify is finally making a profit and is acting like it. In the Slate Plus episode:…
Dec 10, 2024 Money Talks: The Synapse Scandal
In this Money Talks: The collapse of Synapse and resulting fallout highlights how regulators are failing fintech users. Felix Salmon is joined by CNBC’s Hugh Son who has been closely following the situation . They unpack the chain of events that led to thousands of users losing access to their funds, the complexities of FDIC insurance, and how regulators allowed this massive scandal. Want to hear that discussion…
Dec 7, 2024 The Week of Minor Apocalypses
This week: South Korea and France are the latest governments to fall apart. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the public conversation around the failures of the US healthcare system that was sparked by the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.Then, South Korea and France follow Germany in having a governmental meltdown. What’s going on with all of this political chaos? And…
Nov 30, 2024 Conceptual Art is Literally Bananas
This week: Felix back and we have some Felix-y topics to cover. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the latest Trump cabinet appointments and speculate if Scott Bessent will be able to rein in Trump’s economic plans.Then, much ink has been spilled over the sale of a conceptual artwork by Maurizio Cattelan for $6.2 million, yet no one really knows how to write about it. So, when is a banana…
Nov 26, 2024 Money Talks: RIP DEI?
In this Money Talks: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs are being targeted by “anti-woke” pundits. Emily Peck is joined by Simone Foxman of Bloomberg to explain why DEI is under fire from conservatives, and what these programs might look like under Trump’s second term – if they exist at all. Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll…
Nov 23, 2024 Is Bluesky the New Old Twitter?
This week: Bluesky feels like the Twitter of old. Will that last? Emily Peck , Elizabeth Spiers , and Anna Szymanski discuss the new popularity of the social platform and whether or not it’s becoming a liberal bubble. Then, Indian billionaire Gautam Adani is being charged with fraud by federal prosecutors for bribing Indian officials for solar energy contracts. Also, there’s a rising trend of “anti-work”…
Nov 16, 2024 What the D.O.G.E?
This week: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have a lot of “plans” for the D.O.G.E. Emily Peck , Elizabeth Spiers , and Anna Szymanski discuss the suspect promises of the Trump-appointed heads of the Department of Government Efficiency. Then, Bitcoin is at a record high right now, though the value of crypto remains uncertain. Also, AI clones are being used to apply to jobs and even find us dates, but are they doing it…
Nov 12, 2024 Money Talks: The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret
In this Money Talks: how did Victoria’s Secret go from hot to not? Emily Peck is joined by Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez, authors of Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon to discuss the origins of the ubiquitous bra retailer, its role in the rise of fast fashion, and how the brand successfully reflected the culture–until it suddenly didn’t. Want to hear that discussion and…
Nov 9, 2024 The Trump Trade
This week: The markets had a big reaction to Trump’s win. Emily Peck , Elizabeth Spiers , and Anna Szymanski discuss what traders are actually betting on and how a Trump economy will affect consumers. Then, Anna breaks down the collapse of Germany’s government and what it means for Europe’s economy. Also: Reddit stock is doing great. But why is it still so popular? The hosts discuss the refreshing relatability and…
Nov 2, 2024 Who Do Washington Post Boycotts Hurt? Not Jeff Bezos.
This week: Readers aren’t buying Jeff Bezos’ claim that killing the Washington Posts’ presidential endorsement wasn’t from his own business interests. Emily Peck , Elizabeth Spiers , and Anna Szymanski weigh in on how the move may or may not help Bezos and what the WaPo boycott can actually accomplish. Also: How would a Trump victory affect the economy? Badly, economists say. Finally: Facebook laid off two dozen…
Oct 29, 2024 Money Talks: The Gambler Who Bet on Alibaba
In this Money Talks: the man who would bet billions on a coin toss. Host Felix Salmon chats with Lionel Barber, whose new book Gambling Man: The Secret Story of the World’s Greatest Disruptor, Masayoshi Son reveals how the man who backed Alibaba became the world’s biggest maverick investor, throwing fortunes at enterprises that could either succeed spectacularly or go down in flames. Podcast production by Jared…
Oct 26, 2024 Elon Musk’s Scheme to (Sort Of) Buy Trump Votes
This week: How do you buy an election? Throw a sweepstakes! Emily Peck , Elizabeth Spiers , and Rueters’ Anna Szymanski (filling in for Felix Salmon) discuss Elon Musk’s scheme to get potential Trump voters to the ballot box and the maneuverings of the campaign finance industrial complex. Next, they discuss a French gambler whose massive bet on the election may affect Trump’s real-world odds. Finally: Many…
Oct 22, 2024 Money Talks: How Did Trump Scam America? Lots of Luck.
In a very special election season Money Talks: Trump was never that good at business. How did he fake it till he made it? New York Times reporters Russ Buettner and Susanne Craig explain in their book Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success. They speak with host Emily Peck to discuss Trump’s early business missteps, the right-place-right-time happenstances…
Oct 19, 2024 China Needs a Stimulus Bazooka
This week: Big trouble in not-so-little China as the second-largest economy tries to get out of its post-COVID funk. Emily Peck , Elizabeth Spiers , and Reuters’ Anna Szymanski (filling in for Felix Salmon) discuss China’s new economic stimulus measures, which might be too-little, too late. They also discuss the secretive family behind Boar’s Head and a Sherwood piece about a mysterious $7 billion estate tax.…
Oct 15, 2024 Money Talks: We Could Run Out of Everything Again
For this Money Talks, it’s time to turn the rat race into a rat walk on the beach. Brigid Schulte, author of Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life , speaks with about America’s toxic relationship with labor in which employees at all levels are underpaid, under-rested, and over-hustled. They discuss what America can learn from work cultures in other countries and what it will take to…
Oct 12, 2024 What the Hurricanes Cost
This week: Big storms are the new norm, and they’re costing America big time. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the economic toll and surging insurance coasts of climate change. They also examine the curious case of a Canadian carpenter who made and lost a fortune on Tesla options, and Felix reveals what he’ll be up to on his upcoming sabbatical. In the Numbers Round, Emily discusses a…
Oct 5, 2024 Why Were the Striking Dockworkers Unpopular?
This week: the Longshoremen’s strike is over, and economic disaster has been averted. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the strike, sketchy union leader Harold Daggett, and how the White House put its thumb on the scales to help cut a deal. Also: OpenAI just had a $6.6 billion investment round, but the company is bleeding losses. Then: Dish Network wants to buy DirecTV for $1, but the…
Oct 1, 2024 Money Talks: It’s Time to Work Less
For this Money Talks, it’s time to turn the rat race into a rat walk on the beach. Brigid Schulte, author of Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life , speaks with Emily Peck about America’s toxic relationship with labor in which employees at all levels are underpaid, under-rested, and over-hustled. They discuss what America can learn from work cultures in other countries and what it…
Sep 28, 2024 How Nike Shoes Got Lame
This week: the tragic tale of Nike, Foot Locker, and Bed Bath and Beyond. Bloomberg’s Kim Bhasin joins Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers to discuss his recent piece on the downfall of the Nike brand and the peril of direct-to-consumer marketing. Then, they discuss Kim’s other feature on Jamie Salter, the man who made a fortune buying up mall “zombie brands” like Izod and Brook’s Brothers. Finally:…
Sep 21, 2024 The Fed Rate Cut is a New Beginning
Mortgage rates are down! Inflation is less inflation-y! Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss what the Fed’s interest rate cut means for the American economy — and American voters. Also: Trump is promising tax cuts like there’s no tomorrow, but are any of them good ideas? And Axel Springer is spinning off its media empire in yet another news business shakeup. In the Plus bonus mini-episode:…
Sep 17, 2024 Money Talks: Under the Spell of Someone Else’s Wealth
For this Money Talks, Emily Peck chats with Rumaan Alam , author of Leave the World Behind. His new novel Entitlement explores what happens when normal people enter the lives of the super-rich. Rumaan and Emily discuss class, opportunity, and how the ego and conceit of wealth can be contagious. Want more Slate Money? Subscribe to Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes for each regular Slate Plus episode. Plus,…
Sep 14, 2024 Fasten Your Seatbelt, Boeing
Next up in Boeing’s year of hell: A worker strike. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the planemaker’s endemic labor issues, whether just snacking around is better than eating full meals, and how banks convinced the Fed to reverse course on Basel III Endgame regulations. In the Plus bonus mini-episode, the hosts talk about the rise and fall of hotel room service and the allure of breakfast in…
Sep 7, 2024 The Chase Glitch Proves Checks Are Stupid
This week, Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers debate one of the great questions of our time: Do Gen Zs even get checks? They can write them at least, as proved by the recent Chase check fraud TikTok fad. Also: the “founder mode” trend has Silicon Valley types in a tizzy, but does it apply to women CEOs? And what’s Japanese knotweed, and why is it destroying Elizabeth’s house? In the Plus bonus…
Sep 3, 2024 Money Talks: How to Make the Next Wordle
For this Money Talks, it’s all fun and games…and lots and lots of money. The Puzzmo game designer speaks with Felix Salmon about how to make addicting, viral pastimes that turn a profit. They discuss what made Wordle such a breakout hit, how to make games for both bad and good players, and the strained relationship between art and profit. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus…
Aug 31, 2024 Is This Company Keeping the Rent Too Damn High?
This week, Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the lawsuit against RealPage, a software company the DOJ says helps landlords collude to keep rents too damn high. Also: Was Nvidia’s earnings report worth the hype? And Australia got a new “right to disconnect.” Will Americans ever get to unplug? In the bonus mini-episode, the hosts debate whether airports should limit alcohol and the promise and…
Aug 24, 2024 Disney’s Wrongful Death Nightmare
This week, Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss Disney’s disastrous attempt to block a man from seeking justice for his deceased wife and the impact of the forced arbitration clauses most of us sign. Also: The political fallout of Kamala Harris’ vague remarks on price control and the White House’s “vibe-rarian,” and what the rise of sports betting means for the financial well-being of ordinary…
Aug 20, 2024 Money Talks: How to Save a Doomed Economy
How do you save a region from an economic tailspin? For this Money Talks, Felix Salmon chats with Paul Collier, author of The Bottom Billion and, most recently, Left Behind: A New Economics for Neglected Places . They discuss the economic and political forces that drag countries and regions to the bottom — and how they might be saved. Paul gives examples across time and geography, from Cold War-era Germany to…
Aug 17, 2024 Nate Silver and the Secret World of Risk-Takers
This week, author and data journalist Nate Silver joins Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spires to discuss his new book On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything , a deep dive into the risk-taking class that shapes modern society. They discuss the low-risk world of “the village,” and the community of high stakes, go-big-or-go-home investors on “the river.” How do these reams affect investments, AI, and…
Aug 10, 2024 What the Heck is Going on in Japan?
This week, Felix Salmon is joined by guest hosts Shira Ovide of the Washington Post and Anna Szymanski of Reuters to discuss Japan’s market chaos, the guilty verdict in Google’s monopoly case, and whether Boeing’s new CEO can fly the company out of a storm of troubles. In the Plus bonus episode: The hosts go to the Mountain Dew belt to discuss the state of soda and the rise of non-alcoholic beer. If you enjoy this…
Aug 6, 2024 Money Talks: Can the Rich Really Lose It All?
For this Money Talks, Taffy Brodesser-Akner , author of Fleishman Is in Trouble, chats with Felix Salmon and Emily Peck about her newest novel Long Island Compromise, a tale about a a family of one-percenters who see their lives and fortunes turned upside down. The hosts discuss Taffy’s real-world inspirations for the story, the psychology of the rich, and whether it really is possible for the super wealthy to lose…
Aug 3, 2024 How the Olympics Has Changed Paris
On this week’s Slate Money, Felix Salmon and Emily Peck are joined by Slate’s Henry Grabar and former Slate Money co-host AnnaSzymansk i. They dig into Henry’s experience covering the Paris Olympics; what’s in the latest jobs report; and Florida’s experiment with high-speed trains. In the Slate Plus segment, what exactly is the Soup Dumpling Index? Mentioned in the Show: Tom Vailant for The Pudding: Is Sleep…
Jul 27, 2024 Rupert Murdoch Plays Succession Games
This week, the Slate Money team, Felix Salmon , Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers unpack the Rupert Murdoch family drama, some alleged stock manipulation, and Southwest Airlines’ latest policy change. In Slate Plus, the crew unpack money transfers, and how a little extra cash could change your life . If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across…
Jul 23, 2024 Money Talks: How to Write a Trashy Airport Book
For this Money Talks, lawyer/podcaster Peter Shamshiri , co-host of If Books Could Kill, reveals the secrets of junk nonfiction to host Emily Peck . He explains why “airport books” like The Secret, Hillbilly Elegy, and The Tipping Point tend to be rife with non-advice, pseudoscience, and outright junk, and what that means for our culture at large. He also tells how to get rich with your own crappy self-help book!…
Jul 20, 2024 Did Y2K Finally Happen?
This week, as computers crash, computer makers are voting Trump. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the behind-the-scenes company behind the global tech shutdown, why Silicon Valley entrepreneurs like Trump and J.D. Vance, and why ESG has survived while DEI is in the dumps. For Slate Plus members: Why is the swimming pool market drying up? If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for…
Jul 13, 2024 When Are You Too Old to Work?
This week, older people are ditching the office. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss what a retirement wave means for young workers left behind, why Gen X-ers aren’t financially prepared to retire, and the rise of non-disclosure agreements in everyday life. For the Plus segment: What’s so special about the $150,000 luxury guard dog? If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate…
Jul 9, 2024 Money Talks: What Does “Making It” Really Mean?
For this Money Talks, former Teen Vogue executive editor Samhita Mukhopadhyay speaks with host Emily Peck about the false promise of the “girl boss” myth. In her book “The Myth of Making It,” Samhita recounts her own grueling climb to the top — a road paved with double standards and toxicity for women — and why she left it all behind. In her conversation with Emily, she discusses enduring hurdles facing…
Jul 6, 2024 Behind Britain’s Bonkers Election
This week, Felix Salmon , and Elizabeth Spiers are joined by Shira Ovide , who writes the newsletter The Tech Friend for the Washington Post , and Peter Thal Larsen of Reuters, who demystifies the wacky state of European and British politics. Also: Are Chipotle burritos getting smaller? And why did Warren Buffett, top ally of the Gates Foundation, give his money to a not-yet-existing charity, hypothetically managed…
Jun 29, 2024 SCOTUS Cracks the Sackler Shield
This week, Slate Money goes to court. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss two big Supreme Court rulings: One that stripped government agencies of regulatory power, and another that struck down Purdue Pharma and the Sacklers’ bankruptcy plan. Also: Giant “megacap” companies rule the stock market. Is that good? In the Plus segment: the once-popular potato has fallen out of fashion, but the hosts…
Jun 25, 2024 Money Talks: Does Anyone Need Cookbooks?
For this Money Talks, Felix Salmon chats with food writer, podcaster, and cookbook author Matt Rodbard about the latest trends in the culinary biz. They discuss the Korean restaurant craze, the rise of non-alcoholic drinks, and how grocery stores got cool. They disagree on the usefulness of physical cookbooks but agree that MSG is underrated. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate…
Jun 22, 2024 McDonald's Fast Food Price War
Fast food prices are sky high, but chains will take losses to get you in the door. Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the economics of a new value meal trend. Also: millennials are taking secret “quiet vacations” and dicey geopolitics are affecting bond markets. In the Plus segment: Yankee Stadium is now card-payment only. Do Americans have the right to use cold hard cash? If you enjoy this…
Jun 15, 2024 Is Tesla Even a Good Car Company?
This week, Felix Salmon , Emily Peck , and Elizabeth Spiers discuss Tesla shareholders’ overwhelming support of Musk’s pay package, the return of the GameStop meme stock influencer, and why Governor Hochul killed New York’s congestion pricing plan. In the Plus segment: a Missouri restaurant has banned 20-somethings. Can they do that? If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus…

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Episodes

Money Talks: Is it Time To Panic About A.I. Yet?

The A.I. Billionaire Class

Banana Prices Stay Sane

The Specter of Puerto Rico’s Debt

DiscoDance

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