Make Me Smart With Kai And Molly

The future of beer is here. “How We Survive” host Amy Scott is on the show today to help us taste test beer brewed from recycled water. And we’ll get into George Santos’ expulsion from the House and why his lies and luxurious spending were particularly provoking. Then we’ll weigh in on Walmart’s creative spin on holiday romcoms and more in a game of Half Full / Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about: “Water, water, everywhere” from Marketplace “Rep. George Santos expelled from House in 311-114 vote” from AP News “The Undoing of George Santos” from The New York Times “Why George Santos’ lies are even worse than the usual political lies – a moral philosopher explains” from The Conversation “New North Carolina bar offers cocktails and college classes” from Marketplace “Beyoncé, Taylor Swift films mean big business for movie theaters” from M

It’s day one of COP28, the global climate conference, and countries have already agreed on details for a fund to aid developing countries affected by climate disasters. As wealthier nations begin paying for their contributions to the climate crisis, how long will their support last? Plus, we’ll hear a Fed Chair’s divisive turkey analogy for what happens when interest rates are too high for too long. And, why brands are extending those Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Here’s everything we talked about: “COP28 leader Sultan Al Jaber hits back at allegations he used climate talks to strike oil deals” from CNN “COP28 delivers breakthrough by way of climate disaster fund details” from CNBC “The long-expected consumer pullback may finally be materializing” from “Marketplace” “George Santos Says He Won’t Resign Ahead of This Week’s Expulsion Vote” from National Review “House Eth

General Motors is planning higher-octane cash returns for investors in an attempt to restore confidence in its main gig — making vehicles that are not electric. We’ll get into what this could signal for the broader EV industry. And, many of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s regulatory powers are on the line in a current Supreme Court case. We’ll examine what the case has to do with conservative justices’ disdain for the administrative state. Plus, a National Spelling Bee champion’s secret to success. Here’s everything we talked about today: “GM Plans $10 Billion Stock Buyback in Bid to Assuage Investors” from The Wall Street Journal “Supreme Court’s conservatives voice concerns about SEC’s in-house enforcement” from The Hill “Supreme Court to consider multi-pronged constitutional attack on SEC” from SCOTUSblog “Major OxyContin case headlines December session” from SCOTUSblog Opini

Americans consume a lot of stuff and in turn produce a lot of waste. The average American generated 46 pounds of just e-waste in 2019. But what if there was a way to design an economy that’s less wasteful and more environmentally friendly? On the show today, Callie Babbitt, professor of sustainability at Rochester Institute of Technology, breaks down the circular economy, its role in fighting climate change and the challenges that lie ahead in public policy and manufacturing if we hope to achieve circularity. We’ll also hear from a listener with a smart hack for airport pickups during the holidays, and our beloved intern answers the Make Me Smart question. Here’s everything we talked about: “The right-to-repair movement is just getting started” from The Verge “What is a Circular Economy?” from the Environmental Protection Agency “Our prosperity is in peril unless we shift from a wasteful world to a ‘circular economy'” from The

After being banned from talking about artificial intelligence at Thanksgiving, guest host Matt Levin is eager to chime in on the ongoing Sam Altman controversy and news about a powerful artificial intelligence development at OpenAI. Plus, tech tycoons are behaving more and more like foreign dignitaries. And: Doritos’ new crunch-cancellation technology. Here’s everything we talked about: “Unpacking the hype around OpenAI’s rumored new Q* model” from MIT Technology Review “OpenAI researchers warned board of AI breakthrough ahead of CEO ouster, sources say” from Reuters “Elon Musk Meets With Netanyahu in Israel Amid Backlash Against Social Media Post” from The New York Times “What’s Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2023? Hint: Be true to yourself” from AP News “The sound of crunching chips is annoying. Doritos has made a silencer.” from The Washington Post Help us get a

This month, at least 12 members of Congress have announced they won’t seek reelection at the end of their terms. We’ll get into the record number of retirements and why the job might not be worth the trouble. Then, we’ll discuss how OpenAI’s leadership turmoil might be a turning point for the artificial intelligence industry. Plus, a St. Louis football team’s failed attempt to become a Thanksgiving game day staple. Here’s everything we talked about today: “Larry Summers Is OpenAI’s Surprise Pick to Mend Fences” from The Wall Street Journal “The Old-School Artillery Shell Is Becoming High Tech” from The Wall Street Journal “Frustrated lawmakers run for the exits: ‘DC is broken'” from The Hill “2 more House lawmakers announce exits, marking retirement record” from Politico “Before Dallas ruled Thanksgiving, the NFL tried St. Louis” from The Washington Post “Identi

The holiday shopping season kicks off this week with Black Friday, and American shoppers are expected to spend a record amount, particularly in online sales. Consumer spending keeps the U.S. economy humming, making up 70% of the country’s gross domestic product. But it wasn’t always this way. On the show today, Cornell economic historian Louis Hyman gives us a history lesson on how the American economy became dependent on the consumer, why that change has created serious environmental consequences, and whether there are alternatives to the consumer-driven economy we know today. Plus, what it all has to do with the Salem witch trials. Then, a federal appeals court decision could significantly weaken the Voting Rights Act. We’ll get into the economic implications of the ruling and how it could play out in the Supreme Court. Plus: Oh, how the mighty crypto kings fall. Later, we’ll hear listener suggestions for signature state cocktails. And food journalist Francis Lam was wrong about w

In this tight labor market, a growing number of companies are trying to discourage workers from quitting by charging them. Stay or pay clauses are becoming a thing in more workplaces. We’ll talk about who really bears the cost of calling it quits. Plus, how Federal Reserve economists are taking a page from journalists. And Snoop Dogg, the master marketer! Here’s everything we talked about: “Federal Reserve Seeks Anecdotes Over Economic Data for Uncertain Outlook” from Bloomberg “The Stay-or-Pay Clause That Demands You Pay to Quit Your Job” from The New York Times “Snoop explains going smokeless – and it’s not what you thought” from CNN “Thanksgiving Travel: No One Should Pick You Up at the Airport” from The Wall Street Journal If you’ve got a question, comment or submission for a state drink, send them our way. We’re at 508-UB-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace

Since Oct. 7, Palestinian and Jewish Americans have been navigating work while enduring anxiety and heartache as the Israel-Hamas War plays out. We’ll discuss the pressure to perform professionally as the conflict continues. And there’s some hopeful climate news out of Portugal: The country ran on 100% renewable energy for six days. Plus, we’re settling the debate on the least-liked Thanksgiving side dish in a round of Half Full/Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about: “If Gaza were in your city, how much would be destroyed? | Israel-Palestine conflict News” from Al Jazeera “Palestinian Americans on working while grieving: ‘How many days off do you take when Gaza’s bombed daily?’” from The Guardian “Portugal just ran on 100% renewables for six days in a row” from Canary Media “Sam Altman fired as CEO of OpenAI” from The Verge “As streaming services search for ad revenue, expect more political ads — and minima

It’s been a wild week on Capitol Hill. GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Teamsters union President Sean O’Brien almost came to blows in a Senate hearing. And Republicans averted a government shutdown, but only to push the deadline to next year. We’ll dig into the historically low congressional productivity amid a growing mountain of work. And we’ll hear President Joe Biden’s remarks about meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Plus, a look at YouTube’s AI musical experiment. Here’s everything we talked about: “GOP senator challenges Teamsters president to fight during hearing” from The Hill “Did Biden and China’s Xi hit a reset? Not quite, but they agreed on a few things” from NPR “Take heart, it looks like China could send new pandas to the US” from The Associated Press “Government shutdown: Senate passes temporary plan before Thanksgiving” from USA Today “An early l

Elon Musk today disputed claims that an initial public offering is in the works for his satellite business Starlink, an offshoot of SpaceX. But hypothetically speaking, would more eyes on Starlink following an IPO change the way Elon Musk operates on the global stage? And, an influential liberal super PAC is ditching TV ads. We’ll get into what that tells us about political campaigning in the modern age. Plus, let the holiday party invites start flowing! Here’s everything we talked about today: “Elon Musk denies report of potential Starlink IPO in 2024” from Reuters “SpaceX Gets FAA Approval for Do-Over Starship Launch” from Bloomberg “Liberal Super PAC Is Turning Its Focus Entirely Digital” from The New York Times “More Americans are getting news on TikTok, in contrast with most other social media sites” from Pew Research Center “The case for inviting everyone to everything” from Vox

Many of the world’s largest companies are setting net-zero climate goals, and they’re using carbon credits to get there. That means they can keep producing carbon emissions as long as they pay for emissions to be reduced elsewhere. But do carbon credits actually incentivize companies to reduce their emissions? On the show today, Pedro Martins Barata, associate vice president for carbon markets at the Environmental Defense Fund, explains what carbon credits are and the ethical concerns with companies relying on them to meet net-zero emissions goals. Plus, what future regulation of carbon markets could look like. Then, we’ll unpack the good and bad news in the latest U.S. climate assessment. And, some industries are compensating for widespread staffing shortages by requiring employees to work excessive overtime. Later, we’ll hear about how some farmers are combating climate change. And, this week’s answer to the Make Me Smart question was inspired by a listener. Here’s everything we t

Marvel Studios’ latest movie, “The Marvels,” had the franchise’s worst opening weekend. We’ll dig into whether superhero movies are a thing of the past and if theaters can get by without them. Then, another government shutdown may be around the corner. This time it could interfere with Thanksgiving travel plans. Plus, news you can use about online payment apps, and what would be your state’s signature cocktail? Here’s everything we talked about: “‘The Marvels’ Disappoints at Box Office, Showcasing Disney’s Studio Challenge” from The Wall Street Journal “Payments app Zelle begins refunds for imposter scams after Washington pressure” from Reuters “Thanksgiving shutdown sets up nightmare scenario for travels” from The Hill “Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon Falls to a Five-Year Low” from The New York Times “Wisconsin snubs bourbon by elevating the brandy old fashioned to sta

We’re discussing some heavy topics today, including threats to democracy from Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump, and traditional Republicans bowing out of reelection as the party heads further to the right. Then, we’ll reflect on how we should honor our veterans. Later, we’ll weigh in on an Elon Musk biopic and a global Starbuck expansion in a game of Half Full/Half Empty. Here’s everything we talked about: “Trump suggests he or another Republican president could use Justice Department to indict opponents” from CBS News “Moody’s cuts U.S. outlook to negative, citing deficits and political polarization” from CNBC “Manchin, Romney Introduce Bipartisan Fiscal Stability Act” from Senate.gov “Soft saving trends reshape Gen Z, millennials’ personal finance goals” from CNBC “Hot desking gains popularity among employers” from Marketplace “Why is Starbucks opening more st

After 118 days, the SAG-AFTRA strike appears to have come to an end, marking a historic win for actors. We’ll hear from the union’s president, Fran Drescher, about her delight with the new deal. Also, what Fed chief Jay Powell’s recurring message on interest rates says about economic belief versus reality. Plus, it’s the beginning of the end for panda diplomacy, as D.C. bids farewell to its cuddly friends. Here’s everything we talked about: “Powell Closes The F—— Door On Early Rate Cut Hopes: Stocks, Bonds Tumble While Dollar Rallies” from Business Insider “Treasury’s Yellen calls Republican effort to cut IRS funding for Israel ‘damaging and irresponsible'” from AP News “Why did Speaker Mike Johnson disclose zero assets?” from Marketplace “As Pandas Leave National Zoo, Is Panda Diplomacy Over?” from The New York Times Video: “SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher reacts

High interest rates are making our already enormous national debt more expensive, and many economists are worried. We’ll discuss what it may cost to get the national debt under control. Plus, a referendum to replace Maine’s two main power companies with a publicly owned alternative was shot down in yesterday’s election. And, the James Webb Space Telescope is revolutionizing the way we see the universe. Here’s everything we talked about today: “What it would cost to stabilize the soaring national debt” from Axios “Maine voters reject utility takeover after heavy spending from CMP and Versant” from Bangor Daily News “What the Failed Pine Tree Power Proposal in Maine Could Have Accomplished” from CNET “More states strive to make parks, trails accessible to people with disabilities” from Stateline “A Guide to the James Webb Telescope’s View of the Universe” from The New York Time

Today we’re talking about another potential tool in the climate solutions toolbox: carbon capture. The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law put $12 billion toward the tech, which promises to take carbon emissions straight from the air and store them underground. But there are concerns that supporting the fledgling industry could backfire. On the show today, Inside Climate News’ Nicholas Kusnetz explains the ins and outs of carbon capture and the challenges of making it work on a scale big enough to be meaningful. Plus, how investing in the tech could prolong dependence on fossil fuels. Then, studios want to own actors’ digital likenesses forever, and that’s a sticking point for SAG-AFTRA in the actors strike. We’ll get into what this has to do with trends in the generative AI industry. And, some news about former President Donald Trump’s net worth that made us say, “Huh?” Later, we’ll hear from listeners about hydrogen fuel cell cars and shower desi

SpaceX is on track to make record profits this year, particularly through its Starlink satellite program. With the reins of this powerful company in the hands of a celebrity entrepreneur, has that celebrity, Elon Musk, become invincible? We’ll also dig into the details of the U.S. birthrate. As it turns out, being an only child did not become the norm we expected it would be. And we’ll learn about the physicist who’s created over 1,000 Wikipedia bios for neglected female scientists. Here’s everything we talked about: “Millennials aren’t having kids. Here are the reasons why” from The Washington Post “SpaceX Eyes $15 Billion in Sales Next Year on Starlink Strength” from Bloomberg “This 33-year-old made more than 1,000 Wikipedia bios for unknown female scientists” from NBC News “Why it’s so hard for women’s bios to stay on Wikipedia” from Marketplace “Electric Planes, Once a Fantasy,

A new United Nations report found that wealthy nations are scaling back funding for climate adaptation in developing countries, while the cost of mitigating the effects of climate change continue to grow. We’ll get into it. And, the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit against Amazon revealed a secret pricing algorithm used by the company, known as Project Nessie. We’ll unpack how the algorithm has amassed huge profits for Amazon while raising prices across the board. Then, we’ll play a round of Half Full / Half Empty with guest host Amy Scott. Here’s everything we talked about: “Critics: Tuberville is just the face of a ‘broken’ confirmation process” from Roll Call “Amazon made more than $1B using secret algorithm called ‘Project Nessie,’ FTC says” from The Hill “Developing countries need at least $215 billion a year for climate adaptation” from Grist Adaptation Gap Report 2023 from UN Environment Progra

Hey Smarties! We recorded today’s episode before the news of Sam Bankman-Fried’s conviction came out. We’ll continue to monitor the story. This week, President Joe Biden signed a sweeping executive order on the safety of artificial intelligence, and world leaders (plus Elon Musk) met to discuss the risks of the rapidly developing technology for the first time. We’ll get into what future AI regulation could look like as governments agree to cooperate. And, we’ll hear from Target’s CEO on trends in consumer spending. Plus, Sen. Tuberville’s block on military promotions is reaching a boiling point. Now, his own party is turning on him. Here’s everything we talked about: “How much AI regulation can come from the president?” from Marketplace “UK, US, EU and China sign declaration of AI’s ‘catastrophic’ danger” from The Guardian “Target CEO says shoppers are pulling back, even on groceries” from CNBC “Sam Bankman