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Make Me Smart

Make Me Smart

By: Marketplace
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Each weekday, Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams makes today make sense along with her Marketplace colleagues, breaking down happenings in tech, the economy, and culture. Because none of us is as smart as all of us.Copyright 2025 Minnesota Public Radio Economics Politics & Government
Episodes
  • We have a trade deal with Japan, right?
    Jul 25 2025

    Earlier this week, President Trump announced a “massive” trade deal with Japan. But as Japanese officials clarify some of the terms, it’s not clear how concrete the deal actually is. We’ll explain. Also, some wealthy Democrats who stand to benefit from Trump’s tax cuts are rallying against them. Plus, we’ll play a round of Half Full/Half Empty!


    Here’s everything we talked about today:


    • "Cracks widen in Japan and US’s interpretation of tariff trade deal" from The Financial Times
    • "Trump’s Tariffs Are Being Picked Up by Corporate America" from The Wall Street Journal
    • "Rich liberals do not want their big Trump tax cut" from The Washington Post
    • "AI has come for the fragrance industry" from Marketplace
    • "Want to pay down the national debt? The US government will take Venmo" from The Verge
    • "Meme stocks have staged a surprising return" from Marketplace
    • "Restaurants Are Trying to Tariff-Proof The Menu" from Eater


    We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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    20 mins
  • The realities of No Tax on Tips and Overtime laws
    Jul 24 2025

    Republicans’ newly passed tax and spending law makes good on a promise President Trump made over and over on the campaign trail: No Tax on Tips and Overtime. But the change likely won’t have the drastic impact many workers think it will. Marketplace’s Kristin Schwab joins us on the show today to break down the nuts and bolts of how the tax breaks will work and how American workers and businesses could be affected. Plus, Kimberly’s cat Artax makes an appearance.


    Here’s everything we talked about today:


    • "How the new "No Tax on Tips" and overtime laws work" from Marketplace
    • "No Tax On Tips And Overtime: What Workers Should Know" from Bankrate
    • "Here’s A Tip: ‘No Taxes on Tips’ May Be Good Politics But Is Bad Policy" from the Tax Policy Center
    • “An Illustrated Guide to Who Really Benefits From ‘No Tax on Tips’” from The New York Times


      Join us tomorrow for Economics on Tap. The YouTube livestream starts at 3:30 Pacific/6:30 Eastern. See you then!

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    18 mins
  • The trade-offs of Japan’s trade deal
    Jul 23 2025

    President Trump announced a trade deal with Japan that will impose 15% tariffs on imports. Wall Street is happy, but it could put the United States in an awkward position as the Trump administration continues to seek other deals. Sabri Ben-Achour explains. Also, the federal government is leading a major deregulatory crusade. And they want your input. Plus, quilts and blooming plants make us smile.


    Here’s everything we talked about today:


    • "Trump's Labor Department proposes more than 60 rule changes in a push to deregulate workplaces" from AP News
    • "Trump Strikes Deal With Ally Japan Setting Tariff Rate at 15%" from Bloomberg
    • Listener Jen’s quilting Instagram


      We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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    16 mins
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A good podcast with knowledgeable people. Would be better if left-wing biases were reduced or removed.

Good podcast focusing on up to date events

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