The Make Me Smart podcast does what its title says. It is an easy-to-understand news program. And it tries to make its listeners more knowledgeable. This program comes from the people behind Marketplace. That's the public media show that explains economics in a friendly way. This podcast does a similar thing, but with news and pop culture.
The soothing voice of Marketplace voice Kai Ryssdal joins bubbly cohost Kimberly Adams each weekday on Make Me Smart. Podcast episodes explore what's happening in the news today. If USA Today, The New York Times, or The Washington Post report it, so will Make Me Smart. This podcast helps the world make sense.
The Make Me Smart podcast follows a standard weekday format. Monday and Thursday have segments called the "News Fix." It gives news based on the Marketplace morning report. Topics range from globalization to marketplace tech, climate change, and opioid use. Lighthearted facts break up serious news.
Tuesday's podcasts examine a single topic. Past episodes feature topics like "The Moral Hazard of Solar Geoengineering," for example. Episodes like "How Sci-Fi Can Make Us Smart" explore significant issues. In this case, it's whether the genre can teach people about problem-solving in the real world. Modern thinking meets science fiction in this particular episode.
"What Do You Want to Know Wednesday" is the listener's chance to have their questions answered. Kai and Kimberly cohost, often with the help of industry experts such as Molly Wood. From hybrid workplaces to Republican policies to the war in Ukraine, topics are open. Following prior research, the most suitable experts share their thoughts.
Bringing fun into economics is "Happy Hour Friday," also known as "Economics on Tap." The hosts converse over a drink and discuss the insurance industry, crypto, FTX, the WTO, and what's happening on Wall Street. To make it more personal, they describe what they are drinking that day.
The Make Me Smart podcast talks about big problems and talks to experts about solutions. Listeners can learn more about what's trending in the marketplace. Most episodes are under 30 minutes long.
Episodes