44:I[185,["/_next/static/chunks/08z4tkzvltetr.js","/_next/static/chunks/121~yigv24_j6.js","/_next/static/chunks/0a~e7k..h6jfc.js","/_next/static/chunks/0za7dr7c2y81~.js","/_next/static/chunks/03klviw01y.ih.js","/_next/static/chunks/0gx_3vy1-syt4.js","/_next/static/chunks/0i6hzvr84kc1r.js"],"SendEmailButton"] 46:I[63625,["/_next/static/chunks/08z4tkzvltetr.js","/_next/static/chunks/121~yigv24_j6.js","/_next/static/chunks/0a~e7k..h6jfc.js","/_next/static/chunks/0za7dr7c2y81~.js","/_next/static/chunks/03klviw01y.ih.js","/_next/static/chunks/0gx_3vy1-syt4.js","/_next/static/chunks/0i6hzvr84kc1r.js"],"AddToLibraryButton"] 49:I[45269,["/_next/static/chunks/08z4tkzvltetr.js","/_next/static/chunks/121~yigv24_j6.js","/_next/static/chunks/0a~e7k..h6jfc.js","/_next/static/chunks/0za7dr7c2y81~.js","/_next/static/chunks/03klviw01y.ih.js","/_next/static/chunks/0gx_3vy1-syt4.js","/_next/static/chunks/0i6hzvr84kc1r.js"],"SignupCTA"] 3e:["$","div",null,{"className":"flex flex-wrap items-center gap-x-4 gap-y-1 font-mono text-[12px] uppercase tracking-[0.1em] text-[color:var(--fg-3)]","children":[["$","time",null,{"dateTime":"2026-05-19T10:00:00.000Z","children":"May 19, 2026"}],["$","span",null,{"aria-hidden":true,"children":"·"}],["$","span",null,{"children":"00:30:59"}],false]}] 45:T4ae,

In this episode, Bridget and Ryan travel through the history of money in front of a live audience of kids and families (for real!) to answer Sofia’s big question: What is the gold standard? Together, they explore this old money rule, how paper money became a thing, and why no countries in the world – not a single one – use gold to back their money anymore.

This episode was performed as part of WBUR’s Podcast Playdate festival for kids in Boston. It was one of the most fun experiences we’ve ever had on the show. We loved seeing so many of you in the audience, hearing your reactions in real time and getting to meet you in person.

Thank you to everyone who came out. We can’t wait to go back next year!

If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!

Love the show? You can help make it happen. Donate what you can at marketplace.org/givemillion