Podcast
Million Bazillion
Hosted by Marketplace · EN
Million Bazillion is a podcast from Marketplace that inspires families to talk about money. Described as “a godsend for anyone who knows a little kid with big questions about money,” by The New York Times, the podcast tackles questions from: "What is cryptocurrency?" to “How do I save money?” and “How does inflation work?” Hosts Ryan Perez and Bridget Bodnar take listeners on an awesome adventure to answer the awkward, complex, and sometimes surprising money questions from real kids.
Million Bazillion is funded in part by the Sy Syms Foundation, partnering with organizations and people working for a better and more just future since 1985. And special thanks to The Ranzetta Family Charitable Fund and Next Gen Personal Finance for providing the start-up funding for this podcast, and continuing to support Marketplace in our work to make younger audiences smarter about the economy.
Million Bazillion is funded in part by the Sy Syms Foundation, partnering with organizations and people working for a better and more just future since 1985. And special thanks to The Ranzetta Family Charitable Fund and Next Gen Personal Finance for providing the start-up funding for this podcast, and continuing to support Marketplace in our work to make younger audiences smarter about the economy.
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What is a government shutdown?
Oct 1000:06:34Tap to summarizeWhen Esmé noticed her dad suddenly staying home from work, she had questions! Her dad is one of the hundreds of thousands of workers sent home because of the government shutdown. But what is a government shutdown anyway? In today’s special bonus episode, we explain what’s going.We’re working on future seasons and would love to hear your kid’s money questions! Record your Million Bazillionaire and send the audio using this online form and we just might include your kid in an upcoming episode!
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Why is it called a bull market or a bear market?
Oct 700:25:50Tap to summarizeBridget and Ryan are at the Podcast Hosts for Youths Sleepaway Camp, but Ryan just can’t fall asleep. That’s when they meet Dougie Pickles, host of the Cozy Critters sleepy time podcast, with a surprising bedtime trick. Together, they unpack the world where animals and money collide, learn what bull and bear markets are, and introduce us to a fishy little entrepreneur, all while soothing Ryan to sleep. Plus, what do you think is more expensive to feed, a tiger or an elephant?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!
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Why does everything cost more at airports?
Sep 3000:25:30Tap to summarizeYou had lots of travel related money questions! So, Bridget and Ryan are on a money mission. While racing through the airport on their way to the San Fran Fin Lit Pod Con, they get to the bottom of why stuff costs more at airports than at regular stores, how currency exchange works and where our money actually comes from. How does it travel from the U.S. Mint to our wallets? Cue the spy music! 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!
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What is a financial bubble?
Sep 2300:30:27Tap to summarizeToday, we’re talking about bubbles. Not the kind you play with. The kind that happen in the economy! Bridget and Ryan take a trip down memory lane to answer Jocelin’s question about what caused the 2008 housing bubble. With help from Bridget’s unforgettable treehouse bubble tale, we’ll learn what can happen when prices rise too high, too fast and the bubble finally pops! Plus, why it’s so tricky to spot a bubble before it bursts.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!
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What is Black Friday?
Nov 19, 202400:32:24Tap to summarizeFor our final episode of the season, Bridget and Ryan team up with the hosts of “Forever Ago” to tell you about one of the biggest shopping days of the year: Black Friday. While they search for the best gifts for Podcast Host Appreciation Day, they learn how Black Friday started and how stores come up with deals, and they share tips on how to shop smart during the holiday season. If your family is interested in learning more about the questions we answered in this episode, check out our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips! This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.
Transcribe →Why is there so much gold at Fort Knox?
May 28, 202400:28:14Tap to summarizeIt’s our final episode of the season, Million Bazillionaires! Today, we’re answering Sadie’s question about why there is so much gold at Fort Knox. It’s one of the most secure places in the world, and Bridget and Ryan are determined to get inside! But just as the pair lands a special tour to the top-secret gold vault, a couple of mysterious Fort Knox enthusiasts throw a wrench in their plans. If your family is interested in learning more, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more. This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Get one month free and earn $10 today when you sign up for Greenlight at greenlight.com/million.
Transcribe →What does money have to do with climate change?
May 21, 202400:25:12Tap to summarizeListener Frieda wrote in with a big question: What does money have to do with climate change? Luckily, Bridget and Ryan get help from a time traveler who takes them back to a time when some decisions about how we make things, how we run our economy and how we buy stuff were made. Turns out we’re feeling the ripple effects of those choices today. We’ll also hear from some real-life kids who have been looking for ways to slow and stop climate change in their communities. If your family is interested in learning more, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more. This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. For a limited time, try Level Up for free and get $10 when you sign up for Greenlight at greenlight.com/million.
Transcribe →How does the economy work? (and other important money questions)
May 14, 202400:28:30Tap to summarizeIt’s a big day for Ryan and Bridget. They’re hosting their first ever live call-in radio show to answer listeners’ questions. After some awkward stumbles in the studio, they’ll explain how the economy works, why we use money, why some stores give out coupons and why the symbol for dollars ($) is an S with a line through it. All good questions! It’s going to be a jam-packed episode! If your family is interested in learning more, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more! This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Get one month free and earn $10 today when you sign up for Greenlight at greenlight.com/million.
Transcribe →What is bankruptcy?
May 7, 202400:33:10Tap to summarizeBridget and Ryan are studying at the library, hoping to answer Maebinn’s question about bankruptcy. The duo discovers an epic fantasy storybook about a bankrupt prince and his dangerous and frustrating journey to declaring bankruptcy. There are a lot of tricky rules! They learn about the different types of bankruptcies for people and businesses, and why bankruptcy can sometimes give folks a financial fresh start but is still an option of last resort for those who can’t pay their debts. Along the way, they’ll also meet knights, princesses, wizards, and even some lawyer elves. If your family is interested in learning more, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more! This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Get one month free and earn $10 today when you sign up for Greenlight at greenlight.com/million.
Transcribe →Why does it feel so good to spend money?
Apr 30, 202400:31:00Tap to summarizeRyan feels a little down about not winning a podcasting award. When they get Malin’s question about why it feels so good to spend money, Bridget suggests they go on a shopping spree to cheer him up! And it works — thanks to some brain chemicals and Ryan’s Emotions Elf. But when the shopping trip gets a bit out of hand, those happy emotions turn into regret and fear, and the duo need to get help from experts to understand what shopping does to our brains and how to have a healthier relationship with spending. If your family is interested in learning more, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips for learning more! This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Start saving for college with up to 5% on Savings. Get one month free and an extra $10 when you sign up for Greenlight Infinity at greenlight.com/million.
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