Million Bazillion

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. <br/> <br/>Million Bazillion is made possible in part by The Ranzetta Family Charitable Fund and Next Gen Personal Finance, supporting Marketplace’s work to make younger audiences smarter about the economy. This podcast is presented by Greenlight, the debit card and investing app for kids and teens.

What is a chain restaurant?

It's the start of a whole new season and Bridget and Ryan have a great question from listener, Dina: What is a chain restaurant? Some chain restaurants work a little differently than other chains — they're "franchises" and individual people can open a location of their own! To answer Dena’s question, Bridget and Ryan try their hand at opening their own location of the incredibly popular and beloved chain, the International House of Clams. Together, they’ll learn how the chain restaurant business works and what makes it different from starting a restaurant from scratch. Plus, keep an ear out for cameos from some of your favorite Million Bazillion characters!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! This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

09-16
30:24

“Million Bazillion” returns Sept. 16!

Hey Million Bazillionaires, are you ready for a new season of “Million Bazillion”?Bridget and Ryan are back to answer even more of your money questions. This season, we’ll learn all about the business behind your favorite chain restaurants, take a flight to find out why airport prices are sky-high and pop into the world of bubbles, not the ones you blow with soap, but the kind that burst in the economy! Plus, we’re cracking the mystery behind $2 bills: why do they exist if we hardly use them?New episodes drop every Tuesday, starting September 16th! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And, if you want even more Million Bazillion in your life, make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter for bonus episode content and tip sheets to keep the money learning going.In the meantime, check out our trailer above and catch up on any episodes you might’ve missed.This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

09-09
02:59

How does online scamming work?

Bridget and Ryan get swept up in a cyberpunk adventure as they try to answer Cooper’s question about how online data thefts can lead to real world consequences for your bank account. With the help of longtime friend of the program, Scam Slammer Host Brenda Hammer, the duo travel inside the internet to follow the trail of our digital bread crumbs, and see how advertisers and fraudsters get to know more about us than we might think.

07-29
33:01

How much debt is too much debt?

Bridget and Ryan get a question from listener Deji - who wants to know, how much debt is too much debt? Before they can answer, the pair run into Ghost Pirate Blackbeard, who has the same question! Together, they learn more about debt, and what everyone, even a ghost pirate, needs to know before borrowing money. 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.

07-22
29:58

Why does organic food cost more than non-organic food?

Listener Cecilia wrote in to ask: “Why does organic food cost more than non organic food?” And she's right! Certified organic foods do usually cost more than other options. Bridget and Ryan dive into the question with the help of Stephanie Hughes, Marketplace's reporter on the organic farming beat. Ryan's inspired to try his own hand at organic farming ... but will his crops be able to survive an attack of horn worms, a stampede of chickens and a dustbowl to turn a profit at the farmer’s market?After you listen to this episode, be sure to check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and tips!This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

07-15
30:28

How do you become a CEO?

Being a CEO is a big job and 9-year-old Shreen is wondering how to become one! On today’s episode, Bridget and Ryan learn about the different paths people take to be the boss and what it really means to lead a company. (Hint: its not just about meetings and fancy suits). And, guess what? Even CEOs have a boss sometimes, too! 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.

07-08
33:10

How do ATMs work? (And other money questions from you!)

Bridget and Ryan hit rewind and break out an old-school cassette tape to answer your money questions. You wanted to know: how ATMs work, why the penny’s called the penny and how airlines set ticket prices? So we’re on the case to bring you the answers with an analog twist! 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.

06-24
29:00

How do athletes get paid?

“Million Bazillion” listener Alistair wants to know how professional athletes get paid. Bridget and Ryan prepare for the semi-annual Public Radio Foosball Tournament, but their star player is drafted to the opposing team. The hosts have to scramble to assemble players for their dream team in time for the big tournament. In this episode, they learn about labor unions, player trades and statistical analysis strategies used in the movie “Moneyball.”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.

06-17
32:49

What are tariffs?

Bridget convinces Ryan to launch a new side business, solving money problems. Today’s problem - a local fifth-grader is facing competition with her slime business from a rival school. Could a tariff help solve her problem? With the help of a not-so-spooky-ghost, they’ll learn what tariffs are, and why they make the price of things go up, and how tariffs can lead to…a trade war.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.

06-10
30:00

What is the lottery, and how does it work?

It’s a new season of “Million Bazillion!” In this episode, Ryan and Bridget dive into the world of lotteries after listener Oskar asked how they work. With the help of a talking stat(istics) cat, they learn just how tricky it is to win big. But like many lottery hopefuls, the pair still buys a ticket with a plan they think will help them beat the odds. Will their idea work? Listen to find out! 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.

06-03
28:54

"Million Bazillion" returns June 3!

Hello, Million Bazillionaires! In the new season of Million Bazillion, Ryan and Bridget head out on even bigger adventures to answer some of the best money questions we’ve ever received:From the mystery behind the lottery, to explaining tariffs, and how athletes get paid, the ins and outs of ATMs and how to keep your money info safe online, and why organic food costs more than non-organic food. But the fun doesn’t end there. When you’re done listening to each episode, check out our newsletter for bonus content and cool questions to spark conversations between kids and grownups. New episodes drop every Tuesday starting June 3! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. In the meantime, check out our trailer above and catch up on any episodes you might’ve missed.

05-27
02:41

What is Black Friday?

For 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. 

11-19
32:34

How do people pay for things when they retire?

The hosts visit Bridget’s grandma to answer questions from Josephina and Anna about how retirement works. Along with dancing and eating a lot of casserole, they learn about the many ways people save for retirement and how the government helps people pay for things when they stop working. Plus, they help Bridget’s niece understand why it’s important to start saving for retirement early.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.

11-12
28:06

Sing along with “Million Bazillion”

This week, Ryan and Bridget take the stage to perform some greatest hits from the “Million Bazillion” songbook. They’ll revisit some of their favorite songs about why it can be awkward to talk about money, why the United States has its own currency, how to spot a scam and more. Plus, a never-before-heard song from “Million Bazillion: The Musical.” So put on your top hats and sequined ponchos, and get ready to sing along with us!To follow along with song lyrics, check out this episode on our website and visit our YouTube playlist to sing and dance to all your favorite “Million Bazillion” hits. We’ve also have discussion questions and tips!This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

11-05
24:34

Why do we have pennies? (and more money questions)

Ryan and Bridget are back in the studio to host another live call-in show to answer the quick but not always easy questions listeners have about money. Together, they break down the difference between credit and debit cards, explain why pennies exist and show you how to spot fake money. But things take a turn when their soundboard develops a mind of its own.If your family is interested in learning more about any of 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.

10-29
23:55

What’s the difference between brand-name items and generics?

Million Bazillion listener Kade wants to know why brand-name products cost more than store-brand and generic products. Bridget and Ryan head to a grocery store where they meet a talking can of soup in need of a brand makeover. In this episode, they learn the differences between brand-name products and generics, why we care about brands, and why they’re more expensive.If your family is interested in learning more about the difference between brand names and generics, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips!This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million.

10-22
26:51

Let’s talk about savings accounts

Bridget and Ryan are back for a whole new season of “Million Bazillion”! With the help of their new All Questioning Questioni machine, they’re ready to answer more money questions than ever before — starting with savings accounts and how they work. Bridget and Ryan visit a circus-themed bank searching for answers and learn the step-by-step process of opening a bank account.If your family is interested in learning more about savings accounts, check out the page for this episode at our website. We’ve got discussion questions and tips!This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. Sign up for Greenlight today at greenlight.com/million. Greenlight is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Greenlight app facilitates banking services through Community Federal Savings Bank, member FDIC.

10-15
29:47

“Million Bazillion” is back Oct. 15!

Hey Million Bazillionaires, are you ready? We’ve got another season of “Million Bazillion” coming out October 8! This season, Bridget and Ryan will be answering your questions about savings accounts, retirement plans, the difference between brand name and store brand products, why we use pennies and so much more. They’ll even visit a circus bank and hit the mall for some Black Friday shopping! Don’t forget to sign up for the “Million Bazillion” newsletter so you never miss an episode and get access to episode extras, including conversation starters for grownups and kids. We’ll be making dollars make more sense every Tuesday starting Oct. 15. Listen to a sneak peek above, get caught up on any episodes you may have missed and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

10-08
03:33

Why is there so much gold at Fort Knox?

It’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.

05-28
26:32

What does money have to do with climate change?

Listener 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.

05-21
24:14

Evelyn K

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

04-14 Reply

Hashim Uqdah

i love this episode! And plz make more episodes! I keep coming back to my favorite episodes, and this one is one of them.

02-12 Reply

Hashim Uqdah

Why is Fort Knox spelled like that? :) :] :>

12-09 Reply

Hashim Uqdah

brains on should talk about money also not just science,I mean I like science but it might get boring just talking about science.

06-03 Reply

Hashim Uqdah

China is big and they have sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooppp many materials,so that's why sooooooooooo many things are made in china.also digging to the bottom of the earth 🌎 does not lead to china#myth

06-03 Reply

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