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 fu...
Latest episodes
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12 min
What is rental arbitrage?
Bridget and Ryan finally answer one of your most requested questions of all time: What is rental arbitrage? Dun. Dun. Dun! The answer involves a moldy fridge, rizz-less cupcakes an…
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31 min
What is an IPO?
Hear ye, hear ye! Bridget and Ryan have received this question from listener Perry: “How do companies get on the stock market?” which the pair intend to answer while spending the d…
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31 min
What is a credit score?
Tula wants to know, "what is a credit score," which is perfect timing for Bridget, her board game crew, and Ryan to play Credit Score Quest: Path to 850. As the players roll the di…
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31 min
What is shrinkflation?
It’s a new season of “Million Bazillion” and listener Noah wants to know, what is shrinkflation? When Ryan notices his favorite pita chip snack is shrinking, he, Bridget and a talk…
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4 min
"Million Bazillion" Season 11 is almost here!
Hello Million Bazillionaires, we’ve got a new season of “Million Bazillion” coming your way on September 29th! Get ready to follow Bridget and Ryan as they meet new characters on t…
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29 min
What's an auction and how does it work?
A new season of “Million Bazillion” is almost here. But first, we’re resharing one of our favorite episodes. Today, Ryan and Bridget are answering Hezekiah’s questions about auctio…
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28 min
How do claw machines work?
Today, we’re resharing an episode that’s perfect for a summer listen. We’re answering Maddox’s question about what happens to your quarter when you put it inside a claw machine. It…
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31 min
Why did the U.S. stop making pennies?
Bridget and Ryan are approached by a big film producer to write the next summer blockbuster — a movie all about the penny! The timing couldn’t be better because so many of you have…
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19 min
Introducing "The Midnight Rebellion": which climate path would you take?
Hey Million Bazillionaires, we're dropping into your feeds again this week to tackle a different kind of question: can we actually change course on climate change? That question is…
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33 min
What’s the difference between capitalism, socialism, and communism?
Bridget and Ryan are having their lunch break at a Chinese restaurant when they run into “Million Bazillion” listener Daphne with a big question: What’s the difference between capi…
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32 min
How do athletes get paid?
Today, we’re resharing an episode from our archive that feels especially relevant as the World Cup men’s soccer tournament kicks off next week! “Million Bazillion” listener Alistai…
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10 min
What if there was only one currency in the whole world?
We’ve talked a lot about how money works and why countries have their own currencies here on “Million Bazillion.” But listener Alessio wants to know: Why DOESN’T the whole world us…
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34 min
How does a company buy another company?
“Million Bazillion” listener Cora wants to know: How does a company buy another company? But before Bridget and Ryan can answer, Borpo, host of “Learning with Borpo” and CEO of a g…
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31 min
What is the gold standard?
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…
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27 min
Why is there so much gold at Fort Knox?
Today, we’re resharing an important episode from our archive! We’re answering Sadie’s question about why there is so much gold at Fort Knox. (And, we’re releasing a special new epi…
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31 min
What are checks?
The episode you’ve been waiting for is finally here. This is part 2 of the San Fran Fin Lit Pod Con cliffhanger episode from last season. Bridget and Ryan finally made it to the co…
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33 min
Where do game shows get their prize money?
“Million Bazillion” listeners and brothers John and Peter want to know where game shows get their prize money. It’s the perfect opportunity to answer this question as Ryan and Brid…
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32 min
Why does the price of gas go up and down?
If you’re anything like “Million Bazillion” listener, Elijah, you may have noticed gas prices change from one day to the next, sometimes by a few pennies, sometimes by a lot more.…
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32 min
What are tax returns?
The 10th season of “Million Bazillion” is here just in time to mark Bridget and Ryan’s favorite holiday – Tax Day! There’s just one problem: Ryan hasn’t finished filing his taxes y…
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3 min
“Million Bazillion” Season 10 is almost here!
Hello, Million Bazillionaires, we’ve got a new season of “Million Bazillion” coming your way on April 14!To mark the 10th season, Bridget and Ryan are going all out to answer your…