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 ...
Nov 19, 2024•32 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 12, 2024•27 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast 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, che...
Nov 05, 2024•25 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast 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 g...
Oct 29, 2024•24 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Oct 22, 2024•28 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast 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 webs...
Oct 15, 2024•30 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast 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 g...
Oct 08, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 episo...
May 28, 2024•28 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
May 21, 2024•25 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast It’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...
May 14, 2024•29 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast Bridget 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 debt...
May 07, 2024•33 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast Ryan 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 re...
Apr 30, 2024•31 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Bridget and Ryan answer Aela’s question about college saving accounts and how they work with a special guest: an aspiring tooth fairy hoping to embark on her own college adventure! Together, they’ll learn all about the ways people save or pay for college: savings accounts, 529 plans, scholarships, and student loans during orientation day at Magic University. And they’ll meet some magical (and spooky) creatures along the way. If your family is interested in lear...
Apr 23, 2024•28 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Bridget and Ryan are working hard to answer a question many listeners sent in, including Benicio, about labor unions and how they work. They get some help from a group of middle school babysitters called The Caregiver Crew who want to form a union. We’ll learn the ins and outs of negotiations, collective bargaining, strikes, and even … scabbing. If your family is interested in learning more about labor unions, check out the page for this episode at our website . We’v...
Apr 16, 2024•31 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast Bridget and Ryan are back for a whole new season of “Million Bazillion”! Since we’ve been away, Ryan’s developed an interest in soapbox car racing — just in time for a question from Abigail about how cars are made. Bridget and Ryan head to a car factory to find out the answer. By the end of the episode, they’ll need to put their newfound knowledge (and Ryan’s skills as a soapbox racer) to the test! If your family is interested in learning more about cars, chec...
Apr 09, 2024•34 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Hey Million Bazillionaires! Get ready for another season of “Million Bazillion” coming to your feeds April 9. This season, Bridget and Ryan will be answering your questions about labor unions, the different ways to pay for college, bankruptcy, the gold at Fort Knox and so much more. They’ll be getting up to hijinks in factories, consorting with magical beings, and even … consulting experts! Don’t forget to sign up for the “Million Bazillion” newsletter so you never miss an epis...
Apr 02, 2024•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hey, Million Bazillionaires! We’re working on a brand new season of “Million Bazillion” (more on that very soon). But if you need more “Million Bazillion” in your life, we have something just for you. It’s the latest round of the Million Bazillion Academy, a free email newsletter course that teaches kids about business, the economy and lots of other good money stuff we haven’t covered on the show before. New lessons arrive weekly, and you can complete th...
Mar 05, 2024•1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Hey Million Bazillionaires! Bridget and Ryan are working on new episodes for our upcoming brand new season. In the meantime, we’re getting a lot of notes from our listeners asking about different types of jobs and how to get them. We’ve talked before about why kids under a certain age generally don’t have jobs. But for our listeners who still have questions, we’re turning to our friends at Marketplace’s podcast about money for young people, Financially Inclined. Her...
Feb 07, 2024•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Saving money might sound like a chore, but Yanely Espinal and Berna Anat are here to remind you that saving money can help you afford more of what you want, and you can have fun along the way! Think you’re financially inclined? Check out the savings tips below: A comparison of high-yield savings accounts from NerdWallet Here are some free savings trackers you can print Look at these different savings apps reviewed by Bankrate You can find more financial tips from Berna on her Instagram &n...
Nov 21, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s our last episode of the season, Million Bazillionaires! And we’re answering Maddox’s question about what happens to your quarter when you put it inside a claw machine. It just zips away! Ryan and Bridget talk to an expert who lets them peek inside a claw machine to find out where that quarter goes. After getting some tips on how to win at the claw, Bridget gets a little too hung up on trying to win a stuffie, leaving it up to Ryan to bring her back to reality (shocking, we...
Oct 17, 2023•28 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast It’s board game night and Ryan and Bridget are also planning to answer Amala’s question about the price of rent. She wants to know who sets it. Luckily for everyone, Bridget happens to have handy her version of “Real Estate-Opoloy.” It’s the classic board game about renting and buying that’s inspired family fights and feuds for generations. But before they can get started, the duo are sucked into the game. While they try to figure out a way out, they’ll ...
Oct 10, 2023•31 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast “Ten News” Road Trip Remix: 👟 Grab your AirPods, favorite pair of tennis shoes, and hop outside, Ten’ers. Today’s episode is meant for a long walk or bike ride as we learn about ways to be more climate friendly. Let’s start with “Nature Nerds'” Laine Farber’s take on reducing your carbon footprint. Oh, we can’t forget Laine’s rundown of potty training cows.🌱 And last, but certainly not least, we’re talking futuristic farming and...
Oct 03, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Listener Kaitlyn was talking to her dad about investments and things strayed into the world of Ponzi schemes. Kaitlyn’s wondering what they are and how they work — good question! Bridget and Ryan want to answer Katilyn’s question but the topic conjures up some bad memories for Ryan. Luckily they get some help from Brenda Hammer, lead investigator from Bridget’s favorite show, “Scam Slammers!” Brenda uses her expertise and investigative skills to help Ryan pick...
Sep 26, 2023•29 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast “Jamming on the Job ” is a multigenerational, music-inspired podcast for kids ages 4 to 8 and their parents and caregivers. It stars Christina Sanabria and Andrés Salguero, the Latin Grammy Award-winning kids’ music duo known as 123 Andrés. Join Christina and Andrés as they tour the country and perform songs about the world of work. At each place they go, they meet a grownup with a different kind of job who helps them along their way. As Christina and Andrés learn about the new and i...
Sep 21, 2023•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast In our previous episode, Bridget promised Ryan she’d take him to Happy Land Theme Park and Resort. And Bridget keeps her promises! It’s the perfect place to answer Henry’s question. He wants to know why some jobs get tips and others don’t. This proves to be a tricky one to answer, as Ryan and Bridget soon find out. They enlist the help of Happy Land Founder, Mort Bisby. Inside Mort’s hidden lair, they’ll learn some tips on well… tipping. If your family is interested in learning...
Sep 19, 2023•27 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast When listener Lulu asks a question about economic recessions and depressions, Ryan and Bridget know they have to go to where some of the best scholars of recessions and depressions are working: the Federal Reserve! While learning about how the Federal Reserve keeps an eye on the health of our economy, the pair accidentally unleash an economic disaster. They’ll need the help of the Fed’s Recession Crushers to get things back in line. Who ya gonna call? The Recession Crushers! If your ...
Sep 12, 2023•27 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast It’s a new season of Million Bazillion and in this episode, Ryan and Bridget are answering Hezekiah’s questions about auctions. He wants to know everything about them — what are they, how do they work, and what’s up with those paddles and the fast talkin’? Ryan and Bridget head to their very first auction to find out. But the pair get caught up in the excitement and end up accidentally buying the very first Million Bazillion mascot. They’ll use the help and experience of ...
Sep 05, 2023•30 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Hey Million Bazillionaires, are you ready? We’ve got another season of “Million Bazillion” coming out Sept. 5! This season, Bridget and Ryan will be answering your questions about recessions, auctions and something called a Ponzi scheme. It’s gonna be an adventurous season, so buckle in! 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...
Aug 29, 2023•3 min•Transcript available on Metacast In our final episode of the season, Bridget and Ryan get a question from Will in Ohio and are taking a cross-country road trip to answer it. Will wants to know why there are so many of the same stores. From Starbucks to Home Depot and all the McDonald’s in between, we’ll break down the reason why. For a special cartoon, discussion questions and tips for parents, check out our website! This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. (For a limited time, get $10 when you sign up for a Greenli...
Mar 14, 2023•25 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast For this week’s question, both Henry and Nathanial wanted to know why workers don’t get paid the same. Ryan and Bridget help break down what’s known as the “wage gap” with the help of the Vindicators superhero squad who are on a mission to make pay more fair. Plus, we brainstorm ways to fix the problem. Check out our website for a special cartoon, discussion questions and tips for parents. This episode is sponsored by Greenlight. (For a limited time, get $10 when yo...
Mar 07, 2023•30 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast 
