Slate Business

Money Talks: The Working Homeless in America Jul 08, 2025

In this Money Talks: Elizabeth Spiers is joined by journalist Brian Goldstone to discuss his book There is No Place for Uson the rising homelessness crisis and how a huge swath of the US population can be working and still lack stable housing. They’ll dive into the misconceptions around who makes up the homeless population, the many ways people like the subjects of Brian’s book were put into precarious situations beyond their control, and what it would take to finally end this expanding crisis.

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Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth.

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Money Talks: Money is One Hell of A Drug Jun 24, 2025

In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon is joined by author James Frey to discuss his new novel, Next to Heaven, set among America’s ultra-ultra-rich, the real life billionaires he knows who inspired it, and why he thinks money is addicting.

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Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth.

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Money Talks: Philosophy of The Budget Jun 10, 2025

In this Money Talks: Felix Salmon is joined by Barry Lam, host of Slate’ philosophy podcast Hi-Phi Nation to help him explain how the GOP sees the budget deficit in the “Big Beautiful Bill” using philosophical arguments.

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Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth.

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Pay Offs & Lay Offs May 31, 2025

This week: Felix Salmon left Axios. He, Emily Peck and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the opaque language and politics around parting ways with an employer and the motivation behind giving severance packages. Then, it seems the threat of AI taking over jobs is becoming real as the hosts examine the role state of AI in tech and other industries and its effect on the job market. Finally, major stablecoin issuer Circle is going public. So what is a stablecoin and why do people want them?

In the Slate Plus episode: Donald Trump’s Rococo Share

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Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That Wack-Ass Tariff Formula Apr 05, 2025

This week: Trump unveiled his extensive list of tariffs. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers discuss the questionable math that went into calculating these hefty tariffs and the stock market’s extremely negative reaction to the announcement. Then, Trump has picked a fight with the country's biggest law firms, threatening the integrity of the US legal system. Slate’s Mark Joseph Stern joins to break down the situation. And finally, the US dollar is down after Trump’s tariff announcement which was a big surprise. (Listen to our episode with Paul Krugman to understand why.) The hosts examine the factors that led to its weakening.

In the Slate Plus episode: Broadway plays have gone Hollywood.

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Money Talks: The Campaign Against the Free Press Apr 01, 2025

In this Money Talks: Amidst the Trump administration’s continued attacks on the press, David Enrich’s new book, Murder the Truth: Fear, the First Amendment, and a Secret Campaign to Protect the Powerful, feels incredibly timely. He joins Elizabeth Spiers to discuss his reporting on increasing efforts to exploit the legal system to protect the rich and powerful from being held accountable, creating an incredibly fraught landscape for journalists and news outlets.

Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen.

Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Illegal Group Chats Are Everywhere Mar 29, 2025

This week: A leaked Signal message revealed illegal use of the commercial app by the Defense Department. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers explain how this is a common issue in finance, where employees often defy SEC regulations on secure communication in favor of more convenient ways of communicating. Then, a recent study shows that people are leaving states with anti-abortion laws and other evidence suggests political migration in the US is on the rise. Finally, Dollar Tree is selling Family Dollar to private equity for $1 billion, 10 years after buying it for $8 billion. The hosts discuss what might have led to the end of the disastrous merger.

In the Slate Plus episode: Felix joins What Next host Mary Harris to talk about the godfather of crypto, Satoshi Nakamoto.

Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen.

Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who’s The Boss? Mar 22, 2025

This week: DOGE is taking its chainsaw to the Social Security Administration. Felix Salmon, Emily Peck, and Elizabeth Spiers examine the real reasons behind the Elon Musk led crusade against the SSA. And then, DOGE used extreme tactics against the US Institute of Peace including a physical takeover of the building by force. Meanwhile, the founder of Pirate’s Booty tried a similar tactic to try to gain power over his small Long Island town. The hosts discuss how these stories and recent actions by Trump call into question what authority really means when it comes to our government. And finally, Dan Primak of Axios joins to explain how a private equity firm just made the Boston Celtics the highest valued team (in dollars) in US sports history.

In the Slate Plus episode: Why are US winemakers upset about a potential wine tariff?

Want to hear that discussion and hear more Slate Money? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Slate Money show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/moneyplus to get access wherever you listen.

Podcast production by Jessamine Molli and Cheyna Roth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joint Venture | The Story of High Times Jul 23, 2021

Can the National Geographic of marijuana become a name brand in the cannabis retail industry?

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin.

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Milking It | The Story of Oatly Jul 16, 2021

How did a small Swedish plant milk company become a multi-billion dollar disruptor?

Podcast production by Asha Saluja and Cleo Levin.

Listen to the Teamistry podcast.

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Hair Today, Hair Tomorrow | Supercuts Jul 09, 2021

Supercuts revolutionized the haircutting industry, and managed to stay in style as trends changed. But then came the pandemic.

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin with help from Grace Woodruff.

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Anything for a Buck | Dollar General Jul 02, 2021

Dollar General is built on a business model that has its stores proliferating rapidly across the country. In response, a movement to control the growth has been picking up in the last few years. Can those who think the stores are causing more harm than help make their voices heard?

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin.

Listen to the Teamistry podcast.

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Organic and Inorganic Growth | Whole Foods Jun 25, 2021

Groceries was one of the last industries to come under Big Tech’s influence, but everything changed when Amazon bought Whole Foods.

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin.

Listen to the Teamistry podcast.

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What Streams May Come | The Story of HBO Jun 18, 2021

HBO pioneered prestige TV and the concept of renting movies from home. Can it be a frontrunner in the streaming wars?

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin.

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Swabber Barons | The Story of Puritan Jun 11, 2021

You may not have heard of Puritan, but if you’ve gotten a COVID test, you’ve probably had one of their products inside your nose. A family feud almost tore this company apart. Then the White House called.

Read Olivia Carville’s original article for Bloomberg.

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin.

Correction: This episode incorrectly identifies the owner of Hardwood Products. James Cartwright works for Hardwood, but the owner is John Cartwright.

Listen to the Teamistry podcast.

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Bugging Out | The Story of Volkswagen Jun 04, 2021

In the 1960s, the Volkswagen Beetle was a symbol of peace and love. But this same car was invented as part of the Nazi propaganda project. And that’s just the beginning of the story.

Correction: This episode incorrectly states the full name of the DDB advertising agency. It is Doyle Dane Bernbach.

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin.

Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast and bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn. To listen and support our work, visit Slate.com/ThrillingPlus.

For a behind-the-scenes look into some of the articles we read when we create the show, check out our Pocket collection at http://getpocket.com/slate.

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I Want to Ride My Internet-Enabled Bicycle | The Peloton Story Mar 26, 2021

Peloton thought it was selling boutique at-home fitness to busy parents. Instead, it created an entire community. But it also hit a few bumps on the road to success.

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin.

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We’re Getting the Band Back Together | Tower Records Mar 19, 2021

Can a once-revered brick-and-mortar music chain be brought back to life in the era of Amazon and Spotify?

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin.

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They’ve Got Issues | The Story of Marvel Mar 12, 2021

Marvel has stumbled as a company many times throughout its history, even going bankrupt in the 1990s. But not unlike many of its characters, it’s re-emerged stronger than before.

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin.

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Loss Leader | Weight Watchers Mar 05, 2021

In 2018, the company once known as Weight Watchers changed its name to “WW.” Is its best chance at survival to convince people that it’s not that interested in dieting after all?

Podcast production by Asha Saluja and Cleo Levin.

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The Color of Money | Pantone Feb 26, 2021

Color is a beautiful thing that just exists in the world. But when color intersects with capitalism, somebody has to set some standards, make some decisions, and make some money.

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin.

Note: This episode incorrectly states that Radiant Orchid was Pantone's 2012 color of the year. It was the color of the year in 2014.

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The Dull Shall Inherit the Earth | The Story of Salesforce Feb 19, 2021

How do you sex up the world of B2B “customer relationship management” software? For Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, it’s been a combination of ambitious acquisitions, skyscrapers, monks, and Metallica.

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin.

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Hallmark and the Selling of Sentiment Feb 12, 2021

For more than a century, Hallmark has been a tightly-held, Midwestern business that’s mastered the art of turning feelings into revenue. But recently, it has run into trouble when it’s tried so hard to be inoffensive, it ends up offending. Can Hallmark succeed in an era when emotions might be getting too big to fit in an envelope?

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Cleo Levin.

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Purple Reign | The Story of Manischewitz Dec 18, 2020

How did an immigrant rabbi use modern technology to dominate the millenia-old market for matzoh? And how did an almost undrinkably sweet wine manage to become the taste of Judaism?

Podcast production by Jess Miller with help from Cleo Levin.

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Kingpins | The Business of Pinterest Dec 11, 2020

Pinterest is an online destination frequented by crafty moms and brides-to-be. But former employees allege that its internal culture is far from woman-friendly.

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Asha Saluja, with help from Cleo Levin and Seth Stevenson.

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The Tithes Are Turning | The GoFundMe Story Dec 04, 2020

GoFundMe turned charitable giving into another form of social media. Should we be concerned that Silicon Valley is profiting off of our most selfless intentions?

Podcast production by Jess Miller, with help from Cleo Levin.

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Unforgiven | Wells Fargo Nov 20, 2020

The name Wells Fargo conjures up images of old western stagecoaches and pioneers.But when scandal hit, was this feel-good history enough to deflect attention away from the bank’s present-day troubles?

Podcast production by Jess Miller, with help from Cleo Levin and Asha Saluja.

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The Shocking True Story of the National Enquirer Nov 13, 2020

The National Enquirer played a large role in the 2016 election. Four years later, the paper has been merged with a company that sells corkscrews, umbrellas, and hand sanitizer, and its CEO has been ousted from his leadership role. What happened since its days of major scoops and supermarket dominance?

Podcast production by Jess Miller, with help from Cleo Levin and Asha Saluja.

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Stroller Derby | UPPAbaby and the Battle for Sidewalk Supremacy Nov 06, 2020

For certain parents, a stroller isn’t just a product—it’s a lifestyle signifier. For the past 100 years or so, one stroller brand at a time seems to reign supreme, until it’s dethroned by the next up-and-comer. Right now, UPPAbaby is that “it” stroller. But with new customers being born every minute, how do they maintain a stronghold?

Podcast production by Jess Miller, with help from Madeline Ducharme and Cleo Levin.

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Mama Don’t Take My Kodak Loan Away Oct 30, 2020

Eastman Kodak revolutionized amateur photography, but after failing to embrace digital, it fell on hard times. Then, a lifeline came in the form of a loan from the federal government--to make not cameras, but pharmaceuticals. It sent stock prices soaring … but also raised a lot of questions.

Podcast production by Jess Miller, with help from Madeline Ducharme and Cleo Levin.

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Brooks Brothers | A Button-Down Bankruptcy Oct 02, 2020

For more than a century, Brooks Brothers defined fashion for a certain kind of east coast, American elite. It’s been the clothier to nearly every US president. So how did its madras start to bleed so badly?

Podcast production by Jess Miller, with help from Madeline Ducharme, Hannah Klein, and Cleo Levin.

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Overnight Billionaires | Airbnb Sep 25, 2020

Airbnb transformed the experience of travel by turning ordinary neighborhoods into tourist destinations, and ordinary people into backdoor innkeepers. These people’s small businesses are the backbone of Airbnb’s big one. But facing a pandemic and a potential PR disaster, would the company prioritize its guests or its hosts?

Podcast production by Heba Elorbany and Jess Miller, with help from Madeline Ducharme and Asha Saluja.

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Queasy Rider | The Uncertain Future of Harley-Davidson Sep 18, 2020

There are few more iconic pieces of Americana than a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. But its singular Americanness - the thing that has kept the brand popular for decades - may now be a harbinger of its downfall.

Podcast production by Jess Miller, with help from Asha Saluja.

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Fly the Unfriendly Skies | The Story of Ryanair Sep 11, 2020

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary says things about customers and competitors that you wouldn’t expect him to get away with -- but he does. He takes business risks that others wouldn’t dream of -- and they almost always pay off. Now facing a global pandemic, will Ryanair’s signature “no-frills” model and its lightning-rod CEO weather the storm?

Podcast production by Jess Miller, with help from Madeline Ducharme, Hannah Klein, Cleo Levin, and Asha Saluja.

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Croc of Ages | The Strange Staying Power of a Cheap, Ugly Clog Sep 04, 2020

Crocs once teetered on the verge of total ruin, but after a long, bumpy journey, the instantly recognizable plastic clogs are back. The fact that people hate them may very well be what saved them.

Podcast production by Jess Miller, with help from Madeline Ducharme, Hannah Klein, and Asha Saluja.

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Boss Fights | Tim Sweeney, Epic Games, and the Quest to Slay the Mobile Duopoly Aug 28, 2020

A lot has changed since we first reported on Epic Games and its smash hit, Fortnite. This week, we bring you new reporting on how the little start-up that changed the world of gaming could permanently alter the way tech giants like Apple do business.

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Asha Saluja.

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A Man for All Sazones | Bob Unanue and the Future of Goya Foods Aug 21, 2020

Goya CEO Robert Unanue recently praised Donald Trump at the White House, resulting in a call to boycott Goya from the political left and endorsements from the political right. Did Unanue do this to jeopardize the sale of his company and to maintain control of what his family founded?

Podcast production by Jess Miller, with help from Madeline Ducharme, Hannah Klein, Megan Kallstrom, and Asha Saluja.

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A Tuna Tale | Starkist, Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea, and the Sinking of Seafood Empires Aug 14, 2020

A few years ago, the Department of Justice started looking into business practices in the canned tuna industry. What unfolded was a price fixing story so dark and disruptive, it threatened to upend a century-old industry.

Podcast production by Jess Miller, with help from Madeline Ducharme, Hannah Klein, Megan Kallstrom, and Asha Saluja.

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Thinking Inside the Box | The Story of Domino’s Jun 26, 2020

Its chief digital officer called it “an e-commerce company that sells pizza.” Tasters across the country once said its products tasted like cardboard. But by cornering the delivery business early on, Domino’s set itself up for success—a gamble that especially paid off once in-house dining went on pause.

Podcast production by Jess Miller, with help from Asha Saluja and Megan Kallstrom.

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Kings of Consulting | McKinsey & Company Jun 19, 2020

Since its founding in the 1920s, McKinsey has become the gold standard for management consulting. But as its business grew, so did America’s wealth gap. Is that a coincidence?

Podcast production by Heba Elorbany and Jess Miller with help from Asha Saluja.

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The Fortnite Founder | Tim Sweeney and Epic Games Jun 12, 2020

Epic Games changed the world of gaming with its smash hit, Fortnite. But for founder Tim Sweeney, Fortnite was a culmination of everything he had learned since he received his first computer at age 11.

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Asha Saluja.

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Swan Thong | The Rise and Fall of Victoria’s Secret Jun 05, 2020

Although it’s known for making products for women, Victoria’s Secret was created as a shopping experience for men. It hit its stride in the 1990s, with stores in malls across America and a brand built on a very specific kind of fantasy: supermodels, angel wings, and diamond-studded bras. But when this definition of glamour—and retail— began to fall out of fashion, Victoria’s Secret refused to budge. Now, its future is in jeopardy.

Casey Crowe Taylor is a former Victoria’s Secret employee. Heidi Zak is the co-founder and CEO of ThirdLove.

Podcast production by Jess Miller, Asha Saluja, and Megan Kallstrom.

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Sanity and Sanitizer | The Story of Purell May 29, 2020

Before this pandemic, the story of Purell was mostly about innovation -- inventing something people needed before they realized they needed it. Now, it’s a story about something every business executive dreams of -- a sudden influx of customers desperate to get their hands on your product.

But when demand surges so fast that the leading brand can’t produce enough of it, it results in scarcity and price gouging... and other companies jump in to fill the gap. When life returns to some level of normalcy, will the makers of Purell discover that this moment has birthed a whole raft of new competitors? And will there still be enough unclean hands to go around?

David Owen is a staff writer at The New Yorker. Matt Cunningham is co-founder of Old Glory Distilling Co. in Clarksville, TN.

Podcast production by Jess Miller.

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Floating Hellscapes | The Carnival Corporation May 22, 2020

For decades, Carnival Corporation has successfully sold affordable luxury to passengers, becoming the largest cruise ship business in the world.

The reason why a vacation at sea can be so inexpensive has to do with both the vision of Carnival’s founder and the historical origins of the cruise industry itself. But that affordability can also come with unpleasant consequences. Now, the entire industry’s future has been thrown into doubt by a deadly virus.

Cindel Pena was a passenger onboard Carnival’s headline-making “poop cruise.” Ross Klein is a cruise industry expert and professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Jim Walker is a Miami-based maritime lawyer and publisher of Cruise Law News.

Podcast production by Jess Miller and Asha Saluja.

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Introducing: Thrilling Tales of Modern Capitalism May 08, 2020

Navigating the marketplace is your original choose-your-own adventure. Thrilling Tales of Modern Capitalism takes a company in the news, and looks at its history to figure out why it finds itself in its present circumstances. Host Seth Stevenson brings you stories you may not have heard about the brands that shape how you live and work. And whether they’ve succeeded or failed, these companies have been on more of an adventure than you may have imagined.

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