Advertisers have lots of ways of persuading us to buy their stuff. Sometimes you might not even realize it’s happening … until you find yourself riding around town on an ice-cream-making scooter. (Don’t worry, we’ll explain.) This week on the show, we’ll learn how to spot an ad and identify the tricks they use to win you over. And we’ll learn how to defend against them — from our special guest, Captain Kimberly. Plus, this week’s Dollar Scholar shares great ways you can help out in your community. Don’t forget to send us your questions about money at Marketplace.org/million!

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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: &#8220;What is cryptocurrency?&#8221; 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 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.

Kids & Family

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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 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.

Why does it feel so good to spend money?

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 learning more about ways to save for college, 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.

How do people pay for college?

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’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.

What are unions?

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, 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 your first car 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.

How are cars made?


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 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 April 9. Listen to a sneak peek above, get caught up on any episodes you may have missed and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!


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