Broadcast Retirement Network

In this thought-provoking conversation, Lawrence Quill, co-director of the Loneliness Project at San Jose State University dives deep into the modern loneliness epidemic and the surprising role technology plays as both the cause and potential cure. Drawing on ancient philosophy and cutting-edge insights, we explore why so many people—from the "feral generation" to Gen Z—feel more isolated than ever, how our phones and social media may be quietly rewiring our relationships, and whether AI companions and chatbots could genuinely ease loneliness or make it worse.

What is your child's school app really doing with their data? BYU Information Systems Professor Justin Giboney breaks down a groundbreaking study—conducted with Mark Keith and the Utah State Board of Education—that compared what EdTech apps promised against their actual network traffic, uncovering student data flowing to advertisers, data brokers, and identity-resolution firms, often without app makers realizing it. policymaker.

A clear, practical look at the largest farmland transfer in generations and what it means for you. President of Farmers National Company Paul Schadegg explains how America's farmers are doing today, breaks down the scale of the coming generational wealth transfer, and reveals whether landowners are truly prepared to pass down their land. You'll learn how to assemble the right team of professionals, why location and state-specific rules can dramatically affect your outcome, and what really happens when an owner dies without an estate plan. Plus, you'll walk away with actionable advice for younger farmers and a reminder of why revisiting your plan regularly is essential to protecting your land, your legacy, and your family's future.

What happens when the tools you built start to outpace you? Astronomer J. Xavier Prochaska, Professor of Astronomy & Astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz, reveals how artificial intelligence is transforming science at breathtaking speed — writing code, drafting research proposals, and uncovering exoplanets in decades-old data — pushing him to work "100 times" faster than ever before.

In this interview, Andrew G. Biggs, PhD., Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, explains why the number of workers without a 401(k) or other formal retirement plan doesn’t tell the whole story. He discusses how age, income, student loans, homeownership, inflation, and other financial priorities influence when people save.

Can AI accurately measure America's retirement readiness? In this episode, we put Claude Opus 4.8 to the test on key questions about the U.S. workforce and retirement coverage, then had one of the nation's leading retirement economists fact-check every number. Our guest, Andrew G. Biggs, PhD, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, breaks down where the AI got it right, where it fell short, and what the real data actually reveals about how prepared Americans truly are for retirement.

Are you prepared for what happens if you stop paying your student loans? In this eye-opening interview, college finance expert Mark Kantrowitz breaks down the serious consequences of default—including wage garnishment, seized tax refunds, and how the government can take up to 15% of your Social Security benefits at any age.

Are your credit cards actually working for you—or just draining your wallet with sky-high annual fees? In this episode, Nick Ewen, Editor-in-Chief of The Points Guy, breaks down everything you need to know about navigating today's increasingly complex credit card landscape. From the eye-popping $895 Amex Platinum annual fee to the smart way to negotiate a downgrade (and score a retention offer), Nick shares insider strategies for getting real value out of your cards.

Should you wait to book Thanksgiving or Christmas travel? Don't. In this interview, Nick Ewan, Editor-in-Chief of The Points Guy, breaks down why holiday airfares are already spiking — up 13% for Thanksgiving and nearly 20% for Christmas and New Year's — and shares insider strategies to score the best deals, track prices even after you book, and get money back when fares drop (he personally saved $95 on a family flight to Denver!).

Dr. Daniel W. Jones, M.D., FAHA — Professor Emeritus and former Dean of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine — joins us to break down the American Heart Association's new high blood pressure guidelines. As chair of the committee that wrote them, he explains why 130/80 is the new target, the surprising link between blood pressure control and lower dementia risk, why an arm cuff beats your smartwatch, and the simple lifestyle changes that make a difference. Informational only — always consult your clinician.