Million Bazillion

“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 giant educational media empire, shows up with an offer to buy “Million Bazillion!” As the duo tries to figure out whether it’s a good deal or not, they’ll learn that buying (or selling) a company is more than just money on the table. It also involves intense negotiations, government regulations, and could change things for workers and customers.

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 standard? Together, they explore this old money rule, how paper money became a thing, and why no countries in the world – not a single one – use gold to back their money anymore.

This episode was performed as part of WBUR’s Podcast Playdate festival for kids in Boston. It was one of the most fun experiences we’ve ever had on the show. We loved seeing so many of you in the audience, hearing your reactions in real time and getting to meet you in person.

Thank you to everyone who came out. We can’t wait to go back next year!

If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!

Love the show? You can help make it happen. Donate what you can at marketplace.org/givemillion

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 episode next week all about gold too. We can’t wait for you to hear it!)

Fort Knox is one of the most secure places in the world. In today’s episode, 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.

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 conference, only to find it’s entirely cashless. It’s the perfect opportunity to answer all your non-paper-money questions: What would happen if we lived in a cashless world and paid for everything with debit and credit cards? How do you send and receive money with mobile payment apps? And how exactly do checks work?

“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 Bridget find themselves competing on a chaotic game show with a chance to win $1 million on the line. While they take on one challenge after another, the duo uncover the surprising ways game shows get the cash for those big prizes.

If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!

Love the show? You can help make it happen. Donate what you can at marketplace.org/givemillion.

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. Why does that happen? Ryan and Bridget’s search for answers turns into a much bigger adventure when a falling star and misplaced wish mean Ryan’s car suddenly comes to life and takes them on a wild road trip. Together, Bridget and Ryan learn what the price we pay at the pump has to do with global forces and crude oil's long journey to becoming gas in our fuel tanks.

If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!

Love the show? You can help make it happen. Donate what you can at marketplace.org/givemillion.

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 yet. With the clock ticking, Bridget steps in to help him out before midnight. Along the way, they tackle a great question from Kade: What exactly are tax returns? Will they figure everything out before time runs out?

If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!

Love the show? You can help make it happen. Donate what you can at marketplace.org/givemillion.

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 money questions. If you’re wondering why gas prices keep going up? We’ve got answers. Curious what the fuss is about Tax Day? We’ve got that covered too. Plus, a special episode about the gold standard, recorded in front of a real live audience.

If you’re in or near the Boston area come see us live. Check our events page for ticket information.

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.

New episodes drop every Tuesday starting April 14. Listen to a sneak peek above, get caught up on any episodes you may have missed and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

Today we're resharing an episode from our archive that might feel more relevant with gas prices up. We're going to dig more into those gas prices in the new season of “Million Bazillion: (coming soon). But this is a good time to learn about something called "inflation." After traveling back in time to stock up on snacks, Bridget and Ryan get a chance to try to control runaway inflation … but their ideas don’t quite go as planned.

It’s karaoke night for Bridget and Ryan, but something stops them from belting their favorite tunes on their podcast: the law. It’s the perfect setup to answer a question from Garrett, who wants to know about copyright, trademarks, and royalties. We all know people deserve to be paid for their creative ideas. But how does it actually work? Together, we’ll find out how creators protect their ideas and make money from them. Plus, will Ryan be able to turn what he’s learned into a lucrative musical career?

If your family is interested in learning even more about today’s question, check out our website. We’ve got conversation starters and a tip sheet!