• What is inflation?
    Mar 30 2026

    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.

    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • What are royalties, trademark and copyright?
    Nov 11 2025

    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!

    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • Why do we have $2 bills if nobody uses them?
    Nov 4 2025

    It’s Skimbleshanks’ birthday bash and Bridget and Ryan head to the two-dollar general store for party supplies. When they get back, they tackle Harper’s question about why $2 bills exist if nobody uses them. With a little help from two ghostly guests from history they discover why this rare bill still matters.


    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!

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • What is the national debt?
    Oct 28 2025

    It’s Halloween, and Bridget and Ryan are trying to answer a question about the national debt while preparing for their town’s giant Halloween extravaganza. The town has taken on debt to make things extra spooky this year and things are starting to get a little out of control! Can Bridget and Ryan help the town navigate their monster debt?


    (Grownups: This is episode does contain monsters but no jump scares! You know your kid listeners best, so exercise caution if Halloween is more tricky than treat for them!)


    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!

    Show more Show less
    26 mins
  • How do stocks make money? (Part 2)
    Oct 24 2025

    In the previous episode of “Million Bazillion,” listener Aditya wanted to know all about the stock market, and how people make money from stocks. So what happens when a kid actually decides to try it out? Well, today we’re going to hear Joshua’s investing story, in his own words, and what happened when he decided to invest money in the stock market instead of keeping it in the bank. Don’t worry! He didn’t do it alone. His dad helped every step of the way, because investing is serious stuff and should always involve a trusted grownup!


    Show more Show less
    6 mins
  • How do stocks make money?
    Oct 21 2025

    “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal needs a bit of help doing his classic “The Numbers” stock market segment so Ryan jumps in to save the day. The only problem is, he has no idea what any of it means. Ryan and Bridget head to Wall Street to learn about the stock market and answer Aditya’s question: how do stocks make money? Things get competitive as the duo try investing in stocks for themselves and see who can make more money.


    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!

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • What is insurance?
    Oct 14 2025

    Today, we’re resharing an important episode from our archive! There’s a major storm brewing, and Ryan and Bridget are stuck inside. It’s the perfect opportunity to answer a question they got from Archer in Los Angeles: What is insurance? Archer’s dad is an insurance agent, and Archer wants to know what his dad does all day. Turns out insurance is uh, complicated. From home insurance to health insurance, we’re going to figure out what it is and why people use it. Plus, we have a catchy song to help you remember the difference between some confusing insurance jargon.


    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!

    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • What is a government shutdown?
    Oct 10 2025

    When Esmé noticed her dad suddenly staying home from work, she had questions! Her dad is one of the hundreds of thousands of workers sent home because of the government shutdown. But what is a government shutdown anyway? In today’s special bonus episode, we explain what’s going.


    We’re working on future seasons and would love to hear your kid’s money questions! Record your Million Bazillionaire and send the audio using this online form and we just might include your kid in an upcoming episode!

    Show more Show less
    7 mins