Million Bazillion cover art

Million Bazillion

Million Bazillion

Written by: Marketplace
Listen for free

About this listen

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: "What is cryptocurrency?" 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 funded in part by the Sy Syms Foundation, partnering with organizations and people working for a better and more just future since 1985. And special thanks to The Ranzetta Family Charitable Fund and Next Gen Personal Finance for providing the start-up funding for this podcast, and continuing to support Marketplace in our work to make younger audiences smarter about the economy.Copyright 2026 Minnesota Public Radio
Politics & Government
Episodes
  • What are checks?
    May 5 2026

    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?

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Where do game shows get their prize money?
    Apr 28 2026

    “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.

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Why does the price of gas go up and down?
    Apr 21 2026

    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 happpen? Ryan and Bridget’s search for answers turns into a much bigger adventure when a falling star and misplaced wish means Ryan’s car suddenly comes to life and takes them on a wild road trip. Together, they 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.


    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet