
Big Take
937 episodes — Page 5 of 19

A Brazen, 7-Minute Jewelry Heist at the Louvre
In just seven minutes, thieves in France made off with a cache of royal necklaces, tiaras and earrings in a robbery at Paris’s famous Louvre — shutting down the world’s busiest museum and setting off an international manhunt. On today’s Big Take podcast, host David Gura and Bloomberg’s Paris Bureau Chief Alan Katz on the brazen theft that evokes a Hollywood caper, the latest in the investigation and what might happen to the priceless jewels. Read more: A 7-Minute Louvre Heist Leaves Behind DNA and Dropped CrownSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amex v. Chase: Who Will Win the Battle for America’s Top Shoppers?
The competition for America’s wealthiest shoppers is heating up, with credit card companies like American Express and Chase using every perk in the book to enroll new cardholders. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Amanda Mull tracks how the leading credit card companies are using perks, promotions and points to win the business of the 10 percent of Americans responsible for nearly 50 percent of the country’s discretionary spending. Who will win this high-stakes game – and what’s the cost to the rest of us? Read more: Inside the Credit Card Battle to Win America’s Richest Shoppers Take Bloomberg’s Quiz: Which Premium Credit Card Is Right For You? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Global Economic Leaders Are Predicting a Slowdown
This week, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are holding their annual meetings in Washington, DC and so is the Institute of International Finance. It’s brought a who’s who of central bankers and finance ministers to the US capital — in the midst of a government shutdown — to discuss the most pressing issues facing the global economy. Bloomberg reporters and editors from all over the world have also made the pilgrimage to Washington, including Brendan Murray, who oversees global trade coverage, along with Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway, the hosts of Odd Lots. On today’s Big Take podcast, they join host David Gura to share what they’re hearing at official events and on the sidelines of these meetings and what it reveals about the health of the economy and global markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s Driving The Rush to Invest in Gold
Gold always shines during uncertain times, but escalating tensions between the US and China and signals from the Federal Reserve that we could see at least one more rate cut this year have propelled gold – and silver – to record highs. Today on the Big Take, Bloomberg precious metals reporter Jack Ryan and host Sarah Holder talk about what’s pushing up gold’s value — and what history can teach us about how this gold rush could end. Read more: Gold (XAUUSD) Trades Near Record on Fed Rate-Cut Sign, US-China Tensions - BloombergSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having a Baby? This Company Will Give You $72,000
South Korean companies are offering workers tens of thousands of dollars (tax free) to have babies. But are cash incentives enough to address the country’s record-low fertility rates? K. Oanh Ha and Bloomberg’s Hyonhee Shin explore on today’s Big Take Asia podcast. Read more: Korean Companies Pay Employees Huge Sums to Have More KidsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Front Lines of Trump's Trade War? Look at Kentucky
There’s an unexpected place starting to feel the impact of US President Donald Trump’s trade war: Kentucky. Bloomberg’s Josh Wingrove visited Governor Andy Beshear, the Democrat leading the red state, to understand the economic consequences tariffs have had on Kentucky’s manufacturing industry – and its iconic bourbon. Wingrove sits down with host Sarah Holder to talk about their conversation and his time in the bluegrass state. Read more: Kentucky Governor Grapples With Tariffs, Says 2028 Call Can Wait - BloombergSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rebel Army Behind One of the World’s Major Rare-Earth Supplies
Myanmar is the world’s third-largest producer of rare earths and a critical supplier for neighboring China. But rebels have recently taken control of most of the country’s mines — creating a complicated situation for Beijing and for global supply chains. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha and reporter Timothy McLaughlin discuss the Kachin Independence Organization’s control of a majority of Myanmar’s rare-earth mines, how the change is shifting Myanmar's political dynamics and what the group’s growing influence could mean for the future of rare earths. Read more: A Rebel Army Is Building a Rare-Earth Empire on China’s BorderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Pressure That Led to the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire
Escalating international and economic pressure led to a new peace deal in Gaza. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder is joined by Bloomberg’s Joumanna Bercetche, Fares Alghoul and Galit Altstein to discuss the factors that brought Israel and Hamas to the negotiating table, what they’ve agreed to so far and the outlook for the region after more than two years of war. Read more: Israel Says Gaza Ceasefire Now in Effect After Hostage DealSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The AI Deals Raising Fears of a New Tech Bubble
OpenAI and AMD. OpenAI and Nvidia. Oracle and OpenAI. Nvidia and Oracle. There is so much AI-on-AI dealmaking happening in the industry right now, it can be hard to keep track of who has a deal with who — and increasingly, it seems everyone has a deal with everyone else. Today on the Big Take, host Sarah Holder speaks with technology reporter Emily Forgash about the AI giants making circular deals — and why some analysts and experts are concerned about the trend. Read more: OpenAI, Nvidia Fuel $1 Trillion AI Market With Web of Circular DealsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rise of Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ and Its Political Shift to the Right
For the first time in history, Japan’s ruling party has elected a woman as its leader. Sanae Takaichi, 64, is an unconventional figure — and now she’s on track to become Japan’s first female prime minister. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha speaks with Bloomberg’s Paul Jackson about Takaichi’s path to power, why her politics aren’t resonating with some Japanese women and what her leadership could mean for Japan’s economy and its relationship with the United States. Read more: Japan Braces for Shift to Right Under ‘Iron Lady’ Fan Takaichi - BloombergSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pay Up Or Move Out: The Americans Losing Their Homes to ‘Zombie’ Mortgages
They’re called “zombie” mortgages: old second loans from the subprime era that many homeowners had good reason to believe were canceled or forgotten. Now, years later, debt collectors are coming after the money. And they’re ready to foreclose if people can’t pay. It sounds like a horror story, but a new Bloomberg investigation has found that it’s a terrifying reality — and hundreds of thousands of homeowners could be at risk. On today’s Big Take podcast host Sarah Holder and Bloomberg data journalist Noah Buhayar look at what a trove of records from one debt collection company tells us about how the industry operates as a whole and why cashing in on dormant mortgages has become big business. Read more: How Debt Collectors Spin Riches from Zombie LoansSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the Shutdown Lead to DOGE 2.0?
Today on the Big Take, we hear from our colleagues over at Everybody's Business, Stacey Vanek Smith and Max Chafkin. This week’s topics include a possible return of DOGE-like cuts due to the shutdown, the wild ride of crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun and a very surprising economic indicator.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Undergrad. Meet Your 81-Year-Old Classmate
A growing number of colleges and universities across the US are trying to address dwindling student enrollment and tight finances by opening their doors to an unusual source of revenue: contracts with retirement communities, on or near campus. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Elizabeth Rembert heads back to school to learn what happens when baby boomers and Gen Z students share quads and classrooms: from intergenerational friendships to growing pains. Read more: Baby Boomers Now Live Next to 18-Year-Olds at Colleges Across USSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even Six Figures Can’t Save You From NYC’s Rent Crisis
The rent is too high…even for high-earning New Yorkers. In the wake of unprecedented rent hikes, residents across America's largest city are finding that not even a six-figure salary can protect them from the squeeze. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder talks to Bloomberg Real Estate Reporter Paulina Cachero and Fiscal Policy Institute Chief Economist Emily Eisner about New York City’s stressed rental market, the domino effect it has on everyone and the proposals on the table to fix it. Read more: Even New York City’s Wealth Renters Can’t Avoid the Housing Crisis Listen more: Odd Lots - Zohran Mamdani, the Socialist Who Could Be NYC's New MayorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Shutdown Will Make the Fed’s Decisions Harder
The US government shutdown will have serious implications for the collection and distribution of federal economic data used to gauge the health of the US economy — including the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly jobs reports and Consumer Price Index. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg White House reporter Gregory Korte and economics editor Molly Smith join host David Gura to talk about what the government shutdown means for economic data and how it could impact policymakers, investors and everyday Americans. Read more: How the US Government Shutdown Will Affect Key Agencies Republicans Weigh Big Cuts as Senators Grasp for Shutdown Deal US Firms Shed 32,000 Jobs in ADP Report After Data Adjustment See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI Data Centers Use a Lot of Energy. You May Be Paying for It
AI needs a lot of energy — and a new Bloomberg investigation has found that those soaring costs are being passed on to consumers who live near data centers. On today’s Big Take podcast, host David Gura talks to Bloomberg reporters Josh Saul and Leonardo Nicoletti about the AI boom’s impact on power bills, how utility companies are handling surging demand and the implications for communities with centers in their backyards. Read more: AI Data Centers Are Sending Power Bills SoaringSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a Looming Shutdown Means for Markets
The US government is facing its first potential shutdown in nearly seven years, and the clock is ticking. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg Congress editor Megan Scully and host David Gura break down the political incentives for President Trump, the Republican Party and for Democrats — and discuss what’s at stake for the economy if a shutdown comes to pass. Read more: US Economy Will Only Get Murkier If Key Data Is Delayed in ShutdownSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kindbody Story: E5, The Baby Project
A Kindbody employee discovers the company is helping an imprisoned billionaire father multiple children through surrogates and egg donors. In this episode, reporter Jackie Davalos investigates Greg Lindberg's "baby project" and what it illustrates about America's unregulated fertility industry. Read more: IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody StorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kindbody Story: E4, Fertility Care, Meet Sales Targets
Kindbody implements quotas requiring doctors to perform more lucrative procedures, internal company documents show. In Episode 4 of IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody Story, patients report being pushed toward expensive IVF cycles and questionable add-ons. Bloomberg’s Jackie Davalos investigates how financial pressure drove medical decisions at the struggling fertility chain—including one woman's painful and seemingly unnecessary procedure that would leave her questioning everything. Read more: IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody StorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Argentina’s Economy Is Struggling. Why Is the White House Stepping In?
This week, President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent surprised markets when they signaled broad economic support — including a potential $20 billion swap line — for Argentinian President Javier Milei amid deep financial and political uncertainty in South America’s second-largest economy. So, what’s behind this gesture and how would it work? On today’s episode, Bloomberg’s Patrick Gillespie joins Big Take host David Gura from Buenos Aires to unpack what US support could mean for Milei as he faces a referendum on his economic agenda. Read more: US Readies $20 Billion Rescue to Help Milei Win In ArgentinaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump vs. the UN
The United States is responsible for about 20% of the UN’s annual budget. But it hasn’t paid its dues in months. And the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the international body is now facing hard choices. On today’s Big Take podcast, host David Gura sits down with Guterres and Bloomberg’s Magdalena Del Valle to discuss whether the institution can survive funding cuts and prove its relevancy in a time of rising global tensions. Without the full backing of the US, how much can the UN do to promote peace and security around the world — and what will that mean for the people they support?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breaking Down the Proposed US-China TikTok Deal
After months of negotiation, the US and China have reached a tentative agreement to secure TikTok’s future in the US. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha sits down with Bloomberg’s Josh Wingrove and Mark Anderson to unpack TikTok’s “America-First” era. They discuss what you need to know about potential changes to the platform, how a majority American-controlled board could impact the app’s future and what the deal tells us about China-US negotiations moving forward. Read more: TikTok’s Algorithm to Be Secured by Oracle Under Trump Deal What We Do and Don’t Know About US TikTok Deal With China Further listening: Americans Flocked to RedNote as the TikTok Ban Loomed. Will the Party Last?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Private Equity Lost Its Mojo
Fewer deals. Long wait times for returns on investments. Struggles with fundraising. Even with an interest rate cut, private equity, which thrives on flipping and selling companies for a profit, is in a slump. What would it take for the industry to bounce back? On today’s Big Take podcast, private equity reporter Allison McNeely on what’s contributing to an existential slowdown that has private equity firms scrambling to find a path forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kindbody Story: E3, Rocketship to Nowhere
Kindbody doubles its size overnight through a major acquisition, with executives telling employees they'll be rich enough to buy private jets. In Episode 3 of IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody Story, Bloomberg reporter Jackie Davalos reports on internal documents revealing that the company is hemorrhaging cash. As layoffs reduce the number of patient-facing employees, one clinic's staffing crunch sets the stage for an error that led one woman to give up on her dream of motherhood. Read more: IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody StorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kindbody Story: E2, The Embryo Mixup
Dina and B arrive at Kindbody for the embryo transfer they've dreamed about for years. But their doctor delivers news that will make them question whether coming to Kindbody was a mistake. In Episode 2 of IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody Story, Bloomberg reporter Jackie Davalos investigates what went wrong and discovers that this error wasn't an isolated incident. Read more: IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody StorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kindbody Story: E1, The Fertility Spa
In 2018 a startup emerged, aiming to revolutionize fertility care with spa-like clinics and Silicon Valley swagger. Kindbody attracted millions from investors eager to disrupt a booming industry. But former employees describe a company that at times cut too many corners as it raced to expand. In Episode 1 of IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody Story, reporter Jackie Davalos investigates what can happen when startup culture collides with the delicate science of creating life. Read more: IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody StorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Structured Products Are Back. Why the Boom and What’s the Catch?
When he announced the Fed’s decision to lower interest rates by 25 basis points, Fed Chair Jerome Powell made clear there’s still a bumpy road ahead for the US economy. Inflation is elevated and the labor market is showing signs of weakness. No wonder investors remain on edge. All this market uncertainty has helped fuel the rise of a particular type of investment offering: structured products. They’re supposed to lower investors’ downside risks. But they’re not risk-free. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg equities reporter Yiqin Shen and markets editor Sam Potter break down how these complex investment vehicles work — and what their resurgence reveals about the US economy. Read more: Rich Americans Are Driving a $200 Billion Boom in Complex BetsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody Story
Kindbody, one of the largest fertility companies in the US, sought to disrupt egg freezing and IVF by combining spa vibes with Silicon Valley efficiency. The startup raised millions, opened dozens of clinics, and became a billion-dollar unicorn. But its ambition came with consequences. In IVF Disrupted: The Kindbody Story, reporter Jackie Davalos takes listeners beyond Kindbody’s millennial-friendly waiting rooms and into the clinics themselves, showing the sometimes-heartbreaking consequences of bringing the “move fast and break things” mentality to the business of creating life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Inflation Still Sticky, Fed Shifts Focus to the Jobs Market
On Wednesday, the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points, a move intended to address concerns about cracks in the labor market. It was a highly anticipated, modest decision from an agency that has been under increasing political pressure from President Trump to do a bigger rate cut. On today’s Big Take podcast, Fed and US economy reporter Amara Omeokwe and host David Gura discuss what the rate cut says about the state of the US job market, the broader economy and the central bank’s independence. Read more: After Rate Cut Powell Says Jobs Market No Longer Very Solid Bessent, Like Fed Governor, Made Contradictory Mortgage Pledges Further listening: Why Trump Is Trying to Fire Lisa Cook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Gen Z Protestors Challenging Asia’s Ruling Elite
Across South Asia, Gen Z protestors are flooding the streets, demanding change. These protests have resulted in some of the worst violence Nepal and Indonesia have seen in years, presenting a challenge to the ruling elites. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, host K. Oanh Ha speaks with Bloomberg Opinion’s Karishma Vaswani about what’s driving this wave of youth-led uprisings and what it would take for lasting political change. Read more: Gen Z Protesters Are Challenging Asia’s Old Guard Further listening: After a Deadly Student Uprising, Bangladesh Starts Over, AgainSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tesla’s $1 Trillion Bet on Elon Musk’s Leadership
On Monday, news broke that Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently bought about $1 billion worth of Tesla stock causing the company’s share price to jump. It was the latest headline to stoke investor optimism, following the news earlier this month that the Tesla board awarded Musk a $1 trillion pay package, to secure his focus on the car company for the next several years. On today’s Big Take podcast, global autos editor Craig Trudell joins host David Gura to discuss why Tesla investors are, once again, all in on Musk — and why even Musk’s renewed focus may not be enough to turn the company’s fortunes around this time. Read more: Musk’s $1 Billion Tesla Stock Buy Sends Shares Up for 2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What We Know About the Man Arrested for Charlie Kirk’s Death
The FBI has identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson was arrested on suspicion of capital murder, weapons and obstruction offenses. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg national security reporter Myles Miller and host Sarah Holder discuss the latest from the investigation into the shooting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump Ally and Political Strategist Charlie Kirk Killed at 31
Turning Point USA co-founder and close ally of President Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. The FBI has released images of a person-of-interest in the killing, but the suspect remains at large. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s White House reporter Josh Wingrove joins host Sarah Holder to discuss Kirk’s death, the political legacy he leaves behind and how the political world is reacting to his death. Read more: Charlie Kirk Energized Conservative Youth, Paving Way for Trump’s Rise See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We Got 18,000 of Jeffrey Epstein’s Emails
Bloomberg News has obtained 18,000 emails from Jeffrey Epstein’s personal email account. The emails cover two decades and a wide range of topics, from the chilling to the mundane: Details of his Amazon purchases, his reaction to photos of young women, how he considered different potential plea deals. Today on the show, Bloomberg’s Jason Leopold and Ava Benny-Morrison with host David Gura on the massive trove of emails — and what they tell us about Epstein, his powerful network, and his former girlfriend and associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Read more: Epstein’s Inbox: A Trove of Emails Reveals Ghislaine Maxwell’s SecretsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Malone Laid the Groundwork for Cable TV. Then Streaming Arrived
Billionaire John Malone earned the nickname “Cable Cowboy” for revolutionizing television and laying the groundwork for the modern internet. On today’s Big Take podcast, he joins host David Gura to reflect on his career and discuss his approach to investing in the digital age, why he believes cable companies lost their way in the streaming era, what he’s learned from his years in the media business and what’s ahead. Watch, from Bloomberg Television: John Malone on Warner Bros. Spinoff, Streaming, Dealmaking, Future of SiriusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xi’s Bromance Diplomacy Is Challenging Trump’s World Order
The leaders of China, Russia and India shared smiles and handshakes, putting on a surprising show of unity in a striking moment that went viral earlier this month. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks to Bloomberg’s Daniel Ten Kate about what’s driving their alignment and what the shift means for Trump and the US-led world order. Read more: Xi Unites a World That Doesn’t Want to Be Pushed Around by Trump Further listening: India Won’t Stop Buying Russian Oil. Now It’s Paying the Price.What Xi Jinping’s Military Purge Means for China and the World Watch, from Originals: How Xi Unleashed China’s Biggest Military Purge Since MaoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump Is Unwinding Climate Science at a Dangerous Pace
By slashing budgets, cutting staff and revoking funding for grants and permits, the Trump administration has effectively gutted key U.S. climate policies in a matter of months. The administration says the moves are intended to save money and spur investment. But Bloomberg reporting found that these actions could have negative consequences for the US economy, for GDP growth in disaster-prone areas, and for US competitiveness on the world stage. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder is joined by reporters Zahra Hirji and Eric Roston to calculate the economic toll of rolling back US climate science. Read more: How Trump’s War on Climate Science Impacts All AmericansSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Judge Ruled Google Monopolized Search. Then Came AI
On Tuesday, a federal judge reached a decision in a landmark antitrust case against Google and its monopoly over online search. But the company avoided the most severe outcomes after the judge decided that its business was already facing a growing threat: AI. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder sits down with Bloomberg big tech editor Sarah Frier to discuss why Google’s business wasn’t forced to break up–and how the ruling could impact Big Tech moving forward. Read more: Google Dodges Chrome Sale In Antitrust Ruling; Shares Soar Google Saved From Breakup in Antitrust Case by AI ThreatSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can a Smaller HUD Fix the Housing Crisis?
America is in the midst of a historic housing crisis, with record homelessness levels and a nationwide shortage of affordable housing. Addressing this crisis is the purview of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the federal agency tasked with making sure Americans have a safe, affordable place to live. Today on the show, The Big Take’s Sarah Holder on her recent trip to meet with HUD Secretary Scott Turner, a former NFL cornerback and Texas state representative. Turner came into office pledging to help America build millions of new homes. But he's also supported other changes at HUD that critics say threaten that mission, like unprecedented staffing reductions and proposed cuts to rental aid. What will this new age for HUD mean for America's housing goals? Read more: Trump’s Housing Chief Wants to Build, But With What?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Long-Term Bond Yields Are Up in the US, UK and Japan
A global selloff in long-dated bonds — including 30-year UK gilts, US Treasuries and Japanese government bonds — has deepened. On today’s Big Take podcast, host David Gura, Bloomberg Economics’ Jamie Rush and FX reporter Mia Glass in Japan discuss what happened this week in UK and Japan bond auctions — and what it all means for the global economy. Read more: Global Bond Selloff Deepens With Longer Debt Leading Losses See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Xi Jinping’s Military Purge Means for China and the World
Beijing is holding its first military parade since 2019, showcasing the strength of China’s armed forces. Underneath the show of power, a Bloomberg investigation has found President Xi Jinping is orchestrating the biggest purge of military leadership since Mao Zedong. On today's Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha speaks with Bloomberg's John Liu about the dramatic restructuring of China’s military and what this sweeping shakeup could mean for the rest of the world. Read more: Xi Unleashes China’s Biggest Purge of Military Leaders Since Mao Further listening: The Shadowy Fleet of Tankers Moving Iranian Oil to China Tensions Are Growing in the South China SeaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crises Vying for Dwindling Foreign Aid
The dismantling of USAID is contributing to a 17% drop in foreign aid this year. That’s put some of the world’s worst conflicts in competition with each other for attention and resources. On today’s episode of the Big Take, Crisis Group CEO Comfort Ero joins host David Gura to discuss what this drop-off in funding has meant on the ground in the places that need it most — and why it’s so hard to sell developed countries on increasing their foreign aid budgets right now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Latest Science on Extreme Heat: How Hot Is Too Hot?
Nearly half a million people die every year as a result of extreme heat. That’s more than the total from hurricanes, earthquakes and floods combined. And as the planet warms the risk of deadly heat is only increasing. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Zahra Hirji brings Sarah Holder a dispatch from a lab at the forefront of understanding how heat affects the human body. They break down the latest science on deadly heat, why everyone is at more risk than they realize — and what actually works to mitigate those risks. Read more: Scientist Shuts Himself in 104F Chamber in Quest to Study Heat StressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taylor Swift Wedding Predictions Are the Hottest New Trade
Gamblers on prediction sites like Polymarket and Kalshi are already trying to cash in on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement — betting on everything from their wedding timeline to her next single. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder sits down with Bloomberg personal finance reporter Francesca Maglione and wealth reporter Annie Massa to dig into what a high-profile engagement can teach us about the rapidly growing predictions industry, the challenges with regulating it and who’s investing in its future.An earlier version of this episode included an incorrect reference to an investor in prediction markets. Read more: Taylor Swift Engagement Ignites Bets on Super Bowl and a Baby The Taylor Swift Wedding Trade See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump Has a Shipbuilding Dream. Can South Korea Make It a Reality?
South Korean shipyards are busier than they’ve been in years. Seoul and Washington are working to finalize a new trade deal that will include a $150 billion commitment to help stimulate the US shipbuilding industry. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks to Bloomberg’s Weilun Soon about whether the US-South Korea shipbuilding alliance could help President Trump achieve his US shipbuilding dreams, what South Korea stands to gain from the investment – and if it will be enough to disrupt China’s maritime dominance. Read more: South Korea’s $150 Billion Bet on Trump’s Shipbuilding DreamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Trump Is Trying to Fire Lisa Cook
President Donald Trump shared a letter on social media Monday night, addressed to Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook stating he had made the decision to remove her from her position. It immediately launched a legal fight over the validity of Trump’s move and raised concerns about the future of Fed independence. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg international economics and policy correspondent Michael McKee joins host Sarah Holder to discuss the immediate fallout — and the potential long term ramifications. Read more: Trump Moves to Fire Fed’s Cook, Setting Up Historic FightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What the End of the De Minimus Trade Loophole Means for Your Shopping
This Friday, a big change is coming for the more than 4 million inexpensive packages that enter the US daily from abroad: President Donald Trump is ending the de minimis exemption, a loophole that has allowed cheap goods to pass through customs tariff-free for nearly 90 years. It’s a blow to millions of online shoppers, small businesses on platforms like Etsy and postal services worldwide — many of which have already paused small-package shipments to the US. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Laura Curtis joins host Sarah Holder to break down the demise of de minimis: Why ending the carve-out for goods deemed too small to matter is actually a big deal for consumers — and what happens next. Read More: Mail Carriers Pause US Deliveries as Tariff Shift Sows ConfusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Powell Said About the Possibility of a September Rate Cut
In a speech at the annual Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, Fed Chair Jerome Powell left the door open for a possible interest rate cut in September, sending a positive signal to Wall Street that pushed markets higher. This comes at a unique moment for the US Central Bank, which is under fire for how its handled rate decisions, threats to fire a sitting governor and a public inquiry into its building renovations. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Amara Omeokwe joins host Saleha Mohsin from Jackson Hole to discuss how central bankers and economic policy leaders are navigating the tensions between the White House and the Federal Reserve — and what we learned from Jay Powell’s last speech at Jackson Hole as chairman. Listen more: Odd Lots: Lots More on What Just Happened With the Fed at Jackson Hole (Podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welch’s Fruit Snacks Get a MAHA-Friendly Makeover
The Trump Administration wants to “make America healthy again” and one of its top priorities is removing artificial dyes from food. The company behind Welch’s Fruit Snacks has spent the past ten years doing just that. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Will Kubzansky takes us inside the Welch’s Fruit Snacks factory and explores the challenges America’s other food and drink companies could face as they try to meet the MAHA moment and make a similar change under a much faster timeline. Read more: Making Fruit Snacks Without Synthetic DyeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Does It Cost to Replace a CEO?
From Starbucks and Intel to Petco and Astronomer: top CEOs are getting replaced at record rates. And the costs of these ousters can spiral quickly, dinging a company’s stock price and costing us all in surprising ways in the process. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s management and work reporter Matthew Boyle joins host Sarah Holder to dig into the often murky, always steep cost of a CEO ouster. Read more: The True Cost of Firing a CEOSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.