Reviews
“While a majority of the episodes are neutral, there is a liberal and left leaning point of view in commentary. It would be nice if this either remained neutral or were willing to factually report things happening on both sides of the isle. Several comments when political talk is there is...”Read full review »
Ju$tMyLuck via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/03/24
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“If the team ever announced bringing this live show to Denver, I would feel obliged to alert friends not to waste their time. Disappointing since previous live shows were so much better. Can’t understand why Kai needed to agitate Bostonians. (I don’t like Mass-h*les either, but still made for poor...”Read full review »
Pragmatic1 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/26/24
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“Just great a Podcast to be in the know about a variety of subjects, the ones making the headlines and those not being covered as much! Love Kai, and Kimberly you’re terrific!!”
A'liz via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/22/24
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“This podcast has become part of my mental framework and extended family. I appreciate the personal touch from the hosts. It’s my #1 favorite podcast and I’ve been devoted since Episode 1. Keep shining!”
Thru-hiker via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/20/24
“A refreshing, insightful podcast that breaks down complex topics with clarity and wit. Hosts Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood offer a perfect balance of humor, intelligence, and curiosity, making even the most daunting subjects—from economics to tech—engaging and accessible. What sets this podcast...”Read full review »
Md713 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/05/24
“This show sometimes asks good questions about current economic and political issues but is reluctant to criticize the well known cancers of society, instead has become a puff piece for militarism in recent episodes, disgusting to see.”
punishedkojimbo via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/25/24
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“I wanted to like this show, but unfortunately they are extremely politically biased and they are unable and unwilling to keep personal opinions out of the podcast. I’m aware that everybody has an opinion on politics, but if I wanted to hear people’s opinion on politics I would listen to a...”Read full review »
Weiniss via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/13/24
“Started listening early in the pandemic- kept me sane. Love the hosts,guest hosts, and experts that share their knowledge”
retailbird via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/13/24
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“I go back to Kai and Molly days and Kimberly has stepped right up. But when they are off pls look talent pairings Perfect world one OG with a sub seems to work. Reema Khrais, (beautiful voice AND smart) Meghan McCarty Carino always fun and solid. Heck bring back producer-guy with the great voice...”Read full review »
CGK in PDX via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/05/24
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“Thoroughly enjoyable way to keep up with current events.”
ElectricianWes via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/16/24
“It’s so hard to trust journalism and media these days and that’s why I turned to podcasts where real people can discuss topics without the persuasion of propaganda. I found Marketplace, and then subsequently, Make Me Smart and was excited to have a news source where I could trust that I’m being...”Read full review »
Right up the Middle via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/23/24
“Today I was strumming through my open iPad pages thinking about everything I need to get done today. I’m getting distracted, of course.
Stress that’s what stress does to me it allows me to be easily distracted. I really can’t afford to be distracted anymore. I’m wasted too many years and...”Read full review »
Lucifer Son of the Morning via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/12/24
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“This is one of my favorite podcasts. Informative and just fun to listen to”
Mike traveling via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/01/24
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“Seriously the most interesting and informative podcast out there. Kimberly and Kai are a joy to listen to as they discuss the days news. I enjoy the diversity of hosts and their thoughts. Great podcast, can’t recommend enough! Market place as a whole is great but this show is the best of.”
narckeys via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/17/24
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“Kai and Kimberly are smart and funny. The podcast started during the pandemic, when it was important to feel connected, and it succeeded exceptionally. 4 years later, I’m still listening and learning.”
Zenman via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/15/24
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“I used to like this podcast but Kai has gotten to be such a downer and won’t stop interrupting discussions to point out dysfunctional congress. Okay, we get it you hate anything new or unfamiliar to you, and congress isn’t working right now.”
healthy adri via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/08/24
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“I like what this show is trying to do, but it really feels like Kai doesn’t want to be there lately.”
Photo022 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/02/24
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“One of my favorite shows to listen to almost every day. Love the Friday happy hour!”
eyesintheskys via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/26/24
“Wonderful format!
Kai has a great perspective, which is especially enjoyable to juxtaposed with his younger costar. I appreciate that they are both clearly journalists at heart and try to disclose and mitigate their own personal biases when forming opinions on the topics of the day. Excellent...”Read full review »
Zerohat via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/01/23
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“Still listening after all these years! The best podcast around!!”
Quicktricker via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/30/23
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“Everything you need to know about current in-depth news.”
Zylxexew via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/28/23
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“Pains me to say, but Make Me Smart isn’t making me smart. If anything, it’s exposing how out of touch the hosts are on some topics that should be in their wheelhouse. The eye-opener was a recent episode where Kai was shocked - shocked! - to read that Twitter isn’t and never was a significant...”Read full review »
FuManShoes via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/13/23
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“Touché, Kimberly! Please keep on trolling Kai on The Never Ending Story. Tee Hee!”
Marvin072560 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/10/23
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“The news can be such a bummer but this dynamo duo knows how to deliver all the “need to know” info you should know about to stay informed. Kimberly is amazing and so is Kai. Thanks for making me smart and thanks for all the smiles.”
Socent82 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/08/23
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“I love Kai and have been following him for so long but this podcast was 100% times better with Molly because she knew how to carry on a conversation. As a woman of color who would usually agree with her views, Kimberly just makes everything about her perspective and is always interrupting. Stop...”Read full review »
hacksaxken via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/06/23
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“Basically this show has become a mouthpiece for progressive propaganda. All stories are tackled from that angle, and reasonable opposing criticism is never given.
Lopsided and obviously agenda oriented”
Ddbrooks82 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/28/23
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“I love spending my morning in the company of Kai and Kimberly. Entertaining and informative.”
kddgermany via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/27/23
“Was much better quality (and more engaging) when only one day a week. Like cable news, not enough to fill five episodes a week with quality. No longer my fav podcast - just too much”
pwb in dc via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/25/23
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“Used to be an interesting show but like the rest of NPR, it has divulged into partisan propaganda. I liked listening to NPR so I can get different perspectives, but it’s become intolerable”
roberto s maldonado via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/19/23
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“This show has single-handedly caused me to question the journalistic integrity of Marketplace and the parent company American Public Media.”
CraigCode1010 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/18/23
“I thought the Make Me Smart team were sincere when they constantly say let us know what you think and that the show is some sort of collaboration between the hosts and listeners I later found out that this is just empty words. Let me explain why. I have happily listened to every episode of Make...”Read full review »
2023 AU Apple ID via Apple Podcasts ·
Australia ·
09/16/23
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“I like the show and big fan of Kai but the reporting on retail theft is bad. Just because we can’t find the data does mean the facts not in the data are wrong. The retail theft is real bad around the Bay Area. I have seen quite a bit of stores broken in my neighborhood that are supposed to be...”Read full review »
Bhabanidas via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/13/23
“I’ve given the new cohost arrangement a solid couple of years and the more I listen the more annoyed I get. Kimberly Adams, while an excellent journalist on the regular Marketplace shows, is basically unlistenable on MSM. The chemistry with Kai feels strained and the general approach to this show...”Read full review »
SRVclctr via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/13/23
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“These two have such great chemistry. They remind me of siblings who quibble but in a funny way. Kai is such a legend, and it’s really awesome to hear Kimberly clap back. I get the sense they really like each other!!”
roxscarb via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/13/23
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“Kimberley doesn’t understand conversation etiquette. She doesn’t respond to what Kai says in a way that sounds genuine and appears to be condescending.
She just like waits until it’s her turn to talk without acknowledging what kai says. A conversation shouldn’t be one sided. It comes off awkward...”Read full review »
Taytat213 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/08/23
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“Ayeeeee! I really really enjoy listening to this podcast. Kimberly, Kai, and the rotating cast of Marketplace casts that come through are so amazing. I love that you guys cover things that are different from other daily podcasts and shows.
I know that it can be taboo to hear journalists...”Read full review »
Hou5fan via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/05/23
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“Get facts and report that, not your opinion please. I’m done though, will see if you change in a few months.”
‘Em-Ay via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/30/23
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“I’ve listened to Make Me Smart for a long time and I think they need to consider going back to a weekly show.
It frequently seems like they don’t have real news material to fill 5 shows with and just seems unfocused
When it was weekly with Kai and Molly it was a useful news update, and I got...”Read full review »
erica.laye via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/26/23
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“It is great to hear honest reactions to our world”
Brett in Maine via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/21/23
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“I love this show and have been listening for a long while now, pre Kimberly, while it was still Molly and Kai. I loved Molly and was worried about losing her as a host but really like Kimberly and the dynamic she and Kai have. They’re smart, conversational and funny, each in their own way. I do...”Read full review »
Lu-la-bell via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/21/23
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“It’s not a bad podcast, but it’s not great. All the talk about cocktails is suuuper boring.”
lgreene337 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/15/23
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“I consider myself pretty “centrist” but it seems that current content always has an allegory feel to it. Although that is not unique in media today ;) Although I think the quality of guests is pretty cool, I feel like I’m not really getting the unbiased story like I got from the old Marketplace.”
Ddoug67 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/13/23
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