A ceiling can mean so many things — shelter, an old way of doing business or even a glass one, to shatter. On this weekend’s show, a look at the deep economic divides in Baltimore. Plus, an injured Iraq war veteran discusses his home remodel, and we learn about the principle of Universal Design. Also, take an out-of-this-world trip with astronaut Chris Hadfield, who talks about what it’s like to push through Earth’s ceiling. We discuss challenging the ceilings inside us, and find that some ceilings we thought were there, might not exist anymore. 

On this week’s show, host Lizzie O’Leary returns to discuss invisibility in the economy and personal finance. Republican media strategist Rick Wilson speaks about the invisible primary and Marketplace’s Molly Wood talks about hidden bluetooth beacons and how they’re changing advertising. UC Irvine’s Alon Gorodetsky explains how squid could change military camouflage. Later, we hear from scientist Max Ortiz Catalán about the latest treatments for phantom limb pain, and from a survivor of trafficking about the journey from invisible to visible. 

On this episode of Marketplace Weekend, guest host David Lazarus has the need, the need … yes, for speed. Author and journalist John Ronson speaks about the lightning-fast world of internet shaming. We discuss speed in our economy — in the market, in retail, in fast food and even in music. Marketplace’s new fill-in host and correspondent Molly Wood explains high frequency trading, Marketplace Tech’s Ben Johnson talks fiber-optic internet, and DJ The Gaslamp Killer tells us his secrets to a fast-paced, heart-pumping playlist. Plus, we discover how to take advantage of flash sales and cheap airfare on the fly.

Just in time for spring, we explore new beginnings and fresh starts in our economy at large and our personal lives. Marketplace’s Paddy Hirsch talks about dollar dominance and U.S. currency’s rejuvenation. Javier Chavez tells the story of his new beginning — working for Homeboy Industries after getting out of prison. We hear from a contractor and a homeowner about how to go about home renovations. Plus, it’s wedding season, and a newlywed couple tells their story of joining finances. Guest host David Lazarus gets a plastic surgery consultation as we talk about the price of a new look.

On this week’s show, Marketplace Weekend explores cycles in the economy. Guest host David Lazarus checks in with Marketplace’s Paddy Hirsch about cycles in the oil market. Sleep expert Ken Wright explains how working the night shift impacts the economy — and workers’ health. USC’s Therese Wilbur talks us through a year in cyclical seasonal advertising. We hear from two companies that make products meant to last forever, and how they keep turning a profit. Plus, cycles with two wheels … bicycles!

On this week’s episode, we explore the economics of waiting. Guest host David Lazarus speaks with Richard Larson, aka “Dr. Queue,” about how businesses can optimize their line experience. Author Rory Vaden discusses some of the financial advantages of procrastination, and Marketplace’s own Paddy Hirsch talks about the wait for the Greek economy to collapse. We hear stories from a process server about waiting on the job, and from listeners about waiting in their personal economies. 

On this week’s episode, Marketplace and our partners at the BBC focus on the United States for the final installment of our series about the global economy,  Six Routes. What is the American dream, and how can we get ahead? Listen to a round-table discussion with the journalists from our Six Routes collaboration about what they learned while reporting thier stories. Plus, we hear from some people who left their native lands to come to America in search of economic opportunities.

On this week’s episode, Marketplace and our partners at the BBC head to China for the next segment of our Six Routes series. We’ve got stories that try to push through through the opaque, and pull back the curtain. The road to comfort and prosperity is rarely an easy one, for people, for nations, and for technology. We go from the Chinese economy to the mysteries of Scientology. Plus, a former FBI agent reveals the secrets behind a great first impression. Turns out it’s all about body language. 

On this week’s episode, Marketplace and our partners at the BBC head to India for the next segment of our Six Routes series. The International Monetary Fund predicts economic growth in India will overtake China’s. With that growth comes an emerging middle class, but more than 300 million people live in poverty in India. So what does economic mobility look like there? Plus: Have you complained to your city lately? We hear from listeners, and two city council members about how decisions get made. Lizzie talks Magic with Marketplace Tech host Ben Johnson, who explains a new delivery service that will bring you anything. Later, a first-generation American explains what surprising affect his parents’ immigration had on his financial decisions — and on his life.