Mar 4, 2021

What it’s like to run a microbusiness in the pandemic economy

Courtesy Monika Mathews

Microbusinesses are the most common kind of employer in the U.S., but they might have a hard time getting financial aid meant for small businesses.

Segments From this episode

Manufacturing struggles to find enough workers to meet demand

by Andy Uhler

Mar 4, 2021

There’s a skills mismatch between job openings and job seekers.

Tractor maker John Deere has unfilled openings in some locations, like much of the manufacturing sector.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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U.S. productivity plummeted in Q4, and reopening the economy might be why

by Kai Ryssdal and Sean McHenry

Mar 4, 2021

The measure fell at the steepest rate in 40 years, but that might not be as ominous as it sounds — if the trend is short term.

Less productive businesses like restaurants have started to reopen, which may be causing national productivity data to decline.

Scott Heins/Getty Images

Microbusinesses and the pandemic

Helping students of color thrive via entrepreneurship and self-care

by Kai Ryssdal and Daisy Palacios

Mar 4, 2021

Monika Mathews started QueenCare to provide mentorship and economic opportunity to young people in her Seattle community.

Monika Mathews owns QueenCare in Seattle and founded the Life Enrichment Group. "This is not about me, this is about we," she says.

Courtesy of Monika Mathews

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Food commodity prices highest since 2014, according to UN

by Kristin Schwab

Mar 4, 2021

Weird weather, growing Chinese demand, locusts in Africa and, of course, COVID are driving the surge in prices.

When it comes to global food production, grain makes the world go round.

STR/AFP via Getty Images

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We're beginning to dress like we have somewhere to go

by Marielle Segarra

Mar 4, 2021

An uptick in dress sales at Urban Outfitters suggests that people are looking ahead to a time when it's safer to socialize.

Is it time to trade athleisure for dresses to be seen in the real world?

Ferda Demir/Getty Images for IHKIB

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United States of Work

Why this unemployed bartender feels “betrayed” by the nation's safety net

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

Mar 4, 2021

Neil Cairns of Portland, Oregon, is finding that returning to work is a tough job.

"I'm casting my net as wide as I can," says former bartender Neil Cairns about his search for work.

Thomas Patterson

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COVID-19

England’s school kids about to exit lockdown and enter classroom

by Stephen Beard

Mar 4, 2021

As millions of young Brits return to school, parents voice relief and concern after months of enforced home learning.

Most English children will return to their classrooms Monday. Many are eager to leave the house and see their friends again.

Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Tiger Joon Moon

Cariño The Marías

First Choice Oddisee

Coco Mango (FloFilz Remix) MF DOOM, FloFilz

Harvest Moon Poolside

Be Good 2 Me LUXXURY

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

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