Ryan Perez

Los Angeles

Co-Host at Million Bazillion

Writer at Marketplace

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marketplace.org

Articles

"Million Bazillion" returns June 3!

1 week ago | marketplace.org | Bridget Bodnar |Ryan Perez |Marissa Cabrera |Courtney Bergsieker

Season 8May 5, 2025Listen to the trailer now!Hello, Million Bazillionaires! In the new season of Million Bazillion, Ryan and Bridget head out on even bigger adventures to answer some of the best money questions we’ve ever received:From the mystery behind the lottery, to explaining tariffs, and how athletes get paid, the ins and outs of ATMs and how to keep your money info safe online, and why organic food costs more than non-organic food. But the fun doesn’t end there.
From "Financially Inclined": How to negotiate

1 month ago | marketplace.org | Bridget Bodnar |Ryan Perez

Hey Million Bazillionaires! Ryan and Bridget are working hard on brand-new episodes for our next season. In the meantime, we're doing something special today. We're sharing an episode from our friends at Marketplace’s podcast for young people, “Financially Inclined.” It's all about negotiation. That means learning how to speak up for yourself, make fair deals and solve problems in smart ways. It's a skill grown-ups use all the time. But negotiation isn't just for adults.
Million Bazillion

Nov 19, 2024 | marketplace.org | Bridget Bodnar |Ryan Perez

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.
How do people pay for things when they retire?

Nov 12, 2024 | marketplace.org | Ryan Perez |Bridget Bodnar |Chris Julin |Bekah Wineman

The hosts visit Bridget’s grandma to answer questions from Josephina and Anna about how retirement works. Along with dancing and eating a lot of casserole, they learn about the many ways people save for retirement and how the government helps people pay for things when they stop working. Plus, they help Bridget’s niece understand why it’s important to start saving for retirement early.
Sing along with "Million Bazillion"

Nov 5, 2024 | marketplace.org | Ryan Perez |Bridget Bodnar |Chris Julin |Bekah Wineman

This week, Ryan and Bridget take the stage to perform some greatest hits from the “Million Bazillion” songbook. They’ll revisit some of their favorite songs about why it can be awkward to talk about money, why the United States has its own currency, how to spot a scam and more. Plus, a never-before-heard song from “Million Bazillion: The Musical.” So put on your top hats and sequined ponchos, and get ready to sing along with us!Click here to download the lyrics.
Why do we have pennies? (and more money questions)

Oct 29, 2024 | marketplace.org | Ryan Perez |Bridget Bodnar |Chris Julin |Bekah Wineman

Ryan and Bridget are back in the studio to host another live call-in show to answer the quick but not always easy questions listeners have about money. Together, they break down the difference between credit and debit cards, explain why pennies exist and show you how to spot fake money. But things take a turn when their soundboard develops a mind of its own.
What's the difference between brand-name items and generics?

Oct 22, 2024 | marketplace.org | Ryan Perez |Bridget Bodnar |Chris Julin |Bekah Wineman

“Million Bazillion” listener Kade wants to know why brand-name products cost more than store-brand and generic products. Bridget and Ryan head to a grocery store where they meet a talking can of soup in need of a brand makeover. In this episode, they learn the differences between brand-name products and generics, why we care about brands, and why they’re more expensive.
Let's talk about savings accounts

Oct 15, 2024 | marketplace.org | Ryan Perez |Bridget Bodnar |Chris Julin |Bekah Wineman

Bridget and Ryan are back for a whole new season of “Million Bazillion”! With the help of their new All Questioning Questioni machine, they’re ready to answer more money questions than ever before — starting with savings accounts and how they work. Bridget and Ryan visit a circus-themed bank searching for answers and learn the step-by-step process of opening a bank account.
“Million Bazillion” is back Oct. 15!

Oct 7, 2024 | marketplace.org | Ryan Perez |Bridget Bodnar

Hey Million Bazillionaires, are you ready? We’ve got another season of “Million Bazillion” coming out Oct. 15!This season, Bridget and Ryan will be answering your questions about savings accounts, retirement plans, the difference between brand name and store brand products, why we use pennies and so much more.
Why is there so much gold at Fort Knox?

May 28, 2024 | marketplace.org | Ryan Perez |Bridget Bodnar |Ashanti Fortson

It’s our final episode of the season, Million Bazillionaires! Today, we’re answering Sadie’s question about why there is so much gold at Fort Knox. It’s one of the most secure places in the world, and Bridget and Ryan are determined to get inside! But just as the pair lands a special tour to the top-secret gold vault, a couple of mysterious Fort Knox enthusiasts throw a wrench in their plans.