BullCast

We recently looked at the economics behind making a blockbuster movie, from massive production budgets to marketing costs. But these days, it seems like every trip to the movies brings another sequel or reboot. So, why does Hollywood keep going back for more? Today, we’re looking at the business of movie sequels, including the risk versus reward of betting on a familiar name, why studios love a built-in audience, and why the ...

One of the most important questions we’re asked as kids is, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” But the older we get, the more complicated that question becomes. Today, we’re continuing our series based on APEF’s personal finance curriculum by looking at one of the biggest financial decisions most of us will ever make: choosing a career. Salary matters, but so do our interests, skills, values, a...

Today, we’re kicking off a new series of episodes based on the personal finance curriculum developed by David Pickler’s nonprofit organization, APEF. Every day, we make dozens of decisions about money, sometimes without even realizing it. And every time we choose one option, we’re also giving something else up. So, what does every financial choice really cost? We start with some famous pop culture choices, red pil...

Dolly Parton was one of the most recognizable entertainers in American history, but her impact goes far beyond the rhinestones and music. In this episode of BullCast, we’re exploring the business and cultural legacy of a Tennessee icon. From protecting the ownership of her music and building the Dollywood empire to investing in literacy, creating jobs, and giving back to the community that shaped her, Dolly turned creativity ...

Going to the movies is one of America’s favorite pastimes, but what really goes into making a blockbuster? In this episode of BullCast, we’re going behind the scenes to explore the anatomy of a big-budget movie. From paying A-list stars and hundreds of crew members to building sets, creating visual effects, and sometimes shooting scenes all over again, these movies can cost hundreds of millions of dollars before marketi...

It’s been one of the hottest summers in the South, and we’re all feeling the heat in more ways than one. In this episode of BullCast, we’re taking a closer look at why utility bills rise during extreme summer temperatures and what’s actually driving those costs. From air conditioners running longer to electricity demand peaking and pool pumps working overtime, we’re following the money behind staying c...

Health is wealth, and on this episode of BullCast, we're taking that saying to heart! We're joined by Renee Pinlac, owner of De La Belle Wellness & Spa, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, wellness, and the value of investing in yourself. Renee shares her journey as a business owner, her passion for helping others look and feel their best, and her perspective on making health and self-care a priority. Tune in as we explo...

What does luxury look like to you? Flashy cars and designer logos, or understated pieces that only those “in the know” would recognize? In this episode of BullCast, we’re diving into the world of luxury and what our spending choices might say about us. We’ll discuss why we’re drawn to status symbols, how social media fuels the pressure to look successful, and how our spending habits change as our incom...

Money wasn't always paper bills and credit cards. In fact, people once traded everything from cattle to seashells to get what they needed. In this episode, we trace the incredible evolution of money, exploring how the barter system gave way to coins, paper currency, banks, and the digital payments we rely on today. Join us as we uncover the history behind one of humanity's most important inventions.

The List: Unusual Money Througho...

When most people hear the name Alexander Hamilton, they probably think of the Broadway musical. But Hamilton's greatest legacy wasn't a Tony Award-winning production. It was helping build the financial foundation of the United States. Today on BullCast, we're not throwing away our shot to uncover how America's first Secretary of the Treasury laid the groundwork for our banking system, national credit, and economy, and why his influ...

Who exactly is the Fed Chair, and what do they actually do? It’s one of the most powerful jobs in the financial world, but also one of the most misunderstood. Today on BullCast, we’re breaking down the history of the Federal Reserve, the role of its Chair, how the position has evolved, and why a few carefully chosen words can move markets around the world. From interest rates and inflation to employment and economic gro...

Every trading day begins with the ringing of the opening bell, but that familiar sound tells a much larger story. This week on BullCast, we're exploring the history of the New York Stock Exchange, the origins of the opening bell, and the tradition that has welcomed everyone from world leaders and Olympic champions to Hollywood stars and beloved cartoon characters. Tune in to discover why this iconic ceremony continues to symbolize ...

How did a boy who bought his first stock at age 11 become one of the greatest investors of all time? This week on BullCast, we're diving into the life and legacy of Warren Buffett. Join us as we share fun facts, trace the history of Berkshire Hathaway, discuss Buffett's remarkable generosity, and unpack the investing wisdom that earned him the title "The Oracle of Omaha."

The List: Fun Facts About Warren Buffett

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One trillion dollars is almost impossible to imagine, yet Elon Musk recently became the first person in history to reach that milestone. This week on BullCast, we're taking a closer look at the company that helped make it happen: SpaceX. We'll begin with our favorite space movies, then explore how a startup that nearly failed became one of the most valuable businesses in the world. Plus, we'll explain what a trillion-dollar net wor...

What exactly is the market, and how does it relate to the economy? While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they don’t always tell the same story. In this episode, we break down what the market really is, how it connects to the broader economy, and why a strong stock market doesn’t always mean a strong economy, or vice versa. Join us as we unpack the key factors that move the market and explain why this disti...

The World Cup is taking over North America this summer, but some of the biggest plays are happening off the field. Today on BullCast, we’re exploring the business behind the tournament, starting with our pop culture list of the countries with the most World Cup titles. Then, we’ll discuss why this is the largest World Cup in history, how it could impact North America’s economy, and why so much of the money ultimat...

We hear it all the time: the economy is booming, struggling, growing, or slowing. But what exactly is “the economy”? In this episode of BullCast, we break down how money, goods, and services move through our daily lives and why the economy affects everything from jobs and wages to grocery prices and interest rates. We discuss the key players that keep the economy running, how economists measure economic health, and why ...

Today on BullCast, we’re looking at some of history’s biggest and most famous investment frauds. We’ve all heard of Ponzi schemes, but where does the name actually come from, and what does it involve? In this episode, we explore the stories behind some of the most notorious scams in financial history, how fraudsters convince people to hand over their hard-earned money, and the warning signs investors should never ...

Today on BullCast, we’re rolling out the red carpet for Brad McMillan, Chief Economist at Commonwealth Financial Network! Before we put him in the economic hot seat, we take some time to get to know Brad beyond the charts and forecasts, including favorite bands, comfort food, and all the important hard-hitting journalism you’ve come to expect from BullCast.

Then, it’s game on. We tackle some of the biggest questio...