Why We Can’t Quit Microsoft Excel
Excel. If you work in corporate America, that word either inspires laser-focused productivity or pure dread. Over the last 40 years, the spreadsheet software has become synonymous with the best — and worst — of late-stage capitalism. It’s seeped into popular culture and, along the way, made Microsoft one of the world’s most valuable companies.But in a world of AI and new competition where Excel=Sum(39+1), can it stay on top? On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Dina Bass and Businessweek’s Max Chafkin join host Sarah Holder to track the rise and challenges ahead for one of the most ubiquitous programs around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4 Joulu 202518min
Are We Headed For Another ‘Crypto Winter’?
Back in October, Bitcoin reached a record high. Just a few weeks later, its price had plunged, taking out over $1 trillion dollars in assets along with it. On Tuesday, it rallied. But dips across the crypto market have left investors and analysts wondering what to make of the swings. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg executive editor stacy-marie ishmael and host David Gura take the temperature of crypto’s dramatic ebbs and flows over the past few months, from President Trump’s second-term moves to bolster the market to fears of another “crypto winter.” Read more: Bitcoin Jumps Back Above $90,000 After Bruising Selloff What Does Bitcoin’s Drop Mean? Depends on Who You Ask The 26-Minute, 51% Wipeout That Deepened Trumps’ Crypto Woes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3 Joulu 202518min
Hong Kong's Catastrophic Fire Provokes Questions and Fury
Hong Kong’s worst fire disaster in decades has stirred up public anger over negligence, safety standards and official accountability. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks to Bloomberg’s Shawna Kwan and Jenni Marsh about the devastation, the political fallout and how the public outcry is causing unease in Beijing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2 Joulu 202519min
Where US-Russia Talks Leave Ukraine
On Monday, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff flew to Moscow, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited France. Witkoff is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to try and sell him on the latest version of a peace deal, which has Ukrainian input. But after a phone call between Witkoff and a Russian counterpart, Zelenskiy is trying to shore up support among European allies — both to increase pressure on Trump to align with Ukraine and to garner more military support. On today’s Big Take podcast, national security team leader Nick Wadhams unpacks the state of play between Russia and Ukraine, the developments of the last few days and whether an end to the war could be in sight. Read more: US Says Ukraine Talks Productive as Witkoff Heads to Russia Witkoff Advised Russia on How to Pitch Ukraine Plan to Trump Witkoff Discusses Ukraine Plans With Key Putin Aide: Transcript See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1 Joulu 202516min
The Big Business of the Doodle Boom
Goldendoodles, bernedoodles, labradoodles, cockapoos, everywhere you look, it seems like doodles — those fluffy, adorable poodle mixes — are taking over sidewalks, cafes and TikTok feeds. But the ubiquity of the muppet-like canines has also come with some doggy drama. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder and producer David Fox head to New Jersey to meet a breeder who’s been navigating the doodle’s rise to fame. And writer Allie Conti examines the discourse around the industry: from its loudest critics to its devoted diehards. Read more: How Doodles Became A Billion-Dollar BusinessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28 Marras 202517min
Wanted: Fed Chair. Must Run World’s Largest Economy, Manage Up
Weeks before the Trump administration is expected to name its pick for the next US Federal Reserve chair, current White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett leads a group of five finalists. Whoever prevails will have the significant job of guiding the US through challenging economic times, while balancing the Fed’s long-standing independence against a hands-on president. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg Fed reporters Amara Omeokwe and Enda Curran join David Gura to discuss what the leading candidates bring to the job. Read more: Hassett Emerges as Frontrunner in Trump Fed Chair AuditionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26 Marras 202518min
All Eyes on Japan and China Tensions After Taiwan Remark
After a rare public comment on Taiwan from Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, relations between the two nations are at a historic low — and Beijing is ramping up its economic retaliation. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, host Oanh Ha talks with Bloomberg’s James Mayger and Isabel Reynolds about the political calculation behind Takaichi’s move, the historical grievances fueling the dispute and the real economic risks facing Tokyo. Read more: China Asks Airlines to Extend Japan Flight Cuts Until March 2026 - Bloomberg Further listening: How APEC Become a Battleground for US-China InfluenceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25 Marras 202517min
Inside Trump’s Retribution Campaign
On Monday, a federal judge threw out the criminal cases filed by the Department of Justice against former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. When President Trump took office in January, he made it clear that retribution against his perceived political enemies was a key part of his second-term agenda. The cases against Comey and James were a high profile part of that strategy, and the White House does not seem inclined to accept this outcome. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder is joined by Bloomberg senior national political reporter Nancy Cook and Department of Justice reporter Chris Strohm to discuss the stakes of the Comey and James cases, the role the DOJ has played in carrying out Trump’s second-term agenda — and what to expect next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25 Marras 202519min
