In a nostalgic twist, podcasters Ryan and Bridget embarked on an unconventional mission to create the first-ever analog episode of their show "Million Bazillion." Using vintage equipment like cassette players and reel-to-reel recorders, they explored intriguing financial questions submitted by young listeners. From uncovering the origin of the penny's name to explaining how ATMs function and how airline ticket prices are determined, the hosts navigated technical hiccups and comedic mishaps while delving into economic concepts with a blend of humor and historical insight. Along the way, they even visited a travel agent and a car dealership to get authentic answers about government salaries and airfare pricing models.

The Analog Adventure Begins in a Dusty Attic

On a crisp autumn afternoon, Ryan unearthed his old analog gear from a cluttered attic filled with relics of the past—dusty cassettes, bulky tape recorders, and obscure gadgets like the QuantumWave Matrix 300. Inspired by a resurgence in retro culture, he convinced co-host Bridget to embrace vintage technology for a special episode of their podcast. Armed with a blank cassette and a NeonSynthReel 400, they dove into answering kids' money-related questions using nothing but analog tools.

After accidentally playing a sentimental mixtape from Ryan’s high school prom days, they finally got down to business. The first question came from Rosie in San Francisco, who asked why the one-cent coin is called a penny. Bridget explained that the term traces back to British currency, where a one-cent coin was commonly referred to as a “penny” long before the U.S. minted its own version in 1793.

Next, Aisha and Vir from Mumbai wanted to know how ATMs work. Ryan and Bridget ventured out to a local ATM at First Unemployed Actors Credit Union, where Ryan demonstrated the process of inserting a card, entering a PIN, and withdrawing cash. Despite a few awkward encounters with impatient customers, they successfully illustrated how automated teller machines operate without relying on digital devices beyond the machine itself.

The adventure continued when Bennett from Hawaii asked how airlines determine ticket prices. Unable to use a smartphone due to their analog commitment, they visited a nearby travel agency called Dream Getaway. There, Martha, a surprised but knowledgeable travel agent, explained that factors such as demand, timing, and class selection influence pricing. She also revealed that algorithms now handle much of this dynamic pricing, highlighting the unavoidable presence of digital systems even in a retro-focused episode.

The final question came from Alice in Texas, curious about presidential salaries. Bridget shared that the current president earns $400,000 annually—a figure set by law. To dig deeper into history, they visited a used car lot decorated for President’s Day, where Jeremy, a former history graduate student turned car salesman, role-played as George Washington and early framers debating the need for a presidential salary. He explained that the original $25,000 salary (equivalent to around $900,000 today) was established to ensure the presidency was accessible to people from various economic backgrounds.

Retro Reflections: The Value of Tangible Experiences

This analog experiment highlighted more than just the quirks of retro tech—it underscored the importance of tangible, hands-on experiences in an increasingly digital world. While modern conveniences make life easier, there’s something uniquely engaging about interacting directly with physical objects, whether it’s threading a cassette tape or handling cash at an ATM. These moments offer a richer sensory experience and foster deeper connections with the material being learned.

Moreover, the episode served as a reminder that behind every financial system—be it currency naming, banking, or airfare pricing—there are layers of history, economics, and human decision-making. By stepping away from screens and embracing older technologies, Ryan and Bridget not only made learning fun but also encouraged listeners to appreciate the roots of everyday financial practices.