What does the Federal Reserve actually do—and how does it impact your wallet?

In this must-listen episode of Money & Wealth, John Hope Bryant sits down with Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Jeff Schmid for an in-depth conversation on the U.S. financial system. Together, they break down how the Federal Reserve works, why interest rates rise and fall, the difference between money and wealth, and how inflation, credit, and monetary policy affect everyday Americans.

They also discuss AI, cybersecurity, financial fraud, the future of digital payments, and why financial literacy is one of the greatest tools for building generational wealth. Whether you're trying to better understand the economy or make smarter financial decisions, this episode offers an inside look at the institutions shaping America's financial future—and what it means for yours.