What are checks?

In this entertaining and educational episode of 'Million Bazillion,' hosts Ryan and Bridget arrive at the San Fran Finlit PodCon, a fully cashless conference, only to face a series of tech failures that leave them unable to buy snacks or merchandise. As they navigate the chaos, they dive into listener questions about the future of money, particularly the implications of a cashless society. The episode unfolds like a real-time experiment: their failed attempts to pay with cards and phones highlight the vulnerabilities of digital-only systems. This leads to a deep exploration of checks—what they are, how they work, and why they still matter. With the help of a mysterious 'check enthusiast' named Frankie Checkbook, the hosts uncover the history of checks as written promises, their role in reducing reliance on physical coins, and their continued relevance for those without access to digital banking. The episode culminates in a lively debate on cash versus cashless systems, ultimately concluding that while digital payments are growing, physical money—including checks—remains essential for inclusivity, security, and resilience. The hosts wrap up with a surprise: Ryan pays for a swag bag with a check, proving that old systems still have value in a digital world.