“Skimm This” is a weekly news program that breaks down important stories from the past week and adds context and clarity to answer the questions on your mind. Every Thursday evening.

The Ugly Truth: Russia-Ukraine, No More Guac, Rom Coms

February 17, 2022 0:38:35 0.0 MB Downloads: 0
  • First: Tensions at the Ukrainian border seem to be at a boiling point, as the US warns a Russian invasion is imminent. We spoke to a reporter on the ground in Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv to see what life has been like amid rising tensions. 
  • Next up: We’ll give you the context on the other headlines from the week — including more drama at the Olympics, a major settlement for the families of Sandy Hook victims, and the latest from a high-profile federal hate crimes trial.   
  • Then: Last week, Congress passed a historic #MeToo bill. We’ll break down how this bill will change workplace safety, with help from someone who knows a thing or two about standing up to their boss: Gretchen Carlson.
  • ICYMI: Your avocado habit is about to get a lot more expensive. And no, we’re not just talking about inflation. We’ll break down the surprising reason guac is definitely going to cost extra. 
  • Plus: If you’ve heard people say it’s time to start “living with COVID,” you’re not alone. We asked two experts what that phrase actually means, and how we can assess our own risk going forward. 
  • Finally: Romantic comedies are back, baby. We’re breaking down the surprising rom-com renaissance with a film critic. 


P.S. Calling all Skimm This listeners. If you have five minutes to answer some multiple choice questions, please tell us what you want to hear more of on the show. Go to theskimm.com/podsurvey

On this episode, you’ll hear from: 

  • Isabelle Khurshudyan, foreign correspondent based in Moscow, the Washington Post
  • Gretchen Carlson, advocate and founder, Lift Our Voices
  • Dr. Crystal Watson, senior scholar, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, assistant professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
  • Dr. Janet Baseman, professor of epidemiology and associate dean, University of Washington School of Public Health 
  • Natasha Alvar, film editor, Cultured Vultures


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Skimm'd by Alex Carr. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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