“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 Climb: Cancer Breakthroughs, Google’s AI, and Vaccines for Kids
First: We’ve got the context on this week’s headlines: the Fed raising interest rates again, an update from the war in Ukraine, what we learned from the January 6th hearings, why there’s a tampon shortage, and what’s going on with extreme weather. Next: As the COVID vaccine for kids under 5 got the thumbs up from an FDA panel this week, we asked a pediatrician to answer parents’ burning questions. Daycare’s future? Vaxxed, snacks, and mid-day naps. ICYMI: The tech industry experienced a WTF moment over the weekend when a Google engineer said the company’s AI was sentient. Meaning: unlike our exes, it has a soul. We'll break down what’s going on and why this isn’t Google’s first AI controversy…in sixty seconds. PS: This Sunday is Juneteenth. To learn more about the celebration of liberation, check out theSkimm’s guides on the history of the holiday, systemic racism in the US, and where the US stands on reparations. Also: Recently, there have been some major breakthroughs in cancer research. We’ll ask a scientist to explain two small clinical trials, and how their outcomes could have huge implications for the millions of people living with cancer. Finally: We chat with the organizer of Dave’s Lesbian Bar to understand the role queer bars played in history—and why now more than ever, they’re more than just local watering holes. Also: check out theSkimm’s guide on how to celebrate Pride. P.S. Calling all Skimm This listeners. If you have a question for us — about the news, work, or life — call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. We can’t wait to hear from you. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Dr. Tina Tan, professor of pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Dr. Luis Diaz, medical oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Kristin "Dave" Dausch, organizer, Dave’s Lesbian Bar Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.
Ready for Prime Time: January 6 Hearings, Gun Legislation, Crypto in the Midterms
First: We’ve got the context on this week’s headlines: what to look out for in the Jan. 6 hearings, the latest on gun control legislation, and the gymnasts who are seeking $1 billion from the FBI. Next: Primary elections are chugging along. And there’s one industry that’s making its mark with political donations this election season – crypto. We’ll explain which candidates crypto execs are supporting and why the industry’s got skin in the political game…in 60 seconds. ICYMI: As we wait for the final SCOTUS ruling on Roe v. Wade, we sat down with the President and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights to understand what we can expect if Roe is overturned, who will be most impacted, and what other rights would be threatened by the decision. Finally: A tick whose bite could give you a red meat allergy might be coming to a summer BBQ near you. We talk to an expert to understand how worried we should be. And two women who are learning to live with their new allergies. P.S. Calling all Skimm This listeners. If you have a question for us — about the news, work, or life — call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. We can’t wait to hear from you. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Nancy Northup, president and CEO, Center for Reproductive Rights Candice Matthis, blogger, Two Alpha Gals Debbie Nichols, blogger, Two Alpha Gals Dr. Scott P. Commins, associate professor of medicine and pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Elie McAfee-Hahn and Ko Takasugi-Czernowin. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.
Sign of the Times: School Safety, Women in Afghanistan, and the Queen’s Jubilee
First: We’ve got the context on this week’s headlines: another mass shooting in Tulsa, the end of lockdowns in Shanghai, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Next: After weeks of negotiating, the EU has finally put its foot down and banned most Russian oil imports. But when we look at the fine print, we learn that not all oil is banned equally. We’ll break down the latest sanctions and why they matter…in 60 seconds. ICYMI: After the shooting in Uvalde last week, politicians are talking about gun control…and school safety. Aka: metal detectors, armed guards, armed teachers, and more. We’ll ask two educators about how they’re thinking about classroom safety – and what’s best for students. Later: With SCOTUS ready to strike down Roe v. Wade, we’ve got women’s rights in other countries on our mind. Particularly in Afghanistan. We asked an expert where things stand for women in the country almost one year since the Taliban took control. Finally: The babysitters club has new members. And for them, $15/hr won’t cut it anymore. An expert told us why babysitters are asking for more money, plus how parents are reacting. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Courtney Powers, high school teacher, Greenwich High School Dr. David Title, associate professor, Sacred Heart University Dr. Lina AbiRafeh, aid worker, academic, and women’s rights activist Lynn Perkins, founder and CEO, UrbanSitter Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Elie McAfee-Hahn and Ko Takasugi-Czernowin. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.
This is America
First: An 18-year-old gunman killed 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, TX. We’ll cover the deadliest school shooting since Sandy Hook, and the debate over what it will take to stop another classroom massacre. Next: As Oklahoma passed the most restrictive abortion law in the US this week, we spoke to an abortion provider to learn how she’s thinking about the future reproductive care in a post-Roe America. PS: theSkimm is tracking the state of abortion rights. ICYMI: Analysts are saying Wall Street is on the cusp of a bear market. But what does it mean when stocks head into hibernation season? We'll explain what a bear market is, and what it means for your wallet...in 60 seconds. Later: Have you been wondering WTF monkeypox is? Same. We talked to an expert to understand how it spreads, what symptoms to look out for, and whether or not we need to be concerned. Finally: This year’s AAPI Heritage Month theme is advancing leadership through collaboration. And we want to know: how are millennial women in the AAPI community bringing that theme to their work and lives? To find out, we spoke to the founders of Heart of Dinner, an org that provides food for the Asian elderly in NYC. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Dr. Gigi Gronvall, senior scholar, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security at the Bloomberg School of Public Health Andrea Gallegos, executive administrator, Tulsa Women's Clinic Yin Chang and Moonlynn Tsai, co-founders, Heart of Dinner Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn, with help from Ko Takasugi-Czernowin. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.
Desperado: Formula Shortage and TikTok Healthcare
First: We’ve got some of the biggest headlines this week – an update on the war in Ukraine, Tuesday’s primary elections here in the US, COVID boosters for kids, and a major W for the US women’s soccer team. Next: The baby formula shortage continues to keep parents up at night. We’ll speak to the US Surgeon General, Dr.Vivek Murthy, about the shortage and hear what the White House, government agencies, and lawmakers are doing to increase supply. ICYMI: After last weekend’s mass shooting in Buffalo, we asked an expert about the rise of racially motivated domestic extremism,, and why politicians are now going after social media platforms in the wake of these attacks. Later: Spirit and Frontier airlines were ready to say, “I do”. Then, JetBlue came along and shouted “I object”. We’ll break down the airline love triangle that has antitrust regulators’ heads spinning…in 60 seconds. Finally: From hot girls with IBS to late-in-life ADHD diagnoses, TikTok has basically become the new WebMD. We’ll speak to a psychiatrist to learn why TikTok has turned into the new doctor’s office. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Dr. Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General Faiza Patel, co-director, Brennan Center for Justice’s Liberty and National Security Program Dr. Adeola Adelayo, psychiatrist, Banner Health Behavioral Hospital Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn, with help from Ko Takasugi-Czernowin. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.
Waitin’ On A Sunny Day: Stock Market, Formula Shortage, Blockbuster Boom
First: Now that Roe v. Wade looks like it’ll be overturned this summer, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are planning their next moves. We’re speaking to Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) about what’s next for Dems in the fight over reproductive rights. ICYMI: If you've gone looking for baby formula at Target or Walmart recently, spoiler: it's really hard to find. We'll Skimm what's causing the shortage – and what to do if you’re looking for formula – in 60 seconds. Next: We’ve got the context on the other major headlines this week – record-high drug overdose deaths, wildfires in New Mexico, the grim findings on Native Americans in US boarding schools, and saying iRIP to the iPod. Later: High inflation, meet new stock market lows. We asked a financial expert to help us understand the stock market's recent bumpy ride, and what to do if your 401k is stressing you out. Finally: Grab your popcorn, because summer blockbusters are back. We’ll share what you can expect in theaters this summer. Hint: what’s old is new again. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Sen. Amy Klobuchar, US Senator (D-MN) Farnoosh Torabi, editor at large, CNET Personal Finance Rebecca Rubin, film and media reporter, Variety Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Additional help from Hannah Parker. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.
Time Machine: Roe v. Wade and Recession Fears
First: It was the leak heard around the world. We’ll break down the Supreme Court’s draft opinion on Roe v. Wade. Plus, we’ll hear from legal analysts on what this means for people seeking abortions in the months and years to come. ICYMI: Why are you seeing Donald Trump’s name in the news again? ‘Cause he’s got some skin in the game this primary season. We’ll break down why primary candidates are looking to play their ‘Trump card’...in 60 seconds. Next: We’ve got two big headlines this week – why the EU is proposing an embargo on Russian oil, and an update on the Brittney Griner case. Later: GDP numbers, inflation rate, interest rates, job numbers...so much economic data, so little time. We'll ask an expert to help us check the pulse on America’s economic health Finally: A new study revealed that video conferencing ≠ creativity. We'll ask the author of that study how businesses and employees can get their creative juices flowing, even in a WFH environment. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Seema Mohapatra, visiting professor of law, Southern Methodist University Caroline Polisi, lecturer in law, Columbia Law School Kathryn Edwards, economist, RAND Institute Melanie Brucks, assistant professor of business, Columbia Business School Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.
Unwritten: Twitter’s Future, Teen Mental Health Crisis, and California Drought
First: We’ve got the context on the biggest stories from the week – from the US economy shrinking for the first time since 2020, to a concerning drought warning in the West. PS: learn more about Pfizer’s COVID-19 drug, Paxlovid, here. Next: Elon Musk turned down a Tweet at the table — and bought Twitter instead. So what happens now? We’ll ask an expert about Musk’s plans, and what’s next for free speech. ICYMI: The Finns and Swedes have their pencils ready, waiting to apply for NATO membership. We’ll talk about why they’re ditching their historic neutrality, and why NATO is the hottest new club to join…in 60 seconds. Later: New reports reveal that American teens are in the middle of a mental health crisis. We'll ask a psychologist what’s causing concern. If you know a teen who’s struggling, here are some resources to help. Finally: Your favorite foliage was actually picked out for you by the Miranda Priestly of houseplants. We'll talk to a reporter who took a deep dive into the global houseplant industry to find out what it takes to become America's next top houseplant. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Rachel Lerman, tech reporter, The Washington Post Dr. Kara Bagot, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Katie Van Syckle, senior staff editor, The New York Times Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.
Skimm Special: The Science of Skincare
Harsh scrubs. Toothpaste spot treatments. Chemical face peels. Some of the beauty ‘hacks’ you might see on the internet (or recognize from middle school) can actually be pretty dangerous. But decades of research and cutting-edge tech can help us take better care of our skin. So together with Droplette, we set out to explore the science that can help us skincare smarter. In this special episode, we break down a few proven ingredients and techniques. So you can figure out which products are right for you and develop the perfect routine. In this episode, you’ll hear from InStyle Executive Beauty Editor Kayla Greaves and cosmetic chemist and science educator Dr. Michelle Wong of Lab Muffin Beauty Science. This episode is Skimm’d by Alex Carr and our Senior Director of Audio Graelyn Brashear, with help from Senior Branded Content Editor Liz Smith. It's engineered by Elie McAfee-Hahn and Andrew Callaway.
Mood Ring: Airport Drama, Netflix, Sustainable Living
First: Russia is restrategizing in Ukraine ahead of an important deadline. We’ll take a look at how the war is changing. Next: We’ve also got the other big headlines from the week: from Netflix execs are freaking out right now, to the latest union efforts at Apple. Plus: why millions of student loan borrowers are about to get some relief. Next up: If traveling has been a nightmare for you, you’re not alone. Are cancellations, delays, and lost bags the new normal? We’ll ask a travel expert how to avoid the mile cry club. ICYMI: All eyes are on France as they pick a new president. And spoiler: both candidates are controversial. We’ll break down why this election has everyone saying ooh la la…in 60 seconds. Then: While some people use Earth Day as an excuse to post their vacation pics on IG, we’re asking someone who lives a climate-conscious lifestyle 24/7 for her tips. PS: if you want more tips, read her climate diary here. Finally: Has your phone been blowing up…but not in a good way? Americans are getting spam texts at record high rates. We’ll break down how to clean up your messages. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Shelby Magid, associate director, the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center Matthew Howe, Senior Manager of Travel Intelligence, Morning Consult Alicia, Rachel, Madison, Skimm HQ’rs Lucia Priselac, Director, The Uproot Project Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.
Loose Threads: Subway Shooting, Inflation, Abercrombie & Fitch
First: This week, commuters in New York City saw their worst nightmare come to life. We’ll break down what happened on Tuesday morning – and why people across the country are on edge. Next up: We’ve got the other big headlines from the week: from Elon Musk vs. Twitter, shocking body cam footage sparking protests in Michigan, and the latest from the frontlines in Ukraine. ICYMI: The latest inflation numbers have people talking about the “r” word: recession. We’ll ask an economist what to expect in the coming months – and how we can prepare for what’s coming. Then: Following in Florida’s footsteps, states around the US are considering ‘don’t say gay’ bills for their schools. We’ll chat with an expert about how these bills affect the lives of LGBTQ+ youth and what we can do to make safe spaces for young people. PS: If you need more resources for LGBTQ+ support, check them out here. Finally: We’re taking you back in time to an era where layered t-shirts and Bieber bangs ruled all. We’re talking about Abercrombie & Fitch. But it turns out: there were some dark secrets in those seriously dark storefronts. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Heather Long, economics columnist, editorial board member, the Washington Post Amit Paley, CEO, the Trevor Project Alison Klayman, director, ‘White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch’ Nikki Ogunnaike, digital director, Harper's Bazaar Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.
Skimm Special: COVID and Kids
If you’re a parent of young kids, you’ve probably spent the last two years thinking a lot about your kid’s health and how to keep them safe. Chances are: You’re exhausted, overworked, worried, and confused. So together with Boston Children’s Hospital, we set out to put your mind at ease. In this special episode, we ask a pediatrician the Q’s that Skimm’r parents told us are keeping them up at night. She answers things like: How should we evaluate risk in our everyday lives? How should parents think about vaccines for their young kids? And what’s the best way to spot a child who is struggling with mental health? In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Kristin Moffitt, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital. This episode is Skimm’d by Senior Director of Audio Graelyn Brashear and Senior Manager of Branded Content Jana Pollack. It is engineered by Andrew Callaway.
I Feel It Coming: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Surrogacy Shortage, Ukraine
First: We’ve got the context on the biggest stories from the week –from Oklahoma’s abortion ban… to a new date you might want to add to your calendar if you’ve got student loans Next up: We’ve got an update on what’s going on in Ukraine – and where things stand after Ukraine accused Russia of committing serious war crimes. ICYMI: If you’ve tried to buy a house recently – it seems like actually closing on a place is harder than winning the lottery. We’ll break down the wild ride that is the housing market, and ask two experts: when are we gonna get some relief? PS: Need tips on buying a home in a crowded market? We’ve got you covered. Then: Americans are seeking surrogates to start or expand their families…but can’t seem to find anyone. We’ll talk to two experts about why this already complex process just keeps getting harder. Finally: If you’re in need of some quality R&R, you’re not alone. We’ll tell you about the unexpected place more people are going to get some rest. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Margaret Brennan, Moderator, Face the Nation, CBS Chief foreign affairs correspondent Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist, First American Financial Corporation Nicole Bachaud, economist, Zillow Dr. Natalie Crawford, fertility physician, board-certified OB GYN Dr. Lucky Sekhon, infertility specialist, board-certified OB GYN Amber McMillan, Senior Vice President of Fitness and Weight Loss, LifeTime Gyms Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Will Livingston. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.
Taking Care of Business: Four-Day Work Week, Facebook vs. TikTok, Fake LinkedIn Profiles
First: We’ve got the context on the biggest stories from the week – from the war in Ukraine, to the latest booster shot recommendations. And a major immigration announcement from the White House. Next up: A bombshell new report revealed that Facebook’s parent company hired a private firm to dish dirt on fellow social media giant TikTok. We’ll skimm the digital drama…in 60 seconds. ICYMI: As we head into the third year of the pandemic, scientists are taking a closer look at long COVID symptoms. And new research suggests there are a lot of similarities between long COVID brain fog and other brain conditions. We’ll break down the findings with a professor pioneering this research. Then: We’re diving into the latest tactic companies are using to keep employees happy: the four day work week. But are permanent long weekends too good to be true? We’ll ask an expert. Finally: If your LinkedIn has been blowing up recently, you may have been networking...with a robot. Researchers at Stanford found a lot of AI-generated LinkedIn profiles floating around. We’ll tell you how to spot a fake – and keep your network human-only. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Dr. Michelle Monje, professor of neurology, Stanford University Gabriel Stein, head of operations and product, Knowledge Futures Group Jennifer Liu, work reporter, CNBC Make it Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Will Livingston. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.
Watch List: SCOTUS Hearings, Russia and China, Oscars
First: We’ve got the context on the biggest stories from the week – from the new Omicron subvariant, to a controversial new abortion bill in Idaho. And a major declaration from the United States that has some people saying: “too little, too late?” Next up: Biden’s Supreme Court pick Ketanji Brown Jackson headed to Capitol Hill this week. We’ll break down what we learned about Jackson from her marathon confirmation hearings. ICYMI: Trouble’s brewing at the happiest place on earth. Disney’s CEO is caught in the crossfire between his employees and Florida politicians. We’ll Skimm Disney’s wild ride…in 60 seconds. Then: As NATO allies met in Europe this week to discuss the war in Ukraine, one global power has notably taken a seat on the sidelines: China. We’ll explain how China could influence the outcome of this war. And why China’s relationship status with Russia is “it’s complicated.” Finally: Lights, camera, Oscars. Mark your calendars for the Academy Awards this Sunday. And if you’ve still got a lot of movies on your watch list - or you just want to get filled in on Oscars-related drama - we’ve got you covered. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Rebecca Hamilton, associate professor at American University Washington College of Law. Seema Mohapatra, visiting law professor at Southern Methodist University David Rennie, the Beijing bureau chief for the Economist Bridget Armstrong, host of Pop Cultured with the Skimm Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Will Livingston. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.