“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.
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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.
High Gear: Inside Kyiv, Interest Rates, Formula 1
First: We’ll start this week by speaking to someone inside the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. We've got an inside look at emotions on the ground, the latest on US involvement, and where the war could go from here. Next up: With Putin playing mind games on his own turf, we’ll take a look at the information iron curtain in Russia. ICYMI: The Fed announced it’s raising interest rates .25%. We’ll explain why this small step for the Fed is actually a big move for the economy – and your wallet. Then: Europe and China are seeing major spikes in COVID cases, all thanks to a new “Stealth” variant of Omicron. We’ll explain what you need to know about Omicron’s evil twin. Finally: Formula One’s appeal is twofold: it’s a high-speed sport with Housewives-level drama. We’ll cover the global car racing competition, its geopolitical controversies, and its glamorous destinations. And the drivers? Let’s just say they’re…hot wheels. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Jane Ferguson, correspondent, PBS Newshour, contributor, The New Yorker Alessandra Stanley, co-editor, AirMail Jean Yung, reporter, Market News International Carrie Battan, staff writer, The New Yorker 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Surface Pressure: Oil Ban, Cyberattacks, Tech CEO TV Shows
First: We’re entering a new phase of the war in Ukraine as Russia ramps up its attacks on civilians. Cue: pressure on the US to hit Russia harder. We’ll break down Biden’s big announcement this week banning Russian oil, the damage it could cause to Russia, and what it means for us here at home. Next up: We’ll speak to an expert about the other cyber weapons at Russia’s disposal - and what might drive Putin to create online chaos. ICYMI: If you’re wondering why yachts, private jets, luxury goods, and apartments are also caught in the crossfire of the financial war on Russia, we’ll break down who the Oligarchs are, and why they’re coming under fire. Then: We’ll break down the week’s other headlines – including a check-in on inflation and an update on the future of crypto in the United States. Finally: What do WeWork, Theranos, and Uber have in common? Not a lot, but they all have dramatized TV shows chronicling their controversial rise in the tech world. We’ll ask a TV critic: why are we so obsessed with these shady stories? On this episode, you’ll hear from: Kristine Berzina, senior fellow and head of geopolitics at the Alliance for Securing Democracy Nicole Perlroth, cybersecurity journalist, advisor to CISA, and author Kathryn VanArendonk, critic, Vulture 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. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus and Hannah Parker. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie Mcafee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Gimme Shelter: Refugees in Europe, Inflation, Headline Stress Disorder
First: Over a million refugees have left Ukraine as Russia continues to attack the country. We'll speak to a professor about what’s next for those leaving and how Europe has historically handled an influx of displaced people. Looking for ways to help Ukraine? Check out our guide. Next up: This war isn’t just being fought militarily. The West has also used global finance as a weapon to hit Russia back. We’ll break down the types of sanctions that have been imposed, and ask an expert how we might feel the impact of those sanctions, too. Then: President Biden did his annual check-in with the nation during his State of the Union address. We spoke to a political reporter about what the next year might look like. ICYMI: Baseball is canceled. Well, kind of. We’ll Skimm the drama between the players union and the owners in the MLB…in 60 seconds. Finally: When news alerts are high, your anxiety might be high too — and you’re not alone. So we ask a licensed psychologist her best tips to decompress from the headlines. Because peace of mind is a truce we can control. 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: Serena Parekh, Director of the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Program, Northeastern University Megan Greene, Senior Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School, Global Chief Economist, Kroll Institute Kadia Goba, national politics reporter, Buzzfeed News Dr. Carolyn Rubenstein, licensed psychologist 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. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Heartbreak Warfare: Russia Invades, Equal Pay, Dating App Scams
First: It finally happened. Russia has launched a major invasion of Ukraine. We know the headlines probably feel scary and chaotic right now. So we’re going to cut through the noise by talking to two experts in Europe about what we can expect next. Next up: We’ll give you the context on the other headlines from the week — including more countries rolling back COVID protocols, a major new report on maternal health in the pandemic, and Texas at the center of controversy (again). Then: The US Women’s National Soccer team just scored a major victory…in the fight for equal pay. We’ll Skimm the historic settlement between the players and their employer in 60 seconds. Plus: The men convicted of murdering Ahmaud Arbery were just found guilty of federal hate crimes charges. We’ll ask an expert why hate crimes are historically so hard to prosecute, and how this case could mark a turning point in the fight against hate. Finally: If you’ve seen the Tinder Swindler, you might have thought about deleting your online dating profile. But we have two dating pros to the rescue, who share how we can stay safe while swiping. 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: Richard Ensor, journalist, the Economist Melinda Haring, Deputy Director, Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center Arusha Gordon, Associate Director of the James Byrd Jr. Center to Stop Hate, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Yue Xu and Julie Krafchick, co-hosts, Dateable podcast 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. Additional help from Hannah Parker. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Ugly Truth: Russia-Ukraine, No More Guac, Rom Coms
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 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. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices