“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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Shoot for the Moon
First up: We’ve got the context on this week’s biggest headlines, from Trump’s Facebook ban to what’s going on with federal eviction protections and protests in Colombia. Plus: This week, the White House said it supports waiving patent protections for COVID vaccines. Well break down whether that will help boost the global vaccine supply and why drug companies are annoyed. Next: Can employers or colleges make people get vaccinated? We’ll take a look at the arguments on both sides. Then: Whether it’s burnout or boredom, low wages or Zoom fatigue, millennials are making some big professional and financial changes. The logic? YOLO. ICYMI: Who else knows you only live once? The billionaires competing in the 21st century’s new space race. We’re diving into what the battle between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos means for the future of space travel. Finally: It’s been a mother of a year. We’re passing the mic to five moms to hear how its been and what this Sunday means to them. P.S. You can find theSkimm’s guide to Mother’s Day — from our survey results to gift guides and how to outsource your household work — here. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Dr. Lavanya Vasudevan, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University’s Global Health Institute Kevin Roose, technology and business columnist, The New York Times Marina Koren, staff writer, The Atlantic Jessica, Samii, Rochelle and Stephanie, Skimm’r moms Stacy Rapacon, theSkimm’s finance editor 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 Luke Vargas. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. With additional support from Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What Are You Waiting For?
First up: President Biden’s been in office for 100 days. And while he's giving himself an A for effort, we’ll break down his real report card with what he has – and hasn’t – accomplished so far. ICYMI: We’ve got the latest on the 2020 Census data, the arrival of some pesky friends, and the drama between Facebook and Apple (pssst: you may have a front row seat). Next: India is facing a COVID-19 crisis. We’ll explain what’s going on, and what the rest of the world is doing to help. Later: The U.S. still hasn’t reached herd immunity. One reason? Vaccine hesitancy. We spoke to an expert to ask: how bad is this problem and how are public health agencies trying to change minds? Finally: Do the words “bedtime procrastination” resonate with you? We’ll break down the concept, and hopefully, help you catch some zzz’s. PS: Those links we told you about in our sleep segment? Check out Dr. Sirois’s research here Here’s the OG “revenge bedtime procrastination” article And here’s our guide to help you sleep smarter On this episode, you’ll hear from: Dr. Lavanya Vasudevan, assistant professor of family Medicine and community health, Duke University Global Health Institute Dr. Fuschia Sirois, researcher on health and human psychology, University of Sheffield Carly M., theSkimm’s health writer 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 Luke Vargas. With additional support from Ciara Long and Peter Bonaventure. theSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Skimm Special: Your Best and Worst Pandemic Buys
On this special episode of Skimm This, we wanted to take a break from the news for some comic relief, and get a chance to hear some of your voices. A few weeks ago, we asked you to fill out a survey about how the past year has been. The good, the bad, and the ugly. And we started getting a lot of must-read responses to one question in particular: what was your best or worst pandemic purchase? First up: A wannabe survivalist builds out his basement to store lots and lots of powdered milk. We decided to check in with him...and his wife. Then: We heard about some toys for kids that didn’t exactly come as advertised. Next: Millennials are becoming farmers, with new chicken coops and garden boxes sparking joy. Later: Some purchases ended up being some serious silver linings. Looking at you, new mattress and blow-up swimming pool. And other pandemic buys became new hobbies that are hopefully sticking with us post-COVID. Finally: We’ll break down the trends from the year’s purchases...and give you some tips on what makes a good one (and how to avoid the bad). On this episode, you’ll hear from: Luke Vargas, senior audio producer, theSkimm Skimm’rs Dominique, Lisa, Heather, Mia, Julia, Shelby, Sara, Anissa, Jessica and Kelly Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily newsletter Check out Skimm Your Life, a newsletter giving your product recommendations and life hacks 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, Ciara Long and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Like the Sea We Rise
First up: A jury this week found Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd. We’ll talk to the creator of Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability about how this historic trial could impact law enforcement trials in the future. ICYMI: We’ve got the latest news about fake vaccines, global travel warnings and a sleep study you may have texted to your parents in a panic. Next: The U.S. just set some big climate goals. We’ll break down what those promises actually mean. (Here’s the Daily Skimm’s big Earth Day newsletter) Later: So much for dolphins in the Venice canals. A year into the pandemic, global emissions are rising again. But there are some silver linings. We’ll talk to a climate reporter about the growing environmental justice movement and how we can make a difference. Finally: We’ve got a viewer’s guide on Sunday’s Academy Awards and what to binge at the last minute. (P.S. Our team's favorite films last year were Promising Young Woman, First Cow, Bacurau, Greyhound and Emma) On this episode, you’ll hear from: Sharon Fairley, professor, University of Chicago Law School, and creator of Chicago's Civilian Office of Police Accountability Helen Mountford, vice president for climate and economics, World Resources Institute Kendra Pierre-Louis, senior reporter and producer, “How to Save a Planet” Nicole Sperling, media and entertainment reporter, 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 and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Ciara Long and Peter Bonaventure. Our head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fury Road: Minnesota, Infrastructure, and Scream Science
First up: To help understand all of this week’s COVID headlines – including big news about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine – we phoned up a doctor to ask: “Hey did you read that thing?” Then: We’ve got the latest on the most recent incident of police violence in Minnesota, why Iran is increasing its uranium enrichment, and the latest beef between the U.S. and Russia. After that: If President Biden has his way, U.S. troops will leave Afghanistan by September 11th, 2021. We’ll break down why ending America’s longest war is so tricky. Quickly: We’ve got the details on a new plan to slow migration to the U.S. from Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala. Later: We got a call from the U.S. Commerce Secretary this week. A $2 trillion infrastructure plan is being debated in Congress, and she thinks millennials should be paying attention. Finally: We’re letting out some steam. And breaking down the science…of screaming. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Dr. Celine Gounder, clinical assistant professor of medicine and infectious diseases, New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine Gina Raimondo, US Commerce Secretary Noreen MacDonald, chair, department of city and regional planning, UNC Chapel Hill 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 Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Soundtrack to the Summer
First up: We’ve got this week’s biggest headlines, from progress towards a new Iran nuclear deal to border clashes in Northern Ireland and Biden’s latest moves on gun control. (0:46) Then: This week, Arkansas’ Governor vetoed a bill banning gender-affirming healthcare for minors – only for lawmakers to overturn the veto. We’ll break down a rollercoaster week in the state. (5:22) Next: President Biden has some big infrastructure plans, but wants to raise corporate taxes to foot the bill. We’ll dive into the pros and cons of that hotly-debated tax hike. (7:55) ICYMI: Wondering what President Biden’s plan is for student loan forgiveness? We’ve got the deets on what we know so far … in 60 seconds. (13:09) Plus: 4,500+ Skimm'rs recently told us about the pandemic habit they most want to kick. One of the most common answers? ‘Drinking.’ We asked the experts: are we the only ones? And, how can we cut down if that’s something we want to do? (15:30) Finally: If you’re bored of hibernating and feeling ready for summer … so are billions of noisy cicadas. We’ll talk to a nature expert and an event planner about what to expect in the next few months. (24:34) P.S., Here are some of resources we in our show this week: The ACLU has a tracker where you can check up on any legislation affecting the transgender community in your state. If you’re looking for guidance on how to cut down on drinking, check out the National Institute for Alcoholism and Alcohol Addiction. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Joan Tucker, senior behavioral scientist, the RAND Corporation Sherry Price, host, 'Drink Less Lifestyle' podcast Jillian Smith, event planner and owner, One Touch Events Amy Moore, lead Teacher and naturalist, Potomac Valley Audubon Society 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 Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trials and Tribulations: Minneapolis, Myanmar, and Amazon
First up: Derek Chauvin’s trial began this week. He’s the former police officer accused of killing George Floyd. We’re taking a look at what we can expect in the courtroom in the weeks ahead. And we’ll break down why America doesn’t have a strong track record when it comes to convicting police officers. Then: It’s time for headlines. We’re bringing you news from the WHO, Pfizer, Georgia, and New York… and giving you the context on why it all matters. Next: There’s a tiny but historic election going on in Bessemer, Alabama. Amazon warehouse employees there have voted on whether or not to unionize. We’ll tell you why this one small town is really getting under Jeff Bezos’s skin. ICYMI: The situation in Myanmar is only getting more dire. After the military took over in a coup back in February, people are continuing to protest, with many protests turning deadly. We’ll tell you about the global response (hint: barely any) and what’s expected to happen next. Finally: We asked: which quarantine habit are you most trying to shake? And a lot of you said: snacking. Here’s the deal: snacking is good for us. So we asked an expert how we can snack … smarter. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Sharon Fairley, professor, University of Chicago Law School, creator, Chicago's Civilian Office of Police Accountability Rebecca Rainey, labor reporter, Politico Krista Linares, registered dietitian, Nutrition con Sabor 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 Luke Vargas, with additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This Is Us Trying: Gun Reform, Reparations, Grounded Ships
First up: Less than a week after a mass shooting in Atlanta, there was another massacre – this time in Colorado. We’re diving in to look at what’s changed – and what hasn’t – about gun violence in the US. Then: From Israel’s elections and a ship stuck in the Suez Canal to Equal Pay Day and Virginia abolishing the death penalty, we’ve got the context on this week’s biggest headlines. Next: As spring breakers crowd the streets in Miami, we ask an epidemiologist: are we gonna see another surge in COVID outbreaks? And what can we start to enjoy safely? Plus: Evanston, Illinois just made history as the first city to approve reparations in the US. We’ll break down what reparations are, and how they could work in practice. Finally: Endometriosis is tricky to diagnose, but it affects at least 10% of women (ages 15-44) in the US. So we asked an expert: what is it, how do we know if we have it, and how can we treat it? On this episode, you’ll hear from: Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, medical director, Special Pathogens Unit, Boston Medical Center Dr. Natalie Crawford, fertility physician 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 Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This Could Be Anywhere in the World
First up: We’ve got the context on this week’s deadly shootings around Atlanta, where a lone gunman murdered 8 people — 6 of them of Asian descent — in a time when attacks against Asian Americans are rising. Then: Last weekend, police in London shut down a vigil for Sarah Everard, who was abducted and murdered while walking home from a friend’s house. We break down why Everard’s death matters — not just in the U.K., but everywhere. Next: We’ve got the context on some of this week’s other big headlines, including big news on same-sex marriage in Japan, a frosty summit in Alaska, and the IRS giving us another month to do our taxes. Plus: This week, some EU countries temporarily paused their rollout of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine. We break down how regulators have reacted to concerns over blood clots — in 60 seconds. ICYMI: Is there a “crisis” at the US-Mexico border? We dive into what’s going on, and what’s changed about immigration policy so far in the Biden Administration. Finally: Every week, there’s a new financial acronym to learn. First it was SPACs. Now it’s NFTs. We’ll break down why all these new investment crazes are happening. P.S. Here are some of resources we mentioned if you’re struggling to cope with this week’s news: Stop AAPI Hate National Sexual Assault Online Hotline Mental Health Resources for the AAPI Community Ignoring Your Emotions Is Bad for Your Health. Here's What to Do About It. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Izzy Capelin, London resident Valerie Gonzalez, staff reporter, The Monitor (TX) Kristie De Peña, vice president for policy and director of immigration, the Niskanen Center Rachel Lerman, technology reporter, The Washington Post 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Looking Back, Springing Forward, and Hitting Up Obama
First up: Today, President Biden signed a long-awaited stimulus bill. We’ll break down three of the biggest wishes he granted and look at who’s gonna be affected. (Here’s the rest of theSkimm on the stimulus bill) Then: We’ll explain the CDC’s new guidelines about what we can do once we’ve been vaccinated. Plus: We’ll follow one Skimm HQ’er as she gets her first shot. Remember Me? TheSkimm sat down with former President Obama this week and asked him what it will take for Americans to truly get to a place of racial equality. ICYMI: It’s almost time to “spring forward” this weekend for Daylight Savings. We’ll share some tips to make losing an hour less difficult this year. Finally: A year after the pandemic officially began, we’ll talk to a grief counselor about reckoning with the losses we’ve dealt with — from loved ones to jobs — and how to move forward. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Kat, Skimm HQ’er Carly M., Skimm HQ’er Barack Obama, Former President of the United States, author, “A Promised Land” Dr. Sonya Lott, 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 and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Doctor's Orders: Talking COVID with the CDC + Beating Zoom Fatigue
First up: We had some questions for the new CDC director, like: if it’s my turn, how do I sign up to get vaccinated? Then: We’ve got the context on some of this week’s big headlines, including the latest on NY Governor Cuomo, why the Capitol is on high alert, and what’s up with Dr. Seuss. Next: We’ll explain the fate of the $15 minimum wage … in 60 seconds. ICYMI: A new report found that political and economic freedoms are declining all around the world, including in the U.S. We’ll tell you why that’s happening — and why we’re still hopeful. Finally: We all know that Zoom fatigue is real, but now scientists are telling us just how real. We’ve got the scoop on why, and what you can do about it. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Amy Slipowitz, research manager, Freedom House Professor Jeremy Bailenson, founding director, Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab 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 Luke Vargas, with additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
#VaccineGoals
First up: A few places, including the U.K. and Israel, have successfully rolled out COVID-19 vaccinations. We want to know: how did they do it? And can we copy what they got right? Then: We’ll fill you in on what you need to know about Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine, which should get FDA approval this week. Next: We’ve got the context on two of the week’s headlines, involving former President Trump’s taxes and Illinois eliminating cash bail. ICYMI: The racial wealth gap is still a huge obstacle for Black women. We’ll talk to one woman who’s helping make that gap smaller. Finally: A lot of Texans are still without running water after last week’s winter storm. This week, we’re talking to one of the volunteers hoping to fix that — literally. P.S. For more info on the racial wealth gap, check out this handy guide from the Skimm Money team. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Claire Hannan, executive director, Association of Immunization Managers Saskia Popescu, assistant processor, Biodefense Program, George Mason University Jala Eaton, founder, "On My Own Financial" Ryan Gossen, volunteer, Austin Guerilla Plumber Corps 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 Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. theSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The She-cession Crisis: Policy Meets Reality
On this bonus episode of Skimm This, we're following up our interview with Vice President Kamala Harris by diving into a topic that's been on our minds for a while now: the “she-cession,” a.k.a. how women have been impacted by the economic recession caused by the pandemic. First up: We’ll hear how about the difficulties two Skimm’rs are facing juggling parenting and work. Then: Our expert guests put those stories in context and share some of the other experiences they’re hearing about around the country. Next: The panel reacts to the White House’s COVID relief proposal and discusses the difference between “band-aid” solutions and long-term economic reform. Later: We’ll discuss the importance of paid family leave and whether a $15 minimum wage will get women back to work. Finally: Our guests share advice and strategies for changing workplace policies to benefit parents. Want to share your she-cession story? Email us at audio@theskimm.com. Or call and leave us a voicemail at (646) 461-6470. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Cherita Ellens, CEO, Women Employed Kathryn Edwards, labor market economist, the RAND Corporation Skimm'r Faith Skimm'r Bergen 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 Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Out of This World: Extreme Weather and a Mars Expedition
First up: We’ll break down how one of America’s largest states was brought to its knees by a freak winter storm, and why most of the rest of the country has been so cold. Then: We’re bringing you the latest on stories from Australia, Tokyo...and at Walmart...and giving you the context on why they matter. Next: We saw a lot of COVID-related headlines this week. To clear the noise on what’s going on with the pandemic, we phoned a friend. A doctor friend. ICYMI: “Vaccine passports” might be coming to a country near you. We’ll tell you the arguments for and against so you can decide for yourself. Later: We’ll break down WTF Clubhouse is... in 60 seconds. Finally: We’re taking a breaking from these earthly matters to tell you why everyone’s paying attention to Mars. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Stef Cantu, Texas resident Tayhlor Coleman, Texas resident Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, assistant professor of medicine, Medical University of South Carolina Mallory Brooke, owner and chief meteorologist, Nor’easter Weather Consulting Chloe Sackier, EDL systems engineer, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory 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 Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
VP Harris on the She-cession
First up: Women are being pushed out of the workforce at an alarming rate. We interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris to learn how the next COVID relief bill could provide women with some relief. Then: We’re bringing you three headlines – Trump’s Impeachment trial, the rise in hate acts against Asian Americans, and a microchip shortage – and breaking down the context on why they matter. Next: More than a year into the pandemic, COVID long-haulers (aka people who’ve shown symptoms for weeks or months after having COVID) are still struggling to receive adequate medical care. We’ll talk to two long-haulers and a doctor about why this group of patients is having a hard time getting the attention they need. ICYMI: We’ll tell you why a cryptocurrency that started as a joke may have the last laugh...in 60 seconds. Thanks, Elon Musk. Later: Get ready to mark your calendars, because tax season is here. In all seriousness, you’ve gotta do your taxes at some point. Don’t worry, we’ll break down what you need to know??? Finally: We’ll fact-check some pretty uncool statements from the guy running the Tokyo Olympics. If you’ve been impacted by the “she-cession” we talked about on today’s show, we want to hear your story. Click here to share. Or call and leave us a voicemail at (646) 461-6470. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Vice President Kamala Harris Chelsea Alionar, COVID long-hauler Asia Durr, WNBA athlete and COVID long-hauler Dr. Monica L. Lypson, professor, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences Kesha JonTae, The Millennial Tax Expert 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, Justine Davie, and Luke Vargas. With additional support from Peter Bonaventure and Ciara Long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices