Synopsis
In todays world, context is clarity. "Skimm This" breaks down the most important stories of the day and explains why they matter. All in 10 minutes. Every Monday through Friday. All at 5PM.
Episodes
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Pressure Cookin: Midterm Results and Surprises, COP27, Thanksgiving Recipes
10/11/2022 Duration: 35minFirst: Results from the midterm elections are coming in, and it's a mixed bag. We’re breaking down some major takeaways as we wait to see which party will take control of Congress. Then: There’s a lot of turbulence in Silicon Valley. We’re sorting through all the drama @ Twitter, the historic layoffs at Facebook, and some good news for your winter getaways, in 60 seconds. Next: The COP27 conference is putting global conversations about climate change in the spotlight. We’re talking to an expert about how these negotiations are playing out in Egypt, and who’s ready to take action. Plus: In partnership with our friends at Slack, we're taking listeners behind the scenes of our digital HQ to show how certain Slack channels help us do our jobs better. Next up: #headline-workshop. Finally: Just in time for Thanksgiving, there's a national turkey shortage. Thanks, bird flu. We’re talking to a chef about two show stopping dishes you can make instead, plus another option that could totally change your Thanksgivi
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Made You Look: Affirmative Action, Salary Transparency, Twitter Takeover
03/11/2022 Duration: 40minFirst: We’re breaking down the biggest headlines of the week: the Fed raising interest rates yet again, the growing risk of political violence leading up to election day, and Elon Musk’s chaotic onboarding @ Twitter. Then: The Supreme Court heard two major cases on affirmative action this week. And according to analysts, the Supremes appear ready to reverse decades of precedent. We talk to an expert about what’s gone down in oral arguments so far, and what the impacts of an affirmative action reversal could look like. Next: NYC’s new salary transparency law took effect this week, and it could have an impact far beyond the tri-state area. We’re talking to two experts about what’s changing for employees, employers, and those on the job hunt. And how you can take advantage of transparency laws, even if you don’t live in a place that has them. Plus: In partnership with our friends at Slack, we're taking listeners behind the scenes of our digital HQ to show how certain Slack channels help us do our jobs better.
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Karma: US GDP, Ye’s Fallout, Midterm Voting
27/10/2022 Duration: 39minFirst: We’re breaking down the biggest headlines of the week: US GDP numbers, Ye's (aka Kanye West) fallout, and what you need to know about RSV, a respiratory virus that’s pushing some hospitals to their capacity. Then: A major investment conference dubbed ‘Davos in the Desert’ took place this week in Saudi Arabia. And despite dirty looks from Team Biden, America's top finance bros attended. We’ll Skimm the drama in the desert…in 60 seconds. Next: We’re tapping an expert to help break down three of the biggest issues voters are thinking about heading into midterms – from abortion access, to the economy, to the future of democracy. Plus: In partnership with our friends at Slack, we're taking listeners behind the scenes of our digital HQ to show how certain Slack channels help us do our jobs better. First up: #skimmr-feedback. Finally: In honor of Taylor Swift’s Midnights, we asked music critic how we should actually be listening to albums. Because it turns out: we’ve been doing it wrong this whole t
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Kid Q&A: Sleep On It
26/10/2022 Duration: 15minShould you let your baby cry it out at night? Is it ever OK to give a toddler melatonin? And maybe most importantly — will you ever get a good night's sleep again? This week, we're teaming up with Boston Children's Hospital to answer your biggest questions about parenting and your kids' health. And for our final episode, we're tackling every parent's favorite topic: sleep. Dr. Judith Owens, director of the hospital's pediatric sleep center, puts a lot of our worries to bed.
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Kid Q&A: Cold, Flu or COVID?
25/10/2022 Duration: 16minIt's virus season again — though if you feel like it's been virus season nonstop for years, you're not alone. This week, we're teaming up with Boston Children's Hospital to answer your biggest questions about parenting and your kids' health. And today it's all about those respiratory viruses your kids keep bringing home from daycare. We're talking to infectious disease specialist Dr. Kirstin Moffitt to get the rundown on how to manage risk, how to navigate the latest vaccine news, and what to look out for your if your kid does come down with a cold, RSV, flu, or COVID.
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Kid Q&A : The Tantrum Diaries
24/10/2022 Duration: 14minWe’ve all heard of the “terrible twos.” But what’s really going on when a toddler has a tantrum? And what’s “normal”? This week, we're teaming up with Boston Children's Hospital to answer your biggest questions about parenting and your kids' health. Starting with those spectacular meltdowns. We've tapped psychologist Dr. Erica Lee to help us understand why kids tantrum, how to help your own toddler when they do, and (crucially) how to stay sane through all of it.
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Midnights: Liz Truss, Student Loans, Midterms
20/10/2022 Duration: 34minFirst: We’ve got the context on the week’s biggest headlines: Liz Truss is out after 44 days in office, new tax brackets that could mean more cash in your wallet (thanks inflation), and Netflix’s Hollywood comeback. Then: The U.S. government has officially launched the application for people to apply for student debt relief. We’re breaking down all the info you need to know if you’re eligible. Plus people keep saying it takes less than a minute to fill out… so we’re putting that theory to the test, all in 60 seconds. Next: We’re Skimming the stakes of the midterm elections - who’s going to control congress, who might run in 2024, and what the future of our election systems looks like. Want to learn more? Check out our midterm election guides. Also: We’re in a mental health crisis in America. And work, aka the place you spend over 50% of your time, could be to blame. We're talking to the government's top doc about his latest guidelines on how companies can protect their workers mental health. Finally: The
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In This Economy?!: Staying Sane
17/10/2022 Duration: 16minSky-high inflation. Rising interest rates. A maybe recession. Oh, it’s just the second financial crisis millennial women are facing in their lifetime. In this special miniseries from the Skimm This team, we're going to give you the tools you need to navigate a rocky economic environment. Today, we’re talking about staying sane in this economy. All these headlines haven’t been great for our mental health - and we know that financial stress can seriously impact our well-being. So in our final episode, we're Skimm'ing actionable steps you can take today to give yourself peace of mind in the future. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Emily Thorn, Head of Consumer Advocacy, Marcus by Goldman Sachs PS: The views expressed today by Emily Thorn are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views or institutional opinions of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC or any of their affiliates, subsidiaries or divisions. The information provided is for informational use only an
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Long Time Running: January 6th Committee, Xi Jinping, 5 Years of #MeToo
13/10/2022 Duration: 33minFirst: We’ve got the context on the week’s biggest headlines: September inflation numbers (sigh), the final January 6th committee hearing, another escalation in the war in Ukraine, and an update on Venezuelan migrants trying to enter the US. Then: This month marks five years since journalists broke several #MeToo stories and sparked convos about sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. And as Harvey Weinstein starts his second trial for sex crimes this week, #MeToo’s legacy is still with us. So we're Skimm'ing five things that have happened in the five years years since the first Weinstein story broke – from legislation that's passed to how we think about #MeToo in the workplace. Next: Chinese leader Xi Jinping is about to take on an unprecedented third term this weekend. We're speaking to The Economist's China correspondent about how he changed the nation – and its position on the international stage – and what we can expect in the future. Finally: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And
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In This Economy?!: Investing
10/10/2022 Duration: 16minSky-high inflation. Rising interest rates. A maybe recession. Oh, it’s just the second financial crisis millennial women are facing in their lifetime. In this special miniseries from the Skimm This team, we're going to give you the tools you need to navigate a rocky economic environment. In our second episode, we’re talking about investing…in this economy. Because ICYMI, stocks haven’t exactly been on the up and up. We’re going to break down the best investment accounts for your money goals, what a “bear market” means for our finances, and how to develop your investment mindset. PS: head to Marcus.com for more insights that can help you live your best financial life. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Delyanne Barros, investing coach
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Guess Who’s Back: SCOTUS Returns, NFL Controversy, Twitter and Musk
06/10/2022 Duration: 35minFirst: We’re giving you the context on this week’s biggest headlines, including: Biden’s latest move on marijuana, what to expect from the new Supreme Court term, an update on Hurricane Ian recovery efforts, and the anti-regime protests in Iran. Then: Just when you thought you’d had enough, the internet’s most toxic couple is back on again. We’ll Skimm the messy love story between Elon Musk and Twitter, and why they’re eloping for real this time…in 60 seconds. Next: The NFL is in the headlines again and – spoiler – it’s not for good news. After the Dolphins’ QB suffered what appears to be two head injuries in back-to-back games, the league’s sketchy history with head injuries is back in the spotlight. We'll break down where the league stands on concussions and how their policies have affected players from the big leagues to high school fields. Finally: Voice memos are somewhere between a text and a call. But, like crafting the perfect text, there’s an art to it. We spoke with an etiquette expert on the
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In This Economy?!: Budgeting for Inflation
03/10/2022 Duration: 23minSky-high inflation. Rising interest rates. A maybe recession. Oh, it’s just the second financial crisis millennial women are facing in their lifetime. In this special miniseries from the Skimm This team, we're going to give you the tools you need to navigate a rocky economic environment. Starting with: adjusting your budget for sky high prices. In this first episode, we’re going line by line through your budget to save you money. So yes, we’re talking about cutting back on things like subscription services and late night Amazon purchases. But we’re also digging into how to save money on the essentials, what debts you need to pay off first, and more. Also, if you need a budgeting template, theSkimm’s got you covered. PS: head to Marcus.com for more insights that can help you live your best financial life. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist, The Washington Post
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Disturbia: Workplace Surveillance, Putin's War, Hurricane Ian
29/09/2022 Duration: 33minFirst: We’ve got the latest on the week’s biggest headlines: Hurricane Ian, Team Biden’s plan to end hunger by 2030, a big development in Alzheimer’s research, and WTF happened to the British Pound this week. Then: After Ukraine made gains in the war this month, Putin is scrambling to figure out how to keep Russia in the game. We’ll Skimm three of Russia’s strategic pivots and how they could impact the outcome of the war…in 60-ish seconds. Next: Ever feel like your boss is watching you through your webcam? Do you move your mouse to make it look like you’re doing work? Ya might want to keep it up. Because workplace surveillance has been on the rise since the pandemic started. Our expert told us why workplaces are watching their workers, how it actually backfires on employers, and what this means for the future of work. Finally: Hate to break it to you but…summer’s officially over. If cold weather and lack of sunshine has a habit of bringing your vibes down, you’re not alone. Seasonal affective disorder af
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When September Ends: Adnan Syed, Immigration, the Queen’s Funeral
22/09/2022 Duration: 33minFirst: We’re giving you the context on this week’s biggest headlines, including: another interest rate hike, storm damage in Puerto Rico, new anxiety screenings coming to a doctor's office near you, and growing protests in Iran. Then: Picture this: it’s 2014. You’re anxiously waiting for another episode of Serial to drop in your podcast feed. Fast forward to this week: a major development drops in the Adnan Syed case. We’ll skimm Syed’s case, why Serial put his case in the spotlight, and why it’s back in the news…in 60 seconds. Next: After several governors sent migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, NYC, and DC, “immigration” and the “border” are being Google-searched more than “abortion” and “inflation”. We call up an expert to help cut through the noise about what’s really happening at the border, whether there’s actually a border “crisis”, and what the federal government is doing to help. Finally: It was all pomp and circumstance at the Queen's funeral. But have royal funerals always been so fit for a queen?
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Price Tag: Congressional Trading, College Rankings, the Art of Mediocrity
15/09/2022 Duration: 30minFirst: We’ve got the top headlines of the week: a national abortion ban on the table just weeks before the midterms, August inflation numbers (sigh), Ukraine’s recent string of W’s, and the DL on the new updates for iMessage. Then: After a scandal at Columbia University, the college went from #2 to #18 on the US News College Ranking List. But after learning just how the list comes up with its rankings, many are questioning how legit that list even is. We break down what caused Columbia’s fall from grace and the shady side of college-ranking culture…in 60 seconds. Next: An investigation by The New York Times found that nearly one-fifth of Congress – or their family members – were trading stock in a way that could be considered a conflict, renewing convos around Congressional stock trading and whether it should be allowed. To hear both sides of the spicy debate, we talk to one of the reporters. PS: check out the Times investigation here. Finally: Being mediocre at your hobbies is in. Chasing perfectionis
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God Save the Queen: Remembering Elizabeth II, Europe’s Energy Crisis, PSL Season
08/09/2022 Duration: 27minFirst: Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96. We’ll take a look at the life and legacy of Britain’s longest-ruling monarch, and what’s next for Buckingham Palace. Then: We’ve got the context on the biggest headlines of the week: the UN report on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine, California heat waves, a controversial Texas healthcare ruling, and Apple’s latest announcement. Purple iPhone, anyone? Next: Russia shut off its Nord Stream pipeline indefinitely and European countries are scrambling to figure out how to power their countries. We call an expert who helps explain how we got here, what solutions are on the table, and how this energy crisis could affect the US. Also: If you’ve been wondering WTF a special master is, you’re not alone. We’ll Skimm a special master’s job description, why Team Trump requested one after the Mar-A-Lago raid, and why this judge’s decision was controversial…in 60 seconds. Finally: Pumpkin spice latte season is here – but not if inflation can help it. Th
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To The Moon?: New Boosters, Artemis 1, MoviePass 2.0
01/09/2022 Duration: 27minFirst: We’ve got the breakdown on some of this week’s headlines, from UN inspectors on the ground at a nuclear plant in Ukraine, to an unfolding water crisis wreaking havoc on residents in Jackson, Mississippi. Next: Even though it’s the end of summer, the FDA is gearing up for another COVID Winter. We spoke to a doctor about the new booster shots that could be available as soon as next week, and how they’re different from the shots you already have. Also: NASA’s still trying to shoot for the moon, after aborting a rocket mission on Monday. Ahead of liftoff on Saturday, we’ll explain why we’re headed back to our closest celestial neighbor and what it means for the future of space exploration all…in 60 seconds. Finally: MoviePass is back…and it’s giving strong “movie theaters aren’t dead” energy. We’ll talk to an entertainment reporter about what’s changed since their last attempt at changing the movie ticket game. PS: Calling all Skimm This listeners. Have questions about the news, work, or life? Call a
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Fun Tonight: Student Debt Relief, Electric Cars, Barbiecore
25/08/2022 Duration: 27minFirst: We’re sitting down with United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to get the full update on President Biden’s student debt relief announcement. Next: We’ve got some other big headlines from this week, from the first conviction linked to Breonna Taylor’s death in 2020 to where things stand after six months of war in Ukraine. Here’s a look at life in wartime, from photojournalists on the ground. Also: A big selling point for the inflation reduction act is a tax credit for electric vehicle purchases. And while it’s getting drivers excited to go green, it's a little unclear which cars actually qualify for cash back. We’ll break it down in 60 seconds. ICYMI: Quiet quitting has been all over TikTok, but what does the term actually mean? We’re sitting down with an expert to go over what quiet quitting looks like in practice, and what it says about our changing relationship with work. Finally: It’s a hot pink revolution. Barbiecore has been taking the fashion world by storm, and encouraging p
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Dog Days Are Over: Teacher Shortage, Colorado River Drought, Pickleball
18/08/2022 Duration: 36minFirst: We’re giving you the context on the biggest headlines for the week: from a major NFL star being sidelined, to Liz Cheney losing her seat in Wyoming. Plus: OTC hearing aids and the Inflation Reduction Act becomes law. PS: Last week we broke down how the Inflation Reduction Act will affect you. Check it out here. Next: This week, we got one of the biggest changes to US water policy in decades. We’ll Skimm who has to turn off the tap – and how this will affect you even if you don’t live out West – in 60 seconds. Also: We’re less than three months out from midterm elections. And with TikTok reigning supreme, some people are sounding the alarm about political misinformation on our FYP. We’ll break down the latest news from the platform about how it’s fighting misinformation, and learn how TikTok has influenced elections in other countries. ICYMI: It’s been a tough two years for students and teachers. And with headlines reading “teacher shortage”, parents and school districts are nervous about going ba
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Twist of Fate: FBI Raid, Inflation Reduction Act, BeReal
11/08/2022 Duration: 33minFirst: FBI agents searched former president Donald Trump’s home at Mar-A-Lago on Monday. We talked to a Congressional reporter to learn what the FBI was looking for, where this investigation fits in with other Trump trials, and what this could mean for a potential presidential run. Next: We’ve got the big headlines for the week: July inflation numbers, Facebook’s involvement in a Nebraska abortion case, and Serena Williams retiring from tennis. Also: The Inflation Reduction Act is making its way to President Biden’s desk. And it’s jam-packed with actions on climate, healthcare, and taxes. We call up an expert to learn what’s in the act and how it’ll impact you for years to come. Finally: BeReal is the newest social media app taking the US by storm. Butttt with some twists: no influencers, no filters, and no aesthetically pleasing photos. We talked to a reporter who went down the BeReal rabbit hole to learn about our desire for more authentic connections online. PS: Calling all Skimm This listeners.