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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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.
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Heated: Brittney Griner, Medical Gaslighting, Hot Girl Sh*t
04/08/2022 Duration: 34minFirst: We’ve got the context on the biggest headlines of the week: Brittney Griner’s guilty verdict, monkeypox updates + how to stay safe, the unexpected Kansas abortion vote outcome, and the killing of Al Qaeda’s leader. PS: check out the CDC’s FAQ on the monkeypox vaccine. Next: House speaker Nancy Pelosi went on a tour of Asia this week. And her summer travel itinerary got international communities buzzing. We’ll give you the DL on why her trip to Taiwan was so controversial and what went down…in 60 seconds. Also: Has a doctor ever downplayed your symptoms? If so, you’re not alone. There’s even a name for it: medical gaslighting. And it disproportionately affects women, people of color, geriatric patients and LGBTQ+ people. We talk to two experts who break down what medical gaslighting is, what the signs of it are, and how to advocate for your health at the doctor’s office. Finally: ICYMI, everything is "hot" now. Inspired by pop-culture icons like Paris Hilton and Megan Thee Stallion, people are now
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Both Sides Now: Recession Fears, VP Harris on Abortion, Heat Waves
28/07/2022 Duration: 33minFirst: We’ve got the latest on the economic news of the week. To sort out the Fed’s interest rate hike, corporate earnings, and the latest GDP report showing another quarter of shrinkage, we phone a friend and learn what all these money moves mean. Next: Lawmakers in Indiana introduced a near total abortion ban, kicking off a special legislative session this week. Skimm This spoke to VP Kamala Harris in Indianapolis to learn about the federal government’s response since Roe fell — and what we can expect to see going forward. ICYMI: It’s too darn hot. With extreme heat on the rise worldwide, many cities are scrambling to figure out how to handle it. We talk to an emergency planning coordinator from Seattle who tells us how her city plans to beat the heat. PS: Here’s how you can stay safe and cool during a heatwave. Finally: From Yosemite to Yellowstone, national park visits boomed during the pandemic as people looked for safe-ish ways to go on vacay. But with parks overcrowded and severe weather taking a
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About Damn Time?: Strong US Dollar, Microchip Manufacturing, Shark Sightings
21/07/2022 Duration: 36minFirst: We've got the major headlines from this week: President Biden tests positive for Covid-19, heat waves scorch western Europe and 100M in the US, a marriage equality vote in the House, and an election security vote in the Senate. Next: The Euro and US Dollar are just about equal for the first time in along time, but it isn’t JUST about cheap aperol spritzes (well, maybe to some people). We’ll break down how we got here – and how you can take advantage of a strong dollar – all in 60 seconds. ICYMI: Monkeypox cases are on the rise, and vaccine appointments are still scarce. We talk to an expert about why cases are spreading, why the government has been so slow to act, and what to expect as new infections continue. Also: Tiny microchips are the talk of the town in Washington DC. We’ll explain why microchips are getting the A-list treatment on Capitol Hill, and what this means for the future of American tech innovation. Finally: Baby there’s a shark in the water. Or like, 100 of them. With all the r
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Cruel Summer: Inflation, COVID Immunity, and Shady TikTok Ads
14/07/2022 Duration: 37minFirst: We’re kicking it off with the big headlines for the week: June inflation numbers, what you need to know about the COVID variant dominating the US right now, the launch of the 988 mental health hotline, and why the president of Sri Lanka resigned – over email – today. Next: President Biden hopped on Air Force one to head to the Middle East for his first visit to the region since his presidency began. We'll explain the Biden agenda and why the trip is causing a lot of controversy...in 60 seconds. ICYMI: Elon Musk called it quits with Twitter this week. Twitter’s response? Lawyer up, Musk. We talk to a tech reporter to learn more about the breakup and how she thinks it’ll all play out in court. Also: From foot fetish websites to fancy water, TikTok influencers are making bank off of sponsored content. But some of them are breaking the law at the same time. We talk to a reporter who went down the rabbit hole of undisclosed sponcon to learn why influencers are saying “no thanks” to putting #ad on their
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We’ve Only Just Begun: Brittney Griner, IVF’s Future, Rent and Relationships
07/07/2022 Duration: 31minFirst: We’ve got the big headlines for the week: Boris Johnson saying cheerio to being Britain’s PM, a critical week for Brittney Griner in Russia, the latest on the Highland Park shooting, and the newest jobs report. Next: This week, seven of former President Trump’s allies were subpoenaed. We’ll break down why a Georgia court wants them to testify and how this is different from the House’s Jan. 6 investigation…all in 60 seconds. ICYMI: Fertility doctors have been sounding the alarm about what a post-Roe America means for patients going through IVF. We’ll explain how abortion and IVF are linked – and where IVF could be threatened. PS: check out theSkimm’s guide to IVF. Finally: Cuffing season just got a lot more interesting. With high housing prices around the country, couples are saying ‘don’t hate, cohabitate.’ We sat down with a sociologist to learn what happens when couples move in to save $$$, and the secrets to a successful move in. PS: Calling all Skimm This listeners. Have questions about t
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All Shook Up: SCOTUS Fallout and Summer Travel Tricks
30/06/2022 Duration: 39minFirst: We’re looking at the fallout in the US after SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade last week (think: trigger laws, legal battles, and the scramble to find abortion care). Plus, we sat down with Governor Gretchen Whitmer from Michigan on the complicated future of abortion rights in her state. Next: Last weekend, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for the impeachment of two Supreme Court justices. We’ll break down why AOC wants them gone, who else is beefing with SCOTUS, and if impeachment is even possible – all in 60 seconds. Then: We’re turning the mic over to our listeners, to hear how they’re thinking about a post-Roe America. ICYMI: We’ve got the other major headlines from this week, including: final rulings from SCOTUS about the environment and immigration, a bombshell testimony about what happened on Jan. 6, the tragic migrant deaths in TX, and Finland and Sweden joining NATO. Finally: Summer travel is already hitting some turbulence. So while we wait for the airlines to get their s*** together,
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Skimm This Special Report: The Future of Abortion Access
24/06/2022 Duration: 14minFirst: The deets on the ruling – how many voted to overturn, who will be impacted, and how Americans are reacting. Next: Two legal experts enter the chat to talk about the reasoning behind the ruling, how it’s different from the leaked draft opinion, and how it compares to other cases already ruled on this month. ICYMI: A breakdown on how states’ abortion access will look after today. PS: Check out theSkimm’s guide to abortion access in the US. Finally: A deeper dive into what is at stake post-Roe, including: women’s health outcomes, economic impacts, and other rights that might be on the chopping block. On this episode, you’ll hear from: Caroline Polisi, lecturer in law, Columbia Law School Seema Mohapatra, M.D. Anderson Foundation Endowed Professor in Health Law and Professor of Law, Southern Methodist University We also want to hear from you: how are you thinking about a post-Roe America? Call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. Want more Skimm? Sign up for our free daily new
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We Can’t Stop: SCOTUS Rulings, WFH Forever and Psychedelics at Work?!
23/06/2022 Duration: 39minFirst: We’ve got the context on this week’s headlines: the biggest takeaways from the Jan. 6 hearings, an update on the bipartisan gun deal and the police response in Uvalde, Biden’s push for a gas tax holiday, and the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan. Next: Before SCOTUS leaves for summer recess, it’s dropping rulings on cases it heard this year. We sat down with a legal expert to get the TLDR on what they’ve released so far, including a controversial second amendment case that’s creating shockwaves through US cities. ICYMI: Across the pond, thousands of UK rail workers went on strike. All aboard as we break down why rail workers are walking out, and why it could be bad news for Boris Johnson…in 60 seconds. Also: We’re kicking off a new segment, Ask Skimm This. As the economy seems to be cooling off, CEOs are tightening the reins. So: does that mean workers can say goodbye to WFH? We’ll ask an expert. Finally: Some businesses are taking employees on the trip of a lifetime. Think: taking psychede
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The Climb: Cancer Breakthroughs, Google’s AI, and Vaccines for Kids
16/06/2022 Duration: 36minFirst: 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
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Ready for Prime Time: January 6 Hearings, Gun Legislation, Crypto in the Midterms
09/06/2022 Duration: 37minFirst: 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 listen
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All Eyes On: School Safety, Women in Afghanistan, and the Queen’s Jubilee
02/06/2022 Duration: 37minFirst: 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
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This is America
26/05/2022 Duration: 34minFirst: 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
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Desperado: Formula Shortage and TikTok Healthcare
19/05/2022 Duration: 35minFirst: 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 psyc
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Waitin’ On A Sunny Day: Stock Market, Formula Shortage, Blockbuster Boom
12/05/2022 Duration: 34minFirst: 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 o
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Time Machine: Roe v. Wade and Recession Fears
05/05/2022 Duration: 37minFirst: 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