Skimm This

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Suit up, Skimm’rs. This week, we’re all about the competition: Winter Olympics drama. The Super Bowl, which, yes, we’re watching for the ads. And big tech, where some power players are trying to avoid a losing streak. Plus, the latest on protests in Canada’s capital and mask mandate rollbacks. First: We’ve got updates on a landmark #MeToo bill that passed in Congress, which states are relaxing their mask mandates, the controversy over Florida’s “don’t say gay” bill, escalating protests over COVID restrictions in Canada, and (sorry, have to) inflation. Next up: From Meta’s massive losses to Spotify’s Joe Rogan headache to Peloton’s job cuts, some of Silicon Valley’s former stars are having a bad year so far. Tech journalist and podcast host Kara Swisher puts it all in context.  Then: Crypto’s the new kid on the block(chain) this Superbowl Sunday. We explain how the industry’s using Superbowl ads as a moment to go mainstream. Plus: The shooting death of Amir Locke by Minneapolis police has put a new spotlight on no-knock warrants. What are they, and why are they a target for reform? University of Chicago law professor Shannon Fairley explains. Here’s theSkimm’s guide on police reform.  Finally: Figure skating has been delivering big-time Olympic drama this week, from huge firsts to the doping scandal sequel nobody was looking for. Joining us to break it down are former star skaters and Olympic medalists Ashley Wagner and Scott Hamilton.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Kara Swisher, host of Sway, co-host of Pivot, and a tech columnist for the New York Times Shannon Fairley, professor from practice, University of Chicago Law  Ashley Wagner and Scott Hamilton, former Olympic figure skaters and commentators for Peacock 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 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.  Skimm'd by Alex Carr. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on the US military operation in Syria, a potential COVID-19 vaccine for kids under five, and a bombshell lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in the NFL. Plus, the latest data shows rents in major cities are sky high.  Next: Speaking of sport and scandal…the Winter Olympics are kicking off in Beijing this week. We’ll talk to one reporter about diplomatic boycotts and the controversy surrounding the games.  ICYMI: Spotify is facing the music after major musicians and podcasters started boycotting the platform. The reason? COVID-19 misinformation. We’ll break down the debate.  Plus: A record number of books are being banned from school libraries across the US. We’ll talk to several experts about which books are being banned, why, and what that impact could be on students and teachers.  Finally: Everyone’s talking about Wordle. We’ll tell you five things you need to know about the not-so-grassroots online game that recently got bought for a casual seven figures.  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 the skimm.com/podsurvey.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Alicia Mazzarra, senior research analyst, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief, The Economist Nora Pelizzari, director of communications, National Coalition Against Censorship Nadra Nittle, education reporter, the19th Kalynn Bayron, author, "Cinderella is Dead" Keiawnna Pitts, parent, Round Rock Black Parents Association Carly Mallenbaum, Skimm Well 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 Ciara Long. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is retiring. We called up a law professor to find out what this means for the court’s future.  Next: We’ve got the latest on tensions at the Russia-Ukraine border, as well as the stock market’s wild ride this week and why this year’s tax filing season is off to a rocky start for the IRS. BTW, here’s theSkimm’s guide to completing your tax return. Then: Dr. Fauci says Omicron may peak by mid February, and the WHO said we might be near the end of the COVID-19 pandemic’s “emergency phase.” We asked a doctor if things are looking up.  ICYMI: What do Peloton, Unilever, and Kohl’s have in common? Before this week, not much. But now, all three companies are being targeted by activist investors. We’ll break down what activist investing is, and what it means for companies and shareholders. Plus: We’ve spent the last few weeks completing the How To Skimm Your Life Challenge, from upgrading our snack game to optimizing our to-do lists. This week, we’re Skimming our mental health — specifically, how to recover from burnout. Finally: There were four Superbowl-worthy NFL games last weekend. And we’ve still got weeks til the actual Superbowl. We talked to one sports reporter about why football is so fun to watch right now (never thought we’d say it) and what to expect for the rest of the season. 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 the skimm.com/podsurvey.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Kavita Patel, primary care physician and fellow, Brookings Institution  Seema Mohapatra, Murray Visiting Professor of Law, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale professor and co-host, the Happiness Lab Lindsay Jones, senior NFL writer, The Athletic 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 Ciara Long. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on voting rights legislation in the Senate, 5G versus airlines, the Texas synagogue standoff, and how to get free COVID-19 tests and N95 masks. Next: We called up White House press secretary Jen Psaki to talk about President Biden’s priorities for his second year in office.  ICYMI: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in hot water for breaking lockdown rules in 2020. Rules his administration made. We’ll spill the tea in 60 seconds. Then: After months and months of postponed RTO plans, some companies are now scrapping plans to head back to the office altogether. We’ll ask one reporter if we’re past the point of no return when it comes to going back IRL. Plus: It’s review season — which means it’s your chance to ask your boss for that raise or promotion you’ve been after. We talked to one expert about how to make the ask.  Finally: Sundance Film Festival starts this week — and this year, you don’t have to go in person to watch some of indie cinema’s hottest new offerings. We’ll ask the festival’s director why making Sundance accessible is so important to the world of movie-making. P.S. Here’s where to order your free COVID-19 tests, and here’s what’s playing at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Jen Psaki, White House press secretary  Rachel Feintzeig, work and life columnist, Wall Street Journal Amanda Augustine, career coach, TopResume Tabitha Jackson, director, Sundance Film Festival  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 Ciara Long. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on how hospitals are coping with Omicron cases amid a staffing shortage, rising inflation (again), the latest scandal to hit top US universities, and Prince Andrew getting thrown some royal shade.  Then: The US and Russia are squaring off again – and these talks are giving people some major Cold War vibes. We’ll ask one expert why things are so tense right now, and why Putin’s got Team Biden running in circles.  ICYMI: Djokovic might be warming up for the Australian open, but immigration officials still haven’t decided if he should even be in the country. We’ll bring you up to date on the twists and turns of Djokovic’s Australian visa drama. Next: The debate over the filibuster is back and if you forgot exactly what the filibuster even is…you’re not alone. We’ll run through a quick definition, and break down both sides of the spicy debate over changing it.  Finally: At theSkimm, we do New Year’s resolutions a little differently. Today, we’ll fill you in on one of the ways we’re getting smarter this year: making sure our paycheck deductions are going to the best health insurance and retirement options. P.S. Here’s what all those acronyms for different kinds of retirement plans actually mean. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Andrea Kendall-Taylor, senior fellow and director of the Transatlantic Security Program, Center for a New American Security Marsha Barnes, personal finance expert and founder, The Finance Bar  Want more Skimm?  Sign up for our free daily newsletter Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now  Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts Skimm'd by Alex Carr and Ciara Long. Additional help from Sagine Corrielus. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on school closures across the country, COVID-19 boosters for teenagers, the jury’s verdict in the Elizabeth Holmes trial, and Apple hitting $3 trillion dollars.  Next: Verizon and AT&T’s 5G rollout is threatening to ground planes in major cities all over the US. We’ll break down why — and how the airlines and mobile networks plan to fix it.  Then: One year ago today, rioters stormed the Capitol building in DC. We’ll ask two experts: what’s happened since then? And what’s being done to make sure nothing like this ever happens again? Plus: Biden’s got beef with the meat industry. We’ll explain why a few major meatpackers have got the President’s attention.  Finally: It’s been 20 years since the first Harry Potter movie hit theaters. We’ll talk to one journalist about the legacy of those movies - and what the HBO anniversary special left on the cutting room floor. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Molly Reynolds, senior fellow, Governance Studies, Brookings Institute Seamus Hughes, deputy director, George Washington University Project on Extremism Karla Rodriguez, pop culture reporter, Complex 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 Ciara Long. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on the end of the Kellogg’s workers’ strike, the government hitting pause on student loan repayments again and emergency FDA authorization for Pfizer’s at-home COVID-19 pill.  Then: If you’ve been wondering why we’re all still scrambling for rapid tests two years into the pandemic… you’re not alone. We Skimm’d Biden’s announcement this week on the plan for tackling Omicron - which includes revamping testing. Next: Season Three of COVID-19 just dropped, and a lot of people are getting positive tests for the first time. We’ll ask two doctors what we should do if we test positive. Plus: If you’re planning some serious sofa time over the holidays — whether you’re isolating at home, or just relaxing — we’ve got you covered. We’re sharing some of theSkimm staff’s top TV, film, book, and podcast recs from 2021. Finally: We’re really done with being in a f****** pandemic. And apparently it’s showing up in all our language, because we’re all cursing a lot more. We’ll break down why, and what you can do if you wanna clean things up.  On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Dr. Amber D’Souza, infectious disease epidemiologist, Johns Hopkins University Dr. Lipi Roy, medical director, Housing Works Dr. Kavita Patel, primary care physician and fellow, Brookings Institution  Skimm HQ’rs Alaisha, Andrew, Anthony, Ciara, Clem, Erika, Graelyn, Niven, and Sarah  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 Ciara Long. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

First up: We’ve got the latest on the tornado damage in Kentucky, Congress raising the debt ceiling, and the big USA Gymnastics settlement.  Then: This week, Congress passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act, funding the military for the next year. But this year’s bill was different. We’ll break down a major change that’s meant to curb sexual assault in the armed services.  ICYMI: The Golden Globes nominations dropped this week… and basically no one cared. We’ll get into how the award ceremony’s scandal-tainted history is affecting its cultural relevance. Next: Experts say Omicron is about to surge here in the US. We called up Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to answer our questions about staying safe over the holidays.  Plus: It seems like no-one can stop talking about inflation. Including the Federal Reserve, who met this week to try to lower prices. But while we wait for new policies to kick in, we’ve got some expert advice on how to rework your budget in the meantime.  Finally: Peloton got some bad press after the first episode of the ‘Sex And The City’ reboot aired… and the workout-from-home company fired back with its own ad. We’ll ask a marketing expert: how much trouble did this actually cause for Peloton? P.S. Here’s what you can do to help victims of the recent tornadoes in the Midwest and the South. On this episode, you’ll hear from:  Kelly Kennedy, managing editor, The War Horse Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases  Marguerita Cheng, Certified Financial Planner Whitney Headen, CEO, 19th and Park creative agency 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 Ciara Long. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.