We take a look at the bleak outlook renters have about homeownership, and which demographics feel especially unlikely to own a home. On the flip side, we also look at the association of homeownership with the American Dream. Is it still attainable? There's A LOT of doubt among young Americans.

Then, on this topic of affordability, we talk about side hustles, and how younger generations seem to be gravitating towards a new style of working. The gig economy has been around for a while, but the appeal is still strong for those looking at entering a workforce where pay and opportunity may not meet their needs. How do factors like age and income impact this shift, and we also learn about our very own student producer's side hustle. Want to buy some Legos?

We finish the episode with a polarizing question about hot dogs - are they or are they not a sandwich. It seems both us - and America - are divided on this issue.

We track how Americans' opinions on Ukraine have shifted from Obama through Trump, then Biden, and now into Trump’s second term, where the country is deeply divided along party lines. From Crimea to sanctions to peace talks, we look at the key moments that shaped public attitudes and ask what role opinion will play in the next stage of the conflict.

Then, we turn to the rise of "time poverty" with Cassie Holmes, a professor at UCLA Anderson School of Management, and author of Happier Hour (2022). An expert on time and happiness, Holmes has published award-winning research on how focusing on time rather than money increases well-being. She explains why Americans feel constantly pressed for time, even as work hours decline, how stress and daily obligations hit women hardest, and the toll this “time poverty” takes on health, sleep, and relationships.

Finally, we mark a special Poll Hub birthday with a trip down memory lane. To celebrate, the team brought in childhood teddy bears to show off. From worn-down favorites to more unusual stuffed companions, it was a reminder of the comfort these old friends still bring.

For centuries, America has been the land of opportunity for immigrants from every corner of the globe. But with our recent nativist turn on newcomers and America First agenda, recent polling from global surveys shows that America's beacon may be dimming in the eyes of others. We talk shifting opinions on America, and how China is benefitting.

Then, we're bringing it back to local, with a discussion about barbershops, and more specifically, how barbershops double as spaces for many men to let down their guards. And we learn we have had a barber amidst us this whole time....

Finally, we face a "not so fun" fact, which is that Neel, one of our student producers, is leaving us. We send him off in traditional Poll Hub fashion!

Across the world, religious shifts are happening. From people switching to new religions to those abandoning religion altogether, we have Dr. Phil Zuckerman from Pitzer College on to discuss the rise of "religious switching," and what it might mean for the future of faith.

Then, in our fun fact this week, we hit the roads (and discuss who probably shouldn't be hitting the roads)!

Is your snack choice a political statement? Is your playlist partisan? We're diving into how the partisan culture war might run deeper within your everyday life than you may expect. Partisanship isn't just for politics any more!

Then, we discuss real-life superheroes: parents! Do kids prefer stay-at-home parents? What about parents? We're exploring a lot of interesting data uncovering how we've moved from a society in which women working outside the home was VERY unpopular to a time when it's standard.

Finally, as always, we finish it off with a fun fact, this time, about the dog days of summer!

As video games have become mainstream, the stigma surrounding them has faded, especially among parents. A majority now say gaming is a positive part of their kids' lives, and many are playing with their kids regularly. But that doesn't mean they aren't also setting time and content limits.

Next, we explore the declining role of the "third place." Those communal spots outside work and home, like libraries, cafes, and barbershops, are being frequented less and less. What does it mean for connection, loneliness, and community identity?

And, for this week's Fun Fact, we rewind to 2014 to see which fast food franchise held the crown. Hint: It's likely one you've visited more than once!

With voter bases from both parties making it known that they want younger, more vibrant, and authentic elected officials, we're wondering if the reign of Boomers in American Politics is over? Well...probably not yet, but candidates like Zohran Mamdani and JD Vance might be a good place to start the conversation.

Then, we examine and push back against the age-old adage that "money can't buy you happiness" because research shows that it can... sort of! Maybe it has less to do with how much $ you have and more to do with how you spend it.

Finally, do you have a favorite author, or do you read whatever comes your way? Compare your answer to Americans from nearly a century ago in this week's fun fact!

In the wake of the NYC Democratic primary, where Zohran Mamdani blew out all expectations beating Andrew Cuomo largely on the strength of an historic youth turnout, we're discussing whether this race is a roadmap for Democrats or a dead end. And what about the 2024 Trump voters in NYC who chose Mamdani six months later? Are they crazy or pointing out a new political truth?

Then...

While the physical benefits of exercise are common knowledge, new data has shown that exercise has a host of non-traditional benefits, including aiding in productivity, and sleep quality. We break down why exercise might be the key to relationships, and mental health!

Finally, with summer in full swing, we're throwing it back to the '80s with this week's fun fact, all about fun (and safety) in the sun!

With President Trump's authorization of airstrikes on Iran last week, uncertainty is looming in the minds of many Americans. Did Trump make the right decision? Will there be retaliation stateside? We have the numbers outlining EVERYTHING that Americans think about our intervention in Iran.

Then, we dive into what Americans think of Trump's immigration policies. While the President promised that he would be tough on immigration, do Americans think ICE has gone too far?

Finally, whether you're watching a fireworks show, or setting off your own this Independence Day, we have an explosive fun fact that you won't want to miss!

For our 400th episode special, we're putting our polling knowledge to the test. That's right, it's "trivia night" here at the Marist Poll! We go back in time, discussing how the Supreme Court has succeeded, and failed, to enact social change. Next, we revisit the decades-long path that marijuana has taken to social acceptance. Lastly, we quiz ourselves on the public favorability of foreign trade over time!

In between are blasts from the past, as we've brought back nearly EVERY student producer who has helped make the past 399 episodes possible!

Finally, in traditional Poll Hub fashion, we wrap it up with a fun fact. We're delving into the world of 80s celebrity stardom, finding out exactly who Americans wanted to emulate back then!