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Skimm This episodes

August 04, 2022Heated: Brittney Griner, Medical Gaslighting, Hot Girl Sh*t
First: 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 calling everything in their lives "hot" – even when it doesn't conform to the word's conventional definition. We speak to a reporter about how the three letter word has recently taken on a new meaning. Plus, a TikTok creator guides us on a "hot girl walk". So lace up those shoes.
PS: Calling all Skimm This listeners. Have questions about the news, work, or life? Call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. We can’t wait to hear from you.

On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Allison, Sidney, and Pam, Skimm HQrs
Dr. Jennifer Mieres, professor of cardiology and chief DEI officer, Northwell Health
Dr. Karen Spencer, professor of health and behavioral sciences, University of Denver-Colorado
Danya Issawi, writer, The Cut
Mia Lind, TikTok creator
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Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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35 min
July 28, 2022Both Sides Now: Recession Fears, VP Harris on Abortion, Heat Waves
First: 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 toll, one travel expert shares alternative places to go that are just as Instagram-worthy, if not more.
PS: Calling all Skimm This listeners. Have questions about the news, work, or life? Call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. We can’t wait to hear from you.

On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Katheryn Edwards, economist, RAND Corporation
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States
Lucia Schmidt, emergency planning coordinator, Seattle Office of Emergency Management
Shannon Lowery, content manager, Visit USA Parks
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Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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34 min
July 21, 2022About Damn Time?: Strong US Dollar, Microchip Manufacturing, Shark Sightings
First: 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 recent shark attacks and sightings in the Northeast, we sat down with a shark expert to learn why it seems like there’s more than usual and what we can do to stay safe at the beach.
PS: Calling all Skimm This listeners. Have questions about the news, work, or life? Call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. We can’t wait to hear from you.

On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Keletso Makofane, PhD, FXB Health & Human Rights Fellow, Harvard University
Will Knight, Senior Writer, Wired
Candace Fields, PhD Student in Predator, Ecology ,and Conservation lab, Florida International University
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Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Elie McAfee-Hahn and Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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37 min
July 14, 2022Cruel Summer: Inflation, COVID Immunity, and Shady TikTok Ads
First: 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 posts – and why it’s so hard to stop it. PS: If you think you’re seeing undisclosed spon-con on your FYP, report it to the FTC here.
Finally: We’re throwing it back to the early 2000s mall culture. Specifically to the store with the little pink bag and iconic fashion show, Victoria’s Secret. We chat with the director and EP of a new docuseries that follows the iconic brand’s fall from grace.
PS: Calling all Skimm This listeners. Have questions about the news, work, or life? Call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. We can’t wait to hear from you.

On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Dr. Kavita Patel, physician
Rachel Lerman, technology reporter, The Washington Post
Sara Morrison, senior reporter, Recode
Jenny Ewig, executive producer, Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons
Matt Tyrnaeur, director, Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons
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Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts

Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38 min
July 07, 2022We’ve Only Just Begun: Brittney Griner, IVF’s Future, Rent and Relationships
First: 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 the news, work, or life? Call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. We can’t wait to hear from you.

On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Dr. Natalie Crawford, reproductive endocrinologist and co-founder, Fora Fertility
Sharon Sassler, professor, Cornell University’s Brooks School of Public Policy
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Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, Blake Lew-Merwin, and theSkimm’s senior health writer Carly Mallenbaum. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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32 min
June 30, 2022All Shook Up: SCOTUS Fallout and Summer Travel Tricks
First: 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, we got some insider tips on how you can travel smarter – not harder.
PS: Calling all Skimm This listeners. Want to share how you’re feeling in this post-Roe world? Have questions about the news, work, or life? Call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. We can’t wait to hear from you.

On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan (D)
Skimm This listeners
Misty Belles, vice president, Global Relations at Virtuoso
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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, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. theSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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40 min
June 24, 2022Skimm This Special Report: The Future of Abortion Access
First: 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. ‬
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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, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15 min
June 23, 2022We Can’t Stop: SCOTUS Rulings, WFH Forever and Psychedelics at Work?!
First: 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 psychedelics with your coworkers to get the creative juices flowing. We'll ask a reporter who investigated this trend WTF is going on. And whether or not psychedelics might be making an appearance at a workplace near you.
PS: Calling all Skimm This listeners. If you have a question for us — about the news, work, or life — call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. We can’t wait to hear from you.

On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Caroline Polisi, lecturer in law, Columbia University
Vivian Giang, senior staff editor, The New York Times
Natasha Loder, health policy editor, The Economist
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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, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
40 min
June 16, 2022The Climb: Cancer Breakthroughs, Google’s AI, and Vaccines for Kids
First: 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 scientist to explain two small clinical trials, and how their outcomes could have huge implications for the millions of people living with cancer.
Finally: We chat with the organizer of Dave’s Lesbian Bar to understand the role queer bars played in history—and why now more than ever, they’re more than just local watering holes. Also: check out theSkimm’s guide on how to celebrate Pride.
P.S. Calling all Skimm This listeners. If you have a question for us — about the news, work, or life — call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. We can’t wait to hear from you.
On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Dr. Tina Tan, professor of pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Dr. Luis Diaz, medical oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Kristin "Dave" Dausch, organizer, Dave’s Lesbian Bar
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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, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
39 min
June 09, 2022Ready for Prime Time: January 6 Hearings, Gun Legislation, Crypto in the Midterms
First: 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 listeners. If you have a question for us — about the news, work, or life — call and leave us a voicemail at (929) 266-4381. We can’t wait to hear from you.

On this episode, you’ll hear from:
Nancy Northup, president and CEO, Center for Reproductive Rights
Candice Matthis, blogger, Two Alpha Gals
Debbie Nichols, blogger, Two Alpha Gals
Dr. Scott P. Commins, associate professor of medicine and pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Want more Skimm?
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Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts

Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. Engineered by Elie McAfee-Hahn and Ko Takasugi-Czernowin. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
38 min

About Skimm This

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“Skimm This” tackles important topics that impact women, and empowers generations of women to live smarter. Listen to our miniseries throughout the year, airing on Thursdays.

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