

Skimm This
theSkimm
“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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 7, 2019 • 12min
Flip it and Reverse it: Emissions Rules, Robocallers, and the Women’s World Cup
Major automakers wrote a letter to two of their pen pals: President Trump and CA Gov. Gavin Newsom. They’re asking them to, pretty please, compromise on emissions standards. Before it’s too late. We’ll tell you why the auto industry wants to pump the brakes. Meanwhile, the FCC passed new rules that could make your hotline bling a little less. Because robocallers. Also on today’s episode: the Women’s World Cup kicks today, and NASA hopes your weekend is out of this world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 6, 2019 • 13min
Not Forgotten: D-Day and Today, Hyde Amendment, and Long Weekend Forever
World leaders gathered today to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, and remember those who fought and those who lost their lives. But the alliances in place since D-Day between the US and Europe are now being tested. We’ll explain how we got here. Meanwhile, 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden is singling himself out from the rest of the democratic pack in supporting the Hyde Amendment. Which bars the federal government from funding most abortions. We’ll tell you why Biden’s taking heat for backing it. Also on today’s episode: a Gen-Z is making history at the French Open, and the people in the UK want Summer Fridays all year long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 5, 2019 • 12min
Work, Work, Work: Arms Sales, Mexican Tariffs, and a Mass Wedding
The Trump administration wants to sell $8 billion worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia and some other Middle East countries. But many US lawmakers are saying: ‘bad idea.’ We’ll explain why they don’t want this sale to go through, and how they plan to stop it. Meanwhile, Mexico’s foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard is in DC trying to talk the Trump administration down from raising tariffs. We’ll tell you where that debate stands now - it’s taxing. Also on today’s episode: a mass wedding in Israel with a lot of pride, and 600 million reasons to work, work, work, work, work, work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 4, 2019 • 12min
Old Wounds: Tiananmen Square, Cuba, and High Heels
It’s been 30 years since Beijing's Tiananmen Square massacre, in which the Chinese government turned the military on its own people. China doesn’t want to talk about it – but some survivors do. And the US has a lot to say. We’ll explain the complex dynamics here. Meanwhile, if you haven’t booked your summer trip to Cuba yet: you may be too late. The Trump administration is restricting some travel to Cuba. We’ll give you the history on this. Also on today’s episode: the end of Ramadan has Muslims on a lunar watch, and Japanese women are taking a stand … against high heels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 3, 2019 • 12min
Breakin’ Up is Hard to Do: Big Tech, Trump’s UK Visit, and T-Swift
Two major government agencies reportedly have their eyes on Google and Amazon. Because they’ve got antitrust issues. We’ll explain why. Meanwhile, President Trump and the First Lady are across the pond visiting the Royals and UK politicians - but British politics are in a bit of a shambles at the moment. We’ll tell you what you should know. Also on today’s episode: Taylor Swift’s petition for equality, and a (possible) “Jeopardy” spoiler alert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 31, 2019 • 13min
Pressure’s On: Mexico Tariffs, Hollywood Boycotts, and Drake
President Trump is threatening Mexico with tariffs. Because of immigration. While the US, Mexico and Canada are trying to seal the deal on a new trade agreement. We’ll explain what it all means. Meanwhile, some Hollywood studios are threatening to boycott the state of Georgia after its governor signed one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the US. The film industry has brought 90k new jobs to Georgia. But there’s also a precedent here – we’ll break it down. Also on today’s episode: the FDA wants to take the WTF out of CBD, and an NBA superfan is being asked to stop making headlines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 30, 2019 • 13min
Now You See Me: Israel’s Parliament, Women Suing the FBI, and Spelling
Israel’s parliament has dissolved. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu couldn’t get enough support to form a government, and now the country has to vote all over again.This has never happened before in Israel’s history -- we’ll explain what might be coming next. Meanwhile, 16 women filed a lawsuit alleging that they were discriminated against at Quantico, the FBI’s training ground. Some say they faced a hostile work environment and sexual harassment, and they’re calling out some of the FBI’s top guys. We’ll tell you more. Also on today’s episode: New Zealand is budgeting for well-being, and the Scripps National Spelling Bee finals. T-o-u-g-h. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 29, 2019 • 12min
Is This Thing On?: Mueller Speaks, Abortion in Missouri, and Graduation Trees
Special Counsel Robert Mueller turned off his “do not disturb” mode today to give a brief statement. The message: his Russia investigation is officially over and he’s clocking out. He said some words about whether President Trump committed a crime. And went back on silent. We’ll explain. Meanwhile, the last clinic that provides abortions in Missouri might have to stop doing so on Friday. This would make Missouri the first state since 1974 without access to abortion services. We’ll break this down for you. Also on today’s episode: a group that is trying to help farmers deal with stress, and grads with very green thumbs in the Philippines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 28, 2019 • 12min
Extreme Measures: Opioid Crisis, Mount Everest, and Burnout
Oklahoma is taking the pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson to court today. This is the first state trial connected to the opioid crisis ... which has been determined a public health emergency. We’re going to break down how this got started and how Oklahoma hopes to win this case. Meanwhile, Mount Everest is having a deadly climbing season with human traffic jams on the summit. A lot goes into climbing to the “roof of the world.” We’ll explain what factors might be in play here. Also on today’s episode: the World Health Organization says that burnout is a legitimate medical diagnosis and a 100-year-old German woman is diving into politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 24, 2019 • 13min
Do It Yourself: Theresa May, Julian Assange, and $20
British Prime Minister Theresa May is saying “I’m out.” She is only the second woman to hold the position and is leaving after three years – one of the shortest terms for a prime minister in modern times. Her exit - was spurred by Brexit. We’ll explain what’s next for the British mission to leave the EU. Meanwhile, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has been indicted on 17 new charges for violating the Espionage Act. Journalists are worried about what this could mean for the First Amendment. We’ll explain. Also on today’s episode: same-sex couples in Taiwan are saying “we do,” and there’s a DIY movement to put Harriet Tubman on the $20. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


