1 in 3 students are chronically absent from school.* One surprising reason? A lack of access to clean clothes. We teamed up with Whirlpool to explore this hidden educational crisis. 

For the final episode in our three-part series, our host, psychologist and parent educator Dr. Jazmine McCoy, will cover: how chronic absenteeism impacts a student’s educational growth; the two factors that can determine a child’s success rate – and the most critical grade level to catch regression; how chronic absenteeism affects school funding; and the success of Whirlpool’s Care CountsTM program. In this episode you’ll hear from: Dr. Richard Rende, a developmental science psychologist and researcher; Damon Carraby, the director of national corporate partnerships at Teach For America; McKenzie Roney, the managing director of national corporate partnerships at Teach For America; and Nelly Martinez, senior brand leader at Whirlpool.

Sources: *Based on “Monitoring Data Matters Even More: A Review of State Attendance Data Policy and Practice in School Year 2022-23,” updated June 2023. Damon Carraby, [9:45-9:53], based on Care Counts™ program metrics consider only 2022–2023 school year results according to Impact YOY data

This miniseries was Skimm’d by Dr. Jazmine McCoy, along with our producers Monica Perry and Lizzy Bryce, and scriptwriter Sarah Title. This episode was created in partnership with Ginni Media. 

Breaking the Cycle: Exploring the Educational Impact

1 in 3 students are chronically absent from school.* One surprising reason? A lack of access to clean clothes. We teamed up with Whirlpool to explore this hidden educational crisis. 

For the second episode in our three-part series, our host, psychologist and parent educator Dr. Jazmine McCoy, will cover: how chronic absenteeism affects a student’s social-emotional learning experience; how chronic absenteeism impacts their mental health; and the signs you can look for in your own child. In this episode you’ll hear from: Dr. Richard Rende, a developmental science psychologist and researcher, and McKenzie Roney, the managing director of national corporate partnerships at Teach For America.

Sources: *Based on “Monitoring Data Matters Even More: A Review of State Attendance Data Policy and Practice in School Year 2022-23,” updated June 2023. Dr. Jazmine, [2:27 - 2:43], based on “A Theory of Human Motivation” in Psychological Review, 1943. Dr. Rende, [6:16 - 6:28], based on the Department of Education Report "Chronic Absenteeism in the Nation's Schools," updated 2019. Care Counts™ program metrics consider only 2022–2023 school year results according to Impact YOY data.

This miniseries was Skimm’d by Dr. Jazmine McCoy, along with our producers Monica Perry and Lizzy Bryce, and scriptwriter Sarah Title. This episode was created in partnership with Ginni Media. 

Breaking the Cycle: School as a Social Environment

1 in 3 students are chronically absent from school.* One surprising reason? A lack of access to clean clothes. We teamed up with Whirlpool to explore this hidden educational crisis. 

For the first episode in our three-part series, our host, psychologist and parent educator Dr. Jazmine McCoy, will cover: what chronic absenteeism is and why it matters; what typically causes it; and what Whirlpool is doing to help break the cycle. In this episode you’ll hear from: Dr. Richard Rende, a developmental science psychologist and researcher; Damon Carraby, the director of national corporate partnerships at Teach For America; McKenzie Roney, the managing director of national corporate partnerships at Teach For America; and Nelly Cecila Martinez, senior brand leader at Whirlpool.

Sources: *Based on “Monitoring Data Matters Even More: A Review of State Attendance Data Policy and Practice in School Year 2022-23,” updated June 2023. Dr. Jazmine, [2:14 - 2:24] based on “Higher Chronic Absenteeism Threatens Academic Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic,” updated October 2023. Dr. Jazmine, [2:24 - 2:28] based on NCEO report “Students with Disabilities and Chronic Absenteeism”. Dr. Rende, [2:33 - 3:02], based on Department of Education Report "Chronic Absenteeism in the Nation's Schools," updated 2019. Dr. Rende, [3:31 - 3:38], Based on “Monitoring Data Matters Even More: A Review of State Attendance Data Policy and Practice in School Year 2022-23,” updated June 2023. 

This miniseries was Skimm’d by Dr. Jazmine McCoy, along with our producers Monica Perry and Lizzy Bryce, and scriptwriter Sarah Title. This episode was created in partnership with Ginni Media. 

Breaking the Cycle: Exposing a Hidden Educational Crisis

This is an episode of the podcast "9 to 5ish with theSkimm". Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts. 
When Jen Psaki became President Obama’s White House Communications Director, she was pregnant. Later, she became President Biden’s Press Secretary, and she had to navigate her role as a mom and as the White House’s chief spokesperson. A big challenge, considering when you work for the president, you’re expected to be on call 24/7. Today, we spoke to Jen about what doing both actually looked like for her – from the hard realities to the help she got along the way. 

In this episode, Jen shares: 

What a job interview with the president is like 

Why she regrets not seeking feedback early in her career

Her non-traditional approach to mentoring 

What she learned from not getting the job she wanted the first time  

How she set boundaries, even when on call 24/7 

Jen Psaki on Working at the White House, Seeking Feedback Throughout Her Career, and Raising Her Kids

The news cycle can be exhausting (trust us, we know). But it’s important for all our mental health to take a break from the negativity — even if it’s just for a few minutes. So together with Ford, we set out to find good news to help us do just that. 

For the final episode of our three-part mini-series, we feature an elementary school determined to build an accessible playground so all students can play — and they've almost raised $1 million.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Betsy Julien, the Minnesota teacher leading this project, and several of her fifth- and sixth-grade students. Plus, hear about some more good news that made us smile.

This episode is Skimm’d by Alex Carr and our producers Monica Perry, Pam Segall, and Liz Smith. This episode was created in partnership with Wonder Media Network. 

Seriously Good News: Making Recess More Accessible

The news cycle can be exhausting (trust us, we know). But it’s important for all our mental health to take a break from the negativity — even if it’s just for a few minutes. So together with Ford, we set out to find good news to help us do just that. 

For the second episode of our three-part mini-series, we chatted with the artist behind the feel-good viral hit, “If I Were A Fish.” Plus, we asked a music psychologist why songs like this one make us feel so seen. 

In this episode, you’ll hear from corook, who wrote the trending tune, and Dr. Susan Rogers, a professor at Berklee College of Music who holds a PhD in music perception and cognition. Plus, hear about some other headlines that made us smile.

This episode is Skimm’d by Alex Carr and our producers Monica Perry, Pam Segall, and Liz Smith. This episode was created in partnership with Wonder Media Network. 

Seriously Good News: The Science Behind A Feel-Good Hit

The news cycle can be exhausting (trust us, we know). But it’s important for all our mental health to take a break from the negativity — even if it’s just for a few minutes. So together with Ford, we set out to find good news to help us do just that. 

For the first episode of our three-part mini-series, we visited Enoteca Maria, a Staten Island restaurant where the food is cooked by grandmas — affectionately called “nonnas” — from all around the world.

In this episode, you’ll hear from owner Joe Scaravella, resident nonnas Kathy and Anna, and a couple of very satisfied customers. Plus, hear about some other good news that made us smile.

This episode is Skimm’d by Alex Carr and our producers Monica Perry, Pam Segall, and Liz Smith. This episode was created in partnership with Wonder Media Network. 

Seriously Good News: A Restaurant Run By Grandmas

Welcome back to Skimm This. We're back in your feeds to bring you fresh episodes that help you live smarter. This time, instead of weekly episodes, we’ll be dropping miniseries throughout the year that will focus on your wellbeing. And to kick things off, we’re taking a look at the state of women in America, with a series that offers a look into the realities that millennial women in the US face today. 

In this final episode, we’re talking about the state of women and their careers. 

First up: We’ll start with the data – and why women are concerned about career setbacks

Then: We’ll explain how women are taking action to shore up their careers, despite being weighed down by societal norms and economic realities

Finally: We interviewed an expert about how to start a side-hustle, or secondary income stream


On this episode, you’ll hear from: 
Jannese Torres, creator and host, Yo Quiero Dinero


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Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts

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Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Andrew Callaway, Elie McAfee Hahn.

Skimm This: State of Women… and Career

Welcome back to Skimm This. We're back in your feeds to bring you fresh episodes that help you live smarter. This time, instead of weekly episodes, we’ll be dropping miniseries throughout the year that will focus on your wellbeing. And to kick things off, we’re taking a look at the state of women in America, with a series that offers a look into the realities that millennial women in the US face today. 
In this third episode, we’re talking about the state of women and their health. 

First up: We’ll start with the data – and why women’s well-being is in crisis

Then: We’ll explain how women are starting to advocate for their health in order to navigate a broken system

Later: We interviewed an expert about how you can advocate for yourself before, during, and after your appointments 

Finally: We’ve got a script you can use to find a therapist


P.S. Learn more about the different types of therapy here. 

On this episode, you’ll hear from: 

LaTasha Seliby Perkins, physician, assistant professor of medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine

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Sign up for our free daily newsletter

Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts

Listen to our other podcast, 9 to 5ish with theSkimm



Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Andrew Callaway, Elie McAfee Hahn.

Skimm This: State of Women… and Health

Welcome back to Skimm This. We're back in your feeds to bring you fresh episodes that help you live smarter. This time, instead of weekly episodes, we’ll be dropping miniseries throughout the year that will focus on your wellbeing. And to kick things off, we’re taking a look at the state of women in America, with a series that offers a look into the realities that millennial women in the US face today. 
In this second episode, we’re talking about the state of women and money. 

First up: We’ll start with the data, and explain how women are feeling about their finances right now 

Then: We’ll explain how women are securing their financial futures, despite a rocky economy

Later: We interviewed an expert about how women can create a more resilient financial future by paying off their debt, and freeing themselves of financial shame

Finally: We’ve got a script you can use if you’re thinking about hiring a financial planner


P.S. Learn more about different types of financial pros here. And here’s a useful debt tracker. 

On this episode, you’ll hear from: 
Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, founder of the Fiscal Femme


Want more Skimm? 


Sign up for our free daily newsletter

Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts

Listen to our other podcast, 9 to 5ish with theSkimm



Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Andrew Callaway, Elie McAfee Hahn.

Skimm This: State of Women… and Money

Welcome back to Skimm This. We're back in your feeds to bring you fresh episodes that help you live smarter. This time, instead of weekly episodes, we’ll be dropping miniseries throughout the year that will focus on your wellbeing. And to kick things off, we’re taking about the state of women in America, with a series that will offer a look into the realities that millennial women in the US face today. 
In this first episode, we’re talking about the state of women and society. 

First up: We’ll start with the data – and why 74% of millennial women agree, “Society treats women like second-class citizens”

Then: We’ll explain how women are starting to reclaim their power, and rewrite the rules of being a woman in America 

Later: We interviewed an expert about how you can start to reclaim your time, and rebalance the invisible labor at home

Finally: We’ve got a script you can use to delegate your responsibilities at home


P.S. Send this to a man. 

On this episode, you’ll hear from: 

Eve Rodsky, New York Times bestselling author 

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Sign up for our free daily newsletter

Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts

Listen to our other podcast, 9 to 5ish with theSkimm



Skimm'd by Alex Carr, Andrew Callaway, and Elie McAfee Hahn.

Skimm This: State of Women... and Society

We’re back in your feed after a week off with…some news. But it’s not the news of the week, which we’ve been bringing you since 2019. It’s actually some personal news. After four amazing years, one pandemic, 451 episodes, and hundreds of interviews with some of the biggest newsmakers and experts, we’re reimagining this podcast feed. So we’re going to be taking some time away from the mic while we put that into motion.  
We’ve loved being there for you through the world’s craziest and most confusing moments, and helping you navigate every stage of your life, from taxes to toddlers. And we’re excited to bring you more in the future. So, stay tuned. 

In the meantime, for more Skimm, you can check out: 

theskimm.com 


The Daily Skimm newsletter 

theSkimm on Instagram and TikTok 

A Final Sign Off for Skimm This, But Not a Goodbye

First: The GOP can’t seem to get their House in order. Between a fight over who should be Speaker, and a congressman elect’s sketchy past, the 118th Congress got off to a rocky start. We’ll break it down. 

Next: We’ve got the context on the other major stories from the week – including an update on Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin and a major change for abortion pill access. Plus the latest on the atmospheric river turning the West Coast…into a literal river. 

Then: Every year, The Economist releases an issue filled with their biggest predictions for 2023. We sat down with its deputy editor to get an inside look on what to expect from 2023. And PS: it’s not all bad news. 

Finally: We’re taking a look at one New Year’s resolution we can all get behind: being happier. We’re asking an expert to tell us four small changes we can make to actually feel happier. 


On this episode, you’ll hear from: 


Tom Standage, Deputy Editor, The Economist


Dr. Marisa Franco, Psychologist, Professor at the University of Maryland


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, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. We had additional help from Alaisha Key. Engineered by Elie McAfee-Hahn and Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

One Way or Another: Kevin McCarthy, Abortion Pills, Being Happier

First: We’ve got the context on the week’s biggest headlines – from how to travel safely during this weekend’s bomb cyclone to President Zelensky’s visit on Capitol Hill. Plus, an update on Elon Musk’s future at Twitter.

Then: The January 6th committee dropped its final report, wrapping up a year of hearings and investigations. We’re saving you the reading and skimming the three things you need to know about what they found.

Finally: 2022 was a busy year. From the Russian invasion of Ukraine and an FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago, to Serena Williams retiring and a bombshell royal exposé. We’re listening back to all of it by ending our final show of 2022 with the year in sound. 


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Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now 

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

Sweater Weather: Arctic Blast, January 6th Report, Listening Back on 2022

First: We’ve got the context on the week’s biggest headlines – from crypto founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s arrest, to major protests going down in Peru, plus a World Cup wrap up.

Then: We’re sitting down with an expert to get a vibe check on the economy after a big inflation breakthrough this week. The saga isn’t over yet, so we’re asking: what’s 2023 gonna look like for our wallets?

Next: This week, the White House announced we’re one step closer to harnessing the power of nuclear fusion, but what exactly does that mean? We’ll do our best Bill Nye and explain why it’s such a big deal…in 60 seconds. 

Finally: Our team is bringing you the stories that we couldn’t stop thinking about this week. We’re discussing a surprising evolution in the way we date, a tech development that could take your healthcare to the next level, a copycat BeReal, and more. 


On this episode, you’ll hear from: 


Kathryn Edwards, labor economist

Alaisha, Blake, and Will, Skimm HQ’rs


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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. We had additional help from Alaisha Key. Engineered by Elie McAfee-Hahn and Andrew Callaway. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

Sign of the Times: Inflation Cooling, Nuclear Fusion, SBF Arrested

First: We’ve got the biggest headlines of the week, including Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison, the outcome of Georgia’s runoff election, and the Respect for Marriage Act. Plus, the latest on the Trump Organization’s tax fraud charge, and an update on the protests in Iran. 

Then: The Supreme Court heard oral arguments for Moore v. Harper, a case that could change how elections are run in the US. We’ll explain the case and why it’s so controversial…in 60 seconds.

Next: Between national security and data privacy concerns, more experts – and even US federal officials – believe we should ctrl-alt-delete TikTok from our lives. So this week, we're asking the tough question: should you remove TikTok from your phone? Two experts help break down the pros and cons of the app, so you can decide for yourself. 

Finally: Our team tried the AI avatar app that’s been flooding your social media feeds. And the results were questionable. We’re breaking down why these fun photos actually show the dark side of AI tech. 


On this episode, you’ll hear from: 


Emily Baker-White, technology reporter, Forbes


Cleo Abram, video journalist


Ina Fried, chief technology correspondent, Axios 


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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, Will Livingston, and Blake Lew-Merwin. We had additional help from Sarah Collins. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

Freedom: Griner’s Release, Future of Elections, Deleting TikTok

First: Some of the biggest protests in decades broke out in China last weekend over the country’s strict COVID guidelines and – in some cases – over the Chinese Communist Party’s leadership. We call an expert to explain the historic protests and their impacts worldwide.  

Then: Democrats in Congress only have a few weeks to pass some major legislation before a new group of lawmakers heads to DC in January. We're breaking down why this “lame duck" session might be anything but lame...in 60 seconds.

Next: Roadway deaths have been rising – and apparently, it's a uniquely American problem. New reporting shows us why we've seen an increase in roadway deaths in the US and what we can learn from other countries about how to prevent them. 

Finally: Merriam Webster declared “gaslighting” as its word of the year. We break out our dictionaries to break down the word’s definition – and why it gets misused.  


On this episode, you’ll hear from: 


Sue-Lin Wong, correspondent, The Economist


Emily Badger, cities and urban policy writer, The Upshot, The New York Times


Dr. Ramani Durvasula, clinical psychologist


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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. We had additional help from Sarah Collins. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

Landslide: China Protests, Not-So-Lame Duck Congress, Gaslighting

First: We’ve got the headlines from the week’s news, including the mass shooting at an LGBTQ+ club in Colorado Springs, a rail strike that could dampen our holiday spirits, and a historic climate agreement.

Then: After technical difficulties shut down ticket sales to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, Ticketmaster is under fire. We’ll skimm why Taylor Swift fans – and the Justice Department – have bad blood with the ticket selling platform…in 60 seconds. 

Finally: President Biden carried on the annual turkey pardon. Meet: Chocolate and Chip. 


Skimm This will be back in your feed next Thursday. Have a happy holiday weekend. 

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Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now 

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

Thanksgiving Week Special: Colorado Springs, Ticketmaster, Turkey Pardon

First: We’re covering the week’s biggest headlines: a roundup of midterm outcomes and political news, the latest on the protests in Iran, and the Artemis I rocket launch.  

Then: FTX – one of the world’s biggest crypto exchanges – had a pretty abrupt fall from grace. We're talking to an expert about what FTX's demise means for the rest of the crypto world and what potential investors can learn from it. 

Next: The World Cup kicks off this weekend, but there’s been a lot of off-the-field drama. We’ll break down why the Cup has become a geopolitical mess…in 60 seconds. 

Plus: In partnership with our friends at Slack, we're taking listeners behind the scenes of our digital HQ, and talking about how certain Slack channels help us do our jobs better. Our final channel deep-dive: #parent-life.

Finally: Ever been asked “why are you still single?” or “why aren’t you drinking?” at the Thanksgiving table? For many of us, sitting at the Thanksgiving table can make us wanna pull our hair out thanks to nosy family members and political heat. But this year, setting boundaries is in. So we called a therapist who helps us navigate who to set boundaries with, how to actually set them, and how sticking to them can help keep the peace and our sanity. 


On this episode, you’ll hear from: 


Anita Ramaswamy, senior cryptocurrency reporter, TechCrunch

Jana Pollack, senior manager of creative strategy, theSkimm


Nedra Tawwab, therapist and author


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Email us your questions about what’s going on in the news right now 

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

Renaissance: FTX Fallout, World Cup Outrage, Setting Boundaries at Holidays

First: Results from the midterm elections are coming in, and it's a mixed bag. We’re breaking down some major takeaways as we wait to see which party will take control of Congress. 

Then: There’s a lot of turbulence in Silicon Valley. We’re sorting through all the drama @ Twitter, the historic layoffs at Facebook, and some good news for your winter getaways, in 60 seconds. 

Next: The COP27 conference is putting global conversations about climate change in the spotlight. We’re talking to an expert about how these negotiations are playing out in Egypt, and who’s ready to take action.

Plus: In partnership with our friends at Slack, we're taking listeners behind the scenes of our digital HQ to show how certain Slack channels help us do our jobs better. Next up: #headline-workshop.

Finally: Just in time for Thanksgiving, there's a national turkey shortage. Thanks, bird flu. We’re talking to a chef about two show stopping dishes you can make instead, plus another option that could totally change your Thanksgiving game. You can find the recipes we talked about here and here.


On this episode, you’ll hear from: 


Juliet Eilperin, Deputy Climate and Environment Editor, The Washington Post

Alicia Valenski, Senior Editor, SEO, theSkimm

Maria Corpus, Senior Writer, theSkimm


Becky Krystal, Food Writer, Voraciously The Washington Post


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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. We had additional help from Alaisha Key. Engineered by Andrew Callaway and Elie McAfee-Hahn. TheSkimm’s head of audio is Graelyn Brashear.

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