The Daily Dive

Latest Episodes:

Americans Are Planning to Buy Fewer Gifts and Donate Less This Holiday Season Because of Inflation Nov 23, 2022

Show notes

According to recent surveys, Americans are stressed out by inflation and are planning to buy fewer Christmas gifts and donate less to charity. Last year on average, people bought about 16 gifts for family and friends, this year that number has dropped to nine. Another survey found that many are planning to donate less with 44% blaming a lack of funds. Jon Hilsenrath, senior writer at the WSJ, joins us for how inflation is souring the holiday season.

Next, hospitals are being pushed to the brink as we see RSV, Covid and the flu infecting people at high rates. We are also seeing a continued staffing shortage in the healthcare industry that is causing a replay of what we saw during the height of the pandemic. A slew of nursing home closures is also pushing more into the hospital system. Sabrina Malhi, health and science reporter at The Washington Post, joins us for what to know.

Finally, dogs and humans can both get dementia, a problem we know comes with age. We also know that movement and exercise can help reduce the risk of getting the degenerative disease. Two recent studies are offering new data about the precise amounts of walking that can protect human and dog brains. Gretchen Reynolds, health columnist at The Washington Post, joins us for why it’s definitely a good idea to take your dog out for a walk.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Sports Betting Spread Across the Country Thanks to Lobbyists for the Gambling Industry Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

Just a few years ago, betting on sports was regulated to Nevada and a handful of other locations in the U.S., but after a flurry of action from lobbyists and the gambling industry, 31 states now allow sports gambling either online or in-person. Sold by possible tax revenue, many states have come on board, sometimes with very favorable tax breaks for gambling companies. An investigation by the Times finds that in many cases that revenue hasn’t lived up to projections. Other convincing was done at events such as the “Cigars, Cars, and Bars” event that some Kansas lawmakers attended. Eric Lipton, investigative reporter at the NY Times, joins us for how sports betting has expanded so fast.

Next, a study in Germany that was exploring the possibility of using industrial hemp in animal feed found that when portions of the plant that had higher THC concentration was fed to some dairy cows, they produced milk with detectable levels of THC. The dairy cows even displayed behavioral changes such as yawning and salivating a lot and standing in one place for long periods of time. Still regulators are looking into hemp because it could be an excellent source for animal feed. Hemp seeds are high in protein and do not contain any THC. Joel Achenbach, science reporter at The Washington Post, joins us for what to know.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Biden Turns 80 as Questions Swirl Over Whether He Should Run Again Nov 21, 2022

Show notes

President Biden turned 80 over the weekend, the oldest serving president in U.S. history. He has said he intends to run again, planning a decision for early next year. However, recent gaffes have added to concerns from those in his own party and polls also show that the public has doubts about leaders his age. Julia Manchester, national political reporter at The Hill, joins us for this, GOP hopefuls beginning to make their case, and Nancy Pelosi’s legacy as Speaker of the House.

Next, due to inflation, supply chain issues, and the bird flu, your Thanksgiving meal is definitely more expensive this year. 20% more expensive to be exact. The average cost of a meal for ten is $64.05. You could see a shortage of large birds and everything on the table costs more except for one item, fresh cranberries. Herb Scribner, reporter at Axios, joins us for what to know.

Finally, electric vehicles continue to grow into the mainstream of car buying. EVs are the fastest growing segment of the auto market with sales jumping 70%. Gas powered cars account for most of the new car market, but people are increasingly turning to battery powered cars to save money on maintenance and fuel, making them their daily drivers. Peter Eavis, business reporter at the NY Times, joins us for more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retailers Having Extra Inventory Leads to Sales and Promotions for Consumers Nov 20, 2022

Show notes

Heading into the holiday shopping season big retailers are hoping to offload all the excess inventory from recent months and also balance how much to discount items to move product. The good thing is that it means more promotions and sales for consumers, but will it be the products that people want? The main items that will see the deepest discounts are computers, electronics, and toys, many of which are left over from pandemic delays. Beauty products on the other hand will not be seeing as many discounts. Melissa Repko, retail reporter at CNBC, joins us for what to know as retailers continue to do anything they can to attract customers.

Next, the fall of the crypto exchange FTX has quickly wiped out the value of the company, the billions of dollars that its CEO was worth, and left scores of others without a way to access their money and assets. FTX has now filed for bankruptcy and the new CEO that has stepped in said that he’s never “seen such a complete failure of corporate controls.” Some experts have said that it could be possible that people never recover their funds. For now, it has caused more volatility in the crypto market and caused more values to drop. Joel Khalili, crypto reporter at Wired, joins us for all the fallout from the FTX collapse.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WEEKEND EDITION- More Inventory Means More Sales for Consumers, Weight-Loss Drug Makes You Disgusted at Favorite Foods, Why Independents Voted Democrats Nov 19, 2022

Show notes

This is a compilation of some of the most compelling stories of the week.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WEEKEND EDITION- 8 Billion People on Earth, 411 Is Shutting Down, Fallout of FTX Crash Nov 18, 2022

Show notes

This is a compilation of some of the most compelling stories of the week.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artemis Moon Mission Launched, Paving the Way for Astronauts to Return to the Moon Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

NASA’s Artemis 1 Moon mission is currently underway after the SLS rocket and Orion capsule launched early Wednesday morning. The mission is expected to last until mid-December when the capsule will splash back down in the Pacific Ocean. This mission paves the way for the return of astronauts to the Moon and a new space station to be assembled in orbit there. Ramin Skibba, space writer at Wired, joins us for what to know.

Next, it’s been described as a “game changer” when it comes to weight loss, but some people who have taken it say it’s changing their taste buds. Semaglutide is the key ingredient in drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. It’s helping people lose as much as 15-20% of their body weight by making you feel full and reducing cravings, but it’s making some disgusted by their favorite foods. Anna Medaris, health correspondent at Insider, joins us for more.

Finally, now that New York City’s pay transparency law is in place, people are browsing jobs like they were browsing new homes, even if they’re not in the market for a new one. As employers are now required to post salary ranges, people are dreaming of moving into something new or asking for a pay raise. Emily Peck, reporter at Axios, joins us for how job listings are the new Zillow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Milestone for Humans: Eight Billion People on Earth Nov 16, 2022

Show notes

The human race has reached a milestone. There are now an estimated eight billion people on the planet. Overall, less people are living in extreme poverty, and we have generally better access to health care, food, and clean water. Half of the population still just lives in 7 countries, and it could take us about 15 years to hit the next milestone of nine billion. Stef Kight, politics reporter at Axios, joins is for what to know as we still face several challenges as the population continues to grow.

Next, there is a mystery in the labor market as older Gen Z workers are missing from the workforce. We are seeing fewer people ages 20-24 with a job which equals to a shortfall of about half a million workers. In 2021, wages were rising and there were tons of job openings, it attracted teens, but didn’t stick with others. We have also seen a rise in the number people in this age range that are neither working or in school. Bryan Mena, reporter at the WSJ, joins us for more.

Finally, a mother was arrested recently after he 10-year-old son got a tattoo. Last month, the boy walked into the nurse’s office looking for Vaseline, he wanted to rub it on his new tattoo. While there have been shifting attitudes about tattoos recently, there are many laws on the books where those under 18 cannot get a tattoo, even if they have parental consent. Sarah Maslin Nir, staff reporter at the NY Times, joins us for what to know.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republicans Didn’t Makes the Gains They Thought Because Independent Voters Broke for Democrats Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

The makeup of Congress continues to take shape as the House continues to skew toward Republicans and Democrats retain control of the Senate. Democrats overperformed in the midterms and they can attribute that to independent voters that broke their way. Despite the GOP holding the edge on top issues, independent voters were turned off by candidates that were too closely aligned with Trump. Aaron Zitner, politics reporter at the WSJ, joins us for how independents decided the midterms.

Next, the FAA recently held a public comment period on the size of airline seats. What they got, was tens of thousands of comments that painted a horrible picture of what passengers experience. But will those comments lead to bigger and better seats? Probably not. The FAA will decide if they want to make minimum seat requirements, but only what’s necessary for safety, not comfort. James Bikales, reporter at the Washington Post, joins us for what to know.

Finally, in a shift on what you might expect, baby boomers can’t stop looking at their smartphones. While the concern of too much screen time is mostly directed at kids and teens, some millennials and Gen Xers are complaining that their parents can’t let the phones go, especially when the grandchildren are around. Heather Kelly, tech reporter at the Washington Post, joins us for how some families have had enough of the phones.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Polarization Is Keeping America Divided 50-50 Nov 14, 2022

Show notes

The Democrats have retained control of the Senate, and the House is still up in the air, although the numbers look to favor Republicans. Throughout the midterm elections there have been many tight races and margins are just razor thin. So why is America always divided 50-50? As the two parties constantly jockey for the majority, neither party really builds any momentum. Annie Lowrey, staff writer at The Atlantic, joins us for how polarization and a changing electorate is impacting politics.

Next, more colleges are offering admission to students who never even applied to those schools. There has been an increase in universities that are participating in “direct admissions” programs to streamline the process for students but also align them with geographic and academic interests and boost enrollment goals too. The result is tens of thousands of students are getting offers they never thought they would. Melissa Korn, higher education reporter at the WSJ, joins us for what to know.

Finally, dialing 0 to reach an operator or getting directory assistance from 411 is soon to be a thing of the past. How many people even use those services now, as smartphones have made them obsolete? Starting Jan. 1, AT&T is ending the service to landline customers in 21 states. Wireless users aren’t even offered it. Jo Constantz, reporter at Bloomberg News, joins us for a brief history of 411.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected