Poll Hub

We break down the final Marist NYC poll before the primary then dive into how Ranked Choice Voting works with expert Stephen Pettigrew from the University of Pennsylvania. He manages to make a complicated topic pretty simple!Then, Americans' trust in police has been rising for the last few years and that includes among Black Americans. The latest results are the highest in four years but, still, Blacks have lower levels of trust and satisfaction with their local police that White Americans. In other areas, there is no racial gap but there is a partisan one.Finally, the olds on the pod try and explain what Blockbuster was and how Netflix started as a DVD-by-mail company in our movie-themed fun fact.

Even though inflation has slowed, many Americans still feel that the cost of living is too high. Also, views on the economy are deeply divided by political affiliation. But here's what's really perplexing: Americans have been consistently bummed about the economy since 2008 regardless of who's in charge. We're looking at the polling data to understand. Then, J Michael Keyes is an experienced intellectual property trial attorney and an expert in consumer surveys used in legal cases. He has represented major brands in high-profile lawsuits. He teaches/writes about trademarks, advertising, and survey research. So... he's the perfect guest to explain how surveys can be used as legal evidence, especially in trademark cases. Our fun fact shows that Coca-Cola was students' favorite choice of drink in 1939, and a surprising amount chose milk! What do our current student producers think of that?

Other than tariffs, Donald Trump's signature achievement of his second term has been mass deportations. Masked, badge-less agents have swept across cities and states detaining men, women, and children, shipping most off to detention centers here in the US but plenty of others have been put on planes and flown to countries near and far. There's been plenty of outcry and court action but are a majority of Americans upset? We're looking at what the data says.Then, we're looking at a really fascinating set of polls from around the world that show how people in other places think about life milestones. When's the best time to get married in Turkey? What about the best age to buy a house in India?And, we finish with a VERY timely fun fact that has us digging through our closets to find our finest clothes...

Religion has probably always been a part of politics, but, in modern America, it's often linked with how the Civil Rights movement was powered from the pulpit and pews and the conservative "Silent Majority" Evangelical Christian political movement that began in the 80s. There's an assumption that when preachers and other religious figures take public political positions these influence the flock. But, do they? The data suggest otherwise.Then, we're revisiting the national issue of loneliness to talk about some really interesting data sets that speak to it in very different ways.Finally, Lee brings it home with a crazy fun fact right out of the Flintstones.

We're diving into the final chapter of one of the most recognizable names in polling: FiveThirtyEight. @GElliottMorris joins us to break down what led to the site's closure and what it all means for people who rely on quality data.In the meantime, he's launched a Substack, Strength in Numbers, and has been writing about some notable trends, including how voters who are not very engaged with politics have dramatically shifted their attitudes about Donald Trump in just 6 months.We wrap with a fun fact about political prestige, and whether it's still something people respect. Of course, we kept G. Elliott on for this one.

On this week's Poll Hub:Can AI really be your friend? Well, for starters, an AI friendbot will always listen and never argue with you! But there are plenty of worrisome downsides.Then, as book bans continue to spread throughout cities and states across America, we're talking to two @Marist University librarians about the notion that protecting kids from harmful material doesn't necessarily mean removing books from shelves.Finally, with the weather getting warmer, we have a fun fact for everyone looking to travel this summer!maristpoll.com/podcast

President Trump has wrapped up his second "first" 100 days, and our latest poll shows Americans are largely unimpressed. We even asked people to grade him like a student... a lot of red ink was involved.Then, rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues among teens have risen dramatically, and many experts are calling it a national crisis. From social media use to post-pandemic adjustment, we take a look at what's really going on with younger generations.Finally, this week's fun fact brings us back to the youth of... 1939?! You don't want to miss our Student Producers' reactions to this one.

One of our favorite data minds, polling guru Harry Enten from CNN, joins us to break down what the polls really say about President Trump and his policies. Trump's approval ratings have been declining for most of his first 100 days back in office but recently it's gotten much worse. Why? And what, if anything, does it say about the next elections?Then, we've covered America's trust issues with institutions before, but are we hitting a new low? We're diving into data, new and old, that shows just how far confidence has fallen, and what it means for democracy.Finally, summer means travel, and for some... turbulence! This week's fun fact is a sky-high stat about air travel that might make you think twice before your next flight.

The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago with the fall of Saigon. For America, it was a bitter end to a conflict that ripped both Vietnam and America apart. So much has changed since, but long-held feelings remain. We're looking at what Americans -- most of whom were not alive or old enough to really remember -- think now.We're starting with a deep dive into our recent New York State survey in which we found a lot of unhappiness. There's pretty widespread negativity about the state's leadership, direction, economy, and even congestion pricing! We're discussing what it means that one of America's bluest states is so....blue.And we finish with an Easter treat -- actually two Easter treats and a big disagreement about which is best.

We take a close look at the true role of the executive branch. From the limits outlined in the Constitution to the growing expectations placed on presidents, we explore how much power the Oval Office really holds versus how much the public thinks it should.As budget cuts hit beloved national parks, we dive into the relationship between federal spending cuts and the public's desire to protect the environment. With record-breaking park attendance and widespread support for funding, are lawmakers listening?Finally, in this week's fun fact, we discuss what happens when you are suddenly a pro... no training required. The real question is: are you more blackbelt or brushstroke?

Could you go an entire month without the Internet? As technology advances, some argue we've become too dependent on it while others see it as unavoidable.Then, we shift gears to driving where most people think they are great behind the wheel and rate everyone else as less than stellar. We break down the numbers on road safety and people's attitudes about driving.Finally, our fun fact takes us back in time to a debate that once divided the nation... freight trucks on highways.

For years, the debate over taxing the wealthy has been a key issue in political debates, but with billionaires now holding key positions in the Trump White House, are public attitudes shifting? We take a look at how Americans feel about taxation and how the issue splits by party.Then, from the Monopoly Man's missing monocle to misquoted movie lines, collective false memories have confused people for years. We dive into the Mandela Effect, why our brain misremembers things, and even how this plays into political misinformation.Finally, do the stars have any guidance on your future? This week's fun fact takes a look at zodiac signs and their predictions!

The war between Russia and Ukraine has now dragged on for more than 11 years and it's been. over 3 years since Russia's full scale invasion. For most of that time, the U.S. has backed Ukraine financially and militarily but then Donald Trump returned to the White House and everything changed. We're looking at how American public opinion has shifted over the years and what a majority think of Trump's huge shift away from Ukraine and towards Putin's Russia.We're then heading (thematically) to Rome to look at what appears to be the approaching end of one Papacy and the start of the next. How has American opinion changed over the course of Pope Francis's reign and what are Americans likely to prioritize in the next Pope? We're speaking with Daniel Speed Thompson, Chair of the department of religious studies at the University of Dayton.And we end with a fun fact timed for the change of season. Sure, spring is terrific in so many ways but about those allergies....

Tariffs are back in the spotlight, and while they're often framed as a tool for tough trade policy, the real cost tends to fall on consumers. As new tariffs target not just China but also our North American neighbors and European allies, we're taking a look at whether public opinion is shifting.Then, we're joined by Marist University Assistant Professor Dr. Sergio Pinto-Handler to discuss Cuba, a country consistently caught in diplomatic limbo with the United States. With relations ebbing and flowing between the two nations, how do Americans feel about travel, trade, and engagement with the island nation? Finally, a leprechaun selected this week's Fun Fact! We're discussing the long-standing superstition of four-leaf clovers. Do people still believe in a bit of Irish luck?

Six weeks into his second term, Americans have mixed feelings about President Trump's rapid-fire approach. While perceptions of the nation's direction have improved since 2023, majorities believe that Trump's deep cuts are causing more harm than good. We'll break down the numbers from our new NPR/PBS/Marist Poll survey.Next, scent is the strongest trigger of memory, and for many, a single whiff can transport them back in time. Whether it's fresh-cut grass, crayons, or the aroma of bubblegum, we'll explore the science behind "scent-stalgia."Finally, do The Beatles have the same appeal over 60 years later? Find out in the week's fun fact!

As Black History Month comes to an end, Marist University's Dr. Robyn Rosen joins us to discuss the shifting national conversation on race and politics. With federal rollbacks of DEI programs, corporate moves away from cultural recognition, and evolving public attitudes, what does the future of civil rights look like?Then, while Americans seem to be increasingly rejecting the idea of toxic masculinity and embracing emotional openness in men, traditional hyper-masculine ideals continue to dominate the political landscape. We explore why these cultural shifts seem to butt heads.Finally, scientists have long debated it, but would it change the way you act? Plants! Can they feel, and if they did, would you be a nicer owner?

President Trump's first month in office (Act II) has been a whirlwind of executive orders, controversial cabinet picks, and precedent-breaking calls to take over foreign countries. But since the most important issue to voters in 2024 was the economy, the team discusses why new polling suggests many Americans are questioning the administration's priorities.Then, another Trump action -- calling for all remaining records of the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK be released -- got us thinking about how prevalent conspiracy theories are in America. So, we went back in the archives to see how Americans' beliefs in conspiracy theories have and haven't changed over the decades.Finally, Trump's call for the US to take Greenland from Denmark is NOT unprecedented. Indeed, it was an idea in post-war America that gained enough traction to have a poll question asked about it!

Obesity and heart disease rates in America increased by almost 200% between 1999 and 2020. While obesity is one of several conditions linked to heart disease, it is the primary driver of this increase. Americans say they think it's a big problem, but far fewer think it's a problem for them personally.Then, everyone knows that Valentines Day is full of romance... assuming everything goes right! From bad hygiene to dodging the check, what qualities do Americans seek in a partner... and which sends them running?Finally, do people include their pets in their Valentine's Day plans? Find out in this week's lovable fun fact!

Many Americans feel unprepared when it comes to managing their money. Are schools not teaching enough, or do we all need to be doing a little more?With Super Bowl Sunday approaching, our latest national poll takes a closer look at sports betting. Mobile betting is booming, but is it a win or a risk for Americans and the world of sports?We wrap it all up with a fun fact that might sting for some fans. Do people actually watch football games outside of the playoffs and the Super Bowl?

In the 2024 federal elections, candidates spent a staggering $3 billion, but does all that money truly influence voter decisions? We talk with UCLA Law Professor Rick Hasen about the role of campaign cash in politics and examine whether public financing initiatives are making a positive difference.Then, are we becoming too connected... or not connected enough? We explore the shifting attitudes surrounding global ties, national priorities, and how personal experiences, like travel, shape our views on interconnectedness and America's role on the world stage.Finally, from cozy kitchens to comfy living rooms, we're uncovering America's favorite spot at home. Where does your go-to space stack up?

President Trump's recent tidal wave of Executive Orders has sparked a lot of debate among some in Washington, but will Americans care about his pardoning the January 6th insurrectionists or trying to end more than a century of birthright citizenship? There's mixed evidence.Loyalty programs were once hailed as a win-win for businesses and consumers, but now they are facing increasing skepticism. While many people still rely on them for rewards and discounts, younger generations seem less interested in traditional loyalty models.Finally, Beer Can Appreciation Day brings us back to a 1945 poll that captured a unique moment in American history.

As the Trump administration prepares to take office, Americans are (still) divided on key issues. From Trump's mass deportation plans to his possible pardons of convicted January 6th insurrectionists, we're going deep into the data from our latest poll with NPR and PBS News.We're also exploring how America's relationship with alcohol is changing. Could Dry January signal a broader trend towards sobriety in America, and what is driving this trend?And, we dug deep into our time capsule for this week's Fun Fact! What European country did Americans want to visit...in 1937?!?

Recently, The New York Times ran a feature "How Top Pollsters Grade 2024's Polls" that included Lee's analysis (and a sweet cartoon drawing of the legend himself!) and reached the conclusion, the polls were pretty damn accurate in 2024 despite the fact that most had Kamala Harris winning by a narrow margin. We discuss whether that's just wishful thinking or whether expectations have far outstripped what polls can do in our deeply 50-50 political world.We follow with a segment discussing our latest poll results on the state of American democracy. We've been asking Americans about this for a few years and, this time Americans are the most hopeful they've been since the January 6th insurrection. And yet, a large majority are still worried.Finally, should any American make more money than the president? If that question seems odd, perhaps that's because it's from 1939!

So-called May-December romances have been a standard feature in literature and movies...and life...forever. There are plenty of reasons for this but recently data has shown the age gaps narrowing. What's behind the change? Cognitive psychologist Dr. Haley Moss Dillon joins us to help us figure it out.Before we get to that, though, we always do an end-of-year poll with some fun holiday questions and a bit more serious ones about what Americans are thinking going into the next year.And our final fun fact for 2024...and the last in our three-month stretch of themed fun facts...brings us the things we DON'T like about the holiday season. Because it's not all sweets, treats, and gifts!

This week on Poll Hub, we take a peek behind the curtain of our latest national poll to find out how voters are feeling post-election. Do they like Trump's transition actions so far? What about Biden's pardon of his son Hunter?Then, Dr. Graham Burnett of Princeton, The Strother School of Radical Attention, and by extension, the Friends of Attention, joins us to dig into the science behind our shrinking attention spans. Researchers were hopeful that media would have a positive effect, but data seems to indicate the opposite.Is pie the MVP of the holiday season, or is it time to give something else a chance? You won't want to miss our *seasonal* fun fact!

Pollsters have been asking Americans about space for decades but the landscape -- spacescape? -- hasn't changed a lot. What began as a race to put a man in orbit between two superpowers has transformed into a race between private companies to make space travel cheap and easy. What do we think?Back here on Earth, you've probably noticed a lot more electric vehicles on the road over the last few years. But for every Tesla, Bolt, and Ioniq, Americans are still buying far more gas and hybrid cars. What's the real future of EVs? Marist College Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Dr. Ramesh Laungani (@DrRamBio), joins us to drive us through the developments.And, for our first December fun fact, we're regifting old polls for the season.

Finally, get ready for a spirited debate with our "all-star" lineup for this week's Fun Fact. It's destined to steal the spotlight away from the turkey...although there's a surprising twist from the biggest football lover of them all!

Right, left, center? What is the "mainstream media"? Turns out the right answer probably is, no longer in existence. Our own Kevin Lerner, Marist Department of Communication Chair and an expert in journalism history, joins to help us figure out what dramatic changes in media and news means for democracy.Then, doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia, have been controversial topics for decades, leading to ethical, religious, and medical debates. But, decades after Dr. Kevorkian put a name and face on the practices, they're much more widespread and accepted. Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, bioethicist, oncologist, and professor at Penn, tells us why public opinion about the options is not really based on reality.Finally, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, we compared our turkey cooking expertise. Whether you're a master chef or just hoping not to burn the house down, this week's fun fact will have you gobbling and ready for the holiday.

Now that the election returns are (mainly) in, the exit poll data is available, and the pundits have weighed in, we're asking what REALLY made the difference for Donald Trump on Election Day.And that leads to a healthy discussion about whether most voters care more about issues or personalities.Since that took most of the show, we then cut right to the chase. We're bringing themed fun facts back for the Thanksgiving season. Our stomachs were growling, and the turkeys were gobbling for this one.

The only time pollsters really know whether their work is accurate is on election days. This time around, the surprising outcome of the presidential race didn't mean the polls were off -- it's more of what we've come to expect in a 50-50 electorate. We're doing our first pass at this as we wait for full data to do a deeper dive.Then, we finish with a fun fact that St. Louis residents might not love...

In this episode of Poll Hub, we dive into the fresh and final battleground numbers from Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Not only do these states form the so-called Blue Wall that any modern Democratic presidential candidate has to win, they're also home to three of the most competitive US Senate races. What do our final polls of these Great Lakes States reveal?Then, our insider's guide to Election Night. As the results come in over the course of the night, which states and which districts are we watching? We'll give you the goods.Finally, you may not be able to see it, but we have our costumes on! We bring the season to a close with our final spooky fun fact of the month! Joined by our former Poll Hub producer and creator of the spooky fun fact series, Athen Hollis, to help our hosts answer this scary question.AND...Election Day is November 5th, so don't forget to vote!

We just released new numbers from the battleground states of Georgia, Arizona, and North Carolina. While very little has changed since our polls from those states a few weeks back, there is a striking finding when we look at how voters are thinking about non-Presidential races on some ballots.Then, are authoritarian regimes really on the rise? We talk with author and professor @AnneMeng_ from @UVA about her research on the rise, or lack thereof, of far-right leaders around the world. Is the threat here in the U.S. real, inflated, or imaginary. Or all three?Finally, Halloween is just one week away, and we stick with our theme and wrap the show with another frightening fun fact.

For decades, there's been a difference between how men and women vote. Not only which candidates they choose but how many register to vote and then show up at the polls. These so-called gender gaps are wider than ever. We take a look at recent polling data to explore why the political gulf between men and women is growing.Then, we explore the potential of year-round schooling in America. Dr. Carol Rinke, Professor of Education at @Marist College, joins us to discuss how this model has been implemented and the benefits or challenges associated with transitioning away from our usual academic calendar. And, what about summer vacation!?!Finally, we stay on theme this month for our fun fact. Fruit instead of candy? Gross! What do you expect when you go out on Halloween night?

This week, we take a closer look at fresh polling from the battleground states of Florida, Ohio, and Texas, where numbers might indicate closer races than expected...especially in these three states' critical senate races.Then, a recent @WSJ piece revealed how certain regions of the United States have become increasingly reliant on federal funding like Social Security, Medicare, or grants. We're joined by one of the reporters behind the story, @AaronZitner, to break down the findings and explain how these areas are often strongholds for Republican voters.Finally, a surprising number of people believe it might be possible to communicate with the dead. We keep the spooky season alive with our fun fact this week!

This week on Poll Hub, we have two new polls for you! How do New Yorkers feel about Mayor Eric Adams and his federal indictment? Should he stay or should he go? Plus, we dive into the data from our brand-new national poll on the Presidential race with our partners NPR and PBS. Spoiler alert! The gender gap is incredible!Then, the two in our twofer, we continue talking with Marist College President Kevin Weinman about how the college prepares students for life after graduation and the impact of AI on education. We brought on Caroline Smith and Luke Sassa, two Marist seniors, to ask some tough questions!Finally, spooky season is upon us! We got our spell book and cauldrons out to craft up the fun fact this week!

Higher education has been in the news A LOT lately between protests, student loan debt, and questions about the value of a degree. Amidst this, confidence in colleges and universities has been shrinking among Americans. To shed some light on the issue, we brought in two Marist seniors for our interview of Marist College President Kevin Weinman. They have some tough questions and Weinman has a particularly interesting perspective on higher ed and the Dow Jones Industrial Average... This is part one of a two-parter!We're also diving into some key state polls, focusing on our new numbers out of North Carolina, Georgia, and Arizona. Harris and Trump are this close in all three states even when the down ballot senate and governor's races lean strongly Democratic. What's going on?We finish with a fun fact that begs the question, who came up with these answers? The most popular TV genre is...

While Donald Trump and plenty of Republicans have argued American elections are rife with fraud, numerous investigations (including some funded and directed by Trump-aligned individuals) have, over the years, shown it to be vanishingly rare in this country. But, election fraud IS real in some democracies around the world. What's the truth about election fraud versus voter fraud? Dr. Melissa Gaeke, Director of the Center for Civil Engagement and Leadership at Marist College joins us.Plus, our first polls of the cycle from Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin give a look at just how close and important this so-called "Blue Wall" is to both campaigns. Harris is up or tied with Trump in all three and two have critical senate races. Ours a part of a slew of polls. How do people know what to believe?Finally, ever dreamt of being in the political spotlight? Our fun fact looks at how your past could influence your decision.

Did Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump accomplish what they needed to do in Tuesday night's debate? We break down the key moments from the matchup and look ahead to what's next for the Harris and Trump campaigns.Then, where does the presidential contest stand? We provide expert analysis of the shifts in candidate support, according to the new NPR/PBS News/Marist national poll.And, we wrap things up with a fun fact that might leave you looking for a nap. Not to worry, it won't put you to sleep!

Public opinion polls taken just after Labor Day in presidential election years are, perhaps surprisingly, VERY accurate in predicting the winner on Election Day...of the popular vote at least. So, despite a very noisy and busy two month stretch to the finish, the history of polling indicates what we see now is most likely what we'll get in November.Then, gender dysphoria is on the rise among Americans, but the treatments for it are hotly debated. Some politicians advocate cutting off access to these treatments for people under 18 -- and a few advocate cutting it off for everyone -- but what do Americans think? And, how much of what we hear is factual versus scare tactics?Finally, we look at two questions from the 2000s about reality TV. And in a rare moment, all four co-hosts agree on our answer!

We explore the shift from the Great Resignation to the Big Creation, where millions of Americans have quit their jobs, not just because they are unhappy, but to pursue better opportunities or even start their own businesses. We talk to Jim Garter from Gallup to see what this movement could mean for the future of work in the U.S.Then, we look at the resurgence of nuclear energy with Marist College Professor Jessica Boscarino. Specifically, the way public support is growing despite the lingering memories of disasters. We dive into the reasons behind supporting nuclear energy and consider whether it can overcome its past and play a role in clean energy.Finally, if you were an iPod, just how American would you be? This week's fun fact will make you think twice!

The Democratic National Convention has been picture-perfect for the party, injecting a lot of energy into the race just as Kamala Harris pulls ahead in most national polls. But the big question remains: can they count on a post-convention bounce?At the same time, Project 2025 — a “comprehensive blueprint designed for the next conservative administration" — has become a weapon for Democrats and a bother for Republicans. Despite Trump's recent attempts to distance himself from it, the plan continues to attract attention and support among conservatives. Just how many people are truly aware of Project 2025?Finally, we bid a bittersweet farewell to our longtime producer. After many episodes, we take a look back at some of their favorite Poll Hub moments as she prepares to sign off from her final Poll Hub episode. 

When you think of Botox, your mind may wander to aging Hollywood stars who've become strange versions of their younger selves. But data shows Botox isn't just for people with wrinkles any longer. Botox is trending for pre-wrinkled younger people, and it may be a mixed bag.Then, who's using cannabis? Since the drug has been legalized in most of America, we wanted to know how it's going. R. Lorraine Collins of @UBuffalo joins to check in on the state of legal weed. With so much rapid change, who is using it now and how much are they using?Finally, what are those college kids drinking?! Well, this week's fun fact tells us what was the popular college beverage was back in 1939!

Kamala Harris has picked Tim Walz as her running mate and the DNC is right around the corner. The race is on and our new poll with NPR and PBS News shows things have changed quite a bit since Joe Biden left the race.Then, speaking of vice presidential candidates, JD Vance's comments about "childless cat ladies" has made waves. Plenty of people were offended but there is truth to the notion that there are more childless Americans than there used to be. Michigan State's Jennifer Watling Neal joins to discuss her research of Americans who've chosen not to have kids.And, finally, a sendoff for one of our favorite student producers, Delaney Hayes, who is off to law school and then ruling the world!

We're asking a crucial question: Is it news or nonsense? With more people getting their news from social media platforms and AI-produced visuals flooding the zone, there is a lot of room for misinformation. This week, we bring Marist Journalism professor Kevin Lerner back on the show to help us break down how to spot misinformation and find credible news sources.Then, tens of millions of Americans use this platform for entertainment and endless scrolling, but, for some, it's a full-time job. The U.S. government is pushing the Chinese-run company to sell TikTok or face a ban in the United States, but what does this mean for everyday Americans? We are joined by TikTok influencer Maddie (m00bie) Schrader to discuss the ban President Biden signed into law and its implications for both users and influencers.We finish with a Lee-less fun fact. Can we even do that? It's about something so ubiquitous that we barely think about it, even though most of us had never heard of it 30 years ago.

Joe Biden ended his campaign and Kamala Harris very quickly became the almost-certain Democratic nominee. The next day, we asked Americans in a one-day survey with NPR and PBS News what they thought. The results say a lot but we're also discussing why a one-day poll can tell us only so much.Then, the COVID pandemic exposed deep flaws in our country's nursing homes, but what is being done to fix them? We talk with R. Tamara Konetzka from the University of Chicago to get a better sense of what's wrong with the system and whether the huge batch of ageing boomers might change that.Finally, what will you be watching during the Paris Olympics? We find out what America has to say in this fun fact!

The Republican National Convention is over and the assassination attempt on Donald Trump is already fading from the headlines, so what to make of the next set of polls? Our NPR/PBS News survey released last week helps show why you probably shouldn't read too much into the next set of polls...even ours!Next, we're looking at cryptocurrency. You've probably heard of Bitcoin but, if you're like many Americans, you don't really know what crypto is or what is can do. So... we have Bina Ramamurthy @BinaUB from @UBuffalo on to break down cryptocurrency and the future of virtual money! And. if you're looking for more, check out her Blockchain ThinkLab and Coursera courses on the topic.Finally, this week's fun fact covers the best time of year -- summertime -- and the best food of all. Ice cream! What's your favorite flavor? It starts there and we go way afield.

There has been a whirlwind of post-debate polling around Biden vs. Trump, but how accurate are they? We have @FiveThirtyEight's @gelliottmorris on with us to sort the good from the bad...and all the in-between.Next, natural disasters only seem to be increasing with climate change, but are we prepared to give people warnings about them? We have @k_e_gray @unewhaven on to talk about our potential vulnerabilities as a nation facing disasters.And, as summer hits its stride, step outside. Do you smell sunscreen, grass, or bbq? This week's fun fact tackles the smells of summer.

How will the Supreme Court's historic ruling on Presidential immunity from criminal prosecution impact the race for the White House? And, how with the historically bad debate between Biden and Trump impact the election? We're looking at the early polls and exploring whether ANYTHING will change what people think of these two historically unpopular candidates.Then, as we celebrate Independence Day, we're looking at how Americans think about patriotism and the flag. And...no surprise...it's complicated by partisan differences.Finally, do you know how many nicknames there are for the American flag? This week's fun fact looks at the fan favorite!

Our latest NPR/PBS News poll asks a hypothetical: Do you want your kid to grow up to be president? Perhaps after this week's debate, you won't be surprised what a majority of Americans think.Then, Harvard's David Deming helps us sort through the growing debate about whether college is still worth it as costs -- and debt -- soar.Finally, summer is concert season and this week's fun fact posits another hypothetical: who would you see if they were still touring?maristpoll.com/podcast

A June presidential debate has never happened but that's about to change. With that in mind, we're looking into the data from our new NPR/PBS News poll about Biden v. Trump and a whole lot more. Including how they're tied on a very unenviable metric.Next, should we pay college athletes? Student athletes already do get some compensation in some cases, but recent court rulings and settlements have blown the discussion wide open. We look at what Americans think and then get some expert insights from sports law attorney Luke Fedlam.Finally, pull out your crystals and Yanni CDs for our fun fact...

Our first polls of the cycle are out, and we are discussing all the numbers from the battleground states of Pennsylvania and Ohio. These two states could determine control of the U.S. Senate.Then, is technology ruining our children? We have seen a concerning rise in technology usage amongst the younger generations, especially boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic. How will this impact generations to come?Finally, we wrap up with Lee's fun fact, perfectly timed for the hot summer days ahead. And it sparks a bit of a debate.