There has been a bit of panic lately over employers who say not enough people want to apply for open jobs. Are we facing a labor shortage? Have stimulus checks and expanded unemployment insurance payments created an economy full of people who don’t want to work — and who are holding back the economic recovery? That’s one theory, anyway. But it’s leading to r ... Show More
Sep 8
What ‘Hyperpolitics’ Explains About This Era
Behind the intense political movements of the last decade, from Trumpism to wokeness and back again, there’s a strange and erratic rhythm. Movements saturate the culture seemingly overnight, only to evaporate or spark backlash just as rapidly. We’re extremely politically engaged, ... Show More
1h 8m
Apr 2022
The Economy Is Weird Right Now
Unemployment in the United States is near record lows, wages are growing quickly, and spending in the service sector is increasing as the pandemic lulls.But there's also some worrying news: more job openings than people who want to fill them, global economic uncertainty stemming ... Show More
14m 25s
Aug 2021
Stories From the Great American Labor Shortage
<p><i>This episode contains strong language. </i></p><p>Bartenders, sous chefs, wait staff — at the moment, managers in the U.S. hospitality industry are struggling to fill a range of roles at their establishments.</p><p>Managers blame pandemic unemployment benefits for the deart ... Show More
41m 45s