Annie Joy Williams

Julie Margetta Morgan, President of the Century Foundation and former CFPB director, delves into the complexities of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services and their surprising impacts on consumer behavior. Amy X. Wang, a New York Times Magazine story editor, shares cautionary tales of emotional spending resulting from these services. Annie Joy Williams, from The Atlantic, discusses personal experiences with BNPL and its marketing tactics targeting women. Together, they explore the blurry line between convenience and debt, highlighting necessary regulatory changes.

Annie Joy Williams, an assistant editor at The Atlantic, delves into the fading Southern drawl, drawing on her upbringing in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She discusses the defining characteristics of the accent and the Southern vowel shift that makes it unique. Listeners share their personal experiences of code-switching, revealing how accents can serve as tools for connection and rapport. Together, they explore the cultural implications of losing a regional identity, sparking vibrant conversations about language and belonging.

Join Annie Joy Williams, an Assistant Editor at The Atlantic, and Allyson Rees, a Senior Analyst at WGSN, as they tackle the hefty costs of attending weddings. They reveal shocking statistics about guest spending and the debt incurred by 31% of attendees. The duo discusses escalating expenses from bachelor/bachelorette parties to destination weddings, and the pressures of social media on extravagant expectations. They also share tips on setting boundaries and making budget-friendly choices, all while navigating friendship dynamics.