Ellen Cushing

Mitchell Hartman, a Marketplace reporter, dives deep into unemployment claims and the Federal Reserve's upcoming decisions. He sheds light on how rising rates affect job seekers. Joining him is Ellen Cushing from The Atlantic, who explores the spicy food trend, linking it to economic factors and Gen Z’s taste for intense flavors. Together, they connect food, art, and economics, sharing how emerging tariffs and cultural shifts influence various industries, from the grocery store to Indigenous art markets.

Mitchell Hartman, a Marketplace reporter, dives into rising unemployment claims and their impact on Federal Reserve policy. Ellen Cushing, a writer at The Atlantic, discusses the spicy food trend, highlighting how culinary preferences are shifting, especially among Gen Z. The conversation also touches on tariffs affecting Indigenous artists and their creative resilience amidst economic pressures. Listeners gain insights into AI advancements in the labor market and lively debates on price stability as we navigate our evolving economy.

Ellen Cushing, a writer for The Atlantic, dives into the fascinating evolution of snacking in American culture. With 95% of adults snacking daily, she explores how this trend has replaced traditional meals, influenced by marketing and societal shifts. The podcast uncovers the contrast between American and European snacking habits, the health implications of constant grazing, and the environmental challenges posed by snack packaging. Cushing also discusses the cultural pressures around food choices and the addictive qualities of modern snacks.