Poll Hub Podcast
Poll Hub goes behind the science to explain how polling works, what polls really show, and what the numbers really mean.
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May 14, 2026
The Bi-Partisan Billionaire Backlash
Something we all seem to agree on: There's too much money in politics and billionaires have too much sway over Washington. We dive into all things money in politics on our newest episode. Then we turn to pets: Americans are increasingly placing at least as much importance on their furry friends as on parenthood. For many that means prioritizing their pets as if they are family. And lastly, how often do you remember your dreams?
May 08, 2026
What Are We Thinking?
We are discussing our new national poll conducted with our partners NPR and PBS News. On issue after issue, a majority of Americans disapprove of the job Donald Trump is doing as president. One of the biggest disappointments seems to be on the economy. We're looking at how Americans’ views of the economy have shifted over the past year. Spoiler alert: Sentiment has steadily worsened. And, we finish with an extra relevant fun fact for one member of our team: How old is 75?
May 01, 2026
Political Violence on the Rise
On this week’s Poll Hub: Following the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, we're looking at rising concerns about political violence in the United States and what recent polling reveals about how Americans view it. While large majorities say politically motivated violence is increasing, a growing share also believes it may be justified under certain circumstances. Next, we turn to how Americans are thinking about renewable energy today. While support for sources like wind and solar remains strong overall, it has declined in recent years and become more divided along political lines. At the same time, opinions shift when it comes to cost, reliability, and local impact, revealing a growing gap between broad support in theory and hesitation in practice. And, lastly, we continue with this topic by discussing the growing debate of hybrid vs electric vs gas powered cars.
Apr 24, 2026
MAHA's Moment
On this week’s Poll Hub: We begin by looking at the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement and what Americans really think about it. While many express general support for its health-focused goals, fewer people strongly identify with the movement, and opinions shift when more details about its policies are introduced. We explore what this gap reveals about how Americans interpret health reform, politics, and messaging around public well-being. Next, we turn to growing concerns among Americans about drinking water and the tradeoffs between tap and bottled water. With drinking water pollution ranking as the nation’s top environmental concern, many Americans rely on bottled water. At the same time, concern about plastic pollution remains extremely high, creating a contradiction between environmental values and everyday behavior. We break down what the data shows about trust, habits, and environmental impact. And, finally, for our fun fact, we are talking about fast food frequency! maristpoll.com/podcast
Apr 17, 2026
Shifting Beliefs, Shifting Democracy
On this week’s Poll Hub: We begin by examining how Americans’ religious beliefs and practices are changing across generations. Findings show that while most U.S. adults were raised with a strong religious identity and regular participation in organized religion, far fewer are maintaining those same levels of practice in adulthood. Next, we turn to how social media is shaping Americans' thinking about democracy itself. A recent study finds that heavy social media users are more likely to feel politically empowered and believe citizens can influence government, but they are also less likely than lighter users to say democracy is the best form of government. And finally, we go way back to the 40s and talk about minimum wage for our fun fact. maristpoll.com/podcast
Apr 10, 2026
Mamdani's Moment
On this week's Poll Hub: 100 days in, new numbers on Mayor Zohran Mamdani from our new NYC poll. A plurality approve of his job performance, and more than half of New York City residents say the city is now headed in the right direction — a major shift from just a few months ago. Then, the latest podcast from Marist comes from the Center for Sports Communication -- "Point Taken" is off to a great start, and we're talking to the Center's Director, Andrew Elrick about it. We finish with a question about movies and food. Which raises a question of its own... maristpoll.com/podcast
Apr 03, 2026
Financial Trust and Foreign Tensions
On this week’s Poll Hub, We kick things off by diving into a new Gallup poll that highlights a global rise in trust in banks and other financial institutions. While the U.S. is part of this upward trend, levels of trust here still lag behind many other countries raising interesting questions about confidence in the financial system at home. Next, we shift gears to explore American public opinion on Iran, tracing how attitudes have evolved over time: from the era of the Shah, through the revolution and periods of heightened tension, to where perceptions stand today. Finally, we finish with a fun fact debating the level of violence in different sports. maristpoll.com/podcast
Mar 27, 2026
War Cracks GOP Coalition
On this week's Poll Hub: Americans are torn over the conflict with Iran, wanting both a quick end and major geopolitical outcomes. While many support stopping Iran’s nuclear program, economic concerns and rising gas prices weigh heavily. Partisan divides are clear: most Republicans support military action, while Democrats and independents largely oppose it. But, there are real cracks showing in Trump's Republican Party for the first time since he won in 2016. Then, grandparents play a bigger role than many realize, both in their families and the economy. From providing financial support and care giving to sharing meals and creating lasting memories, they are essential contributors to daily life. We break down how often grandparents provide care, how much they spend on grandchildren, and the meaningful ways they support the next generation. We also take a look at what people's favorite day was in 1952, and it might look a bit different than today. maristpoll.com/podcast
Mar 20, 2026
The Future of Cancer
On this week's Poll Hub: Cancer remains one of the most widespread diseases in the United States. While treatments have improved and survival rates continue to rise, more Americans are being diagnosed, including younger populations, raising new questions about prevention and risk. At the same time, cancer care is rapidly evolving. Breakthroughs in targeted therapies and immunotherapies are helping patients live longer, and, in many cases, shifting cancer into something that can be managed over time rather than immediately life-threatening. However, progress comes with tradeoffs. Cancer is not a single disease, and its impact goes far beyond treatment, shaping long-term physical, emotional, and financial realities for patients. Joined by Dr. Thomas Blom of Princeton Medical Group and Penn Medicine, we explore where we stand today and where cancer care is headed next. maristpoll.com/podcast
Mar 13, 2026
Perfectionism and Polling
On this week’s Poll Hub: We break down our new national poll with NPR and PBS News. From President Donald Trump’s job approval rating to views on election security, we take a closer look at the numbers and what may be shaping attitudes across the country. Plus: perfectionism. When does striving for excellence become something that holds people back? We explore how perfectionism shows up in everyday life and what it can mean for productivity, expectations, and well-being. And a fun fact that "springs ahead." How are people's sleep schedules affected with the clock change? maristpoll.com/podcast