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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Jan 16, 2026
Vaccine Shifts and the MLK Holiday 40 Years On
We look at a major shift in U.S. childhood vaccine policy as the CDC moves away from universal recommendations. While most Americans still support routine vaccines and school requirements, confidence in vaccine schedules and safety varies sharply by political and demographic factors. Then, we examine how Americans observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Admiration for Dr. King is nearly universal, but participation in service and civic activities remains limited, revealing gaps between shared values and civic engagement. And, for our fun fact, we are looking at which recent presidential election would have most surprised the Founding Fathers.
Jan 09, 2026
Venezuela, Trust, and the News
On this week’s Poll Hub: A stunning moment in Venezuela puts U.S. military power and public opinion front and center. Americans are sharply divided over the operation to capture the country’s president, but nearly everyone agrees on one thing: Venezuela’s future should be decided by Venezuelans themselves. Next, we examine why Americans are questioning the press. With trust in traditional news falling and more people turning to platforms, creators, and algorithms for information, what does this shift mean for democracy, shared facts, and the future of polling? And, for our fun fact, we’re shifting gears to see how many Americans have experience driving a car with a manual transmission.
Dec 19, 2025
Holiday Cost Crunch
Holiday spending has a big impact on the US economy, so how many gifts people buy isn't just about smiling faces on Christmas morning. Will Americans' blue mood about the economy make things worse? We're also digging deep into our new poll about rising prices and household jitters plus how that's impacting Trump's approval rating. Finally, we share a fun fact from past polling about whether Americans ever give “rain check” gifts during the holidays.
Dec 12, 2025
What Gen Z Really Wants
Gen Z is divided on what success means today. We look at how young men and women differ on marriage, children, and even whether they want to stay in the United States. Then, our holiday fun fact takes on a classic seasonal question about when Americans open their presents.
Dec 05, 2025
Bites and Beats: Food Insecurity and the Rise of AI Music
Are Americans REALLY eating healthy? Dutchess Outreach’s Deanna Jacobs joins us to unpack why so many think their diets are balanced, even as access to fresh food and SNAP benefits remains uncertain. Then, we dive into the rise of Xania Monet, the first AI-created artist to hit the Billboard charts. Is she the future of music, a threat to human artists, or something in between? Finally, our Fun Fact looks at America’s favorite season to travel.
Nov 26, 2025
News Consumers and New Security
On this week’s Poll Hub: We’re looking at how Americans are getting their news in 2025, and what that means. Our first guest, Will Jordan of Global Strategy Group, joins us to break down new research on the growing divide between active and passive news consumers. With more people encountering news by accident instead of seeking it out, what does this shift mean for staying informed? Then, we turn to the rise of biometric security, Dr. Gideon Christian helps us explore how Americans feel about these technologies, where they support their use, and where major concerns remain. And, for our fun fact, in which season would you choose Thanksgiving to be?
Nov 21, 2025
Blame, Prices, and Politics
The latest NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll shows a significant shift heading into 2026. From Democrats’ strong generic ballot advantage to Americans’ frustration with DC and their top priority for the Trump administration, we’re diving deep into where voters stand and why it matters now. Then, we track how voting is changing. With early and mail ballots soaring recently in places like Virginia and NYC, we connect public opinion with real turnout and what it means for election officials and voters nationwide. And, for our Fun Fact, we’re flashing back to a 2005 poll on whether Americans prefer Thanksgiving at home or at the White House. Is that a real question?
Nov 14, 2025
Where We Gather and How We Vote
We’re exploring how the places we gather can shape the way we participate in democracy. Author Sarah Stamper joins us to talk about the decline of local hangouts and community spaces and what that means for civic connection and voter engagement. And for our Fun Fact, we’re unwrapping a holiday throwback about when Americans really start their Christmas shopping.
Nov 07, 2025
Race to the Finish!
The votes are in, and NYC has a new mayor-elect: Zohran Mamdani. Plus, Mikie Sherrill wins the NJ gubernatorial election and Abigail Spanberger becomes the governor-elect in Virginia. How did the polls do? Let's debrief! Then, we talk with Marist's very own Coach Pete Colaizzo of the cross country and track and field teams about marathon running. We'll also hear from a familiar face about his own running experience. Welcome back, Neel Viswanathan! And, in this week's fun fact, getting rid of traditions...Is this some sort of trick?
Oct 31, 2025
Boo! Halloween is Big Business
Who's it gonna be? The NYC Mayoral race is one almost everyone around the country is following. Will the city elect its first Muslim -- and a Democratic Socialist to boot -- or pick the scandal-plagued former governor who resigned in disgrace? We're digging into the data from our new poll. Then, Halloween isn't just about costumes and candy. From record-breaking consumer enthusiasm to increased awareness of risks, we're talking celebration, spending, and safety this spooky season! Oh...and we're in costume so make sure to check out the YouTube version of this episode! And, for our fun fact, grab your popcorn and close your eyes, we're talking scary movies!