Make Me Smart

<p>In December, the Department of Health and Human Services <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23465/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-hospital-condition-of-participation-prohibiting-sex-rejecting">proposed a new rule</a> that would ban hospitals from receiving any Medicare and Medicaid funding if they offer gender-affirming care for minors. Today, Kimberly checks in with Marketplace’s Samantha Fields to hear about her reporting on how this is affecting health care providers across the country. Plus, we’ll get into how the proposed rule fits into a larger wave of restrictions on transgender health care, years in the making.</p>

<p><em>Hey Smarties! There won’t be a livestream for “Economics on Tap” today. But don’t worry! “Economics on Tap” will return soon on Feb. 20. For now, we’re sharing a new episode from our friends over at </em><em><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/shows/this-is-uncomfortable-reema-khrais" class="default">“This Is Uncomfortable.”</a></em><em> Enjoy!</em></p><br/><p>Author and journalist Aymann Ismail wants his kids to grow up with a real connection to their Egyptian roots, including speaking Arabic. For his family, that means committing to a private Islamic school — and figuring out how to afford tuition.</p><br/><p>“This Is Uncomfortable” host Reema Khrais sits down with Aymann as he walks through his family budget and the financial trade-offs that decision requires. They talk about what’s at stake for him, financially and culturally, and why holding onto Arabic feels especially urgent right now.</p><br/><p>If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And if you want to tell us what you thought about the episode or about a tricky financial decision you’ve made, email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or call 347-RING-TIU. And follow our new social accounts on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thisisuncomfortablepod/" class="c-link">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ThisIsUncomfortablePod" class="c-link">Tiktok</a> @ThisIsUncomfortablePod</p>

<p>With Valentine’s Day around the corner, in this episode we’re taking a look at what it’s like to be looking for love right now — and the technology that’s meant to help us do it. Lots of dating apps are integrating AI features these days, but are they making it easier to find real-life connections? We talk to Jason Parham, senior writer at Wired magazine, to try to find out. </p>

<p>Cliche or not, engaging with art is certainly one of the best ways to take a step back when the news cycle gets extra heavy. On the show today, Kimberly is joined by Maggie Smith, poet and host of <a href="https://www.slowdownshow.org/" class="default">“The Slowdown”</a> podcast. They talk about why reading and writing are so good for the soul, and about the importance of practicing creativity when funding for the arts is under attack. Maggie also reads a poem she selected specially for us! Plus, we’ll hear from two listeners about their self-care rituals. </p>

<p><em>Hey Smarties! There won’t be a livestream for “Economics on Tap” today. But don’t worry! “Economics on Tap” will return soon on Feb. 20. For now, we’re sharing a new episode from our friends over at </em><em><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/shows/this-is-uncomfortable-reema-khrais" class="default">“This Is Uncomfortable.”</a></em><em> Enjoy!</em></p><br/><p>“Work Drama” is the “This Is Uncomfortable” advice column, answering your questions about sticky work situations. This week, Reema tackles your questions about workplace tension, co-worker cliques, bosses behaving badly, and some bizarre office policies. And she’s joined by one of our favorite culture writers and podcasters, Sarah Hagi, who hosts “<strong><a href="https://wondery.com/shows/scamfluencers/" class="externallink">Scamfluencers</a></strong>.”</p><br/><p>If you have any work drama going on, we want to hear about it! You can send it to us at <strong><a href="mailto:[email protected]" class="interallink">[email protected]</a></strong>, leave a message at 347-RING-TIU, or fill out the form at the bottom of the page.</p>