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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Aug 06, 2026
Are Data Centers the 2026 Election Surprise?
Artificial intelligence is fueling a data center boom, but many Americans oppose having one built in their own community -- and that dramatically crosses party lines. We explore the growing debate over jobs, economic growth, electricity use, water consumption, and the local impacts of powering the AI revolution. Then, we examine the push for mental health days at work as stress and burnout remain widespread and more employees say workplace well-being influences whether they stay or leave a job. And, our fun fact takes us back to 1948, when Gallup asked Americans about their perfect home temperature. See if your guess matches the public’s.
Jul 30, 2026
Looksmaxxing: New Name, Same Old Problem?
Americans across generations are feeling pressure to change how they look. We examine the desire to lose weight, the growing anti-aging economy, social media’s effect on teens, and the rise of looksmaxxing among boys and young men. Then, we look at “job lock,” as more workers say they are staying in jobs they want to leave because they cannot afford to lose their employer-sponsored health insurance. With healthcare costs remaining a major concern, we explore how access to coverage is shaping career decisions, entrepreneurship, and economic mobility.
Jul 24, 2026
Pop Sports Politics: Too Much Mixing?
Politics is showing up everywhere, from sports and entertainment to concerts and social media. We look at whether athletes and celebrities should use their platforms to speak out and why many Americans feel politics has spread too far into everyday life. Then, we examine the disability employment gap. Even with similar levels of education, people with disabilities remain less likely to be employed and continue to face assumptions, accessibility barriers, and unequal opportunities in the workplace. We also explore whether the rise of remote work has helped. And, finally, does opening an umbrella indoors really bring bad luck? We look back at what Americans said about this familiar superstition.
Jul 17, 2026
Age and Congress: How Old is Too Old?
We're tackling the age-old question: How old is too old to lead? Across all branches of government, Americans are increasingly questioning the age of elected officials and whether it's time for reforms like age and term limits. We also explore the changing state of reading in the U.S. As Americans read fewer books and consume them in different ways, what does modern reading really look like? And, finally, have you ever visited a fortune teller? This week's fun fact takes us back to 1980 to see just how many Americans sought a glimpse into the future.
Jul 10, 2026
China: Enemy? Competitor? Frenemy?
As tensions between the United States and China continue to rise over trade, technology, and national security, we examine how Americans view China’s role in the world. Many see China as a rival or even a threat, but they also recognize how closely the two economies are connected. Then, we turn to trust in America — not trust in government or institutions — but trust in each other. From neighbors to strangers, Americans’ confidence in one another has declined over decades, raising questions about community and civic life and about whether trust can be rebuilt. And finally, we look back at a 1939 youth survey on iced tea and what young Americans had to say about one of summer’s classic drinks.
Jul 02, 2026
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
On this week's Poll Hub: On America's 250th birthday, we look at American pride and how it has changed over time. Most Americans still say they are proud to be American, but that pride now divides sharply by party, generation, and what people believe the country is living up to. Then, as the oldest Baby Boomers turn 80, we examine how Americans think about death, end-of-life planning, and the gap between being comfortable talking about death and actually preparing for it. And, finally, we look back at how Americans once felt about moving major holidays to Mondays in the name of a longer weekend. maristpoll.com/podcast
Jun 25, 2026
Pride, Politics, and the Acceptance Divide
We wrap up Pride Month by examining the contrast between the increasing number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ+ and the decreasing support for the community. We're joined by Michael Bronski to discuss his book A Queer History of the United States for Young People and how recent polling about LGBTQ+ acceptance has changed, and what these changes mean. Then, we ask what Americans would rather have: an extra week of vacation or an extra week of pay. maristpoll.com/podcast
Jun 18, 2026
World Cup...No Fever?
On this episode of Poll Hub, we dive into our new national poll with NPR and PBS News, examining how Americans are feeling headed into summer. Financial worries are still front and center as Trump's approval rating has hit a record low. Our second segment covers American sentiment on the World Cup. As we host the globe, why do Americans seem not to care, and how do factors like ICE presence and affordability affect Americans' views? And, lastly, we see which of us are right or left-handed and discuss an interesting fact about presidential hands.
Jun 12, 2026
Trillionaires in Space, or, To the Moon, Elon!
SpaceX is heading toward the largest IPO in history, a move that should make Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire. We break down what Americans think about Musk, the megarich, and whether too much wealth is becoming too much power. Then, we turn to the future of America’s space program after Blue Origin’s rocket explosion. Americans are proud of NASA and support space exploration, but many are still unsure whether private companies can deliver on the promises being made about the moon and Mars. And, finally, our fun fact sticks with the space theme -- in this case, space travel for the rest of us.
Jun 04, 2026
Scam Nation & Vanishing Kids
Scams have become one of the most common crimes in America, but the victims are not always who people assume. We break down who's getting scammed, why most victims never report it, and whether government or tech companies are doing enough to stop it. Then we turn to family size: Americans are having fewer children, even though many still say two or three kids is ideal. We look at what is driving the gap between the family size Americans want and the reality many are facing. And finally, our fun fact explores what Americans think may happen after this life.