WHYY
What’s lost in the era of streaming and subscriptions? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/24/2026
- Title
- What’s lost in the era of streaming and subscriptions? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/24/2026
- Runtime
- 54:51
- Date posted
- 2 days ago
- Description
- When was the last time you plugged in that old DVD player? Do you still listen to music on CDs or vinyl records? What about the good old MP3 players? As it turns out, physical media is making a comeback, especially among young people. The reason? “Subscription fatigue,” as consumers are getting fed up with the ever-growing list of subscription services that let you access content rather than own it.
It’s not just media, either. Household devices and even some vehicles are experimenting with subscription models, making it easier for companies to revoke access to products when a license runs out or when you stop paying a regular fee.
In the age of subscriptions, we’re asking: do we really own our stuff? What can be done about the so-called ‘death of ownership?’ Will newfound enthusiasm for things like physical products sway us to buy rather than rent? Or does the convenience and ease of streaming outweigh the downsides?
Guests:
...
- Title
- Guide dog training is on the bill at Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- Gateway has partnered with People and Puppies at Work for Sight, an organization that trains puppies to become Seeing Eye dogs for the blind.
“The partnership just means that the dogs are welcome here anytime,” Gateway board chair Katie Calvi said. “They are welcome to learn about the real world by coming to the theater.”
People and Puppies at Work train dogs for The Seeing Eye, the country’s oldest guide dog training organization based in Morristown, New Jersey.
The Gateway theater got involved through its technical director Avagliano, who has trained guide dogs for 21 years.
Avagliano’s latest— and 18th — trainee is Mars, a 7-month-old German Shepard who started attending theater at 2 months.
- Title
- China | Studio 2 from WHYY | 9/23/26
- Runtime
- 55:03
- Date posted
- 3 days ago
- Description
- President Donald Trump is set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House later this week for bilateral talks and state dinner. The two superpowers have an increasingly complicated relationship. Trump has frequently criticized China as an economic and strategic threat while simultaneously praising China’s leader personally.
High on the summit agenda is the AI race, an issue that’s been made more urgent by warnings from tech leaders and researchers about the risks of AI escaping human control. But with Trump insisting he doesn’t want to slow innovation, it seems unlikely the two competitors will find common ground.
Other critical issues include the trade truce over rare earth minerals and the war in Iran, a key trade partner for China.
In this episode, we’ll explore the state of US-China relations and the broader struggle for global power. And we’ll break down what’s at stake in these talks from the AI rivalry, tariffs, and...
- Title
- White House vs. Free Press| Studio 2 from WHYY | 9/22/26
- Runtime
- 57:24
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- Three news outlets are suing the Trump administration after the president barred them from the White House and took their credentials.
It started last Friday when the president lashed out at CNN, MS NOW and Politico over their coverage of him, announcing on Truth Social that he was banning them from the White House as “a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” And he suggested that other outlets could be next.
The lawsuit filed by three news organizations argue it’s a First Amendment issue and that the government doesn’t get to decide what the press covers. And in solidarity, the major TV networks stopped covering the president’s events this week.
This isn’t the first time that President Trump has gone after the press. In his first term, he pulled CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s credentials, which a judge overturned. He has also gone after the Associated Press when they refused to use the name “Gulf of America,” filed ...
- Title
- The bizarre case of the Olney house | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/21/26
- Runtime
- 54:49
- Date posted
- 5 days ago
- Description
- In June, a federal park ranger came upon a suspicious car parked near Independence Hall. An interaction with the people inside led to the arrest of the driver, 44-year-old Eugene Horsch, on drug and weapons charges.
A subsequent search of his house in Olney yielded a vast array of disturbing contents including drugs, chemicals, fake law enforcement credentials, urns, and a trove of digital media — some of which depicted women who had gone missing.
Over the last several months, the investigation has focused on Eugene Horsch’s late father, Raymond “RC” Horsch, a pornographer who died last year. Police have now found links to seven missing women, five of whom are presumed dead. The police have not recovered any bodies or filed homicide charges.
On this edition of Studio 2, we unpack the case with two of the reporters who have been following it closely and broken many of the major updates. We also check in with WHYY’s Peter Crimmins, who ...
- Title
- Ask Governor Meyer | WHYY & DPM | 09/17/2026
- Runtime
- 54:39
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- Delaware Governor Matt Meyer joins us for this September episode to address Tuesday’s primary elections, utility costs, and artificial intelligence. Plus, high school students take a turn asking the questions.
As always we’re taking audience questions and comments throughout this show, so drop your comments in the chat, call 888-477-9499, or email askgovmeyer@whyy.org.
- Title
- Big tech in schools | Studio 2 from WHYY | 9/17/26
- Runtime
- 54:40
- Date posted
- 9 days ago
- Description
- Kids are back in school and the debate over screens in schools has erupted again. There’s a growing backlash in districts around the country over the amount of technology in classrooms.
Parents in some districts are organizing to limit screen time and ban phones. In Lower Merion School District, several families have filed a lawsuit demanding their kids can opt out of school-assigned laptops.
Bell-to-bell cell phone bans are spreading across the country. New Jersey and Delaware have passed state-wide laws and Pennsylvania could soon follow.
But computers are a different problem since so much school work and testing takes place online. And just as some more affluent districts are becoming wary of digital devices, poorer schools are struggling to afford enough computers for all students.
Tech companies have been aggressively pushing districts to adopt their tools, including new AI chatbots aimed at younger users. They argue that they...
- Title
- A play by Germantown teens is the ‘ultimate toolkit’ for a brighter future
- Runtime
- 3:00
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- ''When Tides Collide'' is an original play devised by teenagers in the Shadow Company of Yes! And…Collaborate Arts, a youth theater program based in Philadelphia. Thirteen teenaged co-authors devised and performed the play for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.
The play is more than a creative enterprise. The collaboration that brought it about challenged its young creators to develop adult skills, and leave them better for it.
The young people in the program took their collective interest in mythic and dystopian fiction — including the “Hunger Games” franchise, “The Last of Us” video game, the musical “Hadestown” and the Percy Jackson fantasy novels of Rick Riordan — and folded them into their real-life concerns about climate change and divisive politics.
- Title
- The filmmakers behind “Bucks County, USA” | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/16/26
- Runtime
- 57:19
- Date posted
- 10 days ago
- Description
- A five-part documentary series premieres on PBS this weekend. The subject? Pennsylvania’s own Bucks County.
In an attempt to better understand our national political climate, camera crews set up shop in a county that Governor Josh Shapiro once dubbed 'the swingiest of all swing counties in the swingiest of all swing states.'
Over the course of several years, filmmakers followed a community whose fault lines had been cleaved open by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tense rivalries formed in school board meetings as pandemic-era policy debates gave way to heated battles over gay pride flags and library books.
At the heart of the series are the relationships – former friends turned political rivals, teachers with opposing viewpoints trying to find common ground, and two teenage best friends trying to navigate through the culture wars around them.
Award-winning filmmakers Robert May and Barry Levinson join Studio 2 to discuss their new seri...
- Title
- Could AI spiral out of control? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/15/26
- Runtime
- 57:19
- Date posted
- 11 days ago
- Description
- Fears that AI could spiral out of human control have broken into the mainstream. The worry has been building for some time but last week an AI researcher’s public resignation over safety concerns pushed it into the wider public conversation.
Jacob Coxon, who worked at OpenAI and Anthropic, quit, writing on X that the two companies are “racing straight to self-improving superintelligence and gambling with our lives.” He added that the people building the AI “earnestly believe that it could kill us all by the end of the decade.” Tens of millions have viewed his posts. Then a current Anthropic scientist Evan Hubinger agreed, posting, “Jacob is correct here - we really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans! I personally think it’s greater than 10% within the next decade.”
These comments broke through and now the media, tech and political leaders are all weighing in. Anthropic CEO Dario Ambio has called for a slow down in development and ...
- Title
- Party Switchers: Why Change Your Vote? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/14/2026
- Runtime
- 55:34
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- Have you ever changed your mind about a political issue? Maybe you’ve started questioning your long-held partisan beliefs? President Donald Trump’s approval ratings are continuing to fall even among Republican voters. Organizations like “Leaving MAGA” are posting billboards in key states like Pennsylvania to push conservative voters away from Trump’s ideology.
But what does it take to actually push someone to the other side? What circumstances do people stretch their vote outside their traditional partisan lines? Do things like campaign messaging really sway the masses in a meaningful way?
Today on Studio 2, we’re talking about the people who jump the gap across the political divide and ask: why change your vote? We’ll talk to experts about what party switchers could mean for the midterms. We’ll also speak to those who have stepped over to the other partisan side.
Guests:
– Alexander Coppock, associate professor of poli...
- Title
- Are the Phillies too scared to win? 👀 #Phillies #Baseball #MLB
- Runtime
- 1:26
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- The Phillies are making a rash of baserunning and defensive errors and are once again chasing way too many pitches out of the strike zone. Are they playing afraid? We discussed on an all new Hittin' Season, from WHYY.
- Title
- Can the Phillies Survive the Wildcard Race? | Hittin' Season
- Runtime
- 1:04:03
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- The Philadelphia Phillies are making a final push for the postseason. On this episode of Hittin' Season, from WHYY, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher preview the final two weeks of the Phillies baseball season.
With the National League East title out of reach, the focus has shifted entirely to securing a spot in the postseason.
We analyze the crowded MLB wildcard race and the specific challenges the team faces in these final two weeks.
Subscribe for weekly sports breakdowns, and let us know your prediction for the Phillies' final record in the comments below.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
00:39 - Phillies' recent performance and playoff outlook
01:12 - Justin Klugh discusses team form and analysis
02:46 - Liz Rocher on team progress and challenges
04:04 - Analysis of recent series and team standing
05:31 - Justin on team consistency and mental approach<...
- Title
- Boyz II Men | Studio 2 from WHYY
- Runtime
- 33:09
- Date posted
- 13 days ago
- Description
- Get out the tissues and waterproof mascara because some of Philly’s most beautiful voices have come to Studio 2.
Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman – the trio behind Boyz II Men – brought us ballads like "I’ll Make Love to You," "On Bended Knee," and "End of the Road." They’ve been singing about love, heartbreak, and persevering for over thirty years.
And with a hometown concert just days away at the Highmark Mann, the trio joined us to reminisce about their Philly roots, their favorite harmonies, and their thoughts on the changes in the music industry.
Guests:
Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris, and Shawn Stockman (Boyz II Men)
- Title
- Local News Roundup | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/10/26
- Runtime
- 13:11
- Date posted
- 17 days ago
- Description
- Today on Studio 2, Cherri and Kevin are talking about the biggest and most interesting headlines from our region.
Democrats in New Jersey are becoming more frustrated with Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s unwillingness to disclose details about allegations of inappropriate conduct by her Lt. Gov., Dale Caldwell. It’s been reported that Caldwell is under an internal investigation by the governor’s office, but little information has been shared.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania made a surprise appearance at the Republican “Trump-a-Palooza” midterm convention in Dallas last night. Fetterman, a Democrat, shared a video endorsing Sen. Dave McCormick.
An NPR member station in central Pennsylvania is becoming part of the WHYY family. The Federal Communications Commission green-lit a tentative deal for our station to acquire WPSU from Penn State University.
- Title
- Preserving the Academy of Natural Sciences | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/09/26
- Runtime
- 57:39
- Date posted
- 17 days ago
- Description
- Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is the oldest natural history museum in the country. It was founded in 1812 and welcomed the public to its collections in 1828. It was the first in the world to display a mounted dinosaur to the public, Hadrosaurus foulkii in 1868.
But now that legacy is set to end. Drexel University and the museum announced last week that the nearly 200-year-old museum will close its doors at the end of the month, citing declining visitors, rising operating expenses, and budget shortfalls.
The news has been met with a passionate public outcry. On Tuesday, hundreds rallied outside the museum voicing their opposition to the planned closure and Academy fans have flooded social media with their recollections of visits to Dinosaur Hall, the hands-on paleontology Big Dig, the animal dioramas or Outside In discovery center.
For now, the Academy and Drexel leadership say they plan to sell the Benjamin F...
- Title
- National politics roundup | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/08/26
- Runtime
- 45:47
- Date posted
- 18 days ago
- Description
- Last month, top military leaders privately warned that continuing the war with Iran was unsustainable and risked American readiness for future conflicts. And yet, six months out from the start of the conflict, there’s no end yet in sight. Gas prices rose to a six-week high over the holiday weekend, and costs at the pump might soon be compounded by a trade war with longtime ally and neighbor Canada.
As pivotal midterm elections approach, President Trump’s approval ratings are at record lows and even members of his own party appear frustrated. Some battleground Republicans say they don’t want the president campaigning in their districts and many are conspicuously not attending Trump’s midterm convention in Texas this week.
Meanwhile, the rise of democratic socialist candidates in some primary elections are raising questions about the future of the democratic party.
So today on the show: what are the issues that might sway voters come Nove...
- Title
- Why the Phillies might want to lose home-field advantage 😱⚾ #MLB #Phillies #Baseball
- Runtime
- 1:28
- Date posted
- 19 days ago
- Description
- Is home-field advantage actually a benefit for the Phillies playoffs run?
We analyze the team's current high-level performance and break down why the unpredictability of the MLB postseason makes this a complex debate. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just following the league trends, we examine what really matters for the team's chances at a title.
Let us know your thoughts on the team's outlook in the comments.
- Title
- Braves vs Phillies: A Postseason Preview? | Hittin' Season
- Runtime
- 1:14:19
- Date posted
- 20 days ago
- Description
- The Phillies series against the Atlanta Braves felt like a playoff preview. We break down what this split means for the team.
The atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park was electric, matching the intensity of a high-stakes postseason matchup. John Stolnis, Liz Roscher, and Justin Klugh sit down to analyze the four-game set, questioning whether the results provided any genuine new insights or simply solidified what we already knew about the roster's capabilities.
Subscribe for weekly Phillies analysis, and let us know your thoughts on the team's performance in the comments.
Chapters:
00:00 - Series overview and main takeaways
02:07 - Phillies' lightning-fast game and fan experience
04:25 - Short games and their impact on fans and players
07:50 - Recap of series highlights and key performances
09:49 - Big picture: Phillies' competitiveness and series insights
12:20 - Post-series reflections and playoff outlook
- Title
- How to find love in a “romance recession” | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/03/26
- Runtime
- 55:39
- Date posted
- 23 days ago
- Description
- Why are young people dating less than previous generations? One third of Gen Z report never having been on a date. This tracks with current data around a drop in marriage and cohabitation rates in the U.S. All of it adds up to what some people are calling a full blown “romance recession.”
But is dating for young ‘Brayden’ and ‘Kayla’ really that much harder than it was for ‘Bob’ or ‘Kathy’? Some would say yes. Endless swiping on dating apps has many singles feeling burnt out. Inflation has made dating feel like a financial burden. Plus, a decline in third spaces and post-pandemic social norms has created more barriers to meeting people in real life.
Today on Studio 2, we unpack the latest trends and talk to experts about how to find love in the modern age.
Guests:
– Lauren Daddis, Philadelphia-based matchmaker at Three Day Rule.
– Allie Volpe, correspondent at Vox writing about mental health, relationships, ...
- Title
- The politics of AI data centers | Studio 2 from WHYY | 9/2/26
- Runtime
- 57:44
- Date posted
- 24 days ago
- Description
- Backlash to AI data centers has become a uniting issue in America, one of the few bringing together people of all political stripes. And it’s become one of the biggest issues in this election year.
Roughly seventy percent of Americans oppose data centers near where they live, and 500 communities have banned or passed moratoriums on new construction, both in red and blue states. They have concerns over the center’s power demands driving up electricity costs, water usage, noise and environmental pollution.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Texas Governor Greg Abbott once welcomed the big tech companies as economic boons to their states but both have now reversed their positions. Shapiro signed an executive order last month restricting development and requiring local approval.
Some say these u-turns may be politically necessary, but could prove unwise in the long term. President Donald Trump has championed AI data centers, on Monday sayi...
- Title
- A new era in youth sports | Studio 2 from WHYY | 09/01/26
- Runtime
- 55:46
- Date posted
- 25 days ago
- Description
- Sports have long been lauded as a way for kids to build character, learn the value of teamwork, discipline, and, lest we forget, a great way to have fun!
But the youth sports ecosystem has changed a lot in recent years. Local recreational leagues, already underfunded and reliant on volunteers, were hit hard by the pandemic and have struggled to recover. Meanwhile, for-profit leagues – with high end facilities, intensive practice schedules, and travel mandates – are thriving, thanks in part to investment from private equity and venture capital.
The ‘professionalization’ of youth sports has ushered in rising costs. According to one survey, family spending on kids' athletics jumped nearly 50% between 2019 and 2024. In 2025, the top sports-related fundraising cause on GoFundMe was “competition travel.”
The heightened stakes are also raising concerns over athletes' mental and physical well-being. And some argue that culture on the sideli...
- Title
- This is why you never count out the Phillies in August 🔥👀 #baseball
- Runtime
- 1:03
- Date posted
- 26 days ago
- Description
- The Phillies performance in August is historic, marking a feat not seen in 35 years.
We break down how the team secured four massive MLB sweeps and why they are thriving in such weird conditions. If you want to understand the stats behind this impressive baseball record, this breakdown is for you.
Let me know your thoughts on the team's postseason chances in the comments.
- Title
- Phillies August dominance: Is this a World Series run? | Hittin' Season
- Runtime
- 57:17
- Date posted
- 26 days ago
- Description
- The Phillies do not want to see August end. Winners of 13 of 15 after sweeping the Angels in Los Angeles, the Phils begin a key week of baseball with MLB playoff implications. John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh discuss Andrew Painter's solid follow-up start, Zack Wheeler getting back on track, Cristopher Sanchez' outstanding outing and a weekend full of heroic moments for Edmundo Sosa. Also, John and Justin discuss some major moves by the Phillies' front office to revamp their player development system.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Phillies' August Success
02:02 - Wheeler's Performance and Key Moments
04:02 - Edmundo Sosa's Hot Streak and Utility Role
07:26 - Bullpen Improvements and Defensive Highlights
17:00 - Series Recap: Key Games Against Angels and Diamondbacks
25:36 - Friday Night's Crazy Comeback and Series Highlights
42:21 - Upcoming Series Against Braves and Farm System Chang...
- Title
- Measles outbreak in Pa. | Studio 2 from WHYY | 08/31/26
- Runtime
- 54:59
- Date posted
- 26 days ago
- Description
- The first measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania in 35 years were announced last week by Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. One of the victims was an infant. That news sparked a battle between the governor and U.S. Health and Human Service Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and has led to a lot of public confusion.
The deaths were in Lancaster County, the epicenter of Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak. Shapiro said that both people who died were unvaccinated, but the Lancaster County coroner’s office says that infant tested positive for measles but died of a ruptured spleen. The dispute is also around terms “measles-associated” and “measles-related” and how the state has used them to classify deaths.
Conservative critics accuse Shapiro of using the deaths for political gain. And with vaccine hesitancy and distrust in public health institutions on the rise, many worry this latest public feud will just sow more confusion and...
- Title
- Ask Governor Meyer | WHYY & DPM | 08/27/2026
- Runtime
- 55:44
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Delaware Governor Matt Meyer joins us for this August episode to address top issues like the embattled Port of Wilmington expansion project, the recent Measles outbreak, and the state’s brand new budget. Plus, a look at the upcoming primary elections.
As always we’re taking audience questions and comments throughout this show, so drop your comments in the chat, call 888-477-9499, or email askgovmeyer@whyy.org.
- Title
- The Philly bike race is back! | Studio 2 from WHYY | 8/27/26
- Runtime
- 55:41
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Cycling Enthusiasts Rejoice! After a decade hiatus, Philadelphia’s iconic bike race returns to the hills of Manayunk on August 30th. Known for two decades as the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic, the race kicked off in 1985 and became infamous for the steep, 17% grade “Manayunk Wall,” which drew competitors from around the globe as a warm up to the Tour de France.
But as corporate sponsorship interest dwindled and security costs increased, the organizers ceased operations after the 2016 race. That didn’t sit well with Carlos Rogers. The amateur cyclist and hair salon owner had an against-all-odds dream to revive the event and has now brought The Philadelphia Cycling Classic back to life through sheer will. Along the way, Rogers connected with a few key partners, including former Philadelphia Michael Nutter.
On this episode of Studio 2, ahead of the 2026 race, we unpack the significance of the return of the classic and unpack the behind-the-s...
- Title
- Big Fix: Solutions for higher education | Studio 2 from WHYY | 8/26/26
- Runtime
- 56:40
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Is a college degree worth it? More families are asking that question as tuition skyrockets.
Higher education is facing a crisis by almost all measures. Tuitions are roughly double the cost from three decades ago and more than a dozen schools now have a price tag over $100,000, putting a four-year degree increasingly out of reach for many Americans.
Schools are also bracing for a demographic cliff with declining birthrates shrinking the number of prospective students in coming years. And more young people are weighing the cost and deciding a 4-year degree won’t pay off for them.
Plus there are AI disruptions to academics, cuts to public funding, the decline in international students, the political interference by the Trump administration and campus culture wars, all of which have led to public confidence in higher education hitting a historic low.
This month’s Big Fix is tackling higher education. We’ve brought together a pane...
- Title
- Live from the Pennsylvania Hospital Museum: 275 years of medicine | Studio 2 from WHYY | 08/25/26
- Runtime
- 55:26
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Studio 2 is scrubbing in! 275 years after doors first opened, we’re hosting a special live remote broadcast from the nation’s very first chartered hospital.
Pennsylvania Hospital was founded in 1751 by radical thinkers like Benjamin Franklin who believed that healthcare should be for everyone, not just those who could afford it. And over the course of nearly 300 years, it has been home to many groundbreaking innovations. The original Pine building saw the first apothecary, the first medical library, and the first surgical amphitheater – where students could actually learn the procedures first-hand.
Founded 15 years before the country itself, how did this institution come to be? How did it revolutionize not just physical healthcare, but also how we think about mental illness? And what modern lessons can we learn from the hospital’s founding idealism?
Guests:
— Stacey Peeples, curator and lead archivist of Pennsylvania Hospital, and...
- Title
- Bucks County's jump rope champion
- Runtime
- 2:13
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- 17 year old Zach Peckman is a rising senior at New Hope-Solebury High School and national champion in competitive jump rope.
Setting three jump rope records in the United States, Peckman says jump rope isn’t just a sport, but a demanding athletic competition embraced by athletes in 60 countries.
- Title
- Philly's tenant unions are having a moment
- Runtime
- 2:10
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Philly tenant unions have quadrupled since the pandemic — and their political power is growing.
From new protections and lawsuits to collective bargaining, organized renters are testing new ways to hold landlords accountable.
“Tenants are really pushed against the wall and realizing that the only choice they have is to come together,” said Vincent Montoya, an organizer with Philadelphia DSA.
- Title
- Should we start worrying about the national debt? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 08/24/26
- Runtime
- 55:49
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, America is now in the red for a whopping $40 trillion dollars, with the national debt doubling over the last decade.
How did we get here?
A variety of reasons: tax cuts, defense spending, emergency relief during the pandemic, and an aging population pushing up the cost of social security and medicare. And lenders have taken notice. Interest rates are higher than they’ve been in a quarter of a century. And economists say that without changes to our priorities, the debt will just keep climbing.
So, how much should we be worried?
Running up a tab can be normal in the grand scheme of things – the government borrows to stimulate the economy. For most of American history, economic growth outpaced the interest rates on debt, ensuring the country can keep paying its bills.
But economists say the current moment is different.
Today on Studio 2, we unpack our natio...
- Title
- THE DROUGHT IS OVER: Kyle Schwarber's walk-off homer! 😱 #mlb #baseball #schwarber
- Runtime
- 1:09
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Kyle Schwarber hits a massive walk-off home run to end the Phillies' drought in dramatic fashion.
Witness the play that secured a 6-4 victory and created an unforgettable moment for Philadelphia fans. This highlight captures the tension and excitement of the team's first walk-off win since June 2023.
Tell us your favorite Kyle Schwarber moment in the comments below.
- Title
- Kyle Schwarber's Miracle Schwarbomb Propels Phillies to 9 Straight Wins! | Hittin' Season
- Runtime
- 50:03
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- The Phillies are on a 9-game winning streak. John Stolnis and Justin Klugh break down their historic sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals and their momentum heading west.
John Stolnis from The Good Phight analyzes how the Philadelphia Phillies are winning during their most dominant stretch of the season. After sweeping three consecutive series for the first time since 2010, the Phils are the hottest team in baseball.
Subscribe for weekly Phillies updates and analysis, and let us know in the comments how far you think this winning streak will go.
- Title
- The surveillance state got creepier | Studio 2 from WHYY | 8/20/26
- Runtime
- 57:29
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- There’s growing backlash against Flock Safety cameras, the company behind the automated license-plate readers that are used by police across the country. Recent investigations have found that 69 police officials have been accused or charged with misusing the stored data, including for tracking current or former romantic partners.
Flock Safety announced new safeguards and policy changes to address the revelations of police misuse but the public concern continues to grow and there’s been a rise in vandalism against the cameras. .
There are roughly 120,000 Flock cameras nationwide and around 7,000 agencies contracting with the company, but that number is starting to slip as departments respond to the wave of citizen outrage over how this technology is being used. Abington police department just ended their contract with Flock over privacy concerns. Critics say that it’s a mass surveillance system deployed with little oversight. It’s also been tied to IC...
- Title
- Why are testosterone levels falling? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 08/19/2026
- Runtime
- 57:39
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Testosterone has been in the news a whole lot recently. In July, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced members of the armed services would be screened for low testosterone levels, calling for a "High-T Department of War." Doctors have voiced their skepticism of how effective such screenings would be.
But a truth lies at the heart of Hegseth’s new policy: testosterone among men has been on the decline. Research has shown that average testosterone levels, even among healthy young adult men, have gotten lower over several decades. Doctors aren’t quite sure why.
Today on Studio 2, we’re asking: should we be concerned about falling testosterone levels? What, if any, impacts are we seeing on society based on this trend? What should men do about possible low T? And how are policies and rhetoric from the Trump administration affecting the culture?
Guests:
– Adar Eisenbruch, assistant professor of psychology at SUNY Purchase
- Title
- Why so many adult children are living with parents | Studio 2 from WHYY | 8/18/26
- Runtime
- 55:23
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- More young adults are moving in with mom and dad. Nearly a third of 18-35-year-olds are living at home, pushed there by an uncertain job market, housing prices that have ballooned in recent years, and the rising cost of everyday life. Some also come back with spouses and children, leaning on their parents to help with childcare.
In recent decades, moving home carried stigma. It was seen as a sign of failure, proof that someone couldn’t manage on their own, the cliche “failure to launch.” But increasingly the stigma is fading as the challenges younger generations face become hard to ignore.
But are we really at a turning point? Is multigenerational living becoming more mainstream? What are the joys and the tradeoffs for adult children and parents sharing the same roof? What does it take to make cohabitating as adults really work? And what can we learn from history about different generations living as a unit?
Guests
– Samantha Paige...
- Title
- The backlash against antidepressants | Studio 2 from WHYY | 08/17/26
- Runtime
- 55:02
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- In 1987, the FDA approved the first major medication to treat depression paving the way for a new era in mental health. Forty years after the advent of Prozac, antidepressants have become a staple of American life. Around one in six adults report taking some kind of antidepressant. According to one study, prescriptions for young adults and teens increased by 64% post pandemic.
Clinical trials show that most patients’ depressive symptoms improved with the drugs, but there’s been growing backlash that they’ve been overprescribed and can leave users hooked without an exit ramp.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has led those charges and launched the “MAHA Action Plan to curb psychiatric overprescribing” in May, spurring more attention to side effects and more research into the challenges of getting off of medication.
Mental health professionals are now grappling with the need for reform with the fear that R.F.K. Jr. could be stigmati...
- Title
- Hybrid electric plane is a 'glimpse into the future'
- Runtime
- 1:15
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Electra's JP Stewart envisions a day when anyone can hop on a plane for a 50 mile trip to work or vacation.
The key is Electra's hybrid electric ultra-short plane, which can take off and land in 150 feet or less and travel up to 500 miles.
A test flight of the company's prototype out of North Philadelphia Airport landed at Tioga Marine Terminal and then took off again using just over 100 feet of tarmac.
Stewart, a senior vice president at Electra, says most passengers describe the sudden ascent as ''like being on an elevator.''
- Title
- What word best describes this year's Phillies? | Hittin' Season #mlb #baseball #podcast
- Runtime
- 1:38
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- The Philadelphia sports season has been defined by erratic performance. See why fans are feeling such extreme emotional swings right now.
This breakdown analyzes the current state of the team and addresses the core consistency issues plaguing their recent games. If you have been following the Philadelphia sports season, you know the frustration of watching a team jump between moments of brilliance and devastating losses. We examine the specific factors contributing to these erratic performance trends.
Whether you are a die-hard supporter or just trying to understand the team's volatility, this discussion clarifies why the Philly team analysis often feels like a rollercoaster. We break down the gap between expectations and reality to explain the erratic performance witnessed on the field.
Subscribe for weekly Philadelphia sports season updates and breakdowns. Comment below: has this been the most frustrating year to be a fan?
- Title
- The rise of personal robots | Studio 2 from WHYY | 08/13/26
- Runtime
- 55:22
- Date posted
- 1 month ago
- Description
- Imagine having a robot around the house to do your daily chores – laundry, dishes, sweeping, trash. Well, for $20,000 you can take home Neo, a 5’6” humanoid robot with two camera lenses for eyes. It’s just one of a dozen robots that are coming to market soon, some aimed directly at consumers. Tech companies are also pushing human-like robots into industrial workplaces.
But while Silicon Valley and China invest heavily in these robots, can they really live up to the hype? Viral videos that show Unitree’s G1 robot dancing among a ring of World Cup fans and practicing kung fu have elevated expectations. But limits remain evident. During a martial arts routine, a G1 robot accidently kicked a child in the stomach, and Neo, the domestic consumer robot, still relies on a remote human operator.
So today, are these robots really ready for primetime? What safety and privacy issues do these machines raise? And is it time to start thinking about how we’ll ...
- Title
- How can we keep critical utilities safe from hacking? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 08/12/2026
- Runtime
- 55:30
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Cyber-attacks against critical utilities are on the rise. We’ve heard about breaches of big companies that expose our data, but a number of cybersecurity threats are now targeting the infrastructure systems we use every day, including: water, sewers, and electricity. A recent hack on dozens of water treatment plants, including two in New Jersey, has sparked renewed debate about the preparedness of our local systems against digital attacks, including from international adversaries like Iran, China and Russia.
Today on Studio 2, we’re speaking with tech security experts and asking: just how vulnerable is our infrastructure to hacking? What can we do to better prepare?
Guests:
— Joshua Corman, founder of I Am The Cavalry, a grassroots cybersecurity organization and former chief strategist of the CISA COVID Task Force
— Dr. Aunshul Rege, criminology professor at Temple University
— Zachary Mullock, mayor of Cape May, New Jersey
- Title
- The Odyssey, Part 3
- Runtime
- 3:05
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Anne Hathaway & Tom Holland talk to Patrick Stoner about the commitment required to undertake a Christopher Nolan epic.
"Flicks is a program devoted to exploring the latest creations from Hollywood. Each week, WHYY film critic Patrick Stoner provides up-to-the-minute coverage of top films, stars and moviemakers.
🎥 Watch more celebrity interviews ▶︎▶︎ https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjdphKjPqgdYppF0NQTS6D6_BXRQayfIc
Learn more about Flicks ▶︎▶︎ https://whyy.org/programs/flicks/"
- Title
- Bucks County's 17 year-old jump rope champ
- Runtime
- 2:15
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Zach Peckman, 17, is a rising senior at New Hope-Solebury High School national champion and U.S. record holder for competitive jump rope. He hope that one day the sport will be accepted into the Olympics. Peckman is also an all-state violist and sees similarities between jumping rope and playing music.
For more, check out WHYY.org.
- Title
- Why are more women freezing their eggs? | Studio 2 from WHYY | 08/11/26
- Runtime
- 55:01
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 36, announced over the weekend that she would freeze her eggs while she considers her political future, which could include a bid for the senate or presidency. She says the decision is motivated by a desire to feel “more in control” of her life.
Most women aren’t considering a run for higher office, but many can relate. There’s a growing trend of women putting off having children because of factors including career and relationship status. And freezing eggs can be an attractive option, although expensive and sometimes arduous.
Today, we’re looking at what that process actually looks like, why some women are opting in and others aren’t, and what AOC’s decision to speak publicly about her decision means for the discourse.
Guests:
– Corinne Low, economics professor at Wharton, writer of the “Femonomics” Substack and author of “Having It All: What Data Tells Us About Women’s Lives...
- Title
- South Philly dragon boat team heads to world championship in Taiwan
- Runtime
- 1:45
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The Discovery Pathways dragon boat team has qualified to compete in the world championships in Taiwan. Within the boat there are 13 languages spoken and all of the kids attend Philadelphia public schools. They trained in the Schuylkill River and at FDR Park to get ready for the worlds.
Discovery Pathways is a non-profit that supports Philly youth with free outdoor and environmental programs. https://discoverypathways.org/
For more, check out WHYY.org
- Title
- The Phillies are mediocre AND the best threat to beat the Dodgers! #baseball #podcast #mlb #sports
- Runtime
- 1:34
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Are the Philadelphia Phillies a legitimate threat to the Dodgers in the NL playoffs? We break down their postseason outlook.
This analysis evaluates the current standing of the Philadelphia Phillies as they prepare for the postseason. If you follow National League baseball, this breakdown examines how the team matches up against top-tier competition, specifically focusing on the Dodgers vs Phillies dynamic. We look at the roster strengths and current performance metrics to see if they have the momentum to make a deep run.
We specifically look at the rotation of Phillies starting pitchers to determine if they can hold up under playoff pressure. By analyzing their recent trends against overall league performance, viewers get a clearer picture of their chances in the upcoming NL playoffs. Understanding these pitching matchups is essential for predicting which teams will succeed in the final weeks of the season.
Subscribe for weekly MLB postseason ana...
- Title
- The Phillies' Very Weird Season: True or False? | Hittin' Season
- Runtime
- 1:07:51
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- Alec Bohm should be benched. Jesus Luzardo is the Phillies' best pitcher. The Phils are mediocre and, yet, still the biggest threat to knock off the Dodgers. Which of these statements are true? Which are false? After this weekend's series with the Blue Jays and their opener against the Cardinals Monday, hosts John Stolnis, Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher tackle the biggest questions surrounding the Phillies as they play a little "True or False" filled with questions about the hometown 9.
Key Topics:
Bullpen struggles
Impact of player development and injuries on team prospects
Postseason threat assessment and playoff roster strategies
Historical comparisons and future 'what if' scenarios Alec Bohm's performance and fan perception
Kyle Schwarber's recent home run streak
Jesus Luzardo's pitching dominance since June 10
Wheeler vs Luzardo for playoff game two
Managerial decisions and team strategy
Player mental mistake...
- Title
- Head Start cuts | Studio 2 from WHYY | 08/10/26
- Runtime
- 55:44
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- The Trump administration wants to deregulate Head Start, the early education program for low-income families and hand oversight of the federal program over to the states. It proposes cutting hundreds of standards, including requirements for low class size, medical, dental and disability screenings, mandates for full-day care, and pay parity for staff.
Announcing the proposed cuts, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy stated in a press release that the goal was to get rid of the red tape, and to give more trust to parents and local communities to expand the program to more children. HHS wants to eliminate more than 100 pages of rules and add some new requirements: classes would be taught only in English and programs would teach parents about marriage and healthy relationships. Kennedy, whose uncle Sargent Shriver started the program in 1965, has said these changes could allow a nearly 40% increase in new slots for kids.
But advocates and earl...
- Title
- Jennifer Weiner’s and Dena Heilik’s book recs | Studio 2 from WHYY | 08/06/26
- Runtime
- 55:39
- Date posted
- 2 months ago
- Description
- A recent piece in the Atlantic titled “The End of Reading is Here” lamented an overall decline of pleasure reading in the modern era. And it’s true, studies show reading for fun has declined precipitously in the past two decades. A 2025 survey by YouGov found that 40% of adults did not read a single book that year.
This might not be all that surprising considering our current entertainment landscape – we’ve got endless options at our fingertips. But studies consistently show that reading is good for us. It’s good for our stress levels, our longevity, our ability to empathize, and so much more.
So today, we’ve invited two local book lovers on the show to hype their medium. Bestselling novelist Jennifer Weiner and librarian Dena Heilik join us in the studio to give their best book recommendations and tips for falling back in love with literature.
Guests:
– Jennifer Weiner, New York Times bestselling novelist and Philly nati...
