Alex Carr

Senior Multimedia Producer & Host

Paging all Skimm'rs. Ahead of November 5 (that's Election Day), we'll be asking for your take on the state of US politics. Weigh in and Tell Us right here. 

Skimm the Vote 2024

“This next election is going to have profound consequences for all of us, but especially for younger voters, especially for those of us who thought some of these rights had been enshrined in law are now very much at risk.” 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer on the Stakes for Women in this Election

Lisa Ling worked as a teen journalist, flying worldwide to cover the news. But even after working 30+ years as a pro, she says she still doubts herself all the time. 

Rebroadcast: Lisa Ling on Conquering Self Doubt 

Christy Turlington Burns retired from modeling at age 25. She was getting kinda bored. Then came her first baby – and a life-changing birthing experience that would inform her future work and advocacy. 

Christy Turlington Burns on Going from Model to Maternal Health Advocate

 “You can't make things perfect when you have a very finite amount of time and you have a hundred things to do every single hour. I'm still learning to not try to get to 150% and accept the fact that my 80% is more than good enough.”

Jordan Taylor and Edith Cooper on Running a Business as Mother and Daughter

"When your product is a physical thing, it's easy to overlook the creator. It is not just a product, it is a person. It is a story. It is personal. When people say it's not personal, it just means it's not personal to them. It's very personal to me. Why do it if it's not personal?" 


Zibby Owens on Starting a Career Later in Life

"I spent 6 years having kids, and my career stalled out completely. Didn't get promoted. I lateralled into various roles. I took on more responsibility, got paid the same. I took a demotion to go to Facebook, also didn't get promoted, and I felt really stuck. All of those things I share pretty openly to say: there is no perfect answer."

Ancestry CEO Deb Liu on Taking Your Power Back at Work 

Mandy Moore’s career was defined by the bubblegum pop sound of the late-90s. She always knew she was her record label’s answer to Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. She also knew she’d never be them – and that was okay with her.

Mandy Moore on Not Letting Competition Distract You

Growing up with a politico father in Washington D.C., Alex Wagner initially swore off any career that dealt with politics. 25-ish years later, Alex is the primetime anchor of MSNBC's “Alex Wagner Tonight,” a show about the news and politics shaping our world. Talk about a 180. 

Alex Wagner on Being Persistent to Get What You Want

Award-winning director and producer Ava DuVernay, known for her groundbreaking films like “Selma,” “A Wrinkle In Time,” and “Origin,” didn’t actually start her career behind the camera. She spent years working in public relations before taking the plunge and pivoting in her 30s. Spoiler: it paid off. And she’s got an Academy Award to show for it.

Ava DuVernay on How Listening Will Help You Level Up Your Career

Fern Mallis – aka “fashion’s godmother” – is a legend in the industry. She’s the founder of New York Fashion Week and the former executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Over decades working behind the scenes, Fern has seen it all – from disasters, to demanding personalities, to less-than-friendly behavior. 

Fashion’s Godmother Fern Mallis on Why Being Nice is Underrated

Samina Virk is the CEO of North America for Vestiaire Collective, the rapidly-growing luxury fashion resale site. And Samina told us she attributes her rise in the fashion industry to strategic career mapping. 

Samina Virk on Why You Should Start Career Mapping 

Author, businesswoman, designer, and chef Joanna Gaines used to let guilt and anxiety consume her. As a mom of five children, and as one half of one of the most successful lifestyle brands in the country, Joanna is now battling her burnout by letting go of those feelings. 

Joanna Gaines on Learning to Let Go of Guilt and Anxiety

Annie Jean-Baptiste is Google’s first-ever Head of Product Inclusion. TLDR: she’s a tech executive responsible for making all of Google’s products inclusive for every user.

Annie Jean-Baptiste on Building Inclusive Teams and Products

Actress-turned-entrepreneur Cameron Diaz and consumer brand builder Katherine Power (WhoWhatWear, Merit Beauty, Versed) had been friends for years before they decided to launch Avaline, their transparently produced organic wine brand.

Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power on Evolving Their Careers and Finding Peace

When Jen Psaki became President Obama’s White House Communications Director, she was pregnant. Later, she became President Biden’s Press Secretary, and she had to navigate her role as a mom and as the White House’s chief spokesperson.

Jen Psaki on What it’s Actually Like to Work at the White House and Raise Kids 

theSkimm texted with Jada Pinkett Smith about motherhood, her most memorable “Red Table Talk” interview, and her new memoir, “Worthy,” out now.

Texting With Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith’s memoir, Worthy, has made a big splash for its bombshell revelations … and it hasn’t even been out for a week. But the book from the award-winning actress and talk show host is not just tabloid fodder – it’s also a critical part of Jada’s “reclamation journey”. 

Jada Pinkett Smith on Why She’s Reclaiming Her Story

The war between Israel and Hamas is an escalation of decades of conflict. It’s important to know the terms and historical background to understand this conflict in full. Here are the terms you’ll likely see the most.

What Is the Gaza Strip? And Other Israel-Hamas War Terms, Explained

Michelle Crossan-Matos, the CMO of Ulta Beauty, is one of the most prominent marketing executives in the country. And she told us she didn’t just get to her position by crunching the numbers and digging into data. 

Michelle Crossan-Matos on How Your Intuition Helps You Win at Work

Joey Wölffer didn’t ever think she’d take over her family’s business, the Wölffer Estate winery. But over a decade after surprising herself and becoming the co-owner and chief brand officer of the beloved vineyard, Joey has transformed the brand and the business.

Joey Wölffer on the Secret to Creating a Unique Brand

Colleen Cutcliffe, co-founder and CEO of the groundbreaking probiotic company Pendulum Therapeutics, started the company with a big goal in mind: changing the way people think about their gut health. And on her journey, she’s had to challenge traditional – and sometimes outdated – thinking from the medical community and investors.

Colleen Cutcliffe on Challenging Outdated Thinking in the Workplace 

For over a decade, Emily Tisch Sussman was one of the top political strategists in the country, advising Democratic candidates and campaigns across the US. Then, after having three children in four years, and faced with no childcare during a global pandemic, Emily realized she couldn’t get back to the top of her game… or back in the game at all.

Emily Tisch Sussman on What Happened After Her Kids "Killed" Her Career

When Hill House Home first started, founder and CEO Nell Diamond wasn’t focused on selling the now-famous “Nap Dress”, or cultivating her Instagram presence. Rather, the brand started as a bedding company, and Nell’s Instagram was a space for her creativity.

Nell Diamond on Paving the Way as an Influencer and Entrepreneur

Elizabeth Chambers has been through… a lot in the past few years. But the founder and CEO of BIRD Bakery isn’t letting her ex-husband or the headlines define her. 

Elizabeth Chambers on Rebuilding and Healing

Ashley Merrill, founder and chairwoman of the restwear brand Lunya, had the idea for the company when she was pregnant. And as she built her brand, she was also growing her family, and her big career moments and her big parenting moments always seemed to align.

Ashley Merrill on the Misconceptions About Being a Working Parent

For most of her career, Isa Watson felt like she was living somebody else’s life. She started out as a chemist working her way up the academic ranks, and then she became a world-traveling VP at JP Morgan. And a lot of people online started to take notice of her impressive career. 

Isa Watson on How She Stopped Obsessing Over Achievements

Lauren Wesley Wilson worked for politicians and crisis comms firms for years before she decided to start her own organization, ColorComm. ColorComm started as a luncheon series over ten years ago, and now has grown to become the nation’s leading women’s platform addressing diversity & inclusion across the communications, marketing, advertising, and media industries.

Lauren Wesley Wilson on Making Competitive Industries More Inclusive

Erin and Sara Foster are the sister-act behind the VH1 show “Barely Famous”, the co-founders of the fashion brand Favorite Daughter, and the creative minds who’ve helped brands such as Bumble.

Erin and Sara Foster on How to Take Career Risks

Nyakio Grieco has been paving the way for inclusive beauty and supporting Black entrepreneurs for her whole career.

Nyakio Grieco on What They Don’t Tell You About Entrepreneurship 

When Anastasia Soare started her brand Anastasia Beverly Hills from one room salon back in the 1990s, eyebrows were pencil-thin and an afterthought. 25 years (and one legendary appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show) later, she’s become synonymous with eyebrows, created a multi-billion dollar brand and revolutionized the beauty industry.

Anastasia Soare on Revolutionizing the Beauty Industry

Mary Celeste Beall’s life drastically changed in 2016, when she lost her husband Sam in a tragic ski accident. Just weeks later, her professional life also changed, when she was asked to step into the role of proprietor of the legendary Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain resorts, a role Sam had occupied for years.

Mary Celeste Beall on Learning to Run Her Late-Husband's Business

Kristin Cavallari created the archetype for the reality-TV star-turned-mogul. She was on the OG reality show, Laguna Beach, when she was in high school. And she turned that fame (and notoriety) into a business empire. 

Kristin Cavallari on Going from Reality TV Star to Mogul

Two-time entrepreneur Jessica Rolph is embracing what she calls “micro failures” at work. You know, when you say the wrong thing to a team member, make a mistake on a project, or you don’t communicate about something. These moments can feel small, but they can take a big toll on us.

Jessica Rolph on Managing 'Micro Failures' at Work

Thasunda Brown Duckett, the President and CEO of TIAA, had a “meteoric rise” in the world of finance. As the former head of Chase Consumer Banking, and now as one two Black women who currently leads a Fortune 500 company, she realized early on that “work life balance” was a myth. 

Thasunda Brown Duckett on Living Your Life Like a Diversified Portfolio

Kaitlan Collins is no stranger to sleeping four hours a night, or packing up to travel at a moment’s notice. Which is great if you love the news…but it’s not so great if you love your boundaries.

Kaitlan Collins on Setting Boundaries While Working in TV News

Check out what's going on with abortion, Malawi, and Ted Lasso in your Daily Skimm.

Daily Skimm: Abortion, Malawi, and Ted Lasso

Debra Lee was the chairman and CEO of BET, where she worked for over three decades. But even though she was a leader in the entertainment world, Debra said her biggest career weakness was being “too nice”.

Debra Lee on Stepping Into Her Power 

This week, Boz explains how her story of love, loss, and survival has made her live “urgently”, especially when it comes to work.


Bozoma Saint John on Grief and Work 

We asked a clinical psychologist where the term came from — and how to respond. 


Think You've Experienced Gaslighting? Here's How To Know

We break down the legal battles and complications around last week’s SCOTUS ruling on Roe V. Wade. Plus: insider tips on how to travel smarter this summer.

All Shook Up: SCOTUS Fallout and Summer Travel Tricks

The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade today. We break down the ruling with legal experts and unpack what the ruling means for abortion seekers in America. 


Skimm This Special Report: The Future of Abortion Access

An expert breaks down some of the SCOTUS rulings that came out this week. Plus: the trend of taking psychedelics with your coworkers. AKA a business trip you’ll never forget.   

We Can’t Stop: SCOTUS Rulings, WFH Forever and Psychedelics at Work?!

Maria Shriver led a decades-long career in journalism. But then she became First Lady of California. And was asked to leave her job. Looking back, she says: it was a blessing in disguise. 


9 to 5ish: Maria Shriver

Dana Bash worked her way up the ladder at CNN, and she’s now the CNN chief political correspondent. And she says, she wouldn’t have gotten there without some luck – and some good old fashioned patience. 


9 to 5ish: Dana Bash

We spoke to a scientist about recent breakthroughs in cancer research. Plus: Google’s AI has a soul? We’ll break down what the bots are up to. 


The Climb: Cancer Breakthroughs, Google’s AI, and Vaccines for Kids

Although Audie Cornish made interviewing politicians and celebs look like NBD, she still had to deal with a “professional identity crisis” after she became a new mom. 


9 to 5ish: Audie Cornish

After the shooting at Robb Elementary last week, teachers are having tough conversations with students. Plus, a preview of Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee party. 

Ready for Prime Time: January 6 Hearings, Gun Legislation, Crypto in the Midterms

Beth Ford detasseled corn and cleaned toilets before becoming CEO of Land O’Lakes. And she says those jobs taught her key lessons in being a leader. 

9 to 5ish: Beth Ford

Sign of the Times: School Safety, Women in Afghanistan, and the Queen’s Jubilee

After a 30-year-career, Victoria Butler did what most people do. She retired. But just days into relaxing, she kicked retirement to the curb. Here’s why. 

9 to 5ish: Victoria Eady Butler

A gunman killed 21 people this week at a school in Texas. Plus, an abortion provider in Oklahoma tells us how she’s thinking about the future of her job in a post-Roe America.

This is America

Eva Longoria moved to Hollywood knowing no one…but then she became a household name on ‘Desperate Housewives’.

9 to 5ish: Eva Longoria

The US Surgeon General gives us an update on the government response to the formula shortage. Plus, why people keep going on TikTok for health advice. 

Desperado: Formula Shortage and TikTok Healthcare

Before Fidji became the CEO at Instacart, she led a decade-long career at Facebook, where she headed the app and its new products. 

9 to 5ish: Fidji Simo

This week, we spoke to Sen. Amy Klobuchar to hear the latest on the fight for reproductive rights nationwide. Plus, we’re following the ups and downs of the stock market, and the baby formula shortage keeping parents up at night.

Waitin’ On A Sunny Day: Stock Market, Formula Shortage, Blockbuster Boom 

Cindy Eckert co-founded and sold a company that created the first FDA approved drug for low sexual desire in women, aka female viagra. 

9 to 5ish: Cindy Eckert

We’re breaking down what happens next after a bombshell SCOTUS leak on Roe v. Wade. Plus, we call an economist to check the pulse on America’s economic health.

Time Machine: Roe v. Wade and Recession Fears

Before Christine Chang founded her own beauty company, she was rising the ranks at L’Oreal. Listen for Christine’s advice on how to make the jump from corporate to startup.


9 to 5ish: Christine Chang

What happens when a billionaire buys one of the biggest social media platforms in the world? It’s anyone’s guess. Plus: why American teens are in a mental health crisis. 

Unwritten: Twitter’s Future, Teen Mental Health Crisis, and California Drought

The day before Melissa Ben-Ishay started her famous cupcake business Baked by Melissa, she actually got fired from her job. 

9 to 5ish: Melissa Ben-Ishay

A judge dropped the mask mandate on public transportation – but that’s not the only reason travel has been crazy recently. We’ve also got the latest on Netflix stock woes and the French election.

Mood Ring: Airport Drama, Netflix, Sustainable Living 

Robin Roberts has been an anchor at “Good Morning America” for over 15 years. And she’s also gone through her own off-camera battles

9 to 5ish: Robin Roberts

We’ve got the latest on Ukraine’s accusations to Russia, the crazy housing market in the US, a surrogacy shortage, and the unexpected place to catch some R&R.

Loose Threads: Subway Shooting, Inflation, Abercrombie & Fitch

I Feel It Coming: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Surrogacy Shortage, Ukraine

This week, we’re thinking about careers like recipes. And it’s not just because we’re talking to Dawn Davis, the editor-in-chief of "Bon Appetit."

9 to 5ish: Dawn Davis

We've got an inside look at emotions on the ground in Kyiv, the latest on US involvement in Ukraine, and where the war could go from here. 

High Gear: Inside Kyiv, Interest Rates, Formula 1 

This week, tech journalist Laurie Segall shares how she used her different jobs - good and bad - as stepping stones to work towards the career she wanted. 

9 to 5ish: Laurie Segall

Wild Ride: SCOTUS, Stock Market, NFL Quarterbacks

Fran Lebowitz’s voice is synonymous with New York City. Listen to her talk about how she developed her voice — and how she improvised when writer’s block hit.

9 to 5ish: Fran Lebowitz

Secretary Buttigieg said he’s looking for a good novel to read. What's your rec?

Texting With Pete Buttigieg

NSFW: Omicron Surge and Swear Words 

And Just Like That: Omicron, Kentucky, Peloton

Some startups live by the phrase “move fast and break things.” But Sheila Lirio Marcelo acted more cautiously, making time to learn how to run a company first.

9 to 5ish: Sheila Liro Marcelo

Naughty List: Russia, China, Texas Redistricting

How to Save a Life: Omicron and Abortion Care

Brooke Shields has been a household name almost since birth. Here’s how she learned not to bow to other people’s expectations.


9 to 5ish: Brooke Shields

Table Topics: Oil Prices, Rittenhouse, and Ethical Debates

Bad Boys? Gosar, Putin, and Elon Musk

9 to 5ish: Shawna Thomas on Making Yourself Stand Out

Shivers: Astroworld, COP26, and Inflation

Strike Three: Labor Unions, Netflix, and Twindemics

9 to 5ish: Tarana Burke

9 to 5ish: Julianna Margulies | theSkimm 

9 to 5ish: Julianna Margulies

How the F Is That Legal?! Facebook, South Dakota, NWSL Abuse

9 to 5ish: Rea Ann Silva

Handle with Care: Worker Shortages, Haiti, Debt Ceilings

Gabrielle Union On Standing Up For Yourself | theSkimm 

9 to 5ish: Gabrielle Union

Fauci, Facebook, and Forests

SFTC Election Special: Careers in Politics with Elise Jordan, former NSC communications director, George W. Bush administration


Skimm'd from The Couch: Elise Jordan 

“I think it's really important if you have a door open [to you], keep it propped open." - Eva Chen

Skimm'd from The Couch: Eva Chen

"I want to diversify [ballet]. I want people to see and know that a Black girl can be a ballerina in a mainstream White company." - Misty Copeland

Skimm'd from The Couch: Misty Copeland

"I have self worth. And I’m expensive." - Kim Cattrall

Skimm'd from The Couch: Kim Cattrall

“You have to have this crazy, almost irrational, belief in your own ability to get something done.” - Lilli Gordon

Skimm'd from The Couch: Lilli Gordon

Back to School: C for Confusion

"Sometimes the things that seem like your disadvantages can be your advantages." - Jeni Britton Bauer

Skimm'd from The Couch: Jeni Britton Bauer

"I learned that when I'm desperate, when I can't seem to find my way, is when I get most creative." - Leslie Blodgett

Skimm'd from The Couch: Leslie Blodgett

March, March: How The Fight For Suffrage Still Lives On 

"The uncomfortable is a great place to be." - Lori Gottlieb

Skimm'd from the Couch: Lori Gottlieb

"If you're not a good leader on the bench, you cannot call yourself a good leader on the field." - Abby Wambach