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This week on Poll Hub, we explore how beliefs, values, and identity are shaped and reshaped across generations in American life. Drawing on new data from the Pew Research Center, the conversation looks at how many Americans were raised with strong religious identities and consistent practices, yet far fewer maintain those same levels of engagement in adulthood. We examine what drives this shift —from changes in family structure and upbringing to broader cultural influences —and consider how early experiences—whether religious or secular—continue to shape people’s sense of meaning, belonging, and identity over time. Marist Lecturer in Religious Studies Dr. Brian Loh joins us to help unpack these trends and what they reveal about generational change. We then turn to the evolving role of social media in American democracy, where new research highlights a striking tension. While heavy social media users are more likely to feel politically empowered and believe their participation can make a difference, they are also less likely to say democracy is the best form of government. Using findings from Gallup, the Kettering Foundation, and Pew Research, we explore how increased connectivity may be boosting engagement while simultaneously contributing to declining trust in institutions. Together, these conversations point to a broader story about change in how Americans engage with both personal belief systems and public institutions. As traditional structures evolve and new forms of connection take their place, the ways people understand their identities and their role in democracy are shifting in complex and sometimes contradictory ways. Listen here: maristpoll.com/podcast

This week on Poll Hub, we take a closer look at where Mayor Zohran Mamdani stands after his first 100 days in office, based on the latest Marist Poll data. The numbers point to a noticeable shift in public mood: a plurality of New York City residents approve of the job he’s doing, and for the first time in months, more than half of residents say the city is moving in the right direction. That marks a meaningful change from earlier polling trends. Beyond the topline numbers, voters are also forming clear impressions of his leadership style. Many describe Mamdani as hard working and perceive him to be caring and trying to unify the city. Still, the discussion goes deeper than personal traits. We also explore how his early performance compares with previous mayors at similar points in their administrations, offering a broader sense of historical context. In addition, this week features a spotlight on new work coming out of Marist’s Center for Sports Communication. Their newest podcast, Point Taken, is another Marist student featured podcast, and we speak with Center Director Andrew Elrick about its launch, goals, and early reception. Listen here: maristpoll.com/podcast

On this week’s Poll Hub, We start by unpacking a new Gallup survey that points to a notable global rebound in trust in banks and other financial institutions. While the United States is moving in the same upward direction, it still trails many other countries when it comes to public confidence. We take a closer look at why trust remains more fragile at home, exploring the lingering effects of past financial crises, differences in regulation, and what this gap could mean for the broader economy moving forward. Then, we turn to a deeper dive into American public opinion on Iran. From the days of the Shah and the Iranian Revolution, through decades of diplomatic strain and periodic conflict, to today’s complex geopolitical landscape, we look at how perceptions have shifted over time. Using historical polling data, we examine how moments of tension, diplomacy, and uncertainty have shaped the way Americans view Iran and what that tells us about public opinion during times of international conflict. Finally, we wrap things up on a lighter note with a fun fact that sparks a debate over just how violent different sports really are. This discussion might challenge some of your assumptions! Listen now at Marist Poll: maristpoll.com/podcast

On this week’s Poll Hub, we take a closer look at a country pulled in different directions: abroad and at home. Americans are deeply divided over the conflict with Iran. Many see the conflict as a “war of choice,” not necessity, and most say the administration hasn’t clearly explained its goals. And, amidst rising economic concerns, especially gas prices, public skepticism only grows. That divide is especially stark along partisan lines. Republicans overwhelmingly support military action, while Democrats and independents very much oppose it. Even within the GOP, however, there are signs of tension, revealing one of the most significant internal splits in the party in years. Next, we turn to a very different kind of story. Grandparents in America are playing a bigger role than many might expect. They’re not just part of the family, they’re caregivers, financial supporters, and everyday anchors in millions of households. From helping raise grandchildren to contributing billions of dollars each year, their impact stretches far beyond occasional visits. We break down how often grandparents provide care, how much they spend, and what this growing role says about the changing structure of American families and the pressures shaping them. And, we finish with a step back in time, looking at what people said their favorite day was in 1952 and how those answers compare to today.

On this week’s Poll Hub, we take a closer look at where things stand with cancer in the United States. It’s still one of the most widespread diseases in the country, but the story is more multi-dimensional than it used to be. Treatments have improved significantly, and people are living longer than before. At the same time, more people are being diagnosed, including younger individuals, raising important questions about what’s driving that increase and how much we still don’t fully understand. We also explore how cancer care is evolving. New treatments like targeted therapies and immunotherapy are making a real impact, and in some cases, cancer is becoming something people manage over time rather than something immediately life-threatening. However, cancer isn’t just one disease. There are many different types, each with its own challenges and treatment approaches, depending on the patient. And even with all this progress, there are still major challenges. Cancer can shape a person’s life long after treatment -- physically, emotionally, and financially. The cost of care, access to treatment, and long-term impacts all play a role in the patient experience. Joined by Dr. Thomas Blom of Princeton Medical Group and Penn Medicine, and host of Medical Insights with Dr. Thomas Blom, we talk through where things are improving, where challenges remain, and what the future of cancer care might look like. Listen to Medical Insights with Dr. Thomas Blom here: https://open.spotify.com/show/1dhkwZs6AQ20GlaSJJ5Tbn?si=baaeccba89b94df8

On this week’s Poll Hub: We take a deeper dive into the results of our newest national survey conducted with NPR and PBS News. The conversation looks at how Americans are feeling about the current political climate, including Donald Trump’s job approval rating and public confidence in the fairness and security of U.S. elections. We break down the data, explore where opinions differ, and discuss some of the factors that may be influencing attitudes across the country. We also shift gears to talk about perfectionism. While striving to do things well can be motivating, perfectionism can sometimes create pressure that makes it harder to move forward. We look at how perfectionism appears in everyday life, from school and work to personal goals—and consider when high standards are helpful and when they might start to get in the way of productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. And，to wrap things up, we share a timely fun fact connected to the start of Daylight Saving Time. When the clocks “spring ahead,” many people lose an hour of sleep. What does that shift mean for our internal clocks and daily routines? 

On this week’s Poll Hub: We unpack how Americans’ confidence in higher education is shifting and what’s behind the change. Long viewed as a reliable path to success, a college degree is now being reassessed as concerns about cost, student debt, and real-world outcomes grow. We explore how attitudes differ across generations, political groups, and socioeconomic lines. We also tackle the latest trends in remote and hybrid work, exploring how the workplace continues to evolve in a post-pandemic world. From flexibility and work-life balance to productivity and collaboration, we examine what Americans are gaining — and what they may be losing — as traditional office norms give way to new models. Plus, we look at what Americans might be able to sacrifice for their preferred setting. Plus, our fun fact of the week explores birthdays, specifically, which birthdays people think are actually worth celebrating. From milestone moments to the debate over whether every year deserves a party, we look at how Americans approach marking another trip around the sun. maristpoll.com/podcast

On this week’s Poll Hub: After a historically long State of the Union this week, we're asking if President Trump helped himself as new polling captures how lousy Americans are feeling about Trump’s priorities and the direction of his administration. Disapproval remains a key part of the story, but the data goes deeper, highlighting where the public sees alignment, where there’s frustration, and how these views differ across political and demographic groups. In the second segment, we turn to an issue that helps drive those gloomy polls: grocery prices. Even as grocery inflation has calmed a bit, price increases since 2000 are still shaping how people shop and spend. From cutting back on certain items to seeking out deals and changing routines, Americans are making adjustments in real time. We explore what the latest data says about these behaviors and what they signal about consumer confidence and economic outlook. And, for our fun fact... would you dine in the dark? Americans don't seem inclined to dabble in this type of restaurant experience. Listen to the full episode: maristpoll.com/podcast

On this week’s episode of Poll Hub, Peter Enns, professor at Cornell University and co-founder of Verasight, joins to explore how polling is evolving beyond traditional approval ratings. Rather than focusing solely on top-line numbers, Enns discusses how researchers are digging deeper into public opinion to better understand nuance, intensity, and underlying motivations.   As a lead researcher on The Breakthrough polling project, Enns is helping redefine how we measure public opinion by incorporating open-ended responses, topic modeling, and sentiment analysis. These tools allow researchers to capture, not just what people think, but how they think — revealing patterns in language, emotion, and reasoning that often get lost in standard survey questions.   Then, we turn to dreams. We examine how factors like stress, anxiety, sleep patterns, and lifestyle habits shape the likelihood of experiencing nightmares, and what the data reveals about who is most affected. We also share some of our own dream experiences and dive into what may influence recurring dreams or why some people remember their dreams more vividly than others. From stress levels and major life changes to sleep quality and personality traits, we explore how both psychological and environmental factors can shape not just what we dream about, but whether those dreams stick with us after we wake up.   And, for this week’s fun fact, we take a look back at marijuana use in the 1960s and compare it to today. What was once associated with counterculture movements has become far more mainstream, with usage patterns shifting dramatically over time. It’s a fascinating snapshot of how attitudes, and behaviors, evolve across generations.

On this week’s Poll Hub: Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we take a closer look at how politics is shaping modern dating. From abortion to transgender rights, recent polling shows a growing share of singles say a potential partner’s political views factor into whether they’d pursue a relationship at all, highlighting how deeply political identity has become woven into personal life. At the same time, the data points to widening divides by age and ideology, with younger adults and women especially likely to say mismatched views are a deal-breaker. Plus, do Americans feel they’re given enough time to grieve after losing a loved one? We break down public opinion on bereavement leave, workplace support, and whether current policies reflect how people actually experience loss. The findings reveal broad concern that time off isn’t sufficient for meaningful recovery, raising questions about how workplaces can better support employees during moments of grief.

On this week’s Poll Hub: GLP-1 weight loss drugs are everywhere: in ads, on social media, and, increasingly, in medicine cabinets. But, beyond the hype, what do Americans actually think about them? Recent polling shows use of GLP-1s has more than doubled in the past year. At the same time, most Americans say willpower alone isn’t enough to manage weight long-term, reflecting a growing shift towards viewing obesity as a medical issue rather than a lifestyle choice. Plus, our latest national poll takes a deeper look at how Americans currently view the Trump Administration and the direction of the country more broadly. We unpack new data on foreign policy, immigration enforcement & ICE, and the state of the economy, three issues that continue to shape public opinion and drive intense reactions across the political spectrum. The findings reveal sharp divides, not just between parties, but across age, education, and region, highlighting how different groups are experiencing and interpreting recent developments. We explore what’s fueling shifts in sentiment, where frustration and support are most pronounced, and what these attitudes could signal for the broader political climate moving forward. maristpoll.com/podcast

A surge of federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and surrounding communities has pushed questions of public safety, federal power, and civil liberties into the national spotlight. After two fatal shootings involving immigration officers, national polling shows growing concern about ICE tactics and increasing support for oversight and reform. We break down how Americans across party lines are reacting, and whether these events represent a broader shift in public opinion on immigration enforcement. Then, we turn to sleep deprivation in America, a widespread but often overlooked public health issue. New polling shows that a majority of adults say they would feel better if they got more sleep, even as long-term trends reveal declining sleep duration and uneven sleep quality across age, gender, income, and education. We examine how sleep shortages shape daily life, health, and well-being—and why so many Americans struggle to get the rest they say they need. We close with a very arty fun fact!

Endometriosis remains one of the most under-recognized conditions in women’s health, with patients frequently facing years of pain before proper diagnosis. Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Chief Medical Officer at Hers and a board-certified OB/GYN, helps unpack why awareness and education gaps persist and what steps can improve care, understanding, and patient experiences. Next, we examine IVF and fertility access with Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, a reproductive endocrinologist known as The Egg Whisperer. While more people are seeking fertility treatments, financial and systemic barriers continue to shape who can build families through medical care. Finally, we consider the bigger picture of women’s healthcare through advocacy and visual storytelling. Amy Finkel, Assistant Professor of Photography at Marist, shares her project Getaway, which combines photography, historical research, and personal narratives to expose gender bias in medicine and honor the experiences and resilience of women across the U.S.

The CDC’s recent shift away from universal childhood vaccine recommendations marks a significant change in U.S. health policy. Moving toward a shared decision-making model between clinicians and parents, this change aligns the U.S. more closely with some European countries but has sparked debate among public health experts and parents alike. We unpack how Americans view this new approach, including strong overall support for routine vaccines and school mandates but also notable variations in confidence around vaccine safety, testing, and scheduling by political affiliation, age, and education. Then, we turn to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a widely respected holiday that offers a moment for national reflection on civil rights and racial justice. While nearly all Americans hold Dr. King in high regard, actual participation in community service and civic activities remains limited and uneven across different groups. We examine how these patterns reveal both shared values and ongoing challenges in civic engagement and social equality. Finally, we lighten things up with a fun fact from polling, highlighting a question that asked Americans which modern presidential election they think would have most surprised the Founding Fathers.

The U.S. detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sparked a new political crisis abroad and a divided reaction at home. But, unlike many past U.S. actions, especially in this hemisphere, Americans don't seem to be rallying around the flag so much this time. We walk through what’s known about the operation, how Americans feel about the use of military force, and what polling shows about who the public believes should shape Venezuela’s future. Then, we dig into why confidence in the news media continues to erode. As more Americans obtain information from platforms, creators, and algorithmic feeds rather than traditional outlets, we examine the consequences for shared facts, democratic engagement, and the ways pollsters measure public opinion in a fractured media landscape. And, what about the growing number of Americans who don't seem to be paying attention to news at all? Finally, we close with a fun fact from polling that changes pace a bit, looking at how many Americans have driven a car with a manual transmission.