Laura Ling's Podcast Spotlights 'Sandwich Generation' Juggling Careers, Aging Parents
*By Carlo Versano*
Call it the "sandwich generation" ー people, often women, in their 30s and early 40s juggling demanding careers and increasing demands of caring for aging parents. Those are some of the stories Emmy Award-winning journalist Laura Ling is hoping to highlight in her podcast "Everyday Bravery."
Ling said she noticed that many of the stories of hardship she encountered were brought on by a sudden financial challenge.
The gender pay gap is also evident she said ー especially as more women leave their jobs to raise children. "Women often take on that burden," she said. But she is energized by recent advances in the women's movement and the many who are speaking out about their own struggles.
Ling was famously held captive in North Korea for 140 days in 2009. After her release ー brought after Bill Clinton visited Pyongyang ー she said she was often called brave and courageous. "I didn't feel brave at all," she said.
Yet she was able to look to the strength of others, particularly other women, who were oppressed ー or worse ー around the world.
"We all have it inside us to find that strength."
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/womens-voices-are-getting-stronger-laura-ling-on-female-leadership-in-america).
Americans are expected to spend nearly $24 billion in 2022 for Valentine's Day, and many of those gifts will be in the form of chocolate. John Galloway, interim president of the Americas and CMO of Godiva, joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss what chocolate trends the brand is seeing this year, plus the impact of inflation and supply chain issues on the industry.
New York City's famous subway system is currently facing scrutiny after several recent attacks on platforms. Now, local leaders in the Big Apple are calling on the MTA. To step in and take action.
New York City ride-hailing app drivers are about to get a pay raise. According to the city's Mayor Eric Adams, New York will increase its minimum driver pay rate for both Uber and Lyft drivers. This means both platforms would now be required to pay their drivers a minimum of $1.61 cents per mile and about 0.50 cents per minute. Ultimately, the move would give riders at least a 5.3% race. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, joined Cheddar to discuss more.
Tensions in Ukraine continue to rise. According to NATO and U.S. officials, Russian troops are still being built up despite Moscow's claims of de-escalation. However, Ukraine does not believe the troops are enough to mount an invasion. The government in Kyiv has also reported several cyber attacks against its defense agencies and banks which is the largest attack in the country's history. Foreign Affairs Reporter based in Ukrain, Terrell Starr, joined Cheddar to discuss more