"Here's the Scoop" - Episode Summary U.S. Consumers Still Struggling with Inflation; Erin Andrews on the Upcoming NFL Season
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Host: Morgan Chesky with co-host Brian Cheung

Top Story: Inflation Trends and Tariffs Impact

Overview:
In this episode, Morgan Chesky and co-host Brian Cheung delve into the latest inflation report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The discussion centers on the rising consumer prices in July, the influence of newly implemented tariffs, and the broader implications for U.S. consumers.

Key Points Discussed:

1. July Inflation Data:

   • Consumer Price Increase: The BLS reported a 2.7% year-over-year increase in consumer prices for July. This rise aligns with expectations but marks a significant uptick from previous months.
   • Stabilized Food and Energy Prices: Food and energy sectors maintained relatively steady prices, which helped offset spikes in other areas such as housing and car insurance.

   Notable Quote:
   Brian Cheung [01:59]:
   "When you see it rising to 2.7%, that's certainly not good news. Although it is a market improvement from some of that 9% inflation that we saw in the summer of 2022."

2. Impact of Tariffs:

   • Recent Tariff Implementation: Brian highlights that recent tariffs affecting approximately 70 countries only took effect the previous week, hence their impact isn't yet reflected in the July data.
   • Delayed Effect on Inflation: Economists predict that the full effects of these tariffs may take anywhere from three to twelve months to manifest in consumer prices.
   • Immediate Signs in Specific Sectors: Despite the delay, preliminary indicators such as a 9-10% price increase in furniture between June and July suggest that tariffs are beginning to influence certain goods, particularly those imported from China with a 30% tariff rate.

   Notable Quotes:
   Brian Cheung [03:08]:
   "Tariffs, tariffs, right. And a lot of people have been asking me... like, when is gonna happen?"

   Brian Cheung [03:54]:
   "Furniture prices just between June and July in the course of one month went up by 9, 10 of a percent... likely owe themselves to tariffs."

3. Broader Inflationary Pressures:

   • Services Sector Inflation: Airline fares saw a 4% increase from June to July, attributed to summer travel demand rather than tariffs. Dental services also experienced a 2.6% price rise.
   • Grocery Prices: Interestingly, food prices remained flat in the July report; however, annual data still shows a significant increase, raising concerns about future trends.

   Notable Quotes:
   Brian Cheung [04:23]:
   "Airline fares... up by 4% in just one month."

   Morgan Chesky [05:20]:
   "These numbers... it kind of feels like on the other end it's becoming a death by a thousand cut situation."

4. Leadership Changes at BLS:

   • New BLS Director Nominee: Following the firing of the former BLS head, the President nominated E.J. Antoni, the chief economist at the Heritage Foundation, to lead the agency.
   • Concerns Over Partisanship: There is apprehension about potential biases in future inflation reporting, though Brian reassures that altering the methodology or data is challenging due to the agency's established procedures and numerous staff members involved.
   • Senate Confirmation: Antoni's nomination faces scrutiny, but bipartisan support appears likely given the political dynamics.

   Notable Quotes:
   Brian Cheung [06:37]:
   "It's not possible to change the numbers that easily... it's not just like one person is in a room and writes everything down."

   Brian Cheung [07:07]:
   "It's hard to imagine a world where Senate Republicans would want to go against the president on that."

Feature Interview: Erin Andrews Discusses the Upcoming NFL Season

Guest: Erin Andrews, Fox Sports Broadcaster and Entrepreneur
Timestamp: [09:11] - [14:59]

Overview:
Erin Andrews joins Morgan Chesky to provide her insights and preparations for the forthcoming NFL season. The conversation touches on her extensive preparation methods, work-life balance, key storylines to watch, and her collaboration with NFL legend Tom Brady.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Preparation for the NFL Season:

   • Daily Research Routine: Erin emphasizes the rigorous preparation involved, including daily packets containing articles on every team, extensive interactions with players and coaches, and participation in lengthy conference calls.
   • Staying Informed: She highlights the importance of being thoroughly prepared to ask pertinent questions and understand the nuances of the game, especially since she doesn't play professionally herself.

   Notable Quotes:
   Erin Andrews [10:14]:
   "We do a ton of prep heading into football season and we do a ton of prep during it as well."

   Erin Andrews [10:56]:
   "For me, it's really, really important just because I've never played. I don't know how to make an adjustment at half."

2. Balancing Professional and Personal Life:

   • Family Commitments: As a new mother with a two-year-old, Erin discusses how she manages her time between demanding work schedules and family life.
   • Constant Connectivity: She admits that staying updated is a necessity, with an NFL game or show always in the background.

   Notable Quotes:
   Erin Andrews [11:43]:
   "I'm a new mom. I have a 2 year old. I have a husband, a dog, a family... They deserve my attention as well."

3. Key Storylines for the Upcoming Season:

   • Eagles' Performance: Erin is keen to see if the Eagles can replicate their past successes while managing injuries and coaching changes.
   • Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes: She observes the Chiefs' dynamics post-Super Bowl and Mahomes' resilience.
   • Aaron Rodgers' Transition: Erin expresses empathy for Rodgers' challenging start with the New York team and looks forward to developments.
   • Micah Parsons in Dallas: A perennial storyline that garners significant attention each season.

   Notable Quotes:
   Erin Andrews [12:17]:
   "The Aaron Rodgers storyline continues and I'm excited. I felt so bad for Aaron about the way his very first game with New York took place."

   Erin Andrews [13:23]:
   "Are they going to be able to repeat? Injuries are such a big thing... How is their defense going to build off what they did?"

4. Collaboration with Tom Brady:

   • Working with an NFL Icon: Erin shares her experiences working alongside Tom Brady in his second broadcasting season.
   • Mutual Learning: She appreciates Brady's unique perspective, stating that his insights surpass even extensive personal research.
   • Positive Outlook: Erin is optimistic about Brady's continued growth in broadcasting.

   Notable Quotes:
   Erin Andrews [13:32]:
   "Tom is the best on and off the field... We're excited for a second season with him."

   Erin Andrews [14:00]:
   "You think to yourself, holy crap, I'm listening to Tom Brady as my coworker break it down. So it's pretty awesome."

5. Super Bowl Predictions:

   • Maintaining Neutrality: Erin refrains from making specific predictions, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the NFL.
   • The NFL as Reality Drama: She likens the NFL to an engaging reality show where outcomes are continually in flux.

   Notable Quotes:
   Erin Andrews [14:23]:
   "I have no prediction because you don't know what the heck's gonna happen."

Additional Headlines

While the primary focus was on inflation and the NFL season, the episode also touched upon several other noteworthy headlines:

• Trump Administration's Immigration Crackdown:

  • Record detentions reaching 60,000 individuals.

• Weather Forecasts:

  • A shift from summer heat to a predicted cold winter across much of the U.S.
  • European glaciers experiencing rapid melting, with significant volume loss reported in the journal Nature.

• Taylor Swift's New Album Announcement:

  • Announced via the Kelce Brothers podcast, generating widespread anticipation and discussion about her influence on the music industry and fan spending.

Conclusion

This episode of "Here's the Scoop" offers a comprehensive analysis of the current inflation trends affecting U.S. consumers, highlighting both statistical data and real-world implications. Additionally, the in-depth interview with Erin Andrews provides listeners with valuable insights into the upcoming NFL season, blending professional expertise with personal perspectives. The episode effectively balances detailed reporting with engaging conversations, ensuring listeners are well-informed on both economic and sporting fronts.

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• Brian Cheung [01:59]:
  "When you see it rising to 2.7%, that's certainly not good news."

• Brian Cheung [03:54]:
  "Furniture prices just between June and July in the course of one month went up by 9, 10 of a percent."

• Erin Andrews [10:56]:
  "For me, it's really, really important just because I've never played."

• Erin Andrews [14:53]:
  "I have no prediction because you don't know what the heck's gonna happen."

This summary encapsulates the main discussions and insights from the episode, providing a clear and detailed overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.