The Clark Howard Podcast Episode: May 23, 2025 Title: Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / U.S. Air Traffic Control Release Date: May 23, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Clark Howard Podcast, host Clark Howard delves into two primary topics: addressing criticism from listeners and discussing the ongoing challenges within the U.S. Air Traffic Control (ATC) system that could potentially disrupt summer travel. True to the episode's title, "Clark Stinks," Howard engages directly with listener feedback while also sharing his insights on significant national issues affecting everyday consumers.

Clark Stinks: Addressing Listener Criticisms

[01:03 – 07:35]

Clark Howard opens the segment by acknowledging listener criticisms under the "Clark Stinks" segment. He addresses multiple complaints from listeners who have taken issue with his previous advice and general approach.

1. Job Application Advice Criticism

   • Listener Feedback (Lindsay) [02:14 – 04:18]:
     • Lindsay, a recruitment manager, criticizes Clark for suggesting that completing job applications is often futile. She explains her role in ensuring a fair and thorough hiring process at her company, emphasizing that applications are indeed reviewed and considered based on qualifications.
     • Quote: “As the recruitment manager for my employer, I spend the majority of my time posting jobs, determining screening criteria, screening all applicants to determine who's minimally qualified...” [02:14]
   • Clark's Response:
     • Clark acknowledges his overgeneralization and appreciates Lindsay's detailed feedback. He recognizes that his broad statements may discourage potential applicants from applying to reputable companies where their applications are genuinely considered.
     • Quote: “Lindsay, thank you very much. And if I spoke with too broad a brush... I will tell you, I hear so much from people who feel beaten down...” [03:23]

2. Podcast Format Feedback

   • Listener Feedback (Krista) [04:18 – 05:21]:
     • Krista suggests that Clark should handle one question at a time to improve clarity and listener comprehension. She feels that addressing multiple questions simultaneously can be confusing.
     • Quote: “Read one question at a time and let Clark answer... It'd be easier to grasp when the question and answer are simpler...” [04:18]
   • Clark's Response:
     • Clark humorously acknowledges this feedback, agreeing to simplify his responses in future episodes.
     • Quote: “See, that's the first time I've ever posted a Clark myself... I only have the ability to process one thought at a time.” [04:56]

3. 529 Plan Transfer Advice Criticism

   • Listener Feedback (Barry) [07:35 – 08:20]:
     • Barry challenges Clark's advice regarding transferring a 529 plan to grandparents, stating that his state's college savings plan allows for ownership transfers, contrary to Clark's claim.
     • Quote: “Clark, you quickly said you can't just do that... Ohio's College Advantage and they have straightforward form to transfer the ownership...” [07:35]
   • Clark's Response:
     • Clark concedes his mistake, recognizing that he was not fully informed about the specific capabilities of certain state programs. He reiterates the complexities surrounding financial aid evaluations.
     • Quote: “Barry, I definitely blew that because I know you can transfer ownership of an account...” [08:20]

4. Credit Card Advice Criticism

   • Listener Feedback (Chad) [09:24 – 10:23]:
     • Chad criticizes Clark's endorsement of credit cards and cash back rewards, arguing that the burden falls disproportionately on lower-income individuals who may struggle with debt accumulation.
     • Quote: “All the money that's given to the people who can afford... it's built on our deceptive system of credit cards.” [09:24]
   • Clark's Response:
     • Clark responds by explaining the structural issues within the U.S. credit card system, pointing out the role of the Visa-MasterCard Cartel in creating high merchant fees and how rewards are subsidized by merchants rather than high-interest payers.
     • Quote: “Our incentives in the United States are wrong... the rewards are all being subsidized by merchants...” [10:35]

Main Topic: U.S. Air Traffic Control Challenges

[10:28 – 18:54]

Clark Howard transitions to a pressing national issue: the inefficiencies and outdated systems within the U.S. Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure. He highlights how these problems are leading to increased flight delays and cancellations, particularly during the busy summer travel season.

1. Current State of U.S. Air Traffic Control

   • [10:28 – 12:40]
     • Howard emphasizes the shortage of trained air traffic controllers and the outdated technology systems in the U.S. ATC. He warns that without significant changes, safety could be compromised, leading to more delays and cancellations.
     • Quote: “We have a significant shortage of air traffic controllers in the U.S. the system is creaky... something's got to give and it can't be safety.” [12:40]

2. Comparative Analysis with Canada

   • [12:48 – 15:09]
     • Clark contrasts the U.S. system with Canada’s Nav Canada, a private, non-profit organization that efficiently manages some of the world's busiest airspaces using modern technology. He advocates for the privatization of ATC in the U.S. as a long-term solution.
     • Quote: “Canada... runs extremely advanced air traffic control... they're able to do it for a fraction of the cost of us with a much better safety margin...” [15:09]

3. Practical Advice for Travelers

   • [15:09 – 18:54]
     • Clark provides listeners with practical strategies to navigate the unreliable U.S. ATC system:
       • Flight Tracking: He recommends using apps like FlightAware and Flight Radar 24 to monitor flight statuses proactively.
         • Quote: “When I'm flying, I use FlightAware... it's super proactive every flight because I know... that flight schedules get disrupted.” [16:42]
       • Early Verification: Advises checking flight statuses well in advance, especially if booking through third-party websites, to anticipate and mitigate potential delays or cancellations.
         • Quote: “You want to check your flights way before the day you're going to travel on, especially if your booking is more than six weeks out...” [17:35]

4. Personal Anecdote

   • [15:09 – 18:54]
     • Clark shares his personal experience with prostate cancer treatment, highlighting the importance of seeking advanced medical treatments and the value of resources like ClinicalTrials.gov. He connects this narrative to his broader message of being proactive and informed in critical aspects of life.
     • Quote: “If I had stayed local at that time, the only option that was being offered to me was surgery... Prostate cancer has many different genetic makeups...” [16:15]

Listener Questions and Advice

[25:59 – 32:04]

Towards the end of the content segment, Clark addresses listener-submitted questions, providing tailored advice on travel and health-related matters.

1. Traveling to Japan on United Points

   • Listener (Dan) [26:01 – 28:31]:
     • Dan seeks advice on using 400,000 United Points for a family of six traveling from California to Japan.
     • Clark's Advice:
       • Suggests waiting until airlines post flight availabilities, typically around 330 days in advance, to maximize point usage.
       • Recommends exploring partner airlines and using resources like PointSky for optimal point redemption.
       • Quote: “Even if you're going to use United points for this trip, you need to wait a while... check your flights way before the day you're going...” [26:20]

2. Planning a Cruise from Honolulu to Tahiti

   • Listener (Mark) [29:11 – 31:57]:
     • Mark inquires about the best time to purchase airfare for a two-week cruise from Honolulu to Tahiti and seeks recommendations on seat classes.
     • Clark's Advice:
       • Recommends booking round-trip tickets from Los Angeles to Honolulu and from Papeete (Tahiti) back to LA to secure better fares.
       • Suggests considering Delta for its direct flights and notes the significant price difference between economy and business classes.
       • Quote: “Your first best option would probably be on them [Delta] because to my knowledge, they're the only airline that actually serves both routes...” [29:43]

3. Coffee Safety on Airplanes

   • Listener (Heidi) [32:04 – 33:50]:
     • Heidi asks about the safety of consuming coffee on airplanes, given conflicting reports about water quality in airplane tanks.
     • Clark's Response:
       • While admitting he hasn't personally consumed airplane coffee, Clark discusses the lack of definitive studies confirming the safety of onboard water, leading many flight crews to prefer bringing their own beverages.
       • Quote: “Should I say... that's really all I can say. Because there is no clear answer.” [32:25]

Memorial Day Reflection

[34:02 – 34:06]

As the episode concludes, Clark Howard takes a moment to honor Memorial Day, emphasizing its significance in remembering and respecting the sacrifices of military personnel.

• Quote: “But what's so often forgotten is, what is Memorial Day about? It's about the brave men and women... who paid the ultimate sacrifice...” [34:05]

Conclusion

In this episode, Clark Howard effectively balances addressing listener feedback with tackling broader systemic issues impacting consumers. By engaging directly with criticisms, he demonstrates a commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. Simultaneously, his in-depth discussion on U.S. Air Traffic Control underscores his dedication to shedding light on critical topics that affect the financial and personal lives of his audience. The blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and listener interaction makes for a comprehensive and engaging episode.