Do Your Own Research Without Getting Duped

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If you’ve ever had to make a big decision quickly—about your health, your finances, your kid’s weird rash—you’ve probably Googled your way into a panic spiral. And in that moment, it’s not just more information you need. It’s better information. That’s why Lisa and I kicked off our latest episode of Don’t Panic with a conversation about how to research like a writer—one who has to dig into a topic and understand it on a deadline. Because whether you’re staring down a medical mystery, a personal budget crisis, or just trying to figure out what air fryer doesn’t catch on fire, the ability to gather, vet, and interpret info quickly is a real superpower. Here’s a quick breakdown of how we think as service journalists about finding answers you can trust—and how you can steal our shortcuts. Become an expert on experts Start with "Who could get sued?" This is a go-to shortcut when I’m trying to figure out whether to trust a source I’ve found online. Do they have skin in the game? If someone’s handing out medical advice, do they have credentials that put their license or livelihood on the line? Are they making claims that could get them in trouble–or destroy a reputation they’ve devoted a career to creating– if they’re wrong? If yes: that doesn’t automatically make them right, but it puts a little weight behind their words. If no: pause and reconfirm what you’ve learned from them. Same goes for companies. If someone is selling a product and making claims about what it can do, is it a company governed by U.S. law? Do they have to back up those claims with actual research? Then ask: Does their credential match the topic you’re researching? A doctor is a doctor—but a dermatologist isn’t necessarily who you’d want to guide you through a kidney transplant, for instance. Look for people with experience or credentials that match the subject you’re exploring. That includes journalists, too: Is the reporter someone who covers this beat regularly? Or are they pulling together quotes from press releases? Study the studies It can feel like the info-gold mine when you find research that speaks to your topic. And, of course, research is good. But Lisa made a great point about how even studies need studying. Things like: * How many people were in the study? * Was it conducted in mice or humans? * Was it peer-reviewed? * Who funded it? * Is anyone interpreting it for you—like a journalist?—and did they talk to the original researcher and someone independent to get a reality check? Not all research is created equal. And cherry-picking data to support a conclusion is an art form. Watch out for it. Seek specifics This is another quick check you can use: Can I pin down the details of the advice I’m reading? Vague sentences, like “people are saying,” should grab your attention: Which people? Are they quoting a named source? Is that source verifiable? Can you go one level deeper and check their claims? When in doubt, ask yourself: Could I take this fact or claim and ask a second expert if it’s true? If not, it’s probably too fuzzy to base your decisions on. But a quick caveat: That doesn’t mean all anonymous sources are untrustworthy—context matters. Lisa brought up a great point here: journalists don’t take anonymous sources lightly. When you see one quoted in a credible outlet, there’s usually a whole internal process—editors, fact-checkers, sometimes lawyers—making sure the story holds water. That said, if you’re reading a story from a site you’ve never heard of, claiming explosive info based on “anonymous sources,” treat it with a healthy dose of skepticism. Which brings us to... The publication you’re reading matters There’s plenty of legit information from trustworthy experts out in the digitalverse. But because anyone can upload, it’s vital to be sure you understand the resource you’re using. Before you vet the writer or the sources of an answer you’ve found, zoom out and ask: Do I know this outlet? Have they built up any kind of track record? Are they known for getting things right? Would they lose credibility (or face legal risk) if this information was wrong? Big red flag if the site has: * No masthead * No way to contact the team * No history of covering this topic Yellow flag if the site doesn’t have the date the info was published or updated. Facts change as stories develop. Again, it's about stakes. Good info usually comes from people/publications who risk something by getting it wrong. Curious about how trustworthy the site you’re reading is? Lisa recommends this bias and fact checker [https://app.adfontesmedia.com/chart/interactive?utm_source=adfontesmedia&utm_medium=website] to help you evaluate not only how biased a news source is, but how well it fact checks and edits its work. (For the most unbiased and most fact-based news and information, stick with publications at the top center of the chart.) Your Don’t Panic Plan For Researching If you need to become an overnight expert, here’s your five-step sanity checklist: * Authority – Who’s talking? What’s their background? What’s at stake for them? * Specificity – Is this person the right expert for this topic? * Evidence – Does the information hold up under scrutiny? * Reputation – What’s the track record of the source or publication? * Follow the Footnotes – Can you trace the claims back to something solid? You may not end up writing service journalism for a living, but you can get better at decoding information in a noisy world. That’s what Don’t Panic is all about — giving you the tools to feel confident, curious, and in control when the stakes are high and the clock is ticking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dontpanicpodcast.substack.com [https://dontpanicpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

How to Tariff-Proof Your Shopping

You’re probably a little tired about hearing about tariffs—but they’re about to hit stores, and experts say it may lead to empty store shelves and higher prices on goods, especially from China. (China had the largest tariff placed against it, at 145 percent of the total cost, which means that a $10 toy produced in China will now run $24.50.) The last of the container ships that left China before the tariffs hit have now reached U.S. ports, and the number of container ships coming into port since then has dropped significantly. So that definitely has people worried—especially if they have essential purchases in the not-so-distant future, such as gearing up for a baby, sending a kid off to college (like me!), or a home repair. Determine the Potential Impacts of a Tariff on Your Life The New York Times [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/04/27/world/asia/china-products-us-tariffs-trump.html?rsrc=flt&unlocked_article_code=1.D08.pwZV.ksHb01cejEu8&smid=url-share] had a great piece that walked you through a home and talked about what products are almost exclusively from China, and which come from other countries. It’s worth taking a quick look to see what products may have the biggest impacts from the tariffs. Some that might have an impact on you right now: * Kitchen appliances * Dishes * Air conditioners * Toys * Baby gear * Shoes * Electronics * Air conditioners Note that many experts say that the full breadth of the tariff impact is going to be difficult to gauge until it happens. For instance, cars may go up in price as even U.S. made cars will rely on some parts manufactured in China. Post-show note: We mentioned that food products probably wouldn’t be impacted as much, but there are actually quite a few foods that come from China, including some of the things you’d probably expect, such as sauces and oils used in Asian cooking, but also some things you wouldn’t—like meat products, snack foods, and a lot of apple juice [https://www.wired.com/story/apple-juice-shortage-tariffs/]. You may want to check out any grocery staples in your house for their country of origin, and if it’s China, you might want to consider stocking up a bit. Prep Now to Minimize the Financial Fallout From the Tariffs Experts suggested that we have about two to six weeks before the last of the pre-tariff inventory is sold, which may mean fewer choices, higher prices, or both. So now is the time when you’ll want to consider stepping up purchases that need to be made within the next few months, if you have the financial wherewithal to do it. Even if (and when) tariff agreements are reached, it will take time for the factories to ramp up production again, and time for the container ships to bring things here. Figure about a two-month timeframe for all of that to happen. Think through your summer and early fall. Check your calendar for any big events on the horizon. If there are essential purchases you need to make, like a baby shower gift or a new pair of hiking boots for vacation, you may want to make them within the next few weeks so you’re ready to go. Assess the health of any big-ticket items in your home—especially ones that may come exclusively from China. If your fridge has been acting funny or you have an air conditioner that’s on its last legs—it may be the time to buy now, before the price hikes hit. Get creative with your gift giving. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, weddings—odds are, you’ve got something you’re in need of a gift for. Consider skipping the stuff, and opt for experiences that’ll help you create memories with your loved ones, or if you’re crafty, a handmade gift is always an option. (There are a TON of crafting videos online to get you started. All you need is a little yarn and a dream!) Support small businesses. While large retailers will have the cash reserves or access to additional funding to soften the blow to their bottom line, small businesses may have a harder time covering the tariffs to get the items to sell you in the first place, or raising their prices enough to cover the shortfall. Any time is a good time to buy small, but especially now. Do a smaller, gentler stock-up. No, you won’t need cases of toilet paper, so don’t turn your home into a Costco by clearing the shelves in your local area of a lot of essentials. (NO need to be greedy!) That said, it’s good to have some reserves of anything that you would be hard-pressed to live without. (Jen’s focused on olive oil, while I realized I need some extra Asian cooking condiments on hand.) Look in less-expected spots for items that are in demand. Think back to your learnings from the early Covid-era shortfalls, and get creative with where you look. I was buying pasta by the case from World Market and groceries from a restaurant supply store. You might be able to do the same this go-round—many home stores also sell food or toys, and you can get basic electronics at pharmacies or grocery stores. Jen mentioned after we recorded that many contractors often clear out appliances that are still in working condition—so make friends with one in your neighborhood if your stove is looking a little worse for the wear! Borrow, don’t buy. There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but there are plenty of places where you can borrow items you might need. Many libraries now also loan out things like cake pans, garden tools, or even museum tickets in addition to the traditional media. Buy Nothing groups are great for giveaways, but many people will also loan out items on a temporary basis. And don’t forget your neighbors—whether you need a cup of sugar or a set of folding chairs for an evening. Buy secondhand. Thrift stores, charities, garage sales, and secondhand markets online are great places to find things you need, often at a steep discount compared to what you’d pay—even pre-tariff! P.S. This is your reminder that you probably have a lot of stuff in your own house that you’re not using. Consider decluttering and posting items for sale, holding your own garage sale, or simply giving items away on a Buy Nothing group. Fix it up yourself. Rather than tossing a ripped sweater or a broken lamp, see if you can follow a DIY video to fix the item instead. (I’ll be gluing up an “vintage” purse from my own prom for my daughter to tote along with her to hers.) Do a little research in your community—a town near us offers a fix-it clinic where experts are on hand to help you fix your items, so you get a little in-person expertise to get the job done. Deep Dive on Tariffs and Their Impact If you want to read even more, check out these stories that helped inform our podcast: The last boats without crippling tariffs from China are arriving. The countdown to shortages and higher prices has begun [https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/01/business/ports-shelves-tariffs-shipping], CNN Financial advice in times of uncertainty [https://www.npr.org/2025/04/30/nx-s1-5371631/anxious-about-your-money-right-now-financial-advice-in-times-of-economic-uncertainty], NPR Your home without China [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/04/27/world/asia/china-products-us-tariffs-trump.html?rsrc=flt&unlocked_article_code=1.D08.pwZV.ksHb01cejEu8&smid=url-share], New York Times Retailers fear toy shortages at Christmas as tariffs freeze supply chain [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/29/business/trump-tariffs-christmas-china.html?unlocked_article_code=1.FE8.Or_v.F9Olq3PMakYt&smid=url-share], New York Times This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dontpanicpodcast.substack.com [https://dontpanicpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

6 de may de 202518 min

The Solution to an Eggs-asperating Problem

Eggs have become a luxury item, with prices topping $9 a dozen—if you can find them. We dip into why the egg shortage has happened, and how you can easily reduce your use of eggs in your cooking and baking, so you can make the most of every precious egg. There are three big reasons for that: Bird Flu The biggest reason for that is the bird flu, H5N1, which has killed 166 million chickens, along with wild birds and even cows, cats, and a few humans. It’s highly contagious. The virus is airborne, but a single chicken on a poultry farm can simply eat poop from an infected wild bird, and the flu can race through a whole flock in a matter of hours. The current protocol to fight the bird flu is to vaccinate chickens, and if an outbreak happens on a farm, kill the whole flock to stop the spread. The government is currently planning on testing a “let it ride” policy to stop vaccinating and killing chickens to see how many survive the flu. But infectious disease experts have expressed alarm about this, calling it “a recipe for disaster” and saying “that’s literally five million chances for that virus to replicate or to mutate.” Natural Disasters Natural disasters also kill flocks. An estimated 2 to 5 million birds died in Hurricane Helene in Georgia alone last year. Since the chicken’s shelter was likely damaged or destroyed if they died, it’ll take time to rebuild and then another 18 weeks for new chickens to reach egg-laying maturity. Corporate Greed and Economics Of course, corporate greed may play a role, though in the past, eggs were often priced artificially low as a “loss leader” to get you into the store to buy more expensive items. With current egg prices 53% higher than a year ago, the US has also tried to buy eggs from other countries to bring down the prices, but with limited success. And this is all happening just as we head into Easter and Passover season, when eggs are in demand. So how do you deal with a potentially missing ingredient? Don’t panic! We’re bringing in one of our favorite chefs—Nicolle Walker, personal chef and founder of Love and Plates [https://loveandplates.com/]—to figure out how to handle this. THE SOLUTION: STRATEGIZE HOW YOU’LL USE YOUR EGGS Consider what you’ll want to use the eggs for, whether it’s baking, cooking, or as a runny egg on a sandwich. You may be able to sub out completely or in part for many baking or cooking applications. But that runny egg on a sandwich is going to be where you’ll use your precious eggs. BAKING EGG ALTERNATIVES Eggs can be very easily replaced in baking, so this is a great opportunity to cut back on your egg usage. Egg replacer This is great for applications where eggs help bind the ingredients together, like meatballs or meatloaf, but can be used in almost every baking application. Follow the package instructions for how to use it. Mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce These are best in applications where the eggs add moisture to the recipe, such as a muffin recipe. Use a quarter cup of either ingredient for every egg. Flax seed or chia seed This is one of Nicolle’s favorite replacements, as they can be used in lieu of eggs in pretty much every baking scenario, and they also offer a lot of the same nutrients as eggs, including omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Mix 1 tablespoon of seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, then let it sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes so it can gel. Aquafaba It sounds crazy, but aquafaba, which is the cooking liquid from chickpeas, makes a fabulous replacement for eggs. You need 2 tablespoons of the liquid to replace each egg white, or 3 to replace an entire egg. You can whip them slightly to give them more oomph if the eggs are helping add air to your baked good, or whip them up like egg whites to create a vegan-friendly (and egg-free) pavlova or meringue. Bonus: It’s also a less dangerous choice if you’re creating a dish where the egg whites aren’t cooked thoroughly—as undercooked eggs can harbor bacteria. Baking soda or baking powder For applications where your eggs are providing lift and airiness to your baked goods, you can sub in baking soda (1 tsp of baking soda mixed with 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar). You can also mix 2 tablespoons water and 2 teaspoons baking powder for the same effect. EGG ALTERNATIVES FOR COOKING It can be a little trickier to sub other things for eggs in cooking. But there are ways you can reduce your usage. Stretch the eggs You can’t avoid eggs for dishes like quiche and frittatas. So instead, change the egg-to-ingredients ratio and add in more veggies, cheese, or meat to take the place of some of the egg mixture, and use a bit more heavy cream or milk to stretch the eggs as well. Use liquid eggs Liquid eggs seem to be stable in price and availability—and they’re just eggs with a bit of a preservative and thickener added. Use aquafaba Aquafaba can be used instead of eggs for when you’re breading or coating things, like making chicken cutlets. You’d use it just as you would use an egg. Pro tip: Nicolle recommends letting breaded cutlets sit for about 20 minutes after you apply the eggs (or the aquafaba) and the breading. That allows the protein to dry and strengthens the bond between your breading and your meat—so you won’t lose all that delicious coating when you fry it. STORING EGGS If you want to ensure that you have eggs for a later date, you can freeze liquid eggs or even eggs from the carton. To do it: * If you’re using eggs from the carton, crack them and scramble them to avoid having the egg yolk become grainy and disintegrate. * Choose an appropriate storage container, and leave about an inch of room at the top, as the eggs will expand as they freeze. * Label with the date so you know when they’ve been stored. DECORATING ALTERNATIVES FOR EASTER EGGS If you want to decorate, but don’t want to spare a single egg for the effort, there are a few alternatives: Decorating Yukon potatoes. Nicolle recommends choosing Yukons, because they have a light skin that’ll allow the color to show. You can dye them using kits or 10 to 12 drops of food coloring mixed with a half cup water and a tablespoon of distilled vinegar. Decorating plastic eggs. The kits and food coloring won’t work, but paint markers or paint may do the trick, especially if you give them a light sand beforehand to help the colors stick. For less mess, opt to use stickers, glue and glitter, and washi tape instead. Decorate paper mache eggs or stones. You’ll be able to use paints more easily on these—and if you do a couple every year, you’ll have a fun set of milestones showing your kids’ creativity over time that you can display every Easter. Dye marshmallows. You’ve probably seen these all over TikTok, as people opt to dip marshmallows in food-safe dyes like food coloring or PAAS kits. (Just skip the vinegar if you do this and want to eat the marshmallows!) Blow the eggs. (No, not like that!) If you have older, very careful people decorating the eggs, you can try blowing out the contents and just decorating the shell. https://saudereggs.com/blog/how-to-blow-out-an-egg/Here’s how to do it [https://saudereggs.com/blog/how-to-blow-out-an-egg/]. Make your own eggs.You can use silicone egg molds to make eggs with gelatin, dyed white chocolate (use a toothpick for a fun swirl effect between different colors of white chocolate), or even mini cakes that you can frost and add sprinkles. FOR MORE INFO Helene just pummeled America’s chicken farming capital [https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/374940/hurricane-helene-georgia-chicken-poultry-farms], from Vox Kennedy’s Alarming Prescription for Bird Flu on Poultry Farms [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/health/kennedy-bird-flu.html], from The New York Times Eggs Have Never Been This Expensive. Why It Could Get Worse [https://www.barrons.com/articles/eggs-expensive-what-next-dce1b390], from Barron’s This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dontpanicpodcast.substack.com [https://dontpanicpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

15 de abr de 202531 min

Do Your Own Research Without Getting Duped

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