The long-awaited September jobs report arrives

Overview

This episode delves into the delayed release of the September jobs report, which revealed higher-than-expected job growth and an unusually high employer response rate. It also explores the resilience of the restaurant industry amidst economic uncertainty, the declining global perception of the American brand, and the inspiring story of a Latina leader giving back to her community through education.

Notable Quotes

- The aura around America has dimmed. – Kai Ryssdal, quoting McDonald's CEO on the declining global perception of the U.S.

- From pariah to paragon in just 80 years, that's a pretty rapid change. – Simon Anholt, on the transformation of Germany, Italy, and Japan's global reputations.

- I just want to help so that others don't feel alone like I did. – Julissa Hermoson, on creating a scholarship for Latina students.

📊 The Delayed September Jobs Report

- The September jobs report, delayed by seven weeks due to a government shutdown, showed 119,000 new jobs added, surpassing expectations.

- The unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 4.4%.

- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) achieved an 80% response rate for the report, the highest since 2019, due to the extended data collection period.

- Courtney Schuppert noted that response rates for government and private surveys have declined since the pandemic, possibly due to eroding trust and economic uncertainty.

- Kate Bond emphasized the importance of timely jobs data for effective policymaking, even if it requires later revisions.

🍽️ Resilience in the Restaurant Industry

- Food services and drinking places added over 36,000 jobs, second only to healthcare.

- Restaurant owners, like Beth Wood of 21 Bar and Grill, report an increase in job applications, a stark contrast to the hiring struggles of the previous year.

- Alex Susskind explained that economic tightening often pushes workers to seek jobs in the restaurant industry, either as primary or supplementary employment.

- Despite rising costs and economic uncertainty, restaurants remain a priority for consumers, with many viewing dining out as an affordable luxury.

🇺🇸 The Decline of the American Brand

- The U.S. has dropped to 14th place in the 2025 Nation Brands Index, its lowest ranking ever and the first time it has fallen out of the top 10.

- Dr. Usha Haley highlighted how rising tariffs, regulatory risks, and political uncertainty have tarnished the global perception of the U.S.

- Simon Anholt noted that a country's global image directly impacts its economic fortunes, including trade, tourism, and foreign investment.

- The decline in international student enrollment and foreign tourism to the U.S. could cost the economy billions.

🎓 Empowering Latina Leaders

- Julissa Hermoson, a technology executive, shared her journey from financial struggles in college to creating the Latina Leadership Potential Award in 2005.

- The scholarship, aimed at supporting Latina juniors, was inspired by her own challenges as a first-generation college student.

- Hermoson’s story underscores the importance of giving back and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.

🌍 Climate Change and Food Security

- Amy Scott highlighted the intersection of climate change and food security, warning of a future where staples like coffee and wheat could become scarce.

- The episode teased an upcoming series, How We Survive, which will explore how scientists are developing sustainable food systems to address the climate crisis.