America is facing its most severe wave of job cuts since the height of the Covid-19 crisis — and it's only February. With over 221,000 jobs eliminated in the first two months of 2025 — a 33% jump from last year — this episode breaks down the real drivers behind the layoffs hammering both the public and private sectors.

We begin with a look at the federal government, where President Trump’s aggressive policies — including major federal workforce reductions and a potential dismantling of the Department of Education — have contributed to over 62,000 government jobs lost, or 28% of total cuts so far this year.

Next, we shift to retail, where technology and tariffs have collided with consumer trends to spark a 570% surge in retail job cuts. We discuss Walmart’s controversial decision to lay off nearly 1,500 corporate staff and its stark warning about price hikes hitting shelves by May, blaming escalating tariffs that Washington says businesses should absorb — not customers.

Listeners will hear how AI, omni-channel disruption, and the rise of platform ecosystems are transforming retail expectations, forcing businesses to radically optimize operations or risk collapse. We'll unpack why cost control, brand purpose, and circular strategies are becoming make-or-break priorities for retailers.

We’ll also explore:

• Why Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit outlook
• How Walmart is reengineering its supply chain to rely less on China
• The political and economic clash brewing over tariffs
• And what all of this means for job seekers, small businesses, and consumers alike.

This isn’t just an economic shift — it’s a systemic shock. Tune in as we unpack the policies, pressures, and platforms remaking America’s job market and retail sector in 2025.

Step into the future of video creation with this in-depth exploration of VEO, Google DeepMind’s groundbreaking generative video model. In this episode of vpod.ai, we break down what makes VEO V3 a major leap forward in AI-generated content—from hyper-realistic 4K visuals and synchronized audio to scene continuity and artistic storytelling.

You'll learn how creators can now direct video with text prompts, reference images, and style guides, and how VEO compares to other AI video tools. We’ll also dive into responsible AI use, watermarking, and how platforms like Flow and Gemini are shaping the creative future.

Whether you're a filmmaker, game developer, marketer, or just curious about what’s next in AI, this episode will leave you inspired—and maybe a little awestruck.

🎧 Brought to you by StoneFly – your trusted solution provider for enterprise storage, backup, and cloud solutions.

Discover the psychology of flow state — that powerful mental zone where time disappears, distractions fade, and peak performance feels effortless. In this deep dive episode, we unpack:

• What flow really is and why it matters
• How to identify and activate flow triggers
• The science of dopamine, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation
• Practical tips to balance challenge vs. skill
• Tools to cultivate deep focus and creative output
• How flow improves performance, well-being, and even teamwork

Whether you're an athlete, artist, coder, or entrepreneur, flow can supercharge your productivity and fulfillment.

🔗 Sponsored by StoneFly – Your enterprise partner for storage, backup, disaster recovery, and hyperconverged infrastructure. Visit stonefly.com to learn more.

➡️ Tune in now and start building the conditions for your next breakthrough.