What does it cost to survive in America right now? CNN journalist Phil Mattingly has spent 15 years covering the economy — and he took cameras into four cities to show you the human faces behind the headlines.
In Tampa, he met Miss Phoebe. She dresses up for lunch. She laughs with friends. And she quietly keeps paying her car insurance — because that might be where she has to live. That's not a political talking point. That' real life.
On this episode of Stick a Fork In It, Shannon sits down with CNN's Phil ahead of his new documentary series launching July 16th — exploring the structural forces pushing hardworking Americans to the edge in Tampa, Boston, Atlanta, and Cleveland.
In this conversation:
→ Why seniors who saved their whole lives are running out of money in 12-18 months
→ The nurse in Cleveland whose rent doubled in 5 years — despite never stopping work
→ Why the American Dream has become a broken bargain for millions of families
→ How Feeding Tampa Bay provides more than food — it restores dignity and community
→ Why CNN chose Tampa as one of four cities to spotlight in this series
This is not who you think it is. It crosses every income level, race, and zip code. If you've ever thought "but for the grace of God go I" — this episode is for you.