The Gist
For thirty minutes each day, Pesca challenges himself and his audience, in a responsibly provocative style, and gets beyond the rigidity and dogma. The Gist is surprising, reasonable, and willing to critique the left, the right, either party, or any idea.
1876
Stretching the Truth With Maria Konnikova
The New Yorker writer returns to investigate whether stretching is really a warm up or a huge safety hazard.
23 min
1877
Todd Barry Would Rather Be Drumming
Why stand-up is better than substitute-teaching but not as cool as playing the bongos.
24 min
1878
See You in Court!
Lawfare’s Ben Wittes on some lingering questions about Trump’s new executive order on immigration.
25 min
1879
Survey Says …
Toggling between red and blue Facebook to take the nation’s political temperature? There’s a better way.
26 min
1880
Trump’s Azerbaijan Problem
The New Yorker’s Adam Davidson looked into one of the Trump Organization’s most questionable deals and found lots of red flags.
32 min
1881
A Beautiful Health Care Plan, Just Terrific
Vox writer Sarah Kliff returns to break down the new health care bill.
25 min
1882
Moneyball for the Israeli Military
In his latest book, Michael Lewis studies the Israeli psychologists who changed decision-making forever
22 min
1883
The Fonz Talks About Fonts
Actor and author Henry Winkler on Happy Days and how he came to terms with dyslexia through his Hank Zipzer books.
28 min
1884
The Year “Gangnam” Was Robbed
When everyone was spoofing “Call Me Maybe” and a Swedish song factory in Sweden was taking over the charts.
32 min
1885
The Bard of Florida
Humorist Dave Barry stands up for the Sunshine State. Someone has to.
25 min
1886
Coming to America With Maeve Higgins
The Irish comedian tells disparate, inspiring, scary tales of immigrants coming to America in her podcast.
28 min
1887
A World Disorder Doctrine
Don’t worry about China. Do worry about North Korea. And reassure global allies. Foreign policy expert Richard Haas has some advice for the president.
26 min
1888
Gonzo Journalism
Brad Meltzer delves into the story of Jim Henson’s life and legacy in the latest installment of his biography series for kids.
27 min
1889
George Saunders’ American Ghosts
With his first novel, Saunders traverses the afterlife with Abraham Lincoln’s son.
27 min
1890
An Experiment to Save Local News in Nevada
Veteran reporter Jon Ralston on his independent news startup and covering politics in the ultimate purple state.
21 min
1891
On Saddam Hussein’s Case
Former CIA analyst John Nixon spent years studying former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein—his rise to power, his frustration with the U.S., his bad poetry.
27 min
1892
Facing the News Like a Poker Champ
Guest host Maria Konnikova speaks with Annie Duke about how champion card players stay calm during hard times
29 min
1893
Andy Zaltzman Is Back at Exactly the Right Time
The British satirist reboots his influential comedy show The Bugle, just in time for Brexit and a Trump White House.
29 min
1894
Would a Narcissist Do This?
The good news is the president doesn’t have narcissistic personality disorder. The bad news is he seems to be inured to distress.
25 min
1895
A Late Show for Grown-Ups
Chris Licht is helping to turn The Late Show With Stephen Colbert into the heir-apparent of Jon Stewart’s Daily Show.
26 min
1896
John Darnielle Talks About Words and Snakes
The Mountain Goats’ lead singer on his horror novel, Universal Harvester, and accidental creative inspiration.
26 min
1897
David Frum Beseeches You to Focus
The Atlantic’s David Frum says Never Trumpers can’t afford to splinter apart now.
27 min
1898
Oh, How This Feels Like Moscow
The Atlantic’s Julia Ioffe and BuzzFeed’s Miriam Elder pour out the contents of their reporters’ notebooks from Russia.
30 min
1899
Elvis Costello’s High-Fidelity Life
In his memoir, Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink, the Irish English music legend reflects on his place in music history.
26 min
1900
Plus Jamais Le Fake News
Slate’s Will Oremus on how Facebook is tackling fake news ahead of the European elections.
27 min