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
Plus Jamais Le Fake News
Slate’s Will Oremus on how Facebook is tackling fake news ahead of the European elections.
27 min
1877
An Obamacare Architect Speaks Out
Former HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on the Affordable Care Act and the right-ward tumble of politics in Kansas.
24 min
1878
The Business of Corporate Protest
Adi Ignatius, editor of the Harvard Business Review, on how different business leaders are responding to the Trump presidency.
22 min
1879
He Left the Hold Steady for Mongolia
Journeyman musician Franz Nicolay had done the big-band thing. He wanted to go solo. And he wanted to see Ulaanbaatar.
28 min
1880
The Case of the Frozen Trucker
Emily Bazelon of the New York Times Magazine breaks down the decisions and philosophy of SCOTUS nominee Neil Gorsuch.
26 min
1881
Inside the Biggest Pyramid Scheme Ever
Journalist Steve Fishman on interviewing Bernie Madoff.
26 min
1882
The New Queens of Satire
The founders of Reductress imagine their latest project as a feminist’s how-to manual—written by the most ignorant feminists ever.
24 min
1883
Up in the Air
Immigration lawyers are struggling to interpret the Trump White House’s travel ban. They’re flying blind.
26 min
1884
Yeah, We’re Scared Too
Bush appointee Eliot Cohen told other conservatives to work with Trump’s State Department. One conversation changed his mind.
24 min
1885
Deregulation Nation
Fighting red tape is a winning political strategy for Republicans. How did that happen? Author Jacob Hacker explains.
22 min
1886
Don’t Mind Us, We’re Just Collapsing
There’s never been a greater time to be alive. Does that mean we’re overdue for a downturn?
22 min
1887
The Problem With Tracking Hate
Hate crimes are among the most undercounted offenses in the U.S. The Southern Poverty Law Center is trying to firm up a shoddy data set.
28 min
1888
The Truth About Vitamin C
The New Yorker’s Maria Konnikova returns to discuss a vexing health question: How much vitamin C is actually good for you?
22 min
1889
A Bet Against Reality
None of the conventions of politics stuck to President Donald Trump during his campaign. Will that change now that he’s in office?
38 min
1890
The 12-Step Program of Highly Effective People
How comedian Nick Thune survived Alcoholics Anonymous, black-market therapy, and Seattle.
26 min
1891
Trial by Firing Line
How conservative champion William F. Buckley argued with his friends, how he argued with his foes, and why he thought there should be no argument about Donald Trump.
26 min
1892
Can The Democrats Obstruct Everything for Four ...
The Atlantic’s Norm Ornstein on the best way forward for Congressional Democrats facing Trump.
25 min
1893
Jamelle Bouie on the Trump Cabinet
Slate’s chief political correspondent on Trump’s picks, from the mildly acceptable to the downright disturbing.
24 min
1894
How Should We Talk About Whiteness?
Professor Marc Lamont Hill on how to have a real conversation about identity politics in the Trump era.
28 min
1895
Twenty-Four Grueling Hours in Trumpland
Slate’s Fred Kaplan on Rex Tillerson’s hearing and the unverified dossier connecting Trump and Russia.
26 min
1896
How the Onion Remade Joe Biden
Head writer Chad Nackers on how his satirical site turned the veep into a Trans Am–loving metal head.
21 min
1897
The Secret to Meaningful Work
Behavioral economist Dan Ariely mines his research for lessons on happiness, employment, and the folly of common sense.
25 min
1898
Unpacking Peanuts
Guidelines out this week say toddlers should be exposed to peanuts early. Marion Nestle on the new science of kids and allergies.
23 min
1899
The Paradox of Shaving
Maria Konnikova returns to take on one of life’s great mysteries: When you shave a lot, does your hair grow back faster?
24 min
1900
Mara Wilson’s Post–Child Star Life
Between Mrs. Doubtfire, Matilda, and Miracle on 34th Street, Wilson is a defining part of many childhoods. Her new book looks at life after early fame.
20 min