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.
1901
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
1902
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
1903
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
1904
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
1905
Inside the Biggest Pyramid Scheme Ever
Journalist Steve Fishman on interviewing Bernie Madoff.
26 min
1906
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
1907
Up in the Air
Immigration lawyers are struggling to interpret the Trump White House’s travel ban. They’re flying blind.
26 min
1908
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
1909
Deregulation Nation
Fighting red tape is a winning political strategy for Republicans. How did that happen? Author Jacob Hacker explains.
22 min
1910
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
1911
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
1912
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
1913
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
1914
The 12-Step Program of Highly Effective People
How comedian Nick Thune survived Alcoholics Anonymous, black-market therapy, and Seattle.
26 min
1915
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
1916
Can The Democrats Obstruct Everything for Four ...
The Atlantic’s Norm Ornstein on the best way forward for Congressional Democrats facing Trump.
25 min
1917
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
1918
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
1919
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
1920
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
1921
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
1922
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
1923
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
1924
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
1925
Ralph Nader’s Animal Instincts
The author and advocate on his new book, Animal Envy, and predictions for the Trump presidency.
27 min