The Gist

Latest Episodes:

Night and Day Jun 03, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, daytime and nighttime America.

In the interview, the Atlantic's David Frum joins Mike to talk about his Trumpocracy follow-up, Trumpocalypse: Restoring American Democracy. Frum explains that Trump is a victim of distraction as much as he is a practitioner, that the consequences of COVID-19 will be one of the deciding factors of the election in November, and that the GOP will eventually get over being on the wrong side of Trump.

In the spiel, America is on edge.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Trump Can't Heal America Jun 02, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, guns and violence.

In the interview, Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer are here to discuss their new podcast This Day in Esoteric Political History. Mike talks to them about Hands Across America, the Johnstown flood, and the meaning of esoteric.

In the spiel, what is reasonable, and do we need to hear from Trump?

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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The Leaders We Need May 29, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, Joe Biden's statement gets a B minus.

In the interview, we've got the second half of Mike's conversation with Dave Eggers. They discuss Eggers' experience writing The Parade and The Captain and the Glory, his last two books, at the same time, the film Idiocracy, and the NRA.

In the spiel, the mayor of Minneapolis on brick and mortar symbolism and Donald Trump makes things worse.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Looking Past the Looting May 28, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, assholes.

In the interview, Mike talks with author Dave Eggers about his book, The Parade. He and Mike discuss pavement, the writing process, and the terseness of Bruce Springsteen.

In the spiel, the death of George Floyd and the Minneapolis protest.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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It's Tough to Like the Post Office May 27, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, wheeling and dealing with Hong Kong.

In the interview, Mike talks to Dr. Leana Wen about the measures States are taking to reopen safely or remain closed. Wen is an emergency physician and public health professor at George Washington University, a contributing columnist for The Washington Post, and previously served as Baltimore's Health Commissioner.

In the spiel, postal headaches and heedlessness.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Putting Courageous Idiocy to Use May 26, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, Trump won't back down from accusing Joe Scarborough of murder.

In the interview, Mike talks to a water expert about how to manage a pandemic if too many people cannot wash their hands. Mary Grant, Director of Public Water for All, and a policy analyst on U.S. water utility privatization details which states have placed moratoriums on utility shutoffs, and which cities are setting examples for the rest of the country when it comes to access to clean and affordable water.

In the spiel, the smart cowards and courageous idiots.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Coaching Through Life May 23, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, Tara Reade.

In the interview, Mike talks with author and journalist Michael Lewis about his foray into podcasting with AGAINST THE RULES, his series with Pushkin Industries. The focus of the recently launched season two is coaching, not just in sports. They look at coaches who help with finances, college admissions, and even coaches for executives. Michael explores how a good coach can make an impact, and the roles they play psychologically for adults and kids. His latest book is The Fifth Risk.

In the spiel, the one with Mike Pompeo.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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No Regrets May 22, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, if you look at the stats, the U.S. is doing the worst.

In the interview, part two of Mike's interview with Dr. Paul Offit, who as an infectious disease expert, and pediatrician, made some false predictions about the pandemic at first. He and Mike also discuss his new book, Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far.

In the spiel, arguments are easier to read.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Too Many Pills May 21, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, judging a judge.

In the interview, Dr. Paul Offit is here. In the first part of his two-part interview, he and Mike discuss his new book, Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far. They talk about why we should be skeptical of things like vitamin D and testosterone, and how we might not need to take painkillers for a fever. Tomorrow he and Mike will get into the Covid-19 crisis.

In the spiel, the diversity reversifier.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Lights Out on Covid-19 May 20, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, Trump's cabinet meeting is not unlike a hot tub time machine.

In the interview, Maria Konnikova is back for another round of "Is That Bullshit?" This time she and Mike discuss UV light, inside and outside the body. Maria is a New York Times bestseller and the author of The Biggest Bluff, a journey to learning and winning at poker.

In the spiel, morbidly presidentially orbit.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now.

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.