The Gist

Latest Episodes:

Pontius Pilate, Democrat Dec 19, 2019

Show notes

On the Gist, the third impeachment in U.S. history.

In the interview, Mike talks to reporter Dan Weissmann about the cost of healthcare, the horror stories of people navigating the complicated system, and what at all can be done to fix it. Dan's healthcare podcast is An Arm and a Leg.

In the spiel, Jesus and Trump.

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Capitalism Won. Now What? Dec 18, 2019

Show notes

On the Gist, how government should work.

In the interview, Mike talks to economist Branko Milanovic about the various forms of capitalism that exist in the world today, the role of higher education signaling in American society, and the ways to reduce the negative effects of inequality. His new book is Capitalism, Alone: The Future of the System That Rules the World.

In the spiel, the case for Mike Bloomberg.

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The Youthful Power of Greta Thunberg Dec 17, 2019

Show notes

On the Gist, impeachment and partisanship.

In the interview, Mike talks to Jonathan Metzl, Vanderbilt University professor and the research director of The Safe Tennessee Project. They discuss the latest Supreme Court case that examined a person's right to bear arms in New York City, how the justices ruled, and what this case means for the second amendment in the future. Jonathan's latest book is Dying of Whiteness: How the Politics of Racial Resentment Is Killing America's Heartland.

In the spiel, Greta Thunberg is older than she looks.

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The Kakistocracy Depends on the Cacophony Dec 14, 2019

Show notes

On the Gist, birds and Debird.

In the interview, Mike talks to journalist and CNN correspondent Peter Bergen about Trump's national security team, the internal feuds, and why the key players of this team have all left, three years later. His new book is Trump and His Generals: The Cost of Chaos.

In the spiel, the Republicans need all the noise to continue.

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The Politics of Humor Dec 13, 2019

Show notes

On the Gist, trade symbols.

In the interview, Mike talks to Dannagal Goldthwaite Young about satire, irony, and humor in a politically divided world. They discuss successful and not-so-successful examples of conservative political satire, how humor differs on the right and left, and the psychology behind comedy. Her new book is Irony and Outrage: The Polarized Landscape of Rage, Fear, and Laughter in the United States.

In the spiel, the pace of impeachment.

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Discredited Nincompoop Nunes Is (Slightly) Vindicated Dec 12, 2019

Show notes

On the Gist, the problem with democracies.

In the interview, Benjamin Wittes of the Brookings Institution and Lawfare is on the phone with Mike today to talk about Devin Nunes' memo from 2017 in light of the recent Inspector General's report. What did Nunes get right and wrong? And was it enough to let us stop calling him a nincompoop?

In the spiel, McKinsey and Pete Buttigieg.

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Expecting History to Judge Dec 11, 2019

Show notes

On the Gist, William Barr and malfeasance.

In the interview, comedians Drennon Davis and Mike Phirman are here to talk about their podcast Bandtastic, a sci-fi musical for the family. They talk with Mike about how the project came about, adult and child humor, and DJ Yeah.

In the spiel, impeachment and history.

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Not a Point of Order Dec 10, 2019

Show notes

On the Gist, fighting Biden.

In the interview, Mike talks to sports journalist and author Joe Posnanski about the elusive Houdini. They talk about how Erik Weisz became the great Harry Houdini, how the man transformed himself from failing magician to famous escape artist, and the myths shrouding his mysterious death. Joe's book is The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini.

In the spiel, points of order.

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The Truth Behind the Steele Dossier Dec 07, 2019

Show notes

On The Gist, Chuck Todd.

In the Interview, former The Wall Street Journal reporter and Fusion GPS co-founder Glenn Simpson is here to talk with Mike about the Steele dossier, the infamous pee tape, and his regrets and hopes around the dossier's coverage. His new book with co-author Peter Fritsch is Crime in Progress: Inside the Steele Dossier and the Fusion GPS Investigation of Donald Trump.

In the Spiel, Cory Booker's theory on why Kamala Harris dropped out.

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Biden Wants a Fight Dec 06, 2019

Show notes

On The Gist, UNESCO.

In the Interview, Mike talks to Bina Venkataraman, The Boston Globe editorial page editor. They talk about the best ways to tackle climate change, how to encourage people to think long-term, and whether or not humanity will make it past the year 2200. Her new book is The Optimist's Telescope: Thinking Ahead in a Reckless Age.

In the Spiel, Joe Biden confronting an 83-year-old farmer in Iowa.

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