The Gist

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Stop Going Nuclear Jan 16, 2019

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On The Gist, 'twas an eventful news day (William Barr, opioid fatality statistics, Brexit … ), but Mike's got a big Spiel to fry.

In the interview, Greg Jaczko served as chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission under Obama—and soon grew disillusioned with nuclear energy technology itself. He joins us to explain what changed his thinking and where to turn for tomorrow's energy. Jaczko's new book is Confessions of a Rogue Nuclear Regulator.

In the Spiel, a thought experiment in which Trump is given the benefit of the doubt regarding Russia … and still comes out looking like a scoundrel.

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Against Steve King, Words Aren't Enough Jan 15, 2019

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On The Gist, president Trump is far from tough on Russia, and too many news talk shows let his allies make that claim.

In the interview, Jennifer Traig thought she knew what she was getting into when she became a parent, until "washing diarrhea out of neckfolds" came along. In her latest book, she turns to history to sort the parenting techniques and philosophies that are worth keeping from those that aren't. Traig is the author of Act Natural: A Cultural History of Misadventures in Parenting.

In the Spiel, Republicans are speaking out against congressman Steve King for his racist comments. But how about some action?

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The Future (of A.I.) Is Chinese Jan 12, 2019

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On The Gist, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's star power isn't something to fear. Especially if you're a Democrat.

"The world is a very dangerous place!" as a statement from President Donald Trump's desk once put it. Eurasia Group president Ian Bremmer gets that, which is why his firm writes a list of top geopolitical risks at the start of every year. In 2019, these include America's response to growing tech and A.I. dominance from China, presidential elections in Ukraine and Nigeria, and cyberwar. Bremmer is also the founder of GZero Media and hosts its podcast, GZero World With Ian Bremmer.

In the Spiel, ringing in the year's first Lobstar of the Antentwig.

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When Fact Meets Fiction Jan 11, 2019

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On The Gist, costs and benefits in the government.

In the interview, Matthew Heineman is here to discuss his new film A Private War. Though usually a documentary filmmaker, this time around he tried his hand at a feature. Focused on the life of journalist Marie Colvin, it's surprising how many documentary techniques Heineman employed when making the film, which uniquely fits the story being told. A Private War will be available on Feb. 5.

In the Spiel, the rhyming Kellyanne Conway.

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The Kids Are Not All Right Jan 10, 2019

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On The Gist, the days are getting longer, the brand names shorter.

In the interview, millennial whisperer (or, you know, just plain millennial) Anne Helen Petersen recently diagnosed "the burnout generation" in a viral feature for BuzzFeed. Student debt, the 2008 financial crisis, relatively low levels of family wealth—all have contributed to their dire straits. But could their biggest burden be a mental one?

In the Spiel, President Trump's unsurprisingly empty Oval Office address.

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Addressing the Facts Jan 09, 2019

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On The Gist, do presidential addresses change anything?

In the interview, NPR's David Folkenflik joins us to talk about Donald Trump's Oval Office address. Should the networks give airtime to someone so averse to facts, even if he is the president? Is there any precedent for this? And what repercussions for lying will Trump face, if any?

In the Spiel, 5G networks.

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The Likeability Illusion Jan 08, 2019

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On The Gist, news networks should do us a favor and not air Trump's prime-time speech on Tuesday night.

In the interview, Greg Sargent is an indispensable voice for anyone looking to grasp the inner workings of American democracy. In his new book, he argues that compromise is possible even on issues as stark as voter suppression (the implementers are all Republican on this one, folks). Sargent's book is An Uncivil War: Taking Back Our Democracy in an Age of Trumpian Disinformation and Thunderdome Politics.

In the Spiel, likability in 2020? It's overrated.

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What's Wrong With Motherf---er? Jan 05, 2019

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On The Gist, works produced 75 years ago are now entering the public domain. And some are what 2019 would call "problematic."

David Bowie once sang that we can all be heroes … but villainy is where it's really at. In the Ringer podcast Villains, host Shea Serrano and his guests analyze film's best baddies to figure out their true motives and chances at redemption. What makes The Silence of the Lambs'Hannibal Lecter the most memorable villain of all? How justified is Amy Dunne in Gone Girl? And are there any villains they won't even touch?

In the Spiel, Rep. Rashida Tlaib used a bad word. But boy, it's also such a great word.

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There's Something in the Water Jan 04, 2019

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On The Gist, what do Kim Jong-un's letters and Shaquille O'Neal sneakers have in common?

In the interview, you've likely heard of microplastics, but are they something to worry about? Maria Konnikova is here with answers in another round of "Is That Bullshit?". Konnikova is the author of The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It . . . Every Time.

In the Spiel, and in New York City, even shutting down a subway train comes with delays.

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Impeachment Is a Real Crapshoot Jan 03, 2019

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On The Gist, the government shutdown continues.

In the interview, impeachment proceedings have never removed a president from office (in Bill Clinton's case, they even offered a bump in approval ratings). So is it really the best route for those who see nothing but rot in Trump's presidency? Lawfare Institute COO David Priess surveys the options in his latest book, How to Get Rid of a President: History's Guide to Removing Unpopular, Unable, or Unfit Chief Executives.

In the Spiel, Louis C.K. and punching down.

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