The Gist

Latest Episodes:

Making Fun of the GameStop Stonks Feb 01, 2021

Show notes

On the Gist, once a Nobel Peace Prize winner, now a war criminal.

In the Interview, writer Jill Lepore joins Mike for part one of their conversation on her latest book: If Then: How the Simulmatics Corporation Invented the Future, a precursor to data and polling companies. If Then is an account on the mid-century boom in the advertising industry and its overlap with political marketing. Lepore articulates the deep prejudice in polling at the time, the rise of awareness of computers, and how Simulmatics' people machine's duplicity was made legible.

In the spiel, the GameStop/Wall Street debacle starring the usual suspects.

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Arizona Lawmaker Says, No Vote For You Jan 30, 2021

Show notes

On the Gist, an Arizona Representative has a plan to win - throw out votes.

In the interview, it's all about the voice; John Colapinto's new book, This is the Voice, that is. From sexy baby voice to deep baritones, Colapinto talks about his linguistic journey in writing his new book about the importance of the sounds and the musicality of voice that come out of our mouths, and how a good bedside manner can save you from lawsuits. Colapinto is a staff writer at the New Yorker.

In the spiel, crackpot as croackpots.

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Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth.

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Republicans Horribilis Jan 29, 2021

Show notes

On the Gist, what happens when a conservative pundit and a famous quarterback make a podcast: Bolling with Favre.

In the interview, it's been a lonely year, and an especially difficult 10 months to try and find love. But Logan Ury's new book, How to Not Die Alone just may hold the key. Putting psychology first, Ury seeks to give readers a guide to finding and keeping relationships. Spoiler alert: Stop focusing on the spark! Ury explains an approach to dating that is more psychology than yenta, the non-fluffiness of behavioral science, and what goes on in a "Love Lab." Ury is the co-founder of the Irrational Lab at Google, and is the Director of Relationship Science for the dating app Hinge.

In the spiel, three horrible truths and a half terrible truth about Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

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Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth.

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Illusions, Delusions, and Flat Out Lies Jan 28, 2021

Show notes

On the Gist, you can't trouble us with your labels.

In the interview, what is In & Of Itself? The new Hulu special by Frank Oz and Derek DelGaudio is so much more than just a made-for-TV version of DelGaudio's live show. As creators, Oz and DelGaudio discuss the stigma of illusion, an art form which relies on sleight of hand and audience participation, and talk about how they were able to bring to life their special for people sitting at home. Both Oz and DelGaudio elucidate the assumptions around their respective careers, professions which have historically been viewed as sitting lower on the performing arts totem pole, and urge viewers to refrain from taking things simply on face value. In & Of Itself is available now on Hulu.

In the spiel, understanding the difference between lies and delusions.

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The Murder of Saudi Arabian Journalist, Jamal Khashoggi Jan 27, 2021

Show notes

On the Gist, Impeachment logic games.

In the interview, it's part two of a conversation with Oscar award winning documentarian and director Bryan Fogel about his latest film The Dissident. The film centers around Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi's brutal murder, and its broader human rights implications. The Dissident is available in theaters, and now via premium video-on-demand. Today, Fogel and Mike focus on Fogel's experiences putting the documentary together, and how he got unlikely sources to sit down for interviews.

In the spiel, use code RUDY today!

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Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth.

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Calling Larry King; and Part One with Oscar Winner Bryan Fogel Jan 26, 2021

Show notes

On the Gist, Larry King, 'Hello!'

In the interview, it's part one of a conversation with Oscar award winning documentarian and director Bryan Fogel about his latest film The Dissident. The film centers around Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi's brutal murder, and its broader human rights implications. Fogel discusses how he seeks to right wrongs through his investigative filmmaking, and details how he put his own life on the line to tell Khashoggi's story. The Dissident is available in theaters, and now via premium video-on-demand. Part two of Fogel's conversation is tomorrow.

In the spiel, Rand Paul versus reality.

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Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth.

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The Cost of Convicting Trump Feat. Guest Joe Lockhart Jan 23, 2021

Show notes

On the Gist, Trump is deserving of a trial, and a lot more.

In the interview, what are the consequences of putting Trump through a Senate trial? Mike does some game theory with Joe Lockhart about the possible implications for Republicans and Democrats when it comes to voting for, and possibly convicting the former president. Lockhart is former press secretary for President Clinton, partner at strategic comms group Rational360, and a CNN political analyst.

In the spiel, mask on, mask off. But seriously keep your mask on.

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Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth.

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Pardon Me? Jan 22, 2021

Show notes

On the Gist, before he jetted off to the sunshine state, Trump had a last bit of business to attend to.

In the interview, Mike talks to Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, senior associate dean of leadership programs, and the Lester Crown Professor in the Practice of Management for the Yale School of Management. He is also founder and president of the Chief Executive Leadership Institute. Mike and Sonnenfeld discuss C.E.L.I., a nonprofit educational and research institute focused on CEO leadership and corporate governance, and Trump's influence on their decision making.

In the spiel, oh the people he pardoned.

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Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth.

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Joe Biden Takes Over Jan 20, 2021

Show notes

On the Gist, a decent man gives a speech.

In the interview, Mike talks to Sarada Peri about now President Joe Biden's inaugural speech. The former President Barack Obama speechwriter says Biden, "knocked it out of the park." They talk about the most effective moments and the importance of speaking directly about racism and white supremacy. Peri also discusses why Biden addressing the American people as "folks" is not only a favorite colloquialism of his, but a necessary way to relate.

In the spiel, Republicans will likely continue to republican.

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Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth.

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Last call for Donald Trump Jan 20, 2021

Show notes

On the Gist, Trump is getting traded.

In the interview, we bring in Chris Molanphy to discuss the music hits of 2020. They talk about how All I Want For Christmas is You keeps coming back to the top of the charts and the unexpected timeliness of Rockstar by DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch. Molanphy is a pop-chart analyst, the writer of Slate's "Why Is This Song No. 1?" series, and host of the podcast Hit Parade. Come for the deep dive on an unusual year in music, stay for Mike explaining what W.A.P. stands for.

In the spiel, we remember Trump for the last time.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth.

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