The Gist

Latest Episodes:

Unbiased News Jun 24, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, refocusing our attention to local democracy.

In the interview, Mike talks with Seth Stevenson, author of Grounded: A Down to Earth Journey Around the World and host of Slate's newest business podcast Thrilling Tales of Modern Capitalism. Seth's new podcast delves into the backstories of iconic brand, from Purell to Victoria's Secret, and he joins Mike to talk about Carnival Cruises, one of the biggest players in an industry that jumps from one disaster to another. And yes, the expression "poop cruise" is mentioned.

In the spiel, objectivity as a punching bag.

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Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Daniel Schroeder and Joel Patterson.

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Crowd Size and Political Viability Jun 22, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, lack of humor in the Trump administration.

In the interview, Mike talks with Maria Konnikova, star of our bi-weekly segment "Is That Bullshit?" This time, however, Maria is here to discuss her newest book about becoming a professional poker player. Already a New York Times bestseller, it's called The Biggest Bluff.

In the spiel, "yuge" crowd psychology.

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Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Daniel Schroeder and Joel Patterson.

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Confronting a White Supremacist Jun 19, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, Trump's ignorance.

In the interview, Mike talks with Josh Levin, Slate's national editor. A co-host of the sports podcast Hang Up and Listen, Levin is also the author ofThe Queen: The Forgotten Life Behind an American Myth. Mike and Josh discuss Levin's latest audio project as host of Season 4 of Slow Burn, which over the course of several episodes, dissects David Duke's rise into the political mainstream and explores how Duke maintained his status as one of the most famous white supremacists in the U.S.

In the spiel, impediments to true justice.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Daniel Schroeder and Joel Patterson.

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Give Up That Racist Tradition Jun 18, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, an officer cooperates.

In the interview, Mike talks with co-host of Slate's Political Gabfest, CBS 60 Minutes correspondent and contributing editor at the Atlantic, John Dickerson. His new book on the American Presidency, The Hardest Job In The World, details that there are no blueprints around the challenges of governing, and how we need to evaluate candidates and nominees for the job.

In the spiel, a song gets cancelled.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Get Out Already Jun 16, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, fireworks and progress.

In the interview, Mike talks with data scientist Jeffery Morris of the University of Pennsylvania. They talk data analysis and models related to Covid-19, his predictions for states' reopening, and his interpretations of updated CDC guidelines. You can follow his work at his site Covid-19 Data Science.

In the spiel, Asian borders.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Campaigning Under Quarantine Jun 15, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, Trump doesn't want to confront sins, he would rather perpetuate them.

In the interview, Mike talks with incumbent Rep. Don Bacon from Nebraska's 2nd District about how Covid-19 has altered his campaign strategy leading up to the election. They also discuss the protesting and looting in Omaha, as well as his recent statement following Gen. Mattis' piece published in the Atlantic. Having served under him in Iraq, Bacon mostly agrees with Mattis, but says he and his constituents will likely support Trump on several key issues come November.

In the spiel, the Sundees! Our awards for the Sunday shows.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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An Imperfect Union Jun 12, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, the stock market is on a coronavirus coaster.

In the interview, Dr. Christina Greer of Fordham University is here to talk with Mike about politics and police reform. They discuss Joe Biden, if police unions should continue to exist, and what the future of policing could look like. Greer is the host of FAQ NYC.

In the spiel, a good-faith effort to hear out the bad-faith arguments.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Crossing Out Columbus Jun 11, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, dominating the streets with compassion.

In the interview, John Pfaff, professor of law and criminology at Fordham University and author of Locked In: The True Causes of Mass Incarceration-and How to Achieve Real Reform, joins Mike to talk about police reformation, and why politicians touting low crime under their watches could lead to more dysfunction. As one of the foremost experts on incarceration in America, Pfaff argues that we need to rethink how the system and budgets are organized.

In the spiel, Christopher Columbus and his mixed legacy.

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Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Film the Police Jun 11, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, Mississippi.

In the interview, Ben Smith from the New York Times is here to discuss the recent ousting of editor James Bennet over an op-ed by Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas. They talk about the cultural divides it highlighted, what it means for the Times, and the future of opinion on the internet. Smith's latest piece is "Inside the Revolts Erupting in America's big Newsrooms."

In the spiel, Cops is canceled.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder and Margaret Kelley.

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Summer at Covid Camp Jun 09, 2020

Show notes

On the Gist, the anti-ANTIFA provocateur in Buffalo, NY.

In the interview, Emily Oster, professor of economics at Brown University and NY Times bestselling author of Cribsheet and Expecting Better, joins Mike to talk about kids' summer camps, weighing options as states begin to reopen, and assessing risk when it comes to coronavirus.

In the spiel, de Blasio tries again.

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.