The Gist

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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.

This episode is brought to you by Slack, the collaboration hub for work. Learn more at Slack.com.

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There's Something in the Water Jan 04, 2019

Show notes

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

Show notes

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.

This episode is brought to you by Doctors Without Borders. Donate today at doctorswithoutborders.org.

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Andy Serkis, Motion Capture Master Dec 28, 2018

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On The Gist, Mike Pesca is leaving Facebook, mostly.

In the interview, Andy Serkis is here to discuss his newest movie, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, along with the film's star Rohan Chand. They talk about the magic of working in motion capture, how it really isn't all that different from other types of acting, and what it was like jumping on Christian Bale's back. Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle is available on Netflix.

In the Spiel, finding the appropriate punishments for things like drones at the airport.

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The Babies Are Not All Right Dec 28, 2018

Show notes

On The Gist, why do daily news podcasts think they can take off for the holidays?

In the interview, journalist Priska Neely has been writing about the rates of black infant mortality and why they're so much higher than American infant mortality rates overall. She joins us today to discuss the possible reasons, including community support systems, health care–related problems, and how racism factors into it all.

In the Spiel, Donald Trump visits Iraq and says a lot.

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The Same Old Mike, Plus The New One Dec 22, 2018

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On The Gist, Donald Trump is to "wall" as zombies are to "braaaains."

In his Broadway show (The New One) Mike Birbiglia tells you why procreation is a terrible idea, before waxing lyrical on the joys of raising a daughter—it's complicated; he's complicated. On The Gist, he spares a thought for how to tip at an Olive Garden, the future of email leaks, and Fox News' underwhelming Christmas tree.

In the Spiel, abandoning arguments of good (or bad) faith.

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Free Money for Everyone? Dec 21, 2018

Show notes

On The Gist, Amazon or marijuana?

In the interview, Andrew Yang has declared his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election, and his platform is universal basic income. But how does that work? Is there room for that and other progressive platforms like free college tuition or universal health care? Yang's new book is The War on Normal People: The Truth About America's Disappearing Jobs and Why Universal Basic Income Is Our Future.

In the Spiel, thought experiments and the extinction of the human race.

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Adam Keeps Ruining Everything Dec 20, 2018

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On The Gist, the government shutdown and Santa.

In the interview, Adam Conover joins us to discuss the latest season of Adam Ruins Everything, how they ruin things like guns and mattresses, the mistakes they've made along the way, and if there are any topics they aren't allowed to cover. Adam Ruins Everything airs on Tuesday nights on truTV.

In the Spiel, Alice Walker, the New York Times, and narratives.

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The Alt-Right Downturn Dec 19, 2018

Show notes

On The Gist, why Mick Mulvaney's trash talk didn't cost him a job under Trump.

In the interview, is the alt-right waning? An expert on the movement, George Hawley, says that de-platforming worked to counter hateful figures like Milo Yiannopoulos and Alex Jones and that the news media may have overestimated their cunning—throwing memes at the wall until some of them stick—to begin with. Hawley is a professor of politics at the University of Alabama and the author of The Alt-Right: What Everyone Needs to Know.

In the Spiel, some Pesca family lore on befriending Harlem Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon.

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