The Gist

Today on The Gist, Slate's Josh Voorhees joins us from Iowa to discuss what the pro-pipeline supermajority in the Senate means for environmental legislation. Plus, Monk creator Andy Breckman explains why he decided to pursue a new career as a toy mogul. His new app is called Rigged Trivia. For the Spiel, impassioned nominations for the toy hall of fame. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Raise a toast: There are no more dry states left on Election Day. On The Gist, Mike Pesca's wonderful parents share a lesson from voting-day drinking in 1970s Greenwich Village. Plus, Brad Meltzer from the Lost History TV series explains how missing artifacts reveal the extraordinary roles that ordinary people play in history. The show airs Friday nights at 10 p.m. ET on H2. For the Spiel, will you please say something nice about your opponent? Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, political writer Harry Enten from FiveThirtyEight breaks down the latest polling data. Then, in our regular segment Is This Bulls--t?, we ask Maria Konnikova of The New Yorker if late-night dinners are really so horrible for our health. For the Spiel, Mike Pesca reports from below daredevil Nik Wallenda's high wire in Chicago. Today's show is sponsored by The Great Courses, who have a special offer for The Gist listeners. Order "Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior" and get 80% off the original price. Visit http://www.thegreatcourses.com/gist Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It looks likely that the Republicans will win the Senate. On The Gist, we ask Slate columnist Reihan Salam if a Republican majority means more will get done in Washington. Plus, Slate's Emily Yoffe joins us for a Post-Prudence Impact Statement with past letter writer Two Families, One Mortgage. For the Spiel, so many elections, so little time to get to the really stupid things said by our candidates. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, it's hard to look away from a crime scene—and from the film Nightcrawler. First-time director Dan Gilroy talks about star Jake Gyllenhaal's grueling preparation for the role and the film's co-star, Rene Russo (who also happens to be Gilroy's wife). Nightcrawler opens Friday. For the Spiel, would Chris Christie's attitude fly in old Abe Lincoln's day? Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist: Divided government is supposed to foster compromise. Instead, Washington is mired in the mud. Norm Ornstein of The Atlantic talks about the potential of independents to swing the balance of power in the Senate. Plus, New York's Barrow Street Theater is mounting English playwright Mark Ravenhill's Pool (No Water). Director Ianthe Demos and performer Nick Flint explain how they staged a play without stage directions. For the Spiel, uncles woo nieces, energy drinks woo attorneys general and Lexus tries to woo our host. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every so often there's a politician who breaks through, or an idea that catches fire … just not this election year. Today on The Gist, Mark Leibovich from the New York Times counts the many ways this midterm election disappoints. Plus, using data to better understand human nature. We speak with OkCupid founder Christian Rudder about his new book Dataclysm. For the Spiel, bring on the poo. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, Stephen E. Flynn, political science professor at Northeastern University, explains that the Ebola story isn't a story of federal government incompetence. It's the story of a lack of investment and commitment to public health at a local, county, and state level. For the Spiel, Thomas Friedman delivers a train wreck of a metaphor. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, political writer Harry Enten from FiveThirtyEight reviews upcoming races of note, and the overall reliability of polling data. Plus, High Times editor-in-chief Dan Skye discusses the history of the magazine, and why he's decided to reveal his real name. A new history of the magazine is out called High Times: A 40-Year History of the World's Most Infamous Magazine. For the Spiel, Mike steps out. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, Paul Slovic from Decision Research offers insight into panic psychology. Plus, whiskey sommelier Heather Greene guides Mike through an in-studio tasting: Tullamore Dew, Angel's Envy, and Brenne. She's the author of Whiskey Distilled: a Populist Guide to the Water of Life. For the Spiel, is the opera the The Death of Klinghoffer unconscionable slander or a mere trifle? Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, a question about opera that has (almost) nothing to do with the controversy over The Death of Klinghoffer at the Metropolitan Opera. Mike asks mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili, star of the Met's new production of Carmen, what it's like to perform opera — from a seated position. Then, why are real wages not growing anywhere near the rate they once did? Adam Davidson from NPR's Planet Money gives the economists' explanation. For the Spiel, we'd like to be trusted as much as we're mistrusted. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, David Montgomery from the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Argus Leader explains how a close Senate race has snuck up on South Dakota voters. Plus, Christopher Miller tells us about things that used to be funny but have vanished from popular humor. He's the author of American Cornball. For the Spiel, a pandemic is sweeping America. (Hint: It's not Ebola.) Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, an interview from the new podcast Amicus, hosted by Slate's Dahlia Lithwick. In the excerpt, Dahlia talks with University of Virginia law professor Douglas Laycock, who argued the case of Holt v. Hobbs. Plus, Sarah Koenig from the Serial podcast gives us the tiniest clues about where this phenomenal who-done-it series is headed. For the Spiel, screwy Scottish science. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Like TV? Then you owe a debt to our guest on The Gist, Norman Lear. He's the author of Even This I Get to Experience, and responsible for TV shows including All in the Family, Maude, and Good Times. For the Spiel, a chance to issue corrections from the past three weeks, and name our Lobstar of the Antentwig. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This election season has been full of court fights over voter access laws. Wendy Weiser, director of the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center, explains why the problem has more to do with a partisan divide in the judiciary than voter fraud. Also on The Gist, Slate's Amanda Hess explains why male allies like Aziz Ansari are confusing for feminism. For the Spiel, U-S-Aaahhhh a mouse! Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, a new message of mercy emerges from the Vatican's synod meetings this year. Joshua McElwee from the National Catholic Reporter joins us from Rome. Then, in our regular segment Is This Bulls---?, we ask Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker if drinking water is the secret to health, brilliance, and beauty. For the Spiel, institutions that inspire Mike's ire. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are Apple and Google "beyond the law"? Today on The Gist, Hanni Fakhoury from the Electronic Frontier Foundation responds to the FBI director's comments. Plus, artist Stephanie Barber explains the story told by YouTube comments on Bob Seger's "Night Moves." For the Spiel, awarding Pinocchios. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, why has Turkey seemed strangely ambivalent about beating back the forces of ISIS? We speak with Kemal Kirişci, director of the Center on the United States and Europe's Turkey Project at Brookings. Then, comedian Kevin Bartini describes the long battle to have West 121st Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan named in honor of George Carlin. For the Spiel, why the most offensive political ad of the season wasn't so bad. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Should we be more concerned about black juror exclusion in capital trials? Today on The Gist, the Virginia Quarterly Review investigation "Bias in the Box," by Dax-Devlon Ross. Then, should you ever attend a child's birthday party in a hazmat suit? Slate's Emily Yoffe joins us for a Post-Prudence Impact Statement with past letter writer "The Shot Is Safe." For the Spiel, Mike explains why he agrees with disagreeing. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, we explore the uncanny valley of rogue taxidermy. Robert Marbury, author of Taxidermy Art, explains why an American BioArt trend is taking hold. Plus, Mike Tipping, of The Tipping Point and Portland Press Harold, discusses what the Maine gubernatorial elections say about the state's changing political landscape. He's the author of As Maine Went. For The Spiel, Rebel Vetting 101. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Kate Clark, Rivalry, from Taxidermy Art by Robert Marbury (Artisan Books). Copyright © 2014. Photo courtesy of the artist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, is it too soon for Ebola jokes? Slate's Josh Levin explains why the Jaguar mascot Jaxson De Ville's joke didn't land. Then, how the musical Bedbugs!!! earns its exclamation points. We'll speak with creators Paul Leschen and Fred Sauter about the show, and Brooke Borel chimes in about the bedbug science. Her forthcoming book Infested arrives next spring. For The Spiel, why political party matters in statewide races in Texas. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, something we're good at when it comes to fighting infectious disease. Mathematical modeler Nina Fefferman of Rutgers University explains how a mathematical model called R0 can predict the spread of Ebola. Then, in our regular segment Is This Bulls---, Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker discusses why some priming research has gone too far. For the Spiel, a Pew Research study reveals a huge knowledge gap when it comes to the economy. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, the home of the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East is Qatar. Jeremy Shapiro from Brookings Institute explains if we should consider Qatar a friend or frenemy. Plus, Jeffrey Mervis from Science explains why house Republicans are sniffing around National Science Foundation funding decisions. To end the show, Mike's Spiel from the stage of Slate's Live SuperFest in San Francisco. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, Slate's Dahlia Lithwick previews the Supreme Court cases worth watching closely this term, even if they don't inspire Hobby Lobby–level outrage. Plus, Daisy Waugh explains how modern attitudes toward child-rearing are setting parents up to feel like failures. She's the author of The Kids Will Be Fine. For the Spiel, damn, dams, we wish you were built better. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, we prepare for a verdict in the Blackwater trial you might not have known is underway. From the hallway of a D.C. federal courthouse, Matt Apuzzo of the New York Times reminds us why it's taken us seven years to prosecute the State Department contractors involved in a shooting in Iraq. Plus, biographer Tanner Colby reviews Cosby: His Life and Times by Mark Whitaker, and discusses the glaring omission of the comedian's sexual assault allegations. For the Spiel, are the terrorists we're fighting smarter than us? Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is the attorney general the lightening rod of the Cabinet? The Gist's attorneys general theme week continues with Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler. Plus, candy blogger Cybele May explains what flavors are trending on candy aisles, and what candy can tell us about how America is changing. For the Spiel, Isaac Mizrahi–designed tissues. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, we talk about Andy Warhol's erotic films with McGill University professor Ara Osterweil, who explains how movies like Couch and Blow Job transformed American visual culture. Osterweil is the author of Flesh Cinema: The Corporeal Turn in American Avant-Garde Film. For the Spiel, the kid who kicked a cat and the luxury of outrage. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, we discuss the legacy of Attorney General Eric Holder with former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Plus, Brett Anderson explains why Louisiana isn't shaped like a boot anymore. In a recent feature for Matter, he collaborated on the making of a new map. For The Spiel, 10 objections that defined history. Illustration by Matthew Woodson for Matter. Source: U.S. Geological Survey's National Land Cover Data (2011). Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, the science journalist's version of "who wore it better." We compare the Wall Street Journal's report with the N.Y. Times' report on the same research from the journal Nature. Ben Lillie from Story Collider explains who did the best job of representing the research. Then Slate's Emily Yoffe joins us for a Post-Post-Prudence Impact Statement with past letter writer "Please No Baby Daddy" from The Gist Episode 15. For the Spiel, we name our new Lobstar of the Antentwig. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, what happened to the good old days of newsmen keeping quiet about their death threats? Danielle Citron, author of Hate Crimes in Cyberspace, explains why online threats are commonly discussed and more rarely policed. Plus, William Weir explains the sad, gradual decline of the fade-out in popular music. For the Spiel, Mike's wild worldwide warzone wackiness headlines. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, we ask the Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg whether ISIS is indeed an existential threat to the Middle East. Then, Adam Davidson of NPR's Planet Money explains how economists talk about taxes when the rest of us aren't around. Plus, a snappy Spiel about race and long snapping. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Exactly how many black men are killed each year by law enforcement? How many are unarmed? In the wake of Ferguson, it was difficult for journalists to get precise answers to these questions. On The Gist, Reno News & Review editor D. Brian Burghart talks about Fatal Encounters, his project that attempts to crowdsource a national database of deadly police force. Then, John Pollack, author of Shortcut, explains the elegant power of analogies. For the Spiel, tax rates. Are they too low or too high? Mike says that's the wrong question to be asking. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a recent article for The New Republic, Tom A. Peter explains why he considers war reporting no longer worth the risk. On The Gist, we ask him and his war correspondent peer Carmen Gentile to discuss how they decide when it's worth risking everything for today's news consumer. Plus, we explore The Language of Food with Dan Jurafsky. For the Speil, Mike's hacked the news with a little boy-yoy-yoing. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, in anticipation of Sunday's climate march, Bill McKibben joins us for a round of "One Question, One Question Only." He's the author of Oil and Honey and founder of 350.org. Then, musician Xavier Dphrepaulezz has finally found his voice as Fantastic Negrito. We'll hear how he got here, and a few tracks from his EP. For the Spiel, Mike reclaims the word radio. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, Police drummer Stewart Copeland talks about creating a new score for the 1925 silent film Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Then, Slate's Emily Bazelon sizes up children's books about bullying written by professional athletes. The assigned reading list we gave her includes Knuckleball Ned by R.A. Dicky, Bogy Tees Off by Dottie Pepper and Not Cool To Bully in School by Milan Lucic. Our own recommended reading list includes Sticks and Stones by Emily Bazelon, Ben Rides On by Matt Davies and By My Brother's Side by Tiki Barber. For the Spiel, talking about the weather can save lives. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, comedian Jen Kirkman explains what it's like to defend her decision not to have kids. She's the host of the I Seem Fun podcast and author of I Can Barely Take Care of Myself. Plus, Ted Kaye joins us for a vexillology corner about the upcoming Scottish vote. For the Spiel, we play a game called "Find the Faux Fellow Forthwith." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, Riveted author Jim Davies explains the cognitive science behind what we find compelling. Plus, author Ken Follett explains his methods for holding interest through thousand-plus-page novels. His latest is Edge of Eternity. In both of our interviews today, Mike asks a question inspired by Alex Blumberg's new podcast StartUp. For the Spiel, Mike explores the history of the culture wars in America. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, we call up Scottish schoolteacher and blogger Craig McAllister to discuss the big choice facing Scotland this week. Since we spoke with him on an earlier episode, he's now a decided "yes" vote. Then, Storm Large from Pink Martini joins us to discuss her career and identity as a female performer. Her new album is Le Bonheur. For the Spiel, Mike's riff on President Obama's ability to place himself in the position of his enemies. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, Adam Davidson from Planet Money explains why dollar stores are way less evil than Wal-Mart. Plus, Slate's Emily Yoffe joins us for a Post-Prudence Impact Statement with past letter writer Swinger Ex-Boyfriend. And in the Spiel, Ira Glass dances his way into our hearts. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How did the office of the president work with TV networks to make Obama's ISIS address visually stunning? Today on The Gist, Josh King from Polioptics explains how the White House can be used as a Hollywood soundstage. Plus, professional wrestler Shawn Daivari explains how 9/11 made his career as a heel possible. For the Spiel, Mike is outraged that the NFL is positioning Ray Rice as a lesson, rather than a failure. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How appropriate were the measures taken against Ray Rice? Today on The Gist, learn why lethality indicators are essential for prosecutors trying domestic abuse. Attorney adviser Christopher Mallios from AEquitas explains how prosecutors approach domestic violence. Then, Slate's John Dickerson joins us to explain how public opinion has changed regarding U.S. involvement in the Middle East. For the Spiel, how the NFL's womanless culture makes horrendous decisions when it comes to women. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on the first archive edition of The Gist, a collection of our favorite Hitler material. First, Mike asks Ron Rosenbaum about how a genocidal monster is formed and if the Holocaust would have happened without him. Ron's the author of Explaining Hitler: The Search for the Origins of His Evil. For the Spiel, Dru Johnston reads his essay "I Think I Should Get More Credit for Killing Hitler" from the Occasional. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Taking a note from Mike's hairline (zing!), Slate is on retreat today. On The Gist, popular podcast host and historian Dan Carlin tells us about greatest retreats in history from Genghis Khan to Napoleon. Then we revisit a segment with comedian Gary Gulman about how even the smallest word choice matters when crafting a joke. For the Spiel, an early proto-spiel from 2008, first heard on NPR's Morning Edition. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former NFL player Nate Jackson's league health insurance ran out a few days ago. Today on The Gist, we'll review what health concerns many former players tackle after leaving the game. Plus, author Dana Goldstein explains what's keeping the American education system so average. For the Spiel, a new lobster of the antentwig. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, cellist Maya Beiser tells us how her rebellious streak led her out of the classical concert hall and into the arms of classic rock. Her new album is called Uncovered. Also, political scientist Jay Ulfelder explains his efforts to quantify all the trouble in the world. For the Spiel, how the phrase "I have yet to meet the person … " works as an indicator of ignorance. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does Anna Karenina look like when you read Tolstoy? Today on The Gist, book cover designer Peter Mendelsund explains how we turn what we read into sensory material. His new books are What We See When We Read and Cover. In the Spiel, how the U.S. is losing a war of words when it comes to ISIS. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While the best chess players in the world face off at the Sinquefield Cup, what can be done to bring the sport back to the Fischer era? Today on The Gist, we speak with Ken Regan about how he's working to keep the world's greatest board game above board. Then, in our regular segment "Is This Bulls--t," Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker makes a case against the power nap. For The Spiel, Mike doesn't want to hear about your receiver. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On The Gist, Adam Davidson from Planet Money explains what tax inversions tell us about cooperate taxes. Plus, Slate's Emily Yoffe joins us for a Post-Prudence Impact Statement with past letter writer Young and Restless. For Mike's Speil, he looks at the relationship between first names and successful careers in politics. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on The Gist, a voice you couldn't mistake for anyone else. Mike speaks with comedian Gilbert Gottfried about his attraction to old showbiz and his Amazing Colossal Podcast. For the Spiel, Mike's jazzed for the ABC primetime special on Schoolhouse Rock. Get The Gist by email as soon as it's available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Republicans, like all marketers, want to reach Latinos. Or do they? On The Gist, Victoria DeFrancesco Soto from the University of Texas' LBJ School of Public Affairs explains how the GOP varies its approach for courting Latino votes during midterm elections. Plus, Anya Ulinich shares how her experiences with online dating influenced her graphic novel Lena Finkle's Magic Barrel. For the Spiel, the conservative's tendency to seek out a counter example whenever racial injustice is reported. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.