Today we have part two of Ishmael from http://www.angryblackrant.com. Ishmael was inspired by my interview with Rondale to possibly start a podcast. When you hear him, maybe you’ll agree with me that he really ought to host a podcast! He’s entertaining, opinionated, and bound for great things. You can also find him on twitter @angryblackrant
Four years ago today, the U.S. debt rating by Standard & Poor’s was downgraded from AAA to AA+. An assortment of politicians and rich people warned us this would be a day we’d never forget. We forgot. On The Gist, Adam Davidson explains the surprising power private credit ratings agencies such as S&P, Moody’s and Fitch have been given by the U.S., and what that means for global development. He’s a contributor to New York Times Magazine and a founder of NPR’s Planet Money.
Also, Adam Davidson is hosting a new podcast with Adam McKay called Awesome Boring. Here’s a teaser.
For the Spiel, the GOP debates have to do with the future of the Republican Party.
Today’s sponsor: Casper, the online retailer of premium mattresses for a fraction of the price. Get $50 toward any mattress purchase by visiting casper.com/gist and using the promo code GIST.
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Scandal at high levels in Brazil's government may give rise to big political and policy changes. Fabio Ostermann and Kim Kataguiri are leaders of the Free Brazil Movement.
Answers to family finance questions including how to save for college, whether couples should combine accounts, and co-signing loans. Plus a bonus Q&A about using credit cards with the newest technology. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1hjU7dY
When you drink from a BPA-free water bottle, is it still safe from "leeching" plastics? On The Gist, Mike asks Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker to examine the research into BPA plastics for a game we call “Is That Bulls--t?” For the Spiel, the oh so costly elections in Canada.
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Interview with David Silverman - President of American Atheists. He talks about The Reason Rally, His new book, Atheist Voters and much much more. Listener question - Viaticals.