The Gist - What’s Next for Zimbabwe?

In his 37 years as president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe has learned how to play hardball. While his past methods have invited sanctions for human rights violations, the 93-year-old is staying within the confines of the law to fend off the coup at his doorstep. Chipo Dendere, a visiting assistant professor of political science at Amherst College, tells us more. 

In the Spiel, Mike considers Charles Manson and why serial killers don’t get attention like they used to.

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Pod Save America - “The Donor Relief Act of 2017.”

Republicans jam the second most unpopular piece of legislation in history through the House, Doug Jones could transform Washington with a victory over Roy Moore, and Trump’s FCC votes to help Trump-friendly media consolidate power. Senator Claire McCaskill joins Jon, Jon, and Tommy to talk bout the tax bill, her Senate race, Al Franken, and Bill Clinton. Then DeRay joins to talk about student loan penalties.

Start the Week - Blood, guts and swearing robots

Victorian hospitals were known as 'houses of death' and their surgeons, who never washed their hands, were praised for their brute strength and speed. Lindsey Fitzharris tells Andrew Marr about the pioneering British surgeon Joseph Lister who transformed his profession. Anaesthesia was discovered in the 1840s but Professor Lesley Colvin says we're still learning about the complex relationship between the brain and the perception of pain, as well as understanding the potential harm of the increased use of strong opiates. Pain is common to all humans, but could - and should - robots feel pain? This is the question Dr Beth Singler poses in a new film exploring the limits of Artificial Intelligence. And if they are programmed to feel pain, should they also be taught to swear? Dr Emma Byrne looks at the science of bad language and why it can also be harnessed to reduce pain. Producer: Katy Hickman.

Start the Week - Blood, guts and swearing robots

Victorian hospitals were known as 'houses of death' and their surgeons, who never washed their hands, were praised for their brute strength and speed. Lindsey Fitzharris tells Andrew Marr about the pioneering British surgeon Joseph Lister who transformed his profession. Anaesthesia was discovered in the 1840s but Professor Lesley Colvin says we're still learning about the complex relationship between the brain and the perception of pain, as well as understanding the potential harm of the increased use of strong opiates. Pain is common to all humans, but could - and should - robots feel pain? This is the question Dr Beth Singler poses in a new film exploring the limits of Artificial Intelligence. And if they are programmed to feel pain, should they also be taught to swear? Dr Emma Byrne looks at the science of bad language and why it can also be harnessed to reduce pain. Producer: Katy Hickman.

The NewsWorthy - Keystone XL, Charles Manson & AMAs – Monday, November 20th, 2017

All the news you need to know for Monday, November 20th, 2017! 

Today we’re talking about a Keystone XL Pipeline vote, Charles Manson's death and new Hollywood accusations.

Plus: spying smartwatches, the American Music Awards and the celeb who says she invented the selfie.

Award-winning broadcast journalist and former TV news reporter Erica Mandy breaks it all down for you. 

Today's episode is brought to you by SOL Organics. SOL​ ​Organics​ ​sells​ ​luxuriously​ ​comfortable​ ​organic​ ​sheets​ ​and​ ​bedding at an affordable price while​ ​using​ ​only​ ​Fair Trade​ ​Certified,​ ​100%​ ​organic,​ ​non-GMO​ ​and​ ​eco-friendly​ ​long-staple​ ​cotton.​ ​This​ ​means there​ ​is​ ​no​ ​use​ ​of​ ​harmful​ ​chemicals​ ​that​ ​destroy​ ​the​ ​Earth,​ ​nor​ ​is​ ​there​ ​unsafe​ ​labor​ ​practices that​ ​put​ ​people’s​ ​lives​ ​at​ ​risk​.

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For links to all the stories referenced in today's episode, visit https://www.theNewsWorthy.com and click Episodes.

the memory palace - Episode 118 (On the Shores of Assawompset)

The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX, a curated network of extraordinary, story-driven shows.

Music

  • Musica Seqenza play Schreza Infida
  • Frederico Durand plas Lluvia de Estrellas
  • The Martin Hayes Quintet plays The Boy in the Gap
  • East Forest by Provenance
  • There's a bit of Madame Ovary from Bensi and Jurriaans and Christine
  • It finishes on Three Dances: II. Pavane from Chromo Tuba Quartet

Notes

The Gist - At Home With Gilbert Gottfried

Comedian Gilbert Gottfried is known for his notorious voice and jokes that toe the borderline between daring and tasteless. In the documentary Gilbert, we see his softer side: his wife, Dara, rubs schmutz off his robe, his kids hug him goodbye before padding off to school, he sweet-talks a hotel concierge into giving him free deodorant. Gottfried, Dara, and the film’s director Neil Berkeley joined Mike to talk about what makes Gilbert special.  

In the Spiel, are you running for office? A sitting senator? A first-term president? Mike Pesca is here to give you advice on surviving your sexual misconduct scandals. 

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