The Gist - Friends With (Slate Plus) Benefits

Today on The Gist, a collection of some of our favorite Slate Plus bonus segments. First, from the “Joe Biden’s White Teeth” edition of the Political Gabfest: David Plotz, John Dickerson, and Emily Bazelon have a conversation about law enforcement and parenting. Then, from the “Are You Looking Forward to Our Wearable Future” edition of the Culture Gabfest: an interview with two fans who enjoy the show so much that they held a bachelorette party in the Slate studio. Last, from the “The All’s Fair in Love and WAR Edition” of Hang Up and Listen: Stefan Fatsis, Josh Levin, and Mike Pesca talked to Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post about her column on Mo’ne Davis and how the male-dominated sports world discusses women’s sports. 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

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The Gist - Veteran SNL Writer Asks “Who Tooted?”

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

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The Gist - JFK’s Brain Is Missing

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

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The Gist - Does When We Eat Matter?

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

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The Gist - Two Families, One Mortgage

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

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The Gist - Starving Jake Gyllenhaal

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

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The Gist - If Washington Hips to Indie Rock

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

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The Gist - Why Political Consultants Prescribe Bumpkin

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

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The Gist - Don’t Get Ebola in Missouri

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

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The Gist - High Times Rolls On

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

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