Category: 3-SometimeCommentary

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.”

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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