The Gist
The Great Houthi Whoopsie
Mar 25, 2025
Chris Gethard, a stand-up comedian and host of Beautiful Anonymous, dives into the evolving landscape of comedy and the impact of social media on performances. He reflects on a surprising rivalry with Shane Gillis and the pressures of gatekeeping in comedy. The conversation also touches on the alarming potential of 23andMe genetic data becoming public amidst corporate turmoil. Lastly, Gethard discusses a sensitive Signal chat incident that included Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, revealing the chaotic side of operational security in U.S. foreign policy.
40:30
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The decline of 23andMe's value raises ethical concerns about user privacy and the long-term viability of genetic testing services.
- The comedy landscape is shifting, creating tension between traditional performance styles and the pressures of social media-driven content creation.
Deep dives
The Impact of Genetic Testing Bankruptcy
The genetic testing company 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, revealing a significant decline in its value from $6 billion to just $50 million. This dramatic drop raises concerns about the long-term viability of genetic testing services, which many users initially viewed as one-time experiences. The utility of genetic testing appears limited, as individuals often have little reason to use the service more than once after their initial testing reveals ancestry information. Additionally, the company's terms indicate that personal genetic data might be sold or transferred amid the bankruptcy process, raising ethical concerns about user privacy.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
