The podcast discusses the Wisconsin Idea, emphasizing the importance of universities conducting research for the public good and embracing diversity.
The episode highlights the recent developments in Trump's legal troubles, with lawyers involved in election-stealing schemes taking pleas and agreeing to testify against others, undermining the claim of innocent reliance on legal advice.
The incident of the Great Molasses Flood of 1919 in Boston led to stricter building regulations and accountability for unsafe structures in the United States.
Deep dives
The Great Molasses Flood of 1919
In January 1919, a tank containing 2.3 million gallons of molasses ruptured in Boston, causing a deadly flood that killed 20 people and injured 150. The incident led to the establishment of stricter building permit regulations and played a role in creating accountability for unsafe structures in the United States.
Podcasts on Israel-Palestine Conflict
For those interested in the Israel-Gaza-Palestine conflict, three recommended podcasts are: Heskeit Usslo, which provides a detailed look at the Oslo peace negotiations; This Is Palestine, featuring voices from Gaza and exploring the conflict's history and current situation; and Ezra Klein's interview with Peter Beinart and Spencer Ackerman, which offers poignant reflections on the topic.
Learning to Sing
The author shares their personal journey of wanting to learn how to sing. Despite lacking prior musical experience, they have started taking lessons to improve their singing abilities, including exercises on breathing and matching notes. While it is challenging, they are determined to achieve their goal and explore their potential as a singer.
The importance of the Wisconsin Idea
The podcast episode discusses the Wisconsin Idea, which is the philosophy that universities have a responsibility to conduct research for the public good and that the public should fund higher education. The Wisconsin Idea has led to scientific breakthroughs, progressive reforms, and the development of Babcock, the world's greatest ice cream. The episode highlights the importance of embracing a diverse population and finding opportunities for hope in history.
Trump's lawyers taking plea deals
The podcast episode also covers the recent developments in Trump's legal troubles. Multiple lawyers involved in election-stealing schemes, including Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis, have taken plea deals and agreed to testify against other defendants. These pleas could potentially harm Trump's defense, as they undermine the claim of innocent reliance on legal advice. The episode suggests that the guilt pleas serve as a message that the efforts to steal the election were built on lies and disinformation.
This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz take the show on the road and gab live with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers; discuss the new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson; and review the former lawyers and Chief of Staff who will testify against Donald Trump.
Here are some notes and references from this week’s show:
