The Gist

The End Of The World As Fred Knows It

Oct 24, 2024

Fred Kaplan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and national security expert, dives into his novel "A Capital Calamity," which humorously explores the end of the world orchestrated by a consultant. He discusses the absurdity of airlines' no-smoking signs and reflects on the absurdity of modern politics, especially regarding Trump's influence and the anti-incumbent sentiment globally. Kaplan also contemplates the weight of personal responsibility in arms control, the unpredictability of political predictions, and the cultural divides affecting voter behavior.

44:51

Episode guests

Fred Kaplan

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Fred Kaplan's novel 'A Capital Calamity' creatively blends entertaining storytelling with serious themes of global conflict and moral responsibility.

Recent updates to air travel regulations reflect modern standards by eliminating outdated smoking signage, acknowledging changes in passenger safety practices.

Deep dives

The Appeal of Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily fantasy sports platforms like PrizePix offer engaging contests where users can make predictions on player performances. These platforms allow participants to research and make informed decisions, leading to a sense of accomplishment when their picks succeed. For example, the speaker shared a successful bet on a lesser-known player who was on a hitting streak, highlighting the thrill of turning research into a winning prediction. Such adventures in daily fantasy can create a narrative that enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.

Intro

2min

The Absurdity of No-Smoking Signs and a New Literary Perspective

6min

The Art of Writing and Reflection

6min

Navigating Conservative Ideals

13min

Upcoming Events and Political Reflections

2min

Voter Sentiment and Political Disconnect

12min

Fred Kaplan has won a Pulitzer, been nominated for another, and he's covered the national security community for years. So he finally decided to just throw out the rules of non-fiction and write a novel ... about the end of the World, or almost the end of the world. A Capital Calamity is a tale of impending armageddon not with a bang nor a whimper, but because of a consultant. Plus, airlines have finally addressed the on-again-off-again no-smoking sign in a rather stupid way. Also on the show, Trump is close to winning because incumbents the world over are getting "schlonged."

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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