
Political Gabfest
Voted “Favorite Political Podcast” by Apple Podcasts listeners. Stephen Colbert says "Everybody should listen to the Slate Political Gabfest." The Gabfest, featuring Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz, is the kind of informal and irreverent discussion Washington journalists have after hours over drinks.Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen.
Latest episodes

4 snips
May 25, 2024 • 30min
John Dickerson’s Navel Gazing: Time Travel Via an Assortment of Journal Entries
This podcast delves into personal reflections on Mother's Day, playing tennis with the Attorney General, medical scares, and profound journal entries. Discussions also touch on finding insights in chaos, exploring connections while traveling, and LGBTQ+ activism in response to historical events.

8 snips
May 23, 2024 • 1h 3min
Justice Alito's Upside Down Flag
Legal expert Emily Bazelon discusses Justice Alito's flag controversy and calls for judicial impartiality. The podcast also covers new centrism in Washington, Scarlett Johansson's voice controversy with OpenAI, and the rise of a new centrism. The conversation touches on Supreme Court composition, calls for structural reform, concerns about democracy, and activism for change.

May 18, 2024 • 33min
Gabfest Reads: Why Americans Care About Animals
Authors Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy discuss the evolution of animal treatment in America, moral duties to animals, and caring about more animals than just pets in a new book. They explore pivotal legal cases challenging traditional views on animal rights, the impact of a devastating horse flu outbreak, the historical slaughter of buffaloes in the American West, and society's dichotomous relationship with animal welfare and rights.

May 18, 2024 • 44min
John Dickerson’s Navel Gazing: Moving in New York Twenty Years After September 11th.
Writer John Dickerson reflects on moving in New York and remembering 9/11. He discusses the differences in NYC from 1991 to 2021, unpacking memories, apartment hunting chaos, efficiency in small spaces, and finding home in a small apartment after 9/11. The podcast also includes anecdotes from college days in Florence.

May 16, 2024 • 1h
How Bad Was The Poll For Biden?
Legal journalist Emily Bazelon, political journalist John Dickerson, and journalist David Plotz discuss Biden's poll numbers, Maryland primary results, upcoming presidential debates, and dynamics inside Trump's trial courtroom. They also touch on Senate candidates, debate challenges, and Trump's potential testimony. The podcast covers a wide range of political topics with insightful analysis and engaging discussions.

May 11, 2024 • 39min
John Dickerson’s Navel Gazing: The Sneaky Pitfalls of the To-Do List
The podcast delves into productivity routines like the Pomodoro Technique and the Marshall routine. It discusses the Zegarnik effect, the value of attention, and intentional living. Conversations about books, musicians, and productivity tools are shared. The importance of forming gateway habits and taking intentional action is highlighted. The role of meditation in regaining focus and perseverance is explored.

May 9, 2024 • 1h 8min
Trump Wore Pajamas
Legal expert Emily Bazelon, journalist John Dickerson, and former CEO David Plotz dive into Stormy Daniels's testimony against Trump, marijuana rescheduling, and media's role in defending democracy. They explore legal implications, evolving marijuana laws, power imbalances in courtrooms, and journalism's responsibilities. The discussion also covers challenges in cannabis legalization, dangers of rising gambling promotions, and media coverage of presidential issues.

May 4, 2024 • 45min
John Dickerson’s Navel Gazing: Remembering Early 1990s New York
John Dickerson's assistant Laura is mentioned as he reminisces about his early days in New York City. He shares tips on renting, incidents like getting lost in the village, and highlights the importance of adapting and embracing mistakes in new beginnings.

6 snips
May 2, 2024 • 57min
Should Student Protesters Be Arrested?
This podcast explores campus protests on Israel, changing American law, and Governor Kristi Noem's VP chances. Topics include student activism, free speech on campuses, anti-Semitism laws, originalism in legal issues, Harvey Weinstein case ruling, and potential Trump VP candidates.

Apr 27, 2024 • 34min
John Dickerson’s Navel Gazing: The Power of Four Numbers
Explore the art of slow-looking and attention, reflecting on childhood memories tied to the number 1016. Hear about resentment from math class, lost bitcoin fortunes, and the value of deliberate observation in art and daily experiences.
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