

Revisionist History: The Alabama Murders
Pushkin Industries
Florence, Alabama. 1988. A preacher has an affair. A woman is murdered. One death cascades into more, stretching across decades and leaving no one untouched — victims, bystanders, perpetrators, and those just trying to help. Eventually, the consequences lead to the center of a hot national debate on who should be allowed to live, who should die, and how the state should kill them.
On The Alabama Murders, Malcolm Gladwell asks: why, in our efforts to alleviate suffering, do we so often make it worse?
Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell's journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether we got it right the first time. From Pushkin Industries. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance.
To get early access to ad-free episodes and extra content, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts are pushkin.fm/plus.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
On The Alabama Murders, Malcolm Gladwell asks: why, in our efforts to alleviate suffering, do we so often make it worse?
Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell's journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether we got it right the first time. From Pushkin Industries. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance.
To get early access to ad-free episodes and extra content, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts are pushkin.fm/plus.
iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 4, 2019 • 35min
Tempest in a Teacup
Tony Gebley, founder of Tea Epicure, brings a rich perspective on specialty teas and their historical significance. The discussion dives into the Boston Tea Party, revealing how tea consumption fueled rebellion against British taxation. Gebley humorously contrasts traditional tea culture with the rise of 'bro tea,' highlighting lapsang souchong's bold flavors. Along the way, listeners explore quirky anecdotes, from smuggling operations to mob connections, making the narrative as delightful as the tea itself.

23 snips
Jun 27, 2019 • 39min
The Tortoise and the Hare
The podcast dives into a peculiar speech by Antonin Scalia, prompting a deep analysis of higher education challenges. It critiques the legal profession's reliance on connections over merit, exploring the LSAT's origins and potential biases. The conversation shifts to data-driven hiring in law firms, advocating for a reform that emphasizes individual skills. Finally, a lighthearted exchange examines the unpredictable nature of competition, blending humor with philosophical reflections on experience versus youth.

Jun 20, 2019 • 35min
Puzzle Rush
Malcolm faces the pressure of the Law School Admissions Test while questioning the rush to succeed. The discussion dives into the absurdity and psychological toll of standardized testing, highlighting how time limits can warp true understanding. They share humorous insights about reading and strategizing under pressure. Personal anecdotes reveal the importance of balancing competitiveness with self-care. The journey of a young chess grandmaster underscores the impact of time constraints in both chess and education, advocating for more thoughtful evaluation methods.

Jun 13, 2019 • 3min
Introducing Revisionist History Season Four
Get ready for a wild ride featuring Jesuits, chess masters, and even the mafiosi! Discover the quirky intersection of banking perks and health support while exploring ways to monetize your home with Airbnb. The host introduces the new season with humor and whimsy, promising an eclectic mix of topics. Plus, expect entertaining promotional segments from unexpected places like car dealerships and mental health services.

Jul 19, 2018 • 51min
Analysis, Parapraxis, Elvis
The one song The King couldn’t sing. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 12, 2018 • 40min
Strong Verbs, Short Sentences
“She was Joan of Arc, Madame Curie, and Florence Nightingale—all wrapped up in one.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 5, 2018 • 33min
The Imaginary Crimes of Margit Hamosh
Epidemics of fear repeat themselves. The first time as tragedy. The second time as farce. Margit Hamosh? Definitely farce. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

56 snips
Jun 28, 2018 • 43min
Malcolm Gladwell's 12 Rules for Life
Crucial life lessons from the end of hockey games, Idris Elba, and some Wall Street guys with a lot of time on their hands. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4 snips
Jun 21, 2018 • 38min
The Hug Heard Round the World
Q: Was there a period where you felt you had something to prove? A: The first 45 years of my life. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 snips
Jun 14, 2018 • 34min
General Chapman’s Last Stand
Good fences make good neighbors. Or maybe not. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.