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
17 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 36min
Hitler’s Olympics, Part 5: The Amateur’s Hour
Margaret Lambert, a German Jewish high jumper, shares her profound experiences facing discrimination during the Nazi regime. She dives into her passionate quest for Olympic greatness amid political turmoil and the exclusion from local sports clubs. The discussion explores the moral dilemmas faced by Avery Brundage, president of the American Olympic Committee, as he balanced ambition with the stark realities of anti-Semitism and propaganda at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Her story highlights the clash between Olympic ideals and the urgent need for equality in sports.
13 snips
Jul 18, 2024 • 43min
Hitler’s Olympics, Part 4: Outcast in Olympia
Avery Brundage, a powerful figure in Olympic history, significantly shaped the 1936 Berlin Games, bringing a mix of ambition and controversy. He shares the complex motivations behind his support for the Games and the cultural significance of sports during that era. The podcast delves into his humble beginnings, his strict views on amateur athletics, and the moral dilemmas surrounding Olympic ideals. Additionally, it sheds light on the struggles of decathletes like Jim Thorpe, revealing deeper questions about competition and the essence of sports amidst political strife.
17 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 36min
Hitler’s Olympics, Part 3: Mustache to Mustache
The podcast dives into the controversial 1936 Berlin Olympics, exploring Charles Sherrill's interactions with Hitler amidst rising anti-Semitism. It reveals the dual role of the Games as both a propaganda tool and a stage for athletes facing discrimination. Personal anecdotes underscore Sherrill's complex relationships with fascist leaders, raising ethical questions about complicity. The narrative also captures the struggles of minorities in pre-WWII Europe, emphasizing the broader societal ramifications of politics in sports.
33 snips
Jul 4, 2024 • 32min
Hitler’s Olympics, Part 2: Pangloss, Polonius, Prufrock
Ben Nadav Haffrey, a key collaborator with Malcolm Gladwell on the series about the 1936 Olympics, brings sharp insights into the moral quandaries of that era. They dive into the complex legacy of Charles Hitchcock Sherrill, exploring his influence and the societal dynamics at play. The discussion also unfolds the clash between Olympic ideals and the exclusionary policies of Nazi Germany, scrutinizing the multifaceted moral dilemmas faced by American diplomats regarding Jewish athletes. Haffrey's commentary unveils the Olympics as a potent propaganda tool under Hitler's regime.
56 snips
Jun 27, 2024 • 36min
Hitler’s Olympics, Part 1: The Blue-Eyed Tornado
Dive into the fascinating intersection of sports and politics during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Explore journalist Dorothy Thompson's insights as she warns about Hitler's dangerous rise. Discover how the Games served as a massive propaganda tool for the Nazi regime, juxtaposed with incredible athlete stories. Delve into moral dilemmas faced by competitors amidst the backdrop of anti-Semitism and looming global tensions. This gripping narrative highlights how personal choices and societal pressures shaped history during a tumultuous time.
Jun 21, 2024 • 4min
Hitler’s Olympics
The 1936 Berlin Games transformed the Olympics into a grand political stage under Hitler's regime. Discover the surprising motivations of countries and athletes as they navigate the intersection of sports and ideology. Encounter a mix of eccentric aristocrats, American moguls, and daring athletes influencing history. Delve into the moral complexities and lasting legacies of an Olympics shrouded in darkness, revealing heroes, villains, and the curious choices that led to unforgettable moments.
98 snips
Apr 18, 2024 • 51min
Malcolm on No Small Endeavor
Malcolm Gladwell, celebrated journalist and author, teams up with theologian Lee C. Camp to reflect on his journey and insights from No Small Endeavor. They explore formative moments like his decision to cut class and transformative therapy experiences. The duo discusses the intersection of humility and curiosity, human kindness, and personal identity. Gladwell critiques communication challenges and the ethics of Ivy League institutions while also sharing his thoughts on happiness, storytelling authenticity, and the peace found in South Dakota's simplicity.
23 snips
Apr 11, 2024 • 49min
Blue Seattle with Cameron Crowe | Development Hell
Cameron Crowe, acclaimed director of films like Almost Famous, shares an intimate glimpse into his lost musical, 'Blue Seattle,' co-created with Nancy Wilson of Heart. He recounts their whimsical honeymoon in the Pacific Northwest that sparked this unrealized project featuring Elvis as a cab driver. The conversation dives into the emotional resonance of the music, the creative struggles of songwriting, and nostalgic reflections on Elvis's legacy. Crowe's storytelling reminds us of the beauty found in dreams that never fully materialize.
22 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 35min
Labor of Love with M. Night Shyamalan | Development Hell
In this conversation with M. Night Shyamalan, the acclaimed filmmaker behind thrillers like "The Sixth Sense," he reveals the haunting backstory behind his long-lost screenplay, "Labor of Love." Shyamalan reflects on the challenges of balancing personal relationships with artistic expression, and shares insights on the emotional depth woven into his storytelling. He discusses his early career struggles, the impact of grief on creativity, and the nostalgic journey of navigating missed opportunities in filmmaking. It's a fascinating glimpse into the heart of a creative mind.
13 snips
Mar 21, 2024 • 40min
I Am Superman with Patty Jenkins | Development Hell
Patty Jenkins, acclaimed director of "Wonder Woman" and "Monster," shares intriguing insights from her creative journey. She reveals her ambition to make an R-rated fairy tale about a dog named Bandit, intended to push boundaries in filmmaking and animal performances. Jenkins discusses the challenges of engaging themes of redemption and the struggles that female filmmakers face within Hollywood. She also candidly reflects on how personal loss and societal perceptions inform her storytelling, crafting narratives that resonate deeply.
