
Revisionist History
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.
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Latest episodes

60 snips
Oct 5, 2023 • 29min
Guns Part 6: “Sin is the failure to bother to care”
Abdullah Pratt is an emergency room doctor who returned to his dangerous Chicago neighborhood to confront gun violence head-on. He shares his inspiring journey of healing through adversity and the moral obligation to care for others. The discussion highlights the complexities of gun violence in America, addressing the contrast between mass shootings and everyday incidents. Pratt emphasizes the need for community trauma care and personal responsibility, illustrating how collective action can make a profound difference in a struggling environment.

9 snips
Oct 3, 2023 • 23min
Five Burning Travel Questions with Malcolm Gladwell
Embark on a travel adventure filled with humor and insightful anecdotes. Discover travel tips for poolside relaxation, navigating the Carolinas, and strategies for handling bad weather. Engage in a lively discussion about the pros and cons of traveling with dogs, complete with funny road trip tales and heartwarming moments. Explore the joys of pet companionship and the challenges that come with it. Plus, enjoy a humorous critique of Las Vegas music culture, reflecting on the quirks of tourism and entertainment.

58 snips
Sep 28, 2023 • 38min
Guns Part 5: The Footnote
Explore the racial dynamics and historical context of rural Alabama. Learn about the personal journey of a teenager, Brandon Young, who evolved after leaving a gang. Discover the significance of time in saving lives from gunshot wounds and the challenges of stopping bleeding. Discuss a study suggesting racial bias in gun crime convictions. Hear the tragic story of Brandon, including an interview with his girlfriend. Highlight the unrecognized good work and sacrifice of Brandon who protected abused children on the streets.

64 snips
Sep 21, 2023 • 43min
Guns Part 4: Moral Hazard
Jordan Commissero, a trauma surgeon at Duke University, dives into the critical moments surrounding Robert F. Kennedy's assassination and how modern medical advancements impact survival rates. He discusses the chaos of treating gunshot wounds and examines societal factors influencing gun violence. The conversation also addresses moral hazard in relation to safety and how improved medical responses have evolved since the 1960s, all while emphasizing the need for compassion and unity in today's divided landscape.

30 snips
Sep 14, 2023 • 40min
Guns Part 3: A Shooting Lesson
In this discussion featuring Greg Wallace, a gun enthusiast and college professor, Malcolm embarks on a nerve-wracking journey at a shooting range to learn about the infamous AR-15. They explore the complexities surrounding this controversial firearm, delving into its design, customizability, and the legal ramifications of ownership. The conversation sheds light on the emotional toll of gun violence and the urgent necessity for effective gun control legislation, while navigating the misunderstandings that fuel the heated debates in America.

44 snips
Sep 7, 2023 • 43min
Guns Part 2: Getting out of Dodge
Explore the fascinating influence of 'Gunsmoke' on American gun culture and the Supreme Court's decisions. Discover how Dodge City shaped views on law enforcement and the complexities of gun ownership in urban settings. Delve into chaotic historical events that mirror contemporary debates over self-defense. Personal stories highlight the evolving perspectives on firearm usage, urging reconsideration of safety in society. The blend of history and narrative offers a unique critique on the relationship between guns and culture.

45 snips
Aug 31, 2023 • 47min
Guns Part 1: The Sudden Celebrity of Sir John Knight
Jonathan Barry, a historian at the University of Exeter, dives into the unexpected fame of 17th-century nobleman Sir John Knight. This deep exploration reveals how Knight's influence has shaped modern American gun culture. The discussion covers the complexities of historical perception, examining his contentious legacy and its echoes in today’s gun rights debates. Barry highlights the intricate dynamics between historical statutes and contemporary legal contexts, making the case for how past narratives continue to impact current public sentiments on gun ownership.

16 snips
Aug 17, 2023 • 11min
Doctors, Guns, and Money
Delve into the grim realities of gun violence through the eyes of trauma surgeons and paramedics. Discover how the 'golden hour' can mean life or death for gunshot victims. Explore the shocking disparities in emergency care access, particularly in Black communities, highlighting the urgent need for trauma centers. Learn how city planning and demographics can impact survival rates in urban settings. This eye-opening discussion underscores the vital role of timely medical intervention in saving lives amidst the chaos of gun-related injuries.

58 snips
Jul 27, 2023 • 47min
Taxonomy of the Modern Mystery Story
Dive into a lively exploration of modern mystery narratives and their captivating elements. The speaker delves into crime literature's impact on how we view policing, examining classics like Dragnet and Sherlock Holmes. Discover the cultural evolution of law enforcement portrayals, from self-justice depictions to critiques of police ineptitude. The conversation also touches on alarming homicide clearance rates and the disconnect between fiction and reality in police work, shedding light on societal trust and stereotypes.

19 snips
Jul 6, 2023 • 37min
Acting Out
Ben Naddaff-Hafrey, host of The Last Archive, dives into the untold parts of Ella Fitzgerald’s life, including her time in a girls' reformatory. The discussion reveals how her resilience helped shape her iconic career. They also explore the fascinating links between Ella's experiences and social network theory, emphasizing how personal stories can highlight broader societal issues. Tune in for a blend of history, music, and social insights, showcasing the power of human connection.
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