The Gist

Political strategist and author Bradley Tusk joins to dissect the 2025 New York City mayoral race, uncovering why voters overlook Andrew Cuomo's past scandals. He highlights the disconnect between the political elite and the everyday NYC resident, with only 3% feeling represented. Tusk also examines the intersection of comedy and mental health through the lens of 'The Rehearsal,' revealing its poignant commentary amid humor. He critiques the challenges candidates face when promising free services, questioning the feasibility of progressive policies in the current political landscape.

Manvir Singh, an anthropologist and author of *Shamanism: The Timeless Religion*, shares riveting accounts from his decade with the Mentawai people of Indonesia. He explores the vibrant role of shamanism in their healing rituals and communal life. Singh discusses the intricate relationship between language and culture, revealing how metaphors shape worldviews. He also debates anthropology's position between science and humanities, and reflects on public sentiment regarding policing in the wake of George Floyd's murder, emphasizing the need for reform amid ongoing dialogues.

Ethan Strauss, host of the House of Strauss and a cultural sports writer, joins Mike Pesca for an engaging conversation. They delve into Caitlin Clark's rising fame and its impact on sneaker marketing, highlighting the nuanced dynamics of player branding in women's basketball. The discussion covers the emotional dimensions of endorsements, the ethical implications of marketing diversity, and the booming NCAA merchandise market. They also touch on how injuries can shift NBA playoffs and what that means for fans and analysts alike.

Robby Hoffman, a talented comedian and actress known for her role in 'Hacks,' shares her unique journey from an ultra-Orthodox upbringing to stand-up success. She delves into how discomfort fuels her comedy and reflects on America’s identity crisis. The discussion touches on the art of storytelling, the complexities of socioeconomic backgrounds, and the humor found in high school dynamics. Hoffman humorously critiques the entertainment cultures in Canada and the U.S., emphasizing authenticity over societal standards in both comedy and life.

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, founder of Realign for Palestine and a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council, joins to tackle the complexities of Palestinian advocacy. He critiques both Hamas and Israel while pushing for reform within the diaspora. Alkhatib draws striking parallels between Hamas and ISIS, urging clarity in pro-Palestine discourse. He also highlights the impactful philanthropy of billionaires like Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg, celebrating their contributions to saving lives. His insights promote coexistence and accountability in a tumultuous environment.

Eli Lake, a veteran foreign affairs expert and host of the Breaking History podcast, is joined by Michael A. Cohen, an MSNBC columnist and senior fellow at Tufts. They tackle the debate over Biden's health, questioning the media's portrayal and pushing back against narratives of decline. They dive into Trump's foreign policy, critiquing its lack of human rights consideration. Will this pragmatic approach spell recklessness? Both guests share insights on electoral strategies for Democrats while humorously dissecting the political landscape ahead.

Katherine Stewart, author of Money, Lies, and God, dives into the intricate web of America's Christian nationalist forces and their alarming influence on global extremism. She unveils how these groups cloak domestic corruption in the guise of faith, revealing the strategic exporting of anti-abortion tactics to Europe. The conversation also touches on the dark ideology of aphilism linked to tragic events and critiques how authoritarian regimes exploit religion to bolster their power, urging listeners to engage in the fight against rising fascism.

Katherine Stewart, author of 'Money, Lies, and God,' dives deep into the pervasive influence of Christian nationalism on modern conservatism and the Republican Party. She discusses the blurred lines between genuine and performative beliefs in the Trump administration, particularly concerning economic policies. The conversation also touches on the evolution of identity politics and its threat to democracy, as well as the alliances formed between evangelicals and political figures. Stewart critiques media narratives around Biden's mental acuity, advocating for transparency in today's political discourse.

In this engaging discussion, Lena Kahn, a legal fellow at the Open Markets Project and an expert in antitrust law, revisits her thoughts on the implications of corporate monopolies, especially in the context of Amazon's strategies. The conversation takes a surprising turn as they explore the politically charged views of Lou, the Pope's brother. Kahn highlights how personal narratives shape perceptions of authority and the challenges of navigating media ownership and corporate influence, sparking a crucial dialogue about consumer rights and market health.

Henry Abbott, a basketball writer and creator of the True Hoop Network, dives into injury-free athletic performance insights from Dr. Marcus Elliott. They discuss groundbreaking techniques, like mastering landing to prevent injuries. The conversation takes a surprising turn as Abbott reflects on the political landscape at FEMA, highlighting leadership changes and a former director's controversial views. Additionally, they explore parallels between American resilience and alarmism in the face of fascism, underscoring a complex societal narrative.