The Gist

Jesse Eisenberg, the talented actor and author, shares insights on his short story collection, *Bream Gives Me Hiccups*. He humorously discusses the 'creek vs. crick' debate and why a child restaurant critic unveils adult hypocrisies. Eisenberg reveals his preference for writing dialogue and his quirky spreadsheet comparing his performances with Paul Newman. He also explains how his anthropology studies fuel his eavesdropping habits. They even perform a hilarious sketch, 'Marv Albert Is My Therapist,' blending sportscasting with therapy.

Bob Saget, a comedian and beloved sitcom dad, shares candid insights on balancing his raunchy stand-up with his wholesome image, dissecting his famous 'Winnebago' joke and the nuances of comedy boundaries. Joining him is Chuck Klosterman, a cultural critic who discusses the significance of the 90s sitcom "Coach," the role of television during that era, and how the internet reshaped college football culture. They also delve into Nirvana's legacy, exploring how Kurt Cobain's struggles impacted perceptions of the band beyond just music.

Henry Winkler, the beloved actor known for playing The Fonz, shares insights about his Hank Zipzer children's books and discusses the innovative Dutch font designed for dyslexic readers. He reveals his late diagnosis of dyslexia and his whimsical dream of creating a consumer jet pack. Later, Clint Watts, a counterterrorism expert, breaks down his viral congressional testimony, highlighting the concept of 'fake news' as a weapon in information warfare and discussing the implications of Russia's influence operations. His insights reveal the complexities behind political narratives today.

Abby Phillip, CNN anchor and author of *A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power*, joins to explore Jesse Jackson's powerful, sermon-like rhetoric. She discusses how Jackson's push for delegate rule changes paved the way for Barack Obama, while contrasting their styles. Their conversation delves into Jackson’s unique populism, his surprising anti-globalist views, and the charisma that both fueled his campaigns and revealed inherent weaknesses. Abby also addresses the exhausting nature of his speeches and the heartbreak in societal apathy.

Join Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-large at Reason and libertarian commentator, alongside Russ Muirhead, Dartmouth professor and New Hampshire state rep, as they tackle the resilience of democratic institutions amidst controversial indictments. They debate Congress's legislative shortcomings and the forces undermining its power. The conversation shifts to housing affordability, suggesting innovative non-supply solutions like taxing non-resident owners. With insights on generational optimism and critiques of modern entertainment, this discussion is engaging and thought-provoking.

Join Mike Vuolo, co-host of Lexicon Valley and a linguistics expert, alongside veteran journalist Bob Garfield, as they dive into the playful world of memes and language. Discover the origins of the 6-7 meme, tracing its roots from Skrilla's drill track to viral youth culture. They discuss competitive 'word of the year' selections and explore the etymology of 'gist,' revealing its fascinating evolution from legal jargon to Nigerian slang for gossip. Plus, enjoy anecdotes about pizza bagels and cultural food quirks!

Mike Pesca, an award-winning journalist and host known for his sharp insights, shares a lively conversation with Matt Lewis. They dive into the political strategy behind Democrats' messaging on affordability and how effective rhetoric can sway elections. Mike also tackles the hot topics of sports-betting scandals, explaining how mobile prop bets have made cheating easier to detect in leagues like the MLB and NBA. The discussion touches on the implications for league integrity and draws intriguing parallels to historical scandals.

Comedian Myq Kaplan, known for his unique style and insightful humor, dives into the intricacies of comedy in this engaging discussion. He explores the concept of comedians as philosophers and shares his thoughts on joke logic and Gricean maxims. Their conversation touches on relationship dynamics, monogamy, and the nature of identity. Myq also reflects on his special Rini, laughter as enlightenment, and the challenges of defining what counts as comedy. The duo muses on genre fluidity and the public perception of devotion in relationships.

Fareed Zakaria, a prominent journalist and CNN host, dives into his book, The Age of Revolutions, exploring how recent globalization and AI compare to historical shifts. He argues that today's populist movements are largely fueled by immigration-driven cultural anxieties rather than economics. Zakaria warns about the erosion of democratic norms in the U.S. and highlights the need for disciplined political responses to manage backlash. He also reflects on his immigrant experience, emphasizing America's potential to successfully integrate diverse populations.

Bestselling author James Patterson shares insights on his new book, Disrupt Everything—and Win, which explores harnessing both positive and negative disruptions. He delves into the fine line between helpful and harmful change and discusses his commitment to literacy and supporting banned young adult novels. Patterson also reflects on his transition from advertising to full-time writing, emphasizing personal fulfillment in his work. Additionally, he faces tough questions about a controversial charity, showcasing his willingness to engage with critical issues.