The Gist

In a lively discussion, Charles Fain Lehman, a Manhattan Institute fellow, and Michael A. Cohen, political analyst, dive into the potential capture of Nicolas Maduro and Marco Rubio's role in it. They analyze Tim Walz's exit from Minnesota's governor race amid a pandemic fraud scandal and debate the implications of Cea Weaver's leftist housing policies in New York. The duo also critiques the 'Heritage American' myth and questions the New York Times' statistics on bus speeds, all while sharing a humorous take on Larry David's New Year wishes.

Brad Meltzer, a best-selling thriller author and creator of the Zig and Nola series, discusses his latest novel, The Viper. He reveals his unique writing process, where he often delays naming his books and emphasizes the importance of character integrity in adaptations. The conversation delves into the impact of product placement on kids’ perceptions and explores themes of self-acceptance and complex family dynamics within his narratives. Meltzer also shares insights on refreshing plot twists and innovative techniques in storytelling.

Andy Mills, creator of The Last Invention, dives deep into the concept of an 'intelligence explosion' and the unsettling implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI). He highlights how modern AI operates as a black box, often producing unexpected outcomes, such as AlphaGo's mysterious move 37. The conversation touches on existential risks from AGI, the 'worthy successor' idea, and the compelling notion that accelerating AI development might be the safest route forward. It's a thought-provoking exploration of our technological future!

Quico (Kiko) Toro, a Venezuelan political expert and author, analyzes the complex aftermath of Nicolás Maduro's removal from power. He highlights that, despite the historic significance, the oppressive regime remains intact. Toro critiques Washington's misinterpretation of Delcy Rodríguez as a moderate, illuminating her radical roots. He discusses the mixed reactions in Venezuela and the challenges exiled Venezuelans face. Expect insights on U.S. foreign policy, regime dynamics, and the complex interplay of oil deals and ideology.

Dan Soder, a stand-up comedian known for his roles on Billions, shares insights on his journey from hard-drinking youth to a more mature comedic style, highlighting how his iconic Russian accent bit remains a crowd favorite. Meanwhile, Moshe Kasher, a comedian and creator of Problematic, critiques the internet's effect on attention spans and the challenges of navigating sensitivity in comedy today, emphasizing that laughter should be a comedian's main goal above social activism. Together, they explore the unique quirks of the New York stand-up scene and humorous takes on life's struggles.

Rosebud Baker, a stand-up comedian and SNL writer, shares her unique take on motherhood and comedy. She humorously addresses the pressures of breastfeeding, claiming she's 'raising her daughter autistic' by choosing formula instead. Rosebud discusses her shift from joke-heavy material to the heartfelt honesty of her Netflix special, Motherlode. Along the way, she critiques Elon Musk's comedic endeavors, reflects on family legacies, and reveals how her marriage and motherhood have influenced her comedic style.

Comedian Robby Hoffman brings her sharp wit and unique perspective to the conversation. She shares her fascinating upbringing as the eldest of ten in poverty-stricken Montreal, where conflict was the norm and humor became a survival tool. Robby likens complaining to enjoyment and explains how her Depression-era instincts make her uneasy in good times. With a hilarious take on social norms and a critique of performative kindness, she also coins 'zero personality disorder' to describe bland social behavior. Her visceral approach to comedy leaves listeners entertained and reflective.

Chris Turner, a British stand-up and freestyle rap sensation educated at Oxford, shares his comedic journey from deadpan one-liners to vibrant musical performances. He reveals how his carefree childhood in Manchester shaped his unique rap style, emphasizing creativity over convention. Turner discusses handling hecklers with clever strategies and draws parallels between freestyling and tennis for maintaining flow. With a dash of nostalgia for the 90s, he even delivers an impromptu freestyle, showcasing his ability to weave humor and spontaneity seamlessly.

Michelle Buteau, a comedian and actress known for her Netflix special and standout performances, shares her journey from editing grim news at WNBC to headlining Radio City Music Hall as the first woman of color. She humorously explores being the 'achievable Beyoncé' for everyday folks, the challenges of crafting roast jokes, and the anxieties of visiting a reptile sanctuary high on edibles. Buteau also opens up about her five-year IVF struggle and the significance of balancing humor with personal experiences in her career.

T.J. Miller, an actor and stand-up comedian known for his roles in film and television, shares insights from his life-changing brain surgery in 2010. He humorously reveals how a traumatic brain injury became his improvisational "cheat code" and discusses the invisible disability that resulted from it. The conversation also takes playful detours through quirky city mottos, highlights the surprisingly affordable lifestyle in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and examines how his surgery altered his emotional access and comedy style.