The Gist

Michael Townsend, an artist and key figure in the Secret Mall Apartment project, joins documentary filmmaker Jeremy Workman to recount the incredible tale of an eight-artist collective that transformed a hidden space within a mall into a home. They delve into the motivations behind this unique blend of art and activism as a critique of gentrification. Townsend also shares insights on creating a large unauthorized 9/11 memorial, while Workman discusses the impact of archival footage on their documentary and the shifting cultural significance of malls.

In this discussion, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy dives deep into the implications of the two-decade-old AUMF, which still justifies military actions globally. He highlights the troubling trend of temporary wartime powers becoming a permanent fixture in U.S. foreign policy. Murphy calls for Congress to reclaim its constitutional war-making authority and shares insights on why legislators often avoid tackling tough decisions on military action. He also critiques U.S. involvement in conflicts like Yemen and shares thoughts on the recognition of Guaidó's presidency in Venezuela.

Lisa Graves, an author and legal expert on the Supreme Court, dives into Chief Justice Roberts' influence in her book Without Precedent. She discusses the concept of court capture and its impact on constitutional rights. Graves argues that recent rulings indicate a tilt in the judiciary rather than impartiality. They also debate what constitutes a constitutional crisis, touching on significant decisions affecting Congress and law. Alongside, there's a recap of the New York mayoral debate featuring Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo, highlighting key moments and gaffes.

Join Jonah Goldberg, a conservative commentator and co-founder of The Dispatch, alongside Zee Cohen-Sanchez, founder of Soul Strategies, as they dive into pressing political issues. They dissect the impacts of the government shutdown and how it affects local services, tourism, and public perception. The duo debates the implications of Trump's style on authoritarianism and the recent release of Hamas hostages. They even share humorous gripes about cultural annoyances, keeping the discussion both insightful and entertaining.

Jonathan Mahler, an author and journalist known for his insights on New York City's evolution, discusses his book on the tumultuous late '80s. He highlights how figures like Spike Lee and Al Sharpton rose to prominence amid a backdrop of crime and media sensationalism. Mahler emphasizes the role of tabloids in shaping politics and celebrity, as well as how incidents like the Howard Beach murder sparked significant social tension. Their conversation delves into the complex interplay between crime, public anxiety, and political theater in defining modern America.

Cory Doctorow, an acclaimed author and digital-rights activist, discusses his compelling book, InShittification. He unveils his 'enshittification' model, explaining how tech platforms trap users while prioritizing profit. Doctorow emphasizes the importance of interoperability and right-to-repair laws, revealing how focused state legislation can disrupt Big Tech's control. He dives into the economic impact of community repair initiatives versus waste. Plus, Mike Pesca explores the complex dynamics of hostage releases, challenging conventional human-rights strategies.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Vladeck, a law professor and author of The Shadow Docket, delves into the murky waters of the Supreme Court's shadow docket. He describes how these emergency, unsigned orders can erode the Court's legitimacy and highlights the dangers of unexplained rulings. Vladeck also explores why sound reasoning matters for legal precedent and elaborates on how recent decisions tend to favor Republican interests, raising important questions about judicial integrity. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of law in action!

Stand-up comedian Steph Tolev, creator of the Netflix special 'Filth Queen' and the podcast 'Steph Infection', dives into the world of boundary-pushing humor and the Canadian comedy scene. She discusses the smart side of gross comedy, how viral crowd work can reshape careers, and shares a wild story from her podcast about a woman using raw chicken to fake a pregnancy. Steph also reflects on the challenges of performing with physical ailments and the impact of Bill Burr’s support on her journey. Prepare for laughs and thoughtful insights!

Plestia Alaqad, a Gazan-born writer and social-media reporter, shares her harrowing experiences during the 2023 Gaza war. She discusses the challenges of reporting from a region labeled an open-air prison, while also exploring the complexities of journalistic terminology like IDF versus IOF. Plestia addresses the controversial Al-Ahli Hospital incident, emphasizing the need for verified accounts. The conversation delves into the nuances of labeling the conflict as genocide and the impact of occupation, revealing the resilience of Gazan life amidst chaos.

Jake Tapper, a CNN anchor and author, dives into the complexities of U.S. legal proceedings against terrorists in his latest book, Race Against Terror. He explains why prosecutors opted for a criminal trial instead of Guantanamo for an Al-Qaeda combatant. Tapper discusses the challenges of building a case from a shaky confession and details the investigative sleuthing needed to secure convictions. He contrasts the meticulous process of terror trials with the political machinations surrounding the Comey indictment, emphasizing the importance of experienced legal teams in national security.