The Gist

Ben Dreyfuss, a writer for Calm Down Substack and former editor at Mother Jones, shares his centrist views on today’s political landscape. He discusses the electric atmosphere of Welcome Fest, highlighting the lively debates among political figures. The conversation delves into the complexities of modern protest and its societal perceptions, alongside humorous takes on drink garnishing at social events. Dreyfuss reflects on political misinformation's impact and critiques the entertainment-first approach of major news networks, intertwining personal anecdotes and cultural commentary.

Chris Turner, a comedian, freestyler, and archaeology grad, reveals how he transformed from a middle-class British kid to a captivating improv lyricist. He humorously discusses bombing in polite accents and the quirks of freestyling, comparing it to tennis rather than chess. Chris shares wild stories about drive-by shootings linked to fax machines and evokes laughter with his rhymes on chlamydia and Jerry Springer. His insights delve into cultural perceptions, heckling strategies, and the joy of spontaneous creativity in performance.

Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, dives into the partisan roots of originalism and its implications on critical court decisions like Roe v. Wade. She creatively connects pop culture to legal critiques, referencing works like The Barbie Movie and Arrested Development to illuminate conservative judicial trends. The conversation also touches on the chaotic NYC mayoral debate and offers a fresh perspective on voter turnout after Shelby County v. Holder, indicating that perceived suppression might actually galvanize marginalized voters.

Leah Litman, a Law Professor and author of 'Lawless,' dives into the Supreme Court's conservative leanings. She argues that its impactful 6–3 decisions reflect a broader ideological agenda tied to conservative grievances. Litman humorously critiques how public perceptions shape our views of the Court while highlighting significant rulings like Roe v. Wade's reversal. The conversation also touches on the intricate connections between law and culture, revealing the deeper implications of judicial actions that often go unnoticed.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Rick Atkinson joins to discuss his latest work on the Revolutionary War. He highlights France's crucial support and the grit of American generals like Henry Knox and Nathaniel Greene. Atkinson also uncovers the surprising aspects of his historical research and challenges myths around the American Revolution. Additionally, the conversation touches on the recent collapse of the Dutch government due to immigration issues, linking local tensions to broader global conflicts.

Aneesh Chopra, the first-ever Chief Technology Officer of the U.S. under Obama, dives into the evolution of government technology from Obama to Trump, spotlighting the U.S. Digital Service. He critiques Elon Musk's takeover of government tech. The conversation also tackles complex issues of violence linked to political protests, emphasizing that accountability lies with individuals rather than rhetoric. Additionally, Chopra challenges the term 'Stochastic Terrorism,' arguing for clearer communication in political discourse amidst rising tensions.

Mike Pesca chats with Matt Welch, Nick Gillespie, and Catherine Mangu-Ward, prominent voices from The Reason Roundtable. They dive into Trump's contentious relationship with Harvard, discussing the implications for free speech and academic values. The conversation also touches on the 'tall poppy syndrome,' governmental overreach in higher education, and the complexities of university funding. They even explore the impact of cryptocurrency on politics, with a critical eye on recent developments like the promotion of a 'Trump coin.' A must-listen for those intrigued by the intersection of education and politics!

Ben Ansell, a political scientist at Nuffield College, delves into the intriguing concepts of FAFO and its counterpart FADFO, dissecting how reckless policies often go unpunished—think Brexit and defunding police. He argues that liberal democracies create buffers that delay consequences, which populists exploit. The discussion also critiques the value of Western education for global leadership and questions the cultural impact of admitting international students from China into American universities.

Sadie Dingfelder, author of 'Do I Know You?: A FaceBlind Reporter's Journey into the Science of Sight, Memory and Imagination', returns to discuss the fascinating world of dog talking buttons. She investigates whether these gadgets truly allow dogs to communicate abstract thoughts or if they are just a gimmick. The conversation also touches on the psychology of smarter dogs and explores the challenges and implications of canine communication. Finally, Sadie critiques media narratives surrounding police reform and its impacts on community safety.

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.