The Gist

Peter Moskos, a former Baltimore cop and professor at John Jay College, delves into the fascinating crime reduction in NYC, linking it to trends from the 1990s. He discusses the impact of data-driven policing like CompStat, and the necessity of balancing aggressive methods with community trust. Moskos shares insights from his book 'Back from the Brink' about how policing evolved, emphasizing the lessons learned from past successes and failures. The conversation highlights the delicate relationship between enforcement strategies and community safety.

Steven Hahn, an NYU historian and author of "Illiberal America: A History," dissects the complex relationship between liberalism and its illiberal counterpart in American history. He reveals how seemingly progressive movements like eugenics and temperance often masked darker elements. Hahn dives into pivotal moments like the American Revolution, illustrating the nuanced tensions of American democracy. His insights on how social movements have sometimes fueled authoritarianism challenge the myth of a purely liberal America, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

E. Jean Carroll, author of 'Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President,' shares her powerful journey in winning a landmark lawsuit against Donald Trump. She discusses the emotional toll of facing him in court, the complexities of being believed, and her strategic preparation for the trial. Carroll recounts a shocking courtroom moment and reflects on the trauma she experienced, emphasizing the importance of speaking out. Finally, she touches on the societal shifts regarding accountability for sexual assault and ongoing advocacy for women's rights.

Jonathan D. Cohen, author of 'Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling,' dives into the chaotic world of online sports betting. He reveals how rapid app rollouts and dubious state deals have led to a precarious betting landscape. Cohen discusses the alarming rise of gambling ads and the shift of betting from smoky backrooms to college campuses. He also highlights the troubling connection between gambling addiction and economic decline, drawing parallels with the opioid crisis and urging for better regulations.

Gabe Feldman, Director of Tulane’s Sports Law Program and a leading voice in sports law, discusses seismic shifts in college athletics following the NCAA's monumental $2.8 billion settlement. He delves into how schools can now pay athletes directly, the potential for financial disparities among programs, and the implications for Olympic sports amidst Title IX challenges. Feldman also explores the complexities of NIL deals and what these changes mean for the future of athlete rights and fairness in college sports.

Mike Pesca, the witty host of The Gist and puzzle aficionado, joins A.J. Jacobs for a lively romp through playful puzzles and puns. They dive into cultural trivia, exploring humorous connections between literary classics and quirky fruits. The duo skillfully blends wordplay with societal musings, like the quirks of daylight savings time. From fish-themed names to clever product placements in songs, this conversation is packed with laughs and intellectual banter that will keep listeners guessing and giggling.

Elias Zerhouni, former director of the NIH and author of 'Disease Knows No Politics,' critiques current funding cuts threatening scientific progress. He defends the NIH's legacy against contemporary critiques and discusses the need for transparency in health communication. The conversation shifts to the decline of late-night TV and the impact of societal trends on media narratives. Zerhouni also humorously touches on the eccentricities of celebrity memorabilia auctions, highlighting the strange allure of bidding on items owned by icons like Larry King.

Carl Zimmer, a prominent science writer for the New York Times and author of 'Airborne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe,' dives into the often overlooked world of airborne disease transmission. He discusses historical misconceptions, exemplified by the tragic choir outbreak during COVID-19, and highlights the need for evolving public health responses. Additionally, he critiques media narratives surrounding cash transfer programs affecting child development, emphasizing the importance of clarity in scientific communication for better public health outcomes.

Criminologist Nick Cowen, affiliated with NYU and the University of Lincoln, discusses the evolution of drunk driving from a social norm to a taboo. He emphasizes that societal norms can effectively deter crime, advocating lighter sanctions to change behavior. Cowen also explores how community-driven norm shifts could address violent crime clusters. Additionally, he reflects on the impact of media narratives surrounding recent mass shootings and links them to cultural issues like CTE in the NFL and its historical implications.

Filmmaker and author Justine Bateman voices her concerns about the state of Hollywood, arguing that creativity suffers under corporate pressures and algorithmic control. She believes true artistry calls for courage and spontaneity, yet studios now prioritize data over inspiration. Bateman reflects on the nostalgia for a time when storytelling flourished without these constraints. The discussion also touches on the political absurdities surrounding funding for presidential libraries and critiques the European Union's passive stance in trade negotiations.