The Gist

Tom Frieden, former CDC director and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, shares insights from his book on public health strategies. He introduces his 'See, Believe, Create' approach and discusses the importance of distinguishing settled facts from speculation. Frieden critiques the slogan 'Believe in Science,' emphasizing the need for evidence over directives. He highlights significant public health victories like hypertension management and argues against prolonged school closures and vaccine mandates, advocating for a more nuanced approach to health crises.

Cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker, a Harvard professor and author of When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows, discusses how common knowledge shapes our social dynamics. He delves into how public moments can shift private beliefs into collective understanding, using examples from politics, such as Biden's debate performance. Pinker also explores the implications of spirals of silence and self-deception among leaders, illustrating how common knowledge can empower social coordination and challenge oppressive regimes.

Diane Foley, founder of the Foley Foundation and mother of journalist James Foley, shines a light on America's inadequate hostage-recovery efforts. She shares her experiences navigating government responses during her son's kidnapping and advocates for reforms to improve current systems. Foley discusses the shift from traditional kidnappings to wrongful detentions by state actors and underscores the need for better deterrence and transparency. With insights on public awareness and contrasting responses from nations like Israel, she emphasizes why the U.S. must prioritize its citizens abroad.

Jonah Blank, a South Asia expert and author, delves into the recent youth-led uprising in Nepal. He discusses how a mix of social media influence and economic inequality fueled widespread protests against government corruption. Jonah describes the challenges of trust in political institutions and the impact of remittances on daily life. He also addresses the complex dynamics of Nepal's political landscape and what the future holds for its new leadership amidst calls for reform.

Joining the discussion are Ben Wizner, the ACLU’s director of Speech, Privacy, and Technology with a focus on civil liberties, and Ilya Shapiro, a constitutional studies expert at the Manhattan Institute. They dive into the complexities of free speech today, debating the nuances of cancel culture and campus controversies. The conversation touches on government pressures, the Supreme Court's shadow docket, and personal anecdotes from their own experiences in the realm of speech rights. Plus, they share light-hearted 'goat-grinders' about sports and sitcoms!

Yaakov Katz, a journalist and former editor of the Jerusalem Post, delves into the failures of Israel’s security establishment leading up to October 7. He discusses how misconceptions about Hamas's strength, ignored warnings, and tactical failures created a perfect storm for the attack. Katz criticizes Netanyahu’s post-ceasefire decisions for prolonging the conflict and highlights the contradictions in Israel's successes against Iran versus failures against Hamas. He also explores how global opinion affects military strategies and the long-term need for cultural change in Gaza.

KJ Steinberg, a talented television writer and showrunner, dives into her role as creator of Hulu's series on Amanda Knox. She passionately discusses the importance of centering Knox's perspective while capturing public perception. Steinberg reveals the challenges of navigating legal constraints in Italy and shares insights on capturing Knox’s trauma and reintegration. Their dialogue also touches on the complex portrayal of Meredith Kercher and the deep-seated impacts of the notorious case, emphasizing storytelling's power in confronting misinformation.

Amanda Knox, wrongful-conviction advocate and author, shares her harrowing experience of being imprisoned in Italy for a crime she didn’t commit. She delves into her confrontation with prosecutor Giuliano Mignini and discusses the role of media in shaping public perception of her case. Knox reflects on the importance of understanding the psychological motivations behind wrongful convictions and how today’s media landscape might influence such narratives differently. She emphasizes that wrongful convictions arise from human frailty and institutionally driven incentives.

In a thought-provoking debate, Lux Alptraum, a writer and sex educator known for her book 'Faking It,' tackles the idea that masculinity is a prison for men. She argues that rigid male roles negatively impact men's health and well-being. Sparring with Mike Pesca, who contends that masculinity is evolving, they explore how traditional notions can lead to emotional isolation. Nayeema Raza skillfully moderates as they dive into topics like toxic masculinity, societal expectations, and how modern men are redefining their identities.

In this discussion, Andrew J. Taylor, a political scientist and author, shares insights from his book on public opinion and economic policy. He reveals that blue-collar voters often prioritize personal advancement over equality and tend to favor public goods and tax cuts instead of classic redistributive policies. Taylor also addresses why blue-collar districts don't consistently elect representatives from their own demographic. Plus, he delves into the implications of the recent James Comey indictment, highlighting concerns over political retribution.