The Gist

Thomas Brennan, a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and founded War Horse, joins Jim O’Grady for a deep dive into the haunting memories of the Battle of Fallujah. They discuss the brutal realities and moral injuries veterans still confront two decades later. The conversation shifts to Haiti, where drone usage against gangs raises complex international legal issues. Brennan emphasizes the psychological toll of war and the disconnect between political decisions and frontline experiences, offering a thought-provoking reflection on both conflicts.

David Zweig, author of 'An Abundance of Caution,' dives into the blind spots of public health during the pandemic, questioning whether excessive caution became a hindrance. He highlights the lack of observed negative impacts from school reopenings in Europe. The conversation also touches on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial reshaping of the CDC's vaccine panel and the bizarre cultural debates surrounding mayonnaise. Zweig emphasizes the growing skepticism towards institutions like the CDC amidst this turmoil.

David Zweig, a science journalist and author of 'An Abundance of Caution,' joins to discuss decision-making in American schools during COVID-19. He challenges the effectiveness of pandemic interventions and critiques the prolonged closures compared to countries like Sweden. Zweig argues that only vaccines showed significant results, revealing flaws in the precautionary measures that governed public policy. The conversation encourages a critical evaluation of evidence, steering away from intuitive assumptions that led to poor decisions. A thought-provoking dive into pandemic lessons!

Yonah Jeremy Bob, a senior military correspondent for the Jerusalem Post and co-author of "Target Tehran," dives deep into Israel’s covert operations against Iran. He details coordinated strikes and the implications of U.S. military actions at Fordow. The discussion highlights the shift in Netanyahu's strategy, moving from caution to bold risks. Bob also touches on internal debates about targeting Khamenei and assesses how current actions have both diminished and complicated the Iranian nuclear threat. Plus, he connects ambitious policies with historical missteps.

Michael Allen, a national security expert and veteran of the Bush National Security Council, offers profound insights into the recent U.S. military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities. He discusses the complexity of military intervention and its unpredictable outcomes. Topics include the risks of a potential quagmire, contrasting U.S. and Israeli perspectives on casualty tolerance, and the evolving nature of modern warfare, particularly drone strategies. Allen highlights the essential balance of civilian and military leadership in navigating these geopolitical challenges.

Chuck Todd, known as the insightful host of the Chuck ToddCast and former Meet the Press anchor, joins in an engaging conversation with Mike Pesca. They humorously dissect politicians with names that double as surnames and explore how financial literacy can shape the next generation. The duo delves into the shift towards video podcasting, the impact of polarization on politics and cryptocurrency, and the balancing act journalists face in the current landscape. Their light-hearted banter also touches on nostalgia in sports journalism, making for an entertaining and thought-provoking discussion.

Rosebud Baker, a comedian and writer known for her Netflix specials, brings her sharp wit and dark humor to the discussion. She shares insights on juggling the pressures of parenting with comedic storytelling. The conversation dives into her SNL writing experiences, the humor in breastfeeding expectations, and how a dolphin ride led to her husband's hair transplant. Rosebud also tackles the complexities of using comedy to address political issues and personal struggles, all while maintaining a vibrant and relatable perspective on life's absurdities.

Arlie Hochschild, Professor Emerita at UC Berkeley and author, dives into the emotional landscape of Trump America. She examines how emotions like pride influence voting behavior and connects political identities to feelings of shame and belonging. Hochschild discusses the pride paradox, contrasting experiences in red and blue states, and highlights the importance of empathy in bridging political divides. Through personal anecdotes and academic insights, she reveals the role of emotional labor in shaping our interactions and understanding in a polarized society.

Stuart Eizenstat, a veteran diplomat and policy advisor, dives into his book, shedding light on the art of negotiation from historic agreements to Holocaust reparations. He introduces the concept of 'unsympathetic empathy' and discusses its role in diplomacy. Eizenstat contrasts the courage of leaders like Anwar Sadat against the refusal of others to compromise, while also examining the significant implications of recent Supreme Court decisions, particularly regarding the Sackler family and their responsibility in the opioid crisis.

Helen Lewis, an acclaimed author and host of BBC's The New Gurus, digs deep into her book, The Genius Myth. She critiques society's distorted ideals of genius, confronting how figures like Picasso shaped the narrative through personal biases and social myths. Lewis explores the links between childhood trauma and achievement, the flaws of individualism in innovation, and the implications of the Matthew Effect in recognizing talent. With each tale, she dismantles old beliefs and invites a fresh perspective on what true genius really means.