The Gist

Stanford professor Keith Humphreys shares his insights on drug decriminalization, revealing the grim realities faced by Oregon, San Francisco, and Seattle. He discusses the surge in overdose deaths as a result of these policies, highlighting the urgent need for supportive services. Humphreys also delves into the political fallout for district attorneys who backed these measures and the varied public opinions on drug reform. Additionally, he addresses the challenges of urban development initiatives in New York City.

Allison Schrager, a Bloomberg columnist and scholar at the Manhattan Institute, dives into the legal complexities following the January 6th riots, challenging the narrative of innocence among key participants. She critiques how we measure economic progress and the inadequacies of traditional indicators. The conversation shifts to comparing U.S. economic policies under Presidents Obama and Trump, touching on tariffs and their diplomatic implications. Schrager also highlights the current economic challenges, including inflation and housing market issues, providing a thought-provoking analysis.

Join Ben Bradford, host of "Landslide" showcasing the pivotal 1976 presidential election, and Meg Jacobs, a Princeton historian and author of "Panic at the Pump", as they discuss the seeds of modern conservatism. Bradford examines the rivalry between Ford and Carter, while Jacobs explores the 1970s energy crisis and its political ramifications. They dive into how these historical events shaped party identities and influenced today's political landscape, highlighting the continuing relevance of these moments in America's ongoing ideological struggles.

In this engaging discussion, Lindsay Chervinsky, Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library, shares her insights on presidential legacies and the evolving perceptions surrounding them. As the nation mourns Jimmy Carter, she reflects on how collective grief shapes historical narratives. Chervinsky also critiques the trend of historians stepping into pundit roles, emphasizing the delicate balance between historical analysis and contemporary commentary. Delve into the complexities of legacy evaluation and the factors that influence how we remember our presidents.

Sadie Dingfelder, an author and expert on vision and memory, joins the discussion to dissect the overhyped claims of brain imaging studies. She critically examines the reliability of techniques like fMRIs and PET scans, questioning their links to human behavior. The conversation also touches on Jimmy Carter’s legacy, balancing admiration for his humanitarian efforts against economic challenges faced during his presidency. Plus, there's a playful examination of whether some neuroscience claims are simply 'bullshit.'

Roy Wood Jr., a sharp-witted comedian and host on CNN, dives into a whirlwind of thought-provoking topics. He shares a wild near-DUI tale that pokes fun at law enforcement's quirks. Roy argues for the occasional leniency in police encounters and emphasizes comedians’ duty to challenge harmful political rhetoric. He offers intriguing insights about human behavior, using floating balls of ants as a hilarious metaphor. Lastly, he reflects on the delicate balance of humor and identity in today's divided political landscape.

Stand-up comedian Mike Yard, known for his appearances on Inside Amy Schumer and Flatbush Misdemeanors, shares his unique insights derived from his experiences as an ex-felon and union leader. He humorously discusses his pro-prison stance, offering a critical yet entertaining take on candlelight vigils and the absurdities of public reaction to tragedies. Yard also reflects on his challenging upbringing in Brooklyn, weaving personal stories into a tapestry of humor that highlights serious societal issues, from crime to the complexities of immigration.

Django Gold, a stand-up comedian and former writer for "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert", shares his comedic journey and insights. He discusses finding the right amount of weird to engage audiences and critiques the evolution of the nerd archetype. The conversation dives into the absurdity of scissors ownership across social classes and the humor behind mundane tasks like laundry. Django also reflects on how personal struggles and the pandemic transformed his comedic persona, resulting in a blend of dark humor and insightful commentary.

Ophira Eisenberg, host of Parenting Is A Joke and a comedian, explores the funny side of parenthood with insightful anecdotes. The discussion dives into how humor plays a crucial role in navigating parenting challenges, from fantasy football to setting teen curfews. They reflect on the evolution of comedy for younger audiences, tackling the complexities of intense parenting, and the balance between guidance and independence. Witty storytelling paints a relatable picture of the joys and frustrations of raising children.

Sam Jay, a comedian and writer known for her work on HBO's Pause with Sam Jay and as a former SNL writer, dives deep into the intersection of comedy, race, and financial literacy. She humorously tackles the complexities of white versus black money management while discussing systemic issues in policing and media representation. Sam also shares insights on how comedy can foster personal growth and ignite critical conversations about identity and activism, leaving listeners amused and reflective.