The Gist

Joshua Oppenheimer, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind impactful documentaries, discusses his latest project, an apocalypse musical featuring Tilda Swinton. He delves into the existential themes and societal reflections woven into the film, emphasizing its relevance in today’s climate crisis. Megan Down shares her poignant story of loss after her home was destroyed in the Southern California fires, highlighting the emotional and financial struggles of affected families. The conversation also touches on the complexities of free speech and the media’s handling of political rhetoric.

In this discussion, Kate Klonick, a law professor at St. John's University, examines Meta's decision to eliminate fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram. She argues that the prior system was already ineffective and questions the potential negative impacts on public trust. The conversation also covers the media's sensationalist portrayal of California's wildfires and critiques the political manipulation surrounding diversity initiatives. Klonick explores the nuanced challenges of social media governance and the complexities of misinformation and content moderation.

This week’s guest is Stephen Marsh, a Canadian journalist and author known for his critical insights into politics and his work "The Next Civil War." He discusses how Justin Trudeau’s virtue signaling alienated Canadians and ultimately contributed to his downfall. Marsh delves into the issues of medical debt being cleared from credit ratings, critiquing the ethics behind credit scoring. The conversation also touches on the challenges of modern leadership amid shifting political landscapes, including the influence of Trumpism in Canada.

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.