The Gist

Justin Driver, a Yale Law professor and expert on affirmative action, discusses the implications of the SFFA v. Harvard/UNC decision. He critiques the Court's shift toward a faux "colorblindness" and its impact, revealing sharp declines in Black enrollment while Asian American admissions rise. Driver delves into how this ruling could distort application dynamics, pushing applicants to focus on trauma narratives. He also touches on the complex landscape of diversity in higher education and the broader societal consequences of these changes.

Laura Spinney, a journalist and author known for her work on historical narratives, explores the intriguing rise of Proto-Indo-European in her latest book. She delves into how ancient languages intertwine, the impact of genetics on understanding these languages, and the sociopolitical barriers that have shaped linguistic history. The discussion highlights the migration of people as a key factor in language spread, alongside a playful tease of modern communication trends like emojis. Expect insights that connect the past with contemporary language dynamics!

Sadie Dingfelder, a journalist and author known for her insightful research on scientific studies, dives into the intriguing world of mosquito attraction. She reveals why some individuals are like a buffet for these pests while others remain untouched. From the role of carbon dioxide and sweat to surprising factors like bananas, Dingfelder discusses decades of fascinating mosquito studies. She also touches on innovative lab methods that replace human volunteers, making mosquito research ethical and enlightening.

Andrew Fox, a writer-composer known for the provocative musical Slam Frank, discusses his bold take on Anne Frank’s story through satirical theater. He reveals how the production pushes boundaries, igniting conversations around diversity and identity. Fox shares insights on the creative process behind catchy, Hamilton-esque songs infused with joy and rage. He also reflects on the backlash from industry gatekeepers and social media, defending the need for art that challenges prescribed norms.

Brian Burrow, an author and historian known for his work on the radical underground of the 1970s, shares riveting insights into a turbulent time. He discusses the scale of political violence, revealing that thousands of bombings were driven by a political agenda rather than sociopathy. Burrow also reflects on the legacy of the underground, noting how many former militants transitioned to normal lives and how the events shaped security measures in the aftermath of 9/11, impacting public perceptions significantly.

Brendan Nyhan, a Dartmouth government professor and co-director of Bright Line Watch, dives into the nuances of measuring political violence. He highlights how simplistic polling methods can exaggerate support for violence, revealing that true backing is often under 10%. Nyhan discusses the role of elite cues in shaping public fear and warns against using perceived threats as justification for repression. The conversation also touches on the implications of recent media controversies, like Jimmy Kimmel's exit, in the wider context of political narratives.

Michael A. Cohen is a political analyst and newsletter writer, while Jamie Kirchick is an accomplished author and journalist. They dive into the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting, analyzing how grief is often weaponized in political discourse. Discussions include the nuances of hate speech in today's rhetoric and the erosion of democratic norms since the Trump era. They also tackle the misuse of conspiracies around the event and critique a perplexing Visa ad featuring Christian McCaffrey. It's a thought-provoking exploration of current events and media dynamics.

Christian Duguay, creator of the cult podcast Valley Heat, dives into the absurdity of his 51% fictional universe, complete with Canadian foosball biker gangs and rogue car washes. He discusses the improv roots of his show, emphasizing the ethos of 'I’ll take that.' The conversation also touches on the innovative sound design and catchy jingles that define his storytelling. Additionally, Duguay highlights current events, including RFK Jr.'s controversial remarks and reflections on political violence surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination.

Garrett Graff, host of the Long Shadow podcast and an insightful historian, dives into the intricacies of Russia's meddling in the 2016 election. He emphasizes that the goal was to foster division in U.S. democracy, targeting different candidates to create chaos. The discussion touches on the overlap of events like the Access Hollywood tape, political extremism, and the role of misinformation in shaping public perception. Graff critiques shifting definitions of the 'far left' and warns about vulnerabilities in U.S. infrastructure.

Garrett Graff, a writer and historian and host of the Long Shadow podcast, explores the troubling evolution of the internet into a breeding ground for outrage. He discusses how corporate decisions by platforms like Facebook and YouTube have prioritized profit over ethics, fueling anger and division. Graff reveals how unregulated algorithms have exploited political fractures, including foreign interference in U.S. elections. He also critiques legacy media's failures in understanding social media's impacts and shares insights on contemporary political narratives.