The Gist

Join Brian Baumgartner, best known as Kevin Malone from The Office, and Ben Silverman, the show's executive producer, as they explore the intriguing geopolitical shifts following Bashar al-Assad's exit from Syria. They discuss the potential for democracy in the region, the complexities of foreign policy, and the adaptability of Syrian rebel forces compared to rigid groups like ISIS. Also, enjoy a playful chat about their new illustrated book, The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin, filled with anecdotes and nostalgia from their iconic sitcom days.

In this enlightening conversation, Jason De Leon, a UCLA professor and MacArthur Genius grant recipient, delves into his award-winning book, "Soldiers and Kings." He shares poignant stories about the struggles of individuals caught in human smuggling and highlights the importance of empathy amid the chaos. The discussion also touches on immigration politics and the historical ties between the U.S. and Honduras. Additionally, the episode critiques contemporary political campaigning, emphasizing the need for substance over emotional appeal.

Liz Wolfe, Editor at Reason Magazine, and Michael A. Cohen, MSNBC columnist, delve into the controversial pardon of Hunter Biden. They engage in a lively discussion about the Democrats' recent electoral struggles, analyzing external factors affecting voter behavior. The conversation touches on the implications of political family dynamics and the ethics of legal accountability. On a lighter note, they muse over societal pressures on aging women, with Pamela Anderson as a focal point, and debate the curious quirks of Daylight Saving Time.

Sadie Dingfelder, a science writer known for her exploration of face blindness in her book "Do I Know You?", joins the discussion with sharp wit. She debunks the myth of pets and final meals, swinging from hilarious anecdotes about hairless cats to surprisingly dark tales of dogs and cannibalism. The conversation dives into AI's impact on originality, the intriguing quirks of pets, and a nostalgic look at fact-checking, all while wrapping up with a critique of media's shift from serious to absurd in the world of consumerism.

The podcast dives into the murky waters of the Syrian conflict, dissecting the controversial factions vying for power. It raises tough questions about U.S. involvement and the complexities of supporting either regime or rebels. An intriguing conversation with Ben Rhodes sheds light on foreign policy intricacies. Additionally, the discussion critiques media portrayals of political figures, particularly exploring vulnerabilities in their narratives. A thought-provoking blend of geopolitics and media analysis keeps listeners engaged.

Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor and author, delves into the Democratic Party's current identity crisis. He examines whether the party still reflects its proclaimed values and emphasizes the need to reconnect with populist sentiments. Rhodes critiques the current strategies, advocating for better emotional engagement and effective messaging to rebuild trust. The discussion also touches on the influence of family dynamics in politics, revealing unexpected insights into how personal relationships shape public perceptions.

In this engaging discussion, Eric Fingerhut, former Congressman from Ohio and now CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, shares insights on the challenges facing the Jewish community amidst political divides. He dives into the implications of recent Senate votes to strip military support from Israel. The conversation also critiques Kamala Harris' short campaign strategies, highlighting their missteps in engaging with voters and navigating a complex political landscape, including the impact of Biden's controversial pardons.

Steven Brill, the founder of NewsGuard, dives into the critical issue of news reliability, sharing insights from his extensive career in journalism. He discusses how NewsGuard's technology functions like 'nutrition labels' for information by rating the credibility of news sources. The conversation highlights the ongoing battle against misinformation, emphasizing the importance of human judgment in evaluations over algorithms. Brill also addresses the impact of political dynamics on media credibility and the challenges faced by news organizations today.

In this conversation, stand-up comedian Mike Yard shares his unique experiences as an ex-felon and a union leader at the Museum of Modern Art. He humorously discusses his pro-prison stance and the absurdities of life behind bars, including a memorable tuna fish incident. Yard also sheds light on the challenges of performing comedy for diverse cultural audiences and offers insights into the delicate balance between humor and sensitive topics, all while reflecting on his personal growth through a comedic lens.

Join filmmaker Shaun Peterson, who collaborated on the documentary 'Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln,' as he dives into the intriguing dimensions of Lincoln's personal relationships. The conversation touches on Lincoln's sexual fluidity and the complexities surrounding 19th-century identities, challenging modern interpretations. They also unpack contemporary political strategies from Democrats aimed at countering Trump, exploring how history shapes today's political landscape while keeping things both entertaining and thought-provoking.