The Gist

On The Gist, Josh King answers our question about President Obama's visit with King Salman of Saudi Arabia. He was our guest earlier this week, and he's the author of Off Script: An Advance Man's Guide to White House Stagecraft, Campaign Spectacle, and Political Suicide. Then, Meg Jacobs joins us to discuss the lasting political legacy of the '70s gas crisis. She's the author of Panic at the Pump: The Energy Crisis and the Transformation of American Politics in the 1970s. For the Spiel, the president who was usurped off the $20. It's not who you might think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Bernie Sanders part of a long Democratic tradition of progressive insurgency? On The Gist, Slate's Jamelle Bouie explains the shifting politics of the Democratic party. Read his front-page story, "There Is No Bernie Sanders Movement." For the Spiel, how to interpret your changing life expectancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker explains why our growing motivational industry needs some oversight. She's the author of The Confidence Game. For the Spiel, the lasting impact of the 1994 crime bill on today's candidates and voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Mike offers keen insight into Sheldon Silver. Then, which Republican presidential nominee is nailing visual optics? Josh King joins us to explain why the visuals and headlines are becoming increasingly important for political campaigns. He's the author of Off Script: An Advance Man's Guide to White House Stagecraft, Campaign Spectacle, and Political Suicide. For the Spiel, the Google Play app introduces Mike to '90s agro anthems. Listen to find out what happened next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, we travel back to the year our host and music writer Chris Molanphy were in their music-listening prime. We'll count down the Billboard hits from 1986 that marked a significant pivot in music history. Chris writes Slate's Why Is That Song No. 1 column. For the Spiel, favorite moments from Thursday night's Democratic debate in Brooklyn, New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker explains what researchers have found when they looked into the health benefits of fasting. She's the author of The Confidence Game. If you enjoyed this interview, you should also check out our past segment with Maria about eating late. For the Spiel, honoring the breakfast cereal spokes-things tradition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, itching to visit the president of the Republic of Molossia? Or hear the dark histories of Patarei Prison in Tallinn, Estonia? David Plotz from Atlas Obscura offers advice for creating your own adventures on Saturday, April 16 for this weekend's Obscura Day. For the Spiel, why we're not impressed by the depth of your worldview, Mark Zuckerberg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, we use Yodely Guy to discuss the latest news from Goldman Sachs. Then, let's dive deep into Wyoming delegate math with Aimee Van Cleave from the Wyoming Democratic Party. For the Spiel, does Hillary have too many Pinocchios but not enough truths? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, we again compare the value of winning states vs. winning delegates in Democratic primaries. Which could be more valuable? Then learn the definition of an "S.O.B. flag" when we visit Vexillology Corner with our favorite vexillologist Ted Kaye. He's the author of Good Flag, Bad Flag. For the Spiel, it's time we talk about wolverines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Hair too long," "pants too tight," "sounds like Kiss," "Alice Cooper's dead," and other reasons Twister Sister spent a decade trying to get a record deal. On The Gist, John French Segall (you know him as Jay Jay French) and director Andrew Horn join us to tell the story behind a new Twisted Sister documentary. You can read Jay's Inc. magazine column here. For the Spiel, it's time for another Lobstar of the Antentwig. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices