The Gist

On The Gist, we discuss the connection between infrastructure and money with Justin Fox from Bloomberg View. Then, Noah Charney explains why the art of Hieronymus Bosch is so hauntingly freaky. He's the author of The Art of Forgery: The Minds, Motives and Methods of the Master Forgers. For the Spiel, inside the so-called "so-called Acela primary." There's no Gist Wednesday, but we'll be back with a normal show on Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, we make a deal with Ted Cruz. Then, futurist Brian David Johnson joins us from the Future of Innovation in Society at Arizona State University. He's currently on tour asking about the future of the American Dream. For the Spiel, is Bernie behind because poor people don't vote? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, music writer Chris Molanphy guides us through the purple rain. We'll remember Prince's impact on the Billboard chats over the course of his career. Chris writes Slate's Why Is That Song No. 1 column. He recently wrote about Prince for Slate: "How Prince Ruled the Charts in the '80s—Even When His Name Wasn't on the Songs." For the Spiel, where should we draw the line when it comes to how we treat our prisoners? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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