The Gist

Valerie Fridland, a linguistics professor and author of 'Well, like, dude', dives into the evolution of language and cultural phrases. She humorously critiques traditional views on 'bad English' and explains how the word 'like' has morphed from a simple verb to a conversational staple. The discussion explores the fleeting nature of slang and the challenges it poses among generations. Additionally, Fridland highlights the impact of societal norms on politeness, revealing hilarious anecdotes about trying to decipher children's contemporary slang.

Jonah Goldberg, a political commentator and author, dives deep into the complexities of contemporary politics. He critiques media representation of protests, revealing how perceptions are shaped by extreme actions. The conversation also explores the evolution of antisemitism and the fine line between anti-Zionism and bigotry. Additionally, they discuss Kamala Harris's media strategies and the importance of authenticity in political communication. Throughout, Jonah examines the disconnect between online narratives and real-world public sentiment.

Jesse Moss, a director known for his faux-documentary exploring coup scenarios, and Peter Strzok, former FBI Counterintelligence director, engage in a riveting conversation. They discuss the chilling premise of a military coup simulation set for 2025. Moss reveals how blending improv and documentary filmmaking enhances authenticity, while Strzok shares insights on extremism in military recruitment. They also explore the interplay of political violence and accountability in the context of military justice reform, weaving a narrative that scrutinizes America's current political climate.

Join Jamil Zaki, a Stanford researcher and author of 'Hope for Cynics,' as he discusses the evolution of human goodness and challenges the flawed idea of 'homo economicus.' Explore the dynamic between cynicism and kindness, shedding light on how media and biases shape our perceptions of altruism. Hawk Tuah adds insights on navigating climate anxiety and societal pressures regarding parenthood decisions. Together, they advocate for hope over despair while emphasizing the importance of a data-driven approach to understanding human interactions.

Andrew Chow, author of 'Cryptomania,' dives into the tumultuous world of cryptocurrencies and NFTs. He recounts his discovery of the crypto frenzy during the pandemic and the subsequent crash of high-profile ventures like FTX. The conversation highlights the disparity between the ideals of decentralization and profit motives among industry leaders. Chow also explores the tricky landscape for African NFT artists, revealing their struggle for integrity in a market rife with speculation and disillusionment.

Simon Rich, a comedic genius known for his work on Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, and The New Yorker, shares his insights on writing humor. He discusses the delicate art of comedic storytelling and character development, revealing how discarded ideas can spark new narratives. The conversation touches on the absurdity of aging, especially through the lens of Super Mario's milestone birthday. Rich's new book, 'Glory Days: Stories,' adds a humorous twist to middle age, making audiences laugh while reflecting on life's challenges.

Evan Ratliff, cofounder of The Atavist Magazine and host of the Shell Game podcast, shares his fascinating journey of creating an AI version of his voice to engage with friends and even telemarketers. The discussion dives into the ethical implications of AI voice cloning and its impact on identity. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. adds a political twist, hinting at his alliance with Donald Trump, leaving listeners questioning the motivations behind today’s political maneuvers. Humor and technology collide in this compelling exploration of AI's role in communication.

Michael Moynihan, a contributor at The Free Press, and Batya Ungar-Sargon, their Deputy Opinion Editor, join Mike Pesca and Nancy Rommelmann to dissect Kamala Harris' recent keynote speech. They analyze the contrasting reactions from various media, highlighting the divide in political strategies between parties. The discussion also touches on the influence of protests related to Israel, the evolving nature of activism, and the urgent need for genuine policy conversations over political rhetoric, pointing to a disconnect with average voters.

In a compelling discussion, journalist Dave Weigel from Semafor and political journalist Mark Caputo from The Bulwark dissect Kamala Harris's evolving role in the Democratic Party. They explore the media’s portrayal of her racial identity and how political narratives are shifting. The duo analyzes Trump’s enduring influence and the complexities of polling in today’s political climate. They also compare the Democratic and Republican conventions, highlighting their distinct message delivery styles and what this reveals about the parties' strategies.

Tim Walz, a defensive coordinator with a knack for tackling tough political issues, lends his insights on the Democratic Party's struggles. He delves into the disconnect between the party and the white working class, highlighting the challenges of identity politics. The discussion also touches on internal conflicts at the DNC, where marginalized voices demand representation. Walz emphasizes the importance of authentic messaging and unity among workers to combat corporate influence and restore faith in political leadership.