The Gist

An article in the Guardian once asked, "Is Simon Rich the funniest man in America." We ask him, "Are you?" His new book Spoiled Brats explores why the so-called millennial culture is easy to mock, especially by baby boomers. Plus, we ask linguist Michael Erard about the craft of metaphor design. He's the author of Babel No More. For the Spiel, how Donald Trump's doing us all a service. Today's sponsors: The Great Courses, engaging audio and video lectures taught by top professors. Courses like "Scientific Secrets for a Powerful Memory." Right now, get 80 percent off the original price when you visit thegreatcourses.com/gist. And by Citrix GoToMeeting. When meetings matter, millions choose GoToMeeting. Get a free 30-day trial by visiting GoToMeeting.com and clicking the "try it free" button. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Pesca has no plans to stop singing on the podcast. For this special episode of The Gist, we bring in vocal coach Dr. Jan Douglas to help him find the key. Will he declare our host a lost cause? For the Spiel, the tart-tongued Buckeye John Kasich. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, we examine a historically very loose measure—the poverty line. When we hear about the "supplemental poverty measure" in the news, is that a more valuable number? We ask our regular guest Adam Davidson to explain. He's a contributor to the New York Times Magazine and a founder of NPR's Planet Money. For the Spiel, Sesame Street is moving to HBO, and you know what that means? Elmo's gonna be naked. Today's sponsors: Harry's, the shaving company that offers German-engineered blades, well-designed handles, and shipping right to your door. Visit Harrys.com for $5 off your first purchase with the promo code GIST. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, professional storyteller Matthew Dicks returns to share a daily exercise for every aspiring storyteller. He's the author of Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend. For the Spiel: Mike Pesca may not vocal-fry, but he sure hears complaints about his voice. Today's sponsor: Stamps.com, where you can buy and print official U.S. postage right from your desk using your own computer and printer. Use the promo code THEGIST to get a no-risk trial and a $110 bonus offer. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, an unusual episode about an unusual coincidence among our staff. Both Mike Pesca and managing producer Joel Meyer were born in cars in the 1970s. First up, Neila Pesca and Joe Pesca tell the story of the ultimate driveway moment, when our host was born in a Plymouth Barracuda. Then, Carolyn Wavrin and Greg Meyer recount how Joel entered the world in an Oldsmobile Cutlass. What are the chances? Today's sponsor: Stamps.com, where you can buy and print official U.S. postage right from your desk using your own computer and printer. Use the promo code THEGIST to get a no-risk trial and a $110 bonus offer. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker addresses the burning questions of the summer season, including the truth about SPF and the weirdness of ice cream headaches. Plus, filmmaker Jennifer Nelson explains how new research may finally restore "Happy Birthday to You" to the public domain. For the Spiel, what are Trump's chances? Today's sponsors: The Great Courses, engaging audio and video lectures taught by top professors. Courses like "Scientific Secrets for a Powerful Memory." Right now, get 80 percent off the original price when you visit thegreatcourses.com/gist. And by Citrix GoToMeeting. When meetings matter, millions choose GoToMeeting. Get a free 30-day trial by visiting GoToMeeting.com and clicking the "try it free" button. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1997, the deaths of Notorious B.I.G. and Princess Diana left America looking for musical catharsis. The Gist, our regular guest Chris Molanphy explores how tribute songs came to dominate the Billboard chart from 1997, with a sprinkling of a few memorable candy-colored Pop songs. Our Spotify playlist will help un-break your hearts with some Toni Braxton, Elton John, and other songs mentioned in today's show: For the Spiel, it's time to name our latest Lobstar of the antentwig. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, Barton Swaim gives us a glimpse inside the world of a certain former governor of South Carolina. Swain's new book is called The Speechwriter. Plus, Dr. Jeffrey Lewis responds to lingering criticisms of the Iran nuclear deal. Lewis hosts Mike's favorite arms podcast, Arms Control Wonk. For the Spiel, advice for the last Republican on stage at Thursday night's Fox News presidential primary debates. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Four years ago today, the U.S. debt rating by Standard & Poor's was downgraded from AAA to AA+. An assortment of politicians and rich people warned us this would be a day we'd never forget. We forgot. On The Gist, Adam Davidson explains the surprising power private credit ratings agencies such as S&P, Moody's and Fitch have been given by the U.S., and what that means for global development. He's a contributor to New York Times Magazine and a founder of NPR's Planet Money. Also, Adam Davidson is hosting a new podcast with Adam McKay called Awesome Boring. Here's a teaser. For the Spiel, the GOP debates have to do with the future of the Republican Party. Today's sponsor: Casper, the online retailer of premium mattresses for a fraction of the price. Get $50 toward any mattress purchase by visiting casper.com/gist and using the promo code GIST. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you drink from a BPA-free water bottle, is it still safe from "leeching" plastics? On The Gist, Mike asks Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker to examine the research into BPA plastics for a game we call "Is That Bulls--t?" For the Spiel, the oh so costly elections in Canada. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices