The Gist

Ross Barkan, a political analyst from the New York Times Magazine, and former President Barack Obama join the conversation. They dissect Kamala Harris's legislative priorities and the struggles of the left wing in the Democratic Party. Barkan highlights the challenges of decentralized activism and leadership while Obama reflects on the power of impactful speeches at the DNC. The duo delves into effective protest tactics and the complexities of translating ambitious political goals into real legislative actions.

Carl Elliott, a bioethicist and whistleblower, discusses his new book on medical experimentation. He reveals the troubling ethics behind clinical trials, using the case of Dan Markingson to illustrate the risks of patient consent. Elliott shares his whistleblower experiences, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by medical students. The conversation also touches on the disconnect between political sentiments at the Democratic National Convention and the realities voters face, as well as the charged atmosphere of protests surrounding the event.

Erwin Chemerinsky, the Dean of UC Berkeley School of Law and constitutional law expert, argues that democracy in the U.S. is under threat due to an outdated Constitution. He offers bold yet simple solutions, including term limits for Supreme Court justices and reforming the Electoral College to enhance representation. The conversation also dives into the complexities of money in politics and rising political polarization. Chemerinsky sheds light on the implications for the upcoming elections, highlighting the urgent need for electoral reform.

Kyle Pope, former editor of the Columbia Journalism Review, joins Margaret Sullivan, head of the ethics center at the Columbia School of Journalism, for a deep dive into the ethical challenges in journalism today. They discuss the erosion of accountability in the media, particularly influenced by Donald Trump. The conversation covers the importance of distinguishing credible journalism from misinformation and the need for a revival of the ombudsman role. They also tackle how coverage impacts political figures and the ethical dilemmas journalists face in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Dan Taberski, host of the podcast Hysterical, dives into a bizarre incident in Leroy, New York, where high school girls exhibit strange tics. He explores the complex interplay of psychological and physical symptoms in mass psychogenic illness. The conversation also touches on how social media impacts mental health, especially among teens. Additionally, Dan discusses the implications of Trump’s comments regarding Kamala Harris, questioning whether his remarks are strategic or impulsive. It's a captivating mix of societal issues, psychological phenomena, and political commentary.

Minouche Shafik, former President of Columbia University, shares insights on academic leadership amidst controversies. Leon Neyfahk and Arielle Paredes dive into the complex world of vaping, discussing Juul's aggressive marketing tactics and their effects on youth. They also highlight the quirky yet meaningful role of mangoes in their discussions. Additionally, there's an exploration of how 'vibes' can shape political campaigns, reflecting the unique dynamics of modern political environments.

Leon Neyfakh and Arielle Pardes, reporters behind 'Backfired: The Vaping Wars,' dive into the chaotic world of vaping culture. They discuss the conflicting narratives surrounding vaping safety and its impact on public health. With personal anecdotes, they reveal how experiences with smoking and family health struggles influenced their perspectives. Additionally, the conversation touches on the industry's marketing tactics and the complex regulation landscape that allows products like Juul to thrive amid growing skepticism.

Kevin Allison, a comedic pioneer from MTV's The State and host of RISK!, reveals the bold risks he's embraced in his creative journey. JD Vance dives into provocative thought experiments on social issues, while Elon Musk tackles the nitty-gritty of environmental impacts with Donald Trump. They explore the societal effects of declining birth rates, political narratives around family values, and reflections on navigating social anxiety within LGBTQ spaces. It’s a riveting blend of humor, insight, and controversial ideas.

Dr. Ann Burgess, a groundbreaking profiler of serial killers and featured in Mindhunter, joins Abigail Fuller, director of Hulu's Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer. They discuss Burgess's revolutionary work in understanding the psychology of violent offenders and the significant role of female investigators in changing investigative practices. The duo also tackles society's obsession with serial killers and the media's influence on public perception. Their insights blend dark psychology with cultural commentary, resulting in a captivating conversation.

Jordan Ellenberg, a mathematics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, dives into the quirky world of political polling and its unpredictable nature. He explains how historical trends and randomness shape Senate elections while critiquing flawed predictive models. The discussion touches on adapting beliefs with new information in an ever-changing political climate. Plus, enjoy a whimsical tale of bears in NYC and a humorous anecdote involving RFK Jr., blending absurdity with insightful commentary on fate.