The Gist

Stand-up comedian Steph Tolev, creator of the Netflix special 'Filth Queen' and the podcast 'Steph Infection', dives into the world of boundary-pushing humor and the Canadian comedy scene. She discusses the smart side of gross comedy, how viral crowd work can reshape careers, and shares a wild story from her podcast about a woman using raw chicken to fake a pregnancy. Steph also reflects on the challenges of performing with physical ailments and the impact of Bill Burr’s support on her journey. Prepare for laughs and thoughtful insights!

Plestia Alaqad, a Gazan-born writer and social-media reporter, shares her harrowing experiences during the 2023 Gaza war. She discusses the challenges of reporting from a region labeled an open-air prison, while also exploring the complexities of journalistic terminology like IDF versus IOF. Plestia addresses the controversial Al-Ahli Hospital incident, emphasizing the need for verified accounts. The conversation delves into the nuances of labeling the conflict as genocide and the impact of occupation, revealing the resilience of Gazan life amidst chaos.

Jake Tapper, a CNN anchor and author, dives into the complexities of U.S. legal proceedings against terrorists in his latest book, Race Against Terror. He explains why prosecutors opted for a criminal trial instead of Guantanamo for an Al-Qaeda combatant. Tapper discusses the challenges of building a case from a shaky confession and details the investigative sleuthing needed to secure convictions. He contrasts the meticulous process of terror trials with the political machinations surrounding the Comey indictment, emphasizing the importance of experienced legal teams in national security.

Tom Frieden, former CDC director and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, shares insights from his book on public health strategies. He introduces his 'See, Believe, Create' approach and discusses the importance of distinguishing settled facts from speculation. Frieden critiques the slogan 'Believe in Science,' emphasizing the need for evidence over directives. He highlights significant public health victories like hypertension management and argues against prolonged school closures and vaccine mandates, advocating for a more nuanced approach to health crises.

Cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker, a Harvard professor and author of When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows, discusses how common knowledge shapes our social dynamics. He delves into how public moments can shift private beliefs into collective understanding, using examples from politics, such as Biden's debate performance. Pinker also explores the implications of spirals of silence and self-deception among leaders, illustrating how common knowledge can empower social coordination and challenge oppressive regimes.

Diane Foley, founder of the Foley Foundation and mother of journalist James Foley, shines a light on America's inadequate hostage-recovery efforts. She shares her experiences navigating government responses during her son's kidnapping and advocates for reforms to improve current systems. Foley discusses the shift from traditional kidnappings to wrongful detentions by state actors and underscores the need for better deterrence and transparency. With insights on public awareness and contrasting responses from nations like Israel, she emphasizes why the U.S. must prioritize its citizens abroad.

Jonah Blank, a South Asia expert and author, delves into the recent youth-led uprising in Nepal. He discusses how a mix of social media influence and economic inequality fueled widespread protests against government corruption. Jonah describes the challenges of trust in political institutions and the impact of remittances on daily life. He also addresses the complex dynamics of Nepal's political landscape and what the future holds for its new leadership amidst calls for reform.

Joining the discussion are Ben Wizner, the ACLU’s director of Speech, Privacy, and Technology with a focus on civil liberties, and Ilya Shapiro, a constitutional studies expert at the Manhattan Institute. They dive into the complexities of free speech today, debating the nuances of cancel culture and campus controversies. The conversation touches on government pressures, the Supreme Court's shadow docket, and personal anecdotes from their own experiences in the realm of speech rights. Plus, they share light-hearted 'goat-grinders' about sports and sitcoms!

Yaakov Katz, a journalist and former editor of the Jerusalem Post, delves into the failures of Israel’s security establishment leading up to October 7. He discusses how misconceptions about Hamas's strength, ignored warnings, and tactical failures created a perfect storm for the attack. Katz criticizes Netanyahu’s post-ceasefire decisions for prolonging the conflict and highlights the contradictions in Israel's successes against Iran versus failures against Hamas. He also explores how global opinion affects military strategies and the long-term need for cultural change in Gaza.

KJ Steinberg, a talented television writer and showrunner, dives into her role as creator of Hulu's series on Amanda Knox. She passionately discusses the importance of centering Knox's perspective while capturing public perception. Steinberg reveals the challenges of navigating legal constraints in Italy and shares insights on capturing Knox’s trauma and reintegration. Their dialogue also touches on the complex portrayal of Meredith Kercher and the deep-seated impacts of the notorious case, emphasizing storytelling's power in confronting misinformation.