The Gist

Ben Ansell, a political scientist at Nuffield College, delves into the intriguing concepts of FAFO and its counterpart FADFO, dissecting how reckless policies often go unpunished—think Brexit and defunding police. He argues that liberal democracies create buffers that delay consequences, which populists exploit. The discussion also critiques the value of Western education for global leadership and questions the cultural impact of admitting international students from China into American universities.

Sadie Dingfelder, author of 'Do I Know You?: A FaceBlind Reporter's Journey into the Science of Sight, Memory and Imagination', returns to discuss the fascinating world of dog talking buttons. She investigates whether these gadgets truly allow dogs to communicate abstract thoughts or if they are just a gimmick. The conversation also touches on the psychology of smarter dogs and explores the challenges and implications of canine communication. Finally, Sadie critiques media narratives surrounding police reform and its impacts on community safety.

Political strategist and author Bradley Tusk joins to dissect the 2025 New York City mayoral race, uncovering why voters overlook Andrew Cuomo's past scandals. He highlights the disconnect between the political elite and the everyday NYC resident, with only 3% feeling represented. Tusk also examines the intersection of comedy and mental health through the lens of 'The Rehearsal,' revealing its poignant commentary amid humor. He critiques the challenges candidates face when promising free services, questioning the feasibility of progressive policies in the current political landscape.

Manvir Singh, an anthropologist and author of *Shamanism: The Timeless Religion*, shares riveting accounts from his decade with the Mentawai people of Indonesia. He explores the vibrant role of shamanism in their healing rituals and communal life. Singh discusses the intricate relationship between language and culture, revealing how metaphors shape worldviews. He also debates anthropology's position between science and humanities, and reflects on public sentiment regarding policing in the wake of George Floyd's murder, emphasizing the need for reform amid ongoing dialogues.

Ethan Strauss, host of the House of Strauss and a cultural sports writer, joins Mike Pesca for an engaging conversation. They delve into Caitlin Clark's rising fame and its impact on sneaker marketing, highlighting the nuanced dynamics of player branding in women's basketball. The discussion covers the emotional dimensions of endorsements, the ethical implications of marketing diversity, and the booming NCAA merchandise market. They also touch on how injuries can shift NBA playoffs and what that means for fans and analysts alike.

Robby Hoffman, a talented comedian and actress known for her role in 'Hacks,' shares her unique journey from an ultra-Orthodox upbringing to stand-up success. She delves into how discomfort fuels her comedy and reflects on America’s identity crisis. The discussion touches on the art of storytelling, the complexities of socioeconomic backgrounds, and the humor found in high school dynamics. Hoffman humorously critiques the entertainment cultures in Canada and the U.S., emphasizing authenticity over societal standards in both comedy and life.

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, founder of Realign for Palestine and a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council, joins to tackle the complexities of Palestinian advocacy. He critiques both Hamas and Israel while pushing for reform within the diaspora. Alkhatib draws striking parallels between Hamas and ISIS, urging clarity in pro-Palestine discourse. He also highlights the impactful philanthropy of billionaires like Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg, celebrating their contributions to saving lives. His insights promote coexistence and accountability in a tumultuous environment.

Eli Lake, a veteran foreign affairs expert and host of the Breaking History podcast, is joined by Michael A. Cohen, an MSNBC columnist and senior fellow at Tufts. They tackle the debate over Biden's health, questioning the media's portrayal and pushing back against narratives of decline. They dive into Trump's foreign policy, critiquing its lack of human rights consideration. Will this pragmatic approach spell recklessness? Both guests share insights on electoral strategies for Democrats while humorously dissecting the political landscape ahead.

Katherine Stewart, author of Money, Lies, and God, dives into the intricate web of America's Christian nationalist forces and their alarming influence on global extremism. She unveils how these groups cloak domestic corruption in the guise of faith, revealing the strategic exporting of anti-abortion tactics to Europe. The conversation also touches on the dark ideology of aphilism linked to tragic events and critiques how authoritarian regimes exploit religion to bolster their power, urging listeners to engage in the fight against rising fascism.

Katherine Stewart, author of 'Money, Lies, and God,' dives deep into the pervasive influence of Christian nationalism on modern conservatism and the Republican Party. She discusses the blurred lines between genuine and performative beliefs in the Trump administration, particularly concerning economic policies. The conversation also touches on the evolution of identity politics and its threat to democracy, as well as the alliances formed between evangelicals and political figures. Stewart critiques media narratives around Biden's mental acuity, advocating for transparency in today's political discourse.