The Gist

On the Gist, what happens when a conservative pundit and a famous quarterback make a podcast: Bolling with Favre.  In the interview, it's been a lonely year, and an especially difficult 10 months to try and find love. But Logan Ury's new book, How to Not Die Alone just may hold the key. Putting psychology first, Ury seeks to give readers a guide to finding and keeping relationships. Spoiler alert: Stop focusing on the spark! Ury explains an approach to dating that is more psychology than yenta, the non-fluffiness of behavioral science, and what goes on in a "Love Lab." Ury is the co-founder of the Irrational Lab at Google, and is the Director of Relationship Science for the dating app Hinge. In the spiel, three horrible truths and a half terrible truth about Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch

On the Gist, you can't trouble us with your labels. In the interview, what is In & Of Itself? The new Hulu special by Frank Oz and Derek DelGaudio is so much more than just a made-for-TV version of DelGaudio's live show. As creators, Oz and DelGaudio discuss the stigma of illusion, an art form which relies on sleight of hand and audience participation, and talk about how they were able to bring to life their special for people sitting at home. Both Oz and DelGaudio elucidate the assumptions around their respective careers, professions which have historically been viewed as sitting lower on the performing arts totem pole, and urge viewers to refrain from taking things simply on face value. In & Of Itself is available now on Hulu. In the spiel, understanding the difference between lies and delusions. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

On the Gist, Impeachment logic games.  In the interview, it's part two of a conversation with Oscar award winning documentarian and director Bryan Fogel about his latest film The Dissident. The film centers around Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi's brutal murder, and its broader human rights implications. The Dissident is available in theaters, and now via premium video-on-demand. Today, Fogel and Mike focus on Fogel's experiences putting the documentary together, and how he got unlikely sources to sit down for interviews. In the spiel, use code RUDY today! Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Larry King, 'Hello!' In the interview, it's part one of a conversation with Oscar award winning documentarian and director Bryan Fogel about his latest film The Dissident. The film centers around Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi's brutal murder, and its broader human rights implications. Fogel discusses how he seeks to right wrongs through his investigative filmmaking, and details how he put his own life on the line to tell Khashoggi's story. The Dissident is available in theaters, and now via premium video-on-demand. Part two of Fogel's conversation is tomorrow. In the spiel, Rand Paul versus reality. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Trump is deserving of a trial, and a lot more. In the interview, what are the consequences of putting Trump through a Senate trial? Mike does some game theory with Joe Lockhart about the possible implications for Republicans and Democrats when it comes to voting for, and possibly convicting the former president. Lockhart is former press secretary for President Clinton, partner at strategic comms group Rational360, and a CNN political analyst.  In the spiel, mask on, mask off. But seriously keep your mask on. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, before he jetted off to the sunshine state, Trump had a last bit of business to attend to.  In the interview, Mike talks to Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, senior associate dean of leadership programs, and the Lester Crown Professor in the Practice of Management for the Yale School of Management. He is also founder and president of the Chief Executive Leadership Institute. Mike and Sonnenfeld discuss C.E.L.I., a nonprofit educational and research institute focused on CEO leadership and corporate governance, and Trump's influence on their decision making. In the spiel, oh the people he pardoned. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, a decent man gives a speech. In the interview, Mike talks to Sarada Peri about now President Joe Biden's inaugural speech. The former President Barack Obama speechwriter says Biden, "knocked it out of the park." They talk about the most effective moments and the importance of speaking directly about racism and white supremacy. Peri also discusses why Biden addressing the American people as "folks" is not only a favorite colloquialism of his, but a necessary way to relate. In the spiel, Republicans will likely continue to republican.  Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Trump is getting traded.  In the interview, we bring in Chris Molanphy to discuss the music hits of 2020. They talk about how All I Want For Christmas is You keeps coming back to the top of the charts and the unexpected timeliness of Rockstar by DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch. Molanphy is a pop-chart analyst, the writer of Slate's "Why Is This Song No. 1?" series, and host of the podcast Hit Parade. Come for the deep dive on an unusual year in music, stay for Mike explaining what W.A.P. stands for.  In the spiel, we remember Trump for the last time. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley and Cheyna Roth. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the QAnon Shaman's lawyer. In the interview, John Fetterman, also known as Lieutenant Governor Stone Cold, talks to Mike about his potential Senate run. The Pennsylvania native talks about his origin story from son of teenagers to Harvard graduate, his thoughts on gun control and incarceration, and the woes of being six-foot-nine. (Not enough suits.) In Remembrances of Things Trump: so many Seans, so little time. In the spiel, supposed contradictions of pro-free speech. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Cheyna Roth, and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Republicans use their voices to complain about not having a voice. In the interview, Melissa Murray joins Mike to discuss what the articles of impeachment can teach us about constitutional law as we review the events of last week at the Capitol Building. Murray is a professor at NYU Law, co-host of Strict Scrutiny podcast, and a contributor on MSNBC. In Remembrances of Things Trump: Goofy, Sleepy, Crazy...no those aren't Snow White's friends. They are Trump's favorite nicknames.  In the spiel, the Trump push for Lisa Montgomery's execution in the final week of his tarnished presidency. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Cheyna Roth, and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the gavel was quick and sure during the impeachment hearing. In the interview, what risks lie ahead for 2021? Mike sits down with political scientist Ian Bremmer. They talk about what went wrong in 2020 (hint COVID-19 managed to make a lot of Bremmer's predictions come true). And for 2021 - China, oil and Biden, oh my! Bremmer is the president and founder of Eurasia Group, a firm that helps investors and businesses understand the impact of politics on their investments. In Remembrances of Things Trump, Trump attacks a dead man because Trump has a problem with women.  In the spiel, bearing the stain of being impeached twice. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Cheyna Roth, and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, this is actually who we are because we wouldn't have let it happen. In the interview, Katie Meyer, political reporter at WHYY in Philadelphia joins Mike to talk about the Pennsylvania state legislature, and today's federal ruling on the contested state senate race.  In Remembrances of Things Trump, back to the days when Trump was able to tweet, and retweet.  In the spiel, defining incitement. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Cheyna Roth, and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, several Republicans predicted years ago Trump's actions would lead to violence, but they're sticking with him anyway. One of them is Ted Cruz. In Remembrances of Things Trump, Trump denounces a Swedish terrorism attack that never happened. In the interview, Mike is joined by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. They talk about insurrection at the Capitol building in D.C., and in Michigan, and how rallies and big talk got them there. Nessel also explains her decision to seek sanctions against attorneys who filed lawsuits claiming debunked election fraud in the state.  In the spiel, Trump may be off Twitter, but his supporters don't have to go far to get their message out. It's called podcasting. Ever heard of it? Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Cheyna Roth, and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, how do 39% of registered voters "approve" of Trump's performance? 39%; really? In the interview, Mike is joined by Stan Barnes to talk all things Arizona. Arizona just gave its two Senate seats to Democrats in a shocking upset for the long-time red state. Barnes is a former Republican state senator turned party consultant for the Copper State. He talks to Mike about the impact of Wednesday's Capitol chaos on the Republican party and how there's no "putting Humpty Dumpty back together again." And, today in Remembrances of Things Trump, the people who left the Trump administration before it became en vogue. In the spiel, a slew of resignations following the chaos. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Cheyna Roth, and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the assault on the Capitol through extremist corners of the internet. In the interview, Mike is joined by U.S Rep. Dan Kildee of Michigan's 5th Congressional District, and Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus. Rep. Kildee was on the House floor when violent pro-Trump extremists overtook the Capitol, causing a lockdown. Kildee shares his experience of what it was like inside the chambers before and after the electoral vote count had been certified, and what he's hearing from his constituents in Michigan. In the spiel, we continue our walk through the insurrectionist rampage at the Capitol. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Cheyna Roth, and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the Capitol is breached by pro-Trump extremists. In the interview, Mike is joined by Slate's senior politics writer, Jim Newell, from Washington, D.C. While sequestered from inside the Capitol Building, Newell discussed the safety measures put in place to protect those remaining in the House chambers and its locked corridors, while police made desperate attempts at corralling the violence.     In the spiel, the Georgia runoff and what this means for American politics. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Cheyna Roth, and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, we return to the infamous Bean Dad. And, today in Remembrances of Things Trump: All the president's less than capable men. In the interview, it's part two of a conversation with David Shor, a researcher and consultant for democratic politicians. Dubbed a political data analyst prodigy, Shor developed a voter registration system as a teenager, then at age 20 subsequently moved on to work for the Obama campaign where he oversaw forecasting. Shor shares more of his experiences collaborating with more seasoned colleagues and explains how humbling it was in the process. In the spiel, needling the needle truthers ahead of the Georgia runoff. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Cheyna Roth, and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, President Trump made a phone call and blew apart the life of a private citizen.  And, today in Remembrances of Things Trump: teleprompter stumble. In the interview, it's part one of a conversation with David Shor, a researcher and consultant for democratic politicians. Shor discusses the value trade-offs parties have to make in order to win an election. From his analysis, he explains that when a political party's values are out of sync with what a median voter believes, issues inevitably arise at the polls. He stresses that it's not just the messaging, it's about how it is disseminated and used to persuade. In the spiel, the answer is: This former Jeopardy! contestant is facing Twitter backlash.  Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Cheyna Roth, and Jasmine Ellis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Fauci guess-timates. And, today in Remembrances of Things Trump: dead ducks and poisoned undies.  In the interview, Harvard professor Michael McCormick is here to tell Mike about the worst year in recorded history. According to him, it's 536 A.D., a year when a volcanic eruption blocked out the sun, a bubonic plague that recurred every few decades began, and Ireland was without bread for four years. He and Mike discuss how we're able to pinpoint so precisely the date of these events, how it affected humanity, and that sometimes the history lesson is things can always get worse. McCormick is the Frances Goelet Professor of Medieval History at Harvard University. In the spiel, if our ancestors got through, so can we. Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder, Margaret Kelley, and Cheyna Roth. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, sorting out how undemocratic of our democracy is. In the interview, the Atlantic's James Fallows contends that while 2020 has been bad, 1968 was actually quite worse. The Vietnam War was raging, young men were being drafted, and in 1968 the North Vietnamese and Vietcong forces launched their Tet Offensive. Not to mention, Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were both assassinated. Fallows and Mike discuss how the assassinations compounded on the stress of the war, how shooting targets have shifted from politicians to schools, and compare the civil unrest of 1968 with 2020. Fallows' piece in the Atlantic is "Is This the Worst Year in Modern American History?" In the spiel, we're not getting those $2,000 checks...which leads to a Remembrances of Things Trump where the president likes a certain phrase about talking and action.  Email us at [email protected] Podcast production by Daniel Schroeder, Margaret Kelley, and Cheyna Roth. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast fee