On the Gist, Trump knows Tom Brady. In the interview, Mike talks with Kate Greene, crew writer and second-in-command of the first HI-SEAS simulated mission to Mars. They discuss Greene’s experience during her four months living in the dome, how micro-stimuli can be overcome, and why astronauts love Tabasco hot sauce. Her essay collection, Once Upon a Time I Lived on Mars, will be published by St. Martin’s Press in July. In the spiel, it’s not if your community has a coronavirus outbreak, it’s when. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence. Sign up now to listen and support our work. On the Gist, we’ve been mean to the elderly. In the interview, Ian Bremmer, political analyst and president of the Eurasia Group, is here to talk with Mike about how to assess the risk of the coronavirus pandemic. They discuss the ways countries with different forms of government have reacted, Trump’s role in all this, and why the US is so isolation averse. Bremmer is the host of GZERO World With Ian Bremmer.  In the spiel, the media should continue coverage of Trump’s pressers. Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, how to stay out of the ICU. In the interview, Mike talks with Andy Slavitt, former head of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act for the Obama Administration, about why the US was less prepared for a pandemic like COVID-19. They discussed why high un-insured rates, high co-pay costs, and low medical capacity make the country as a whole more vulnerable. In the spiel, foolish optimism about COVID-19. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence. Sign up now to listen and support our work. On the Gist, state governments need help. In the interview, Dr. Jeffrey Shaman of Columbia University talks about his research modeling potential outbreaks, which is featured in the recent New York Times story, “Coronavirus Could Overwhelm U.S. Without Urgent Actions, Estimates Say.” Email us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence. Sign up now to listen and support our work. On the Gist, Trump thinks Peter Alexander is a bad journalist. In the interview, Mike talks with MSNBC analyst and Daily Beast columnist Jonathan Alter about how Trump could position himself as a two-term president. They discuss how a leader in crisis should be conducting himself, examples of great leaders in moments of crisis, and how the economy’s nose-dive will impact the 2020 elections. In the spiel, doctors who aren’t concerned yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Trump’s press conference. In the interview, Maria Konnikova is back to talk with Mike about persuasion. They discuss the best and worst tactics for convincing people of something the don’t believe, and why it will make us feel better to try even if we fail. Maria’s latest book is The Confidence Game. In the spiel, why governing less isn’t a virtue in a crisis. Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence. Sign up now to listen and support our work. On the Gist, our slow government. In the interview, In the interview, Mike talks to CEO of Three Uncanny Four and creator of Planet Money Adam Davidson about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the US economy. They discuss the tools the Fed has to stimulate the economy, how deep of a recession we’re heading toward, and why the government needs to start spending money. Davidson’s latest book is The Passion Economy: The New Rules for Thriving in the Twenty-First Century. In the spiel, Jake Tapper and jogging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the election mess in Ohio. In the interview, Richard Hasen, legal expert and professor at the UC Irvine School of Law, is here to discuss closing the polls in Ohio, the legal implications of how that decision was made, and why we need emergency plans in place for elections. Hasen’s new book is Election Meltdown. In the spiel, desperate times call for desperate compliments. 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 war against invisible enemies. In the interview, Mike spoke with Dr. Fred Buckner of the University of Washington about how hospitals are dealing with COVID-19, who is and isn’t being hospitalized, and the important things we need to do during this pandemic. The resource site that the University of Washington has created can be found here. In the spiel, how governors across the country are dealing with the coronavirus crisis. 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 president is a disastrous communicator. In the interview, Mike speaks with his friend Luke Burbank, host of Live Wire Radio and Too Beautiful to Live, about what it’s like in the Seattle area right now. They discuss travel, how this might affect podcasts, and even exchange a few laughs. In the spiel, we need your help listeners. 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’s lies are so dangerous. In the interview, Mike calls his friend David Lichtman, who lives in New Rochelle, New York, on the edge of the coronavirus containment zone. They discuss what it’s like on the ground, how it’s affected local lives, and what the local government has done about it. In the spiel, Trump thinks he can win at coronavirus. 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, maybe Sanders was never really that popular. In the interview, we have part two of David Plouffe’s interview. He and Mike go deeper on campaigns, what Trump needs to do to win again, and what Biden and Sanders could do to win the White House. Plouffe’s book is A Citizen’s Guide to Beating Donald Trump. In the spiel, you can’t count on the youth vote. 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, Steve Bannon making some sense. In the interview, David Plouffe is here to discuss his new book, A Citizen’s Guide to Beating Donald Trump. He and Mike talk about strategy, lessons learned, Biden and Bernie, and Plouffe’s podcast, Campaign HQ with David Plouffe. In the spiel, the stories we tell ourselves aren’t always helpful.  Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence. Sign up now to listen and support our work. On the Gist, Trump’s antics will not work with the Coronavirus. In the interview, Mike talks with staff writer and national correspondent at The Atlantic James Fallows about how the media should respond to the current Corona Virus crisis. They discuss what impact the stock market’s downward turn might have on Trump’s chances of getting re-elected, how the two remaining Democratic presidential candidates would respond if they were president, and what we can learn from China’s respond to the pandemic. In the spiel, we’re either overreacting or under-reacting to the Coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the International Criminal Court. In the interview, musician Stephen Malkmus is here to talk about his new album Traditional Techniques. He and Mike discuss the various instruments he used, tennis, and Santa Con. In the spiel, Biden’s got the Obama coalition.  Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence. Sign up now to listen and support our work. On the Gist, daylight savings time. In the interview, Mike talks with journalist and political analyst Yuval Levin about his most recent book, A Time To Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream. They discuss why institutions are important to shaping individuals, why gatekeepers remain important and should be required to prove themselves, and why conservatives have damaged American institutions. In the spiel, Trump and the coronavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Slate Plus members get ad-free podcasts and bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence. Sign up now to listen and support our work. On the Gist, Bernie and Biden. In the interview, Lizzie O’Leary is the host of What Next: TBD at Slate, but has had her fair share of time working in TV news. During those years, she experienced so many instances of the gross expectations and double standards for women in the industry. In the wake of Chris Matthews’ departure, she’s here to discuss her working in TV, and the ways the men in power have treated her. In the spiel, Warren is grasping at straws. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, don’t touch your face. In the interview, Mike talks with legal analyst Jill Wine-Banks about her book, The Watergate Girl: My Fight for Truth and Justice Against a Criminal President. They discuss her role on the prosecutorial team during the Watergate scandal, the memorable Rose Mary Woods stretch, and how the American public kept Nixon accountable. In the spiel, Chris Matthews retired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, 1946 was a good year for presidential births. In the interview, New York Times columnist Ross Douthat is here to discuss his new book The Decadent Society: How We Became the Victims of Our Own Success. He and Mike debate the meaning of decadence, Douthat’s ideas of a way out of decadence, and whether or not we just need to pivot to a different religion. In the spiel, this Democratic nomination process sucks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, complaining to the FCC. In the interview, Maria Konnikova is back for another round of “Is That Bullshit?” This time she and Mike look into the light, blue light that is. Does it really affect sleep the way everybody claims it does? Should we all be buying those special glasses? Maria’s latest book is The Confidence Game. In the spiel, the filibuster and Medicare for all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, why Bernie still needs the black vote. In the interview, Mike talks with senior fellow at the Brookings Institution E. J. Dionne about his most recent book, Code Red: How Progressives and Moderates Can Unite to Save Our Country. They tease apart Dionne's arguments about visionary gradualism, and how moderates and progressives can move each other to greater social justice in the US. In the spiel, Trump’s coronavirus press conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the missed opportunities of the South Carolina debates. In the interview, Mike talks with Eitan Hersh, professor of Political Science at Tufts University, about his new book Politics is for Power: How to Move Beyond Political Hobbyism, Take Action, and Make Real Change. They discuss political hobbyism and why your news consumption is actually a form of slacktivism. In the spiel, who’s the most like a muppet? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Bernie Sanders’ public access past. In the interview, journalist Conor Dougherty is here to talk about his new book Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America. They discuss potential solutions to the housing shortage in major cities, why we all flock to large metro hubs, and the difficulty of this problem when looking at people versus numbers. In the spiel, the rumble between the New York Times and West Side Story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, caucuses are bad. In the interview, Mike talks with Touré about why his podcast title, Touré Show, doesn't have a definite article. They discuss Touré's particular interview style, how he would write his Obama-era book on race and Blackness had he written it today during the Trump administration, and his upcoming podcast series on Prince. In the spiel, where the other candidates stand with Bernie before the South Carolina debate.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Russia is at it again. In the interview, Mike chats with historian Alexis Coe, author of the new book You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington. They discuss the founding-father's height, dentures and that awkward obsession male historians have about the man's thighs. In the spiel, a lobstar of the antentwig. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, stop the racism. In the interview, Mike talks about the democrats with director of the Center on American Politics at the University of Denver Seth Masket. They discuss the way the debate went, and what could happen at the convention with all the delegates so spread out. In the spiel, what Bloomberg could’ve said.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, birtherism and deatherism. In the interview, Mike chats with Daily Beast reporters, Lachlan Markay and Asawin Suebsang about their new book, Sinking in the Swamp: How Trump's Minions and Misfits Poisoned Washington. They discuss how they used their so-called "omni-shambles beat" to write the book and why there is nothing tempered about Trump's administration. In the spiel, visiting Ye Olde Bloomberg Soundbite Shoppe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, critiquing Bloomberg critiques. In the interview, we’ve got the second part of our conversation with journalist Andrea Bernstein on her new book, American Oligarchs: The Kushners, The Trumps, and the Marriage of Money and Power. She and Mike went deep on Trump the first part, and now they’re digging into Michael Cohen and the Kushners. In the spiel, Trump’s pardons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the Houston Astros cheating scandal is like the US Democracy. Mike and former host of Slow Burn, and current host of Luminary Podcast network's Fiasco, Leon Neyfakh get into the details of the Iran-Contra Affair. They discuss the key players in the saga, why this story was such a fiasco and the new Slow Burn TV-show. In the spiel, let's just go with Caucus debacle avoidance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, what Bloomberg said about redlining. In the interview, Mike talks to former host of Slow Burn and current host of Luminary Podcast network's Fiasco, Leon Neyfakh. In the first part of their conversation, they talk about what the Iran-Contra Affair was and who the key players were. In the spiel, the Pete Buttigieg CIA conspiracy theory from Chapo Trap House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, why Vindman wasn’t fired. In the interview, journalist Andrea Bernstein is here to talk about her new book, American Oligarchs: The Kushners, The Trumps, and the Marriage of Money and Power. She and Mike discuss how Trump bullied his way through New York real estate, why he puts his name on everything, and how he’s used the presidency for his own personal income. In the spiel, Bloomberg doubled down on stop-and-frisk for far too long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the little ones. In the interview, Mike talks to journalist and public health researcher Katherine Rowland about her new book, The Pleasure Gap: American Women and the Unfinished Sexual Revolution. They discuss why American women are reporting dissatisfaction with their sexual lives despite the current climate of sex positivity, and the debates surrounding the female Viagra. In the spiel, the future for Warren.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, talking is hard. In the interview, Maria Konnikova is back for her usual game of “Is That Bullshit?” Today she and Mike tackle essential oils, talking through the history of using essential oils, modern studies, and the potential uses they might have. Maria’s most recent book is The Confidence Game. In the spiel, weak arguments about political opponents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Central Casting strikes again. In the interview, comedian Moshe Kasher is here to talk about his new comedy album Crowdsurfing. He and Mike discuss the difference between crowd work and prepared material, and the history of Moshe’s family. In the spiel, Nancy ripping his speech.  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 went through hell. In the interview, Mike talks with linguist Dennis Baron about his new What's Your Pronoun?: Beyond He and She. The two analyze the history of English language pronouns and debate whether or not language is meant for communicating "correctly" or simply for communicating. In the spiel, translating the Iowa results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Donald Trump slurred his way through the State of the Union. In the interview, Mike talks with public education advocate Diane Ravitch about her most recent book, Slaying Goliath: The Passionate Resistance to Privatization and the Fight to Save America’s Public Schools. They discuss why she left the “dark side” of advocating for charter schools, and why schools should stop testing the children to death. In the spiel, the acquittal of Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the Iowa caucuses was created to disenfranchise babysitters. In the interview, Mike talks with NPR’s Steve Inskeep about his new book, Imperfect Union: How Jessie and John Frémont Mapped the West, Invented Celebrity, and Helped Cause the Civil War. They discuss the ways in which the Frémonts navigated their world, and the modern currents found in their story. In the spiel, the Iowa caucuses were a mess. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, how Elizabeth Warren inspires her supporters before the Iowa caucuses. In the interview, Gov. Kate Brown of Oregon is here to discuss how the state has the highest voter-turnout rate, the possibility of granting 16-year-olds the vote, rent-control, and her favorite sketch from the show Portlandia. In the spiel, the kingdom of the Kansas City Chiefs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Bloomberg will join the debate stage. In the interview, Crooked Media’s Jon Favreau is here to talk about the new season of his series The Wilderness, where he goes to different parts of the country and explores politic tastes with focus groups. He and Mike discuss the four types of voters he targeted, what people want from a Democratic candidate, and the importance of the upcoming election. In the spiel, landmines and military. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Pam Bondi at the impeachment trial. In the interview, journalist Ezra Klein is here to discuss his new book Why We’re Polarized. They debate if extremism and polarization are related, and talk about the increasing difficulty of compromise, and if there’s a solution to this problem. In the spiel, Alan Dershowitz’s terrible argument. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, could Bernie Sanders win in Iowa? In the interview, humorist and numbers ninja Matt Parker is here to discuss his new book Humble Pi: When Math Goes Wrong in the Real World. He and Mike discuss the peculiarities of his page numbers, how he kept math fun, and a detailed exploration of what a decade is. In the spiel, impeachment continues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Mike Pompeo and Mary Louise Kelly. In the interview, Fred Kaplan is back and this time he and Mike are talking about nuclear bombs. They discuss the history of nuclear weapons in the US, why it’s concerning that Trump holds the detonator, and how these bombs factor into modern day peacekeeping. Kaplan’s new book is The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War. In the spiel, Trump team’s closing arguments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the likely acquittal of Trump. In the interview, we're back with political reporter and host of Stranglehold, Lauren Chooljian. We discuss how the New Hampshire primaries are likely to shake out, which candidates will remain after many of them have strategically camped out in the state, and the difference between the polls and the actual feelings of New Hampshire voters. In the spiel, the artistry and athleticism of Kobe Bryant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Wells Fargo strikes again. In the interview, Chris Molanphy is back to talk Mike through the hits of 1983. Enjoying vegemite sandwiches, the rains in Africa, and a bunch of sweet dreams, they indulge in the pop mainstays that continue to persist on the radio and at the karaoke bar. Molanphy is the host of Hit Parade and writes the “Why Is This Song No. 1?” column for Slate. In the spiel, too many thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the how the senators are occupying themselves. In the interview, writer Will Self is here to talk with Mike about his new memoir Will. They discuss addiction, how Will accesses memory, and the difficulty of his name. In the spiel, Mitch’s monotone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, revisiting the travel ban. In the interview, we talk with Susan Hennessey and Benjamin Wittes, the editors of Lawfare, about their new book, Unmaking the Presidency: Donald Trump's War on the World's Most Powerful Office. They discuss the precedents that Trump has broken as POTUS and paint a stark picture of the future of the executive office if he is re-elected. In the spiel, “a bunch of dopes and babies.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, the New York Times endorsement. In the interview, senior fellow and director of the Stein Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy Matthew Levitt is here to talk about the killing of Qasem Soleimani. What calculus went into the decision, whether it was worth it, and what this means for the future of the US and Iran. In the spiel, the beginning of the Senate impeachment trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the Gist, Joe Biden and the New York Times. In the interview, Maria Konnikova is back for another episode of “Is That Bullshit?” This time she and Mike tackle whether or not we’re currently experiencing the latest mass extinction event. We may not have noticed, but the insects certainly have. In the spiel, the difference between journalism and activism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices