On The Gist, a postcard with Devin Leonard on the origins of the phrase “going postal.” Leonard’s new book is Neither Snow Nor Rain: A History of the United States Postal Service. Plus, Stephen Teret on smart guns. For the Spiel, Hillary Clinton’s cinch of a clinched nomination.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Chuck Klosterman imagines how time erodes common ideas, like what counts as a great American novel and how we decide who’s smart. His new book is But What If We’re Wrong? For the Spiel, tyrants and their cats.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, comedian and musician Tim Heidecker. He attracted a cult following with Adult Swim television hits such as Decker and Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! Some of the same deadpan observations can be heard in his music. Heidecker’s first solo album is In Glendale. For the Spiel, elections make us all relativists.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, filmmaker James Solomon discusses his documentary The Witness, which reinvestigates the death of Kitty Genovese—whose reported murder became emblematic of New York City indifference. In the film, Kitty’s brother Bill goes on a quest to figure out what really happened and finds little truth in the earliest newspaper accounts. For the Spiel, Siri runs away with your radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, 2015 MacArthur fellow Matthew Desmond talks about moving into a trailer park to document life in poverty and what he calls an eviction epidemic. Desmond is the author of Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. For the Spiel, revisiting Ghostbusters—that is, revisiting the movie that’s revisiting Ghostbusters.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, for our game “Is That Bulls—t?” we ask Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker if we’re any better off drinking skim milk. Konnikova is the author of The Confidence Game. For the Spiel, do we really have to talk about the gorilla?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, comedy writer Paul Scheer explains the thinking behind his new series, Filthy Preppy Teen$, available on Fullscreen. For the Spiel, the lobstar of the antentwig. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, New Yorker writer James Surowiecki on breaking up the banks, and New York Sen. Chuck Schumer discusses his bill to open up the Saudi Arabian government to lawsuits from victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. For the Spiel, taking the romance out of bygone factory jobs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Moby talks about growing up poor in Connecticut and his family ties to Herman Melville. He has just published Porcelain: A Memoir. For the Spiel, we return to the Trump Anxiety Hotline.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper reflects on his state’s social experiment legalizing marijuana. He is the author of the book The Opposite of Woe: My Life in Beer and Politics. For the Spiel, a closer look at what policy experts think of Donald Trump’s plans.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Ivan Oransky argues that when it comes to faulty claims, peer-review is a first defense, not an airtight one. He’s the vice president and global editorial director of MedPage Today. For the Spiel, a breakdown of that movie cliché of the workaholic dad who reconnects with his kids.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, storyteller Matthew Dicks spills his secret for juggling six different jobs—purposeful showers, lots of oatmeal, and no mental idling. For the Spiel, Bernie Sanders supporters are sore losers, but who can blame them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, a refresher course on the Whig Party with the American History Guys: professors Peter Onuf, Ed Ayers, and Brian Balogh. They host the BackStory podcast. For the Spiel, tuning in to ISIS news without freaking out.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, comic Dan Soder of Showtime television drama Billions on finding his killer closing joke—and letting it go. His new hourlong standup special premieres May 21 on Comedy Central. For the Spiel, a new soundtrack for the primary election.  Today’s sponsor: Blue Apron. For less than $10 per meal, Blue Apron delivers right to your door everything you need to create a home-cooked meal. Visit BlueApron.com/gist to get your first two meals free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, the New Yorker’s James Surowiecki on businesses taking up the vanguard of LGBTQ rights—and why it might be problematic for conservatives and liberals alike. For the Spiel, a theory: We live in overcontextualized times.   Today’s sponsor: Hiscox Small Business Insurance. Get customized insurance for your business right now. Go to Hiscox.com to learn more and to get a free quote.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Tianna Gaines-Turner recounts her experience testifying before Congress on life for the working poor. She’s featured in the short film, A Hug From Paul Ryan, part of a new series from AMC Networks’ SundanceNow Doc Club. For the Spiel, the transformative power of personal experience when it comes to lawmakers’ views on LGBT rights and mental illness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, comedy writer and radio personality Andy Breckman tells Mike about the dog-eat-dog world of the game industry and shows us his latest card-game creation: Shit Happens. For the Spiel, a focus group with voters in a galaxy far, far away… why do they support Jabba the Hutt?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy National Limerick Day! (We’re sorry.) On The Gist, NPR’s David Folkenflik joins us to explain why he thinks the media failed the general public this year. He’s the author of Murdoch's World: The Last of the Old Media Empires. For the Spiel, will Donald Trump be able to get the GOP’s buy-in?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is watching too much porno addictive? And why don’t we say “porno” anymore? On The Gist, Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker explains what evidence we have about the validity of pornography addiction. She’s the author of The Confidence Game, and you can read her essay about pornography research in Aeon. For the Spiel, Mike reveals his unfair advantage when it comes to political things—remembering them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, an elephant news roundup. Then, Scott Hutchison from the indie rock band Frightened Rabbit joins us to discuss their new album Painting of a Panic Attack. The band is currently on tour, and you can visit their website for tour dates. For the Spiel, what is the likelihood of a Brexit?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, has conventional become synonymous with lame? Mike’s advice for Hillary Clinton. Then, Kembrew McLeod discusses the musical legacy of the Blondie album Parallel Lines, and offers connection between teen pop and punk in the 1970’s. He’s the author of Blondie's Parallel Lines (33 1/3). For the Spiel, we will not allow members of the media to get away with saying, “Donald Trump is executing a pivot.” Let’s begin the #contradictionnotpivot movement.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, director Rob Reiner join us to discuss his latest film Being Charlie, which indirectly tells the story of his son’s battle with drug addiction. It was written by Reiner’s son, Nick Reiner, with co-writer Matt Elisofon. For the Spiel, it’s time for another Lobstar of the Antentwig. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When it comes to Donald Trump, our guest says we need to set up FEMA tents to distribute all the blame that deserves to go around. On The Gist, Jonah Goldberg from the National Review joins us to discuss why many conservative pundits and thinkers have used Trumps popularity as an excuse for overlooking his issues. For the Spiel, renaming the lame duck period of the presidency.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, it’s May 4th so... may the fourth be with you. Yes, that’s a Star Wars pun to help introduce you to our guest legal scholar Cass Sunstein. He’s the author of The World According to Star Wars, now available for preorder. For the Spiel, the return of the Trump Anxiety Hotline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, on the wake of the sentencing of Sheldon Silver, we explore the connection between corrupt politicians and bodily corruption. Then, Mike interviews Robert Mrazek, a former Democratic member of the House of Representatives who represented New York's 3rd congressional district for most of the 1980s. He wrote and co-directed the new film The Congressman. For the Spiel, the endorsement that certainly will not knock out Trump’s chances at the Republican nomination.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Chuck Todd has HAD IT with Ted Cruz. We’ll hear what that sounds like. Then, a look at some lasting lessons from the Bernie Sanders campaign with BuzzFeed’s White House correspondent Evan McMorris-Santoro. He’s the host of the new podcast No One Knows Anything. For the Spiel, the icky coziness of the White House Correspondents dinner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

They say no one ever remembers the second man who walked on the moon. That’s so not true! On The Gist, octogenarian Buzz Aldrin steps into our studios to discuss his unique life story and the future of international space travel. His new book is called No Dream Is Too High: Life Lessons From a Man Who Walked on the Moon. For the Spiel, why the NFL and ESPN networks should stop tut-tutting Miami draft pick Laremy Tunsil. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, comedian and journalist Faith Salie shares her journey to becoming a recovering approval addict. Her new memoir is Approval Junkie: Adventures in Caring Too Much. For the Spiel, what dirty politicians have in common with a woman on the beach wearing a loose bikini top. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Jacob Weisberg helps present favorite moments from the first month of Slate’s Trumpcast. First, he talks to journalist Mark Leibovich about Donald Trump’s transition into a more tolerable candidate. Then, we ask clinical psychologist Ben Michaelis about narcissistic personality disorder and how he would treat Trump. To close out the episode, Hanna Rosin of Slate’s DoubleX Gabfest and NPR’s Invisibilia gives her mom a call to ask a simple question: Mom, why are you voting for Trump? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, we discuss the connection between infrastructure and money with Justin Fox from Bloomberg View. Then, Noah Charney explains why the art of Hieronymus Bosch is so hauntingly freaky. He’s the author of The Art of Forgery: The Minds, Motives and Methods of the Master Forgers. For the Spiel, inside the so-called “so-called Acela primary.” There’s no Gist Wednesday, but we’ll be back with a normal show on Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, we make a deal with Ted Cruz. Then, futurist Brian David Johnson joins us from the Future of Innovation in Society at Arizona State University. He’s currently on tour asking about the future of the American Dream. For the Spiel, is Bernie behind because poor people don’t vote? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, music writer Chris Molanphy guides us through the purple rain. We’ll remember Prince’s impact on the Billboard chats over the course of his career. Chris writes Slate’s Why Is That Song No. 1 column. He recently wrote about Prince for Slate: “How Prince Ruled the Charts in the ’80s—Even When His Name Wasn’t on the Songs.” For the Spiel, where should we draw the line when it comes to how we treat our prisoners? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Josh King answers our question about President Obama’s visit with King Salman of Saudi Arabia. He was our guest earlier this week, and he’s the author of Off Script: An Advance Man’s Guide to White House Stagecraft, Campaign Spectacle, and Political Suicide. Then, Meg Jacobs joins us to discuss the lasting political legacy of the ’70s gas crisis. She’s the author of Panic at the Pump: The Energy Crisis and the Transformation of American Politics in the 1970s. For the Spiel, the president who was usurped off the $20. It’s not who you might think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Bernie Sanders part of a long Democratic tradition of progressive insurgency? On The Gist, Slate’s Jamelle Bouie explains the shifting politics of the Democratic party. Read his front-page story, “There Is No Bernie Sanders Movement.” For the Spiel, how to interpret your changing life expectancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker explains why our growing motivational industry needs some oversight. She’s the author of The Confidence Game. For the Spiel, the lasting impact of the 1994 crime bill on today’s candidates and voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Mike offers keen insight into Sheldon Silver. Then, which Republican presidential nominee is nailing visual optics? Josh King joins us to explain why the visuals and headlines are becoming increasingly important for political campaigns. He’s the author of Off Script: An Advance Man’s Guide to White House Stagecraft, Campaign Spectacle, and Political Suicide. For the Spiel, the Google Play app introduces Mike to ’90s agro anthems. Listen to find out what happened next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, we travel back to the year our host and music writer Chris Molanphy were in their music-listening prime. We’ll count down the Billboard hits from 1986 that marked a significant pivot in music history. Chris writes Slate’s Why Is That Song No. 1 column. For the Spiel, favorite moments from Thursday night’s Democratic debate in Brooklyn, New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker explains what researchers have found when they looked into the health benefits of fasting. She’s the author of The Confidence Game. If you enjoyed this interview, you should also check out our past segment with Maria about eating late. For the Spiel, honoring the breakfast cereal spokes-things tradition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, itching to visit the president of the Republic of Molossia? Or hear the dark histories of Patarei Prison in Tallinn, Estonia? David Plotz from Atlas Obscura offers advice for creating your own adventures on Saturday, April 16 for this weekend’s Obscura Day. For the Spiel, why we’re not impressed by the depth of your worldview, Mark Zuckerberg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, we use Yodely Guy to discuss the latest news from Goldman Sachs. Then, let’s dive deep into Wyoming delegate math with Aimee Van Cleave from the Wyoming Democratic Party. For the Spiel, does Hillary have too many Pinocchios but not enough truths? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, we again compare the value of winning states vs. winning delegates in Democratic primaries. Which could be more valuable? Then learn the definition of an “S.O.B. flag” when we visit Vexillology Corner with our favorite vexillologist Ted Kaye. He’s the author of Good Flag, Bad Flag. For the Spiel, it’s time we talk about wolverines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Hair too long,” “pants too tight,” “sounds like Kiss,” “Alice Cooper’s dead,” and other reasons Twister Sister spent a decade trying to get a record deal. On The Gist, John French Segall (you know him as Jay Jay French) and director Andrew Horn join us to tell the story behind a new Twisted Sister documentary. You can read Jay’s Inc. magazine column here. For the Spiel, it’s time for another Lobstar of the Antentwig. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, a case for playing politics in Myanmar. Then, a clever strategy for preventing a full Zika virus epidemic—genetically modified mosquitos. We’ll speak with Nina Fedoroff about her recent op-ed in the New York Times. For the Spiel, Mike imagines what life would look like if he were held to the same standards as Hillary Clinton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, arts reporter Mary Lane shares insights from the exhibit “Art From the Holocaust” at the German Historical Museum in Berlin. She wrote “ ‘Art From the Holocaust’: The Beauty and Brutality in Forbidden Works” for the New York Times. For the Spiel, why Wisconsin’s primary results tell us so little about who the Democrats want as a nominee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, a top Armenian comic joins us to discuss if Azubaijan is even a country. Then, Mike asks Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker about the health benefits of hypnosis for a game we call “Is That Bulls--t?” She’s the author of The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It ... Every Time. For the Spiel, can we talk about chalk at Emory University?  Today’s sponsors: Squarespace.com. Get a free trial and 10 percent off your first purchase when you visit Squarespace.com and enter offer code GIST.  Betterment, the largest automated investing service—managing billions of dollars for people just like you. Get up to six months of investing free when you go to Betterment.com/gist.  Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, we explore an abuse of power taking place on social media. Journalist Jon Ronson shares why he was compelled to tell the stories behind the public shaming of Jonah Lehrer and Justine Sacco. He’s the author of So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed, now out in paperback. For the Spiel, meet Wisconsin’s Jimmy Boy.   Today’s sponsor: Squarespace.com. Get a free trial and 10 percent off your first purchase when you visit Squarespace.com and enter offer code GIST.  Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, actress Erinn Hayes joins us to share her experiences performing as Dr. Lola Spratt on Childrens Hospital from Adult Swim. The show will be ending this year after seven seasons. For the Spiel, Zoe Chace from This American Life takes over. She’s been speaking with Republican stalwarts about how Alexander Hamilton inspired them to vote for … Hillary?  Today’s sponsors: Slack, bring all of your communication at work into one place. Create a new team right now at Slack.com/gist, and you’ll get $100 in credit for when you decide to upgrade to a paid plan.  Goldman Sachs. Information about developments currently shaping markets, industries, and the global economy, on the firm’s podcast, Exchanges at Goldman Sachs, available on iTunes. Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Manisha Sinha joins us to discuss the long roots of the abolitionist movement in American history. She’s the author of The Slave’s Cause: A History of Abolition. For the Spiel, there’s no backsies or whoopsies for presidents. Today’s sponsor: Betterment, the largest automated investing service—managing billions of dollars for people just like you. Get up to six months of investing free when you go to Betterment.com/gist.  Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at slate.com/gistplus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices