Today on The Gist, is it too soon for Ebola jokes? Slate’s Josh Levin explains why the Jaguar mascot Jaxson De Ville’s joke didn’t land. Then, how the musical Bedbugs!!! earns its exclamation points. We’ll speak with creators Paul Leschen and Fred Sauter about the show, and Brooke Borel chimes in about the bedbug science. Her forthcoming book Infested arrives next spring. For The Spiel, why political party matters in statewide races in Texas. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, something we’re good at when it comes to fighting infectious disease. Mathematical modeler Nina Fefferman of Rutgers University explains how a mathematical model called R0 can predict the spread of Ebola. Then, in our regular segment Is This Bulls---, Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker discusses why some priming research has gone too far. For the Spiel, a Pew Research study reveals a huge knowledge gap when it comes to the economy. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, the home of the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East is Qatar. Jeremy Shapiro from Brookings Institute explains if we should consider Qatar a friend or frenemy. Plus, Jeffrey Mervis from Science explains why house Republicans are sniffing around National Science Foundation funding decisions. To end the show, Mike’s Spiel from the stage of Slate’s Live SuperFest in San Francisco. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, Slate’s Dahlia Lithwick previews the Supreme Court cases worth watching closely this term, even if they don’t inspire Hobby Lobby–level outrage. Plus, Daisy Waugh explains how modern attitudes toward child-rearing are setting parents up to feel like failures. She’s the author of The Kids Will Be Fine. For the Spiel, damn, dams, we wish you were built better. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, we prepare for a verdict in the Blackwater trial you might not have known is underway. From the hallway of a D.C. federal courthouse, Matt Apuzzo of the New York Times reminds us why it’s taken us seven years to prosecute the State Department contractors involved in a shooting in Iraq. Plus, biographer Tanner Colby reviews Cosby: His Life and Times by Mark Whitaker, and discusses the glaring omission of the comedian’s sexual assault allegations. For the Spiel, are the terrorists we’re fighting smarter than us? Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the attorney general the lightening rod of the Cabinet? The Gist’s attorneys general theme week continues with Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler. Plus, candy blogger Cybele May explains what flavors are trending on candy aisles, and what candy can tell us about how America is changing. For the Spiel, Isaac Mizrahi–designed tissues. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, we talk about Andy Warhol’s erotic films with McGill University professor Ara Osterweil, who explains how movies like Couch and Blow Job transformed American visual culture. Osterweil is the author of Flesh Cinema: The Corporeal Turn in American Avant-Garde Film. For the Spiel, the kid who kicked a cat and the luxury of outrage. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, we discuss the legacy of Attorney General Eric Holder with former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Plus, Brett Anderson explains why Louisiana isn’t shaped like a boot anymore. In a recent feature for Matter, he collaborated on the making of a new map. For The Spiel, 10 objections that defined history. Illustration by Matthew Woodson for Matter. Source: U.S. Geological Survey’s National Land Cover Data (2011). Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, the science journalist’s version of “who wore it better.” We compare the Wall Street Journal’s report with the N.Y. Times’ report on the same research from the journal Nature. Ben Lillie from Story Collider explains who did the best job of representing the research. Then Slate’s Emily Yoffe joins us for a Post-Post-Prudence Impact Statement with past letter writer “Please No Baby Daddy” from The Gist Episode 15. For the Spiel, we name our new Lobstar of the Antentwig. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, what happened to the good old days of newsmen keeping quiet about their death threats? Danielle Citron, author of Hate Crimes in Cyberspace, explains why online threats are commonly discussed and more rarely policed. Plus, William Weir explains the sad, gradual decline of the fade-out in popular music. For the Spiel, Mike’s wild worldwide warzone wackiness headlines. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, we ask the Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg whether ISIS is indeed an existential threat to the Middle East. Then, Adam Davidson of NPR’s Planet Money explains how economists talk about taxes when the rest of us aren’t around. Plus, a snappy Spiel about race and long snapping. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Exactly how many black men are killed each year by law enforcement? How many are unarmed? In the wake of Ferguson, it was difficult for journalists to get precise answers to these questions. On The Gist, Reno News & Review editor D. Brian Burghart talks about Fatal Encounters, his project that attempts to crowdsource a national database of deadly police force. Then, John Pollack, author of Shortcut, explains the elegant power of analogies. For the Spiel, tax rates. Are they too low or too high? Mike says that’s the wrong question to be asking. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a recent article for The New Republic, Tom A. Peter explains why he considers war reporting no longer worth the risk. On The Gist, we ask him and his war correspondent peer Carmen Gentile to discuss how they decide when it’s worth risking everything for today’s news consumer. Plus, we explore The Language of Food with Dan Jurafsky. For the Speil, Mike’s hacked the news with a little boy-yoy-yoing. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, in anticipation of Sunday’s climate march, Bill McKibben joins us for a round of “One Question, One Question Only.” He’s the author of Oil and Honey and founder of 350.org. Then, musician Xavier Dphrepaulezz has finally found his voice as Fantastic Negrito. We’ll hear how he got here, and a few tracks from his EP. For the Spiel, Mike reclaims the word radio. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, Police drummer Stewart Copeland talks about creating a new score for the 1925 silent film Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Then, Slate’s Emily Bazelon sizes up children’s books about bullying written by professional athletes. The assigned reading list we gave her includes Knuckleball Ned by R.A. Dicky, Bogy Tees Off by Dottie Pepper and Not Cool To Bully in School by Milan Lucic. Our own recommended reading list includes Sticks and Stones by Emily Bazelon, Ben Rides On by Matt Davies and By My Brother’s Side by Tiki Barber. For the Spiel, talking about the weather can save lives. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, comedian Jen Kirkman explains what it’s like to defend her decision not to have kids. She’s the host of the I Seem Fun podcast and author of I Can Barely Take Care of Myself. Plus, Ted Kaye joins us for a vexillology corner about the upcoming Scottish vote. For the Spiel, we play a game called “Find the Faux Fellow Forthwith.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, Riveted author Jim Davies explains the cognitive science behind what we find compelling. Plus, author Ken Follett explains his methods for holding interest through thousand-plus-page novels. His latest is Edge of Eternity. In both of our interviews today, Mike asks a question inspired by Alex Blumberg’s new podcast StartUp. For the Spiel, Mike explores the history of the culture wars in America. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, we call up Scottish schoolteacher and blogger Craig McAllister to discuss the big choice facing Scotland this week. Since we spoke with him on an earlier episode, he’s now a decided “yes” vote. Then, Storm Large from Pink Martini joins us to discuss her career and identity as a female performer. Her new album is Le Bonheur. For the Spiel, Mike’s riff on President Obama’s ability to place himself in the position of his enemies. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, Adam Davidson from Planet Money explains why dollar stores are way less evil than Wal-Mart. Plus, Slate’s Emily Yoffe joins us for a Post-Prudence Impact Statement with past letter writer Swinger Ex-Boyfriend. And in the Spiel, Ira Glass dances his way into our hearts. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did the office of the president work with TV networks to make Obama’s ISIS address visually stunning? Today on The Gist, Josh King from Polioptics explains how the White House can be used as a Hollywood soundstage. Plus, professional wrestler Shawn Daivari explains how 9/11 made his career as a heel possible. For the Spiel, Mike is outraged that the NFL is positioning Ray Rice as a lesson, rather than a failure. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How appropriate were the measures taken against Ray Rice? Today on The Gist, learn why lethality indicators are essential for prosecutors trying domestic abuse. Attorney adviser Christopher Mallios from AEquitas explains how prosecutors approach domestic violence. Then, Slate’s John Dickerson joins us to explain how public opinion has changed regarding U.S. involvement in the Middle East. For the Spiel, how the NFL’s womanless culture makes horrendous decisions when it comes to women. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on the first archive edition of The Gist, a collection of our favorite Hitler material. First, Mike asks Ron Rosenbaum about how a genocidal monster is formed and if the Holocaust would have happened without him. Ron’s the author of Explaining Hitler: The Search for the Origins of His Evil. For the Spiel, Dru Johnston reads his essay “I Think I Should Get More Credit for Killing Hitler” from the Occasional. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Taking a note from Mike’s hairline (zing!), Slate is on retreat today. On The Gist, popular podcast host and historian Dan Carlin tells us about greatest retreats in history from Genghis Khan to Napoleon. Then we revisit a segment with comedian Gary Gulman about how even the smallest word choice matters when crafting a joke. For the Spiel, an early proto-spiel from 2008, first heard on NPR’s Morning Edition. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former NFL player Nate Jackson’s league health insurance ran out a few days ago. Today on The Gist, we’ll review what health concerns many former players tackle after leaving the game. Plus, author Dana Goldstein explains what’s keeping the American education system so average. For the Spiel, a new lobster of the antentwig. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, cellist Maya Beiser tells us how her rebellious streak led her out of the classical concert hall and into the arms of classic rock. Her new album is called Uncovered. Also, political scientist Jay Ulfelder explains his efforts to quantify all the trouble in the world. For the Spiel, how the phrase “I have yet to meet the person … ” works as an indicator of ignorance. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does Anna Karenina look like when you read Tolstoy? Today on The Gist, book cover designer Peter Mendelsund explains how we turn what we read into sensory material. His new books are What We See When We Read and Cover. In the Spiel, how the U.S. is losing a war of words when it comes to ISIS. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the best chess players in the world face off at the Sinquefield Cup, what can be done to bring the sport back to the Fischer era? Today on The Gist, we speak with Ken Regan about how he’s working to keep the world’s greatest board game above board. Then, in our regular segment “Is This Bulls--t,” Maria Konnikova of the New Yorker makes a case against the power nap. For The Spiel, Mike doesn’t want to hear about your receiver. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Adam Davidson from Planet Money explains what tax inversions tell us about cooperate taxes. Plus, Slate’s Emily Yoffe joins us for a Post-Prudence Impact Statement with past letter writer Young and Restless. For Mike’s Speil, he looks at the relationship between first names and successful careers in politics. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, a voice you couldn’t mistake for anyone else. Mike speaks with comedian Gilbert Gottfried about his attraction to old showbiz and his Amazing Colossal Podcast. For the Spiel, Mike’s jazzed for the ABC primetime special on Schoolhouse Rock. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Republicans, like all marketers, want to reach Latinos. Or do they? On The Gist, Victoria DeFrancesco Soto from the University of Texas’ LBJ School of Public Affairs explains how the GOP varies its approach for courting Latino votes during midterm elections. Plus, Anya Ulinich shares how her experiences with online dating influenced her graphic novel Lena Finkle’s Magic Barrel. For the Spiel, the conservative’s tendency to seek out a counter example whenever racial injustice is reported. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, we say hello to Yo founder Or Arbel. He’ll explain why the app is no joke, especially if you find yourself in Israel. Then, Mike speaks with Gordon Witkin, the executive editor of the longform investigative journalism outlet Center for Public Integrity. For the Spiel, can’t we ask women a better question than “What are you wearing?” If you want to get a daily notification from our show, download the Yo app and send a yo to “Podcast.” Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Mike plays the mad dog and our guests play the Englishmen. Journalist Adam Higginbotham shares the story of a huge, ingeniously sinister bomb found in a Nevada casino in August 1980. His Atavist single is called A Thousand Pounds of Dynamite. Plus, Richard V. Reeves of Brookings explains why Americans should be just as concerned about economic mobility as income inequality. For the Spiel, is it fair to describe Michael Brown as “no angel”? Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“In general, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States at this time?” On The Gist, an audible representation of how Americans have historically answered this Gallup poll question. We asked the Pew Research Center’s founding director Andrew Kohut to explain noticeable blips. Plus, performer Courtney Raia joins us in the character of her one-woman show All My Children, up at the New York International Fringe Festival this weekend. For Mike’s Spiel, a case against overly cute animals. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We bet you an Andrew Jackson that you’ll like our show on fractions and Faxon. First up, Nat Faxon, star of the FX show Married, explains why being leading man doesn’t have to mean being boring-man. Then, Jordan Ellenberg, author of How Not to Be Wrong, explains why the true common core for mathematics instruction is pizza. And in the Spiel, Mike defends the selfie from the scorn of a Christian minister. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In preparation for Lebowski Fest, writer Alex Belth shares his story about working with the Coen brothers as a personal assistant. His Kindle single is The Dudes Abide. Then, Georgetown professor Bruce Hoffman explains how the beheading of James Foley signals a change in strategy for ISIS. For the Spiel, why Times Square needs to be swept clean of costumed creeps. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on the Gist, Rolfe Winkler from the Wall Street Journal explains how the Google IPO has changed the stock market. Then, political writer Harry Enten from FiveThirtyEight breaks down early polling data for contested Senate elections, and even Hillary. For the Spiel, Alan Zweibel joins us in remembering Don Pardo. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On The Gist, Slate editors and special guest Brooke Gladstone from NPR’s On the Media debate American icons from the Smithsonian Summer Showdown contest. Slate’s Culture Editor Dan Kois speaks on behalf of Bao Bao, Slate’s Deputy Editor John Swansburg argues for the Star-Spangled Banner, Slate’s editor–in-chief Julia Turner makes the case for “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie, and NPR’s Brooke Gladstone defends the George Washington Lansdowne portrait. For the Speil, Mike discusses the many forms of useless stats we hear all the time. Also, we’d like to welcome new listeners who discovered the show on This American Life this weekend. We’re glad you’re here. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The visuals coming out of Ferguson, Missouri, evoke memories of a much uglier time in our history. On the Gist, Slate’s Jamelle Bouie shares observations from his recent visit to the protests. Plus, author Megan Abbot explains why high school mass hysteria was the perfect subject for her new novel The Fever. For the Spiel, it’s time to elect a new Lobstar of the antentwig. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton can often be heard speaking proudly about diplomatic progress in Burma. Today on The Gist, RAND Corp. political scientist Jonah Blank puts the success story in context. Plus, Ted Kaye joins us in a vexillology corner to assess the flag of the self-declared Donetsk People’s Republic in eastern Ukraine. For the Spiel, you get a tank and you get a tank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When a bored copy-shop employee spotted a chilling letter on the copy machine, he was left with an ethical dilemma. On The Gist, Emily Yoffe of Slate’s Dear Prudence column explains when it’s your duty to report discussions of sexual conduct with minors. Plus, Slate columnist Reihan Salam reveals how Rand Paul and Chris Christie are courting black voters. For the Spiel, Mike responds to flack for defending race-car driver Tony Stewart on last night’s All In With Chris Hayes. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can gathering happiness data help countries evaluate the success of public policies? For our regular segment “Is This Bulls--t,” we examine the value of happiness studies with Maria Konnikova of The New Yorker. Also, Arab studies professor Justin Stearns explains how the Muslim world interprets extremist calls for a return to the caliphate. For the Spiel, Mike remembers Robin Williams in light of our recent report on comedy and mental health. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, Tamara Cofman Wittes of the Brookings Center for Middle East Policy offers insight into the threat of ISIS in Iraq and President Obama’s selective humanitarian efforts. Then, famed horserace announcer Tom Durkin takes a partial break from calling a race in Sarasota to reflect on his storied career as a horserace announcer. In honor of Durkin’s retirement this month, we’ll remember some of his best calls of all time and his appearance on the TV show Match Game. For the Spiel, who gets to speak about women’s body image? Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When Amy Solomon was growing up in Chicago, she was obsessed with Gilda Radner. She wanted to be a comedian but worried she didn’t have enough problems to talk about. For her Princeton senior thesis, Solomon explored the link between confessional comedy and mental health. In this special segment, Mike also speaks with comedians Sara Benincasa, Chris Gethard, and Gary Gulman about where they find balance. For the Spiel, the value of living through history. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, we speak with Elizabeth Gilbert about the phenomenon of Eat, Pray, Love tattoos. We learn how she’s moved on creatively after selling 10 million copies, but isn’t going to stop taking requests for her hit. Her newest book, The Signature of All Things, is best enjoyed with a gin and tonic. For the Spiel, Mike comes out in favor of pleasure within reason. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, how the alchemy of two helps creativity thrive. Joshua Wolf Shenk, author of Powers of Two, explains how genius comes in pairs. For the Spiel, the problem with defending the indefensible use of a chokehold. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comedian Chris Gethard shows The Gist his guns. We’ll hear how his fans are demanding a new range of creative experimentation and interactivity on his public access program The Chris Gethard Show. His new album is called My Comedy Album. For the Spiel, the country in Africa that’s a runaway success story. Photo Illustration by Slate. Photo by Jewel Frankfeldt Photography: https://www.facebook.com/JewelFrankfeldtPhotography Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: http://slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on The Gist, we observe the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I with a feature about the start of World War II. Mike asks Ron Rosenbaum, author of Explaining Hitler: The Search for the Origins of His Evil, about how a genocidal monster is formed, and whether the Holocaust would have happened without him. For the Spiel, all you missed on ABC’s This Week. Get The Gist by email as soon as it’s available: slate.com/GistEmail Subscribe to the podcast in iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/slate…id873667927?mt=2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Committee to Establish a Suitable Flying Banner for the City of Sioux Falls has elected their first city flag. On The Gist, CESFBCSF President Hugh Weber and celebrity vexillologist Ted Kaye explains why Sioux Falls should raise the new banner high. Then Ammon Shea, author of Bad English, has a very unique take on the English language that will, like, literally aggravate the linguistically nonplussed. For the Spiel, five myths about myths. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices