Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell's journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether we got it right the first time. From Pushkin Industries. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance.
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Malcolm Gladwell visits Kennesaw State University to learn about Jiwoo, an AI Assistant that helps future teachers practice responsive teaching by simulating classroom interactions with students. Discover AI’s impact on teaching methods to prepare teachers for the classroom. This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions. Visit us at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talks See omnystudio.com/list...
Medal of Honor, Pushkin's podcast about those who have received the United States’ top military decoration, returns for Season 2. Malcolm, who hosted Season 1, sits down with the new host J.R. Martinez, a U.S. Army veteran whose life was profoundly changed by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2003, to hear his journey of finding purpose through storytelling and learn what compelling stories of heroism are to come. Hear more stories about those who have done the improbable and unexpected, sacrificing so...
In our season finale, we team up with the Culinary Institute of America to reverse engineer the secret recipe for Thomas’s English Muffins. You can read our top secret muffin recipe here . Get ad-free episodes to Revisionist History by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus See om...
Seven people knew the recipe for a half-a-billion dollar muffin. Then, one of them tried to leave. Get ad-free episodes to Revisionist History by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
What if we picked the wrong animal? Get ad-free episodes to Revisionist History by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Explore the spectrum of face recognition, from face blindness (prosopagnosia) where people struggle to recognize familiar faces, to super recognizers who never forget a face. Through compelling personal stories, including a coffee shop misunderstanding and anecdotes about Bill Clinton's remarkable memory, the episode delves into the science behind these abilities and reveals surprising results from testing.
Malcolm sits down with the linguist John McWhorter, to discuss his new book, Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words . Among other things in their wide-ranging conversation, John makes an impassioned case for the return of “thou.” Get ad-free episodes to Revisionist History by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushkin+ subscribers can access ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, exclusive binges, and bonus content for all Pushkin shows. Subscribe on Apple: appl...
Malcolm Gladwell critiques Joe Rogan's interview approach, contrasting it with the skill of effective interviewers like Oprah Winfrey. He analyzes Rogan's conversations with guests such as RFK Jr., Elon Musk, and Matt Walsh, arguing that Rogan's casual, conversational style often fails to challenge questionable claims or uncover deeper truths. The episode explores how powerful interviews push beyond prepared narratives and defy audience expectations.
Malcolm Gladwell examines RFK Jr.'s criticism of the life-saving Rotatech rotavirus vaccine. Comparing Kennedy's claims from his book to clinical trial data and historical context, Gladwell debunks the idea that the vaccine causes more harm than the disease. The episode traces Kennedy's surprising stance to his adherence to a discredited 19th-century scientific theory challenging the germ theory of disease.
You might think unbelievably loud, shrill sirens on ambulances and fire trucks are just a fact of life. But what if we got the facts all wrong? In this episode we ask how we got here in the first place. It’s a story involving a TV show from the 1970s, hearses serving as ambulances, and a dog with a big voice. You can see a list of the sources we consulted while making this episode here . Get ad-free episodes to Revisionist History by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. Pushk...
Malcolm Gladwell defends the children's show Paw Patrol against its many adult detractors. He explores the show's massive popularity with toddlers and the reasons behind its widespread disdain from parents and critics, including the argument that its predictable problem-solving hinders child development. Gladwell counter-argues by presenting his theory that the show's themes of community competence and cooperation are rooted in its surprising Canadian national identity, offering a hopeful fantasy.
This episode examines the death of George Floyd through the eyes of rookie officer Thomas Lane, exploring why his attempts to intervene failed. It delves into the concept of "fat tail" problems, arguing that a small number of problematic officers like Derek Chauvin are the root cause of misconduct. The episode highlights how police union contracts and arbitration processes make it extremely difficult to remove these "bad apples," hindering systemic reform.
This episode re-examines the murder of George Floyd by Derek Chauvin, starting with the perspective of the 911 dispatcher who first grew concerned. It details the incident and features bystander and expert testimony about the ignored warning signs. The episode introduces psychological theories like "fixation" and "hostile intention attribution" to explore possible explanations for Chauvin's actions, drawing parallels to a disturbing 2017 incident involving Chauvin and a 14-year-old boy.
Revisionist History will be back with an all-new season starting March 13th. We’ll be investigating everything from Paw Patrol to the secret behind English muffins to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Plus much, much more. To start, a two-part series that revisits the death of George Floyd in 2020. That’s next week – stay tuned. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We are thrilled to welcome the acclaimed narrative series Heavyweight to the Pushkin network. In each episode Jonathan Goldstein sets out to help someone confront their past and heal old wounds. Today we’re sharing their very first episode, “Buzz.” And because we couldn’t only pick one segment to share, here’s a list of the Revisionist History team’s favorite episodes: #2 Gregor #33 Bobby #46 Dan #52 Lenny #40 Barbara See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
In this Valentine's Day special, Broken Record hosts Justin Richmond and Leah Rose debate the best music genre for love songs with guests from Pushkin Industries. They feature an interview with legendary songwriter Babyface on writing songs inspired by early loves and breakups. Producer Ben Nadeff-Haffrey shares how a love song he wrote led to his engagement. Finally, Malcolm Gladwell makes the case for country music's unique strength in capturing heartbreak and sadness.
Malcolm Gladwell talks with Diogo Rau, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Eli Lilly, about his surprising move from Apple to pharma and how technology is poised to revolutionize healthcare. They explore the vastly different timescales between tech and drug development, the challenge of bringing a consumer-first mindset to the pharmaceutical industry, and specific innovations like using NFC tags to combat counterfeit medicines. Rau shares insights on leveraging tech, wearables, and patient data to improve adherence, shift care towards the home, and the potential for AI in drug discovery, highlighting the critical importance of swiftness in future healthcare delivery.
Rachel Botsman, Oxford University Lecturer and author of the new Pushkin audiobook How to Trust and Be Trusted, joins Malcolm to talk about how to make smart decisions about trust. Then, a preview of How to Trust and Be Trusted, which is available on Spotify , Audible or wherever you get your audiobooks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Here's an episode from a podcast that you may enjoy. Presenting Gone South. This episode looks at the life and legacy of Buford Pusser, an iconic American law enforcement figure. The film "Walking Tall," starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, is based on Pusser's life as a cop. But recent revelations are turning Pusser's legacy on its head. Gone South , an Audacy original podcast, is available now on the free Audacy app and wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...
What happens when the biggest movie star in the world directs the smallest Christmas film on basic cable? A holiday miracle. Today on the show: The never-before-published, extremely bizarre story of the making of ‘Christmas in Connecticut’... the remake. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael Lewis, host of Against the Rules and author of Moneyball , The Big Short, Liar’s Poker, and Going Infinite, joins Malcolm to talk about the wild world of sports betting. Then, a preview of Against the Rules season 4, which is legal in New Jersey (listen to find out why), or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
In the 1960s, a right-wing organization led by a former candy tycoon rose to fame in America for their anti-communist campaigns. They called themselves the John Birch Society. Then, they tried to take over the Parent-Teacher Association. This week, what the battle between the two organizations tells us about the fate of American politics, and the history of your Halloween candy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How is 5G powering the use of AI to revolutionize life-saving solutions? Malcolm sits with T-Mobile for Business CMO Mo Katibeh, 3AM Innovations COO Ryan Litt, and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Dr. Azizi Seixas to find out in this special episode of Revisionist History. Brought to you in partnership with T-Mobile for Business, and recorded live from the Mobile World Congress in Las Vegas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
In The Tipping Point , Malcolm helped popularize a controversial approach to policing called “Broken Windows Theory” that is often credited for keeping crime rates down. Now, 25 years later, he goes back and audits his chapter on crime. Did he get it right? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the very first stop of the Revenge of the Tipping Point book tour, Malcolm sat down with David Remnick, editor of the New Yorker , at the 92Y in New York City. The old friends and former colleagues discuss Malcolm’s past work, his new book and how he traces his love of storytelling back to playing endless games of Monopoly as a child. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What exactly constitutes a bribe? The Georgetown Massacre continues, and the defense calls a surprise witness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the ‘Varsity Blues’ college admissions scandal, the government indicted more than 50 people. Business leaders. Celebrities. Actors. Rich people accused of paying millions of dollars to get their children into elite universities. The Department of Justice was successful in all but one case: U.S. v. Khoury . What we’re calling: The Georgetown Massacre. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, we’re sharing an exclusive preview of the audiobook of Revenge of the Tipping Point. All about bank robbers and doctors. Find Revenge of the Tipping Point wherever you get audiobooks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the season finale, we turn back the clock four years, take a side trip to Alabama, meet an extraordinary man named Billy Garland, and ask: What is the right way to reconcile something pure with the messiness of the real world? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the early 1930s, a young German law student spent a year in Arkansas, studying American “race law.” The fight over the 1936 Games provided Americans with a chance to study Nazi Germany. But it turns out the Nazis were studying us too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
