Revisionist History

By Pushkin Industries

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Rate for this podcast

Subscribers: 41360
Reviews: 75
Episodes: 107

Daniel
 Mar 19, 2023
Great content in the first season or two, but latest episodes are hit or miss, more randome one-offs, not as insightful, and more of Malcolm tooting his own horn.

2bepainted
 Mar 1, 2023
Meh. Hit and miss.

Podcast Republic User
 Jun 3, 2022


 Feb 22, 2022

Shawn
 Feb 8, 2022
Started off with an interesting premise, but the seasons are getting worse as time goes on. The Little Mermaid rewrite was a complete embarrassment, I can't believe that he and so many talented people would put their name behind such crap.

Description

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.

To get early access to ad-free episodes and extra content, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts are pushkin.fm/pus.

iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.


Episode Date
The Crisis in Girls’ Sports with Lauren Fleshman and Linda Flanagan
3333

In a live conversation taped at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, Malcolm and his Martian friend consult athletes Linda Flanagan and Lauren Fleshman on how to level the proverbial playing field. What would they ban from youth sports: Coaches? Parents? Uniforms? Whatever it takes to bring the love of the game to everyone.

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May 25, 2023
The Mystery of Mastery with Adam Gopnik
2239

In a live conversation taped at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, Malcolm chats with his old friend and New Yorker magazine colleague, Adam Gopnik, about Adam’s latest book, The Real Work: On the Mystery of Mastery. In the book, Adam follows numerous masters of their craft to find out just how they do what they do—and discovers that there is mastery all around us. In this episode, Malcolm and Adam highlight a few of the folks from the book, and what they have to teach us. You can purchase the audiobook version of The Real Work: On the Mystery of Mastery at Pushkin.fm

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May 18, 2023
Introducing: So Many Steves, A New Audiobook from Steve Martin and Pushkin
645

Today, we’re bringing you a preview of Pushkin's new audiobook, “So Many Steves.” Steve Martin is more candid than he’s ever been about his creative life in this engrossing audio-biography centered around a series of conversations recorded over many afternoons at home with his friend and neighbor, writer Adam Gopnik. You can get “So Many Steves,” an audio-exclusive, now at Audible: http://audible.com/stevemartin

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May 03, 2023
Malcolm Goes to Debate School
2648

What do you do after you've been humiliated at the Munk Debates? You call in the A-Team. 

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Apr 13, 2023
Higher Animals with Michael Specter
2045

Malcolm talks with his old friend, the brilliant science writer Michael Specter, about the future of life on Earth. Michael's response to the Covid-19 pandemic was to create a new audiobook on how the mRNA vaccines have sparked a biotechnology revolution: Higher Animals: Vaccines, Synthetic Biology, and the Future of Life. He and Malcolm talk about how this scientific revolution is bigger than many that came before it, about the promise of heritable vaccines for endangered species, and about how a smallpox infection could genuinely have wiped out New York in 1947. Also, we share a portion of Higher Animals' first, thrilling chapter. To purchase your own, complete copy of Michael Specter's Higher Animals, visit Pushkin.fm.

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Apr 06, 2023
Started From The Bottom with Justin Richmond
2611

Today, we dig into the fascinating life of someone Malcolm knows very well: fellow Pushkin host Justin Richmond. Malcolm and Justin talk about being the product of biracial marriages, surviving racist bullies, and Justin's chance dinner with a megastar that changed his life. 

Justin created his newest show, Started from the Bottom, to talk with successful people who grew up as outsiders about how they made it against the odds. Origin stories of mostly men and women of color and brilliant people who others counted out. How they climbed their way up the ladder, and the obstacles they overcame along the way.

If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts, be sure to sign up for our email list at Pushkin.fm.

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Mar 16, 2023
Rodents and Red Wine with Maria Konnikova
2533

Author, psychologist and professional poker player Maria Konnikova joins the show as Revisionist History’s first ombudsman. Maria advocates for the audience, reading letters from listeners and challenging Malcolm on matters great and small. They discuss how iodized salt is changing lives, the ethics of the Minnesota starvation experiments, and the ever-changing guidance around drinking alcohol. If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts, be sure to sign up for our email list at Pushkin.fm

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Mar 09, 2023
A Treat for the Die-Hards
1829

Every writer, podcaster and storyteller obsesses about how they begin a story. But they rarely pay enough attention to endings. Nothing matters more. Malcolm and Mike Birbiglia solve endings for you.

From our first-ever Revisionist History: LIVE events at the Town Hall in New York City and the Fillmore Philadelphia, Malcolm revisits how he’s tried to land the narrative plane.

If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts, be sure to sign up for our email list at Pushkin.fm.

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Feb 16, 2023
From Broken Record: Rick Rubin in Conversation with Malcolm Gladwell
3729

In which Malcolm reunites with his colleague, friend and fellow host of Broken Record (not to mention a music icon in his own right), Rick Rubin.

This month Rick released his first book, called "The Creative Act: A Way Of Being." In it he shares practical principles on how anyone can generate creative authenticity and ultimately find their voice.

If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts, be sure to sign up for our email list at Pushkin.fm. 

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Jan 26, 2023
The Cadillac LYRIQ: Malcolm Gladwell meets an Electric Icon - Part Two
609

In part two of our special series with Cadillac, we test whether the all-electric Cadillac LYRIQ can keep up with the demands of a 21st-century helicopter parent, put a baby to sleep, and impress a collector of immaculate old-school Caddies. Join Malcolm on a test ride like you’ve never been on before. Part two of two. 

This episode is sponsored by Cadillac.

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Dec 20, 2022
The Cadillac LYRIQ: Malcolm Gladwell meets an Electric Icon – Part One
601

Not long ago, we got a call at Pushkin Headquarters from Cadillac. They knew that Malcolm takes cars very seriously… so they asked if he’d heard of the all-electric Cadillac LYRIQ and if he’d like to borrow one for a few days to put it to the test. Yes, yes he did. What resulted was a series of road tests, blindfolded experiments, and head-to-head comparisons. Part one of two. 

 

This episode is sponsored by Cadillac. 

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Nov 22, 2022
From Inside Voice: Lake Bell and the Sexy Baby Voice Phenomenon
1562

Malcolm's friend, actress/writer/director/producer Lake Bell, is obsessed with voice. Malcolm is a little obsessed with Lake. This excerpt from Lake's new Pushkin audiobook Inside Voice: My Obsession with HowWe Sound, showcases Lake and Malcolm's conversation about the phenomenon of the sexy baby voice (think Paris Hilton or any Real Housewife). Inside Voice is a deep dive into what our voices mean and what they say about us. Go buy yourself a copy at insidevoiceaudiobook.com, Audible, Apple Books, Spotify, or anywhere audiobooks are sold. 

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Nov 01, 2022
The Creative Power of Misfits
2458

Sharing something from our friends at the TED Audio Collective—an episode of WorkLife with Adam Grant. Adam talks about harnessing the power of frustrated people to shake up the status quo — just like Pixar did. If you'd like to hear more, they've got a brand new podcast out called Re: Thinking with Adam Grant. On the show, get a peek into the minds of some of the world's most creative people. This season they've got entrepreneur Mark Cuban, bestselling author Celeste Ng, Oscar-winning actor and producer Reese Witherspoon, neuroscientist Chantel Prat, Nobel laureate physicist Saul Perlmutter, and death-defying rock climber Alex Honnold. Listen at https://www.ted.com/podcasts/rethinking_with_adam_grant

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Oct 20, 2022
The Mennonite National Anthem
1906

Lester Glick’s year in the Minnesota Starvation Experiment cost him his hoped-for career and also left him with an eating disorder for the rest of his life. But like many of the other volunteers, he said he would have done it again in a heartbeat. Revisionist History explores the scientific legacy of this experiment, and asks whether it’s time to reimagine our understanding of sacrifice. 

 

If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts, be sure to sign up for our email list at Pushkin.fm.

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Oct 06, 2022
The Rise of the Guinea Pigs
2556

The Minnesota Starvation Experiment could never be done today. No scientist could get permission to starve 36 healthy people for close to a year. But why? Revisionist History tries to follow the strange logic that governs our thinking about medical experiments. 


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Sep 29, 2022
The Department of Physiological Hygiene
1902

In the final year of the Second World War, 36 men spent a year in a dingy set of rooms under the University of Minnesota football stadium. They were part of an experiment none of them would ever forget. What happened in the Department of Physiological Hygiene? Revisionist History uncovers a forgotten box of interviews in the archives of the Library of Congress. 


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Sep 22, 2022
Outliers, Revisited
2666

Did Malcolm Gladwell blow it in his bestselling book Outliers? What if all he did was write a primer for neurotic helicopter parents? To find out, Revisionist History descends on the University of Pennsylvania to run a roomful of eager students through a mysterious experiment, complete with Sharpies, huge white stickers, and a calculator. It does not end well.

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Sep 15, 2022
We’re Back … With More Experiments!
88

Revisionist History returns on September 15th with a saga about self-sacrifice. Plus, Malcolm offers a mea culpa for an unintended consequence of a chapter he wrote in Outliers.

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Sep 12, 2022
Tim Harford Cools Us Down This Summer
1304

We’ll be back in September with new episodes of Revisionist History. In the meantime, I got to sit down with my good friend and host of Cautionary Tales, Tim Harford.

We discuss his recent trilogy about the epic race between two explorers to the South Pole and all the challenges they encounter along the way. We draw parallels between the 1920s explorers and Silicon Valley startups, and of course, who of the two explorers we’d prefer to have dinner with. Enjoy!

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Aug 19, 2022
“I Was A Stranger and You Welcomed Me”
2027

Malcolm tells the story of how his parents and their friends sponsored three Vietnamese refugees, in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. And wonders: do we underestimate the value of ordinary acts of kindness?

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Jul 28, 2022
When Will Met Grace
2153

You thought the antics of Will, Grace, Jack and Karen were just harmless fun. Oh please. Revisionist History dives deep into a television sitcom that you may not have realized even had a deep end. 

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Jul 21, 2022
Star Struck
2874

A legendary Hollywood mogul, a famous author, a fatal drunk driving accident, and a brilliant bit of screenwriting, left on the cutting room floor. Revisionist History engages in a pop culture what-if experiment about the 1937 version of A Star is Born. 

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Jul 14, 2022
In Triplicate
2055

A mystery that begins with the half-baked idea of an obscure California bureaucrat in the 1930’s and ends with one of the worst public crises in American history. Chicken Little said the sky was falling. And sometimes Chicken Little is right. 

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Jul 07, 2022
Way to Go, Ohio
2329

A century ago, a mysterious and disfiguring disease was finally cured by an experiment in Akron, Ohio . . . with a condiment. We ask: it is time to return to Akron, and try the same trick again? Ay, oh, way to go, Ohio.

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Jun 30, 2022
The Magic Wand Experiment
2105

What if you could design any experiment you wanted? Without worrying about money, ethics, logistics, or even the laws of nature? Revisionist History kicks off the season by giving some of the world’s smartest scientists a magic wand to create the experiment of their dreams. We hear about the best twins study ever, how to test the effects of iPhone vs Blackberry, and a bizarre plan to get Americans into shape.

If you’d like to keep up with the most recent news from this and other Pushkin podcasts, be sure to sign up for our email list at Pushkin.fm.

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Jun 30, 2022
Revisionist History Season 7: The Experiment Experience
190

Revisionist History is back! And obsessed with ... experiments. Natural experiments. Thought experiments. Failed experiments. Experiments that end up in salt factories and file drawers filled with carbon copies. Not to mention experimental endings to Hollywood classics and a deep dive involving the sitcom Will and Grace. Season 7 gets underway June 30, with episodes available a week early for Pushkin+ subscribers. Find out more at Pushkin.fm

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Jun 16, 2022
Relax and Win from Legacy of Speed
1986

Sharing a new Pushkin show, Legacy of Speed. When two Black sprinters raised their fists in protest at the 1968 Olympic Games, it shook the world. More than 50 years later, the ripple effects of their activism are still felt. Host Malcolm Gladwel tells the stories of the runners who took a stand, and the coaches and mentors who helped make them fast enough — and brave enough — to change the world.

In this episode, we hear how coach Bud Winter took what he learned from working with fighter pilots in World War II and created a system for training sprinters at San Jose State. His “Relax and Win” methods used breathing, visualization and other unconventional coaching techniques to create a powerhouse track program. Another thing that made him unique at the time? His focus on recruiting Black athletes to a mostly white school.

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Jun 14, 2022
An Ode to the BMW M5: From Car Show! with Eddie Alterman
2283

Malcolm confesses to being an absolute car nut. And now his dream has come true — the launch of a car show at Pushkin. Car Show! is hosted by Eddie Alterman, the longtime editor of Car and Driver. On Car Show!, Eddie tells the stories behind the most important cars of our lifetimes, cars that transcend their “carness” with a significance beyond horsepower or miles per gallon. We hear about cars that changed how we drive and live: the Jeep Wrangler, the Chrysler minivan, and even the Lunar Rover. In this preview, you’ll hear Eddie going for a ride with Malcolm in his most prized possession: a 2003 BMW M5. Don’t miss this and other Malcolm cameos and ridealongs in upcoming episodes of Car Show! this season. Listen at https://podcasts.pushkin.fm/carshow?sid=revisionist

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May 18, 2022
See Revisionist History Live!
178

For the first time ever, Revisionist History is hitting the road! On two nights, Malcolm will be working out an episode from the upcoming season 7—with the help of some very smart friends—on stage. We’ve never pulled back the curtain like this before.Join us on June 6 in New York City or June 8 in Philadelphia. We’ll work on a grand unified theory and make a few digressions together. Get your tickets today at revisionisthistory.com.

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May 04, 2022
The Revisionist History Holiday Sampler
1434

Sharing special previews of Pushkin’s show Bad Women: Ripper Retold and this month’s Pushkin+ episode, ‘The Dog-tor WIll See You Now’  

You know the story: In 1888, five female prostitutes were brutally murdered in a London slum-- attacks so violent the killer earned a nickname: Jack the Ripper. For centuries, we have assumed these women were indeed “Bad Women,” ...but what if everything we know about them is wrong?

Historian Hallie Rubenhold has uncovered the true stories of the Ripper’s victims. Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary Jane all struggled against the misogyny that thrived in Victorian England, until they found themselves in the path of one of the most vicious killers in history. 

Bad Women is rich in historical detail and suspenseful enough to satisfy any true crime fan. You can binge the entire season now at https://link.chtbl.com/revisionistbadwomen

Plus, a sneak peek at the fourth in our series of subscriber episodes, an ode to the powerful pups who can sniff out the toughest of viruses worldwide–even at a Metallica concert. To hear the rest, subscribe to Pushkin+ by visiting our show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm/plus.

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Dec 21, 2021
Teaser: Pushkin’s Dirty Laundry
381

In this month’s subscriber-only episode, the Pushkin staff have something to say about Malcolm’s portrayal of their laundry habits. Plus, an unbiased expert answers our most pressing clothes queries.

This is a sneak peek at the third in our series of subscriber episodes. To hear the rest, subscribe to Pushkin+ by visiting our show page in Apple Podcasts.

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Nov 11, 2021
Teaser: The Compromises of Al Levitt
217

In this month’s subscriber-only episode, a look at the complicated and possibly cursed career of Helen Levitt’s other half.

This is a sneak peek at the second in our series of subscriber episodes. To hear the rest, subscribe to PushNik by visiting our show page in Apple Podcasts.

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Oct 14, 2021
The Dog Will See You Now
1982

If recent times have shown us anything, it’s that many problems can not be fixed by humans alone. In the season 6 finale, Revisionist History turns to another species for a little help.

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Aug 26, 2021
A Serious Game
1838

The best way to prepare for the unexpected may not be to make plans, or predictions, but to play games. Revisionist History explores imaginary worlds and the people who love finding out what they don’t know.

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Aug 19, 2021
Laundry Done Right
1920

Is there a right way to do your laundry? Of course there is. A long look at the science of cleaning your clothes.

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Aug 12, 2021
Little Mermaid Part 3: Honestly Ever After
1930

Revisionist History presents: The Little Mermaid...our way. The grand finale of our three-part series. Featuring the voices of Jodie Foster, Glenn Close, Dax Shepard, Brit Marling, and many more.

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Aug 02, 2021
Little Mermaid Part 2: The Fairytale Twist
1910

The quest to revise The Little Mermaid continues. This week, we call in the experts. Part two of three.

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Jul 29, 2021
Little Mermaid Part 1: The Golden Contract
2016

Revisionist History takes on The Little Mermaid: a deep dive into a world where merpeople present us with a series of vexing moral conundrums. Part one of three.

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Jul 22, 2021
The Judgment of Helen Levitt
2075

Helen Slote Levitt was on her way to the good life in 1950s Hollywood. Then one day, her name appeared on a list. The story of an ordinary woman whose world was upended by extraordinary times.

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Jul 15, 2021
Project Dillard
2084

A historically Black university in New Orleans is beloved by everyone – except the US News best colleges rankings. We hack our way back into the algorithm and show how Dillard University can rise to the top. Part two of a two-part series.

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Jul 08, 2021
Lord of the Rankings
1924

For 30 years, US News & World Report has been using a secret formula to rank the best colleges and universities in the United States. As a public service to our listeners, we hack the algorithm and discover the dirty little secret of the rankings game.

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Jul 01, 2021
I Love You Waymo
2016

Revisionist History travels to Phoenix, Arizona to learn about the future of the automobile. It’s not what you think. It’s much better.


Warning: Some of the actions depicted in this episode are dangerous. Do not imitate Malcolm! 

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Jun 24, 2021
Presenting: Be Antiracist with Ibram X. Kendi
1623

Presenting a sneak peek of Pushkin’s newest show, Be Antiracist with Ibram X. Kendi. On Be Antiracist, Dr. Kendi discusses policies and practices that sustain injustice in our society, and how we can dismantle racism to build a just, equitable world. To kick off the season, Malcolm called up Dr. Kendi for a conversation on racism, bridging divides, and the power of podcasting. Stay tuned after their conversation for an excerpt of an upcoming episode featuring economic and social policy expert Heather C. McGhee. Dr. Kendi and McGhee discuss the “zero sum” world view, and what racism really costs us as a society. To hear more Be Antiracist, visit http://podcasts.pushkin.fm/gladwellkendi

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Jun 09, 2021
Introducing Revisionist History Season Six
181

The sixth season of Revisionist History is underway, and Malcolm’s finally out of the house. We play chicken with cars, war games with wonks, and travel deep under the sea. Season six of Revisionist History launches June 24th from Pushkin Industries.  

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Jun 03, 2021
Malcolm Gladwell and Adam Grant
2778

Whenever Malcolm and Adam Grant cross paths on the book tour circuit, it's always a good time. Here are pieces of two conversations from Clubhouse: one about Malcolm's The Bomber Mafia and another about Adam's Think Again.

Find out more at bombermafia.com and adamgrant.net.

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May 28, 2021
Presenting: The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell
1006

Season 5 of Revisionist History included four episodes on the rise of air power during the Second World War. Listeners met Air Force generals Haywood Hansell and Curtis LeMay and heard about the birth of napalm and the firebombing of Tokyo. Malcolm couldn't get that story out of his mind, and so he built an entirely new audiobook around it. The Bomber Mafia.

The Bomber Mafia thought they could re-invent war, in part because of a reclusive genius named Carl Norden. In this excerpt, you hear more about him and his game changing invention, the Norden Bombsight.

If you loved those episodes, you'll be in history heaven with The Bomber Mafia. It features more archival footage, new writing, and enhanced scoring. It's a totally new experience. Purchase the audiobook at www.bombermafia.com, and you'll receive a free Listener's Guide featuring new commentary from Malcolm. Print and ebook editions available wherever books are sold.

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Apr 27, 2021
Return to the 404
2144

We're back in Atlanta - this week with jaunts to Jamaica, Kenya, court-side NBA games, and a deep dive into fine art forgery. Plus, Malcolm finally gets his big break in the advertising industry. LISTENER NOTE: No editors were involved with the writing of this episode of Revisionist History. Proceed at your own risk. Happy Holidays, everyone! 


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Dec 17, 2020
Druid Hills
1895

Revisionist History takes a trip to Malcolm's favorite city and gets a tour of Emory University, meets 3000 non-human primates and 8000 rodents, and dusts off an old TV pilot for a dramatic reenactment. Oh, and a season three guest returns, but you'll just have to listen to find out who. 


Text Malcolm: 917-423-6439. Get Revisionist History updates first by signing up for our newsletter at pushkin.fm.


This episode features “Dare To Be Me” by Kaci Bolls feat. The Happy Racers

© 2020 SpinBoxClub / Clashing Plaids (ASCAP) / Plaid Pajamas Music (BMI) / Drunk On A Binge (BMI) – Administered by Bluewater Music Services Corp. Used By Permission. All Rights Reserved.


This bonus episode is sponsored by Emory University.


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Dec 10, 2020
A Memorial for the Living
2353

Lessons from the world’s most perfect memorial.

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Aug 20, 2020
"Oh Howard, You Idiot!”
2741

A billionaire turned recluse befriends a minor novelist. Together they seize the public’s imagination. Kind of. The true story behind the greatest autobiography you’ve never read.

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Credits:

BBC Motion Gallery / Getty Images

Footage supplied by CBS News

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson




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Aug 13, 2020
Hamlet Was Wrong
2301

The delicate science of hiring nihilism, examined in five deeply-personal case studies.

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Aug 06, 2020
Goodbye, Farewell and Amen
2378

How do we remember one of the deadliest nights in human history? We don't. Part four.

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Jul 30, 2020
Bombs-Away LeMay
2389

The arguments, accidents, cold-blooded logic and sheer serendipity that led to the longest night of the Second World War. Part three.

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Jul 23, 2020
May the Best Firebomb Win
2217

Basement laboratories. Mad scientists. Sticky gels, and a bake-off in the desert. The strange story behind Curtis LeMay’s weapon of choice. Part two.

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Jul 16, 2020
The Bomber Mafia
1936

On the eve of the Second World War, a band of visionaries at Maxwell Air Force Base tried to reimagine modern warfare. They failed. Part one on the extraordinary life of the Air Force General Curtis LeMay.

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Jul 09, 2020
The Powerball Revolution
2477

In Bolivia, a political activist radically reforms the voting process for... student council elections. Who else does he convince? Revisionist History. And maybe a fancy private school in New Jersey. Get Revisionist History updates first by signing up for our newsletter at pushkin.fm.

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Jul 02, 2020
Hedwig’s Lost Van Gogh
2387

An escape from war-torn Germany. Lavish dinners with Hollywood royalty. A Swedish baron and a dime-store heiress: we explore the long journey of a Van Gogh still life — and what it says about the real value of the things we treasure.

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Jun 25, 2020
Dragon Psychology 101
2473

Dragons hoard treasure, deep in their lairs. They don’t show it off to their neighbors. Revisionist History applies dragon psychology to the strange world of art museums, with help from Andy Warhol, J.R.R. Tolkien, a handful of accountants and the world’s leading hoarding expert. 

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Jun 18, 2020
Introducing Revisionist History Season Five
165

Andy Warhol. War. Smaug the Dragon. And, as always, digressions of great importance.

Launching June 18 from Pushkin Industries.

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Jun 04, 2020
Revisionist History Presents: The Limits of Power
2673

Malcolm has been writing about race and policing for a very long time, going back to the killing of Amadou Diallo in 1999. Sometimes, it is useful to take a step back and consider policing in a broader context. Here we present a chapter from Malcolm's book David and Goliath, which includes an analysis of a riot in Northern Ireland in 1970. Many miles and many years away. About divisions of religion and class and not divisions of race. But the core questions to be asked in 1970 and 1999 and today are the same: if you have power, what does it mean to use it, and use it wisely? And what are the consequences if you don't?

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants was published in 2013 by Little, Brown and Company. Audiobook production by Hachette Audio.

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Jun 02, 2020
The Queen of Cuba
3540

On February 24, 1996, Cuban fighter jets shot down two small planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue, an organization in Florida that tried to spot refugees fleeing Cuba in boats. A strange chain of events preceded the shoot-down, and people in the intelligence business turned to a rising star in the Defense Intelligence Agency, Ana Montes. Montes was known around Washington as the “Queen of Cuba” for her insights into the Castro regime. But what Montes’ colleagues eventually found out about her shook their sense of trust to the core. (In this excerpt from Malcolm Gladwell’s forthcoming audiobook Talking to Strangers, we hear why spy mysteries do not unfold in real life like they do in the movies.)

To preorder a copy of Talking to Strangers and check out Malcolm Gladwell's book tour, visit www.gladwellbooks.com.

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Aug 29, 2019
The Obscure Virus Club
2163

Throughout the 1960s, a biologist named Howard Temin became convinced that something wasn’t right in science’s understanding of viruses. His colleagues dismissed him as a heretic. He turned out to be right — and you're alive today as a result.  Season Four ends with a bedtime story about how we should be freed by our doubts, not imprisoned by them.

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Aug 22, 2019
Chutzpah vs. Chutzpah
2246

You thought that there was only one kind of chutzpah. Wrong. There’s two. Revisionist History tells the story of the Mafia’s showdown with a legendary Hollywood producer, in a battle of competing chutzpahs.

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Aug 15, 2019
In a Metal Mood
2320

Two seasons after its investigation of the decline of McDonalds french fries, Revisionist History returns to fast-food’s high-tech test kitchens. This time the subject is cultural appropriation. The case study is Taco Bell. Oh, and Pat Boone is involved.

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Aug 08, 2019
Descend into the Particular
2472

An unarmed man is shot to death by police. How does the Jesuitical idea of “disordered attachments” help us make sense of what happened? Part three of three.

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Aug 01, 2019
Dr. Rock’s Taxonomy
2240

John Rock was the co-inventor of the birth control pill — and a committed Catholic. He wanted his church to approve of his invention. What happens when a layman takes on the Vatican? Part two of three.

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Jul 25, 2019
The Standard Case
2200

Revisionist History tries to make sense of the conundrum of PED use in baseball, using the 500-year-old philosophical techniques of St. Ignatius. Part one of a three-part series on the moral reasoning of the Jesuit order.

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Jul 18, 2019
Good Old Boys
2333

If you disagree with someone — if you find what they think appalling — is there any value in talking to them? In the early 1970s, the talk show host Dick Cavett, the governor of Georgia Lester Maddox, and the singer Randy Newman tried to answer this question.

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Jul 11, 2019
Tempest in a Teacup
2109

Bohea, the aroma of tire fire, Mob Wives, smugglers, “bro” tea, and what it all means to the backstory of the American Revolution. Malcolm tells the real story on what happened in Boston on the night of December 16, 1773.

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Jul 04, 2019
The Tortoise and the Hare
2319

A weird speech by Antonin Scalia, a visit with some serious legal tortoises, and a testy exchange with the experts at the Law School Admissions Council prompts Malcolm to formulate his Grand Unified Theory for fixing higher education.

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Jun 27, 2019
Puzzle Rush
2088

Malcolm challenges his assistant Camille to the Law School Admissions Test. He gets halfway through, panics, runs out of time, and wonders: why does the legal world want him to rush?

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Jun 20, 2019
Introducing Revisionist History Season Four
160

Jesuits. Chess masters. Mafiosi. Lawyers. And a little bit of tire fire. 

Launching June 20th from Pushkin Industries. 

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Jun 13, 2019
Revisionist History Presents: Rick Rubin
3022

Revisionist History presents the first episode of a new podcast, Broken Record. It's a conversation between Rick Rubin and Revisionist History host Malcolm Gladwell, covering everything from Rick’s role in the very beginning of hip-hop to his role in introducing Johnny Cash to a new generation of writers, performers and music lovers. Rick and Malcolm delve deep into Rick’s back catalogue – which is really a history of contemporary music – to reveal more about the artists that defined a new era, and why they are still vital listening today.

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Nov 13, 2018
Analysis, Parapraxis, Elvis
3081

The one song The King couldn’t sing. 

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Jul 19, 2018
Strong Verbs, Short Sentences
2371

“She was Joan of Arc, Madame Curie, and Florence Nightingale—all wrapped up in one.”

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Jul 12, 2018
The Imaginary Crimes of Margit Hamosh
1979

Epidemics of fear repeat themselves. The first time as tragedy. The second time as farce. Margit Hamosh? Definitely farce. 

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Jul 05, 2018
Malcolm Gladwell's 12 Rules for Life
2560

Crucial life lessons from the end of hockey games, Idris Elba, and some Wall Street guys with a lot of time on their hands.

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Jun 28, 2018
The Hug Heard Round the World
2267

Q: Was there a period where you felt you had something to prove? A: The first 45 years of my life. 

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Jun 21, 2018
General Chapman’s Last Stand
2043

Good fences make good neighbors. Or maybe not.

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Jun 14, 2018
Free Brian Williams
2184

"Sorry dude, I don't remember you being on my aircraft."

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Jun 07, 2018
A Polite Word for Liar
2195

An early morning raid, a house-full of Nazis, the world’s greatest harmonica player, and a dashingly handsome undercover spy. What could possibly go wrong?

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May 31, 2018
Burden of Proof
1993

“He called to wish me ‘Happy Birthday.’ Then he said, ‘I’m failing everything.’”

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May 24, 2018
Divide and Conquer
2295

The complete, unabridged history of the world’s most controversial semicolon. 

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May 17, 2018
Malcolm Gladwell debates Adam Grant
3042

In a special live taping at the 92nd Street Y in New York, Malcolm talks with WorkLife’s Adam Grant about how to avoid doing highly undesirable tasks, what makes an idea interesting, and why Malcolm thinks we shouldn't root for the underdog.

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May 10, 2018
Introducing Revisionist History Season Three
155

Malcolm Gladwell is back with season three of Revisionist History: harmonica players, mass delusion, semicolons, and a constitutional crisis. Launching May 17th on Panoply.

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May 03, 2018
The Basement Tapes
1854

What is a son’s obligation to his father?

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Aug 17, 2017
McDonald’s Broke My Heart
2042

They made the world’s greatest French Fry. Then they threw it away.

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Aug 10, 2017
Mr. Hollowell Didn’t Like That
2123

Arrested, arraigned, indicted, tried, convicted, and sentenced to die in the electric chair in 24 hours.

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Aug 03, 2017
State v Johnson
1885

“Nobody was interested in justice.”

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Jul 27, 2017
The King of Tears
2503

Why country music makes you cry, and rock and roll doesn’t: A musical interpretation of divided America.

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Jul 20, 2017
The Prime Minister and the Prof
2052

The friendship that changed the course of World War II.

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Jul 13, 2017
The Foot Soldier of Birmingham
2071

“Oh, Mac. What did you do?”

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Jul 06, 2017
Miss Buchanan’s Period of Adjustment
1839

A landmark Supreme Court case. A civil rights revolution. Why has everyone forgotten what happened next?

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Jun 29, 2017
The Road to Damascus
2400

What happens when a terrorist has a change of heart?

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Jun 22, 2017
A Good Walk Spoiled
2043

Rich people and their addiction to golf: a philosophical investigation.

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Jun 15, 2017
Introducing Revisionist History Season Two
179

From bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell, season two of Revisionist History launches June 15th.

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May 26, 2017
The Satire Paradox
2256

In the political turmoil of mid-1990s Britain, a brilliant

young comic named Harry Enfield set out to satirize the ideology and politics

of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. His parodies became famous. He wrote and

performed a vicious sendup of the typical Thatcherite nouveau riche buffoon. People

loved it. And what happened? Exactly the opposite of what Enfield hoped would

happen. In an age dominated by political comedy, “The Satire Paradox”asks whether laughter and social

protest are friends or foes. 

To learn more about the topics covered in this episode, visit www.RevisionistHistory.com

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Aug 18, 2016
Generous Orthodoxy
1976

A 98-year-old minister takes on his church over the subject of gay marriage—and teaches the rest of us what it means to stand up in protest.

To learn more about the topics covered in this episode, visit www.RevisionistHistory.com

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Aug 11, 2016
Blame Game
2266

In the summer and fall of 2009, hundreds of Toyota owners came forward with an alarming allegation: Their cars were suddenly and uncontrollably accelerating. Toyota was forced to recall 10 million vehicles, pay a fine of more than $1 billion, and settle countless lawsuits. The consensus was that there was something badly wrong with the world’s most popular cars. Except that there wasn’t. What happens when hysteria overtakes common sense?

To learn more about the topics covered in this episode, visit www.RevisionistHistory.com

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Aug 04, 2016
Hallelujah
2192

How does genius emerge? An exploration of different types of innovation—through the lens of Elvis Costello’s extraordinary song “Deportee,” once utterly forgettable and then, through time and iteration, a work of beauty and genius.

If you're looking to go deeper into the subjects on Revisionist History, visit Malcolm's collection on iBooks at http://www.apple.co/MalcolmGladwell -- iBooks will update the page every week with new recommendations.

To learn more about the topics covered in this episode, visit www.RevisionistHistory.com

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Jul 28, 2016
My Little Hundred Million
2345

In the early ’90s, Hank Rowan gave $100 million to a tiny public university in Glassboro, New Jersey: not Harvard, not Yale, not even to his alma mater, MIT. What was Rowan thinking? And why has it proven so difficult for other philanthropists to follow his lead?

To learn more about the topics covered in this episode, visit www.RevisionistHistory.com

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Jul 21, 2016
Food Fight
1807

Bowdoin College and Vassar College are two elite private schools that compete for the same students. But one of those schools is trying hard to address the problem of rich and poor in American society—and paying a high price. The other is making that problem worse—and reaping rewards as a result.

To learn more about the topics covered in this episode, visit www.RevisionistHistory.com

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Jul 14, 2016
Carlos Doesn’t Remember
2016

Of the tens of thousands of talented, low-income students who graduate from high school every year in the United States, most never make it to universities appropriate to their gifts. America leaves an enormous amount of talent on the table every year. “Carlos Doesn’t Remember” explains why.

To learn more about the topics covered in this episode, visit www.RevisionistHistory.com

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Jul 07, 2016
The Big Man Can't Shoot
2105

Wilt Chamberlain’s brilliant career was marred by one, deeply inexplicable decision: He chose a shooting technique that made him one of the worst foul shooters in basketball—even though he had tried a better alternative. Why do smart people do dumb things?

To learn more about the topics covered in this episode, visit www.RevisionistHistory.com

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Jun 30, 2016
Saigon, 1965
2465

In the early 1960s the Pentagon set up a top-secret research project in an old villa in downtown Saigon. The task? To interview captured North Vietnamese soldiers and guerrillas in order to measure the effect of relentless U.S. bombing on their morale. Yet despite a wealth of great data, even the leaders of the study couldn’t agree on what it meant.

To learn more about the topics covered in this episode, visit www.RevisionistHistory.com

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Jun 23, 2016
The Lady Vanishes
2028

In the late 19th century, a painting titled The Roll Call, by a virtually unknown artist, took England by storm. But after that brilliant first effort, the artist all but disappeared. Why? And what does The Roll Call tell us about the fate of those first through the door?

To learn more about the topics covered in this episode, visit www.RevisionistHistory.com

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Jun 16, 2016
Introducing Revisionist History
201

Coming soon, a new podcast series from bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell.

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Jun 03, 2016