On Ep. 238, Brian Unger joins us in studio. He's the host of a new Travel Channel show Time Traveling with Brian Unger. For the Spiel, the lost tape from Vladimir Putin's call-in radio show. Today's sponsor: the Great Courses, offering engaging audio and video lectures taught by top professors. Courses like "The Skeptic's Guide to American History." Right now get up to 80 percent off the original price when you visit thegreatcourses.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.

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