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On this episode of Represent, Aisha Harris, Slate producer Veralyn Williams and writer Demetria Lucas D'Oyley recap the premiere episode of Scandal’s final season. For links on what we discuss check out our show page.Tell a friend to subscribe! Share this link: megaphone.link/representEmail: represent@slate.comFacebook: Slate RepresentTwitter: @SlateRepresent, @craftingmystyleProduction by Veralyn WilliamsSocial media: Marissa Martinelli

Masha Gessen returns to The Gist, this time to talk about her latest work, The Future Is History. Gessen uses the book to examine the ways in which post-Soviet Russia failed to process the traumas of totalitarianism. In failing to reckon with its past, did Russia doom itself to a bleak future? In the Spiel, the dearth of details in the Trump administration’s tax plan.

Josh Voorhees tells you what you need to know about this year’s winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and explains why the award committee played it safe this time around.

Slate movie critic Dana Stevens, culture editor Forrest Wickman, and Brow Beat editor Sam Adams discuss Blade Runner 2049, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Ryan Gosling and Harrison Ford. Warning: This podcast contains spoilers. Lots of spoilers.Email: spoilers@slate.com

Aisha Harris, Black Girl Nerds contributor Jacqueline Coley, Vulture writer Alex Jung, and Turner Classic Movies host Tiffany Vazquez talk representation in the new and returning TV shows this fall-- with a bit of debate, a pop quiz, and predictions. For links on what we discuss check out our show page.Tell a friend to subscribe! Share this link: megaphone.link/representEmail: represent@slate.comFacebook: Slate RepresentTwitter: @SlateRepresent, @craftingmystyleProduction by Veralyn WilliamsSocial media: Marissa Martinelli

David Plotz, Emily Bazelon and John Dickerson discuss the Las Vegas shooting, the response to Puerto Rico’s suffering and Supreme Court's examination of gerrymandering.Join Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, exclusive member-only podcasts, and more. Sign up for a free trial today at www.slate.com/gabfestplus.Twitter: @SlateGabfestFacebook: facebook.com/GabfestEmail: gabfest@slate.comShow notes at slate.com/gabfest

Danny Strong joins Kurt to talk about how he began his career as an actor, evolved into as a writer of movies like “Game Change,” and just made his directorial debut with “Rebel in the Rye,” which is about the circumstances under which J.D. Salinger wrote “The Catcher in the Rye.” The stunning new animated film, “Loving Vincent,” is a biopic of Van Gogh meticulously painted to appear as if Van Gogh paintings had come to life. Michael Chabon recalls his college years in Pittsburgh, when a post-punk band called Carsickness fueled his own coming-of-age story. And Bruce Handy, Kurt, and both writers’ kids sit down in the studio to talk about the enduring power of children’s literature, which Handy writes about in his new book, “Wild Things: The Joy of Reading Children’s Literature as an Adult.” 

This week, we learned that Russian-linked Facebook ads targeted swing states during the 2016 election. Initially hesitant about sharing information with the government, Facebook finally gave in to avoid a deeper discussion on regulation, but tech companies have grown so big that it might be time for the government to step in. Journalist Franklin Foer explains how tech has become so powerful, and why it’s essential to be skeptical of technological innovation. Foer’s new book is World Without Mind: The Existential Threat of Big Tech.In the Spiel, gun-control regulations.

Josh King talks to Sig Rogich, a Republican who helped make Las Vegas what it is today, about the events of this past week in the city, how it's recovering, and his response to the President's visit to the city compared to those of past presidents who've had to bring the country together after a tragedy.

The Las Vegas shooter is said to have used a “bump stock” to maximize the carnage. Josh Voorhees explains what that is, lets you hear what it sounds like in action, and explains why maybe—just maybe—Republicans may be willing to ban them.

Gabriel Roth and Carvell Wallace discuss broken phones, how to gift an inheritance, My Little Pony: the Movie, and are joined by Slate's Aisha Harris to tackle a tough question about American Girl dolls.  

Hanna Rosin, June Thomas, and Noreen Malone discuss the early days of women’s pro tennis with journalist Grace Lichtenstein, the legacy of Huge Hefner, and Gloria Allred’s crusade.

Masha Gessen is a journalist and activist and the author of the new book, The Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia. She sits down with Isaac Chotiner to discuss how Putin exercises control over Russia, and why Trump’s chaotic governing style could still lead to autocracy.

Has the military become more tolerant of collateral damage under President Trump? Why are there no good military options in North Korea? And who does it hurt when the president goes off-script about Kim Jong-un? Retired Maj. Gen. James “Spider” Marks has the answers. In the Spiel, the cost of paying constant attention to the president’s myriad sins and insults.

Whistlestop is Slate's podcast about presidential history. Hosted by political correspondent and Political Gabfest panelist John Dickerson, each installment will revisit memorable (or even forgotten) moments from America's Presidential carnival.Podcast production and edit by Jocelyn Frank. Research by Brian Rosenwald.Love Slate podcasts? Listen longer with Slate Plus! Members get bonus segments, ad-free versions, exclusive podcasts and more. Start your two-week free trial at slate.com/podcastplus.Email: whistlestop@slate.com