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Ever since the ’60s, the recording industry emphasized the album over the single. By the ’80s, they were milking as many hits as possible from an album to convince you to buy it—from Thriller to Hysteria. But in the ’90s, labels changed tactics and tried to kill retail singles—promoting hits to radio that you could only buy on full-length albums. Why? They wanted consumers to shell out for more profitable CDs. As a result, musicians ranging from MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice, to Pearl Jam and Alanis Morissette, to Chumbawamba and Lou Bega became multiplatinum-selling artists. The industry’s ploy paid off, but it also created consumer resentment as people grew tired of paying nearly $20 to acquire one song.Here’s the story of how the recording industry toyed with consumers and chart fans, and how the internet struck back. 

Josh Voorhees explains the giant flaw in HHS Secretary Tom Price’s plan to make amends for flying private, and tells you why Trump might let him keep his job in the end.

Aisha Harris sits down with Yance Ford, director of the stunning and incredibly personal Netflix documentary, Strong Island. And Indiewire editor, Kate Erbland, joins us to discuss the numerous sexual assault allegations connected to both the national theater chain Alamo Drafthouse and the long-running pop culture website, Ain’t It Cool News. 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

For the past 25 years, Bill Kristol of the Weekly Standard and Bill Galston of the Brookings Institution have been debating the meaning of presidential elections. But in 2016, they found themselves agreeing much more frequently on issues such as immigration, the tech industry, and tax reform. These men, on opposite sides of center, decided to develop a plan to recenter American politics. Galston and Kristol’s new project is the New Center.In the Spiel, a librarian rejected books donated by Melania Trump.

Emily Bazelon, Ruth Marcus (Deputy Editorial Page Editor for the Washington Post) and Ross Douthat (New York Times Columnist) discuss Trump’s tax plan, shifting Republican power and pro athletes using their influence to inspire social changeJoin 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

Is the old cliché true — is laughter the best medicine? Kurt Andersen and Mary Harris, a health reporter at WNYC, go to a laughter yoga class to find out. Also, we hear from a neuroscientist who studies laughter and moonlights as a standup comedian. Comic Chris Gethard explains why he resisted getting help for his depression out of fear of losing his humorous edge — and how getting treatment transformed his career. And we find out when medical humor is — and is not — just what the doctor ordered.(Originally aired July 14, 2016) 

Rebecca Lavoie, Carvell Wallace and Gabriel Roth sit down with Suzanne Bouffard, author of THE MOST IMPORTANT YEAR: Pre-Kindergarten and the Future of Our Children to discuss the state of pre-K education. Plus, "triumphs and fails", and recommendations. It's pledge season on Slate podcasts join at Slate.com/momanddadplus for bonus segments and ad-free shows! 

Josh Voorhees takes a look at Donald Trump’s new tax proposal—and counts all the ways it would help Donald Trump cut his own tax bill.

David Remnick is the editor of The New Yorker. In the second installment of a two-part interview, he sits down with Isaac Chotiner to discuss how Trump has changed his magazine, whether The New Yorker could ever go web-only, and what’s really killing the NFL.

It’s time for Vexillology Corner: Last month, the city of Pocatello, Idaho, presented a new city flag to replace their previous one, known for being one of the ugliest flags in the United States. But what makes a flag ugly? Vexillologist Ted Kaye describes Pocatello’s new flag and reminds us why a kid should be able to draw it. Kaye is the author of Good Flag, Bad Flag. In the Spiel, a brief word from economist Tyler Cowen, who summarizes the grim outlook for Puerto Rico. 

Jacob Weisberg talks to Cass Sunstein of Harvard Law School about his new book, Impeachment: A Citizens Guide, and the complexities involved in removing a President from office.We'll be live from San Francisco on Tuesday, November 14th! For tickets and more information go to Slate.com/Live.

Josh Voorhees explains just how bad things are in Puerto Rico—and takes a closer look at Donald Trump’s seeming disinterest in the situation on the ground there. 

Yascha Mounk and Nicholas Casey discuss whether left-populism is as dangerous as right-populism; why things are so much worse in Venezuela than they are in Ecuador; and why Latin American politics may hold the key to America’s future.

Dana Stevens and Stephen Metcalf discuss the new film mother! with Slate's Jack Hamilton, Ken Burns Vietnam documentary series with Willa Paskin, and the art of theme park caricatures with producer Benjamin Frisch. It's pledge season! Join Slate Plus today as part of the Slate Plus promo drive! Sign up at Slate.com/cultureplus.The Slate Culture Gabfest is brought to you by the Platinum Card from American Express. There’s a world of experiences waiting to open up with the Platinum Card. Backed by the services and security of American Express. And by Care.com. Care.com is the largest digital marketplace for care for everyone in the family—find nannies, sitters, housekeepers, dog walkers, and more. To save 30% off a Care.com Premium membership— visit Care.com/CULTURE when you subscribe. And by Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses. Get 50 dollars toward any mattress purchase by going to Casper.com/Culture and using the promo code Culture.

Laura Bennett, Katy Waldman, and Meghan O'Rourke discuss Sally Rooney's debut novel Conversations with Friends, and idea-driven novel about a group of four young people in Dublin struggling with ideology and identity. Next month's book with be What Happened, by Hillary Clinton. It's pledge week on Slate Podcasts! Support the Audio Book Club and get ad-free podcasts and bonus segments by going to slate.com/abcPlus and signing up. Slate's Audio Book Club is brought to you by Audible. Audible has the best audiobook performances, the largest library and the most exclusive content. You’ll feel something when you listen. Learn more at Audible.com/audiobookclubSun Basket sends organic and sustainable ingredients to your door, so you can prepare delicious meals in around 30 minutes! Choose from Paleo, Lean & Clean, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, and Family options. Go to SunBasket.com/ABC to get $35 off your first order.