Jody Avirgan does it again. The former host of the fivethirtyeight politics podcast and the 30 for 30 podcast (both worth a listen in their own right) treats us to political esoterica at its finest. This is a quick bite podcast that zooms in on a story of the past that is interesting, fun, and may shep some light on how we ended up where we are now in American politics while allowing us to ponder what the future might hold. This show shares some DNA with the beloved Slate podcast Whistlestop and in fact its host John Dickerson was one of this show's first guests. But while Whistlestop is a lecture series, this show is kitchen table conversation. Avirgan brings his expertise as a curious host to bear while co host Nicole Hemmer brings a historian's critical eye. Each week they are joined by a guest who usually has a connection and special fascination to the topic being discussed. I am a real sucker for podcasts that are under 10 minutes and I already thought Avirgan was a superb podcast host so I was predisposed to like this. It did not disappoint and it is has joined my regular rotation.