On the Gist, refocusing our attention to local democracy.

In the interview, Mike talks with Seth Stevenson, author of Grounded: A Down to Earth Journey Around the World and host of Slate’s newest business podcast Thrilling Tales of Modern Capitalism. Seth’s new podcast delves into the backstories of iconic brand, from Purell to Victoria’s Secret, and he joins Mike to talk about Carnival Cruises, one of the biggest players in an industry that jumps from one disaster to another. And yes, the expression “poop cruise” is mentioned.

In the spiel, objectivity as a punching bag.

Email us at thegist@slate.com

Podcast production by Margaret Kelley, Daniel Schroeder and Joel Patterson.

Slate Plus members get bonus segments and ad-free podcast feeds. Sign up now.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices