Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell’s journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past — an event, a person, an idea, even a song — and asks whether we got it right the first time. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance.

Like all good parents say, when asked to name a favorite child, I love all my podcast episodes equally. But do you really believe parents when they say that? I think having a favorite is natural. It's just that which of your children holds that favored place changes over time. So here are my favorite Revisionist History episodes right now.

"A Good Walk Spoiled" is an extended philosophical prank, all based on the curious fact that the fancy private golf courses of Los Angeles that pays no taxes. How can this be, I wondered? If we rank the episodes of Revisionist History, according to how often strangers come up to me in an airport and say they loved it, this is number one.

This one makes the list for one reason. My editor, Karen Shakerdge, whom I adore, is the world's toughest critic. She is measured in her praise. She never tips her hand. She demands perfection. But when she first heard this episode--in its very earliest incarnation, before any editing or revision had been done--she gave me the biggest smile I'd ever seen her give. Karen loved this one! And that counts for a lot.

This episode was an attempt to gently poke the bear that is the world's most popular podcaster. When my last book came out, I contacted Joe Rogan's booker, and wondered if he would have me on the show again, since I so enjoyed the first time I was on The Joe Rogan Experience. The booker responded with a link to this episode. I guess it wasn't so gentle after all. Sorry Joe!
Explore the full Revisionist History catalog. You can listen to episodes on Pushkin, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.




































































































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