Grid Launches New Podcast "Bad Takes" About The Worst Arguments

  Grid, a publication that offers avid newsreaders clarity on the stories that matter most, today launched Bad Takes, a new podcast hosted by political commentator and Grid Editor-at-Large Matthew Yglesias and Grid Executive Editor Laura McGann. Yglesias and McGann examine some of the worst arguments out there on important and complex topics. 

They use the Grid approach of setting aside expected lenses, like partisanship, and hold up others to unpack these issues. The podcast will air weekly and is available on all major podcast platforms. 

 Usually, I'd say that podcasting does not need another "insight on current events and trends" podcast, but Yglesias and McGann do possess the starter fluid to spark an interesting -- and not redundant -- debate on current issues of the day.

In January, Yglesias joined Grid in tandem with its launch, where he has been leading the development of this podcast with McGann. Previously the host of the wildly popular “The Weeds” podcast, Yglesias’ writing and political commentary have appeared all across the media landscape, including The Atlantic, Slate and Vox, which he co-founded.

“It’s no secret that the world today is filled with endless bad takes,” said Yglesias in the press release to announce the podcast. “In the case of our new podcast, bad takes are ideas that become fashionable among certain circles without anybody wanting to check if it’s true because it supports the narrative they want to peddle. I’m honored to host this podcast alongside Laura, one of the smartest people I know, to tackle these bad takes in a clear, thorough and moderately entertaining way.”

For its launch, the podcast has released three episodes, including “Someone Tell Pro-abortion Activists That Americans Like Cops,” which analyzes how Planned Parenthood Arizona won’t endorse candidates who take money from police organizations, examining if there is truly a connection between abortion rights and police funding. 

Additionally, “Climate Justice vs. The Climate Bill” explores the Climate Justice Alliance’s opposition to the recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act and the climate measures included within the bill, along with the idea of “climate justice” as a whole. 

Lastly, “How Joe Rogan Bullied Matt into Losing Weight” examines the complex issue of obesity within today’s cultural landscape, an important topic to Ygelias, who discusses his own personal story. (Author's Note: I'd welcome Rogan bullying me to lose weight.)

“When we launched Grid earlier this year, we set out to report on how the most important trends, challenges, and opportunities of the day connect to one another – and require connected solutions,” said McGann. “Over the last several months, our writing has done just that. Now, we look to take the same approach of examining complex topics in new ways through a podcast format, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working alongside such a sharp mind like Matthew to make it happen.” 

Bad Takes is produced by Olivia Reingold, who oversees the publication’s audio strategy after a previous podcast producing role with POLITICO. The launch of “Bad Takes” is the latest expansion for the media brand, which continues to invest in new formats and focus areas, including a new and growing team of journalists covering developing and trending stories that burst into the news, along with video content. Since its launch in January, Grid’s editorial team has increased by 30 percent to over 30 members. 

I am joyful that a digital media brand is expanding instead of reports of layoffs like at Vox. Maybe Grid, if it continues its upward spiral, could be renamed Grit, with permission from Angela Duckworth, of course.