05 Mar 2026
2h 1m

Malcolm Gladwell: Do Fairytales Make Adulthood Harder?

Podcast cover

What Now? with Trevor Noah

The podcast explores a range of topics, including the impact of Disney movies on perceptions of reality, the speaker's evolving views on sports and fairness, and the nuances of language and accents. The hosts delve into the potential harm of Disney's idealized narratives, suggesting they create unrealistic expectations. A discussion about sports evolves into an exploration of fairness, imagination, and the arbitrary nature of rules, using examples from boxing, golf, and the Paralympics. The guest, Malcolm Gladwell, shares personal anecdotes, including his mother's "small life" and his obsession with his daughters' running forms, while also contributing insights on cultural differences and the importance of valuing diverse perspectives.

Outlines

Part 1: Sports, Storytelling, and Imagination

Part 2: Identity, Language, and Cultural Tropes

Part 3: Generational Perspectives and Societal Monocultures

Part 4: Inclusion and Redefining Fairness

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