Kurt Andersen returns to the Daily Beast Podcast to discuss his provocative new novel The Breakup, a chilling vision of America's future that imagines the country pushed to its breaking point after Donald Trump's death sparks nationwide unrest. Andersen explains why the political chaos of the past few years forced him to make his fictional America even darker, whether the country is already living through a national tragedy, and why he believes imagining uncomfortable futures may be the only way to prepare for them. Joanna Coles and Andersen debate whether AI will make us smarter or stop us from thinking altogether, dissect Jon Ossoff's standout performance against Pete Hegseth, size up the most alarming figures in Trump's orbit, and explore why today's political theater increasingly resembles professional wrestling. Head to https://www.tryfum.com/BEAST and use promo code BEAST to get your free gift with purchase, and start The Good Habit today! #ad Use code BEAST at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: https://incogni.com/beast #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.