Podcast Summary: Here's the Scoop – "Mamdani Goes to Washington; GLP-1: Micro Dose, Major Buzz"
Date: November 21, 2025
Host: Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC News
Overview
This episode of "Here's the Scoop" addresses two major stories:
- The highly anticipated meeting between President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani, following months of political rivalry.
- The emerging trend of "microdosing" GLP-1 weight loss drugs, with firsthand accounts and medical insight.
Additional segments cover U.S. military actions against drug boats, Eric Swalwell’s California gubernatorial run, and a quirky report on the origins of kissing.
1. Trump and Mamdani: From Antagonists to Oval Office Meeting
The Backstory (00:53 – 02:20)
- Tensions: Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani and President Trump have exchanged public barbs, with Mamdani directly addressing Trump in his victory speech and Trump repeatedly labeling Mamdani a "communist."
- Public Perception: Comparisons are drawn between the two as charismatic rule-breakers, though Trump dismisses this and jokes about his looks.
- Quote:
Donald Trump: “Well, I think I’m a much better looking person than him.” (02:17)
- Quote:
The Surprising Sitdown (02:20 – 05:17)
- Apparent Thaw: Both sides set aside animosity for a White House meeting.
- Trump’s Tone: “We had discussions on something. I’m not going to discuss what they were but...I feel very confident that he can do a very good job.” (02:25)
- Mamdani’s Framing: Meeting as part of his commitment to address affordability for New Yorkers.
- Reporter Insight: Alan Smith contextualizes Mamdani’s rise:
- Started as a long shot in the mayoral race, energized young voters, defeated political veterans, and ran on affordability and opposition to Trump.
- Quote:
Alan Smith: “[Mamdani] kind of outfoxes all of them with a real grassroots campaign. Energizes a lot of young voters in New York… He spent months trying to kneecap Mamdani, endorse Cuomo at the last minute, and they have been trading barbs back and forth.” (03:03)
- Quote:
- Started as a long shot in the mayoral race, energized young voters, defeated political veterans, and ran on affordability and opposition to Trump.
- Why Meet?
Mamdani reached out to Trump to uphold a campaign pledge to tackle the city’s affordability crisis for “anyone and everyone” (04:58), emphasizing that he’d stand up to Trump on issues like federal funding or ICE raids if needed.- Quote:
Zoran Mamdani: “My team reached out to the White House to fulfill a commitment I made to New Yorkers over the course of this campaign, a commitment that showed a willingness to meet with anyone and everyone…” (04:58)
- Quote:
Parallels Between Trump and Mamdani (05:52 – 07:49)
- Both began as outsiders, challenged political dynasties, and used memorable messaging to energize their base.
- The segment highlights their similarities:
- Quote:
Yasmin Vossoughian: “It seems as if Mamdani is the result of POTUS and Bernie Sanders having a baby...” (05:52) - Alan Smith: Both started at “about 1% in the polls,” challenged party insiders (07:10).
- Quote:
2. GLP-1 Microdosing: The Latest Weight Loss Craze
Intro to the Trend (09:12)
- GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound) initially developed for diabetes/weight loss, are now being “microdosed.”
- Celebrities—including a joking mention from Andy Cohen—fuel the trend:
- Joke:
Andy Cohen (impersonation): "I was microdosing a GLP." (09:21)
- Joke:
What is Microdosing? (10:07 – 11:24)
- Definition: Taking smaller, sub-FDA-approved doses of GLP-1 drugs (e.g., 0.1 mg instead of 1 mg).
- Reasons:
- Reduced cost
- Fewer side effects
- “Easier, more manageable” weight loss
- Quote:
Ann Thompson: “So microdosing is taking a smaller amount of these weight loss drugs than what the FDA approved.” (10:18)
- Reasons:
- Not Pharma-Recommended: Initiated by consumers, not drug companies. Now, telehealth companies market it.
A Real-Life User’s Story (11:35 – 12:36)
- Subject: Jen Ro, 53, outside Boston.
- Exercised regularly, struggled with ~20 extra pounds.
- Tried microdosing due to fear of side effects from full doses.
- Lost 13 pounds, no reported side effects, with regular physician monitoring.
Risks and Expert Concerns (13:07 – 15:03)
- Safety Unknown: No clinical studies back safety or efficacy of microdosing; only anecdotal evidence.
- Quote:
Ann Thompson: “There are no clinical studies that say microdosing drug X is safe and effective. There are lots of anecdotal stories...” (13:14) - Dr. Caroline Povian, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, will not prescribe microdoses, citing safety concerns.
- Quote:
The Doctor Debate (15:03 – 15:55)
- Pro: Dr. Jeffrey Egler (Noom) argues that losing even modest weight can be beneficial if it improves overall health and wellness.
- Quote:
“If losing those 15 pounds makes you feel better, eat better, exercise more, feel better about yourself, why not? ...They’re not doing you any harm.” (15:03)
- Quote:
- Con: Others insist permanent weight loss requires traditional changes to diet and exercise.
3. Other Noteworthy Segments
U.S. Strikes on Caribbean Drug Boats (16:00)
- White House Claim: Operations target narcotics destined for the U.S.
- Expert Counterpoint: Most boats carry cocaine to Europe; fentanyl reaches U.S. via Mexican land routes.
- Controversy: 21 lethal strikes, 80+ killed, but administration offers no proof the vessels targeted U.S.-bound drugs.
Eric Swalwell Runs for California Governor (17:48)
- Announces candidacy on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
- Joins crowded field of Democrats; video stresses keeping “the worst president...out [and] bring a new California.”
Science Feature: The Origins of Kissing (18:30)
- New research dates lip-locking back 16–21 million years.
- Seen across animal species; reasons range from communication to compatibility to affection.
Notable Quotes
- Zoran Mamdani:
“After all, if anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him.” (03:56) - Yasmin Vossoughian:
“It seems as if Mamdani is the result of POTUS and Bernie Sanders having a baby...” (05:52) - Donald Trump:
“I think I’m a much better looking person than him.” (02:17) - Ann Thompson (on safety):
“There are no clinical studies that say microdosing drug X is safe and effective. There are lots of anecdotal stories.” (13:14)
Key Timestamps
- Trump & Mamdani meet, rival history: 00:53–07:49
- GLP-1 Microdosing, user story: 09:12–13:14
- Expert debate on safety: 13:14–15:55
- Drug boat strikes: 16:00–17:48
- Eric Swalwell for CA Governor: 17:48–18:30
- Origins of kissing: 18:30–19:38
Tone
The episode maintains an energetic, conversational, and accessible tone, balancing in-depth reporting with lighter, quirky segments. The hosts and correspondents blend hard news analysis with a touch of wit and relatable banter, matching the “quick, clear, and insightful” promise of the show.
This summary provides a thorough, engaging overview of the episode, capturing its essential stories and spirit. Perfect for listeners who want to stay fully in the know—even if they missed the podcast itself.
