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)

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)
• 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)

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).

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)

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)
• 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.

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)
• 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.