00:00 This episode of "Stuff You Should Know" discusses filibusters, including recent examples by Wendy Davis and Ted Cruz.

04:22 The purpose of a filibuster is to prevent a vote from taking place, not to make a deal to speak for a certain amount of time and then let the vote go through.

08:48 The filibuster rule was introduced in the Senate in 1917 as a way to cease filibustering with a two-thirds vote, but it has since been abused during the civil rights movement to block anti-lynching laws and civil rights bills, leading to a change in the rule in the 1970s where only 60 senators are needed for cloture and the minority can threaten a filibuster with 41 senators.

13:22 The filibuster rule unintentionally allowed senators to threaten filibusters without actually speaking, leading to bills being blocked frequently, and while some argue that the filibuster is necessary to protect the minority, others believe it allows a small group of senators to hold up any legislation they want.

17:27 The filibuster rule has been abused over the years, with an increasing number of filibusters being used to block legislation, leading to calls for reform.

22:06 Reforming filibusters has been difficult due to the fact that any proposal to reform filibustering can be filibustered itself.

26:25 In recent years, filibustering has been used more frequently for judicial and presidential appointments, rather than just bills, and this increase in use suggests that filibusters were previously used more strategically but are now being used more arbitrarily.

30:46 Filibusters have been used strategically in the past, but now they are being used more arbitrarily, as seen in the case of Harry Reid's decision to exercise the filibuster option in November 21st.

35:05 Filibustering is a tactic used by politicians to exploit one side and gain power, but there are still some politicians who believe in their own convictions.

38:59 The hosts of the podcast receive a letter from a listener who is struggling with heroin addiction and is seeking resources and help in Southern California.