The roots of the current conflict in Gaza trace back to the Balfour Declaration and earlier, but also to a series of ethnic killings and counterattacks in the years just before Israel became a state. Oren Kessler joins us to discuss Palestine 1936: The Great Revolt and the Roots of the Middle East Conflict. Plus, Trump’s latest tariff chaos has Canadians resorting to some choice words. And in The Spiel, we examine the status of the most aggressive initiatives of the Trump administration. Produce...
Mar 07, 2025•36 min
On this episode of Not Even Mad, Michael Cohen and Liz Wolfe dissect Trump’s State of the Union-ish spectacle, where he barely asked for forbearance on tariffs and delivered a slew of inaccuracies. We debate whether the Democrats’ paddle-waving protest theater was cringeworthy or just ineffective. Plus, in Goat Grinders, playground break-ins, Icelandair’s deplaning procedures, and the forced obligation of pretending to care about the Oscars. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected]...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Charles Kupchan, former European affairs specialist in Obama’s White House joins us to discuss whether a viable security agreement could be brokered that meets Ukraine’s needs without granting them everything they want. Kupchan isn’t entirely pessimistic—but he’s also not holding his breath. Plus, Trump’s address to Congress was filled with signature moments: a ripped-up protest sign, a joke about annexing Greenland, and a reading of what he deemed an appropriately deferential letter from Zelens...
Mar 05, 2025•44 min
Trump’s latest tariff escalation on China, Mexico, and Canada has earned the Wall Street Journal’s bluntest critique yet: “dumbest.” With markets reacting sharply, Wall Street remains the one force that might actually make him reconsider. Plus, Brenda Wineapple, author of Keeping the Faith: How American Democracy Survives Scandals, Scoundrels, and Cynics, joins to discuss a century-old “trial of the century” and its relevance to today’s politics. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepe...
Mar 04, 2025•38 min
Former CBS Evening News executive producer Mosheh Oinounou joins The Gist to discuss Mo News, his fact-first, non-ideological news platform. We talk about his critiques of legacy media, what he saw from the inside, and why he believes journalism is failing as both a business and a public service. Plus, when it comes to Ukraine the art of negotiation seems to hinge less on geopolitics and more on how much gratitude is lavished upon Trump himself. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepes...
Mar 03, 2025•43 min
Today on the Gist. We listen back to Tuesdays Spiel about Mikes time at the Principles First Summit. Then we play some of Mike's appearance on the Podcast "Very Serious with Josh Barro". Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g S...
Mar 01, 2025•53 min
Critic and author Kat Rosenfield joins The Gist for a full-show interview, diving into the smear campaign and campaign waged between Blake Lively her director, and the recent sexual abuse allegations against Neil Gaiman. Plus: Analysis of the surprisingly undiplomatic public exchange between Presidents Trump and Zelensky. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to ...
Feb 28, 2025•48 min
Edward Fishman, author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare, is back to discuss the immense power of tariffs, and economic leverage—and how Trump’s understanding (or lack thereof) of these tools. Plus, Trump grumbles to British PM Keir Starmer that Ukraine isn’t paying back U.S. aid, and in The Spiel, what Democrats can actually stand for beyond simply resisting Trump. Mark Cuban suggests it’s about execution, not slogans. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikep...
Feb 27, 2025•36 min
Edward Fishman, author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare, joins to discuss how global trade vulnerabilities shape geopolitics. Plus Trump’s first cabinet meeting sets the stage for what’s to come. And in The Spiel, Mike examines Republican town halls across the country—are the viral outbursts truly representative, or is the media cherry-picking the most dramatic moments? Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact sales@a...
Feb 26, 2025•42 min
The Bulwark’s Will Saletan joins to discuss Trump, Ukraine, and whether the former president is truly delusional—or just acting like he is. We also examine if the normal laws of political gravity will ever catch up to him. Plus, Trump endorses Elon Musk’s “five things you did last week” questionnaire. And in the Spiel, practical lessons from the Principles First Conference: How should we react when court orders are violated? Who will form the real, effective resistance to Trump’s autocratic ambi...
Feb 25, 2025•40 min
Psychology professor Kurt Gray, author of Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground, joins to discuss how our deep-rooted sense of victimhood is shaped by our evolutionary past as prey—and how that influences modern political and moral conflicts. Plus, Mike recounts his experience at the Principles First Summit, where discussions of civic virtue were overshadowed by bomb threats and the unexpected presence of the Proud Boys. Produced by Corey Wara Email us ...
Feb 24, 2025•45 min
On The Gist, we revisit two compelling segments. First, a deep dive into Ukraine's rare earth minerals—why they matter, who wants them, and how they factor into the geopolitical chessboard. Then, a throwback to January 24, 2020, for a look at the human embodiment of droning proceduralism himself, Mitch McConnell. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist:...
Feb 22, 2025•24 min
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Rodgers joins to break down the suspension of criminal charges in the case of NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Plus, in The Spiel, we keep track of the growing list of court rulings against Trump—along with the few he's actually won. Keep Track of Court Rulings against Trump Below Just Security Akin Washington Post Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com...
Feb 21, 2025•43 min
On Not Even Mad, Noam Dworman—owner of the Comedy Cellar and host of Live from the Table—and Dan Savage—of Savage Love and Savage Lovecast—join to debate the non-prosecution of NYC Mayor Eric Adams, and the potential for negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine. Plus, we dive into "goat grinders" on Adrien Grenier, mirror pronouns, media credibility, and—somehow—dental dams. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visi...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 20 min
On The Gist, Marc J. Dunkelman, author of Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress―and How to Bring It Back, joins to discuss why modern institutions fail at delivering progress and what can be done to fix them. Plus, Trump’s latest feud with Zelensky over Ukraine aid, and in The Spiel, the most electrifying deep dive into rare earth elements you never knew you needed. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https:...
Feb 19, 2025•40 min
Journalist Eli Lake joins for a deep dive into his Breaking History podcast, exploring the stories and narratives that shape our understanding of the past. Plus, a look at the latest Minneapolis crime stats—while national trends show a decline, the city’s murder rate tells the story of a police force hollowed out by officer departures. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist...
Feb 18, 2025•48 min
The Gist is on break for the holiday, so we are sharing an interview we did back in November with the host of "Very Important People", Vic Michaelis. This is the Pesca Plus version of the interview and if you are interested in joining, click the link below. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Y...
Feb 17, 2025•33 min
Mikes Appearance on the Savage Podcast Episode: A Very Poly Valentine’s Day Dan Savage is a best-selling author, media pundit, journalist, activist, and co-founder of the It Gets Better Project. He pens the internationally syndicated sex and relationship advice column Savage Love, and hosts the weekly Savage Lovecast podcast where he tackles even more questions, often with the help of special guests. His short form, adult film festival HUMP! Is currently celebrating its 20th season, touring now ...
Feb 15, 2025•39 min
Public Enemy’s Chuck D is here once more to discuss his writing process, his new book Interficial Artelligence, and how he turns ideas into iconic lyrics. Plus, the Justice Department is inspiring a number of prosecutors to resign rather than drop charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. And the group Arab Americans for Trump are no longer for Trump. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn...
Feb 14, 2025•33 min
The legendary Chuck D—Public Enemy’s frontman, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, is now, the author of Interracial Art: Intelligence a collection of drawings, musings, and writings. In the Spiel, the Republican Party recklessly confirms Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run HHS. Plus, President Trump, in consultation with Vladamir Putin wants to force a “peace plan” on Ukraine. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscribe t...
Feb 13, 2025•37 min
In this episode, we speak with Andreas Krieg of King’s College and MENA Analytica about the evolving dynamics in the Israel-Gaza conflict. We break down Hamas’ survival, Hezbollah’s setbacks, and the propagandistic uses Hannibal Directive. With shifting battle lines and long term strategic dilemmas, we ask the fundamental question: Can Israel ever achieve a true victory? Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Su...
Feb 12, 2025•54 min
We dissect the ever-elastic term “constitutional crisis” before diving into a crisis that’s far less abstract: the housing crunch. From misguided policies to market forces, Jonathan F. P. Rose explains why affordable housing remains so elusive—and what can actually be done about it. City of Yes - Mike Pesca and The City of Yes Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepe...
Feb 11, 2025•45 min
Donald Trump’s latest move? Taking aim at the penny—finally addressing a pet peeve of mine and economists everywhere. Meanwhile, the NIH is slashing “indirect costs,” which will hurt actual vital research. And in today’s interview, Raphael S. Cohen of RAND joins to break down Israel’s battlefield successes and whether Iran truly holds deterrence power in the region. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscri...
Feb 10, 2025•42 min
Today on the Gist we go back to 2020 where Mike talked to New School Professor and MSNBC contributor, Maya Wiley. She is also the former chair of the NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board - an independent oversight agency of the NYPD. She and Mike talk about how civilians and police officers hold the force accountable, how they’ve failed and the level of complaints they take seriously. Finally, we play a spiel from earlier in the week. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To ad...
Feb 08, 2025•42 min
President Trump vows executive action—this time, against plastic straws. Casey Burgat joins to discuss his book We Hold These Truths:How to Spot the Myths that are Holding America Back. And in The Spiel, Trump’s blunt and simplistic words, and thoughts about Gaza. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube...
Feb 07, 2025•43 min
Katie Herzog, co-host of Blocked and Reported, and Jonah Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Dispatch, discuss if Donald Trump's attempts to blame DEI for a tragic military plane crash and Elon Musk's unplugging of USAID will wind up hurting the Trumpian agenda. Also discussed, the Democrats’ disastrous brand - what can a party that once prided itself on broad appeal do to find favor with voters? Expect spirited debate, sharp analysis, and a commitment to being Not Even Mad just deeply, deeply exas...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Sadie Dingfelder joins to ask: Are trigger warnings mostly BS? Plus, Donald Trump shares some big redevelopment plans for Gaza. And in The Spiel, what the demise of the fact-checking service "Verify" reveals about the declining appeal of fact-checking as a standalone brand. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://w...
Feb 05, 2025•37 min
Today on The Gist a look at USAID’s role in global diplomacy and whether shuttering it makes any sense. And in The Spiel, how the punishments for January 6th rioters compare to those handed down for Black Lives Matter protesters. Plus, the conclusion of our interview with retired Air Force General Jay Santee who details breaks down the high-risk mission to neutralize Syria’s chemical weapons and compares it to Israel's more ad-hoc bombing of stockpiles. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara ...
Feb 04, 2025•38 min
Retired Air Force Gen. Jay Santee takes us inside the high-stakes operation to dispose of Syria’s chemical weapons—on a ship. Plus, Trump’s grudge against Canada resurfaces, this time over fentanyl and trade. In The Spiel: How legitimate critiques of DEI programs got stupefied and weaponized into a political sledgehammer. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://su...
Feb 04, 2025•41 min
Each weekend on Best Of The Gist, we listen back to an archival Gist segment from the past, then we replay something from the past week. This weekend, though, we’re throwing that formula out the proverbial window and playing an episode of Very Serious with Josh Barro, on which Mike was a guest. He joined Josh, Ben Dreyfuss, and Megan McArdle to talk about Trump’s first week in office. GIST Coupon Codes ... Truewerk: truewerk.com/thegist for 15% off your first order Marley Spoon: marleyspoon.com/...
Feb 01, 2025•1 hr 26 min
