Wall Street’s downturn suggests that Donald Trump is not immune to the consequences of his bad economic policies. In the spiel, the dubious legal justifications behind the detention of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil. And we're joined by CNN's Elle Reeve author of Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics. We join her story from the night of the unite the Right rally in Charlottesville Va. Produced by Corey Wara Em...
Mar 11, 2025•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s Gist, journalist Elle Reeve discusses her new book, Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics, detailing her firsthand reporting on the radicalization pipelines fueling extremism. Plus, the Trump administration cracks down on Columbia University, and in the Spiel Gavin Newsom’s surprisingly conciliatory conversation with Charlie Kirk. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise ...
Mar 10, 2025•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today on the Gist we got back to Wednesdays spiel on Trumps speech to congress and go to a 2019 interview with Scotland’s Daniel Sloss who churns out comedy specials at an almost alarming rate, completing his tenth at age 28. He’s here to talk about circumcision, Brexit, and why the left is doomed to eternally shoot itself in the foot Produced by Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist ...
Mar 08, 2025•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.c...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to ...
Feb 28, 2025•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@a...
Feb 26, 2025•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist:...
Feb 22, 2025•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com...
Feb 21, 2025•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visi...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https:...
Feb 19, 2025•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist...
Feb 18, 2025•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn...
Feb 14, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscribe t...
Feb 13, 2025•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Su...
Feb 12, 2025•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepe...
Feb 11, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscri...
Feb 10, 2025•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com To ad...
Feb 08, 2025•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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 thegist@mikepesca.com 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•Transcript available on Metacast 
