The Gist

Latest Episodes:

Cracking Trump's Code Oct 22, 2019

Show notes

On The Gist, Trump is no George Washington.

In the interview, Stephen Martin and Joseph Marks are here to discuss their new book Messengers: Who We Listen To, Who We Don't, and Why. They talk about why the expert isn't always the best vessel for information, the power dynamics involved, and why famous people often end up with that job.

In the Spiel, the indirect language of Trump.

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Meghan Daum's Problem With Everything Oct 19, 2019

Show notes

On The Gist, Gordon Sondland testified before Congress.

In the interview, Meghan Daum is here to talk with Mike Pesca about her new book The Problem with Everything: My Journey Through the New Culture Wars. They discuss toughness versus sensitivity, age differences, and how we should appreciate the confusion of this time more.

In the Spiel, a dodeca-antentwig.

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The Curdling Affair in Syria Oct 18, 2019

Show notes

On The Gist, what does quid pro quo even mean?

In the interview, Mike talks to Ash Carter about his time as the 25th Secretary of Defense, what he would have down if he were Jim Mattis, and what he thinks about Trump's military strategy in Syria.

In the Spiel, Trump and Erdogan are back at it again.

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Unmasking the Watchmen Oct 17, 2019

Show notes

On The Gist, the October CNN democratic debate.

In the interview, Mike talks to director and executive producer Nicole Kassell about directing the Watchmen pilot, the show's many Easter eggs, and how they honor the real-life 1921 riot in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In the Spiel, why no one supports Trump's strategy with the Kurds.

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Shea Serrano's Great Movie Debates Oct 16, 2019

Show notes

On The Gist, too many candidates?

In the interview, Shea Serrano is back to talk with Mike about his newest book Movies (And Other Things). They talk about Armageddon, why Booksmart will have such longevity and importance, and watching movies with your children.

In the Spiel, George and Kellyanne Conway.

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Giuliani Whisperer Oct 12, 2019

Show notes

On The Gist, Trump's trade war with China.

In the interview, Mike talks to writer Elaina Plott about her reporting on Rudy Giuliani, new White House counsel Pat Cipollone, and the future of the impeachment hearings. Plott is a staff writer at the Atlantic. Read her work here.

In the Spiel, the CNN LGBTQ+ Equality Town Hall.

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Who Deserves the Right to Vote? Oct 11, 2019

Show notes

On The Gist, how should we feel about Ellen and George W. Bush?

In the interview, Desmond Meade of the Florida Restorative Rights Coalition is here to talk with Mike about the recent movement in Florida to give voting rights back to individuals who have previous committed felonies. They talk about how quickly the measure passed, what regaining voting rights really means, and who is actually most affected by these laws.

In the Spiel, should plans for the LGBTQ community really have been the second ever CNN town hall this year?

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Uncomplicating the NBA and China Oct 10, 2019

Show notes

On The Gist, what Trump is doing to the Kurds is everybody's fault but Trump's.

In the interview, Mike talks to Ozy's national politics reporter Nick Fouriezos about U.S. voter apathy, where its most prevalent, and its ramifications for future elections. You can read Fouriezos' piece, "Who Cares: Inside America's Apathy Belt," in Ozy.

In the Spiel, the fight between China and the NBA isn't complicated.

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Selling Out the Kurds Oct 09, 2019

Show notes

On The Gist, Trump and the Kurds.

In the interview, Mike talks to Aaron Mehta, deputy editor and senior Pentagon correspondent for Defense News. They talk about why Ukraine wants javelin missiles, the internal conflicts in the Pentagon, and China's rising military dominance.

In the Spiel, the American sports media's reactions to Daryl Morey.

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The Cowardice of the NBA Oct 08, 2019

Show notes

On The Gist, Daryl Morey versus NBA China.

In the interview, Comedy Bang Bang host Scott Aukerman is here to talk about Between Two Ferns: The Movie, the early beginnings of the Between Two Ferns show, and how he writes and directs great cringe comedy. You can watch the movie on Netflix.

In the Spiel, the cost of too little or too much deference.

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