The Gist

Latest Episodes:

Is Trump Delusional, or Just Betting We Are? Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

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 ambitions?

Produced by Corey Wara

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Outrage: Professor Kurt Gray Plus a Visit From The Proud Boys Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

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

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Old Mitch and Minerals Feb 22, 2025

Show notes

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

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Hizzoner Among Thieves Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

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

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Washington Post

Produced by Corey Wara

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Not Even Mad: Noam Dworman, Dan Savage Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

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

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Marc Dunkelman Dunks on Progressives to Explain "Why Nothing Works" Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

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

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Eli Lake has Broken History Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

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

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Vic Michaelis and Their Very Important People Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

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

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Mike Goes Savage on LoveCast Feb 15, 2025

Show notes

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 through May in 45 cities across North America and Europe. Read, listen, follow and more at savage.love.

Produced by Corey Wara

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Chuck D's Creative Process Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

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

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