The Gist

Latest Episodes:

Republicans Explain Polarization Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

A run down of the major themes of Day One of the RNC, from gas prices to the many black Republicans who took the stage. Plus, JD Vance and DJ Trump are mirror images. Also, as the polarizing effect of fiery political rhetoric is blamed for political violence, we hear from dozens of Republicans who agree, deflect, deny, explain, excuse, acknowledge.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Heated Rhetoric (And Deranged People With Guns) Are Making Politics Dangerous Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

Other than political brinksmanship, the fraying of societal norms, an ocean of bad information, and nearly unchecked gun ownership, how have we arrived at this moment in which people think the way to settle an election is with an assault rifle? Mike is in Miluakee for the RNC, and he will explain. Also, we are joined by Abby Kiesa, Deputy Director at Tufts University's Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), to talk about why young people vote—or, more likely, don't vote—and why it's so hard to study. Plus, the upending of the 2024 election.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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BEST OF THE GIST: The Good Fight Edition Jul 13, 2024

Show notes

This week, we dedicate our weekend Best Of show to an interview Mike did on Yascha Mounk's podcast, The Good Fight. Mike is the guest in this wide-ranging conversation about media and society, and Yascha's voice is very calming. Enjoy.

Thanks to Yascha, Brendan, and Jack at The Good Fight for letting us use their episode.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Water War Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

Gabriela Cowperthwaite and investigative reporter Nate Halverson join Mike to talk about their film about the international militias and governments waging a war for water, The Grab. Plus, Biden passes his presser, judging on the curve of his capabilities. Also, when Broadway brilliance becomes basic.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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France vs USA When "Democracy Is At Stake" Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

In the United States, we're told that democracy is "on the ballot." But how do the very people making those claims enjoin the battle to save it? In France, they pulled back from a far right victory. We're joined by Yascha Mounk, the Editor in Chief of Persuasion, a Johns Hopkins Professor, and author of, The Great Experiment: Why Diverse Democracies Fall Apart and How They Can Endure.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Elon Musk: Space Innovator or Inefficient Colonel Sanders? Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

A New York Times front page investigation tallies up all the bird nests (nine total) and other flora, fauna, and civil war battlefields "discommoded" by launches of SpaceX rockets. We contemplate the price of progress vs. the piping plover. Plus, getting French elections shamelessly wrong, and a three-way 1950's Meet The Press-style conversion between Mike, journalist Eric Zorn of The Picayune Sentinel, and Tom Chittum, Senior Vice President of ShotSpotter, the audio detection technology that's been criticized for not providing police accurate enough information.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Facing Faceblindness Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

Sadie Dingfelder (or at least someone of her general shape wearing the same outfit) is back to talk more about her research and her new book, Do I Know You?: A Faceblind Reporter's Journey into the Science of Sight, Memory, and Imagination. Plus, the Alec Baldwin trial begins, and how the extremist MAGA Republican nominee for Governor in North Carolina didn't say the things he's alleged to have said.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com

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The AUKUS Caucus Can Be Raucous Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

The faceblind but otherwise incredibly observant Sadie Dingfelder drops by to discuss her new book, Do I Know You?: A Faceblind Reporter's Journey into the Science of Sight, Memory, and Imagination. Plus, Joe Biden does well in interviews which seek to assure the Australian nuclear submarine enthusiast community. He also takes credit for some things he previously distanced himself from, and voters will have to decide if the content or the delivery of his arguments matter most. Also, the deal between Skydance and Paramount is a "national amusement" all its own.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com

To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist

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Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack

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BEST OF THE GIST: Founding Fathers Day Edition Jul 06, 2024

Show notes

In this installment of Best Of The Gist, a couple interviews from the vault in honor of Independence Day. First up, historian Gordon S. Wood explains why the friendship between founding fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams should give us hope. Then Mike talks about founding fathers' thighs with Alexis Coe, author of You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Living Constitutionally Requires A Strong Constitution Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

Americans talk a big game about the U.S. Constitution and its role in guiding the nation for nearly 250 years, but few try to live strictly by the words of said document. AJ Jacobs is one of them. For a year, this patriot upheld the high values, carried a musket in public, and struggled against the oppression of Revolutionary era socks, and he is out with the book, The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution's Original Meaning. Plus, Mike officially disses the Articles of Confederation.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com

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