The Gist

Latest Episodes:

For Your Consideration: No Small Endeavor May 05, 2024

Show notes

Infrequently, we offer listeners a taste of something we think you may like that isn't from our kitchen, to torture the metaphor. Such is the case today. You may think you know Malcolm Gladwell. He is, after all, the New York Times bestselling author of Outliers, The Tipping Point, Blink, and other books. He's also the host of the podcast Revisionist History, and it's true that his work is heralded and his opinion asked by many folks on a wide array of issues.

But what makes Gladwell so different that he has become one of the most successful journalists of our day? In this episode of the acclaimed podcast No Small Endeavor, Malcolm tells his own story, from receiving endorsement from his mother to cut class, to attending a Mennonite barn-raising with his mathematician father, to spending three days a week in Freudian therapy as a young adult.

And if you enjoy what you hear, listen to more episodes of No Small Endeavor here.

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BEST OF THE GIST: Criticizing NPR on NPR Edition May 04, 2024

Show notes

In this installment of Best Of The Gist, a break from our typical format for the weekend. Today we'll listen to Mike's recent appearance on WILL, which is Illinois Public Media. He was invited to sit on a panel to discuss if NPR is biased. Mike is just one voice of several in the conversation you will hear (which gets a bit heated in a few spots), but it was an excellent discussion and one we hope you'll enjoy.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Posturing over Protests and Protesting over Posture May 03, 2024

Show notes

For decades, bad posture was seen as everything from a moral failing, to a health risk, to a military vulnerability. In her new book, Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America, University of Pennsylvania historian of medicine Beth Linker discusses how concerns over standing up straight touches eugenics, pseudo-science, and power posing. Plus, Columbia University students inveigh against presumed exclusionary practices at a proposed Tel Aviv campus while supporting a campus in Beijing schooling more Chinese students than any other college. And Chris Hayes of MSNBC argues we've all been paying too much attention to college protests.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Does $61 Billion For Ukraine Come Too Late? May 02, 2024

Show notes

Charles Kupchan, Georgetown Professor and former Obama National Security official, says that the funding for Ukraine is necessary for the desperate country but probably won't lead to retaking much territory controlled by Russia. He also says, the money will stabilize the country which is exactly what is needed for a true peace process to occur. Plus, Kristi Noem crashes in the polls ... expert's say. And an Arizona senator bucks her party on abortion.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Cops On A Campus, Chaos On Another May 01, 2024

Show notes

The pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA is attacked, and the police are no where to be found. A pro-Palestinian building takeover is thwarted at Columbia, and the police are found at fault. Plus, more uncomfortable conversations with a Jew and a former NFL linebacker.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Divulge, Divest, Surely You Chant In Jest Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

Analyzing what the campus divestment movement is really asking for. Is it doable? It is. It is advisable? It isn't. What effect will it have on the war in Gaza? None. Let's riot. Plus, Donald Trump is found guilty of a criminal offense. The experts say this could have little to no effect on his election chances ... Mike thinks otherwise. And Noa Tishby and Emmanuel Acho engage in Uncomfortable Conversations With A Jew.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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The Dog Days Of American Politics Apr 29, 2024

Show notes

Kristi Noem, the Republican Governor of South Dakota, is out defending her shooting of her dog, which has us wondering why she brought it up in the first place. Today on the show, an extended interview with Becca Rothfeld, the non-fiction book critic for the Washington Post and author of the new book, All Things Are Too Small: Essays in Praise of Excess.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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BEST OF THE GIST: Harvey, Tossed Edition … Gross Apr 27, 2024

Show notes

In this installment of Best Of The Gist, a jumbo archival interview (originally a two-parter, combined to one) with Prison Consultant Craig Rothfeld, who also happens to be a childhood friend of Mike's. Rothfeld prepares soon-to-be inmates on the rules and survival techniques of prison life, because, as you might imagine, he himself once did time. In this capacity, Rothfeld was once employed by Harvey Weinstein, whose New York rape conviction was tossed out by an appeals court this week. Then we will listen back to Mike's April 25, 2024 Spiel addressing the Weinstein ruling.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com

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Bezos Uber Alles Apr 26, 2024

Show notes

Dana Mattioli is the Wall Street Journal's "Amazon Reporter," and author The Everything War: Amazon's Ruthless Quest to Own the World and Remake Corporate Power. Plus, Harvey Weinstein's overturned conviction is portrayed as a defeat of the reality of rape prosecutions. Mike argues that we actually don't have to choose between justice for sexual assault victims and giving criminal defendants the full protections of the law.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com

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Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | MikePesca | Substack

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The Caucasian Perquisite Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

In Tracie McMillan's new book, The White Bonus: Five Families and the Cash Value of Racism in America, the author documents the lives and experiences of a handful of white Americans, including herself, and then attempts to quantify their racial benefit. Plus, Harvey Weinstein's NY State conviction is thrown out—a history and analysis of the Sandoval ruling.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com

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

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