The Gist

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A "Brokenism" Breakdown Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

Everything in the U.S.—and maybe the West—is Broken. It's decayed. What once worked didn't; what never did fails to launch. Alana Newhouse, Editor-in-Chief of Tablet Magazine, who invented the term "Brokenism," is here to explain why it's an apt description, but also one that offers hope. A close observer and chronicler of Israeli society, we get into what Alana is reporting and feeling about the war there. Also, Kamal Harris struggles with answers. And different factions just can't abide living in a moment of U.S. unity behind Israel.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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In Trump's Fraud Who's the Victim? Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

Dennis Vacco, former Attorney General of the state of New York, joins the show to discuss the state's prosecution of the former President. Plus, how the war in Israel differs from territorial disputes. And the finding out about fungibility of funds for Iran.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Columbus Day ... Or Maybe Not Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

On this Indigenous Peoples Day we examine Mike's past—and even further past—stances on the "discoverer" of "America," and if we should be playing "best-of" segments today or originals. Plus, an archival interview with Steve Inskeep about his book Jacksonland: President Andrew Jackson, Cherokee Chief John Ross, and a Great American Land Grab.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Israel Attacked, The World Appalled Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

Mike's reaction to Saturday's attack against Israel.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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BEST OF THE GIST: Mr. Speaker Edition Oct 07, 2023

Show notes

With Kevin McCarthy ousted from his dream job, we decided to look back at one of the most influential Speakers to ever serve, Newt Gingrich. First we listen back to Mike's interview with Steve Kornacki's latest book, The Red and the Blue: The 1990s and the Birth of Political Tribalism. Then we check out Mike's 2020 interview with Princeton History and Public Affairs Professor Julian Zelizer about his book Burning Down the House: Newt Gingrich, the Fall of a Speaker, and the Rise of the New Republican Party. Have a great holiday weekend, and just know that no matter how bad your weekend may seem, it was better than Kevin McCarthy's.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Trevor Bauer Victim Or Victim Blamer? Oct 06, 2023

Show notes

Former LA Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer was essentially run out of baseball after an accusation of sexual assault was lodged against him. Bauer always maintained his innocence, and this week, with the settlement of a legal suit, he posted information on social media that, while incomplete, seems at least somewhat, if not wholly, exculpatory. Mike examines the media's paralysis in covering this matter and ideological media's willingness to lead the way. Plus, Yascha Mounk is out with a new book, The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time. It's an excellent intellectual and practical examination of what some call identity politics and what Mounk rebrands as "identity synthesis." The Washington Post says, "Mounk has told the story of the Great Awokening better than any other writer who has attempted to make sense of it."

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Picked The Wrong Week To Stop Sniffing Glue Oct 05, 2023

Show notes

The 1978 movie Airplane! was a disruptive force in comedy filmmaking, redefining what (and who) was funny. We discuss what went into making the iconic film—from joke density to the line that Sigourney Weaver just wouldn't say—with two of the films writer-directors, Jim Abrahams and David Zucker. They have authored a new book, Surely, You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! Plus, the Peace Corps is rejecting applicants for mental health issues. And a tragic death leads to more disinformation about public security from a public official.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

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Life Lessons From Peyton Manning Oct 04, 2023

Show notes

Sally Jenkins, sports columnist for the Washington Post, is out with The Right Call: What Sports Teach Us About Work And Life. We can learn from Andy Reid about time management and Peyton Manning about purposefully opening his own feet up to attack. Plus, the Belarussian SOBR unit is drunk with power. And are the eight Republican defectors really "hard right?"

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com

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Keep Your Friends Close And The Know-Nothing Doughfaces Closer Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

In Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded In a Divided America, NPR"s Steve Inskeep details how the 16th President used conversation, engagement, compromise, and tact to play the political hand he was dealt, without alienating factions, even those he could not abide. Plus, California has a trail-blazing senator whose a lot of things, just not a Californian. Also on the show, a great day for Matt Gaetz's ego is a less-good day for orderly government.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com

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Muzzling Trigger Warnings Oct 02, 2023

Show notes

Recently in The Atlantic, Jill Filipovic wrote an article titled "I Was Wrong About Trigger Warnings: Has the national obsession with trauma done real damage to teen girls?" We discuss the costs of referreing to the merely "annoying" as a "trauma," and how social justice movements have become therapy spaces. Plus, Donald Trump excoriates the very judge about to fine him. Also on the show, shutting down Matt Gaetz.

Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara

Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com

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