The Gist

The roots of the current conflict in Gaza trace back to the Balfour Declaration and earlier, but also to a series of ethnic killings and counterattacks in the years just before Israel became a state. Oren Kessler joins us to discuss Palestine 1936: The Great Revolt and the Roots of the Middle East Conflict. Plus, Trump’s latest tariff chaos has Canadians resorting to some choice words. And in The Spiel, we examine the status of the most aggressive initiatives of the Trump administration. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Not Even Mad, Michael Cohen and Liz Wolfe dissect Trump’s State of the Union-ish spectacle, where he barely asked for forbearance on tariffs and delivered a slew of inaccuracies. We debate whether the Democrats’ paddle-waving protest theater was cringeworthy or just ineffective. Plus, in Goat Grinders, playground break-ins, Icelandair’s deplaning procedures, and the forced obligation of pretending to care about the Oscars. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charles Kupchan, former European affairs specialist in Obama’s White House joins us to discuss whether a viable security agreement could be brokered that meets Ukraine’s needs without granting them everything they want. Kupchan isn’t entirely pessimistic—but he’s also not holding his breath. Plus, Trump’s address to Congress was filled with signature moments: a ripped-up protest sign, a joke about annexing Greenland, and a reading of what he deemed an appropriately deferential letter from Zelensky. But in The Spiel, we break down a different highlight—the section where Trump rattled off supposed cost-saving measures, taking aim at everything from Burmese scholarships to circumcision programs in Mozambique. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg

Trump’s latest tariff escalation on China, Mexico, and Canada has earned the Wall Street Journal’s bluntest critique yet: “dumbest.” With markets reacting sharply, Wall Street remains the one force that might actually make him reconsider. Plus, Brenda Wineapple, author of Keeping the Faith: How American Democracy Survives Scandals, Scoundrels, and Cynics, joins to discuss a century-old “trial of the century” and its relevance to today’s politics. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former CBS Evening News executive producer Mosheh Oinounou joins The Gist to discuss Mo News, his fact-first, non-ideological news platform. We talk about his critiques of legacy media, what he saw from the inside, and why he believes journalism is failing as both a business and a public service. Plus, when it comes to Ukraine the art of negotiation seems to hinge less on geopolitics and more on how much gratitude is lavished upon Trump himself. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on the Gist. We listen back to Tuesdays Spiel about Mikes time at the Principles First Summit. Then we play some of Mike's appearance on the Podcast "Very Serious with Josh Barro". Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Critic and author Kat Rosenfield joins The Gist for a full-show interview, diving into the smear campaign and campaign waged between Blake Lively her director, and the recent sexual abuse allegations against Neil Gaiman. Plus: Analysis of the surprisingly undiplomatic public exchange between Presidents Trump and Zelensky. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Edward Fishman, author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare, is back to discuss the immense power of tariffs, and economic leverage—and how Trump’s understanding (or lack thereof) of these tools. Plus, Trump grumbles to British PM Keir Starmer that Ukraine isn’t paying back U.S. aid, and in The Spiel, what Democrats can actually stand for beyond simply resisting Trump. Mark Cuban suggests it’s about execution, not slogans. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Edward Fishman, author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare, joins to discuss how global trade vulnerabilities shape geopolitics. Plus Trump’s first cabinet meeting sets the stage for what’s to come. And in The Spiel, Mike examines Republican town halls across the country—are the viral outbursts truly representative, or is the media cherry-picking the most dramatic moments? Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Akin Washington Post Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike P

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 Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, contact [email protected] or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: GIST INSTAGRAM Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The legendary Chuck D—Public Enemy’s frontman, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, is now, the author of Interracial Art: Intelligence a collection of drawings, musings, and writings. In the Spiel, the Republican Party recklessly confirms Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run HHS.  Plus, President Trump, in consultation with Vladamir Putin wants to force a “peace plan” on Ukraine. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices