Mike Pesca

Mike Pesca, host of The Gist and a former colleague, joins Susan Glasser, a New Yorker staff writer making her Gabfest debut. They explore Elon Musk's ambitious—and some might say quixotic—attempt to form a third political party in the U.S. The discussion dives into Trump’s contradictory foreign policy, rooted in self-interest, and the ongoing repercussions of his tariff strategies. They also touch on the broader implications these dynamics have on American political engagement and daily life amidst rising challenges.

Join Mike Pesca, a clever host and author, and Jesse Singal, a thoughtful contributor and podcaster, as they delve into the identity crisis facing the Democratic Party. They explore the rising influence of young activists like David Hogg and dissect the challenges of balancing ideological loyalty with broader public appeal. The conversation also touches on the complexities surrounding immigration and transgender policy, emphasizing the need for genuine connections with voters. A lively discussion filled with insights and humor!

Megan McArdle, a columnist for The Washington Post, shares her keen insights on the political maneuvers by Republicans, particularly regarding firings as a political strategy. Mike Pesca, known for his engaging commentary, discusses the implications of Elon Musk's personal life on his public persona. Ben Dreyfuss adds depth, analyzing the potential return of Andrew Cuomo to New York politics. The trio humorously critiques the cultural implications of Disney's new 'Snow White' as they tackle serious issues with a lighter touch.

In this engaging conversation, Mike Pesca, host of The Gist and an experienced journalist, critiques the media's tendency to sensationalize ordinary events, a phenomenon known as catastrophizing. He discusses the dangers of paltering in journalism, questioning whether real objectivity is achievable or if reporters should focus on driving social change. With insights on environmental advocacy and the complexities of cancel culture, Pesca highlights the impact of media narratives on public perceptions and fears about societal threats.

Mike Pesca, former host of 'Not Even Mad' podcast, joins the show to discuss the best mugshots of all time, the Trump prosecutions debate, blurring lines between activism and journalism, and the difficulties of making a podcast where everyone disagrees.

In this lively debate, Mike Pesca, a seasoned journalist known for his daily news insights on The Gist, argues that masculinity is evolving and not a prison. Opposing him, Lux Alptraum, a writer and sex educator, emphasizes how rigid masculine roles can lead to emotional isolation. They explore the influence of cultural figures and the term 'toxic masculinity' on men's identities. The discussion also tackles personal experiences and societal pressures facing men today, making for a thought-provoking conversation on masculinity's role in modern life.

Journalist and podcaster Mike Pesca joins Michael Moynihan to dissect Jimmy Kimmel's return to television amid political controversies. They delve into media bias, questioning the framing of motives behind violent incidents and assessing the role of comedians in free speech debates. The discussion touches on the complexities of political violence in the U.S., the pitfalls of conspiracy theories, and how misinformation affects public trust. Pesca and Moynihan also explore whether courtroom prosecutions should focus on actions rather than ideologies.

Mike Pesca, a centrist podcaster from The Gist, joins the conversation to discuss the Trump administration's escalating conflict with Harvard University. They explore concerns about government overreach in education and its implications for civil liberties. The talk also touches on the ethics of taxation on college endowments and critiques Trump's use of federal power to target perceived enemies. Additionally, corruption linked to Trump's memecoin venture raises eyebrows, sparking a lively debate on political integrity.

Mike Pesca, host of The Gist and renowned for his sharp insights, joins the conversation in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention. They humorously reflect on their live show experiences and interactions with political icons like the Obamas. The group discusses the legacy of Jesse Jackson's speeches, critiques political etiquette, and dives into stories from the city’s intriguing, yet gritty, past involving former gang members. Expect lively banter on school reopenings, the emotional role of music in politics, and the challenges of political engagement today.

Mike Pesca, journalist and 'The Gist' host, discusses media objectivity vs moral clarity, NPR's internal upheaval, and the role of journalists in defending democracy. The podcast delves into the challenges of journalistic objectivity, the evolution of media discourse, and the intersection of politics, economics, and cultural concerns in voter behavior.