Read the full transcript here. Besides the need to attract attention, what are some other drivers behind the news media's tendency to "catastrophize the normal"? To what extent does paltering take place on the politically left and right ends of the new media spectrum? Should journalists try to be as objective and unbiased as possible, or should they strive to make a difference in the world by highlighting particular issues that are important to them? Is the US on the verge of a civil war? Are prophecies of civil war self-fulfilling? Is it (and should it be) okay to reference certain taboo phrases by saying them explicitly? To what extent do journalists pull their punches because they fear angering the wrong crowd?Mike Pesca is host of The Gist, the longest running daily news podcast in history, consistently ranked in Apple's Top 20 Daily News charts. During his 10 years as a correspondent for NPR, Mike guest hosted All Things Considered and the news quiz Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. His work has been featured on This American Life, Radiolab, and Planet Money. He has frequently appeared on MSNBC, CNN, and The PBS Newshour, and written for The Washington Post, The Guardian, GQ, Slate, and Baseball Prospectus. Listen to Mike on The Gist, or follow him on Twitter at @pescami. StaffSpencer Greenberg — Host / DirectorJosh Castle — ProducerRyan Kessler — Audio EngineerUri Bram — FactotumWeAmplify — TranscriptionistsMiles Kestran — MarketingMusicBroke for FreeJosh WoodwardLee RosevereQuiet Music for Tiny Robotswowamusiczapsplat.comAffiliatesClearer ThinkingGuidedTrackMind EasePositlyUpLift[Read more]

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.

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.

In this discussion, Mike Pesca, a veteran NPR journalist, and Emily Jashinsky, a Washington correspondent, dissect the puzzling rise of Donald Trump as he gears up for another presidential run. They explore the cultural and economic factors affecting his support, particularly amidst rising inflation and housing crises. The duo examines how immigration policies intertwine with voter sentiments and the media narratives that shape public perception. Ultimately, they analyze the evolving landscape of the Republican Party and the implications for the upcoming election.

Mike Pesca, host of The Gist, joins the discussion on the recent vice-presidential debate, focusing on J.D. Vance’s likability strategy. He critiques the role of experts in public discourse, particularly highlighting the misleading guidance during pivotal moments. The conversation shifts to the future of the Supreme Court, delving into current political dynamics and their potential impact on judicial decisions. They also examine the evolving trust in governance and the challenges posed by conflicting narratives, especially in the context of foreign policy.

Mike Pesca, an insightful commentator on media dynamics, joins Nick Gillespie, the host of The Reason Interview. They dive into how NPR has struggled to adapt to changing media landscapes and lost its original integrity. The discussion touches on the evolution of trust in journalism, the challenges of misinformation, and the impact of subscription models on legacy media. They also explore the shifting definitions of liberalism and the rise of echo chambers in today’s polarized society, advocating for critical thinking and nuanced dialogue.

Join Sarah Isgur, a former government lawyer and senior editor at The Dispatch, and Mike Pesca, a veteran journalist known for his insightful political commentary. They dive into why politicians lie and the societal implications of these deceptions. The discussion covers the complex motivations behind political dishonesty, the phenomenon of lie inflation, and the challenges of fact-checking in today's media landscape. They also tackle misinformation in hot-button issues like abortion, examining how narratives shape public perception.

Mike Pesca, a veteran journalist and creator of 'The Gist', critiques legacy media’s commitment to objectivity. He reflects on his controversial exit from Slate and discusses how NPR's shift towards progressive moral clarity alienates traditional audiences. The conversation explores why leading newspapers are struggling and the challenges of misinformation in today’s landscape. Pesca emphasizes the importance of nuanced discussions in independent journalism, advocating for exposure to diverse ideas to counteract the decline of critical debate.

Mike Pesca, known for his sharp political and cultural commentary, joins to unpack current Democratic dynamics. They tackle antisemitism and the overuse of terms like "genocide" while contrasting perceptions of Tim Walz's candidacy against reality. The conversation weighs Kamala Harris's media strategy and riffs on Joe Biden's presidency. With a blend of humor and insight, they explore how political discourse evolves in the media landscape and what it means for upcoming elections.