
Not Even Mad
Approaching the news from distinctly different points on the political spectrum, host Mike Pesca, and panelists Liz Wolfe and Michael A. Cohen, attempt to change each other’s minds on the most important stories of the day. Often unsuccessfully. Between the non-stop election cycle and torrents of cancellations (real or imagined), there is a ton to argue about. But don’t worry. In the end, they’re NOT EVEN MAD.
Latest episodes

5 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
EP 21 | Allison Schraeger and Matt Yglesias
Join Matt Yglesias, a political and economic commentator behind the Slow Boring Substack, and Allison Schraeger, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author with a unique take on risk. They dive into the political unrest in Los Angeles and how it affects strategies within the Democratic Party. Their conversation also touches on NYC's government-run grocery stores, critiques of the recent Big Beautiful Bill, and amusing observations on summer smells and the quirks of modern audio technology, blending serious topics with lighthearted humor.

May 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
EP 20 | Michael Cohen & Eli Lake
Eli Lake, host of Breaking History, and Michael A. Cohen, MSNBC columnist, dive deep into the debate over President Biden's health and its political implications. They tackle the exaggerated narratives around Biden's cognitive abilities while contrasting them with Trump's foreign policy, which prioritizes realpolitik over moral considerations. The duo critiques how these dynamics shape public perception and international relations, questioning the effectiveness of amoral strategies in global diplomacy.

May 8, 2025 • 53min
EP 19 | Austin Berg & Eric Zorn
Austin Berg and Eric Zorn are Not Even Mad as we discuss mayoral overcrowding and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, the supposed new MAGA slayer. Plus: a few thoughts on our new American spiritual leader—not the pope, but the Surgeon General. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com 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 The Gist List at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 17, 2025 • 53min
EP 18 | Bryan Green and Carine Hajjar
Boston Globe columnist Carine Hajjar and The Commercial Break’s Bryan Green debate whether Joe Rogan’s platforming of antisemitic conspiracies signals a deeper rot—or just the cost of open conversation. Plus: should Harvard be defunded? And will Kilmar Abrego Garcia stay in a Salvadoran prison? In Goat Grinders, we take aim at student driver bumper stickers, White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood’s biting critique of SNL, and nothing left to stream. Theme by Max Kerman Produced by Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com 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

Apr 3, 2025 • 55min
EP 17 | Sarah Isgur and Sarada Peri
In this “Not Even Mad” episode, Sarah Isgur of The Dispatch and former Obama speech writer Sarada Peri dig into “massive cuts under DOGE, Cory Booker’s latest stemwinder, recent election results, and somehow, Chester A. Arthur crashes the party. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com 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

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 25min
EP 16 | Anthony Weiner and Nick Gillespie
Former Congressman (and current NYC Council candidate) Anthony Weiner and Reason Editor-at-Large Nick Gillespie square off over whether the national debt is an true crisis, if Chuck Schumer made the best of a bad hand, and whether government can—or should—ever shrink. Plus, in Goat Grinders, we take on Walter Cronkite’s legacy, the absurd NCAA tournament gripes, and the myth of “wanting it more.” Produced by Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com 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

Mar 6, 2025 • 53min
EP 15 | Tariffs and Doge's Dodgy Dogma
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 thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com 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

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 27min
EP 14 | NYC Mayor Eric Adams & The War In Ukraine
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. And because you’ve subscribed directly, enjoy a bonus segment on the most offensive SNL sketches featured in the show's 50th anniversary special. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com 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

Feb 6, 2025 • 59min
EP 13 | Trump’s Overreach & the Democrats’ Lack of Reach
Katie Herzog, co-host of 'Blocked and Reported,' brings her sharp political commentary and insights on sobriety, while Jonah Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Dispatch, delivers his expert analysis on current issues. They dive into Trump’s controversial remarks linking a tragic plane crash to DEI policies, questioning the political ramifications. The duo also critiques the Democrats’ branding struggles, explores challenges in urban governance like homelessness, and discusses the impact of halting aid programs on communities, all with spirited debate and humor.

Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 5min
EP 12 | Trump's First Four Days
Michael A. Cohen, a political columnist and fellow at the Center for Strategic Studies, joins Matt Welch, Editor-at-large for Reason magazine, to dissect the whirlwind first days of Trump's second term. They dig into his controversial executive orders on immigration and civil rights, raising alarms about accountability after political pardons. The discussion also highlights the societal impacts of Trump's policies and offers a humorous take on cultural quirks, mixing insightful analysis with lighthearted banter.