The Gist

In light of the recent tragedy, Mike unlocks a 2016 interview with the late Rob Reiner. It is a conversation that now plays differently: Reiner discusses his film Being Charlie, which was written by his son Nick Reiner—the man now arrested in connection with his death. Mike reflects on the director's legacy, the eerie prescience of their discussion on addiction and family, and the President's disparagement of the deceased. Then, The Spiel turns to the Compact magazine essay by Jacob Savage on the "vanishing" white male in cultural industries. Mike parses the statistics—from Ivy League hiring to MacArthur Grants—to ask if the corrective pendulum has swung too far. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.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

Comedian Jay Jurden explains why nine years of theater training is his "superpower" on the stand-up stage—and why he treats every punchline like a line of dialogue rather than a personal diary entry. His new special, Yes Ma'am, argues that physical specificity (from "rolling a wheelchair into affordable housing" to Marjorie Taylor Greene's hooves) is what separates a 300-level performer from a novice looking at their shoes. Along the way: memories of growing up in Canton, Mississippi, where movie sets for A Time to Kill. Plus, the greatest college football analogy ever delivered by a gay comedian—a warning against "scrambling" for viral crowd work instead of sticking to the designed play. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.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

Neuroscientist Nicholas Wright, author of "Warhead," shares fascinating insights on the intersection of the brain and warfare. He discusses why major powers often struggle in counterinsurgency conflicts, driven by deep-rooted instincts like identity and revenge. Wright highlights the importance of metacognition in preventing strategic missteps and draws on historical examples, such as post-1945 Germany, to emphasize that political rebuilding requires time and patience. His unique perspective sheds light on modern warfare’s psychological underpinnings and the evolving nature of conflict.

James Clyburn, a long-serving U.S. Congressman and author, shares insights from his book, The First Eight, which explores the challenges faced by Black lawmakers during Reconstruction. He emphasizes that faith should drive action, referencing his father's belief in leading by example. Clyburn highlights the heroism of Robert Smalls and the complex choices made by figures like Thomas E. Miller. He reflects on Ulysses S. Grant's role in Reconstruction, assessing it through a political lens shaped by his own congressional experiences.

Mikhail Zygar is a Russian journalist and filmmaker in exile, renowned for his insights into Russian politics. In this discussion, he explores the motivations behind his book, detailing his personal stakes after leaving Russia. Zygar draws parallels between the late-Soviet era's information overload and today's social media dynamics. He highlights the significance of Gorbachev's reforms, Chernobyl's role in press freedom, and the subsequent failures of democracy in post-Soviet Russia. His reflections offer a compelling look at historical and contemporary challenges in governance.

Chris Dalla Riva, a data journalist and author of Uncharted Territory, dives into fascinating topics around the Billboard Hot 100. He critiques how streaming has reshaped music charts, arguing it brings both accuracy and boredom. Dalla Riva also discusses the growing prevalence of Christmas songs in the Top 10 and unpacks the 'wilderness years' of the Hot 100. The power of playlists is highlighted, showing their influence on hits like Lorde's 'Royals.' Exploring the evolution of pop music through numbers, he reveals how chart trends reflect deeper industry shifts.

Join Daniel Oppenheimer, a writer and the host of 'Eminent Americans,' as he explores the future of interviewing with Mike Pesca. They dive into why Terry Gross is a unique talent, critiquing the rise of unprepared celebrity podcasts. Oppenheimer discusses how print journalists excel in eliciting deep responses and evaluates candidates like Colin McEnroe and John Ronson who could fill Gross's shoes. They also touch on the art of crafting interviews to balance niche topics with broader audience interests.

Shadi Hamid, a noted columnist and senior fellow specializing in Middle East politics, argues for a progressive embrace of U.S. power in his latest insights. He critiques the Left's retreat from global engagement, highlighting the chaos in regions like Syria as a cautionary example. Hamid reflects on historical instances where U.S. intervention led to positive outcomes and warns that moral righteousness without action is futile. He calls for a pragmatic approach to influence American policy, especially in light of recent conflicts like Gaza.

Anthony Weiner, a former U.S. congressman, and John Ketchum, urban policy expert, dive into the chaos of Congress and shifting dynamics in New York politics. They discuss the challenges of governing a city, especially for someone like Mamdani, while analyzing the influence of fringe politics. Topics range from Pelosi's leadership to the legal implications of a U.S. strike on a Venezuelan boat. They also tackle urban issues like fare evasion and pet food taxes, blending sharp critique with practical insights into municipal governance.

Sadie Dingfelder, a journalist focused on science and culture, debunks the persistent myth that December sees a spike in suicides, revealing it’s actually the lowest month for such tragedies. She discusses how winter depression rises despite lower suicide rates and the inaccuracies perpetuated by media. Additionally, they explore the increased risks of holiday-related accidents and health issues. The conversation also touches on the importance of mental health awareness and the lesser-known 988 helpline for those in crisis.