The Gist

Joe Gatto, former star of Impractical Jokers and current stand-up comedian, shares insights from his special, Messing With People, focusing on light-hearted pranks that foster laughter rather than anger. He discusses the importance of friendship and consent in prank comedy, as well as his comedic evolution and the challenges of connecting with audiences. Additionally, the conversation touches on the backlash against Disney's Snow White remake and critiques U.S. foreign policy regarding Ukraine, highlighting its moral implications.

Anthony Weiner, former Congressman and NYC Council candidate, joins Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-Large at Reason Magazine, for a lively discussion on pressing political issues. They debate whether the national debt poses a real crisis and explore the challenges of running a campaign in a polarized climate. The duo also critiques the perception of effort in sports, questioning the cultural narratives surrounding success. They tackle the legacy of Walter Cronkite and the realities of fiscal responsibility, touching on the complexities of Social Security sustainability.

In The Prosecutor: One Man's Battle to Bring Nazis to Justice, Jack Fairweather tells the story of a Jewish lawyer who fled the Nazis, only to return and put them on trial—despite resistance from the West German government. Plus, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, whom Trump calls a "Radical Left Lunatic," may not be so radical after all. And in the spiel, Mike unpacks a Washington Post “fact check” of Trump’s Voice of America cuts, revealing it as more rhetorical sleight of hand than rigorous analysis. 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

David Enrich, New York Times journalist and author of 'Murder the Truth,' dives into the complexities of defamation law and the impact of journalistic freedom on public figures. He reflects on the intricacies of covering Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings, emphasizing the balance between accountability and thorough reporting. The discussion also touches on landmark legal cases like New York Times v. Sullivan, revealing the ongoing challenges faced by journalists navigating truth and reputation in today's media landscape.

One consequences of Trump's anti-DEI initiatives is the disbanding of a talented youth orchestra featured on 60 Minutes. The Spiel analyzes the recent U.S. airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, comparing the Trump administration's more aggressive approach to previous military engagements and questioning whether tough talk translates to meaningful strategic differences. And Russell Shorto, author of "Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America," explores the fascinating Dutch origins of New York City, and the far-sighted decision to give it up without a fight. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike was recently on the Smoke 'Em If You Got 'Em Podcast. Enjoy! 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

Matthew Schrag, the Alzheimer’s whistleblower who uncovered one of the biggest medical deceptions in history, joins the show. Plus, Chuck Schumer takes the hits, absorbs the pain, and spares Democrats from a brutal shutdown battle—sometimes being a punching bag is part of the job. 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

Rodrigo Duterte stands trial in The Hague for his brutal drug war—a prosecution that is justified but also political. Meanwhile, Sadie Dingfelder joins us to play Is That BS? to determine whether yelling “Help” or “Fire” is the smarter move in an emergency. Plus, Part 2 of Nine Bullets, One Knife, Many Wrong Questions—separating fact from fiction in a fatal NYC subway shooting. 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

Lauren Egan, a writer for The Bulwark and author of the insightful newsletter "The Opposition," dives into the current state of the Democratic Party amidst key challenges. She discusses Senate Democrats' strategic hesitations over fears of political fallout amid critical funding battles. The conversation extends to the party's difficulties in navigating a shifting media landscape, especially as they prepare for elections. Egan also reflects on a recent subway shooting, probing the delicate balance between public safety and media narratives surrounding policing.

The podcast dives into the economic implications of Trump's policies, suggesting he may not escape financial fallout. It analyzes the intersection of political decisions and personal finance, particularly in light of struggling 401ks. An interview with Elle Reeve sheds light on the chaotic Unite the Right rally, revealing the complexities of extremism and unexpected alliances. It also tackles the contentious issues of free speech, anti-Semitism on campuses, and the moral dilemmas surrounding U.S. immigration policy.