The Gist

Kathy Boockvar, former Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, played a vital role in ensuring the integrity of the 2020 elections amidst intense pressure from election deniers. She reveals her strategies for countering misinformation and maintaining public trust in the electoral process. The conversation also touches on Donald Trump's unconventional behavior during the election and his remarks about Liz Cheney, showcasing the ongoing challenges in American political discourse and the fight against election disinformation.

Casper Kelly, the genius behind the viral sensation "Too Many Cooks," discusses the surreal storytelling that captivated audiences and his creative process. There's also a dive into the phrase "retweets don’t equal endorsements" with Patrick LaForge, who unpacks its importance in today’s social media landscape. The conversation explores absurdity in media, the quirks of sitcoms, and the challenges of modern storytelling, revealing how these topics intersect with cultural commentary. Get ready for a mix of humor and insightful reflections!

In this lively conversation, Sam Jay, a former SNL writer and stand-up comic known for her sharp humor on social issues, dives into the intricacies of comedy and race. She discusses the emotional impact of police violence on the Black community, shedding light on collective trauma. The conversation also navigates the financial challenges faced by Black Americans, emphasizing the need for better financial education. With insight and wit, Sam reflects on how her experiences shape her comedy and the importance of evolving perspectives in both art and life.

Bloomberg reporter Akshat Rathi, an expert on climate change and energy, dives into critical discussions around the evolving nature of presidential endorsements, noting their waning power. He highlights the surging energy demands from the AI revolution and how it impacts power companies, especially in contrast to emerging economies. Rathi also examines Microsoft’s ambitious carbon negativity goals and debates the shifting energy landscape in Germany and the contrasting EV adoption in the U.S. and Norway, all while stressing the importance of environmental accountability in politics.

Joe Biden calls Trump supporters "garbage," only he didn't mean it, probably, though he did say it, literally. Ugh. Pennsylvania Puerto Ricans are in play! Plus, Trump and Harris' dueling energy policies, and a conversation with Akshat Rathi, reporter for Bloomberg News, host of Bloomberg's Zero podcast, and author of Climate Capitalism: Winning the Race to Zero Emissions and Solving the Crisis of Our Age. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscribe to The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chardon Black, a Gen Z voter from Cleveland, joins a vibrant panel discussing the upcoming Presidential election. They candidly share their insights on democracy and the youth vote, emphasizing the importance of listening to diverse perspectives. The conversation touches on how to resonate with fellow young voters on pressing issues, while also critiquing overlooked policies from politicians like Kamala Harris that could impact lives. Their reflections reveal the excitement and challenges this generation faces as they step into voting for the first time.

Musa Al-Gharbi, author of "We Have Never Been Woke," dives into the complexities of social activism and its ties to symbolic capital. He discusses the interesting backlash from a comedian's joke at a Trump rally, linking it to current political trends. Al-Gharbi critiques the narratives surrounding wokeness and examines the socio-economic implications of child tax credit proposals. He challenges biases in sociology and explores the nuanced voting behavior among non-white demographics, urging a deeper understanding of these critical issues.

Philip Zimbardo, the renowned psychologist behind the Stanford Prison Experiment, reflects on the ethical ramifications of his work and how it reveals the darker sides of human nature. He discusses how ordinary individuals can act cruelly under pressure, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and intervention. Joining him is Dan Abrams, who critiques the media's approach to controversial interviews, particularly Kamala Harris’ recent situation, raising questions about transparency and the potential manipulation in storytelling.

Gary Vider, a stand-up comedian and host of #1 Dad, shares candid tales about growing up with a conman father whose unorthodox parenting involved deception and fear. He reflects on how these experiences shaped his comedy and identity. The conversation dives into the lasting scars of such a relationship, navigating themes of trauma, estrangement, and reconciliation. Vider's humor intersperses a deeper exploration of family dynamics, revealing the emotional challenges of confronting a father's dubious legacy.

Fred Kaplan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and national security expert, dives into his novel "A Capital Calamity," which humorously explores the end of the world orchestrated by a consultant. He discusses the absurdity of airlines' no-smoking signs and reflects on the absurdity of modern politics, especially regarding Trump's influence and the anti-incumbent sentiment globally. Kaplan also contemplates the weight of personal responsibility in arms control, the unpredictability of political predictions, and the cultural divides affecting voter behavior.