The Gist
Peach Fish Productions
For thirty minutes each day, Pesca challenges himself and his audience, in a responsibly provocative style, and gets beyond the rigidity and dogma. The Gist is surprising, reasonable, and willing to critique the left, the right, either party, or any idea.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 11, 2024 • 38min
BEST OF THE GIST: Pulitzer Edition
Nathan Thrall, Pulitzer winner, discusses his book on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Topics include tragic bus accident parallels, evolving Israeli perspectives, complexities of the Palestinian Authority, military strategy debates, and navigating solutions in the conflict.
May 10, 2024 • 36min
A Drug That Kills Drink's Thrills With Andy Mills
Andy Mills, host of Reflector, discusses the drug Naltrexone's efficacy in curbing alcohol cravings vs. 12-Step programs. He touches on media capture and dissects the phenomenon of fake enthusiasm in podcasts.
May 9, 2024 • 34min
One Cop's Questionable Confessions
Steve Fishman, host of The Burden podcast, delves into questionable convictions by a Brooklyn cop. Topics include balloon releases, cultural insensitivity, and amusing Trump positions.
May 8, 2024 • 36min
A Half-Baked Full-Blown Famine Assessment
The podcast covers topics such as Cindy McCain's assertion of a 'full-blown famine' in Gaza, a House hearing on NPR bias, discussions on lobbying and money in politics, and insights into Paul Manafort's affinity for luxurious fabrics.
May 7, 2024 • 31min
Lobbyists As Apex Predators
Brody Mullins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, discusses the secret history of big money influencing government decisions in Washington D.C. The podcast also covers President Biden's stance on Israel and the complexities of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations. Additionally, it humorously delves into the governor's controversial decision to shoot her dog and goat, featuring a comical monologue by Nibbles, the overlooked goat in the story.
May 6, 2024 • 34min
Objectivity And Other Obsolescent Ideals
Author Danielle Clode discusses koalas, debunking misconceptions and highlighting conservation challenges. The podcast also delves into Trump's view on fines and imprisonment, the significance of VPNs for privacy, and the evolving concept of objectivity in journalism.
May 5, 2024 • 51min
For Your Consideration: No Small Endeavor
Bestselling author and podcast host, Malcolm Gladwell, shares his unique journey of curiosity, from childhood influences to therapy sessions. He discusses the intersection of humility and curiosity, simplifying complexity, and the power of emotional storytelling. Gladwell's upbringing and experiences shaped his inquisitive nature, leading to his success as a journalist.
May 4, 2024 • 52min
BEST OF THE GIST: Criticizing NPR on NPR Edition
Discussion on NPR's bias and funding challenges, decline in listenership, broadcast format criticism, structural coverage analysis, and programming perceptions. Insightful conversation among media professionals and public radio station representatives.
May 3, 2024 • 39min
Posturing over Protests and Protesting over Posture
Historian of medicine Beth Linker explores posture panic in America, touching on eugenics and power posing. The podcast also discusses the controversy of Columbia University's campuses in Tel Aviv and Beijing, critiquing exclusion and support for Chinese students. Chris Hayes questions the focus on college protests while delving into the complexities of politics and personal reflections.
May 2, 2024 • 38min
Does $61 Billion For Ukraine Come Too Late?
Georgetown Professor and former Obama National Security official, Charles Kupchan, discusses the $61 billion aid for Ukraine, its impact on stabilizing the country, and the challenges in regaining territory from Russia. The podcast also touches on Kristi Noem's declining popularity in polls and an Arizona senator's unique stand on abortion legislation.
