The Gist

Former LA Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer faces accusations of sexual assault, with the host examining the media's coverage of the case. The podcast also explores Yascha Mounk's book on identity politics and power. Chapters tackle the effectiveness of a southern border wall, rejection of grand narratives, progressive separatism in education, and the complexities of defining consent in rough sex.

Discussion on the impact of the movie 'Airplane!' on comedy, including its origins, iconic lines, and fortunate casting choices. Exploration of the exclusion of applicants with mental health issues from the Peace Corps and a new lawsuit challenging this decision.

Peyton Manning, professional athlete, shares life lessons in this episode. They discuss time management from Andy Reid and how Manning intentionally opens up his feet to attack. Also, the Belarussian SOBR unit's abuse of power is mentioned and the discussion of whether the eight Republican defectors are truly 'hard right'.

NPR's Steve Inskeep discusses how Abraham Lincoln used conversation, engagement, compromise, and tact to navigate the divided America of his time. The podcast also highlights the appointment of a new black LGBTQ Senator in California and delves into the intersection of anti-blackness and misogyny in politics.

The podcast discusses the impact of trigger warnings on teen girls and the problems of labeling everything as trauma. It explores the effectiveness of trigger warnings, the differences between publications and social movements, the consequences of information overload, and Trump's unusual behavior as a defendant in a civil case.

In this installment of Best Of The Gist, an extra from our two-part interview with Heather Cox Richardson, which aired this past week. She read every copy of the New York Times from the end of the Civil War to the turn of the century. Listen to find out why. Then, to keep the history theme alive, we listen back to Mike's 2015 interview with the iconic Sarah Vowell of This American Life and The Incredibles fame. They discuss Lafayette's contribution to the independence of the United States. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com To advertise on the show: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Subscribe to our ad-free and/or PescaPlus versions of The Gist: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Follow Mike's Substack: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Max Kerman, lead singer of Arkells, talks about how to write songs in an age of law suits, and the often weird ways a song gets placed in films and commercials. Plus, Brooklyn Deluge! And the democracy-loving Dems would have done something about Diane Feinstein. 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 Subscribe: https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ Follow Mikes Substack at: Pesca Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heather Cox Richardson, author of "Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America," discusses the failures of the liberal consensus and the emergence of conservative movements. The podcast also touches on controversial moments from the Republican debate and unique interviews with Anderson Cooper. Plus, they explore interesting topics like habits, flavored air, and a nudist colony serving as a witness protection program.

Historian and author Heather Cox Richardson discusses her new book on the state of America. Topics include history's influence on the present, a Philadelphia crime spree, and the roots of authoritarianism in American history. The podcast also explores climate-related deaths and the need for early warning systems.

Progressive Cenk Uygur discusses corruption as the explanation for system flaws. Topics include diplomatic relations with a new nation, trans issues, economic influence on democracy, critique of a two-tier justice system, and the future of the Democratic Party.