Christine Emba, author of Rethinking Sex: A Provocation says those of her generation feel crushed and ground up by the culture that says once consent is given there's nothing you have the right to complain about. Plus, two Republicans on different sides of the establishment spectrum come under fire. Marjorie Taylor Greene testifies in Georgia, and Kevin McCarthy squirms a bit because of a taped phone from January 2021. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author Yascha Mounk joins to discuss his book “The Great Experiment: Why Diverse Democracies Fall Apart and How They Can Endure”. Florida vs Disney and math. Plus, a Michigan Senator laid into a republican colleague who accused her of being a groomer and abetting pedophilia. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Demko, Cannabis editor of POLITICO talks about the nation's hottest marijuana market going, Oklahoma. Also, Libs of TikTok isn't so different from Mugwumps of the Lyceum. That's today's bung starter. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gen. Hodges was the Commanding General, United States Army Europe talks about tooth-to-tail ratio, why Russian generals are dying and how a no-fly zone could work. Plus, a spiel about the what real advocacy for the homeless should look like and Libs of Tik-Tok EXPOSED! Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Though most of the attention paid to the Federal Judiciary is paid to SCOTUS the lower courts have a massive influence. Rick Hasen, Professor of Law and Political Science at the University of California, Irvine is our guide. Plus, a Lucky Charms recall and the Micromort, a puckish li'l fellow here to tell you about the risk of death. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In honor of a truly unique talent’s passing, we’re listening back to Mike’s August 2014 interview with Gilbert Gottfried. We’ll miss you, Gilbert. In the Spiel, Mike analyzes the aftermath of Partygate, and British tabloid headline freestyling ensues. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For years and years the line among liberal fiscal policy experts were that low interest rates, even 0% interest rates were the best thing to do to help struggling Americans gain employment and grow wealth. Only the wealthy, and those excessively fearful of inflation wanted them raised. But Christopher Leonard author of The Lords of Easy Money: How the Federal Reserve Broke the American Economy, tells a different story. Plus, texts from Mike Lee and an Antwentig from Mike P. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TJ Raphael is back to talk about the legal implications of the loosely regulations in the fertility industry that turned sperm donations into actual humans with feelings of betrayal years later. Also, Hasta la Moskva: A Russian warship sinks and a British politician skates. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TJ Raphael host of the podcast “BioHacked: Family Secrets” is chronicling the experiences of the children of anonymous sperm and egg donors, some of whom have hundreds of half-siblings. Plus the New York subway gunman and the issue of motivations. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Todays Show Mike examines the criminal justice from within…by performing his civic duty by jury duty. Therefore, we will be playing a two-part interview with DeRay Mckesson, a leader in the criminal justice reform movement with practical ideas that have sometimes caused friction with other factions of the movement. Plus, two other wars happing outside of Ukraine. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The effort to soften the image of the French far right candidate worked a bit - can it propel her to the The Élysée Palace? Plus, Leon Neyfahk is here to discuss his new series Fiasco: The Aids Crisis. And how to convey that the Ba2 variant is new and different without overhyping its deadliness? Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To commemorate the annual return of baseball (Thursday was opening day), this week on Best of the Gist, we revisit a 20-year-old piece of NPR reporting in which Mike takes us to Yankee Stadium to learn the value the Crackerjack reference in the 1908 song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Could it be the greatest piece of product placement ever? And we replay Monday’s Spiel about mistaking trend for truth. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nate and Bob Odenkirk talk about their new Audible Original Series Summer in Argyle, the difference in comedy on a generational level, and what it is like to work with comedy legends. Plus, “Leave the gun, take the cannoli” and Mike gets a call from a pollster…and he recorded it! Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Craig Calcaterra author of Rethinking Fandom: How to Beat the Sports-Industrial Complex at Its Own Game stops by for a little opening day grouse. Plus, MSNBC hiring Jen Psaki and the terrorists called The Beatles. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The words were spoken to Sonari Glinton, who went on to make The Story of Quincy Jones Podcast, an experience that reoriented Glinton's entire outlook and career. Plus, What Vlad Putin gets paid, and What if we just paid Fox viewers to watch CNN? Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barry Nalebuff, Professor at Yale School of Management has a new way to look at negotiation, which is simple and eye opening. Split the Pie: A Radical New Way to Negotiate depends on, yes, splitting pie, but crucially, defining the pie. And if all that pie talk makes you hungry, I don't know what to tell you because the rest of the show is about Ben Sasse and peace talks with Putin. Interesting topics, just not really related to pie. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Irina Borogan, and Andrei Soldatov, two Russian Journalists who have documented the Kremlin's war on the internet discuss the effectiveness of suppression of news in Russia, and Putin's strengths and failings as an information warrior. In the Spiel, mistaking the trend for the truth, plus Mike resigns from the Academy. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend on BEST OF THE GIST, we unearthed a 2016 interview with Chuck Klosterman, the author of The Nineties and a dozen or so other books. In this archival gem, Mike and Chuck discuss what counts as a great American novel, and how we decide who’s smart. And we’re also listening back to the Tuesday spiel about how a Harvard sleep researcher changed Mike's position in the battle over Daylight Saving Time. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Final 4 finalizes a look at the instinctive, and backward, admonishment so many announcers issue as time is winding down. Plus how China is being regarded by its Asian neighbors in light of the Ukraine war, and Amazon unionizes much to the delight of other union members, including ones on the labor beat of major newspapers. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Cowen, retired Maj. Gn. in the British Army is CEO of HALO Trust. He had 450 workers already in Ukraine clearing bombs and ordnance when the current invasion began. His job is to secure his people, secure unexploded munitions, and funnel relief to civilians in the crosshairs. Plus, parole for the mastermind of Americans largest kidnapping, and how Will Smith’s slap reveals which norms Americans most hold dear. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chuck Klosterman, in his latest book. "The Nineties", examines a decade and the generation attached to it; afraid of selling out, excited to be unenthused. The meaning of a decade isn't perfectly clear, but for a time Pepsi was. In the Spiel, are the Bidens just lying about all the personal correspondence they leave lying about? Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The families of Sandy Hook Elementary were faced with a horrible tragedy compounded by a cynical charlatan and a cadre of like-minded conspiracists. Writer Elizabeth Williamson dissects how the tactics personalities and counter measures in Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth. In the Spiel Mike has been restive on the subject of Daylight-saving so it’s time to follow the science. Plus, why the example of Harvey Weinstein is cited as justification of disparate agendas. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Academy Awards presents a show, post-slap, that is indistinguishable from pre. We're expected to interpret what happened as a part of Smith's hero's journey. Plus Professor Aditi Paul researched if college students actually like hooking up, and if the women liked it as much as the men. Spoiler: They Didn't but just by a little. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the NCAA’s March Madness basketball tournament heats up, on this week’s Best Of The Gist, we bring you a pair of stories from college sport. The first is part two of Mike’s interview with John Tauer, the head coach of the St. Thomas University's basketball team, which made an unprecedented leap ahead of this season from Division 3 to Division 1. Tauer discusses what changes when a team makes such a bold move. Then we listen back to our Monday show, when Mike Spieled about University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas, who won the NCAA title in the 500. Other swimmers protested her inclusion in the women's division as unfair. Some swimmers, including ones she out-touched supported her right to swim as her true self. Mike looks at the arguments on both sides, points to many as ridiculous, but a few as legitimate and truly vexing. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Tauer head coach of the St. Thomas Tommies has won two national championships on the Division III Level, this year he was thrust into Division I, which should have meant a nearly winless season. Instead, the team found a way to beat playing bigger, faster, more highly recruited opponents. In the spiel, it's an Antwentig, and Lobstars are to be awarded. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Karan Soni (Deadpool) plays the awkward Ravi, who is a bit frightened then a bit taken with the secretly rebellious Geraldine Viswanathan (Blockers) Rita in Seven Days, which opens March 25. In the spiel Mike contemplates Candace Owens: Dupe or Dope. And does the Los Angeles mayoral race stink on ice? Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

But so is a round Earth. So how do these square pegs in round holes justify themselves? With YouTube videos, of course, but also sometimes with some violence. Mike talks with Kelly Weill, author of Off the Edge: Flat Earthers, Conspiracy Culture, and Why People Will Believe Anything about these sometimes-problematic folks. In the Spiel, Mike considers the case against an opera about Emmett Till that was co-written by a black composer and a white librettist. And in Senate Judiciary Hearing news, Senators and potential Supreme Court justices agree: murderers are bad. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John McWhorter, author of Woke Racism and Nine Nasty Words stops by to discuss a linguistic trend Mike has noticed, about phrases that are totalizing but at the same time, particular. In the Spiel Mike discusses attention spans, Ukraine, and how unrelated they are. Plus Lindsey Graham goes "Freakin' Nuts" Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lia Thomas University of Pennsylvania swimmer won the NCAA title in the 500. Other swimmers protested her inclusion in the women's division as unfair. Some swimmers, including ones she out-touched supported her right to swim as her true self. Mike looks at the arguments on both sides, points to many as ridiculous, but a few as legitimate and truly vexing. Plus, Frank Bruni on losing some of one sense, while gaining a lot of another. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s Best Of The Gist, we listen back to Monday’s Spiel about who’s to blame for inflation. Weirdly, it’s not Mitch McConnell’s fault. Then, in our archival interview from September 2020, Jonathan V. Last, editor of the Bulwark, talked with Mike about the then recent passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the potential political fallout. Last walks through some of the nightmare scenarios, and then he explains that although he remains optimistic with regards to the legitimacy of the SCOTUS, he is ultimately losing faith that some voters care not for a system of governance that is capable of functioning competently. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah-Violet Bliss and Charles Rogers, the co-creators of Search Party haven't just made a hilarious TV show for 5 seasons, they put their finger on a type of character that used to be called Millennial but now is just called "people". Plus, Do You Feel the Lavrov Tonight? Sergey Lavrov engages in media critique. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baby got Back Matter today as Dennis Duncan author of "Index, a History of The", holds forth on the surprisingly surprising story of the index. Plus, the President alleges War Crime, and March Madness' productivity costs are entirely fabricated, obviously ridiculous, and a mainstay of sports coverage. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daylight Saving time ALL the time was passed by the Senate in a vote that was both bold and Sudden. Mike debunks the counterclaims that school children will be bathed in inky darkness as they wait for busses in the pre-dawn hours. Plus, the second part of an interview with Dr. Todd Kashdan author of The Art of Insubordination How to dissent and Defy Effectively. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Todd Kashan, author of The Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively, says there are ways to create clarity value and progress without turning disagreement into combat. Plus, a new head of Isis and a new poll that makes Republicans feel braver than Democrats. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vanessa Van Edwards a behavioral investigator, body language guru, and author of “CUES: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication” joins to analyze everything from Kermit the Frog to emojis. In the spiel, Mike talks about inflation, and who is to blame. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s edition of The Best of the Gist, Mike bemoans Russia’s arrest of basketball star Brittney Griner and what it says about our current moment. Then, we listen back to a happier time…March 7, 2017, to be exact, when Henry “Fonzie” Winkler was our guest. Fun Fonzie Fact: Did you know that Henry has written dozens of children's books featuring the character Hank Zipzer? True story. Happy Days are here again, literally. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Poast University of Chicago professor and author of Arguing about Alliances says we're past the open stage of the war in Ukraine. In the Spiel Mike discusses US cyber vulnerabilities and tries to get a handle on what a hack might look like and discusses how to stop one, with Glenn Gerstell, former Counsel for the NSA Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brad Meltzer, author of the Lightning Rod, breaks down how to induce an adrenaline rush via the written word. Plus, baseball's back, but still not terribly exciting, and Madison Cawthorn, D minus demagogue. *This episode was originally posted with yesterday's spiel. If the spiel today sounds familiar, please re-download the episode to hear the corrected version* Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana Stevens is here to discuss the extraordinary life and cinematic contributions of Buster Keaton. In the spiel Mike explains why if Russian gas accounts for only 7% of US supply prices have risen much more than that. Also, what qualifies as a moderate on gun control? Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist This episode of The Gist is sponsored by Ground News, visit www.ground.news/thegist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The former Republican Governor of Ohio and the former left-leaning host of a Comedy Central show get together to discuss issues, find solutions, and name-drop certain Austrian muscle men. In the spiel Mike more accurately defines cancel culture and addresses the idea that punishing ideas is only a myth or a moral panic. Warning / Inducement: It’s a long Spiel Kasich and Klepper Podcast: Kasich & Klepper on Apple Podcasts Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Former Attorney General denied wrong-doing to Lester Holt, but ultimately charged Trump with willful ignorance about the lie of a stolen election.  On the show Mike interviews Dan Baer, former Obama administration State Department Official on how the US can help the Ukrainians without becoming co-combatants, and how the threat of nuclear weapons overshadows nearly everything Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s special weekend edition of The Gist, we listen back to Mike’s February 15, 2017 interview with then Executive Producer of CBS’s The Late Show with Steven Colbert, Chris Licht. We’re replaying his interview, because this past week, Chris left that job for a very high-profile one as the head honcho at CNN. Also on the show, a 17-minute excerpt from Mike’s February 20, 2022 interview with Meghan Daum, host of The Unspeakable Podcast. But here’s the twist…Pesca is the interviewee! He and Daum discuss his early career at NPR and the current state of newsrooms in a polarized political climate. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brett Hankison had faced the most serious charges all the police involved in the raid that killed Breonna Taylor. Mike examines the trial and explains why this officer might have walked after others in Minnesota were found guilty. Plus, Mike Sacks has penned a massive faux- autobiography of a right wing blow hard talk show host who is so true-to-life the January 6th commission is probably subpoenaing him as we speak. And it's an Antwentig- time for Lobstars. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US Naval dominance has assured an unprecedented age of peace and prosperity on world's waters. Gregg Easterbrook notes the little-observed near-miracle of Pax Marititum. Plus finding hope in the hopeless state of the climate. Here's Mike's Hopeful hint: Just think of it like Cancer! Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A slog in Ukraine could be Putin's undoing - what would that look like? Charles Kupchan, former special adviser to President Obama is in touch with Russian officials and insiders, he games out the consequences of Ukraine as Waterloo. Plus Rashida Tlaib's SOTU clap back, and Andrew Cuomo is claiming exoneration in a new 30 second ad. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gerrett Graff author of Watergate: A New History talks about Mark Felt and what really pushed Nixon out On today’s show Mike concludes his interview with the author of an expansive new history of Watergate, Garrett Graff. Plus a few suggestions for how to describe the State of Our Union (Hangry?) and the debut of the first bonafide jingle of Season Two. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Russian President is tough, cruel and ambitious. But now that he's suffered setbacks, we're hearing he's also mad. On Todays Show Mike considers how useful it is to dwell on Putin's mental health and how accurate it is to tell ourselves that the Ukrainian resistance is indomitable. Plus, Garrett Graff author of Water Gate: A New History stops by to tell us what’s new in the land of Nixon. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's Best Of The Gist episode, Mike talks with Moises Naim about the rise of the autocrat, and we time warp back to July 2014 to hear an eerily familiar tale about Putin. Produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at [email protected] To advertise on the show, visit: https://advertisecast.com/TheGist  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices