The Gist

Today on the Saturday special, we present Mike's full, two-part appearance on the public radio show and podcast The Middle with host Jeremy Hobson and California Congressman Ro Khanna. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the panel tackles the ultimate question: what would you change about the country? Congressman Khanna champions a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and eliminate dark money from politics, while Mike argues for a structural fix to expand human representation by uncapping the total seats in the House of Representatives.

Produced by Corey Wara

Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig

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Today on The Gist, exploring the stark disconnect between economic data and public perception Then, a new Funny You Should Mention with Canadian comedian Graham Kay. He discusses his moving new stand-up special, Pete and Me, which maps his life alongside his autistic brother. Kay shares the chaotic story of his 2011 deportation from America after a sarcastic graffiti arrest in Brooklyn, detailing how his brother's literal interpretation of a jailhouse phone call left him stranded in central booking. He also opens up about the deep, exhausting divisions within the neurodivergent community, pushing back against high-functioning advocates who seek to erase the "disabled" label at the expense of families managing severe, life-altering conditions

Produced by Corey Wara

Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig

Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com

For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/⁠

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Today on The Gist, we examine a wave of 6-3 Supreme Court decisions. Then, strategic communications analyst Anna Varfolomeeva of the Cognitive Security Institute joins the show to discuss her War on the Rocks report exposing the deep systemic rot inside the Russian military infrastructure. Varfolomeeva explains how intense Ukrainian drone innovation has ground Russia's advances down to a microscopic 23 meters a day and how a culture of institutional lying has left the state uniquely fragile. Finally, in the spiel, check the statistical baseline before falling for media sensationalism, analyzing everything from French heat-wave drownings to Pete Hegseth's military promotion blacklists.

Produced by Corey Wara

Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig

Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com

For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/⁠

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Today on The Gist, we explore the collapse of the bipartisan affordable housing package on Capitol Hill. Then, former Obama deputy national security adviser and chief speechwriter Ben Rhodes returns for the conclusion of his conversation on All We Say: The Battle for American Identity, A History in 15 Speeches. Rhodes reacts to historical audio from nuclear negotiator Wendy Sherman to define the explicit red lines of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, detailing how negotiated limitations and sweeping supply chain inspections remain superior to the temporary setbacks of military strikes. Finally, in the spiel, a look at the New York primary and why newly elected congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier represents a low for the party.

Produced by Corey Wara

Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig

Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com

For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/⁠

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Today on The Gist, lack of civic information and public debates available to voters ahead of the New York state assembly primary elections. Then, former Obama deputy national security adviser and chief speechwriter Ben Rhodes joins the show to discuss his new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity, A History in 15 Speeches. He breaks down how historical icons from Seneca Chief Red Jacket to Abraham Lincoln used the power of rhetoric to push for progressive change without resorting to moral purity tests. Rhodes critiques the modern political landscape, explaining how the online left's reliance on shaming has backfired compared to the unyielding optimism of early Obama campaigns.

Produced by Corey Wara

Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig

Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com

For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/⁠

For ad-free content or to become a Pesca Plus subscriber, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/

For Mike's daily takes on Substack, subscribe to The Gist List https://mikepesca.substack.com/

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