The Gist

Guest host Scott Pierce introduces an interview with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Benson discusses her book, The Purposeful Warrior, and reflects on defending election integrity following the 2020 election. She shares insights on confronting threats against public officials, fostering interstate coordination among election administrators, and navigating complex ballot access decisions. Additionally, she reflects on her tenure as dean of Wayne State University Law School and discusses strategies for restoring public confidence in state government.
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Produced by Corey Wara
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Guest host Adaam introduces Funny You Should Mention featuring Mike Pesca's conversation with Oxford educated comedian and freestyle rap powerhouse Chris Turner. Chris details his evolution from teenage deadpan one-liners to headlining top comedy clubs with real-time, crowd-assisted improvisational hip-hop. They discuss strategies for defusing hecklers, why freestyling feels more like tennis than chess, and how to build a flow state on stage. Plus, Chris takes on an impromptu five-word challenge, weaving Goyim, Jerry Springer, Cabinet Nominees, LegalZoom, and Hispaniola into an off-the-cuff freestyle
Produced by Corey Wara
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, guest host Adaam discusses Maryland Governor Wes Moore's refusal during a recent debate to commit to serving a full second term if re-elected, fueling speculation around his potential 2028 presidential ambitions. To explore where his political ambitions might lie, we replay Mike Pesca's 2024 interview with Governor Moore covering Maryland's economic strategies, housing reforms, gun violence reduction, and insights from his academic research on international terrorism.
Produced by Corey Wara
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/
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Today on The Gist, guest host Adaam introduces a look back at America's complex relationship with the death penalty, featuring two segments from the archives. First, Mike Pesca examines the ethics and realities of state executions following Alabama's controversial use of nitrogen hypoxia. Then, in a 2018 interview, Vice reporter Gianna Toboni discusses Nevada's plan to use fentanyl in the execution of death-row inmate Scott Dozier, exploring the pharmaceutical pushback, legal loopholes, and the moral debate surrounding state-assisted suicide.
Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/GIST and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are.
Produced by Corey Wara
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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Today on The Gist, guest host Charlie introduces Mike Pesca's conversation with comedian Michelle Buteau on Funny You Should Mention. Buteau discusses making history with her special, A Buteau-ful Mind, at Radio City Music Hall, balancing self-deprecation with sharp observational humor, and her transition from television news editor to stand-up comedy. She also addresses audience expectations, motherhood, and her critique of Dave Chappelle's jokes about transgender people.
Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/GIST and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are.
Produced by Corey Wara
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/
Follow us on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠⁠
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X https://x.com/pescami
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To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠sales@amplitudemediapartners.com

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