The Gist

A daily afternoon show about news, culture, and more.

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About the Show

A daily afternoon show about news, culture, and whatever else you’ll be discussing with friends and family tonight.

Host

  • Mike Pesca is the host of the Slate daily podcast The Gist. He also contributes reports and commentary to NPR.

The Monstrous Monotony of Mitch McConnell

His dullness is intentional and insidious.

A Bunch of Dopes and Babies

We shouldn’t get swept up with new quotes from old meetings.

Was Killing Soleimani Worth It?

And what does it mean for Iran?

Journalists Aren’t Activists

Trying to be both muddies the waters.

Dave Eggers and the Struggle of Satire

It’s so tricky to get right.

The Wasted Debate

There was little focus on policy that mattered.

Forgiveness by Fiat

Warren’s plan for student debt is bad.

The Issue With Oscar Noms

Snubbing female directors is bad business.

Marianne Williamson Teleports Away

Another candidate gone from the primary race.

The Final Great Jeopardy! Game

This whole line-up won’t happen again.

What’s John Bolton’s Game?

And what is Congress going to do with him?

The World’s Worst Extortion Racket

Trump wants Iraq to pay us for an air base we built there.

Trump’s Iranian Connection

His money isn’t clean at all.

Starting a War

Trump actions and words are out of alignment.

Julián Is Through-lian

Is the race really weaker without him?

The Stories the Gist Skipped in 2019

What didn’t we cover?

Approving War Crimes?

The hosts of Zero Blog Thirty break down the Afghanistan papers, Trump’s recent pardons, and Eddie Gallagher.

Ignoring Iowa

Trailing in the polls, Julian Castro is trying a peculiar campaign strategy.

Jeff Van Drew, We Hardly Knew Ye

After the impeachment vote he suddenly switched parties.

Pontius Pilate, Democrat

Republicans will go to biblical lengths to defend Trump.