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 ... Show More
Yesterday
John Fetterman: "It's Been a Long, Strange Trip"
Today on The Gist, guest host Charlie looks back at Mike Pesca's 2021 conversation with Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, recorded when he was lieutenant governor, to discuss criminal justice reform, gun laws, and immigration. Then, journalist Mark Raimondi joins the show to d ... Show More
39m 10s
Oct 9
Alex Edelman: "There's not a lot of comedy in being right."
Today on The Gist, guest host Isabella introduces Mike Pesca's conversation with comedian Alex Edelman on Funny You Should Mention, discussing his acclaimed solo Broadway show, Just for Us. Edelman breaks down the craft of joke mechanics and set construction, the role of audience ... Show More
51m 49s
Oct 7
Yaakov Katz: "An idea cannot be defeated."
Guest host Isabella introduces Mike Pesca's conversation with Yaakov Katz, author of While Israel Slept. Katz explains the intelligence failures and false assumptions behind October 7, the international fallout, and why he believes ending the conflict means dismantling Hamas thro ... Show More
39m 38s
Aug 2025
Is The Racial Reckoning Over? John McWhorter on language, art, and defunding the grammar police
<p>This is the full version of the Aug 4 episode, now available to all subscribers. </p> <div><br /> <div>Author, New York Times columnist, and superstar linguist John McWhorter returns to the pod to catch us up on what's been on his mind now that the Woke Emergency is over . . . ... Show More
1h 11m