On The Gist, the mainstream media is too buttoned-up when describing the Trump administration's shenanigans. There is no Russian Federation as we know it without Vladimir Putin. Former Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul explains how parts of Russian society are eager for new leadership despite that. As for its relations with the U.S., McFaul sees continuity ... Show More
Yesterday
Jonathan Cheng on When Pyongyang Was the Jerusalem of the East
Today on the Gist, looking at the dropping price of eggs and the DOJ's antitrust investigation into major producers for market manipulation. Then, Wall Street Journal China Bureau Chief Jonathan Cheng joins the show to discuss his new book, Korean Messiah: Kim Il Sung and the Chr ... Show More
30m 20s
Apr 18
The Middle - Making the case for Voting by Phone
On this Saturday hybrid episode, Mike's recent guest appearance on Jeremy Hobson’s The Middle, where he pitches smartphone voting to fix low-turnout primaries and breaks down the domestic political fallout of the conflict in Iran. Then, we replay of Mondays spiel that examines th ... Show More
28m 56s
Apr 17
Chuck Todd: Why Politicians Are "The Weirdos"
Today on the Gist, pushing back against the pundit-class panic that American democracy is "on the brink." Then, host of the Chuck Toddcast, Chuck Todd joins the show to break down the psychological profile of the modern politician, explaining why the desperate need for public val ... Show More
46m 9s
Nov 2024
Trump and Putin, Call Me Maybe?
Today, we look at the relationship between President-elect Donald Trump and the Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin has denied media reports that Donald Trump held a call with Vladimir Putin, in which he is said to have warned Putin against escalating the war in Ukraine. A ... Show More
33m 35s
Aug 2025
What Hangs in the Balance of Trump's Meeting With Putin
<p>Today, President Trump and the Russian president, Vladimir V. Putin, are meeting on U.S. soil for the first time, to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine.</p><p>David E. Sanger, the White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times, discusses the wide rang ... Show More
27m 3s
Sep 2025
Understanding Putin's Power
<p>Over the weekend, Russia bombarded Ukraine with the largest drone assault in the war thus far.</p><p>It’s the latest in a relentless Russian offensive that keeps escalating, despite President Trump’s efforts to negotiate peace.</p><p>Anatoly Kurmanaev, who covers Russia for Th ... Show More
30m 47s
Jul 2025
Kyiv reprieve: Trump loses patience with Putin
<p>For months, Donald Trump has appeared to back Vladimir Putin. Now, frustrated at the lack of a ceasefire and fed up with Russia, the <a href="https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/07/14/fed-up-with-putin-trump-offers-ukraine-arms-and-tariffs?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio. ... Show More
23 m