Rephonic
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Donald Trump
Trump Administration
Joe Biden
Immigration Policy
Immigration
Republicans
Charlie Kirk
Hunter Biden
Democrats
Pardons
Democratic Party
Politics
Eric Adams
Ukraine
Epstein Files
Iran
Justice Department
Republican Party
Congress
Free Speech

Approaching the news from distinctly different points on the political spectrum, host Mike Pesca, and a rotating group of panelists, attempt to change each other's minds on the most important stories of the day. Often unsuccessfully. Between the non-stop election cycle and torrents of cancellations (real or imagined), there is a ton to argue about. But don't worry. In the end, they're NOT EVEN MAD... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes45Founded4 years ago
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Latest Episodes

Former congressman Anthony Weiner and Reason editor-at-large Matt Welch join the panel for another edition of "Not Even Mad." The trio debates the massive market valuation of Elon Musk's SpaceX, analyzing how concentrated wealth reshapes global geopo... more

Mike Pesca is joined by venture capitalist Bradley Tusk and Manhattan Institute senior fellow Charles Fain Lehman for a panel debate on political judgment and modern vice. The trio dives into the results of the Maine Democratic primary, questioning w... more

Today is Not Even Mad. Tangle founder Isaac Saul and journalist Jamie Kirchick discuss the creation of the Department of Justice's $1.776 billion anti-weaponization settlement fund, the legislative fallout from the Trump primary revenge tour, and the... more

Today on the Gist, the US intelligence assessment of the Iran blockade, and why the current administration lacks the attention span for a prolonged overseas conflict. Then, Dartmouth professor Russ Muirhead and Calm Down author Ben Dreyfuss join the ... more

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Recent Guests

Bradley Tusk
Bookstore owner, venture capitalist, political consultant
Bradley Tusk Solutions / Venture initiatives
Episode: EP 43 | Bradley Tusk & Charles Fain Lehman
Charles Fain Lehman
Senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, senior editor of City Journal
Manhattan Institute
Episode: EP 43 | Bradley Tusk & Charles Fain Lehman
Isaac Saul
Founder of Tangle, online newsletter for balanced coverage
Tangle
Episode: EP 42 | Isaac Saul & Jamie Kirchick
Jamie Kirchick
Contributing Opinion Writer for The New York Times
The New York Times, Airmail
Episode: EP 42 | Isaac Saul & Jamie Kirchick
Russ Muirhead
Professor of Democracy and Politics at Dartmouth College; member of New Hampshire House of Representatives
Dartmouth College; New Hampshire House of Representatives
Episode: EP 41 | Russ Muirhead & Ben Dreyfuss
Ben Dreyfuss
Author of Calm Down, Substack writer
Calm Down (Substack)
Episode: EP 41 | Russ Muirhead & Ben Dreyfuss
Sarada Peri
Special assistant to the president and senior speechwriter for Barack Obama
Former White House staffer
Episode: EP 40 | Sarada Peri & Sarah Isgur
Sarah Isgur
Host of Advisory Opinions, senior editor at SCOTUSblog, author
Independent journalist and legal commentator
Episode: EP 40 | Sarada Peri & Sarah Isgur
John Ganz
Author of When the Clock Broke, Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s; author of The Unpopular Front Substack
Author; Substack writer
Episode: EP 39 | John Ganz & Nick Gillespie

Host

Mike Pesca
Host of Not Even Mad

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 233 ratings
  • Smart & Entertaining

    I don’t generally like political / politically-adjacent podcasts. I feel like we already spend too much time engaging with politics. But I really like Mike and so gave this show a chance. I’m glad I did. It’s smart, funny and often unexpected. I’m looking forward to seeing how this show evolves.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jonathanlaw99
    United Statesa year ago
  • Pesca makes it possible to have a real conversation

    I love hearing Pesca’s guests disagree. It means they actually say the things that need to be said for America to move forward. And Mike does a great job of guiding the convo when things might be veering off the rails (I’m looking at you Anthony Weiner). Love this show.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PDXHamsterCat
    United Statesa year ago
  • Libertarians are wild

    Outstanding podcast. Interesting to hear people that I disagree with express their opinions eloquently and respectfully. Always surprising to get more evidence that “libertarian” is simply a euphemism for “selfish”.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ytfrschimfah
    United Statesa year ago
  • I’m so glad you’re back

    Discussions without rancor by people with different points of view. I wish this was the norm for media but it isn’t, unfortunately. Thankfully, there’s Not Even Mad to model how to argue a point like a mensch.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ShaneFergusson
    United Statesa year ago
  • Wish the host rotation happened sooner

    I stopped listening early because I wasn’t enjoying the discussion among the originating trio. Sorry to see it end just as others began to engage with Mike in the podcast I was hoping for… a Left, Right, and Center with Mike as the center. And if it were to come back as a less ideologically pure Political Gabfest instead, with a more invested set of co-panelists, I’m here for it.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    debh
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some critics note uneven dynamics when a single viewpoint dominates a panel.
Listeners miss balanced rotation and varied co-hosts at times.
Overall, feedback highlights thoughtful discourse and strong guest lineups.
Pesca keeps conversations on track and guides disagreements well.
Fans praise high-quality debates and factual rigor over partisan cheerleading.
Smart & Entertaining: smart, funny and often unexpected discussions.
Listeners appreciate respectful dissent and well-argued takes.

Top Politics Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

EP 32 | Anthony Weiner & John Ketcham
Q: Can you cite an example when you were in Congress of a Democratic Congress stopping the powers or standing up for their prerogatives against a Democratic president?
The appropriation committee has historically protected spending power; resistance to a president occurred when any rescission effort was made.
EP 29 | Steve Hayes & Damon Linker
Q: Do you think it's a problem?
Yes, it's a problem primarily for the reasons that you suggest.
EP 16 | Anthony Weiner and Nick Gillespie
Q: How are voters reacting to scandals surrounding candidates in the current NYC mayoral race?
Voters may be more focused on their pressing urban issues rather than the personal scandals of the candidates.
EP 16 | Anthony Weiner and Nick Gillespie
Q: What do you think about Chuck Schumer's strategy?
Chuck Schumer might have made the right calculation to prevent a government shutdown during politically precarious times.
EP 19 | Austin Berg & Eric Zorn
Q: What do you think? So primaries, are they?
Austin suggests increasing turnout is essential and discusses voter apathy resulting from the timing of low turnout elections and possible reforms to the primary system.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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Frequently Asked Questions About Not Even Mad

What is Not Even Mad about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A sharp, moderated debate show that brings together a rotating panel of guests to dissect current political stories from multiple angles. Episodes consistently tackle power, accountability, media dynamics, and policy trade-offs, often featuring a mix of journalists, academics, policymakers, and pundits. The format emphasizes respectful disagreement and evidence-based discussion, with guests ranging from libertarian-leaning thinkers to traditional journalists and former policymakers. Listeners can expect timely analysis, candid banter, and a willingness to test ideas across the ideological spectrum. A notable strength is the show's ability to surface nuanced viewpoints without turning into partisan shouting, making it appealing to listeners ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Not Even Mad?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Not Even Mad:

1. The Gist
2. Central Air
3. Blocked and Reported
4. The Argument
5. The Unspeakeasy With Meghan Daum

How many episodes of Not Even Mad are there?

Not Even Mad launched 4 years ago and published 45 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Not Even Mad?

Recent guests on Not Even Mad include:

1. Bradley Tusk
2. Charles Fain Lehman
3. Isaac Saul
4. Jamie Kirchick
5. Russ Muirhead
6. Ben Dreyfuss
7. Sarada Peri
8. Sarah Isgur

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