
For thirty minutes each day, Pesca challenges himself and his audience, in a responsibly provocative style, and gets beyond the rigidity and dogma. The Gist is surprising, reasonable, and willing to critique the left, the right, either party, or any idea.
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 3083 | Founded | 12 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Daily NewsNews | |||

Today on The Gist, guest host Charlie introduces Mike Pesca's conversation with comedian Vic Michaelis, host of Very Important People on Dropout TV. Michaelis discusses the show's chaotic premise, where comedians are transformed by high-end VFX makeu... more
Today on The Gist, guest host Scott introduces a debate between Mike Pesca and Virginia Sole-Smith, author of Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture. Sole-Smith argues that genetics largely dictate body size and that systemic weight stigma an... more
Today on The Gist, guest host Scott introduces a pair of interviews focused on the shifting identity of the Republican Party. First, Mike Pesca sits down with former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger to discuss his memoir Renegade: Defending Democr... more
Today on The Gist, guest host Scott introduces a 2022 conversation between Mike Pesca and former US Senator Al Franken, who discusses his return to stand-up comedy and looks back at his tenure in the Senate. Franken examines how his background as a c... more
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Pretty unfortunate way for this podcast to go out. I think the slate firing broke his brain, leaving nothing but right wing grievance.
I’m saddened to hear Mike has decided to end the Gist. It has become a daily ritual for me and I don’t think I’ve missed an episode (except for perhaps the Saturday) for years. His intellect, perspective and brilliant interviews will be sorely missed. I have to admit - in all these years I never became a subscriber. I’m kicking myself now, because I clearly valued his voice. It’s a reminder not to take people for granted and to pay for and support the people who’s work you value. Thank you to Mi... more
I first started following the show in 2015. Its been a fantastic run and an achievement. The intellectual honesty, rigor, and silliness will be missed. Your singing will not.
He’s white. He’s a man. He thinks everything is going great.
Witty, refreshing sanity. Greet podcast.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
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Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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The show delivers concise, daily exploration of current events, culture, politics, and technology with a calm, skeptical, and often humorous lens. Conversations span journalism, satire, public policy, branding, architecture, and social issues, featuring guests who are writers, comedians, researchers, and practitioners at the intersection of media and society. A notable throughline is weighing controversial topics with nuance, inviting diverse viewpoints while prioritizing rigor and accessibility. The format is fast-moving, idea-driven, and brand-friendly for sponsors that want thoughtful but approachable discourse. Listeners likely value intellectual curiosity, clear takes, and a dose of wit in a 20–30 minute daily window.
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1. Political Gabfest
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3. Blocked and Reported
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. On the Media
The Gist launched 12 years ago and published 3083 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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Recent guests on The Gist include:
1. Virginia Sole-Smith
2. Adam Kinzinger
3. Stuart Stevens
4. Al Franken
5. TJ Miller
6. Chris Smalls
7. Bob Saget
8. Derrick Palmer
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