For this weekend's Saturday Show, Mike shares a recent Substack Live conversation with political analyst and commentator Chris Cillizza. They kick things off by diagnosing the crisis of adult male friendship, why society fails to foster it, and Mike's "erosion theory" of bonding. Then, they pivot to politics, contrasting Donald Trump's inability to sell the unpopular war in Iran with Ronald Reagan's successful messaging during the 1983 invasion of Grenada. Are modern Americans too accustomed to the friction-free "age of abundance" to accept genuine wartime sacrifices? Plus, a breakdown of the cynical legislative maneuvering behind the SAVE Act—noting that 36 states already require some form of voter ID, compared to 14 that do not—and a look at the shifting coalitions in the Texas Democratic primary, where affluent white liberals turned out in higher numbers than Black and Hispanic voters to propel James Talarico past Jasmine Crockett.
Produced by Corey Wara
Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig
Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at thegist@mikepesca.com
North Korea fired what appeared to be around ten missiles into the Sea of Japan as America and South Korea carried out joint military exercises, which they claim are defensive
The US president has called on the UK and other allies to join the United States in sending ships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. His comments come after he said US forces had “obliterated” military targets on Iran’s key Kharg Island - a commercial lifeline for the Iranian regime. We discuss these latest developments with Mark Kimmitt, former US Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs under George W. Bush.
Also on today’s programme: an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon has killed 12 medical workers; and we hear from Cuba, where protesters have attacked a Communist Party office.
(Photo: Kharg Island - a military target on Kharg Island, that was struck by the US forces. Source: U.S. Central Command on social media / X / @CENTCOM)
Two views on the Revolution today, one from John Adams' diary, discussing a resolution to remove arms from disaffected colonists, who did not want to fight for America. Adams wanted the resolution to go further, urging colonists to take up all powers of government, repudiating the Crown's authority, but he settled for the one presented. It was a big escalation, and enforced spottily across the 13 colonies, but the Army also really needed the muskets. Meanwhile, Washington occupies the high ground around Boston, but that tactical advantage doesn't erase his concerns about smallpox. Are the British troops spreading it on purpose to his ragtag Army?
Stephen Spencer has set his daughter's stories to music. What started as something he posted for his few followers has turned into a social media sensation, with fans around the world left smiling, laughing or even crying by the catchy tunes and often bizarre lyrics.
Also: how a chance conversation between two women on a train led to one donating her eggs so the other could have a baby. When Anita revealed her fertility issues, Ginny instantly offered to help.
A surgeon who successfully operated on a patient hundreds of kilometres away says it opens up new possibilities for people around the world. He was able to remotely control a surgical robot in real time, thanks to advances in technology.
In Singapore, medical students are learning to be more compassionate doctors by studying poetry. Those behind the course say it helps the students to understand nuance in how patients are feeling.
Plus are dogs that howl along to music actually singing, and how a sly fox accidentally made a transatlantic voyage.
Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.
Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona Hampson.
A survey from Allianz found that 64% of Americans worry more about running out of money than death. Host Robert Brokamp offers eight suggestions for making your portfolio last forever or until you die, whichever comes first.
Also in this episode: -The K-shaped economy is starting to look more like an E as middle-income Americans tread water and are showing signs of strain. -Oil prices are skyrocketing, exceeding the so-called Hamilton Trigger – the point when an oil shock becomes a drag on the economy. -Over the past 125 years, U.S. equities have grown from 15% to 62% of the global stock market, despite the fact that 80% of the U.S. stock market in 1900 was in industries that are small or extinct today. -Download your Social Security statement to see how much you’re projected to receive at various claiming ages – just make sure you know how to interpret the projections.
Host: Robert Brokamp, CFP® Engineer: Bart Shannon
Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The US military has given more details about its strikes last night on Kharg Island, where most of Iran's oil exports are shipped from. It said it had struck more than 90 military sites, including missile storage facilities. Video on social media showed multiple explosions, including at an airfield.
Also in the programme: our correspondent has been to a Kurdish Peshmerga mountain base in Iraq; and we meet the man who did the make-up and prosthetics for the new film Frankenstein.
(Photo: A satellite image shows an oil terminal at Kharg Island, Iran, February 25, 2026. 2026 Credit: Planet Labs PBC/Handout via Reuters)