Jesse Eisenberg is the writer, director, and star of <a href= "https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_real_pain">A Real Pain</a>. We discuss his plays, where you can find early versions of the characters played by Kieran Culkin and Jesse himself, the dynamics of cousin relationships, and when crying can be useful for both the artist and the individual. Plus, another exciting edition of Palter Talk! Oh, and we might just have a government shutdown. Sorry. SUBSCRIBE We offer <a href= "https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/gifts">premium subscriptions</a>, including an AD-FREE version of the show and options for bonus content. The Gist is produced by Joel Patterson and Corey Wara Email us at <a href= "mailto:thegist@mikepesca.com">thegist@mikepesca.com</a> Subscribe to <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g">The Gist's YouTube Page</a> Follow Mike's Substack > <a href= "https://mikepesca.substack.com/">Pesca Profundities</a> To advertise on the show, <a href= "https://advertisecast.com/TheGist">click here</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href= "https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices">podcastchoices.com/adchoices</a>

BEST OF THE GIST: Christmas Content Edition

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.