The Gist

Gilbert Gottfried: "My feeling is, can I get the hell out of here?"

September 16, 2026·35 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Today on The Gist, guest host Rachel Win introduces Mike Pesca's conversation with Wall Street Journal reporter Keach Hagey about her book The Optimist: Sam Altman, OpenAI, and the Race to Invent the Future, exploring Altman's Silicon Valley rise, the tensions between AI safety and commercial speed, and his brief ouster from the company. The show wraps with a classic 2014 sit-down with the late Gilbert Gottfried, who talks old Hollywood lore, dirty jokes, and hosting Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast.Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/GIST and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are.Produced by Corey WaraDo you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.comFor full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/⁠For ad-free content or to become a Pesca Plus subscriber, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/For Mike's daily takes on Substack, subscribe to The Gist List https://mikepesca.substack.com/Follow us on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pescagist/X https://x.com/pescamiTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@pescagistTo advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠sales@amplitudemediapartners.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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