Announcing: How To! with Mike Pesca

Announcing: How To! with Mike Pesca

Author: Peach Fish Projects February 13, 2026 Duration: 0:56

How To! has a new host - veteran journalist and podcaster Mike Pesca, host of The Gist, Not Even Mad, and Funny You Should Mention podcasts. It's the same great Ambie Award nominated show, covering new topics, with new experts, and Mike's signature humor.

You've got questions. We find answers.

We all need advice, but it's not always clear who to ask. Each week, Mike Pesca invites a listener on the show to tackle a real problem, like protecting our elderly loved ones from scammers, emigrating as a throuple, and speaking without saying "um" - all with help from world-class experts: attorneys, doctors, entrepreneurs, authors, researchers - who actually know what they're talking about. Think of it as eavesdropping on someone else's therapy session, without the co-pay or awkward silence.


How To! with Mike Pesca is a podcast that operates on a simple, powerful premise: everyday people have complex, real-world problems that need solving. Each episode begins with a listener's specific dilemma, whether it's navigating a unique family dynamic, improving a personal skill, or protecting vulnerable loved ones from modern threats. Host Mike Pesca then connects that individual with genuine authorities-practicing attorneys, medical doctors, seasoned entrepreneurs, published researchers, and other accomplished experts-to provide actionable, credible advice. The conversations are structured yet organic, moving from the personal story of the problem to a practical exploration of solutions. You'll hear the caller's situation unfold, the expert's breakdown of the issue, and a collaborative path forward. This isn't abstract self-help; it's a direct application of specialized knowledge to tangible human challenges. The podcast thrives on specificity, tackling questions you might not even know how to ask, let alone who to ask. By focusing on one person's story, it uncovers insights and strategies that resonate far beyond the individual case, making expert guidance accessible and relatable. The tone is curious, empathetic, and grounded, prioritizing depth and utility over generic inspiration. Listening feels like being part of a focused, productive consultation where real questions meet real answers.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

How To! with Mike Pesca
Podcast Episodes
Quick Fix: The Let Them Theory [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:58
In this Quick Fix bonus episode, our conversation about how to get revenge continues. Writer and comedian Matthew Dicks weighs in on the "let them" mindset popularized by podcaster Mel Robbins. "I don't understand why we…
How To Get Sweet, Sweet Revenge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:07
Jordan is mired in a bitter war over off-leash pups at an unofficial dog park. With pro-leash forces deploying fake signage, ambush videos, and questionable zip-tie tactics in a campaign of shame aimed at her fellow dog…
Quick Fix: Slow Down (and Try This Art Exercise) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:48
In this bonus episode for Slate Plus members, two How To! producers follow Oliver Burkeman's advice and head to the art museum to stare at some art. The challenge originates from Harvard professor Jennifer L. Roberts, wh…
How To Stop Giving 110% [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:29
Kate is juggling a lot: work, kids, caregiving for an elder, a dance troupe, the PTA, community organizing. Oh, and she runs a '90s-themed DJ night, too. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings on Oliver Burke…
How To Start Reading Books Again (Encore) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:52
Kate stopped reading in 2016. Since then, she's tried to find her way back to it but something's not clicking, and it's left a book-shaped hole in her heart. Reading used to be something she really enjoyed, took pride in…
How To Balance Mind, Body—and iPhone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:21
Mary is juggling a busy career and family life and, like many of us, she feels guilty about the time she spends on her phone. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin talks with author and teacher Molly Caro May about…
Quick Fix: Drawing as Stress Relief [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:12
In this bonus episode for Slate Plus members, our conversation about harnessing the power of drawing continues as Wendy MacNaughton walks Courtney through a drawing meditation that helps people relax and refocus. Do you…
How To Draw Outside the Lines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:39
Drawing isn't just child's play. It's a shortcut to joy, presence, and connection—all things we could use a lot more of these days. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings on artist, graphic journalist, and fo…
How To Live With Chronic Pain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:06
Mavi was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than 15 years ago. Since then, she's managed her symptoms and myriad life changes—but the past several months have been dominated by intense, chronic pain. On this episode…
Quick Fix: Siblings Get the Freshman Blues, Too [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:42
Our conversation about families and college life continues in this special bonus episode for Slate Plus members. Carvell Wallace talks with our listener Jennifer and Texas Tech administrator Christine Self about how to h…