Off the Mic w/ Mike & Gasia

Gasia catches up with NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. Before diving into their main topic of positive coaching—including its importance from childhood to professional sports, learning from failure, and what great coaches really say—the conversation opens with an insightful breakdown of Thursday night's football game and the debate over the 49ers starting quarterback. The 49ers legend shares powerful anecdotes from his own life, including a memorable lesson on humility from Joe Montana and the impact of his college degree. This episode is a must-listen for sports fans, parents, and anyone looking for wisdom on leadership and never giving up.

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This week, Mike and Gasia tackle everything from late nights at work and sick kids (of the four-legged variety) to jury duty and a whirlwind 24-hour trip to Las Vegas. They reflect on covering some of the Bay Area's most tragic and celebrated moments, including the San Bruno pipeline explosion and the 2010 Giants World Series win, all while sharing personal stories that reveal the human side of reporting.

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Gasia and Mike discuss the biggest lessons from J school we use today in covering the news… debate whether it’s ok to leave a mess in the kitchen for your spouse… and Mike describes a chance meeting in the grocery store with a gentleman who knew his Dad.

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Gasia and Mike discuss their emotional reactions to the recent mass shooting at a Catholic school and church in Minnesota. They discuss the professional and personal challenges of reporting on such a tragedy as parents of kids in school, and talk about the physical and emotional toll. The duo reflects on the desensitization that comes with covering numerous similar events over the years, but emphasize how this particular tragedy feels different and more personal. The conversation shifts to the importance of communication within the newsroom, the need for reporters and first responders to process their emotions, and the broader societal implications of such violence.

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Gasia and Mike discuss the transition from summer to fall as their kids return to school and start extracurricular activities and reflect on the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. This conversation leads to a broader discussion about the emotional toll of covering tragic news stories, with both sharing deeply personal experiences. The duo recounts some of the most difficult events they've covered. While they both agree that breaking news is a core part of their job, they also cherish opportunities to cover happy events, like sports parades, that bring the community together.

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Gasia and Mike catch up after being on separate vacations. They discuss their family trips and the challenge of returning to work immediately afterward. The conversation also touches on parenting, specifically teaching children to be self-sufficient and independent, as well as their differing views on sports, with Mike being a passionate, emotionally invested 49ers and Giants fan, while Gassia is a more casual supporter of Bay Area teams. They end the episode by talking about their children returning to school and a college memory.

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"In this week's Off the Mic with Mike and Gasia, go inside the KTVU newsroom and control room to learn how we covered the major earthquake off the coast of Russia and resulting tsunami threat: Gasia contrasts this week's events to that of the Japan earthquake and tsunami of 2011, and discusses the logistics of reacting to emerging news."

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Mike and Gasia start things off talking about their morning routines . The conversation quickly shifts to the recent news of Ozzy Osbourne's death, prompting a discussion about their musical tastes. Gasia recounts the emotional experience of learning about Jerry Garcia's death and his deep connection to the Grateful Dead, including attending numerous shows and the unique culture of their live performances. The episode concludes with a lighthearted exchange about Birkenstocks, live music, and the enduring power of music to provide an escape from daily realities, as Mike shares his personal connection to the Grateful Dead's live culture.

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Your favorite podcast duo is back! Mike and Gasia kick the show off recounting Gasia having to do a solo podcast last week as Mike dealt with a back injury. The conversation shifts to a recent report detailing the wealth gap in the Bay Area and a viewer poll on how people feel about their finances in the region. The co-hosts also share personal anecdotes about financial struggles and the Bay Area's high cost of living before a brief discussion on Major League Baseball.

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Gasia shares the backstory of her and Mike's friendship with her co-host out today due to a medical appointment. She begins by explaining how the show is built on two decades of friendship and shared experiences as reporters at KTVU Fox 2. Gasia then shares her personal journey into journalism, highlighting her path through community college and various news markets before landing her dream job at KTVU, where she met Mike. She recounts their professional partnership and personal bond, emphasizing how their different schedules led to the creation of "Off the Mic."

The episode also features a Giants baseball story, illustrating how Mike's passion for the sport helped Gasia connect with it through her own son's burgeoning baseball career before expressing gratitude for Mike's influence and hopes for his speedy return.

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