The Fifth Column #533 - Moynihan vs. Moynihan (w/ Lydia Moynihan)
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Nov 20, 2025 Lydia Moynihan, a New York Post reporter, dives into the world of journalism, sharing her insights on media dynamics and the challenges of covering powerful figures. They discuss the obsession with Jeffrey Epstein and the complexities of reporting ethical dilemmas among friends. Lydia also highlights the precariousness of economic literacy in public discourse and critiques the sensationalism in politics. Light moments include her humorous take on her family name and a quirky business idea involving sausages.
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Journalism's Self-Inflicted Drama
- Journalism often warns outsiders not to join because the industry is obsessed with navel-gazing and financial instability.
- Lydia Moynihan and Michael Moynihan note new media attention stems from old media obsession with it, not vice versa.
Envy Fuels Media Backlash
- Michael and Lydia describe envy toward journalists who monetize Substack or get glossy profiles.
- They recount defending Olivia Nuzzi and note resentment stems from status-income mismatches.
Access Is A Transaction
- Powerful people use journalists as tools to wage influence campaigns while seeking relationships and access.
- Lydia says reporters must calculate when to write a story versus nurture a relationship for future access.
