We’re unlocking this subscriber-only podcast, recorded back in January, just to give you freeloaders a taste of what lurks behind the paywall. It’s not only those amazing bonus episodes, wherein the morons from The Fifth Column yammering and stammering through the most important issues facing civilization. But occasionally one-on-one interviews with some of the most interesting people on Earth. Like this one with the great Jon Ronson, host of the new podcast Things Fell Apart. So head over to Substack and subscribe.By popular demand, we present to you, dear patrons, the triumphant return of journalist, podcaster, Welshman, filmmaker, and nicest guy in the business, Mr. Jon Ronson.Ronson, whose classic works include The Men Who Stare at Goats, The Psychopath Test and So You've Been Publicly Shamed, stopped by the Fifth's Chinatown studio to for a fascinating, revealing one-on-one chat about his phenomenal new podcast series Things Fell Apart, losing friendships because of the culture war (ahem), the first internet cancellation, satanic panics, and the interview that made him almost believe in god...and Moynihan almost (almost) cry.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wethefifth.com/subscribe

Jon Ronson discusses truth-telling, culture wars, and his struggles with screenwriting. He shares insights on storytelling, bullying, and the importance of being authentic. The podcast explores his professional rivalry with Louis Theroux and his successful non-fiction works.

Jon Ronson joins the discussion on culture wars and public shaming. They talk about the TikTok ban and AOC being hounded by protesters. Explore the origins of cancel culture and the impact of social media on activism and politics. Discuss the evolution of identity politics and media polarization, along with the dangers of mislabeling groups. Dive into the rise and fall of public shaming and the importance of genuine connections in a digital world.

Jon Ronson, an acclaimed writer and documentary filmmaker, shares insights on empathy amidst the chaos of culture wars and online shaming. He discusses the delicate balance between compassion and the pursuit of truth, emphasizing the need for connection in our fragmented society. The conversation also explores the complexities of cancel culture, journalistic ethics, and the impact of social media on public discourse. Ronson's unique perspective brings a fresh understanding of human behavior and the challenges we face in today's polarized landscape.

Jon Ronson, a journalist and filmmaker famous for his exploration of conspiracies and cultural conflicts, joins Jenny Kleeman, a documentary filmmaker known for tackling social issues. They dive into the alarming landscape of culture wars, touching on topics like anti-vaccine movements and gender politics. The duo discusses the chilling misdiagnosis of 'excited delirium' in police contexts and the impact of audience capture on media narratives. They also reflect on the clash between contemporary sensitivities and timeless philosophical ideas, unveiling the complexity of public discourse.

Jon Ronson, a journalist and filmmaker known for dissecting conspiracies and culture wars, joins Jenny Kleeman, a documentary filmmaker and author of The Price of Life. They discuss the urgent need for empathy in journalism, especially against the backdrop of today's polarized society. Their conversation touches on the consequences of confrontational interviewing styles, the importance of personal narratives in healing divides, and the casual cruelty fostered by social media. The dialogue reveals surprising connections and the challenge of navigating truths in the digital age.

Jon Ronson’s second season of unexpected human stories from the culture wars focused on the divisions that erupted in the wake of the Covid lockdown. It was a number 1 hit podcast and received five star reviews. In a fun, free-flowing live discussion from the Hay Festival in Wales, Jon turns the tables on himself and asks his audience to ask him anything they like.Series Producer: Sarah Shebbeare

Jon Ronson, an insightful author and journalist, joins Jenessa, a knowledgeable figure in research integrity discussions. They dive into the bizarre controversy over a study linked to Judy Mikovits, addressing why she alone had access to a questionable cell line. The pair explore the ethical implications of scientific misconduct and the chaotic fallout from the incident. They also discuss the importance of accountability in research and the media's role in disseminating accurate information amidst a sea of misinformation.

Jon Ronson, author of The Psychopath Test, delves into the origins of culture wars, from left-wing activism to vaccine paranoia. He shares intriguing stories of conspiracy theories, psychic soldiers, and public shaming in the age of social media. Ronson discusses the surprising impact of individuals in shaping divisive social conflicts, including his undercover experience at Bohemian Grove with Alex Jones.

Author and podcaster Jon Ronson discusses his show Things Fell Apart, explores the mysterious deaths of 32 black sex workers in Miami, controversies surrounding excited delirium as a cause of death, narcissism's effects on behavior, disillusionment towards the medical establishment, belief in conspiracy theories and racist stereotypes, the dangers of over-medicalization, and the trustworthiness of the medical establishment and scientist Judy Bikovitz's claims about COVID-19.