The Fifth Column

John Avlon, journalist, historian, and author of Lincoln and the Fight For Peace, drops by to riff on Epstein documents, media economics, and the rise of conspiracy culture. He talks about how polarized incentives warped journalism, why oral partisan media outcompetes newspapers, and what rebuilding civic guardrails might look like. Short, sharp, and provocative.

They uncover surprising mentions of the hosts in leaked Epstein files and poke fun at bizarre groupings and redactions. They sift through dumped documents, strange attachments, and unverified tips that fuel conspiracy fever. They discuss how mass disclosures can humiliate people, examine Bannon-related footage and legal questions, and sketch Epstein’s attempts to build a star-studded network.

Bill Schulz, comedian and historical storyteller who leads NYC walking tours and resurrects odd Revolutionary War tales. He teases quirky Revolutionary characters and his family link to William Dawes. Short, funny anecdotes and why he became obsessed with Revolutionary lore shine through in lively conversation.

Rapid-fire takes on a dramatic naval threat to Iran and whether big rhetoric means real military action. Deep dives into U.S. immigration fights, DHS funding standoffs, and proposed border oversight reforms. A sidestep into bizarre local fraud reporting and sharp critique of a celebrity apology ad and its uncanny PR vibes.

A heated breakdown of Minneapolis unrest and whether it fits the ‘insurgency’ label. Analysis of Trump’s symbolic taco stunt and GOP spin control. A messy retreat by a short-lived conservative figure and the fallout among state Republicans. Skepticism about early domestic terrorism claims and officials’ evasive phrasing. Concerns about outside agitators escalating local protests.

Peter Moskos, former beat cop turned criminal justice scholar at John Jay College, joins to dissect a recent Minneapolis ICE shooting. He questions federal self-investigations and critiques ICE tactics and training. They review available video, examine custody control errors, and debate whether force was justified.

The discussion kicks off with Trump's controversial remarks about Greenland, revealing his misunderstanding of historical alliances. The panel critiques his imperialistic tendencies tied to vanity and resources. They explore NATO's potential fractures thanks to his rhetoric and how his failure to connect with foreign audiences risks international relations. Legislative alternatives to impeachment are suggested, while issues like ICE tactics and political theater highlight domestic tensions. Finally, the call for responsible leadership echoes throughout the analysis.

Chuck Klosterman, a renowned author and cultural critic, dives deep into the intersection of football and pop culture. He reveals how music documentaries, like those on Billy Joel, reshape fan perceptions. The discussion touches on obsessive fandom, including a Japanese Jimmy Page impersonator, and the quirky economics of Morrissey cover bands. Klosterman also shares insights on why he chose football for his latest book, highlighting its perfect alignment with televised entertainment through strategic pacing. Tune in for a blend of humor and keen observations!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.wethefifth.comTwo hundred and fifty years ago this very day, a gallant-strolling cat named George Washington convened in Cambridge about as high a level Patriot meeting as you could muster: John Adams, two major generals, five brigadier generals, and arguably the most connected man among the Boston rebels, Joseph Warren. There, the commander in chief persuaded his Wa…

The hosts dive into their surprising movie confessions and COVID trauma, blending humor with serious reflection. They dissect Trump's fascination with rare minerals and the political quirks around tariffs. A heated discussion on the reckoning of pandemic policies ensues, alongside calls for transparency from intelligence agencies. They analyze ICE's tactics and recent public sentiment against aggressive enforcement. The conversation wraps up with poignant critiques of media sensationalism and the implications of U.S. support for Iranian protesters.