This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.wethefifth.comI was very moved by friend & past guest Jeff Blehar’s Covid anniversary piece, so … I just read it out loud. And added related commentary for paying subscribers. Some links alluded to therein, in rough order of reference:* Reason Roundtable Covid look-back* Related Twitter thread* “The Great COVID Rupture: Three years after ‘15 days to slow the spread,’…

The hosts dive into the theatricality of Trump's speeches, drawing amusing parallels to historical dictators. They tackle complex issues of race in modern culture, including the intricate tensions between artists and their controversial beliefs. Economic uncertainties are explored, shedding light on the impact of tariffs on farmers and domestic labor. A humorous look at political dynamics reveals the absurdities in party loyalty and media commentary. Finally, they mix pop culture fun with reflections on the evolution of racial dialogue in film.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.wethefifth.comThere’s some discussion of parenting. A tiny bit about the Oscars. And a bunch about the triumph of conspiracy culture. But this is mostly a subscriber-only episode about the Zelensky debacle and the ongoing U.S. foreign policy realignment. So why bother with bullet points?’

John Bolton, the former U.S. National Security Advisor, shares his insights on Trump’s unorthodox leadership style and his notorious deal-making abilities. They discuss the shifting attitudes within the Republican Party post-Trump and the implications for American foreign policy, especially regarding NATO, Ukraine, and Taiwan. Bolton recounts personal security challenges amid his controversial position and tackles the question of whether he fits the 'neocon' label. It's a fascinating look at geopolitical tensions and the future of global security.

The hosts dive into the absurdity of human trafficking compliance forms at universities. They twist through a Boston sports controversy with a humorous take on celebrity scandals. The discussion shifts to the polarized media landscape, examining how affiliations impact editorial choices. They also unpack the Epstein files, critiquing media reliability while pondering political discourse's evolution. Alongside, they explore modern conservatism's challenges and influence. Expect laughs, insights, and a mix of pop culture with poignant commentary!

A heartfelt tribute to musician Roberta Flack highlights her impactful career and iconic songs. The conversation explores the emergence of the 'woke right' and critiques surrounding media narratives. The hosts dive into fascinating political dynamics, including loyalty challenges within the Republican Party and the complexities of vice presidential selections. Memorable moments featuring Kanye West and an intriguing look at the rise of European political movements keep the discussion lively and engaging.

The hosts start with humorous tech mishaps before diving into the absurdity of social media's influence on artists. They tackle misinformation in the Ukraine conflict and critique Trump's foreign policy, unraveling its effects on diplomacy. Discussions shift to the evolution of memes like Doge in politics and the complexities of American democracy. Emotional reflections on war highlight the inhumanity faced by victims, particularly children. The light-hearted banter continues with a recap of intense U.S.-Canada hockey rivalries.

The hosts humorously dissect the absurdities of politics, especially involving celebrities and meme coins. They share anecdotes about a politically charged motel stay while reflecting on local tensions and immigration sentiments. A flight with tech mogul Steve Wozniak becomes a comedic exploration of celebrity culture and urban youth dynamics. Amid talks of Marvin Gaye and Paddington 3, they infuse humor into discussions about family bedtime rituals, making it a blend of lighthearted storytelling with society’s complexities.

The hosts share hilarious insights from a media conference about the absurdities of journalism. They dive into nostalgic tales of college culture, including wild parties and 80s movies. A lively discussion touches on defamation in the music industry while critiquing celebrity narratives involving figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. The complexities of U.S. foreign aid, especially concerning HIV/AIDS in Africa, reveal political nuances. Finally, they analyze the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the impact of social media on political truth.

The hosts dive into a wild mix of topics, from amusing hockey antics to unsettling encounters at a plumbing supply store. They explore the absurdity of Trump’s proposals for Gaza, arguing that economic development can’t solve deep-rooted issues. They also tackle the complexities of tariffs and the drug war, highlighting both policy inconsistencies and cultural critiques in sports. A lively discussion on media manipulation wraps up the intriguing interplay of humor and serious discourse.