The Fifth Column

Dive into the absurdity of proposed tariffs on erotic French films and their implications for Hollywood. The hosts humorously tackle the effectiveness of land acknowledgments while critiquing modern political absurdities, including prison reform. A listener's unexpected connection to Steph Curry leads to playful banter, and the pitfalls of economic subsidies in entertainment reveal a distorted market. With sharp wit and engaging discussions, they keep the conversation lively and thought-provoking.

A lively discussion ensues about the recent gala for Charles Koch and the public reactions to it. The hosts delve into the complexities of freedom as shaped by Milton Friedman and the Koch brothers, while personal anecdotes highlight the balance of charisma and authenticity in political discourse. Media dynamics and accountability are critiqued, especially regarding conservative biases. The conversation touches on U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine, Amazon's political influence, and shifts in activism, emphasizing a rich tapestry of modern political thought.

Explore intriguing discussions about alien oceans and the implications of finding life beyond Earth. Delve into the decline of local journalism and the rise of YouTube basketball analysts, highlighting why Luka Dončić is celebrated as the people's MVP. The hosts tackle serious topics, including federal crackdowns on campus speech and student visa censorship, while also engaging in reader mail and rants about scams and AI voice fraud. The conversation is lively and touches on ethics in media and the evolving landscape of sports journalism.

Batya Ungar-Sargon, Deputy Opinion Editor at Newsweek, joins the discussion to dive into the heated intersection of politics and culture. They tackle contentious topics like tariffs and trade dynamics, exploring U.S. relations with China and the impact on global manufacturing. The conversation gets perky as they dissect the intricacies of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the evolving nature of media influence in presenting these narratives. Buckle up for a lively debate that balances humor with serious commentary on today's most pressing issues!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.wethefifth.com* The Hungarian dentist and the prostitute theory* Your TV wife sees Hitler all the time, no?* Facilitate…* Dinners with politicians * A digression on Big Star (FYI: "Holocaust”)* Elder scams* Apple Watches and proof of life* Back to Rogan and Murray* A trip to Libya for a copy of the Green Book* #9 Fifth Dream * Doing an impression of a smart person / Paul believes* A theory …

David Zweig, author of 'An Abundance of Caution', unpacks the failures of media and public health that directly impacted children during the pandemic. He discusses the misguided narrative around school closures, revealing overlooked evidence that highlighted the low risk COVID-19 posed to kids. Zweig critiques how political divides and media misrepresentation shaped public perception and decision-making. His insights provide a compelling look at the consequences of these decisions on education and mental well-being.

Moynihan is out with a “tooth thing” (which sounds lame, but is allegedly a “painful,” “very serious” dental emergency that definitely doesn't involve a tall, attractive blonde woman). Fortunately, our pal Jesse Singal (Blocked and Reported, Singal-Minded) is along for the ride, and outlines the plans for his heroic crusade to save THE REPUBLIC by beefing with JD Vance on X. We dive into Trump 2.0’s extra-constitutional improvisations, fail to steer clear of trade policy, and search desperately for a silver lining in our late-capitalist, national-populist, increasingly surrealist Idiocracy. Also in the mix: a little Elon drama, libertarian coping strategies, various flavors of executive branch lawlessness, and a surprising outbreak of informed optimism about the future.* Tooth decay, high-end prostitutes, and podcast logistics* Jesse Singal enters the chat (possibly still mid–Twitter beef)* Deportation by executive vibe* Due process is for losers* When JD Met Jesse: A Very Sexy Love Story (by Selena Montgomery)* The most important internet slap-fight in American history* Hotel El Salvador: now accepting unwanted Americans* Bannon’s “flood the zone” plan meets sheer incompetence* Shouting at Bill Hemmer* Campus protests, free speech, and DHS interns with tasers* Jesse accidentally agrees with libertarians?* And can Jesse say one nice thing about JD Vance? (And, “Thank you”!?)* To the Moon, and Mars, and WHERE ELSE BEYOND 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

The hosts humorously dissect Los Angeles’ glamorous facade versus its gritty reality. Their surreal ride in a driverless Waymo sparks reflections on economic policies and trade conflicts. They explore the contradictions in U.S.-China relations while critiquing political narratives. The discussion shifts to the troubling deportation issues and the lack of accountability from political leaders. They even tackle the integrity of the legal system amidst corruption, before celebrating musical legends and their late-career brilliance.

Economic challenges take center stage, sparking witty discussions about globalization and resilience. Val Kilmer's role in 'Tombstone' ignites nostalgic debates on cinematic impact and memorable performances. The hosts reminisce about the music scene, including Lollapalooza moments and a unique rock album. They also share amusing listener insights, tackling economic perceptions with humor. A journey through tech and culture provides lighthearted reflections on innovations and nostalgic gadgets, making for a captivating and entertaining experience.

Scott Lincicome, an economist specializing in trade policy, joins to debunk MAGA myths surrounding tariffs and trade imbalances. He dives into the complexities of U.S. trade policy and the ineffectiveness of tariffs in revitalizing manufacturing jobs. The conversation touches on the legal implications of using emergency powers for tariffs and critiques the protectionist arguments that often ignore economic realities. With humor and sharp insights, they explore the disconnect between political rhetoric and the consequences for American consumers and global trade.