The Fifth Column

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.

The hosts share humorous anecdotes about technical glitches and personal experiences from their weekend activities. They dive into wild stories involving turkeys and local politics in Austin, mixed with reflections on youth culture. A discussion on re-reading Harry Potter reveals deeper themes alongside a critique of today’s protest music, contrasting it with Bob Dylan's influential legacy. The conversation also touches on rising car prices, blending humor and economic insights to illustrate current societal perceptions.

A lively discussion flips between the quirks of U.S. foreign policy and the comedic chaos of a Bob Dylan concert. Insights on the evolving dynamics in Trump’s camp reveal his supporters' disillusionment. The group critiques government funding in media, raising eyebrows over NPR’s identity politics. Examining Tesla’s challenges adds a humorous twist on urban car ownership. With lighthearted commentary on Kanye West’s latest album, the conversation concludes by inviting listener engagement in a live political debate.

Explore the nuances of conspiracy theories, including reflections on the JFK assassination and personal experiences within conspiracy culture. Dive into geopolitical tensions with discussions on Trump and Putin, while unpacking the complexities of the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis. The conversation also critiques rising federal debt and examines civil liberties in the face of controversial executive actions. Amidst all this, there's a poignant tribute to Manny Klausner and exciting announcements about upcoming shows.