

The Fifth Column
Kmele Foster, Michael Moynihan, and Matt Welch
Your weekly rhetorical assault on the on the news cycle, the people who make it, and occasionally ourselves. Kmele Foster (Freethink), Michael Moynihan (Vice), and Matt Welch (Reason) talk and laugh and drink their way to at least quasi-sanity in a world gone mad, often with the aid of clean and articulate guests. Weekly Members Only subscription edition often comes with listener mail and professional-quality (if inappropriate) singing. Analysis. Commentary. Sedition. www.wethefifth.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 15, 2024 • 19min
Members Only #229 - Second Sunday Rebroadcast: Jewlumbus Edition
The discussion kicks off with colorful tales from San Francisco's Fleet Week, including the excitement of the Blue Angels and a sardonic take on military influence on youth. The speakers analyze the evolving narrative around Christopher Columbus, peppering personal anecdotes with societal critiques. They share reflections on managing type 1 diabetes during Sunday brunch, intertwining personal and historical insights related to the Rosenbergs. Nostalgic tales from Philadelphia nightlife are mixed with a thoughtful dive into the complexities of communism, inviting listener engagement.

Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 54min
#474 - Frankly, She Loves the American People
A lively discussion unfolds around the MAGA hat incident, depicting the cultural tensions in a diverse New York setting. Humor meets analysis as they address media integrity and the chaotic landscape of political communications. From insights on Bob Woodward's revelations about Trump's ties with Putin to critiques of Kamala Harris's interviews, the talk spans a wide spectrum of political dynamics. They even touch on the evolving role of independent media, highlighting its impact amidst misinformation and controversy.

Oct 8, 2024 • 18min
Members Only #228 - Some Like It Hot
The conversation booms with a lighthearted look at memorable baseball moments and the emotional ties they create. Listeners hear about the journey into adulthood through comical encounters with snakes—a metaphor for self-sufficiency. An exploration of true crime captivates, diving into media influence and personal anecdotes. The speakers analyze the evolution of Trump's language, shedding light on its implications. And don't forget some classic fatherhood tunes that resonate deeply!

29 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 45min
#473 - Something For Everyone to Hate
In this lively discussion, the hosts reflect on aging and humorous self-diagnosis methods. They dive into union dynamics and the ongoing longshoremen's strike, highlighting economic disparities. The discussion turns to the baffling government distribution of free expired COVID-19 tests. They also tackle media practices related to a high-profile interview request. Tensions in the Israeli-Lebanese conflict and shifting regional dynamics reveal a complex geopolitical landscape, mixing laughs with serious insights throughout the chat.

Sep 30, 2024 • 21min
Members Only #227 - Killing Nasrallah, Inshallah
The hosts dive into the chaotic life of Hasan Nasrallah with a blend of humor and skepticism. They discuss the concept of a 'thugocracy' and share their unapologetic takes on hockey fights. Personal anecdotes weave through their lively banter, including comedic reflections on pop culture and the vibrant streets of New York. The conversation turns serious as they unpack campaign finance corruption, exposing the murky dealings of political figures. Expect laughs and sharp insights in a chaotic mix of topics!

54 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 46min
#472 - The Ruhling Class and Palestine's Parachute Pundit
Dive into a lively discussion on race and identity in film, packed with sharp commentary on controversial topics. Explore media scrutiny surrounding political figures like Kamala Harris and the chaos in New York politics, mixing tension with humor over Eric Clapton's music. Unravel the complexities of current events, including amusing anecdotes about Diddy and COVID-19 quirks. Critique the oversimplified narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and question journalistic integrity in today's political landscape. Expect insightful banter and irreverent takes throughout!

19 snips
Sep 21, 2024 • 27min
Members Only #226 - A Nest of Idiot Vipers
Candace Owens, a controversial political commentator known for her provocative and often divisive views, joins the conversation to tackle some hot-button issues. They humorously critique rigid opinions surrounding gangster rap and its influence on black culture. The discussion takes a turn to examine the impacts of Elon Musk's social media ownership, highlighting the clash between free speech and societal responsibility. Media integrity takes center stage, as they explore the decline of traditional journalism and its consequences for public trust.

8 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 34min
#471 - Do You Know the Importance of a Skypager?
The hosts tackle the absurdities of political discourse, touching on pressing issues like Hezbollah and recent economic policies. They humorously critique Melania Trump's new book and its artistic implications. A deep dive into confusing grocery pricing proposals reveals the absurdity of contemporary economic plans. Examining the upcoming election, they analyze the potential clash between Trump and Kamala Harris. The normalization of political violence and its media portrayal sparks a lively discussion, highlighting the challenges of coherent discourse in today's climate.

Sep 16, 2024 • 22min
Members Only #225 - The Assassin's Creed
The discussion kicks off with the surprising connection between David Bowie's 'Low' and the Cold War, linking music to current political events. A humorous look at Indian-American political identities follows, mixed with critiques of music favorites like Pearl Jam. Nostalgic tales about 90s music culture and tattoos reveal how these icons shaped fans’ lives. The conversation takes a serious turn as they delve into political violence and societal safety after recent incidents, ultimately blending heavy themes with light-hearted reflections on music.

12 snips
Sep 7, 2024 • 1h 36min
#470 - Good Wars, Bad Candidates, and the Department of Straws and Napkins
A bold tattoo of 'Trump' on a woman's forehead sparks hilarity and debate about personal choices. The conversation delves into Russian influence in politics, highlighting media manipulation and the absurdity of questionable funding. Dissecting political rhetoric reveals disjointed arguments around childcare and subsidies. Historical narratives, particularly regarding the Holocaust, are scrutinized, challenging misconceptions and exploring their socio-political implications. The discussion balances humor, critique, and a deep dive into current events.


