
The Fifth Column
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
Latest episodes

Feb 3, 2025 • 21min
Members Only #247 - The Dumbest War Begins
Explore the feminist undertones in 'Mary Poppins' and how it resonates today. Laugh at the quirks of a famous musician's accent while diving into TikTok culture and identity politics. Delve into the controversy around Trump's tariffs and their broad impact on international trade. Discover how tariffs could backfire, raising consumer prices instead of protecting jobs. Critique economic policies that overlook consumer choices and advocate for a diverse market to truly benefit American manufacturing.

17 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 1h 44min
#488 - By Order of the MAGAstate
The hosts share hilarious travel mishaps, weaving humor with historical reflections on Poland's complexities. They analyze a chaotic market crash and highlight contrasting executive actions from past administrations. Political turbulence during the Trump era is examined, from critiques of pharma to shifting party dynamics. The discussion unveils hidden histories around JFK, RFK, and MLK's assassination files and tackles media wars in the age of AI, emphasizing the need for journalistic integrity. A mix of lighthearted moments and serious themes keeps the dialogue engaging.

12 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 8min
Members Only #246 - Premature Denazification
Join a captivating dialogue as the hosts share humorous tales from Krakow, including a cheeky take on local graffiti. They reflect on the significance of Auschwitz's liberation and delve into absurdity with a light-hearted discussion on 'White Chicks.' Political tensions come to the forefront, examining nationalism, identity, and the impact of recent controversies while exploring cultural legacies. Personal anecdotes and listener feedback fuel a thought-provoking look at modern political discourse and the challenges facing liberal institutions today.

49 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 56min
#487 - A Symphony of Horror
Get ready for a wild ride through the realms of horror and politics! The lively banter kicks off with a nostalgic zombie band reunion, then dives into the eerie world of 'Nosferatu' and modern political tensions. There's a surreal discussion about watching horror films with cutting-edge tech, plus a critique of political actions post-January 6th. The hosts tackle the absurdities of conspiracies linked to figures like Musk and Trump, while also debating intriguing justice dilemmas surrounding the Silk Road case. A thought-provoking mix of humor and insight awaits!

5 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 19min
Members Only #245 - Everything Old Is New Again
The hosts dive into the nuances of political loyalties, especially during significant dates like Martin Luther King Day. They tackle the evolving nature of individual beliefs in response to crime and urban ethics. Recent political events spark humorous critiques of public figures and their children’s reactions. The discussion shifts to how executive power has transformed across administrations, with a focus on Biden's anticipated orders. Finally, they explore the complexities of amending the Constitution and the implications of recent executive actions.

60 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 51min
#486 - A Deal with the Devil, MelaniaCoin, Danny has AIDS
Political absurdities take center stage as the hosts dive into Melania Trump's antics and explore the fictional MelaniaCoin. A humorous tribute to Bob Uecker contrasts with critiques of troubling societal issues. The complex landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics unfolds, highlighting shifting alliances and the challenges in Israeli-Palestinian relations. Insights into wealth concentration in the U.S. and its democratic implications emerge alongside a discussion of women's roles in military service, emphasizing calls for equal standards.

4 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 22min
Members Only #244 - Second Sunday Coming Down
This episode features a lively discussion about a new film club focused on films exploring totalitarianism themes. The hosts critique a political figure's effectiveness in the media landscape, blending humor with serious commentary. Anecdotes from a former candidate shed light on the challenges of urban life during her Olympic experiences. The water crisis in California is tackled, highlighting infrastructure delays and political turbulence. Finally, amusing cultural quirks from around the world make for light-hearted exchange, adding a playful touch to the conversation.

65 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 54min
#485 - The Fire This Time
The hosts dive into the absurdity of wanting to acquire Greenland, blending humor with serious geopolitics. They critique the mismanagement of big city governance, particularly in LA during wildfire season. Personal stories highlight community resilience amid disasters. The discussion spans political ideologies, the failures of progressive policies, and the decline of local journalism. They tackle free speech concerns, comparing U.S. rights with European censorship. Reflecting on January 6th, they question justice amidst political divides.

6 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 17min
Members Only #243 - Pox Blankets, Political Cartoons, Poor Parenting
Dive into the amusing chaos of parenting as the hosts share funny tales about kids and their antics. Explore the curious rise of athlete-turned-actors and the complexities of political cartoons in today's media landscape. Discover the challenges cartoonists face in expressing their views amid workplace repercussions. Plus, a light-hearted look at age dynamics in film relationships, including surprise appearances from iconic athletes. It's a blend of nostalgia, humor, and sharp social commentary!

50 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 28min
#484 - Pumps, Converts, Fatwas, and Ex-Presidents
The hosts dive into the intriguing world of New Year’s resolutions mixed with historical anecdotes. They reflect on the alarming rise of domestic terrorism in New Orleans and Vegas, dissecting the motivations of perpetrators. A thoughtful chat on extremism balances discussions around ISIS and white nationalism. The complexities of Jimmy Carter’s moral stances are compared to today’s political challenges, while the conversation takes a lighter turn with nostalgic memories of Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out and personal stories about living with diabetes.
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