The Fifth Column

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.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.wethefifth.com* The golden age of Oaktown’s 357 ("I just put Juicy, Got Him Crazy into Chat GPT to determine what it's about and it is definitely a song about...."* Yes, we briefly talk about forgotten about rappers and their dumb lyrics* Pumps and the Bump* Grok has this to say about our Hammer convo: “The casual acceptance of MC Hammer’s Speedo situation is absurdly funny.”

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.wethefifth.comA rebroadcast of our last subscriber-only Second Sunday episode. Thomas Chatterton Williams stops by. Everyone’s in the same room. Many bottles are emptied. Many offensive jokes told. Many careers destroyed. Enjoy.

Dive into the absurdity of the immigration debate and the cranks that pop up within it. The rise of antisemitism in popular culture sparks a lively discussion on accountability and misinformation. Gavin Newsom's new podcast reveals political charm in unexpected places, while debates over free speech and security in academia raise eyebrows. As Ukraine negotiations unfold, the podcast navigates the complexities of foreign policy and the impact of rising government spending. Anticipate sharp insights and witty commentary in this thought-provoking dialogue.

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.