The Moynihan Report
2WAY
The Moynihan Report is an in-depth 1-on-1 interview program broadcast live from 2WAY’s New York studio on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8pm EST.Hosted by Michael Moynihan (The Fifth Column, VICE News), the show centers around lively conversations with the most influential people in culture, politics, media, and beyond–not just to unpack their opinions on current events, but to better understand what makes them tick. Each episode also includes the opportunity for Michael and guests to engage with the live at-home audience via the 2WAY platform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
How one man's videos put him in Andrew Tate's legal crosshairs | The Moynihan Report
Nathan Livingstone, an Australian filmmaker and online chronicler, shares his gripping journey from a forklift driver to confronting Andrew Tate's controversial narratives. He reveals how Tate's self-incriminating videos spurred his investigations, leading to a daunting defamation lawsuit he terms 'lawfare.' The discussion dives into the attraction of sensationalism in media, the danger posed by figures like Nick Fuentes, and the intellectual responsibility of platforming extremists. Nathan's insights shed light on the high stakes of exposing online extremism and the cultural implications involved.
16 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 1min
The 'Cheney-to-Trump' pipeline: how the VP paved the way for MAGA | The Moynihan Report
Josh Szeps, an Australian journalist and host of Uncomfortable Conversations, joins the discussion to argue that Dick Cheney is the most influential architect of modern political polarization. He delves into Cheney's 'eat or be eaten' mentality post-9/11, which normalized norm-breaking in U.S. politics. The conversation shifts to faith and atheism, contrasting Nick Cave's profound reflections on loss with Richard Dawkins' dismissiveness, while also exploring the cultural landscape for writers and the ongoing complexity of America's global perception.
18 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 13min
The impact of election on future of the Democratic Party with Don Calloway | The Moynihan Report
Don Calloway, a Democratic strategist and CEO of Pine Street Advisors, lends his expertise on the Virginia governor's race, predicting a win for Spanberger. He discusses the surprising rise of economic populism in unexpected places, affecting both Democrats and Republicans like Josh Hawley. Calloway also explores how shifts in voter demographics, particularly among Hispanic and Black men, are reshaping party alignments. The conversation highlights the potential risks of populist promises and their long-term political implications.
25 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 8min
The great right-wing unraveling | The Moynihan Report
Bridget Phetasy, a writer and host of the podcasts Dumpster Fire and Real America, joins Michael Moynihan to explore the outrageous trends in right-wing media. They dissect how figures like Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes have amped up their shock tactics, blending performative outrage with online fame. The duo debates the consequences of deplatforming and identity politics, and they reflect on how these dynamics shape public discourse, revealing a troubling cycle of absurdity and extremism. A fascinating dive into the turbulent media landscape!
20 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 10min
Can humor actually STOP fascism? (the answer may surprise you) | The Moynihan Report
Danny Polachek, a stand-up comedian known for his viral sketches, dives into the complexities of humor as a tool against fascism. He shares insights on how satire is often misunderstood, leading to alarming misinterpretations among audiences. The conversation touches on contemporary antisemitism and the daunting spread of conspiratorial thinking, especially post-COVID. They debate whether sharp satire can truly combat extremism, while also examining its cultural impact through examples like South Park. Can comedy change minds, or are its limits too stark?
11 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 18min
How the Left's 2020 'peak dominance' created the inevitable Trump backlash | The Moynihan Report
In a thought-provoking discussion, Thomas Chatterton Williams, a cultural critic and author of "Summer of Our Discontent," delves into the chaotic cultural landscape post-2020. He explores how exaggerated claims of oppression fueled a backlash that aided Trump's resurgence. Williams reflects on his evolving views on race, influenced by living in France and his experiences with a white-passing daughter. He critiques the elite capture of police reform while advocating for open debate, all while analyzing the political use of figures like George Floyd and Charlie Kirk.
9 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ex-CNN producer: the corporate media model is officially DEAD | The Moynihan Report
Steve Krakauer, a media critic and former CNN producer, dives into the disintegration of legacy media structures and the emergence of independent voices. He critiques John Oliver's attack on Barry Weiss and highlights ideological fear in mainstream outlets. The duo discusses how old media gatekeepers are losing power to authentic, decentralized networks. They explore the impact of social media on audience behavior and predict a shift towards more personalized content, signaling the end of traditional corporate media.
19 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 3min
Dexter Filkins on why Biden’s "nice guy” foreign policy FAILED | The Moynihan Report
Award-winning journalist Dexter Filkins, a staff writer at The New Yorker known for his in-depth coverage of Iraq and Afghanistan, delves into the intricacies of Middle East conflicts. He analyzes Trump's impactful foreign policy strategies compared to Biden's approach, highlighting Israel's military successes and intelligence operations. Filkins sheds light on the complexities of Hamas versus other militant groups, discusses civilian casualty protocols, and considers the potential for future normalization in the region despite ongoing tensions.
8 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Bari Weiss/CBS news deal | The Moynihan Report
Journalist Olivia Reingold joins to discuss Bari Weiss's controversial appointment at CBS News. They delve into media reactions to the hire, exploring the concerns about 'both-sides' journalism and the impact of social media criticism. The conversation also touches on political violence, reflecting on the recent anniversary of October 7th. Reingold critiques the glorification of authoritarian regimes and warns about the dangers of inflammatory rhetoric on campuses, while examining the rise of antisemitic incidents since the attacks.
10 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 2min
"Thank God for the Atomic Bomb" | The Moynihan Report
Historian Richard B. Frank, an expert on the Asia-Pacific War, discusses the aftermath of World War II and the controversial atomic bombings. He challenges the idea that Japan was ready to surrender, detailing their defensive strategies and intentions. Frank dives into the misconceptions surrounding the bomb's necessity, revealing high casualty forecasts for a potential invasion. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the broader Asian context of the war, sharing insights from his works, including the staggering toll on non-Japanese victims throughout the conflict.
