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
10 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
The new Right: rising or retreating? | The Moynihan Report
Meghan McCain, political commentator and daughter of Senator John McCain, joins Michael to explore the evolving landscape of the conservative movement. They discuss the impact of right-wing media personalities like Tucker Carlson on public perception and party dynamics. Meghan reflects on her early campaign experiences and the radical shift in political discourse, especially during the pandemic. The conversation touches on the GOP's identity crisis, friendships across political lines, and the growing divide in media narratives, emphasizing the need for diverse conversations.
Nov 19, 2025 • 56min
Afghan businessman to MTV mogul: how Tom Freston revolutionized youth culture | The Moynihan Report
Tom Freston, former MTV and Viacom executive, shares his fascinating journey from Afghanistan's hippie trail to revolutionizing youth culture at MTV. He dives into the chaotic yet creative environment that birthed iconic campaigns like 'I Want My MTV,' featuring legends like David Bowie. The conversation touches on his adventures in the clothing business, his abrupt exit from Viacom for not acquiring MySpace, and his intriguing time at Vice Media, where he witnessed the highs and lows of edgy journalism and overspending.
Nov 14, 2025 • 53min
AI is NOT replacing your job, it's "degrading" it. here's how | The Moynihan Report
Meredith Whittaker, President of Signal and former Google employee, dissects the AI landscape and its impact on jobs. She argues that AI often degrades work rather than replacing it, leading to precarious positions. Whittaker warns against the concentration of power within Big Tech and its surveillance practices. The conversation touches on the pitfalls of popular messaging apps, the implications of targeted spyware, and the importance of encryption and governance. She emphasizes that the benefits of technology should be shared, rather than concentrated.
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.
20 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.
