

America This Week
Matt Taibbi & Walter Kirn
Welcome to America This Week, with Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn, the national news wrap-up so true, we recommend you stow all sharp objects before reading. www.racket.news
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 1, 2025 • 2h 13min
America This Week Monday Night Livestream 3/31/25
Dive into the confusion surrounding AI's influence on our perception of reality and the challenges of uncovering truth in media. Explore political gaffes, candidacy hints, and the media's portrayal of these events. Examine Marine Le Pen's legal issues and the contrasting political landscapes of France and the U.S. The podcast tackles the complexities of U.S.-Ukraine military dynamics, ethical dilemmas of distant commands, and critiques the absurdity in military strategies. Finally, challenge mainstream media narratives while navigating escalating geopolitical tensions.

9 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 31min
America This Week, Mar 28, 2025: "A Good Leak Scandal is Hard to Find"
Could NPR be changing for the better? The discussion kicks off with a whistleblower controversy and a congressional hearing about the network's alleged biases. Personal reflections on NPR's history reveal concerns over ideological slants in storytelling. The conversation then shifts to media narratives, tackling the mixed responses to Meghan Markle’s new series and the societal themes of privilege and jealousy. Finally, the speakers dive into NPR's complex role in the American media landscape as it strives for unbiased reporting amidst political scrutiny.

Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 56min
America This Week, Live on Monday Nights (3/24/25)
Dive into nostalgic media icons like Walter Cronkite and their impact on public trust. Explore the intertwining of journalists with major events, including the JFK assassination. Critique modern media portrayals of violence and the ethical dilemmas they present. Analyze a chilling connection between extremism and healthcare flaws. Discuss the influence of corporate interests on public health policies and Coca-Cola's complex distribution network. Join a humorous take on health trends in convenience stores while navigating surreal political landscapes and the implications of civil liberties.

Mar 21, 2025 • 30min
America This Week, Mar 21, 2025: "Terror Hypocrisy and the Real JFK Revelations"
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.racket.newsThe JFK Files don't unmask a killer, but they do reveal a spy state out of control. Plus, "The Golden Bird," by the Brothers Grimm

Mar 15, 2025 • 1h 46min
America This Week Live - March 14, 2025
Thank you Racket Readers for joining Walter and Matt for a live edition of America This Week. See you next week! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.racket.news/subscribe

Mar 7, 2025 • 30min
America This Week, Mar 7, 2025: "The Return of Germans"
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.racket.newsLink Here: Listen to subscriber-only audio in your podcast appShare the Free Previews of America This Week:Watch ATW on YouTube below:

Feb 28, 2025 • 31min
America This Week, Feb 28, 2025: "America Breaks from Europe"
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.racket.newsFaced with collapse, the Luftreich - the international elite consensus - fights back. Also, "The Main Death,' by Dashiell Hammett

Feb 21, 2025 • 30min
America This Week, Feb 21, 2025: "Looking Back on Trump's First Month"
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.racket.newsWith video appearances by Jon Stewart, Jen Psaki, an EPA official caught on tape, and a 990 form or two. Which set of lawbreakers is ahead? Plus, "The Fatalist," by Mikhail Lermontov

Feb 14, 2025 • 30min
America This Week, Feb 14, 2025: "The Government is a Giant Pile of Dung"
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.racket.newsTulsi Gabbard confirmed. Plus, "Angel Fire," by our own Walter Kirn

Jan 31, 2025 • 30min
America This Week, Jan 31, 2025: "The Apostate Hearings: RFK, Warren, and Democrat-on-Democrat Crime"
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.racket.newsWalter attends the Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. hearings. We discuss highlights and (mostly) lowlights. Also, "Dark-Brown Dog," by Stephen Crane