Getting Hammered

Kelly Maher, a sharp political analyst and writer, teams up with Mary Katharine Ham to dive into the tumultuous week of political news within the conservative movement. They tackle contentious topics such as Ben Shapiro's push for truth in commentary and Tucker Carlson's reaction to the current dynamics. The duo discusses the split within the right at AmFest and JD Vance's call for inclusivity in the America First coalition. They also scrutinize Candace Owens' controversial claims and the ongoing crisis at the Heritage Foundation, all while sharing light-hearted holiday anecdotes.

Mary Katharine Ham makes cocktails for spirits expert Vic Matus. It's nerve-wracking. Did she succeed?! We mixed a LOT of liquors, with a garnish of news, plus favorite and hated Christmas carols and movies! On the drink menu: A Cranberry Snow Globe Spritzer, a Gingerbread Martini, a Cranberry Margarita, a Peppermint White Russian, and a Cider with Bourbon. We even had fresh-roasted chestnuts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Getting Hammered, hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk holiday preparations and Nashville hot chicken followed by more serious topics, addressing tragic news events in Bondi Beach and Brown University. The conversation shifts to political insights regarding the current administration feature in Vanity Fair, followed by a discussion on Rob Reiner's passing and Trump's controversial response. Ending on a lighter note with a discussion on font changes at the State Department and concludes with a highlight of "Trashed Panda" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're excited to offer some interviews as bonus content on Getting Hammered with friends of the show on topics we care about. Today, Karen Vaites, an expert on literacy and curriculum, who really knows the nitty-gritty about how students learn, what works, and what we can replicate. We rant a bit about school closings and Randi Weingarten, then get on to the business of moving forward— the Mississippi Miracle, the Southern Surge, and whether skepticism is warranted. We are optimists. There is good news! We're trying to spread the word and help spread the strategy. That's where you come in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal updates and holiday preparations to the competitive landscape of fried chicken chains. They delve into the political implications of Jasmine Crockett's Senate run, the Minnesota fraud case, and the cultural issues surrounding it. The conversation also touches on college football playoff controversies and reflections on the Kennedy Center Honors. 10:35 - Jasmine Crockett 22:40 - Minnesota Fraud 31:00 - Kennedy Center Honors 39:43 - College Football Playoffs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the inaugural independent episode of "Getting Hammered," Vic and MK decide to bring back the show at least once a week this holiday season, with thanks to all you listeners who have stuck around during hiatus season. In the near future, we'll concoct some ways for you to support the show as we head toward the new year, whether it's premium content, subscriptions, or contributing to our holiday cocktail fund. In the meantime, you can help by subscribing, listening, reviewing, and spreading the word. Today, Vic and MK do a review of Thanksgiving health damage, Christmas traffic, and MK's kids destroying decor before diving into U.S. military attacks on alleged drug-trafficking boats near Venezuela, the law of the sea, Franklin memes, Aftyn Behn, midterm forecasts, special elections, and people who should not sing on stage, the Minnesota massive fraud story, and the drama, drama, drama of Lane Kiffin.  10:10 Narco Terrorist 21:45 Minnesota 31:25 2026 Prospects 44:39 Lane Kiffin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back again to discuss on the recent election outcomes in New Jersey and Virginia, Mamdani in NYC, and a few updates while we have been away. Tune in! 8:06 - Elections 27:19 - Mamdani 35:58 - Heritage Foundation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on Youtube! We're back to discuss Charlie Kirk and the reaction to his assassination, Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, and a few other things we missed while we were away. Tune in! timestamps: 14:49 - Charlie Kirk 44:07 Jimmy Kimmel 58:43 - Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on Youtube! On this episode: We break down the many uses of the autopen, the backlash over the DOJ's handling of the Epstein list, and Chris Cuomo’s eyebrow-raising bid for NYC mayor. Plus: potential new cuts to the Department of Education, Trump’s NATO weapons deal, and the All-Star Game makes its return to Atlanta. Let’s get into it! Time stamps: 13:59 - The Autopen 27:52 - Epstein 40:25 - Cuomo 46:00 - Department of Education 50:48 - NATO 59:35 - MLB All-Star Game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on Youtube! On this episode: Trump orders strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and what happens next. Plus, a look at New York’s Democratic mayoral race, and a celebratory toast as the government prepares to drop its two-drink-a-day buzzkill. Cheers to that! Time stamps: 12:13 - Special Report / Iran 44:39 - NYC Mayoral Race 51:48 - 2-drink recs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices