
Ink Stained Wretches
Eliana Johnson and Chris Stirewalt love the news business but they hate a lot of what’s happening to it these days. Using their decades of experience in print, digital and TV news they tell the story behind the stories, always on the lookout for bias, sloppy reporting and, well, just plain wretched journalism. Every week they help you to be a better, smarter news consumer.
Latest episodes

5 snips
May 30, 2025 • 58min
Don’t Say Goodbye, Say Wretch You Later
The hosts dive into a whirlwind of topics before their break, discussing Trump's contentious legal battles with CBS and a daring rejection of a $15 million settlement. They explore the shrinking influence of the Black Lives Matter movement and the Democrats' struggle for identity. The comedic take on decluttering with the quirky 'poop rule' offers a light-hearted perspective. Finally, they bid farewell to their listeners while reflecting on their podcasting journey, filled with emotion and community.

9 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 26min
Amber Alert: Dem Joe Rogan
This week, the conversation dives into the launch of Original Sin and the left's quest for their own Joe Rogan. A CBS newsroom shakeup sparks debates about media integrity, while a guest shares insights from serving on the Pulitzer jury. The discussion also touches on rising anti-Jewish sentiment and Biden's health amid political chaos. There's an amusing look at Kermit the Frog’s commencement speech, and a scandal highlights how personal relationships can alter corporate decisions, revealing the tangled web of business and romance.

18 snips
May 16, 2025 • 1h 4min
Chair Force One
The hosts dive into Trump's Gulf tour and the media dynamics surrounding it, noting major outlets' exclusion from Air Force One. They discuss aging leadership, highlighting Biden's potential health concerns and the implications for his re-election. The conversation shifts to baseball history, examining the bans of Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson. Fashion takes the spotlight, exploring style trends tied to political identities, while listeners are encouraged to reflect on generational differences. This lively banter keeps things both entertaining and insightful!

13 snips
May 9, 2025 • 43min
Deep Dish on The Pope
The hosts celebrate the election of the first American pope, sharing amusing personal experiences and insights into papal traditions. They tackle the media's portrayal of political figures like John Fetterman and Joe Biden, reflecting on mental health's role in public perception. A discussion on the Pulitzer Prize highlights controversies around media biases and evolving narratives. Amid farewells and fond memories, they also dive into listener queries on low-carb diets, wrapping up with humorous takes on current events.

18 snips
May 2, 2025 • 1h 22min
Dudes, man
Dive into a world of political intrigue as Chris and Eliana discuss Trump's media blitz, uncovering the intricacies of narrative control in today’s journalism. Explore the origins of Jo Jo potatoes, a quirky culinary journey sure to spark nostalgia. Discover the tantalizing blend of faith and fashion with the rising trend of cross necklaces among influencers. Lastly, they confront the emotional complexities of familial ties amid scandal, all while serving sharp commentary on American culture and politics.

Apr 25, 2025 • 54min
The Interview: Lahav Harkov on News Coverage of the Israel-Gaza War
Lahav Harkov, Senior Political Correspondent for Jewish Insider, shares insights from his unique background as an American-Israeli journalist. He discusses the complexities of media representation during the Israel-Gaza conflict, exposing biases in reporting and challenges of conveying truth. Harkov reflects on the impact of social media, the moral implications of hostage situations, and critiques surrounding human rights narratives. His firsthand experiences shed light on the sensitivity required in journalism when navigating such contentious topics.

15 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 11min
Legion of Wretches
This week, the hosts delve into Trump’s immigration battles and the fallout with Harvard over federal funding. They marvel at Blue Origin’s daring space ventures and raise eyebrows at Elon Musk’s wild plan for genetically elite super-babies. The conversation touches on ethical parenting in the age of billionaires, critiquing societal norms and media portrayals of serious topics. With humor laced throughout, they also tackle celebrity satire and the absurdities of influence in politics and culture.

12 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 13min
Just Joshing
Josh Kraushaar, editor-in-chief of Jewish Insider and Fox News political analyst, discusses the intricate landscape of political journalism and the impact of misinformation. He dives into the Trump administration's contrasting views on tariffs and their political consequences, alongside the evolving Republican Party dynamics. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing broadcast networks and the influence of AI in journalism, highlighting the need for balance in reporting amidst changing media consumption habits.

5 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 15min
Take a Whiff of This Tariff
Get ready for a wild ride through quirky conversations! From the hilariously unique McRib Shower Gel available in Germany to the absurdity of new tariffs, the hosts dissect it all. They dive into the political circus, looking at Cory Booker’s tactics and the drama surrounding the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. There's a spotlight on the chaotic landscape of recent elections and even a discussion on Trump's musings about a potential third run. Laughter and insight collide in this entertaining take on current events!

21 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 1h 16min
Mixed Signal
The hosts dive into the controversy surrounding the Trump administration's use of Signal, raising questions about accountability and national security. They also tackle Columbia University’s policy changes, highlighting tensions over federal compliance and institutional integrity. Personal anecdotes about family outings to Hooters are sprinkled throughout, adding humor to their commentary. Additionally, they explore the societal impacts of porn culture on relationships and examine the evolving narratives around COVID origins, reflecting on broader issues in media and education.