Ink Stained Wretches

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Dive into the chaotic world of MAGA politics, where infighting among top figures like Bannon and Musk raises eyebrows. Columbia University faces turmoil over student detentions and First Amendment rights, showcasing deep internal divisions. Discover the eyebrow-raising grooming debates within the Yankees, blending personal style with political symbolism. A unique twist unfolds as they unravel the quirky history of the Egg McMuffin alongside rising anti-Semitism in pro-Trump media. It's a whirlwind of laughs, controversies, and biting insights!

Watch this episode on YouTube!The Wretches are back in the studio, and it feels so good. This week, we’re covering Trump’s joint address to Congress, tariffs, ‘based’ Newsom, and much more. Wretch on!1:55 - Front Page29:07 - Obsessions37:24 - Reader mail42:26 - Favorite ItemsReuters: Storm clouds gather over US economy as Trump kicks off trade war CBS News: Poll on Trump's 2025 joint address to Congress finds large majority of viewers approve National Review: When the Left Is Too Smug Even for the New York TimesThe New York Times: During Trump’s Rowdy Speech to Congress, the Quiet Moments Said the MostThe Wall Street Journal: The ‘Hustling Expert’ Behind Argentina’s $250 Million Crypto Scandal The Wall Street Journal: The Two-Headed Monster Stalking the Economy Has a Name: Stagflation Politico: Gavin Newsom breaks with Democrats on trans athletes in sports Deadline: Tom Llamas To Succeed Lester Holt As ‘NBC Nightly News’ Anchor Nieman Lab: FiveThirtyEight is shutting down as part of broader cuts at ABC and Disney Mediaite: Despite Bezos’ Efforts to Shove WaPo Opinion to the Right, Op-Eds Still Taking Defiantly Anti-Trump, Anti-Musk Tone Axios: Patch scales to 30,000 U.S. communities with AI newslettersThe New York Times: She’s a Foot Soldier in America’s Losing War With Chronic Disease The New York Times: When This Professor Got Cancer, He Didn’t Quit. He Taught a Class About It.

This week, the hosts dive into the White House's control over press coverage, sparking a discussion on media freedom and representation. They critique MSNBC's programming shake-ups and reflect on Lester Holt's retirement from NBC. The conversation touches on media portrayals of marginalized communities impacted by disasters and challenges to Biden's cognitive abilities. With a dash of humor, they also explore obsession with free samples at consumer conferences, contrasting the absurdity with serious media dynamics.