Rephonic
Artwork for The Fifth Column
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Hamas
Claudine Gay
Ceasefire
Plagiarism
Academic Integrity
Democracy
Intellectual Humility
Middle East Politics
Harvard University
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Civilian Casualties
Freedom Of Speech
Megan Kelly
Donald Trump
War Crimes
George Floyd
Israel
Transgender Issues
Gavin Newsom

Your weekly rhetorical assault on the on the news cycle, the people who make it, and occasionally ourselves. Kmele Foster (Freethink), Michael Moynihan (Vice), and Matt Welch (Reason) talk and laugh and drink their way to at least quasi-sanity in a world gone mad, often with the aid of clean and articulate guests. Weekly Members Only subscription edition often comes with listener mail and professi... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes634Founded10 years ago
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Artwork for The Fifth Column

Latest Episodes

-Gov. Chris Christie says Kmele has no excuse

-Getting drunk with Colbert

-No drugs, ever

-RFK Jr.’s drug use

-The only things Trump believes in

-something is a little off about John Kasich

-Olivia Nuzzi is a Freak, Crumb Cake edition

-Michael... more

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.wethefifth.com

He also weighs in on populism, inequality, private credit, and why a country can be prosperous on paper while still feeling bleak to the people living in it.

-“Blankfe... more

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.wethefifth.com

From the multiverse to time travel to bad studies and internet “experts,” and then all the way to metaphysics and belief, Sean Carroll explains why modern life makes ev... more

Hooman Majd comes from a family that reads like a parable about modern Iran: a grandfather who was an ayatollah, an uncle who worked for the Shah, and a folk-singing aunt. Everyone’s family has a version of this, right?

-Iran is a tragedy

-the sens... more

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Recent Guests

Sean Carroll
Physicist and author known for work on cosmology and the many-worlds interpretation
University of California, Berkeley (professor)
Episode: Many Worlds, Bad Science, and the Strangeness of Being w/Sean Carroll (Members Only #307)
Hooman Majd
Iranian-American author, NBC News contributor
NBC News
Episode: Iran and the Fog of Regime Change (w/Hooman Majd) - #547
Nadav Eyal
Renowned Israeli journalist
Israel
Episode: One Hitter: War With Iran and Jewish Space Lasers w/ Nadav Eyal (Members Only #305)
Elissa Slotkin
Democratic Senator from Michigan and former CIA officer
U.S. Senate
Episode: State of the Union Post-Mortem with Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) - #546
Jon Meacham
Historian and author, known for works on American political figures and history
Vanderbilt University
Episode: Ambiguity in the Age of Outrage (w/ Jon Meacham) - #545
William Neuman
Former Bureau Chief in Caracas, journalist and author
The New York Times
Episode: Voodoo Socialism and the $3 Million Rainy Day Fund w/ William Neuman (Members Only #302)
Robert Sullivan
Author of My American Revolution
Episode: The Revolutionaries (w/ Robert Sullivan) - #4
John Bolton
Former National Security Advisor and Ambassador
U.S. Government
Episode: The Great American Mustache Ride (w/ John Bolton) - #544
Peter Moskos
Author of Cop in the Hood and Back from the Brink, and a professor at John Jay College
John Jay College
Episode: One Hitter: Another ICE Shooting In Minneapolis with Peter Moskos (Members Only #297)

Hosts

Matt Welch
Host with focus on American history, politics, and commentary.
Michael Moynihan
Co-host known for political analysis and media critique.
Kmele Foster
Co-host with libertarian-leaning perspectives and media commentary.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 4.3k ratings
  • Hey Dope!

    The answer to how to stop Trump’s second term was to stick with the 81 Million Vote Biden-Harris ticket. In what universe do you live in that you think Harris-Waltz was a better ticket even after they incredibly lost the popular vote which Biden had trounced Trump by seven million. Blame dopes Clooney Stewart CNN NYT Ezra and Moynihan who even when proven wrong double down on their arrogance.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    80'sVillager
    United States25 days ago
  • Mustache

    You guys didn’t title the episode that. hahaha

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Randall Hunt
    United Statesa month ago
  • Lined pockets

    You can pretty much tell who’s lining these dudes pockets week-by-week. They come off as a “neutral - center” show and they are far from it. They slyly push the exact propaganda points that everyone else does.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Ghoul dude
    United Statesa month ago
  • Moynihan’s L

    Bro I appreciate you reading the L you took from the emailer who straightened you out about how inane you sound calling for a Covid reckoning. I could almost hear your co-hosts whispering Take the L Bro. You got it back with your fun spoofing of the Dooe oblivious to the word Benevolent.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    80'sVillager
    United States2 months ago
  • Appreciate The Perspective

    Found these guys from the MK Show.

    Trump haters I can tolerate.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Regular Kelly
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the historical perspectives and willingness to challenge prevailing narratives.
Some comments express strong negative reactions to guests or topics, reflecting polarized responses to political discussion.
A mix of praise for balanced, thoughtful analysis and criticism for perceived partisanship or tone.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#128
United States/News
Apple Podcasts
#141
Canada/News
Apple Podcasts
#154
Norway/News
Apple Podcasts
#156
Ireland/News
Apple Podcasts
#161
Sweden/News
Apple Podcasts
#178
South Africa/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Iran and the Fog of Regime Change (w/Hooman Majd) - #547
Q: How reliable is information coming from Iranian state media versus other sources?
He emphasizes skepticism toward state media but also notes that independent verification exists through satellite imagery and on-the-ground reporting, while stressing that propaganda is present on all sides and should be carefully scrutinized.
Iran and the Fog of Regime Change (w/Hooman Majd) - #547
Q: What is your take on the current war and whether it constitutes regime change or regime adjustment?
The guest argues that while the action targets leadership and the security apparatus, the longer-term outcome depends on whether the regime becomes pliant or is replaced with a homegrown reformist or more open governance model, and he distinguishes between regime change and regime adjustment.
The Revolutionaries (w/ Robert Sullivan) - #4
Q: What inspired you to write about the American Revolution?
Robert Sullivan discusses how his surroundings in New York sparked his interest in the histories and stories of the Revolutionary War.
The Great American Mustache Ride (w/ John Bolton) - #544
Q: Why should the U.S. involve itself in foreign conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Venezuela?
American interests are global and require strategic engagement to maintain national security and protect allies.
How Much Benevolence Can You Take? - #540
Q: What do you mean by the word benevolent?
It means well-intentioned, positive billionaires who are creating, you know, net positive societal progress.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Fifth Column

What is The Fifth Column about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show operates as a sharp, skeptical take on politics, current events, and media narratives, often pairing humor with pointed analysis. Across recent episodes, listeners have seen deep dives into historical perspectives, examinations of U.S. foreign and domestic policy, and critiques of how information is shaped by media and political leaders. Unique strengths include a willingness to push back against prevailing narratives, a history-focused angle on political issues, and guests who bring expert or historical context to contemporary debates. Potential listeners who enjoy combative, witty dialogue that treats complex topics with nuance (and a healthy dose of banter) are likely to find it engaging. The format often blends provocative disc... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Fifth Column?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Fifth Column:

1. Conversations with Coleman
2. Honestly with Bari Weiss
3. Breaking History
4. Making Sense with Sam Harris
5. The Moynihan Report

How many episodes of The Fifth Column are there?

The Fifth Column launched 10 years ago and published 634 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Fifth Column?

Recent guests on The Fifth Column include:

1. Sean Carroll
2. Hooman Majd
3. Nadav Eyal
4. Elissa Slotkin
5. Jon Meacham
6. William Neuman
7. Robert Sullivan
8. John Bolton

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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