About this podcast
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.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 194 episodes
- Don’t Say Goodbye, Say Wretch You Later · 58 minDearest Wretches, we’re stepping away from the mic. But before we go, Chris and Eliana dig into Trump’s legal battles with CBS and the Pulitzer board, Elon Musk’s Washington…
- Amber Alert: Dem Joe Rogan · 1 h 26 minThis week, we’re unpacking the rollout of Original Sin, the irony of the left’s search for their very own Joe Rogan, the CBS newsroom shakeup, and stick around for Eliana’s…
- Chair Force One · 1 h 4 minWatch This Episode on YouTube! It’s oh so good to be back in the studio. We’re kicking off with Trump’s Gulf tour, the scoops about the scoops on the Biden books, “Mar-a-Lago…
- Deep Dish on The Pope · 43 minThis week, we say hello to a new pope and goodbye to Nate Moore—Chris’s AEI research assistant, but more importantly, a fellow wretch who’s been a big part of the podcast. We…
- Dudes, man · 1 h 22 minChris and Eliana are back, starting with Trump’s 100-day media blitz, Tim Walz’s code-switching, the private group chats shaping American politics, and—most importantly—the…
- The Interview: Lahav Harkov on News Coverage of the Israel-Gaza War · 54 minThis week, Eliana flies solo and sits down with Jewish Insider’s Lahav Harkov for a conversation about her path through Israeli and American media — and what the press got wrong…
- Legion of Wretches · 1 h 10 minThis week, we dive into Trump’s showdown on two fronts: immigration and Ivy League endowments. Then we head to space to marvel at the bravery of Blue Origin. And finally, we…
- Just Joshing · 1 h 12 minJosh Kraushaar, editor-in-chief of Jewish Insider, fills in for Eliana to discuss the latest on tariffs, the White House press pool, and Stephen A. Smith flirting with a…
- Take a Whiff of This Tariff · 1 h 14 minDo you smell that? It’s the McRib Shower Gel—available only in Germany. Aside from that, we’ve got Liberation Day, Cory Booker’s latest stunt, White House Correspondents’ Dinner…
- Mixed Signal · 1 h 15 minIn case you haven’t gotten enough of Signalgate, we’re here to help. We’re also diving into Columbia University, vibe shifts, and family outings at Hooters. Wretch on! If you…
- Plutocrats & Populists · 1 h 13 minHappy Thursday! We’re coming to you a day early with MAGA infighting, a showdown at Columbia University, a media vibe shift, and the story behind the original Egg McMuffin…
- Actually, it’s a Digital Beanie Baby Reserve · 46 minWatch 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…
- Of Fools in Pools · 1 h 2 minHappy Saturday from your favorite band of Wretches! We’re diving deep into the latest from the White House Press Pool, Jake Tapper’s Biden book, shake-ups at MSNBC, and a true…
- Murdoch Outfoxed? · 60 minWe’re kicking off with the biggest story in American news media: the Murdoch family. We’re also discussing Hamas, Ukraine, and Mayor Karen Bass’s masterclass in spin. Wretch on!…
- Gulf of Sighs · 55 minWatch this episode on YouTube. We’re back in person, and it feels good. Today’s theme is “crisis”—or the lack thereof. Whether it’s a crisis in the White House press room, the…
- The One Where Eliana Has Laryngitis · 1 h 0 minChris takes the lead this week as Eliana rests her vocal cords. This week, we are covering everything from the FCC to the trans sports ban out of the White House, as well as a…
- Rescission: Impossible · 59 minThe theme (so far) of Trump’s second administration has been shock and awe. This week, Chris and Eliana explain why you can’t shock yourself in the process. Aside from the White…
- $WRETCHCOIN · 1 h 18 minThis is not a crypto scam—it’s an opportunity. As for the news about the news, we’re diving deep into the inauguration, Trump’s administration, Prince Harry, and much more…
- A Farewell That Harms · 1 h 11 minToday, we bid bon voyage to the Biden administration by reflecting on President Biden’s farewell address, Jill Biden’s exit interview with The Washington Post, and KJP’s final…
- Fact Checkers Go Up in A Blaze · 1 h 5 minWretches, we’re back! This week, we’re diving deep into the state of fact-checking. We also discuss Susie Wiles, Justin Trudeau, and the ongoing turmoil at The Washington Post…
