Podcast
Ink Stained Wretches
Hosted by Nebulous Media · EN
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.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Don’t Say Goodbye, Say Wretch You Later
May 3000:58:21Tap to summarizeDearest 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 exit, Democrats’ hunt for lost masculinity, and the waning influence of BLM. We’ll miss the community that’s grown with us over the years—thanks for wretching with us. Time Stamps: 1:55 - Front Page 37:50 - Obsessions 46:51 - Reader Mail 52:24 - Favorite Items Show Notes: The Wall Street Journal: Paramount Has Offered $15 Million to Settle CBS Lawsuit. Trump Wants More. New York Post: Shari Redstone in ‘tough spot’ as Paramount board fears settling with Trump will open Pandora’s box on bribery lawsuits: sources The New York Times: A Disillusioned Musk, Distanced From Trump, Says He’s Exiting Washington CBS News: Elon Musk says he's "disappointed" by Trump's "big, beautiful bill" and what it means for DOGE The New York Times: Trump Pardoned Tax Cheat After Mother Attended $1 Million Dinner The New York Times: Six Months Later, Democrats Are Still Searching for the Path Forward The Washington Free Beacon: EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Democratic Party’s Strategic Efforts To Enhance Receptivity in Masculine-Coded Heteronormative Cohorts Through Data-Driven Holistic Outreach Vulture: Fame and Frustration On the New Media Circuit Fox News: Washington Post announces another buyout program targeting veteran staffers, other departments The Washington Post: Struggling to declutter? Try the ‘poop rule.’ The New York Times: 5 Years After George Floyd’s Murder, the Backlash Takes Hold The Wall Street Journal: Six Friends Tried to Plan a Girls’ Trip in a Group Chat. Things Went Sideways. Law360: Pulitzer Board Can't Pause Trump Defamation Suit In Florida Semafor: Inside the identity crisis in anti-woke media The Weekly Dish: Claire Lehmann On Staying Independent Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY: In Memoriam: Tom Robbins (1949-2025) The Wall Street Journal: How a Lawyer in the Hamptons Became the King of DWI Cases
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Amber Alert: Dem Joe Rogan
May 2301:26:17Tap to summarizeThis 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 experience serving on the Pulitzer jury. Wretch on! If you have a story you want to discuss with us, email us at wretches@nebulouspodcasts dot com. Time Stamps: 4:10 - Front Page 1:06:38 - Obsessions 1:19:04 - Reader Mail 1:20:57 - Favorite Items Show Notes: Jewish Insider: Two Israeli embassy employees killed in shooting outside D.C. Jewish Museum The Guardian: Jon Stewart on CNN’s Biden book: ‘Selling you a book about news they should have told you’ The Washington Post: Biden diagnosis draws well-wishes, questions and conspiracy theories Mediaite: Taylor Lorenz Openly Celebrates Joe Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis: ‘Hopefully He Rots in Hell and Rests in Piss’ The New York Times: Democrats Throw Money at a Problem: Countering G.O.P. Clout Online The Hill: Trump hits South African president with video ‘genocide’ claims: 5 takeaways NBC News: White House purges transcripts of Trump's remarks from its website Mediaite: ‘What Changed Patel and Bongino’s Minds?’ Glenn Beck Calls Out Trump’s FBI Brass Rejecting Epstein Conspiracy The Wall Street Journal: Elon Musk to Cut Back Political Spending The Daily Beast: Musk Insults Interviewer for Daring to Ask About His Big DOGE Promise The New York Times: Head of CBS News Is Forced Out Amid Tensions With Trump The New York Times: Can C-SPAN Pull Off ‘Crossfire,’ but With Civility? Semafor: Shapiro solicits backers — or buyers — for a built-out Daily Wire The Hollywood Reporter: ‘Sesame Street’ Saved, Inks New Streaming Deal With Netflix NBC 4: Kermit comes home: UMD commencement and NBC4 history The Washington Free Beacon: ANALYSIS: Jordon Hudson Outshined and Outclassed by Historic Transgender Contestant at So-Called Beauty Pageant The Washington Free Beacon: ‘We Occasionally Misjudge’: Pulitzer Board Told Me I Was out of Line When I Asked Why the Organization Gave an Award to Palestinian ‘Poet’ Who Made Hateful Comments About Israeli Hostages Politico: Two House Republicans missed the big vote Chicago Tribune: Chicago Sun-Times Sunday insert contains 10 AI-generated fake books in summer reading list
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Chair Force One
May 16, 202501:04:09Tap to summarizeWatch 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 face,” and much more. Wretch on! If you have a story you want to discuss with us, email us at wretches@nebulouspodcasts dot com. Time Stamps: 2:00 - Front Page 50:29 - Obsessions 57:28 - Reader Mail 1:00:12 - Favorite Items Show Notes: Mediaite: WHCA Rages as Trump Excludes Major News Wire Services From Middle East Trip I Might Be Wrong: The Qatari Plane Scandal is Different Because Morons Understand It Newsweek: Saudi Arabia Rolls Out Custom Mobile McDonald's for Trump Visit The Daily Beast: Biden Aides Had a Secret Plan to Get the President a Wheelchair, New Book Claims Axios: Exclusive: Biden aides discussed wheelchair use if he were re-elected, new book says CNN: First on CNN: New book reveals how Biden’s inner circle kept Cabinet from him in final two years of presidency The Dispatch: The Temptation and the Fall of the Media The New Yorker: Is Jeff Bezos Selling Out the Washington Post? The Washington Post: Bill Belichick, Jordon Hudson and the making of a PR disaster The Washington Post: MLB reinstates Pete Rose and others, paving way for Hall of Fame consideration The New York Times: Can I Wear a Sheath Dress Without Looking Like a MAGA Woman?The Free Press: How Qatar Bought America The Dispatch: Feelings, Facts, and Our Crisis of Truth Teen Vogue: News Influencers Are Reaching Young People, and the Media Is Trying to Keep Up Politico: The First Thing George Santos Should Do in Prison The Washington Free Beacon: The Surprising Ways That Siblings Shape Our Lives
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Deep Dish on The Pope
May 9, 202500:42:58Tap to summarizeThis 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 also talk about the Pulitzer winners and the media’s coverage of the declining health of John Fetterman and Joe Biden. Wretch on! Time Stamps: Front Page: 02:22Obsessions: 27:43Reader Mail: 36:10Favorite Items: 38:53 Show Notes: New York Magazine: The Hidden Struggle of John Fetterman AP News: Sen. John Fetterman raises alarms with outburst at meeting with union officials, AP sources say BBC: Five takeaways from Biden’s BBC interview The Pulitzer Prizes: 2025 Pulitzer Priz Herald Leader: The favorite didn’t win the KY Derby again. Here’s what happened behind Sovereignty The Washington Free Beacon: Exclusive Analysis: Kamala’s Stepdaughter, ‘Textile Artist’ Ella Emhoff, Skips Leg Day as Often as She Shaves Her Armpits (Never) Politico: Biden enlists veteran Democratic operative to help defend his reputation (edited)
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Dudes, man
May 2, 202501:22:09Tap to summarizeChris 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 origin of Jo Jo potatoes. Wretch on! Time Stamps: Front Page: 1:29 Obsessions: 1:03:31 Reader Mail: 1:11:31 Favorite Items: 1:18:36 Show Notes: The Atlantic: Read The Atlantic’s Interview With Donald Trump Time: Read the Full Transcript of Donald Trump’s ‘100 Days’ Interview With TIME Axios: Scoop: White House launches Drudge-style website to promote Trump The Atlantic: The War That Would Not End Semafor: The group chats that changed America The New York Times: A Progressive Mind in a Body Made for the ‘Manosphere’ The Wall Street Journal: Questioning Biden’s Capacities Was Taboo a Year Ago. Now It’s Everywhere. The New York Times: The Dispatch Buys SCOTUSblog, a Supreme Court Mainstay The New York Times: A Hot Accessory, at the Intersection of Faith and Culture The New York Times: Vietnam on The Move Awful Announcing: Bill Belichick issues statement defending Jordon Hudson’s actions during CBS interview ESPN: Son of Falcons coordinator Ulbrich admits to Sanders prank The New York Times: How Ozempic Is Shaping Weddings The New York Times: ‘60 Minutes’ Chief Resigns in Emotional Meeting: ‘The Company Is Done With Me’ The New York Times: Paramount Board Clears Possible Path for Settling Trump’s ‘60 Minutes’ Lawsuit The Washington Post: She tried to expose Russia’s brutal detention system — and ended up dead The Washington Post: Streaming services should step up to make C-SPAN great again The New York Times: The Unabomber’s Brother Turned Him In. Then Spent 27 Years Trying to Win Him Back.
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The Interview: Lahav Harkov on News Coverage of the Israel-Gaza War
Apr 25, 202500:54:01Tap to summarizeThis 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 and (less often) right about the Israel-Gaza war. Wretch on!If you have a story you want to discuss with us, email us at wretches@nebulouspodcasts dot com.Show Notes:New York Magazine: Everything We Know About the Gaza City Hospital Blast The Washington Post: Israel’s war with Hamas separates Palestinian babies from their mothers Reuters: Gaza mother's hopes for return of long-jailed son dashedThe Atlantic: The War That Would Not End 60 Minutes: Freed Israeli hostages Yarden Bibas, Keith Siegel, Tal Shoham describe horrors of being held captive by Hamas CNN: Hersh Goldberg-Polin: The ‘happy-go-lucky’ Israeli-American who became a symbol of Israel’s enduring hostage heartbreak The Atlantic: What the Media Gets Wrong About Israel Tablet: An Insider’s Guide to the Most Important Story on Earth
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Legion of Wretches
Apr 18, 202501:10:48Tap to summarizeThis 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 unwrap the explosive piece on Elon Musk’s quest to spawn a generation of genetically gifted super-babies. Wretch on!If you have a story you want to discuss with us, email us at wretches@nebulouspodcasts dot com.Time Stamps:1:57 - Front Page51:48 - Obsessions1:00:56 - Reader Mail1:06:41 - Favorite ItemsShow Notes:Mediaite: Fox News Reporter Confronts Trump AG Bondi on ‘Gang Member’ Claims — Straight-Up Asks ‘Why Not Show the Evidence?’ The Washington Free Beacon: Harvard Rejects Deal With Trump Admin, Putting Billions in Federal Funding at Risk The Washington Post: Trump administration asks IRS to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt statusThe Washington Post: Trump’s D.C. U.S. attorney pick appeared on Russian state media over 150 times Financial Times: CNN’s Mark Thompson: ‘Our entire industry is going through a revolution’ The Wall Street Journal: The Tactics Elon Musk Uses to Manage His ‘Legion’ of Babies—and Their Mothers Politico: GOP representative: ‘Left has to look in the mirror too’ after condemning Shapiro arson attack The New York Times: One Giant Stunt for Womankind The Washington Free Beacon: Holding Space: Women Rejoice as Bezos Gal Pal, Others Make HistoryThe New York Times: How Trump Might Unwittingly Cut Emissions From Online ShoppingThe Wall Street Journal: Porsche Heir’s Plan to Build a Private Tunnel Has His Alpine Neighbors FumingNBC News: Government's case against Mahmoud Khalil is reliant on tabloid accounts, review of evidence shows Red State: Salem Media Group Strikes Deal With Donald Trump Jr. and Lara TrumpFreddie deBoer: John Oliver is (Still) Part of the Problem The Wall Street Journal: Navy SEAL. Harvard Doctor. NASA Astronaut. Don’t Tell Mom About This Overachiever.
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Just Joshing
Apr 11, 202501:12:50Tap to summarizeJosh 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 presidential run. Wretch on!If you have a story you want to discuss with us, email us at wretches@nebulouspodcasts dot com.Time Stamps:3:27 - Front Page58:20 - Obsessions1:05:40 - Reader Mail1:07:55 - Favorite ItemsShow Notes:The Wall Street Journal: The False Tariff Headline That Sent Stocks on a $2 Trillion Ride The Independent: Fox News pundit believes Trump tariffs will reverse ‘crisis in masculinity’ NBC News: A 'disaster': Gretchen Whitmer's talk on tariffs and meeting with Trump anger fellow DemocratsCNN: Federal judge says White House’s punishment of Associated Press is unconstitutional Status: The Pool Filter NBC News: Supreme Court gives boost to Trump administration's deportation plans under Alien Enemies Act Jewish Insider: Netanyahu pushes back on anti-Israel trends in meeting with podcasters LA Times: Broadcast television is in trouble. Stations are asking Washington for help Barrett Media: Stephen A. Smith No Longer Ruling Out Possibility of Running for President in 2028 The Washington Post: Don’t damn the torpedo bats CBS News: Fossil fuel companies target America's love of college sports The New York Times: Bloomberg Has a Rocky Start With A.I. Summaries Mediaite: Trump Orders DOJ To Investigate Prominent Critic in Shocking Oval Office Remarks: ‘I Think He’s Guilty of Treason’ CBS News: Photojournalist witnesses Venezuelan migrants' arrival in El Salvador: "They had no idea what was coming" The Atlantic: I Should Have Seen This Coming
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Take a Whiff of This Tariff
Apr 4, 202501:14:34Tap to summarizeDo 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 drama, and more. Wretch on!If you have a story you want to discuss with us, email us at wretches@nebulouspodcasts dot com.Time Stamps:2:02 - Front Page1:00:12 - Obsessions1:07:43 - Reader Mail1:11:29 - Favorite ItemsShow Notes:The New York Times: How Are Trump’s Tariff Rates Calculated? Mediaite: Fox News Anchor: Trump Should Tell Americans Worried About Their 401(k)s to ‘Support’ It Like a ‘War Effort’ The Washington Post: Musk to keep spending on politics despite Wisconsin loss, GOP doubtsAP News: Democrats demoralized by Trump get a boost from Wisconsin voters and Cory Booker’s speech Politico: The Mystery Buyer of That $23 Million DC Mansion? Mark Zuckerberg. New York Post: Joe Rogan calls the possibility of non-criminals being deported with violent gang members ‘horrific’ The Hill: Elon Musk says he sent MAGA influencer Ashley St. Clair $2.5 million, open to paternity test Fox News: Trump says he gave Tiger Woods blessing to date Vanessa Trump: 'Let them both be happy' The Washington Post: White House correspondents’ dinner scraps plan for comedian to host The Guardian: In a new book, top Biden aide describes ‘out of it’ president before Trump debate Mediaite: Trump-Backed Head of the FCC Threatens ABC’s Broadcast License In Fox News Interview Los Angeles Times: Steve Kornacki exits MSNBC for new deal with NBC News and NBC Sports The New York Times: The Big Fat Windsor Knot Takes Washington The New York Times: Steak Fries: Deservedly Reviled or Underappreciated Edible Spoons? The Free Press: The Double Standard in the Human-Rights World The Telegraph: Hamas ‘quietly drops’ thousands of deaths from casualty figures NBC News: Trump won’t rule out seeking a third term in the White House, tells NBC News ‘there are methods’ for doing so The Dispatch: Donald Trump, Franklin Roosevelt and the Allure of Permanent Power The Dallas Morning News: Reviewing The News' coverage of the Robert Morris scandal Nieman Lab: How to leak to a journalist The New York Times: How a Black Progressive Transformed Into a Conservative Star
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Mixed Signal
Mar 29, 202501:15:52Tap to summarizeIn 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 have a story you want to discuss with us, email us at wretches@nebulouspodcasts dot com.Time Stamps:Front Page - 2:07Obsessions - 1:00:43Reader Mail - 1:09:49Favorite Items - 1:11:27Show Notes:The Atlantic: Here Are the Attack Plans That Trump’s Advisers Shared on Signal The Hill: Vance rips ‘hit piece’ in Jewish Insider Jewish Insider: Vance’s reluctance to support Houthi strikes concerns some leading GOP senatorsMediaite: Karoline Leavitt Fires Shot at Fox News’ Andy McCarthy Over Deportation Case: Trying to ‘Defend These Terrorists’The Washington Post: Pentagon spokesman sidelined after uproar over Jackie Robinson article The Wall Street Journal: Disabilities Act Becomes a License to Cheat National Review: NPR CEO Admits Outlet Was ‘Mistaken’ in Refusing to Cover Hunter Biden Laptop Story CNN: KFile: Gavin Newsom spent years fighting for progressive positions he now bashes on his new podcast NBC News: Supreme Court turns down Trump donor Steve Wynn's bid to overturn libel precedent The New York Times: We Were Badly Misled About the Event That Changed Our LivesThe New York Times: I Was Diagnosed With Autism at 53. I Know Why Rates Are Rising.The New York Times: Why Dads Take Their Gay Sons to HootersThe Wall Street Journal: Are Americans really snacking less?The Atlantic: Sex Without WomenThe Free Press: Columbia President Says One Thing to Trump Admin—and Another in Private The Washington Free Beacon: What Columbia University President Katrina Armstrong Really Told Faculty Members About Changes the School Is MakingThe Wall Street Journal: Columbia’s President Faces Angry Faculty in Closed-Door MeetingsPolitico: AN ALT. WHCD?The New York Times: Graydon Carter’s Memoir Evokes the Golden Age of New York City Media The Wall Street Journal: The Last Decision by the World’s Leading Thinker on Decisions
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