Overcaffeinated and underprepared™
A sharp, funny politics podcast for people who want the news without the freakout.
Each week, Getting Hammered® takes a hammer to the headlines, breaking down politics, media spin, and cultural meltdowns with skepticism and fun. Overcaffeinated and underprepared™, moderately right and moderately reliable, we never take ourselves too seriously. But keep you informed on serious topics with no panic and no partisan loyalty tests. Just laughs, well-earned side-eye, and occasional libations.
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In this episode of "Getting Hammered," hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus dive into a variety of topics. Vic shares his observations from a journalism conference in Palm Beach, highlighting the peculiarities of the local dog-walking culture and the challenges of parenting teenagers left home alone. The conversation then shifts to current events, including the implications of recent ICE-related incidents and public reactions to immigration enforcement. They discuss the political landscape in ...
In this episode of Getting Hammered, Mary Katharine Ham and Jenna Lee make plans for their husband's birthdays next year before diving into the Supreme Court case regarding transgender athletes in women's sports, the investigation into Jerome Powell and the Federal Reserve, the recent ICE shooting incident in Minneapolis, and how it's hard to take a few moments in the New Media to evaluate news stories, but that's what's really needed. They also touch on the redesign of the food pyramid and the ...
Mary Katharine Ham interviews Daniel Di Martino, a Venezuelan-born economist and Manhattan Institute fellow, about the recent political changes in Venezuela and the implications of socialism versus capitalism. DiMartino shares his personal experiences growing up in Venezuela, the impact of the regime on the economy, and the importance of educating young people about the dangers of socialism. He emphasizes the need for charismatic leaders in politics and discusses the future of Venezuela and the ...
In this episode of "Getting Hammered," hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, the political landscape in Minnesota with Tim Walz's withdrawal from the governor's race, and the implications of OnlyFans models receiving work visas in the U.S. Plus, robot surgery, January birthdays, and disco! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Getting Hammered, hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss their Christmas experiences and last minute Mrs Claus magic. The conversation transitions to more serious topics such as U.S. military action against ISIS in Nigeria, ongoing Ukraine-Russia negotiations, and the implications of fraud in Minnesota's childcare programs. They also touch on the renaming of the Kennedy Center, Pop Tart Bowl and the controversy surrounding a throuple featured in the Wall Street Journal...
Mary Katharine Ham and special guest-host Kelly Maher discuss the surprising amount of political news being made in the right-of-center coalition during the week of Christmas. It's like a Friday-night news dump for the whole year! We are on Widow Defense and Commendation for Erika Kirk for running AmFest, we get into Ben Shapiro's speech, Tucker Carlson's reaction, Megyn Kelly's anger at Shapiro and behind-the-scenes work for the Erika-Candace summit, and of course, the Candace Owens of it all. ...
Mary Katharine Ham makes cocktails for spirits expert Vic Matus. It's nerve-wracking. Did she succeed?! We mixed a LOT of liquors, with a garnish of news, plus favorite and hated Christmas carols and movies! On the drink menu: A Cranberry Snow Globe Spritzer, a Gingerbread Martini, a Cranberry Margarita, a Peppermint White Russian, and a Cider with Bourbon. We even had fresh-roasted chestnuts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
In this episode of Getting Hammered, hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk holiday preparations and Nashville hot chicken followed by more serious topics, addressing tragic news events in Bondi Beach and Brown University. The conversation shifts to political insights regarding the current administration feature in Vanity Fair, followed by a discussion on Rob Reiner's passing and Trump's controversial response. Ending on a lighter note with a discussion on font changes at the State Departme...
We're excited to offer some interviews as bonus content on Getting Hammered with friends of the show on topics we care about. Today, Karen Vaites, an expert on literacy and curriculum, who really knows the nitty-gritty about how students learn, what works, and what we can replicate. We rant a bit about school closings and Randi Weingarten, then get on to the business of moving forward— the Mississippi Miracle, the Southern Surge, and whether skepticism is warranted. We are optimists. There is go...
In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal updates and holiday preparations to the competitive landscape of fried chicken chains. They delve into the political implications of Jasmine Crockett's Senate run, the Minnesota fraud case, and the cultural issues surrounding it. The conversation also touches on college football playoff controversies and reflections on the Kennedy Center Honors. 10:35 - Jasmine Crockett 22:40 - Minnesota Fraud 31:...
In the inaugural independent episode of "Getting Hammered," Vic and MK decide to bring back the show at least once a week this holiday season, with thanks to all you listeners who have stuck around during hiatus season. In the near future, we'll concoct some ways for you to support the show as we head toward the new year, whether it's premium content, subscriptions, or contributing to our holiday cocktail fund. In the meantime, you can help by subscribing, listening, reviewing, and spreading the...
We’re back again to discuss on the recent election outcomes in New Jersey and Virginia, Mamdani in NYC, and a few updates while we have been away. Tune in! 8:06 - Elections 27:19 - Mamdani 35:58 - Heritage Foundation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Watch this episode on Youtube ! We're back to discuss Charlie Kirk and the reaction to his assassination, Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, and a few other things we missed while we were away. Tune in! timestamps: 14:49 - Charlie Kirk 44:07 Jimmy Kimmel 58:43 - Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Watch this episode on Youtube ! On this episode : We break down the many uses of the autopen, the backlash over the DOJ's handling of the Epstein list, and Chris Cuomo’s eyebrow-raising bid for NYC mayor. Plus: potential new cuts to the Department of Education, Trump’s NATO weapons deal, and the All-Star Game makes its return to Atlanta. Let’s get into it! Time stamps: 13:59 - The Autopen 27:52 - Epstein 40:25 - Cuomo 46:00 - Department of Education 50:48 - NATO 59:35 - MLB All-Star Game Learn m...
Watch this episode on Youtube ! On this episode: Trump orders strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and what happens next. Plus, a look at New York’s Democratic mayoral race, and a celebratory toast as the government prepares to drop its two-drink-a-day buzzkill. Cheers to that! Time stamps: 12:13 - Special Report / Iran 44:39 - NYC Mayoral Race 51:48 - 2-drink recs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Watch this episode on Youtube ! Remember us? (Of course you do.) We’re back—and we’re covering everything . Trump’s response to Iran, Tucker and Ted Cruz tag-teaming headlines, the Army's 250th birthday bash, and the "No Kings" protests. Oh, and yes, the Democrats are still in disarray. Plus: a major SCOTUS ruling on trans rights and Trump 100-foot pole. Buckle up. Timestamps: 12:10 - Trump and Iran 38:15 - Carlson v Cruz 46:45 - The Army's 250th Celebration 50:24 - "No Kings" protests 55:35 - D...
This episode discusses the court blocking Trump's sweeping tariffs, Elon Musk's departure from a government advisory role and the challenges of cutting government waste. Hosts also examine proposals to defund NPR, PBS, and Harvard due to alleged bias and discrimination. The conversation covers efforts to get aid into Gaza, hostage testimony regarding US foreign policy, and critiques San Francisco's controversial 'grading for equity' policy.
Watch this episode on Youtube ! On this episode: The terror attack at the Capital Jewish Museum, Trump weighs in on Putin and floats (then delays) EU tariffs, and Democrats scramble to reconnect with the voters they’ve long ignored—so, basically everyone. Tune in! Time stamps: 14:48 - Capital Jewish Museum 30:52 - Trump news 49:55 - Dems in disarray Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Watch this video on Youtube ! As we get ready for summer 2025, we thought we'd give canned summer cocktails another go! Join us as we responsibly taste-test our way through a variety of delicious (and not-so-delicious) beverages. We also discuss some news. Cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Watch this episode on Youtube ! In this episode, we break down Biden’s cancer diagnosis and the backlash over its timing. Plus, a new election report spells big trouble for Democrats — and we make an important announcement about the future of the program. Don't miss this one. Time stamps: 13:40 - Biden's cancer diagnosis 48:01 - Why Harris lost 55:52 - Announcement Go to mkhammer.substack.com for a free subscription! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Watch this episode on Youtube ! On today’s episode, we’re tracking Trump’s trip to the Middle East and his push for price controls. Plus, covid data tracker Kelley Krohnert, start-stop engines, and girls trip side chats. Tune in! Time stamp: 13:37 - Trump in the Middle East 31:48 - Price controls 42:38 - Kelley Krohnert 49:55 - Start/stop engines 54:18 - Girls group chat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Watch this epsiode on Youtube ! On this episode: The Biden Book dropped, the India-Pakistan ceasefire, and Trump's new air palace. Plus: a new executive order, David Hogg, and a little bit about the Pope. Let's get to it! Time Stamps: 12:11 - Biden cover-up 39:03 - David Hogg 42:18 - India & Pakistan 49:20 - the Qatari plane 56:54 - New executive order 58:53 - the Pope Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Watch this episode on Youtube ! On this episode: Trump’s judicial picks and his meeting with Mark Carney, the U.S. / UK trade deal. Plus: tensions between India and Pakistan, Biden's on tour, more protests at Columbia, and what’s happening at the Conclave? Watch this one 'til the end! Time stamps: 8:51 - Trump's judicial picks 12:39 - UK trade deal 18:51 - Trump and Carney 28:37 - India and Pakistan 33:46 - The Conclave 43:44 - Biden Tour 54:45 - Columbia 1:00:15 - We have a pope! Learn more abo...
Watch this episode on YouTube ! In this episode, we cover a flurry of headlines—from the latest economic numbers and the President’s plan to slap tariffs on movies, to the Pulitzer Prizes and Dave Portnoy. Plus, Mike Waltz has a new gig, and Tim Walz thinks the most qualified person to run for president is... who? Also: The New Yorker takes us inside the living rooms of notable New Yorkers. Don’t miss this loaded episode! Time stamps: 10:29 - Economy 36:28 - Pulitzer Prizes 43:50 - Mike Waltz/Ti...
Watch this episode on Youtube ! Today, we discuss the departure of Mike Waltz, new details surrounding a potential Ukraine deal, the internal struggle within the Democratic party, the economy, Canada, and the devastating report coming out of Harvard. This episode is jam-packed! Time stamps: 10:59 - Mike Waltz 15:29 - Ukraine 17:30 - Hogg + Dems 46:33 - Economy + Tariffs 57:08 - Canada 59:56 - Harvard report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Watch this episode on Youtube ! Today, we're talking about the first 100 days of Trump's second term, the White House Correspondents Dinner, Pierre Poilievre's loss in Canada, and the fall of Shedeur Sanders in the NFL draft. Don't miss this episode! Time stamps: 14:21 - First 100 Days 35:20 - WHCD 56:32 - Pierre Poilievre 59:43 - Shedeur Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Watch this episode on Youtube ! On this episode, we breakdown the media's take on the Pope, Trump's $5k baby bonus incentive, a SCOTUS case on religious freedom, and when will we see a trade deal? Tune in! Time stamps: 13:57 - The Pope 27:14 - Baby Bonuses 40:40 - SCOTUS 54:06 - Trade deal? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Karen Vaites, a curriculum expert and open-schools advocate from Covid days highlights the bright spots in the NAEP national report card in literacy in perhaps surprising places— Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. We talk how they did it, with LA and MS going from absolute bottom of the pack to 1 and 2 in results for underprivileged kids. It’s inspiring! Why isn’t it being covered more by national media? Listen and pass it on! Follow Karen on her platforms: @karenvaites on X School ...
Watch this episode on YouTube ! For this Easter episode, we’re doing the journalism few dare attempt: taste-testing every bizarre Peeps flavor we could find. From classic yellow to Dr. Pepper (why?), we rank them all so you don’t ruin your holiday. Tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Watch this episode on YouTube ! Today, we’re covering the latest on tariffs, El Salvador’s President visits the White House, the arson attack targeting Pennsylvania’s governor, and Taylor Lorenz. All this and more! Time stamps: 11:53 - Tariffs 17:28 - Immigration 37:18 - Arson Attack on Governor Shapiro 40:55 - Taylor Lorenz 46:03 - Bill Maher Goes to The White House Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
