Getting Hammered®

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 Department and concludes with a highlight of "Trashed Panda" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 good news! We're trying to spread the word and help spread the strategy. That's where you come in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 31:00 - Kennedy Center Honors 39:43 - College Football Playoffs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 word. Today, Vic and MK do a review of Thanksgiving health damage, Christmas traffic, and MK's kids destroying decor before diving into U.S. military attacks on alleged drug-trafficking boats near Venezuela, the law of the sea, Franklin memes, Aftyn Behn, midterm forecasts, special elections, and people who should not sing on stage, the Minnesota massive fraud story, and the drama, drama, drama of Lane Kiffin. 10:10 Narco Terrorist 21:45 Minnesota 31:25 2026 Prospects 44:39 Lane Kiffin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 - Dems in disarray 1:03:59 - SCOTUS / Skrmetti decision 1:09:38 - flag poles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on Youtube! On this episode: Trump’s tariffs get blocked, Elon exits the White House, and Harvard, NPR, and PBS scramble to keep their funding. Plus, the U.S. and Israel work to get aid into Gaza, and San Francisco unveils a radical new grading scale. Until we meet again! time stamps: 13:28 - Trump's tariff's blocked 27:10 - Elon leaves the White House 37:10 - Harvard, PBS, NPR funding 48:25 - Aid into Gaza 53:13 - Grading for equity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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/Tim Walz 52:28 - Dave Portnoy 55:34 - The New Yorker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Yourself on Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Watch this episode on Youtube! Today, the U.S. House passes a Trump-backed budget bill, Trump pauses (most of) the tariffs and signs an executive order on water pressure. All this and more! Time stamps: 13:10 - Budget bill 21:40 - Tariffs 38:26 - Executive order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on Youtube! On this episode, we cover the latest on tariffs, the Supreme Court's decision on deportations, and a new breed of dire wolf. Also, does anyone remember Signalgate? Tune in! Time stamps: 10:01 - Tariffs and trade 32:12 - SCOTUS 44:01 - Signalgate 47:46 - Dire wolves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we pay tribute to Val Kilmer, brace for tariffs, review the special elections, and discuss the latest Biden books. All this and more! Time stamps: 12:29 - Liberation Day 35:39 - National Institutes of Health 44:45 - Special Elections 52:25 - Cory Booker 56:01 - Biden Book Drama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on Youtube! On this episode, Trump teases a third term, JD Vance shows up in Greenland, the latest on tariffs, and Trump is set to meet Bill Maher. All this and more! Time stamps: 13:38 - A third Trump term 17:32 - More on tariffs 24:24 - Trump to meet with Bill Maher 28:55 - JD Vance visits Greenland 36:08 - Columbia University 40:32 - Anything else? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on Youtube! On this episode, the Signal chat leak saga continues to unfold, the ongoing reckoning from the left on COVID, NPR hearings, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court election which we should all be watching. Tune in! Time stamps: 10:30 - Signal chat leak cont'd 29:21 - Covid reckoning 41:34 - NPR =earings 51:07 - Wisconsin Supreme Court election 53:04 - SNAP benefits ban Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on Youtube! On this episode: the Signal chat leak, Bernie and AOC’s oligarchy-fighting tour, Trump’s uncanny portrait, and everything that's wrong with Snow White. All that and more! Time stamps: 9:57 - Signal chat leaks 31:48 - Bernie & AOC on tour 50:32 - Trump portrait 55:48 - Snow White Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on Youtube! In this episode: NASA astronauts return home, Chuck Schumer stirs things up on *The View*, and and update on JFK. Plus, a look at Harry Sisson’s downfall—and a word of advice for the ladies before they hit send on that Snap. Time stamps: 7:57 - Astronauts 35:43 - Chuck Schumer on 'The View' 52:28 - JFK Update 58:39 - Harry Sisson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on Youtube! Today, we’re breaking down the latest on Mahmoud Khalil, a Brown University professor’s visit to Lebanon, and the political dilemma facing Chuck Schumer. Plus, after years of debate, we can finally agree on where COVID really came from. Don’t miss this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on Youtube! Today, we're discussing the cuts at the Department of Education, the Irish Prime Minister's visit to the White House, and, finally, some positive news about the economy. We also reflect on the five years since the beginning of the pandemic and remind ourselves just how crazy our world used to be. Join us! Time stamps: 12:22 - The economy 22:01 - The Irish Prime Minister visits the White House 26:34 - The Department of Education 33:17 - March 13, 2020 41:37 - A dark and stupid time 50:22 - Weird stuff we forgot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on Youtube! In this episode we discuss the latest on tariffs, the Ivy League, Ukraine, and why Randi Weingarten is so angry. Tune in! Time Stamps: 15:40 - Tariffs 26:34 - Ivy League 40:29 - Ukraine update 49:25 - Randi Weingarten Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on YouTube! In this episode of "Getting Hammered," we discuss President Trump's address to Congress, the latest on tariffs, and Hunter Biden's struggle to sell art. Tune in! Time Stamps: 10:52 - Trump's address to congress 40:21 - Tariffs 51:54 - Hunter Biden can't sell his art Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re breaking down Trump’s televised meeting with Zelensky, what it means for Ukraine, and the latest on the Oscars. Tune in! Time Stamps: 10:53 - Ukraine and Trump 47:11 - Trump's wins 50:37 - The Oscars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Getting Hammered, we're talking about the Tate brothers' return to the U.S., big changes to the White House press pool, a political shake-up in Germany, and the censorship of a Maine state legislator. Tune in for all the details! Time Stamps: 10:30 Tate Brothers 16:55 WH Press Pool 39:02 Germany 43:52 Maine Censorship 45:44 DOGE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're discussing Elon Musk’s trauma-inducing email, Trump blaming Ukraine, Kamala Harris’s “inspiring” speech at the BET Awards, and Rachel Maddow’s callout of MSNBC. Time Stamps: 9:20 | Elon Musk 35:34 | Ukraine 41:25 | Kamala 45:39 | Rachel Maddow & Joy Reid 50:27 | Wisconsin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the tragic news from Israel following the announcement of the deaths of Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas. We also cover the latest developments in Ukraine and follow Karen Bass’s search for the person responsible for approving her trip to Ghana. Time Stamps: 13:31 Israel Update 35:47 Ukraine 47:42 Karen Bass 53:18 Congestion Pricing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re coming to you from a recent event in Austin, covering the latest Senate confirmations, Eric Adams’ potential removal from office, and Jamie Dimon’s hot mic moment—where he said what everyone’s thinking. Tune in! Time Stamps: 10:50 Toronto Accident 14:40 Vance's Speech 46:58 Senate Confirmations 1:01:14 Trump Fixes 1:09:00 Mayor Eric Adams 1:19:00 Jamie Dimon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on YouTube. On this episode, we're breaking down the latest in Ukraine-Russia relations, Tulsi Gabbard’s Senate confirmation, and the grand unveiling of the newly named Gulf of America. Tune in! Time Stamps: 11:05 | Russia Relations 32:32 | Confirmations 48:09 | Gulf Of America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the Super Bowl and its biggest ads to Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance, we’re breaking down all the highlights. Plus, we dive into the latest on the restraining order against Trump and the administration’s ultimatum to Hamas. Tune in! Time Stamps: 10:21 | The Super Bowl 30:41 | Trump Approval 46:12 | Hostage Update 54:14 | Fort Bragg 57:17 | Straws Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, we’re diving into Trump’s executive order protecting women’s sports, his plans for Israel and Gaza, and the administration’s push to investigate and reform USAID. Tune in! Time Stamps: 10:57 | Trump's Executive Order 30:33 | USAID 42:23 | Nominations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch this episode on YouTube. Today, we’re catching up on President Trump’s latest tariff moves, the newly appointed DNC chair, and USAID’s place on Doge’s chopping block. Tune in! Time stamps: 15:49 Tariffs 37:48 USAID 56:46 DNC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we're covering the latest headlines—from the tragic plane and helicopter crash over the Potomac to the newest Senate confirmations and, of course, the looming blueberry shortage. Tune in! Time Stamps: 8:40 Plane Crash 21:58 Confirmations 32:56 Learning Loss 52:00 Blueberries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, we’re breaking down the latest from the Trump administration—from new cabinet confirmations to the state of foreign policy. Don’t miss it! Time Stamps: 16:17 Week 1 Update 25:07 All Around Aid Situation 50:43 Jim Acosta & CNN 53:13 Now It Can Be Told Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was Elon giving a Roman salute? Which executive orders did Donald Trump sign? And what exactly is a Bias Hotline? We’re tackling all this and more in today’s episode. Tune in now! Time Stamps: 8:40 The First Few Days 38:40 Bias Hotline 46:05 Resistance Heroes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re diving into all things inauguration! From Biden’s final acts to Trump’s speeches and executive orders, plus a breakdown of the standout outfits we spotted throughout the day—it’s all here. Don’t miss it! Time Stamps: 20:35 Biden's last acts 31:04 Trump Speech 37:51 Outfits & Vibes 56:41 Executive Orders and Pardons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mary Katharine speaks with Matt Van Swol, who’s been working on the ground in western North Carolina. Together, they discuss the region’s ongoing recovery efforts and the widespread damage, from devastated infrastructure to displaced communities, four months after Hurricane Helene. You can follow Matt on X here: @matt_vanswol Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic is back, and we're diving into the latest from Capitol Hill! We're covering Senate confirmations, Biden's farewell address, and the implications of a new agreement in the Middle East. Tune in now! 11:02 Confirmations 28:15 Biden Farewell 35:26 Middle East Deal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly Maher is filling in for Vic once again on this episode of Getting Hammered! Will J.D. Vance and his family step inside the VP residence before January 20th? And will the Village People show up in full costume for their inaugural performance? We’re diving into these questions and more—don’t miss it! Time Stamps: 10:52 Vibe Shift 36:07 Biden-Harris Farewell 44:52 Wapo Mix-up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices