Explore every episode of the podcast Getting Hammered®

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk about Halloween, novice drivers, and cover debate clips, good, bad, and drunk! They talk about the debut of the new White House Press Secretary, Kimberley Guilfoyle's troubles and resignation. Talarico goes missing from the trail, which the media doesn't care about, but then a bunch of independent "journalists" on the right fabricate a story about his absence. No one can be trusted! Finally, Kelly Clarkson vs. animatronic bird store in Brooklyn. This episode is sponsored by XX-XY Athletics. Shop at http://xx-xyathletics.com/hammered and use code HAMMERED for 20% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk about the plague in Russia, the rioting in France, the spying in Germany, and the IRGC's midterm election message for Americans. They also cover a strangely close race in Minnesota, thanks to a strong campaign from Michelle Tafoya and an anti-incumbent feeling about all the fraud her opponent Peggy Flanagan oversaw. Plus, Peggy Flanagan cuts a weird ad and Angela Paxton might have cut a weirder one! They check them out. And finally, a miracle flight saved from disaster near the anniversary of Oct. 7 and some bad news about the DSA and Mamdani's plan to combat anti-Semitism. There are two big Getting Hammered announcements you'll want to stay tuned for. This episode is sponsored by XX-XY Athletics. Shop at http://xx-xyathletics.com/hammered and use code HAMMERED for 20% off! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic Matus and Mary Katharine Ham talk about the many possible scenarios for the midterms, the freak-outs, the polls and panic, the money and the maps. They cover a foiled terror plot in Briton and spotlight a TV host's epic rant on it. An Iran update, an examination of the sexual assault allegations at Cornell, and they can't not talk about the lesbian bar that has finally made the Left say no to be being bullied over Zoom by they/thems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Because she can't stop thinking about Nikole Hannah-Jones, Mary Katharine Ham interviews Maud Maron, NYC public-school parent and former head of the Manhattan School Board. She has been at odds with NHJ on school policy for the 10 years of her activism and walks us through exactly what the NYT writer advocated for and how it hurt other children's educations in her city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk about the sad story of Nikole Hannah-Jones' daughter's education and all the lessons it did not teach her mother. They discuss the UN General Assembly meeting and all Trump has on his plate, plus his love for Mamdani and the State Dinner for Xi. In other ideological insanity news, Spanberger is still not moderate, an unsettling number of Democrats polled are okay with military coups... for democracy, and are Vic and I tracking our kids? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk about the very coordinated, sudden turn of Very Serious concern about AI progress, cover Sen. Ossoff's dumb ideas for dealing with it. They explain regulatory capture, talk about Donald Trump's $5K check idea, and discuss whether the RNC's midterm convention did anything to change the election season. Also, is brunch dead?? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Victorino Matus talk about the socialist gathering over the weekend and all the loony things they said while wearing their masks, and whether the loony things matter. They also do a long commemoration of 9/11, the inspiring stories of heroism, personal stories, and what the attack and response would look like if it happened today. Also, what the heck is happening in Seattle, and how should one react when his wife gets her hair cut? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk about Vic's college drop-off adventure with his oldest, Abdul El-Sayed's many foibles as a symbol for the fight inside the Democratic Party (content warning for Hasan Piker quotes, sorry!), the stupidity of the Lake Ontario dust-up and Canada trade stand-off, though hat's off to Sec. Bessent for his trolling elevated to art, the threatened strike and crazy salaries of the Seattle Teachers' Union. And MK explains how the southern schools saved football from the bad decisions of the Northeast and Midwest and simultaneously saved themselves from enrollment issues other schools are facing. Plus, a little Dolly news, and Michelle O's weird parenting takes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenna Lee of SmartHERNews joins Mary Katharine Ham this week and the two talk about Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Fresh out of a slightly unhinged, emotional carline kid pick-up in her Dolly shirt, MK pays tribute to the icon, legend, and downright funny lady who moved us in so many ways. Jenna talks about the make-up advice she got from the lady herself (!) while MK reminisces on a tip she got from another country music star. They talk about their favorite Dolly songs, especially the ones that got them through tough times. Also, huge shoutout to Dollywood. You should all visit! What a lady. What a life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk college drop-off as Vic's is impending, the ludicrously designed dorm rooms they are seeing, and a recap of MK's 1,000-mile roadtrip. They talk Woke 1.0, primary updates, news from long-deployed Navy ships, some good news on violence and prescription drug prices, the death of Jason Arday, and a lifeguard comes to the White House! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss new revelations about Dr. Anthony Fauci's concerns about the COVID vaccine causing miscarriages in the first trimester, as MKH reminisces about the immense social pressure and shaming pregnant women faced for declining the shot, as she did in early 2021. They also talk about AOC's egg-freezing journey (recorded before news broke that she broke up with her fiance), and how it's a soft presidential announcement, then we join her as she laughs off "Woke 1" without taking any accountability. They discuss Megan Romer's DSA disarray, and the excuses being made for Jason Arday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic Matus and Mary Katharine Ham discuss Mamdani's groceries, the non-prosecution of the non-vandalism of the Reflecting Pool, the Iran war or lack thereof, Michigan and Wisconsin socialism, Texas looking iffy, whether we should cancel Thanksgiving with Francesca Hong, and a rant about the Gen-Zers after we heard about their parents calling their bosses again. We have to stop this. Also, MK and Vic confess the life skills they didn't have when they left home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss Dr. Anthony Fauci's journal and what it reveals, the White House Correspondents Dinner and why it's destined to always be awkward, Mamdani and his big aspirations to arrest foreign leaders and start state grocery stores, and updates from Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss the lay of the land for 2026 elections, give updates on Senate primaries in Maine, South Carolina, and Michigan, try to figure out Trump's recent speech, keep tabs on the bad lettuce, and offer thoughts on the Odyssey controversy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk about the untimely passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham, the viral bison attack at Yellowstone and the cool grandpa at the center of it, and Senate race updates in Michigan, Maine, and South Carolina. They also pick favorite Sam Neill movies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic and Mary Katharine talk about Graham Platner's latest scandal (content warning), who wants him gone and who wants him to stay, along with the rise of socialists throughout the nation in deep-blue House Districts. They also cover America 250, Mamdani's and Trump's opposing views of America, and the FIFA controversy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode of Getting Hammered comes in the form of a bunch of readings from our Founders throughout June of 1776. Check the feed through June as we learn about George Washington's travails, watch the Lee Resolution pass the Continental Congress, see delegations argue with their hometown politicians over how they should vote, and hear why Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration! I'll add the the feed as we get closer to July 4th! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss the ongoing-ish deal with Iran, and what all the actors are up to, the controversy at the Reflecting Pool, which is important to new one-issue fountain voters, Ro Khanna's wealth confiscation fantasies, the rise of the socialists in New York City, and the McD's apple pie, back on the menu! A sad goodbye to Georgia politico, tough lady, and damn good Dawg, radio host Martha Zoller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss the Iran deal, what might be in it and what's not, and whether we are better off than before the war started. They talk UFC night at the White House, the charming Euros of the World Cup, Wemby, Brunson, and a touching tribute to Gene Shalit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is from John Adams' later autobiography, but is based on contemporaneous notes, so we'll count it. It gives a great, and frank, assessment of his and Jefferson's strengths and weaknesses, plus a digression on the power of oratory and the power of shutting up, which many public figures could learn from today. The gist is "talk less, write more," if I may borrow from "Hamilton." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk about accusations against Graham Platner, whose name it turns out MK has known for a long time before he ran for Senate. Updates on the L.A. Mayor's race , disappointment for Spencer Pratt, and the wacky ways they count votes, plus good news for Steve Hilton in California governor race. U.S. pilots are rescued by a U.S. drone after being shot down by a Iranian drone. Scott Pelley's pathos is too much for us, but the Euros discovering American small-town and Southern charm while in the States for the World Cup is everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This bit of the journals of the Continental Congress from June 10, 1776 illustrates how some delegations were confused as to how to proceed on behalf of their colonies on the question of independence. They're trying to collect advice in time for the June 28 postponed decision on the Lee Resolution after the Declaration has been written. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today in 1776, Gen. George Washington writes to John Hancock about perennial concerns— lack of pay, too-short enlistments of troops, and the lack of reliable battlefield information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia offers the resolution that eventually leads to the Declaration of Independence. Congress adopts the resolution with a plan to form committees to a) make foreign alliances as needed b) draft a declaration and c) wait three weeks to affirm the independence part of the resolution. The resolution, written in Lee's hand is short: Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Henry Lee of Virginia writes from the Continental Congress to his friend, Landon Carter, a letter previewing the resolution he will eventually bring in Congress on June 7, which will then lead to the Declaration of Independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I received by Mr. Church a few lines from you; I wish to hear from you every opportunity tho you say no more than that you are well. I feel concerndleast your cloaths should go to rags having nobody to take any care of you in your long absence, and then you have not with you a proper change for the Seasons. However you must do the best you can. I have a suit of homespun for you whenever you return. I cannot avoid sometimes repineing that the gifts of fortune were not bestowed upon us, that I might have injoyed the happiness of spending my days with my Partner. But as it is, I think it my duty to attend with frugality and oeconomy to our own private affairs, and if I cannot add to our Little Substance yet see that it is not diminished. I should enjoy but little comfort in a state of Idleness, and uselessness. Here I can serve my partner, my family and myself, and injoy the Satisfaction of your serving your Country. I wish you would write me what I had best do with our House at Boston. I would advertise it if you think best. There are so many Houses torn to peicesand so many others abused that I might stand a chance of Letting it perhaps as it is in so good repair. My Brother is desirous of joining the Army again as a field officer but would chuse to be a field officer. I have mentiond him to some of the House and suppose he will be recommended to congress, for a commission. I hardly know where you will find Men to form the Regiments required. I begin to think population a very important Branch in the American Manufactorys. I enclose a List of Counsel. The House consists of more than 200 & 50 Members. Your former pupil [Angier] comes from Bridgwater, and 5 others. I hope they will proceed in Buisness with a little more Spirit than Heretofore. They are procuring two row Gallies, but when they will be finished I know not. I thought they were near done, but find to day they are not yet contracted for. All our Gentery are gone from Nantasket road except the commodore and one or two small craft. Every thing bears a very great price. The Merchant complains of the Farmer and the Farmer of the Merchant. Both are extravagant. Living is double what it was one year ago. I find you have licenced Tea but I am determined not to be a purchaser unless I can have it at Congress price, and in that article the venders pay no regard to congress, asking 10. 8. and the lowest is 7.6 per pound. I should like a little Green, but they say there is none to be had here; I only wish it for a medicine, as a relief to a nervious pain in my Head to which I am sometimes subject. Were it as plenty as ever I would not practice the use of it. Our Family are all well. It has been reported here that congress were going to remove 40 miles beyond Philadelphia. I gave no credit to the report, I heard no reason assignd for it. I had much rather they would come a hundred miles nearer home here. Adieu -- Yours" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss Jill Biden's book rollout, Graham Platner's many, many scandals, and the A250 concert that wasn't. There is some singing. You're welcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Adams buys an expensive folio on this day and enters his first letter, to his wife. He also buys one for his professional correspondence, and I think we can thank Abigail for her annoyances with John's correspondence for the fact we have as many of Adams' letters as we do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dear sir Philadelphia June 1. 1776 Your favours of May 14. and 22d. are now before me. The first I shewed to Mr. Morris, as soon as I received it. The last contains Intelligence, from Hallifax of the Streights to which our Enemies are reduced, which I was very glad to learn. I am very happy to learn from you and some other of my Friends that Boston is securely fortified; but still I cannot be fully satisfied untill I hear that every unfriendly Flagg is chased out of that Harbour. Cape Ann, I am sensible is a most important Post, and if the Enemy should possess themselves of it, they might distress the Trade of the Colony to a great Degree. For which Reason I am determined to do every Thing in my Power to get it fortified at the Continental Expence. I cant be confident that I shall succeed but it shall not be my Fault if I dont. I am very glad you gave me your Opinion of the Utility of that Harbour and of the Practicability of making it secure, because I was not enough acquainted with it before to speak with Precision about it. Your Observations upon the oppressive severity of the old Regulations of Trade in subjecting Ships and Cargoes to Confiscation for the Indiscretion of a Master or Mariner, and upon the Artifice and Corruption which was introduced respecting Hospital Money, are very just: But if you consider the Resolution of Congress, and that of Virginia of the 15th. of May, the Resolutions of the two Carolinas and Georgia, each of which Colonies, are instituting new Governments, under the Authority of the People; if you consider what is doing at New York, New Jersey, Pensilvania, and even in Maryland, which are all gradually forming themselves into order to follow the Colonies to the Northward and Southward, together with the Treaties with Hesse, Brunswick and Waldeck and the Answer to the Mayor &c. of London; I believe you will be convinced that there is little Probability 2of our ever again coming under the Yoke of British Regulations of Trade. The Cords which connected the two Countries are cutt asunder, and it will not be easy to splice them again, together. I agree with you, in sentiment, that there will be little Difficulty in Trading with France and Spain, a great deal in dealing with Portugal, and some with Holland. Yet by very good Intelligence I am convinced, that there are great Merchants in the United Provinces and even in Amsterdam, who will contract to supply you with any Thing you want, whether Merchandize or military Stores by the Way of Nieuport and Ostend, two Towns which are subject to the Empress of Austria, who has never taken any public Notice of the Dispute between Britain and Us, and has never prohibited her Subjects from supplying us with any Thing. There is a Gentleman, now in this City, a Native of it, and a very worthy Man who has been lately in those Towns as well as Amsterdam, who informs me that he had many Conversations there, with Merchants of figure, and that they assured him they should be glad to contract to furnish us with any Supplies, even upon Credit, for an Interest of four Per Cent.1 Other Intelligence to the same Purpose, with Additions of more Importance, has been sent here. But the Particulars may not be mentioned. Europe seems to be in a great Commotion; altho the Appearance of a perfect Calm is affected, I think this American Contest will light up a general War. What it will end in, God alone knows, to whose wise and righteous Providence I chearfully submit, and am with great Esteem and Respect for the Family, your Friend & servant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic and Mary Katharine talk primary predictions (Cornyn vs. Paxton), a farewell to Thomas Massie and Stephen Colbert, the DNC's embarrassing autopsy, Memorial Day thoughts, along with recommended overseas American military cemeteries, and Vic has a beach read recommendation that is definitely at least PG-13. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic and Mary Katharine talk about big victories on the parenting front at MK's home, foreign policy updates on Iran, China, Venezuela and Cuba, fully funtioning fountains, the war on NY pizza, and a new segment: Viruses With Vic! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic and Mary Katharine valiantly fight technical difficulties (successfully!) of their own to tell you about the technical difficulties Virginia Democrats are facing on redistricting and the crashout they're having as a result. They update on SC, TN, FL, and AL before talking about the NYT's crazy Kristof column, Labor losses in Britain, Iran, and hantavirus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic and MK dive into the news that Graham Platner is the presumptive Dem nominee for Senate in Maine, which means everyone who is left of center has to pretend Nazi tattoos mean nothing about a person. We talk updates on Iran, continuing surprising alliances, and a legal update on the Voting Rights Act. Finally, updates on the Palisades Fire, not at all caused by climate change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joseph Ward is a cousin and aide-de-camp to Gen. Artemas Ward. He is a frequent correspondent of Adams, reporting what he's seeing on the military front in Boston. Adams is worried about the British, still sitting around the harbor, trying to take over Boston again now that the Army is mostly in New York City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MK and Vic talk Mary Katharine's live experience of an attack on democracy and free speech and the subsequent press coverage, which veered very quickly away from another attempt on the president's life and into centering media and making other people the victims. Also, is it okay to take the wine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Continental Army deals with all kinds of personnel problems and shortages. In this case, Washington is taking the step of explicitly requesting better pay for his aides, as he works them very hard and must trust them with so much. He is afraid the good ones will leave his employ to seek other options if he can't pay them adequately. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A salty episode of Getting Hammered as Vic and Mary Katharine contemplate exporting the governance of Fairfax and Arlington to the rest of Virginia and what that means for the state and national politics. Also, a little bit of SPLC news and MK's kid destroyed another thing after a long dry spell! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic Matus and Mary Katharine Ham talk about Iran, the blockade, the strategy, and the negotiation-athon. They also talk about Trump's AI post, backlash to it, and his fight with the Pope. Allegations against Swalwell continue to rise, but there's a reason they're all happening now. And Artemis II inspires us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My friend Sarah Isgur joins the podcast to talk about her new book, "Last Branch Standing," which is a very fun read about the Supreme Court, its history, the data on the current Court's decisions, and human stories of the Justices and their clerks and everyone's hijinx along the way. If you feel media coverage of the Court isn't giving you the big, real , complex picture— it often isn't— this is a good place to start getting better understanding. I really enjoyed it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this letter, Adams addresses all of the concerns and questions of Abigail's March 31 letter. He is glad to hear of her joy at the relative non-destruction of Boston and the fact that their house there stands. He ansers her concerns about Virginians and women's rights, though in a somewhat jokey tone. He has more serious thoughts on this account in other letters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vic is on Spring Break this week, so Kelly and MK discuss the daring Iran rescue, how in the world it's possible for people to be mad at it, growing polarization over even the best news, how we are Victor Glover fan girls and Artemis is also daring and astounding. Trump is on his holiday mean tweets again, California is defrauding us, and we sell Girl Scout cookies. Which one of us is better at it? Plus, more auctioneering practice! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this letter from Abigail to John, you can tell his absence is taking a toll on her. She tells of all the work she has to do on the farm, hoping to prove herself as a "farmeress" as he proves himself a statesman. She sounds a little nervous and sad as she wishes in vain for news of when he might come home. Boston is mourning its dead after the Brits have left town and she tells of a funeral she attended. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Spring Break edition of Getting Hammered, Vic and MK finally try the Big Arch, and because they didn't want it to get cold, they do that first and talk about burgers for half the show! After that, Iran, #NoKings, and polyamory. Mixed bag today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this famous letter, Abigail is still annoyed that John doesn't write often enough or come home. She is still a passionate advocate for liberty and impatient for a declaration. She is a serious critic of slaveholders in Virginia, wondering openly if they can possibly really be devoted to the cause of liberty when they deprive their fellow man of theirs. She also gives her thoughts on how the new government should treat women, saying they will "foment rebellion" if not considered in the laws of this new country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly Maher guest-hosts with Mary Katharine Ham today, tells us about her new adventure in auctioneering, and we talk about all the people who don't understand capitalism— Kathy Hochul, Hasan Piker, Abigail Spanberger, D.C. government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this letter to his friend, Horatio Gates, Adams touches on Boston and whether the Brits are really gone, talks about a recent resolution allowing privateers to take British boats, and then the challenges of forming a Republic of 13 colonies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enjoy the details as Washington realizes he has to impress upon his soldiers how to act once they're in Boston. This is a very explicit effort to make sure the uncomfortable lines between Boston inhabitants who are leftover royalists, patriot residents, possible spies, and Continental soldiers are observed with as little drama as possible, and all conflict dealt with in legal avenues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gen. George Washington seems to let himself be happy in this letter to Hancock about having cleared the British army out of Boston, which they find in fairly good condition after 11 months of siege and occupation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode , Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus cover the Oscars, the bright spots and the political commentary, Iran strikes and "taking Cuba", jihadist attacks in the U.S., one of which exemplifies the uselessness of gun control laws, and the continuing leftward lurch of the state of Virginia under alleged moderate Abigail Spanberger. Plus, Paul Ehrlich critique! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we meet Timothy Newell, a Boston selectman who has been in Boston the entirety of the siege. As one of just a few members of civilian government left in the city, he has negotiated with Gen. Howe and British troops over treatment of citizens in the city. He is a patriot, but was likely too old to fight, so served the cause in a different way. While there, he wrote a colorful and thorough account of his time in the city with the British troops, whom he called "a set of men, whose unparralled wickedness, profanity, debauchery and cruelty is inexpressible." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices