Washed Up in DC

Colin Mullaney and Abigail Cavizo
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  • News Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

Abigail Cavizo and Colin M. Mullaney are two "washed-up" reporters articulating a Gen-Z perspective, amplifying young voices, and advocating for free speech. Subscribe for incisive, weekly commentary on the latest news — delivered with scrappiness and the fear of God. We do not need to be divisive in order to be entertaining, engaging, and effective. Scapegoating and black-and-white thinking are a relic of the past. Join us as we explore the false binaries that benefit bad-faith actors — and expose the perverse incentives that drive societal conflicts. All opinions are our own.

  1. Aug 12

    Election Anxiety & Romantic Delusion (Talking Midterms & Limerence)

    This week, we’re still following up on our new format. It’s Abby’s turn to present our hard news, and we’ve got a lot to say about the future of the Midterm Elections. Recently, Trump proposed the SAVE Act, which would put federal restrictions on different voter ID laws. Democrats believe this is interesting timing, especially when Republicans may not be leading in some states. Interesting states to look out for in the future is Michigan, Ohio, and other swing states. Colin decides to bring in the Washed Up audience on something the co-hosts have done lots of thinking about… an up-and-coming psychology term: limerence. He primarily uses the book “Smitten: Romantic Obsession, the Neuroscience of Limerence, and How to Make Love Last,” by Dr. Tom Bellamy, who is a neuroscientist and university professor. What is limerence? How does it impact Gen Z and their dating habits. How do we deal with such strong emotions? Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KULkVNOanuA

  2. Aug 2

    Fauci's Fifth Plea and LeBron's Legacy

    This week on Washed Up, we launch a new format for the show, where one of us presents the "Hard News" and the other presents the "Soft News" of the week. Each topic is followed by a lively conversation so that we cover both the biggest political and the biggest cultural story each week. In "hard news," presented by Colin, Dr. Anthony Fauci appeared before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security on July 29. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) questioned Fauci in an intense hearing, but Fauci refused to answer a single question, instead citing his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. All of this in spite of the fact that Fauci was already pardoned by President Biden in Jan. 2025, for activities dating back to 2014. While some say it's a partisan witch hunt to blame Fauci for the COVID-19 pandemic, the available evidence outlined by Sen. Paul does not reflect well on the U.S. government or Fauci — especially regarding COVID's origins, the possibility that it emerged from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, or that the virus may have been engineered via gain-of-function research funded by government entities. Dr. Fauci's personal diary was also released to the public last week, to his (and America's) great shame. Read Colin's Substack, about attending the hearing. Further, in "soft news" presented by Abby, LeBron James is joining the Philadelphia 76ers, where he will have a 2-year contract worth $8 million. We assess his reasons for choosing Philly and whether this career move is aligned with his fanbase, namely Gen Z people who looks up to LeBron. When do you know when it's time to retIre, or do you keep going for the legacy and the love of the game? This episode was recorded on July 30, 2026. All opinions are our own and do not reflect those of any institution or affiliation.

  3. Jul 29

    Lindsey Graham DIES, and his sister takes over?

    On this week's episode of Washed Up, we discuss the death of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who died at 71 years old. His funeral services are being held on July 28 in Washington, D.C., followed by services in South Carolina on July 29. We also discuss his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, replacing him and running in the upcoming special election. What are our thoughts on political succession? Is there a difference between how we remember public figures versus private individuals after they pass away? Tune in to hear our take. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kQYaoN84rhE

  4. Jul 21 ·  Bonus

    A Very Messi World Cup: Spain defeats Argentina 1-0

    Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi playing perhaps his last world cup match at the age of 39. The game was hosted in New Jersey, and the US, Mexico, and Canada cohosted this year's matches. Why is Argentina so hated when it comes to soccer? Edward Meshell of Probably Soccer Podcast speculates it’s because Argentina is FIFA’s golden child and that it has gotten to that place after some wild ref calls and several star players over the years — going back to Diego Maradona. Now, Spain’s superstar, 19-year old Lamine Yamal is taking the forefront, and some would say it's fate. A remarkable photo emerged of Messi bathing an infant Yamal during a UNICEF photoshoot in the 2000s, which many including Messi noted was "crazy." Earlier in the tournament, the US lost to Belgium in a 4-1 game on the heels of a red card incident with US player Fol Balogun, during a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The US won that game, despite playing down a man, but Balogun was suspended for the next match... until he wasn't. FIFA reversed the red card, and Balogun was allowed to play against Belgium after all. Of course the talk was that Trump stepped in and called in a favor — but there's no evidence to that effect. More likely, Trump is trying to claim credit, just like he basked in Spain's glory and refused to get off the stage during the official photo and the final trophy lift. We close by discussing celebrity culture and commercialization during the World Cup: Timothee Chalamet, Rihanna, Beyonce, and others were seen spectating — as well as halftime performers Justin Bieber, Shakira, and BTS. This episode was recorded on July 20, 2026. All opinions are our own and do not reflect those of any institution or affiliation. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KJMvZuL2MV0

  5. Jul 14

    Independence Day at Independence Hall

    America is going through a transitional period, as we celebrate 250 years since Independence. Our aging politicians are — in many cases — ill suited to represent us. Our current leaders lack moral clarity or courage. They want to play King, or cling onto power for life. Though our three-branch government, with checks and balances, is a smart and robust system — cracks are emerging. What answers can our founding documents, revolutionary leaders, and American history provide us in these troubled times? We went to Philadelphia for the Fourth of July to find out, and we were not disappointed. At Independence Hall, we were reminded that our rights are natural and inherent, including our first amendment rights to protest and assemble, speak freely, maintain a free press, and practice religion of our choosing. But we must continue to exercise these rights, lest we lose the memory of what it took to secure them and what it takes to keep our Republic. Although the present is uncertain and our nation is incredibly divided, robust debate has been a fixture of our national identity for two and a half centuries, and fortunately our system was designed to allow for change with the changing times — through Constitutional amendments and elections, for instance. The ability to criticize our government is also something fundamentally American, and something we fought for. So we will continue to hold politicians in Washington accountable and to call out bad behavior on both sides, whether it is Republicans or Democrats gaming the system for their own benefit and personal enrichment. The founding fathers initially worried that the legislative branch would predominate, and that the tyranny of the executive would come at a “remote period.” Now it feels like that period has arrived. But we the people still hold the power. Let us never forget it. This episode was recorded on July 11, 2026. All opinions are our own and do not reflect those of any institution or affiliation. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eFFfFudtpas

  6. Jul 3

    Attending Trump's Freedom 250 Speech: Iran War is "Done"

    This episode was recorded on June 25, 2026. A week before America250, Colin and Abigail discuss the (hopefully) end of the Iran War, with the Memorandum of Understanding. At the top of the episode, Colin talks his experience seeing Trump speak on the National Mall last week. Among other theatrics, he talks how great the economy is doing, the “small journey” that was the Iran War, and the “vandalism” of the reflection pool. With the Fourth of July a couple days away, Washed Up co-hosts’ one wish is for this to be a true end to the war! Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AiDKSXm9nI4?si=8Ki-cO_q_lYQ-WCZ All opinions are our own and do not reflect those of any institution, past or present.

  7. Jun 26 ·  Bonus

    Jessica Mills: Exposing Misogynist Incels of the Internet

    We are joined by Jessica Mills of NYU to discuss the evolution of Incel (involuntarily celibate) communities on the Internet. Who are they, and where do they come from? Often self-identified incels online build communities that thrive off of misogyny and shared grievances against women, and a shared secret language called a “cryptolect.” This crypolect in turn establishes an in-group vs. outgroup dynamic that reenforces a hierarchy among these men, who refer to themselves as betas (as opposed to an alpha or sigma male). These incel males will affirm and bolster their self-identifications within their incel communities and encourage one another to engage in acts of violence and hatred toward the outgroup members (whom they refer to as Chads/Alphas in the case of men they resent, or Stacys regarding the women they blame for their own involuntary celibacy). Online incel groups are a bastion of hatred and self-defeating attitudes about gender and sex, and Mills pinpoints how the crypotlect (increasingly mainstream, with terms like looksmaxxing) underpins a lot of the groups’ toxic and destructive dynamics. Next, we pivot to discussion of healthy masculinity, and what does it look like? We provide a few examples of positive and negative male role models (progressive and conservative alike), and identify some male role models who constitute the #manosphere—who could either be a gateway into the world of incels, or possibly a safeguard against it depending on the day. Mills recounts how she got into this line of research, the emotional toll of studying such an intense topic, and what advice she would have for young men caught up in the manosphere or—worse—the dark world of incel chat groups. Follow Jess' work on Substack: https://jessicaimills.substack.com/ Follow Jess on Instagram:   / jessicaimills  This video was recorded on June 14, 2026. All opinions are our own.

  8. Jun 15 ·  Bonus

    FIFA World Cup begins, Knicks Clinch Win

    For the first time in 32 years, the US (along with Mexico and Canada) is hosting the FIFA Soccer World Cup. With the final match to occur July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, 48 international teams are competing for a shot to win the World Cup. The U.S. has faced off with Paraguay so far and next will play Australia and then Turkey. Edward Meshell of Probably Soccer Podcast joins Washed Up’s Colin Mullaney to discuss the power of sports in unifying humanity. Sports tournaments bring economic opportunities and inspiring stories of collaboration across international borders. Who ever thought Lawrence, KS, would form a lasting friendship with Algeria? It also highlights political tension around U.S. immigration policy and the Iran War. Furthermore, congrats to the New York Knicks for clinching the NBA championship for the first time in 53 years, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 — another testament to the power of sports to bring people together!  Washed Up’s Abby Cavizo was in NYC for the Knick’s historic win, while Colin stayed in DC to hold down the fort during the UFC cage match at the White House (sentences that have never been written before). This episode was recorded on June 14, 2026 in collaboration with Probably Soccer. All opinions are our own. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2wgYSFxucV0

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About

Abigail Cavizo and Colin M. Mullaney are two "washed-up" reporters articulating a Gen-Z perspective, amplifying young voices, and advocating for free speech. Subscribe for incisive, weekly commentary on the latest news — delivered with scrappiness and the fear of God. We do not need to be divisive in order to be entertaining, engaging, and effective. Scapegoating and black-and-white thinking are a relic of the past. Join us as we explore the false binaries that benefit bad-faith actors — and expose the perverse incentives that drive societal conflicts. All opinions are our own.

Information

  • Creator
    Colin Mullaney and Abigail Cavizo
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Colin Mullaney and Abigail Cavizo
  • Show Website
    Washed Up in DC