The Moynihan Report

2WAY

The Moynihan Report is an in-depth 1-on-1 interview program broadcast live from 2WAY’s New York studio on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8pm EST. Hosted by Michael Moynihan (The Fifth Column, VICE News), the show centers around lively conversations with the most influential people in culture, politics, media, and beyond–not just to unpack their opinions on current events, but to better understand what makes them tick. Each episode also includes the opportunity for Michael and guests to engage with the live at-home audience via the 2WAY platform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Deep state, chemtrails, & Trump: Eli Lake on the new GOP conspiracy | The Moynihan Report

    12/04/2025

    Deep state, chemtrails, & Trump: Eli Lake on the new GOP conspiracy | The Moynihan Report

    This episode is a wide-ranging, candid chat where Michael Moynihan and guest columnist Eli Lake dive deep into the messy overlap of culture and politics today. They start with a fun intellectual detour, dissecting the punk rock ethos and suggesting that the anti-authoritarian, norm-defying spirit actually makes Socrates the original punk. This cultural lens is quickly applied to modern politics, where they discuss how the rise of figures like Nick Fuentes and his followers is basically a political version of punk rock. They argue that this shock-jock, transgressive style is a direct reaction to the illiberal social pressures of recent years (think: Black Squares and trigger-happy social media bans). The conversation then hits the controversial shift of Tucker Carlson, pointing out his "horseshoe" alignment with figures from the radical left, like Noam Chomsky. They suggest Tucker's appeal comes from his genuine rejection of his old Washington world. Finally, the talk gets serious about the Constitution, as Moynihan and Lake criticize the Trump administration's foreign policy; specifically the unauthorized use of the military in Venezuela against drug boats. Lake argues this overreach, done without Congressional approval, is a dangerous move that could undermine the foundations of the Republic by setting a precedent for presidents to start wars without a proper legal or democratic say. Subscribe to the YouTube! Subscribe to the YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  2. Afghan businessman to MTV mogul: how Tom Freston revolutionized youth culture | The Moynihan Report

    11/19/2025

    Afghan businessman to MTV mogul: how Tom Freston revolutionized youth culture | The Moynihan Report

    Tom Freston's story is a compelling journey of media creation fueled by unconventional experiences and a zeal for the non-mainstream. His memoir, Unplugged Adventures: From MTV to Timbuktu, chronicles his life, from an eight-year stint in India and Afghanistan on the hippie trail where he was a businessman running a successful clothing empire (a venture eventually destroyed by Carter administration tariffs), to his pivotal role in creating global media powerhouses. MTV, his defining legacy, was born in 1980 out of a desire to create a specialized "narrow caster" for music fans, reflecting a passionate, low-budget, no-experience culture similar to Vice Media's early days. The channel became a culture leader for over two decades, achieving success despite initial resistance from cable operators and record companies, famously using the "I Want My MTV" campaign featuring stars like David Bowie and Mick Jagger. This innovative spirit continued as MTV pioneered the reality TV boom with The Real World and when Freston's team launched Comedy Central out of competitive brashness against HBO, nurturing future comedy icons. Freston's career at the top of Viacom ended abruptly when Sumner Redstone fired him, famously for not buying MySpace, a moment that underscored the disruptive force of the digital revolution. Later, Freston got involved with Vice Media, drawn to its edgy, chaotic, and fun sky's the limit culture, only to witness its struggle with growth, overspending, and a missed opportunity to be acquired by Disney. Through it all, Freston believes his success stemmed from his confidence, ability to attract talent, and a commitment to having creative people in charge of his networks. Subscribe to the YouTube! Subscribe to the YouTube! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
4.8
out of 5
202 Ratings

About

The Moynihan Report is an in-depth 1-on-1 interview program broadcast live from 2WAY’s New York studio on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8pm EST. Hosted by Michael Moynihan (The Fifth Column, VICE News), the show centers around lively conversations with the most influential people in culture, politics, media, and beyond–not just to unpack their opinions on current events, but to better understand what makes them tick. Each episode also includes the opportunity for Michael and guests to engage with the live at-home audience via the 2WAY platform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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