

Getting Hammered®
Laissez-Faire Media
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 25, 2026 • 54min
I'm Goin' Once, Goin' Twice, Sold! MK & Kelly Celebrate Capitalism
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

Mar 24, 2026 • 8min
#Todayin1776: John Adams Clowns on Brits Abandoning Boston Tories
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

Mar 22, 2026 • 6min
#Todayin1776: Washington's Official Proclamation on the Occupation of Boston
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

Mar 20, 2026 • 6min
#Todayin1776: Washington Tells Hancock He Chased Off the Brits
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

Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 12min
Oscars, Iran, and Ordering the Surf & Turf
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

Mar 18, 2026 • 6min
#Todayin1776: The British Leave Boston! A Report From Inside the City
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

Mar 14, 2026 • 7min
#Todayin1776: John Adams Worries About Guns & Washington Worries About Smallpox
Two views on the Revolution today, one from John Adams' diary, discussing a resolution to remove arms from disaffected colonists, who did not want to fight for America. Adams wanted the resolution to go further, urging colonists to take up all powers of government, repudiating the Crown's authority, but he settled for the one presented. It was a big escalation, and enforced spottily across the 13 colonies, but the Army also really needed the muskets. Meanwhile, Washington occupies the high ground around Boston, but that tactical advantage doesn't erase his concerns about smallpox. Are the British troops spreading it on purpose to his ragtag Army? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 11, 2026 • 1h 15min
The Press Practices Creative Writing in Wake of Terror Attack
In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus cover a wide range of current events, including domestic coverage of a terrorist attack in New York City, as well as updates on Iran and the Strait or Hormuz. Plus, Noem is out and we need to speculate a little and is Talarico the Christian Democrat who will turn Texas blue? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 6, 2026 • 8min
#Todayin1776: Washington Takes Dorchester Heights!
A daring nighttime bluff that changed the course of a siege. The strategic importance of Dorchester Heights and how it commands Boston and the harbor. Ingenious rapid fortification methods used to move cannon and build defenses under fog and secrecy. The dramatic reported British reaction and the detailed orders Washington sent to coordinate the operation.

Mar 4, 2026 • 1h 9min
Boom: Iran Strikes Deconstructed
Explores the military strikes on Iran, covering the intelligence, weapons and targeting choices. Discusses command-and-control failures, jet shootdowns and dramatic rescues. Considers regional reactions, shifting Arab alliances and possible impacts on US-Iran relations. Critiques media coverage and political divisions at home.


