It's not easy keeping up with the news—especially when you're a parent. Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus know that well. And while they can't get your kids to school on time (and without ketchup in their hair—ask Mary Katharine about that one), they can break down the news you need to know. Put the kids to bed, pour yourself a drink, and join us twice a week for Getting Hammered.
The Getting Hammered podcast is an absolute delight to listen to. Hosted by Mary Katherine Ham and Vic Matus, the chemistry between them is electric, making for a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The topics they cover are always interesting and they tackle them in a thoughtful and entertaining manner. One of the standout features of this podcast is the hilarious music intros that add an extra layer of entertainment. It's truly a one-of-a-kind show that deserves all the praise it receives.
One of the best aspects of The Getting Hammered podcast is the incredible interplay between Mary Katherine Ham and Vic Matus. Their banter is witty, charming, and keeps listeners hooked from start to finish. They complement each other perfectly, making for a seamless and enjoyable conversation. It's clear that they have a deep understanding and respect for one another, which only enhances their chemistry on air.
Another aspect that sets this podcast apart is its ability to cover serious topics in a lighthearted manner. While political podcasts often lean towards anger, outrage, or mockery, The Getting Hammered takes a refreshing approach by infusing humor into their discussions. It's a welcome change of pace that allows listeners to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed by negativity.
However, it should be noted that at times the interjections from Vic Matus can make episodes slightly difficult to follow. His tendency for sotto voce comments combined with his speech style can lead to moments where points get stepped on or lose their clarity. This can be distracting for some listeners who prefer a more structured approach.
In conclusion, The Getting Hammered podcast is an absolute gem in the world of political podcasts. Mary Katherine Ham and Vic Matus bring a unique blend of intelligence, humor, and camaraderie that makes every episode thoroughly enjoyable. While there may be some minor flaws in terms of flow, they do not detract from the overall high quality of this show. If you're looking for a podcast that covers current events in an engaging and entertaining way, subscribing to The Getting Hammered is a no-brainer.
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Gold Medals, Medals of Freedom, Medals of Honor, a reunion of a Venezuelan political prisoner with his niece, Ilhan Omar yelling at Trump! This show had everything. Also, Abigail Spanberger spoke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You'll remember Washington's War Council rejected a plan to attaack Boston in mid-February, instead telling Washington to put cannons up on Dorchester Heights. This is a contingency attack plan written by those same generals, should the British attack Dorchester Heights. They didn't feel great about its potential for success, and luckily, things turn out differently on the high ground around Boston later in March. Stay tuned! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of 'Getting Hammered', hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss Olympic highlights, the libs and journos who are trying to ruin them, personal parenting challenges, and the recent Supreme Court ruling on tariffs. They also cover Gavin Newsom's public persona and AOC's emo responses to criticism of her Munich performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Feb. 23, 1776, John Adams offered resolutions in the Continental Congress with the intent of boosting domestic production of saltpeter, a main ingredient in gunpowder, and gunpowder mills. Domestic production never really took off during the war, only accounting for a small percentage of total gunpowder. Instead, the colonies imported or smuggled supplies in from the French and the West Indies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I chuckled at this, from planter and pamphleteer Landon Carter's diary and letters, which describe his very critical thoughts on "Common Sense" and his relief that Gen. Lee had not written it. He also recounts trying to get his grandson a slot in the army and how that ends embarrassingly for him and the grandson thanks to the young man's mother's breakdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Feb. 19, 1776, Ben Franklin wrote to Gen. Charles Lee, an admirer of Thomas Paine's to connect the two. Just a month after its publication, Paine's 47-page pamphlet is making waves all over the colonies. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-22-02-0214 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Feb. 18, 1776, John Adams writes to Abigail and confides in her about a delicate diplomatic mission to Canada. He throws a little shade at the Catholic leadership in Canada and Southerners and admires his wife's mastery of the French language. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/04-01-02-0229 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Mary Katharine Hamm and Vic Matus discuss sexual harassment training and AOC, and somewhat surprisingly, the two are not related. They delve into the recent Munich Security Conference, highlighting key speeches and the responses from various political figures. The conversation also touches on the ongoing redistricting controversy in Virginia and the implications of new laws on representation. Finally, they explore the Olympics and then the rising costs of cocktails. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Written in John Adams' hand, these notes from the Continental Congress catalogue the debate over whether to do trade with foreign entities. The colonies needs supplies, but engaging with foreign countries while at war with Great Britain creeps pretty close to acting like a country, not a colony. Hence, the debate. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/01-02-02-0006-0002-0001 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At a meeting of his war councilF eb, 16, 1776,, George Washingon suggests a complex, amphibious assault on Boston on frozen waterways, but the council says "nope." What they decide instead will change the course of the war and the fight for America's freedom. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-03-02-0229 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Feb. 12, 1776, the journals of the Continental Congress reveal that Major Gen. Lee is very worried about New York and that troops should be sent form Pennsylvania and New Jersey to aid him. The Congress also works on distribution of salt peter for the purposes of making gunpowder and blankets for a batallion. John Hancock urges Pennsylvania Delegate John Dickinson to get to Congress on time to vote the next day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
n February of 1776, John Adams has taken one of many hard trips from Braintree, Mass. to Philadelphia to rejoin the Continental Congress. In this short letter to his wife, he tells of his travels, his worries, and his hopes for the colonies and their future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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While George Washington was doing military work, a small group of leaders including Ben Franklin and John Jay were on the Committee of Secret Correspondence, which did diplomatic and foreign intelligence work in the service of the American cause. In this missive, Ben Franklin recaps the failed Canada campaign Washington referenced to John Hancock and offers an account of a Canadian visitor to Congress, who sounds like an intelligence asset, and his report on political reasons the campaign isn't working in Canada and how it could be helped. Turns out, it never did catch on north of the border. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Feb. 9. 1776, George Washington sounds like he's had it up to here with the short deployments of Continental Army soldiers. Americans had philosophical reasons for keeping citizen soldiers on short time, viewing a standing army with suspicion. But in this correspondence, Washington politely but insistently lays out the many problems he's had with them. The Continental Army would later move to 1-3 year stints as the war went on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A weekend read of Washington's General Orders from Cambridge on Feb. 7, 1776. He is establishing pay for the Army's chaplains at $33.50 per month and advising officers how to create and distribute ammo. Washington also mentions Connecticut chaplain Abiel Leonard, who volunteered in 1775 to serve as one of a handful of chaplains before the army was even established as the Continental Army. Leonard was one of the first-ever chaplains to serve in the Army Corps of Chaplains, whcih was established in July 1775 and still exists today, boasting some 3,000 chaplains. Washington thought chaplains important to the morale and moral character of the troops, as well as in bolstering them for courage in the fight instead of desertion. Washington appreciated Leonard so much he once wrote to his home church asking if they could spare him for the Army some time longer and Gen. Israel Putnam (of Bunker Hill fame) petitioned Congress for backpay for his service in 1775. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I've been looking for a way to celebrate America 250 as this year goes by and I don't want it to be relegated to July 4th or certain events. So, I thought maybe I would search for primary documents, written for or by the Founding Fathers (and a surrounding cast of historical characters) for as many of the days of the year as I can. Since I'm starting in February, I think it's fitting that my search brought me first to a set of letters exchanged between Phyllis Wheatley and General George Washington. Below is the poem that prompted Washington to write to the formerly enslaved poet, Phyllis Wheatley. His Excellency, General Washington by Phyllis Wheatley Celestial choir! enthron'd in realms of light,Columbia's scenes of glorious toils I write.While freedom's cause her anxious breast alarms,She flashes dreadful in refulgent arms.See mother earth her offspring's fate bemoan,And nations gaze at scenes before unknown!See the bright beams of heaven's revolving lightInvolved in sorrows and the veil of night! The Goddess comes, she moves divinely fair,Olive and laurel binds Her golden hair:Wherever shines this native of the skies,Unnumber'd charms and recent graces rise. Muse! Bow propitious while my pen relatesHow pour her armies through a thousand gates,As when Eolus heaven's fair face deforms,Enwrapp'd in tempest and a night of storms;Astonish'd ocean feels the wild uproar,The refluent surges beat the sounding shore;Or think as leaves in Autumn's golden reign,Such, and so many, moves the warrior's train.In bright array they seek the work of war,Where high unfurl'd the ensign waves in air.Shall I to Washington their praise recite?Enough thou know'st them in the fields of fight.Thee, first in peace and honors—we demandThe grace and glory of thy martial band.Fam'd for thy valour, for thy virtues more,Hear every tongue thy guardian aid implore! One century scarce perform'd its destined round,When Gallic powers Columbia's fury found;And so may you, whoever dares disgraceThe land of freedom's heaven-defended race!Fix'd are the eyes of nations on the scales,For in their hopes Columbia's arm prevails.Anon Britannia droops the pensive head,While round increase the rising hills of dead.Ah! Cruel blindness to Columbia's state!Lament thy thirst of boundless power too late. Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy side,Thy ev'ry action let the Goddess guide.A crown, a mansion, and a throne that shine,With gold unfading, WASHINGTON! Be thine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus talk the Washington Auto show and generational shifts in car culture, plus their first cars! They delve into the Democratic drama of the Texas Senate race and the influence of social media on politics. The conversation also touches on the Grammys, the Kennedy Center's controversies, city dysfunction with school closures and trash heaps, and the Loudoun County School Board is absolutely insane again. Finally, they are trying to care about the Winter Olympics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Getting Hammered, hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss the recent winter weather affecting much of the country, snow days and the challenges of parenting during storms. They share travel experiences, with a special confrontation for MK on the West Coast. In the news, the Minnesota fallout surrounding immigration enforcement , the dynamics of the Trump administration, and the implications of Gavin Newsom's policies, which some are now admitting are bad. They also get into gym accolades and the current crisis in the spirits industry, which they mean to solve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of "Getting Hammered," hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus dive into a variety of topics. Vic shares his observations from a journalism conference in Palm Beach, highlighting the peculiarities of the local dog-walking culture and the challenges of parenting teenagers left home alone. The conversation then shifts to current events, including the implications of recent ICE-related incidents and public reactions to immigration enforcement. They discuss the political landscape in Virginia, particularly the recent election outcomes and the new policies being introduced by the Democratic leadership, which they argue are detrimental to law-abiding citizens. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted discussion about college football. Plus, the potential for U.S. territorial expansion, specifically regarding Greenland, and whether the madman theory of Donald Trump is more mad than theory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Getting Hammered, Mary Katharine Ham and Jenna Lee make plans for their husband's birthdays next year before diving into the Supreme Court case regarding transgender athletes in women's sports, the investigation into Jerome Powell and the Federal Reserve, the recent ICE shooting incident in Minneapolis, and how it's hard to take a few moments in the New Media to evaluate news stories, but that's what's really needed. They also touch on the redesign of the food pyramid and the inspiring story of resilience from a young athlete who lost his parents in a tragic accident. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding complex issues, the role of media in shaping public opinion, and the need for patience in forming opinions on controversial topics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mary Katharine Ham interviews Daniel Di Martino, a Venezuelan-born economist and Manhattan Institute fellow, about the recent political changes in Venezuela and the implications of socialism versus capitalism. DiMartino shares his personal experiences growing up in Venezuela, the impact of the regime on the economy, and the importance of educating young people about the dangers of socialism. He emphasizes the need for charismatic leaders in politics and discusses the future of Venezuela and the hope for a free society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of "Getting Hammered," hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, the political landscape in Minnesota with Tim Walz's withdrawal from the governor's race, and the implications of OnlyFans models receiving work visas in the U.S. Plus, robot surgery, January birthdays, and disco! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Getting Hammered, hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Vic Matus discuss their Christmas experiences and last minute Mrs Claus magic. The conversation transitions to more serious topics such as U.S. military action against ISIS in Nigeria, ongoing Ukraine-Russia negotiations, and the implications of fraud in Minnesota's childcare programs. They also touch on the renaming of the Kennedy Center, Pop Tart Bowl and the controversy surrounding a throuple featured in the Wall Street Journal. 00:00 Welcome and Holiday Recap 15:04 US Military Actions on Christmas 30:06 Minnesota Fraud Scandal 43:30 Kennedy Center 54:03 Pop-Tart Bowl and College Football 01:00:36 Throuple Housing Dilemma 01:04:24 White House Christmas Ornaments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mary Katharine Ham and special guest-host Kelly Maher discuss the surprising amount of political news being made in the right-of-center coalition during the week of Christmas. It's like a Friday-night news dump for the whole year! We are on Widow Defense and Commendation for Erika Kirk for running AmFest, we get into Ben Shapiro's speech, Tucker Carlson's reaction, Megyn Kelly's anger at Shapiro and behind-the-scenes work for the Erika-Candace summit, and of course, the Candace Owens of it all. Also, the Heritage Foundation continues its come-apart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mary Katharine Ham makes cocktails for spirits expert Vic Matus. It's nerve-wracking. Did she succeed?! We mixed a LOT of liquors, with a garnish of news, plus favorite and hated Christmas carols and movies! On the drink menu: A Cranberry Snow Globe Spritzer, a Gingerbread Martini, a Cranberry Margarita, a Peppermint White Russian, and a Cider with Bourbon. We even had fresh-roasted chestnuts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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 Hamm and Vic Mattis 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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!
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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?
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