Ink Stained Wretches
The news about the News
Eliana Johnson and Chris Stirewalt love the news business but they hate a lot of what’s happening to it these days. Using their decades of experience in print, digital and TV news they tell the story behind the stories, always on the lookout for bias, sloppy reporting and, well, just plain wretched journalism. Every week they help you to be a better, smarter news consumer.
Actually, it’s a Digital Beanie Baby Reserve
Mar 7, 2025
The Wretches are back in the studio, and it feels so good. This week, we’re covering Trump’s joint address to Congress, tariffs, ‘based’ Newsom, and much more. Wretch on!
Listen to episode →Of Fools in Pools
Mar 1, 2025
Happy Saturday from your favorite band of Wretches! We’re diving deep into the latest from the White House Press Pool, Jake Tapper’s Biden book, shake-ups at MSNBC, and a true obsession with Gene Hackman. Wretch on!
Listen to episode →Murdoch Outfoxed?
Feb 22, 2025
We’re kicking off with the biggest story in American news media: the Murdoch family. We’re also discussing Hamas, Ukraine, and Mayor Karen Bass’s masterclass in spin. Wretch on!
Listen to episode →Gulf of Sighs
Feb 14, 2025
Watch this episode on YouTube. We’re back in person, and it feels good. Today’s theme is “crisis”—or the lack thereof. Whether it’s a crisis in the White House press room, the FBI, the FCC, or a general “constitutional crisis,” we’ve got it covered. Plus, Chris gets nostalgic about Ajit Pai. Wretch on!
Listen to episode →The One Where Eliana Has Laryngitis
Feb 8, 2025
Chris takes the lead this week as Eliana rests her vocal cords. This week, we are covering everything from the FCC to the trans sports ban out of the White House, as well as a few items on the Super Bowl and the latest shake from McDonald’s. Wretch on!
Listen to episode →