We’re joined by Commentary Magazine executive editor Abe Greenwald to talk about Iran, the shaky ceasefire, JD Vance, groypers, and the fractures on the right.
Oh my god I can't believe you're still on about the ads, and this tiny little moment in the beginning shows how you still don't get it. Yes, (nearly) every other podcast has ads. None of them has ads for paid subscribers. Even Abe mentioned that "we offer you this service for free; do not deprive us of this revenue...". We've been your revenue stream for the last what 6 years? I think had you clarified that complainers are paying you $10/month, I guarantee you he would change his tune, because that would be unheard of. Not a generational thing. You're wrong about this, and with every complaint about the feedback, it just pisses off those of us that have been paying your bills.
"It's not very easy to do, as we have explained many times."
Retort--Google AI says:
"It is definitely possible for Substack creators to offer an ad-free feed to paying subscribers while serving a version with ads (sponsored content) to free subscribers. Substack provides specific tools to manage these two versions within a single publication.
How Creators Manage Separate Versions
Substack allows creators to upload different media files to the same post based on the audience's subscription status:
Free Version with Ads: In the Media settings for a podcast or video post, creators can check a box next to "Free version is sponsored". They then upload the version that includes ads for their free audience.
Paid Ad-Free Version: The creator uploads the full, ad-free version to the same post and sets the primary audience as "Paid subscribers only".
Private RSS Feeds: Paying subscribers receive a unique, private RSS URL. This feed automatically delivers the paid-only, ad-free content directly to their preferred podcast app, while free subscribers only see the sponsored version or a preview.
Why a Creator Might Claim They "Can't"
While the platform supports it, a creator might find it difficult for a few practical reasons:
Extra Production Work: They have to edit and export two distinct files for every episode (one with ads baked in, one without) and then upload both separately to Substack.
RSS Distribution Confusion: While Substack automates much of it, setting up and maintaining separate distribution through Apple Podcasts or Spotify for paid-only content can feel technically overwhelming for some creators.
Tier Limitations: Substack currently only supports one paid tier (plus a "Founding Member" level). A creator cannot easily offer multiple paid levels with different content access (e.g., a "Gold" tier with ad-free video and a "Silver" tier without).
Many successful creators use this exact strategy—uploading an "ad-free early access" version for paid members while the public feed receives the standard ad-supported version later."
Come on, the Fifth boys are way way too hung over after the show to deal with such complicated stuff. Jessie is mostly sober and Katie has drunk herself sober. They can handle Substack. These guys? Forget about it.
This was not a member-only episode though. I agree that ad reads should not be on the member-only episodes. I can live with it on the public ones but would prefer a separate version for members that omits them altogether.
I was talking about the "talking about" ads in the very beginning, not the ad read itself. Matt has said this is a 6-ep run, and I've made my peace with it. But it's frustrating to hear them bitching about a misrepresentation.
In reply to your last sentence: yes, if it is what it is and the main feed has ads, so be it, but the reason people are complaining is that basically every other podcast with subscription at all is ad OR pay; it's incredibly rare for ads to be on paid feed.
Am I the only paid subscriber who knows how to use the fast forward button?
I pay to hear the episodes I wouldn't be able to otherwise. A one minute ad for whatever detox service Moynihan is using now, that I can fast forward right through, doesn't affect that.
That's cool, really. I find it intrusive, and it bothers me when it's in a paid product. I'll stick around either way, but I originally just wanted to voice that opinion.
Regarding the comments today, I do find it pretty frustrating when they (mostly moynihan) scoff at any pushback and their reasoning is not representative of actual concerns (basically ads at all vs ads in paid product).
That assumes you have your phone handy quick draw style and ready to mash on the skipper button. What if you’re driving non-distracted like, or exercising? The latter is me, phone stuffed into a Camelbak with several pods (commercial free, until recently) queued up so I don’t have to stop running/cycling to tend to them.
Don't know what kind of phone you have but for iPhone users "Hey Siri, skip ahead one minute" works like a charm. One of the few things Siri can actually do.
For some situations and environments, very valid work around, granted.
But, ever try to use Siri on a road bike screaming 25mph down a bumpy road? Quite the experience. Compound that with, I don't let Siri listen all the time (for several technical reasons), so I've got to use a multifunction headphone button to trigger Siri. Ever try that going 25mph on a road bike down a bumpy road? I have, and let's just say I've had a few awkward conversations with the coworker or customer who tried to call me last that day.
I had a great solution: Choose to listen to podcasts that don't have commercials or anything like that I need to skip, and be willing to shell out money for the good ones to suppress the ads and support the creators... That was working out pretty well for years until, uhhh, lately.
I hear you. On the ads themselves, I (and many others) registered disagreement, and Matt chimed in saying "Noted, this is a limited run, we'll see going forward". What motivated me to comment again was the continual dialog that the people who pay and who are complaining are basically entitled brats. I don't want to repeat myself from above or my reply to my other comment to much, but that's the piece that I think they have a big misunderstanding.
Dan, I smashed the LIKE button so hard on your posts in this thread I may have broken my trackpad. So I will say in words: "YA, WHAT DAN SAID!"
I'm going to add a little more color to this, because I went from mildly annoyed to getting pissed exactly as you said above. Something tells me their endorsement deal is better if they can send ads to 'all' subscribers on the public pod, not just the free subscribers. Just a hunch. But I digress.
I listed some retorts to their talking points about ads on the last pod thread, so I won't repeat them again here. However, my ire was compounded by something else said on the last episode. They were talking about the upcoming live event and the bar meet afterwards. MM said "don't talk to me". Welch said (paraphrase), 'you can talk to me but don't bring negativity, it's supposed to be a fun thing'. They both joked about how they hate the 'got a bone to pick with you' people, geeze they are just the worst, right?
Between their responses to paying subscribers being unhappy about listening to ads, and the commentary on 'don't talk to us without strict guardrails, if at all':
These two are starting to sound a bit like Prince and Madonna (you can decide for yourself which one is which--but, come on, isn't it obvious?).
-When do we start removing the brown M&Ms from the offering bowl?
-Do we now disinfect every door knob they may touch every 2 hours? (yeah that was a real thing with JT)
-Do we iron the dressing room carpet? (yeah, that was a real thing attributed with Kanye West, but later denied, of course)
Footnote, for the record: I live in Arizona and have never attended any of these events, so I'm not butt-hurt about any specific interaction I've had or even heard about with the boyz, and I'm also a paying subscriber for over 6 years. And yes, the latter entitles me to basically nothing, beyond me giving my two cents here in the comment section.
Haha, I hear what you mean. I can't exactly cosign your full comment - I noticed what you're referring to, and I hear you, but also I can certainly imagine a certain type of person that would corner one of them at these events with a nitpick from some episode 3 years ago. But yeah, MM's "don't talk to me" general comment was a bad look.
Fair. I meant some of that as a joke, some of it as identifying a disturbing pattern... And I agree, some genpoppers are just conversational dicks, but us peasants, tech consultants (me), and very minor celebrities (maybe me? tee hee) have to build up a muscle to deal with that type thing in real time from 'paying customers'.
While I'm yapping away I might as well add--You originally said, "I think had you clarified that complainers are paying you $10/month, I guarantee you he would change his tune, because that would be unheard of. Not a generational thing"
^^^ I can't stress this point of yours enough, and when he used the analogy about "watching commercials on live tv" my eyes rolled back into my head which I think caused me to break a blood vessel. Does my right eye look red to you?
-Yes, that's totally FREE broadcast TV. This isn't that, for those who pay.
-And, people back in the day paid for cable with HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, etc. to watch the goddamn programs unedited and uninterrupted by commercials, which translates exactly to streaming services today. We subscribe with money (monies? never know when to use that term...), this isn't free broadcast TV. So, which generation isn't getting it?
It is fairly standard if there are paying members they get an add free version. They could just do what Tim Dillon does and have a paying member episode then has a YouTube only one that has ads. I would prefer that my subscription include a ad free. But if on you tube or any app, do one with ads. I think that has been expressed above.
I think Abe's a good guy, but this was a sampler plate of motivated reasoning. The Commentary crew has long been captivated by Trump's support of Israel and, as a result, they ignore, diminish, or creatively interpret the things he says or does. Trump said something stupid at a presser? Just divine something more rational from it. It's an accommodation they would not only refuse to make for, say, any Democrat, but they'd rightfully mock anyone who did. It's a degree of hypocrisy that should make you suspicious of anything they say.
Four weeks ago, Noah Rothman declared this war "worth it" even though, when pressed, he couldn't tell you what "it" is. Abe echoes those sentiments by only reading down one side of the ledger. I agree that it's unacceptable for jihadists to have a nuclear weapon, and I understand it might take extreme actions to prevent that. But it's increasingly clear there was insufficient strategic planning for this war.
The picture that's emerging is that Israel understands Trump is likely their last, best chance at enlisting US support for regime change in Iran. They convinced Trump (and Hegseth) that this was a good idea, apparently against the advice of just about everyone else in the administration. As a consequence, we have the least competent president working with the least competent SecDef launching a half-baked war and the results are just what you'd expect.
I listen to them frequently to try and keep myself out of a perspective bubble, but sometimes its so maddening the way they just completely ignore the bonkers stuff he says AND does on their ledger. They want to just "call balls and strikes" but when Trump throws it into the stands, walks off the field with the ball, calls it a game.... "ball". Sometimes difference in magnitude is difference in kind. I can't take them seriously if they casually wave aside [implicit] nuclear annihilation as "just" more rhetoric.
Joe Biden was too old to be president when he ran in 2020. He was clearly too old to run for reelection. A couple weeks after his disastrous debate performance, he held a one hour press conference discussing foreign policy. He wasn't flawless in that presser but he demonstrated an comprehension of geopolitical issues that Donald Trump could never come close to achieving. And, yeah, some of it might be muscle memory but at least there's a muscle there.
Partisans have gotten away with grading Trump on a curve for 10 years. Those days are rapidly coming to an end and the people who stick to that strategy are being exposed as the hacks they've always been.
You don't think there is anyway Trump could sell the war with Iran to the American people, even if he presented an airtight case? And yet you still think the war is a good idea?
What the actual fuck???
This country is still a constitutional republic with a democratically elected government that answers to the people. If the people reject even the best argument for going to war, don't go to war! And maybe reconsider your own support.
Definitely my favorite Greenwald! But man, I've been listening to Commentary's podcast for years, and Abe says more here in the first five minutes than he probably has in the last five years of that series - and in complete sentences too! I love it, Abe unleashed! LOL
Cracked up at "dispeptic John Podhoretz." Whenever J Pod starts the show with "I'm in a bad mood this morning," don't expect to hear much from anyone else!
Been listening to Commentary almost as long as you chaps. This is the first time I have actually SEEN Abe. By God, he seems even more delightfully endearing in person. Love the crossover. Cheers!
I like Israel, I’ve been to Israel, but I don’t agree with everything Israel does. Just like every country I have critiques. But what the hell is with Moynihan and not being able to say a single critical thing about Israel ever? How about the Likud party?Anything? There’s never a critical perspective regardless of the situation. Have been a listener for over 5 years now, honestly just wondering if it irks anyone else
I'm with you. Moynihan's inability to call balls and strikes about Israel as he's also doing 70% of the talking about it has become the worst feature of this show, IMO. Matt will occasionally challenge a questionable premise, but it rarely gets deeply unpacked. Like you, I'm not anti-Israel. I'm not anti-Zionist. But also, I think there are dozens of fair critiques of Israel's tactics since October 7th. Moynihan (to my ear) would rather obfuscate and invoke Tucker Carlson or WWII Nazis than wrestle with any of them publicly. Michael's right about plenty…but the Israel topic has felt more like narrative pushing and not much of a “discussion”.
Honest personal temperature check. Was anyone else fuming after Abe tried to spin Trump not caring about the consent of the governed as a good strategic move?
One of the best classical music performances I've seen was Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" with Gil Shaham as visiting violin soloist. It's no exaggeration to say that he absolutely shredded. I was, unusually, in the first few rows from the stage so could see exactly how many of his bow's horsehairs broke during his enthusiastic performance. He had to keep ripping them off during breaks because they were flying around when he played.
Oh my god I can't believe you're still on about the ads, and this tiny little moment in the beginning shows how you still don't get it. Yes, (nearly) every other podcast has ads. None of them has ads for paid subscribers. Even Abe mentioned that "we offer you this service for free; do not deprive us of this revenue...". We've been your revenue stream for the last what 6 years? I think had you clarified that complainers are paying you $10/month, I guarantee you he would change his tune, because that would be unheard of. Not a generational thing. You're wrong about this, and with every complaint about the feedback, it just pisses off those of us that have been paying your bills.
"It's not very easy to do, as we have explained many times."
Retort--Google AI says:
"It is definitely possible for Substack creators to offer an ad-free feed to paying subscribers while serving a version with ads (sponsored content) to free subscribers. Substack provides specific tools to manage these two versions within a single publication.
How Creators Manage Separate Versions
Substack allows creators to upload different media files to the same post based on the audience's subscription status:
Free Version with Ads: In the Media settings for a podcast or video post, creators can check a box next to "Free version is sponsored". They then upload the version that includes ads for their free audience.
Paid Ad-Free Version: The creator uploads the full, ad-free version to the same post and sets the primary audience as "Paid subscribers only".
Private RSS Feeds: Paying subscribers receive a unique, private RSS URL. This feed automatically delivers the paid-only, ad-free content directly to their preferred podcast app, while free subscribers only see the sponsored version or a preview.
Why a Creator Might Claim They "Can't"
While the platform supports it, a creator might find it difficult for a few practical reasons:
Extra Production Work: They have to edit and export two distinct files for every episode (one with ads baked in, one without) and then upload both separately to Substack.
RSS Distribution Confusion: While Substack automates much of it, setting up and maintaining separate distribution through Apple Podcasts or Spotify for paid-only content can feel technically overwhelming for some creators.
Tier Limitations: Substack currently only supports one paid tier (plus a "Founding Member" level). A creator cannot easily offer multiple paid levels with different content access (e.g., a "Gold" tier with ad-free video and a "Silver" tier without).
Many successful creators use this exact strategy—uploading an "ad-free early access" version for paid members while the public feed receives the standard ad-supported version later."
That’s what Blocked and Reported does.
Seriously, if Jesse and Katie can figure this out surely they can here too.
Come on, the Fifth boys are way way too hung over after the show to deal with such complicated stuff. Jessie is mostly sober and Katie has drunk herself sober. They can handle Substack. These guys? Forget about it.
And they are technologically illiterate.
This was not a member-only episode though. I agree that ad reads should not be on the member-only episodes. I can live with it on the public ones but would prefer a separate version for members that omits them altogether.
I was talking about the "talking about" ads in the very beginning, not the ad read itself. Matt has said this is a 6-ep run, and I've made my peace with it. But it's frustrating to hear them bitching about a misrepresentation.
In reply to your last sentence: yes, if it is what it is and the main feed has ads, so be it, but the reason people are complaining is that basically every other podcast with subscription at all is ad OR pay; it's incredibly rare for ads to be on paid feed.
Got it! Thanks for clarifying... Makes more sense now that I re-read your original comment
Am I the only paid subscriber who knows how to use the fast forward button?
I pay to hear the episodes I wouldn't be able to otherwise. A one minute ad for whatever detox service Moynihan is using now, that I can fast forward right through, doesn't affect that.
That's cool, really. I find it intrusive, and it bothers me when it's in a paid product. I'll stick around either way, but I originally just wanted to voice that opinion.
Regarding the comments today, I do find it pretty frustrating when they (mostly moynihan) scoff at any pushback and their reasoning is not representative of actual concerns (basically ads at all vs ads in paid product).
That assumes you have your phone handy quick draw style and ready to mash on the skipper button. What if you’re driving non-distracted like, or exercising? The latter is me, phone stuffed into a Camelbak with several pods (commercial free, until recently) queued up so I don’t have to stop running/cycling to tend to them.
Don't know what kind of phone you have but for iPhone users "Hey Siri, skip ahead one minute" works like a charm. One of the few things Siri can actually do.
For some situations and environments, very valid work around, granted.
But, ever try to use Siri on a road bike screaming 25mph down a bumpy road? Quite the experience. Compound that with, I don't let Siri listen all the time (for several technical reasons), so I've got to use a multifunction headphone button to trigger Siri. Ever try that going 25mph on a road bike down a bumpy road? I have, and let's just say I've had a few awkward conversations with the coworker or customer who tried to call me last that day.
I had a great solution: Choose to listen to podcasts that don't have commercials or anything like that I need to skip, and be willing to shell out money for the good ones to suppress the ads and support the creators... That was working out pretty well for years until, uhhh, lately.
pfft. they've gotta eat like everyone else. a 2 minute ad read is not onerous.
whatever they need to make some money & keep this in the black, i'll support it. mattresses, nutritional supplements, whatever.
I hear you. On the ads themselves, I (and many others) registered disagreement, and Matt chimed in saying "Noted, this is a limited run, we'll see going forward". What motivated me to comment again was the continual dialog that the people who pay and who are complaining are basically entitled brats. I don't want to repeat myself from above or my reply to my other comment to much, but that's the piece that I think they have a big misunderstanding.
Dan, I smashed the LIKE button so hard on your posts in this thread I may have broken my trackpad. So I will say in words: "YA, WHAT DAN SAID!"
I'm going to add a little more color to this, because I went from mildly annoyed to getting pissed exactly as you said above. Something tells me their endorsement deal is better if they can send ads to 'all' subscribers on the public pod, not just the free subscribers. Just a hunch. But I digress.
I listed some retorts to their talking points about ads on the last pod thread, so I won't repeat them again here. However, my ire was compounded by something else said on the last episode. They were talking about the upcoming live event and the bar meet afterwards. MM said "don't talk to me". Welch said (paraphrase), 'you can talk to me but don't bring negativity, it's supposed to be a fun thing'. They both joked about how they hate the 'got a bone to pick with you' people, geeze they are just the worst, right?
Between their responses to paying subscribers being unhappy about listening to ads, and the commentary on 'don't talk to us without strict guardrails, if at all':
These two are starting to sound a bit like Prince and Madonna (you can decide for yourself which one is which--but, come on, isn't it obvious?).
-When do we start removing the brown M&Ms from the offering bowl?
-Do we now disinfect every door knob they may touch every 2 hours? (yeah that was a real thing with JT)
-Do we iron the dressing room carpet? (yeah, that was a real thing attributed with Kanye West, but later denied, of course)
Footnote, for the record: I live in Arizona and have never attended any of these events, so I'm not butt-hurt about any specific interaction I've had or even heard about with the boyz, and I'm also a paying subscriber for over 6 years. And yes, the latter entitles me to basically nothing, beyond me giving my two cents here in the comment section.
Haha, I hear what you mean. I can't exactly cosign your full comment - I noticed what you're referring to, and I hear you, but also I can certainly imagine a certain type of person that would corner one of them at these events with a nitpick from some episode 3 years ago. But yeah, MM's "don't talk to me" general comment was a bad look.
Fair. I meant some of that as a joke, some of it as identifying a disturbing pattern... And I agree, some genpoppers are just conversational dicks, but us peasants, tech consultants (me), and very minor celebrities (maybe me? tee hee) have to build up a muscle to deal with that type thing in real time from 'paying customers'.
While I'm yapping away I might as well add--You originally said, "I think had you clarified that complainers are paying you $10/month, I guarantee you he would change his tune, because that would be unheard of. Not a generational thing"
^^^ I can't stress this point of yours enough, and when he used the analogy about "watching commercials on live tv" my eyes rolled back into my head which I think caused me to break a blood vessel. Does my right eye look red to you?
-Yes, that's totally FREE broadcast TV. This isn't that, for those who pay.
-And, people back in the day paid for cable with HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, etc. to watch the goddamn programs unedited and uninterrupted by commercials, which translates exactly to streaming services today. We subscribe with money (monies? never know when to use that term...), this isn't free broadcast TV. So, which generation isn't getting it?
It is fairly standard if there are paying members they get an add free version. They could just do what Tim Dillon does and have a paying member episode then has a YouTube only one that has ads. I would prefer that my subscription include a ad free. But if on you tube or any app, do one with ads. I think that has been expressed above.
It was fun to imagine that this guest was actually Gary Oldman working out a character performance.
That’s how I was playing it.
I think Abe's a good guy, but this was a sampler plate of motivated reasoning. The Commentary crew has long been captivated by Trump's support of Israel and, as a result, they ignore, diminish, or creatively interpret the things he says or does. Trump said something stupid at a presser? Just divine something more rational from it. It's an accommodation they would not only refuse to make for, say, any Democrat, but they'd rightfully mock anyone who did. It's a degree of hypocrisy that should make you suspicious of anything they say.
Four weeks ago, Noah Rothman declared this war "worth it" even though, when pressed, he couldn't tell you what "it" is. Abe echoes those sentiments by only reading down one side of the ledger. I agree that it's unacceptable for jihadists to have a nuclear weapon, and I understand it might take extreme actions to prevent that. But it's increasingly clear there was insufficient strategic planning for this war.
The picture that's emerging is that Israel understands Trump is likely their last, best chance at enlisting US support for regime change in Iran. They convinced Trump (and Hegseth) that this was a good idea, apparently against the advice of just about everyone else in the administration. As a consequence, we have the least competent president working with the least competent SecDef launching a half-baked war and the results are just what you'd expect.
I listen to them frequently to try and keep myself out of a perspective bubble, but sometimes its so maddening the way they just completely ignore the bonkers stuff he says AND does on their ledger. They want to just "call balls and strikes" but when Trump throws it into the stands, walks off the field with the ball, calls it a game.... "ball". Sometimes difference in magnitude is difference in kind. I can't take them seriously if they casually wave aside [implicit] nuclear annihilation as "just" more rhetoric.
Joe Biden was too old to be president when he ran in 2020. He was clearly too old to run for reelection. A couple weeks after his disastrous debate performance, he held a one hour press conference discussing foreign policy. He wasn't flawless in that presser but he demonstrated an comprehension of geopolitical issues that Donald Trump could never come close to achieving. And, yeah, some of it might be muscle memory but at least there's a muscle there.
Partisans have gotten away with grading Trump on a curve for 10 years. Those days are rapidly coming to an end and the people who stick to that strategy are being exposed as the hacks they've always been.
Christine Rosen is often the contrarian on Commentary!
I wish we heard a lot more from Christine and a lot less from Illiana on the pod.
Me too!
This is very sober analysis here. I personally find the Commentary lot entirely too hawkish. I am not a neocon though, so not much there for me!
I love Abe!
You don't think there is anyway Trump could sell the war with Iran to the American people, even if he presented an airtight case? And yet you still think the war is a good idea?
What the actual fuck???
This country is still a constitutional republic with a democratically elected government that answers to the people. If the people reject even the best argument for going to war, don't go to war! And maybe reconsider your own support.
Definitely my favorite Greenwald! But man, I've been listening to Commentary's podcast for years, and Abe says more here in the first five minutes than he probably has in the last five years of that series - and in complete sentences too! I love it, Abe unleashed! LOL
Cracked up at "dispeptic John Podhoretz." Whenever J Pod starts the show with "I'm in a bad mood this morning," don't expect to hear much from anyone else!
Came here to make the same quip about how this is the longest I’ve ever heard Abe speak!
Does Ground News include the comprehensive reporting from The Ballsack Gazette in its news aggregator?
"The Ballsack Gazette". LOL. Best crack-up I've had all week.
Been listening to Commentary almost as long as you chaps. This is the first time I have actually SEEN Abe. By God, he seems even more delightfully endearing in person. Love the crossover. Cheers!
I've seen a pic or two of him over the years, but from some time ago I think. Here, he looks eerily like my dad. Made me enjoy this ep even more.
Yeah, Commentary has a video podcast but I’ve never watched.
same
SAME. That is not how I pictured him in my head.
The quick pixelating of Jason's face was phenomenal
about fucking time!
you've talked a billion times about how much you like abe, but you've never had him on the show.
i actually yelled at my phone the last time you ululated over his greatness 'get him on the bloody show already.'
This is the crossover episode I’ve been waiting for.
I like Israel, I’ve been to Israel, but I don’t agree with everything Israel does. Just like every country I have critiques. But what the hell is with Moynihan and not being able to say a single critical thing about Israel ever? How about the Likud party?Anything? There’s never a critical perspective regardless of the situation. Have been a listener for over 5 years now, honestly just wondering if it irks anyone else
I'm with you. Moynihan's inability to call balls and strikes about Israel as he's also doing 70% of the talking about it has become the worst feature of this show, IMO. Matt will occasionally challenge a questionable premise, but it rarely gets deeply unpacked. Like you, I'm not anti-Israel. I'm not anti-Zionist. But also, I think there are dozens of fair critiques of Israel's tactics since October 7th. Moynihan (to my ear) would rather obfuscate and invoke Tucker Carlson or WWII Nazis than wrestle with any of them publicly. Michael's right about plenty…but the Israel topic has felt more like narrative pushing and not much of a “discussion”.
It’s the Douglas Murray worldview. I’m mostly guilty of it as well.
Honest personal temperature check. Was anyone else fuming after Abe tried to spin Trump not caring about the consent of the governed as a good strategic move?
I absolutely love you guys. I can't decide if the Bubbles or Never Nude reference pleased me more. Keep up the great work!
Best line: “he can shred, he can’t play classical music” - mm
One of the best classical music performances I've seen was Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" with Gil Shaham as visiting violin soloist. It's no exaggeration to say that he absolutely shredded. I was, unusually, in the first few rows from the stage so could see exactly how many of his bow's horsehairs broke during his enthusiastic performance. He had to keep ripping them off during breaks because they were flying around when he played.