Episodes

Oct 18, 2022

The West Wing Thing is finished! Come check out our new thing, The Audit! https://the.levernews.com/podcasts/#the-audit

Sep 22, 2022

Enough people asked us for the whole story, so here it is - Josh & Dave's full history with Vladimir Putin's most fearsome foe.

Aug 31, 2022

We did it. We finished it, and we're not dead.

Aug 29, 2022

The one you've been waiting for! Will it live up to your expectations?

Aug 23, 2022

With only one episode left to go, the boys are joined by the hosts of one of the very great Citations Needed to enjoy the cast's bout with senior-itis. Will CJ stay on at the White House or go on to make a fortune helping a billionaire whitewash his reputation? And will he or won't he? Time is running out for Bartlett to pardon Toby. Plus - Havinq vanquished the K-Hive, we turn our attention to Ana Kasparian.

Aug 22, 2022

Uh oh

Aug 17, 2022

Pete & Dave team up to join Josh & Dave as they marvel at one of the most West Wingy moments in the history of The West Wing. Plus - Is there life after Wang? All is revealed!

Aug 15, 2022

They did it. Those crazy bastards. They went and did it. One time and one time only... The Newsroom

Aug 8, 2022

Wil Anderson comes back to wish us well, only to discover America has rendered all of his jokes moot.

Aug 1, 2022

It's the beginning of the new Santos administration, and being a good Democrat, he's lining his administration with Republicans. Our friends T&V make swing by to tell Josh & Dave how much they'll miss them, and we force them to stay and watch an episode of The West Wing. We are bad people.

Jul 25, 2022

Katie Halper returns to say adios to Josh and Dave and endure not just one but TWO godawful seventh season episodes. Josh & Donna finally do the deed, Leo croaks, and Santos wins the presidential election, and it's STILL awful.

Jul 18, 2022

We continue to wind down with one more visit from our old friend Luke Savage to discuss the dumbest scene ever on The West Wing and to say goodbye to us forever. Also, our NEW friend Blaire Erskine stops by to tell us about her experience discovering the most wonderful people on social media, the K-Hive!

Jun 29, 2022

Not sure if you heard, but the Supreme Court shot down Roe last week, so we asked our friend Jared to drop by and talk about whether or not that will have any meaningful impact. And since we're awful, we made him watch another episode of The West Wing. Who's got the briefcase?

Jun 27, 2022

Our old pal Tom Sexton stops by to say a find farewell, and we force him to watch another episode of the fucking West Wing. This is the one where Donna finallty acts on all those years of abuse and misogyny and.... for fuck's sake, are you kidding? Hey, did you hear about Roe? That happened after we recorded this. Sorry.

Jun 20, 2022

Will the California nuclear power plant blow up, taking most of Southern California with it? Or will the problem just go away? Who could possibly guess? Also, Josh challenges Dan Pfeiffer to a steel cage wrestling match.

May 30, 2022

Someone or other is having an affair or something, and there's a nuclear war brewing between China and Russia or somesuch shit... Also, even after all those farewell tears AND a new Diesel Boots song... we have a brand new Psaki Bomb. How is this even possible!

May 23, 2022

Lisa Curry joins Josh and Dave to bag on Bill Maher, say goodbye to Jen Psaki, and watch an episode of The West Wing with Josh. BECAUSE DAVE FUCKING FORGOT TO DO HIS HOMEWORK!

May 16, 2022

The West Wing finally steps up and challenges Seinfeld - this week's episode is a show about nothing. But don't worry - Will Menaker is here to help us fill the void.

May 9, 2022

After six and a half seasons, the entirely white writers of the West Wing FINALLY do an episode that touches on racial issues, and it ROCKS even harder than you'd expect it to.

May 2, 2022

It's the most incredible hour of television you've ever seen! This week.... the legendary LIVE DEBATE. We hate to break it to you... it's not good.

Apr 25, 2022

It's our special Trial of the Chicago 7 episode, in whichthe great film critic Bilge Ebiri joins us to battle for the streets of Chicago and the hearts and minds of liberals. Plus, Danny Bessner stops by to talk about being an eyewitness to history.

Apr 18, 2022

It's All Abortion All The Time! as the West Wing gang takes on America's ickiest issue. The suspense is killing us! Who will win the election? The vaguely pro-choice Democrat, or the vaguely pro-choice Republican?

Apr 11, 2022

At long last! Tobey stands revealed! Heads must roll! We're joined by our pal Pete D'Allessandro to discuss the most notorious episode in West Wing history.

Apr 4, 2022

In an effort to shine a light on stories the mainstream media avoids, Josh and Dave discuss the recent Academy Awards, and a thing that happened at them. Plus - did not see this coming - The West Wing comes down on the wrong side of Intelligent Design. Also - Is this the final Psaki Bomb?????

Mar 28, 2022

Once again, we dive into the surreal universe where Republicans are hard to beat in California, and Democrats have a lock on the Latino vote.

Mar 21, 2022

This week's episode goes out with love to Michael McFaul, who is very much not worse than Hitler.

Mar 14, 2022

At long last, we begin the dreaded FINAL SEASON of The West Wing. Will Josh & Dave make it across the finish line? Only time will tell.

Mar 7, 2022

Briana and Katie join Josh and Dave to wrap up The Hillary Thing by watching Hillary and Huma discuss the meaning of life. Plus: That amazing victory speech! Plus plus: Lee Camp stops by to talk about the demise of RT, and how opposing war makes you a Commie.

Feb 28, 2022

This week, it's all about sexism and ambition. Ashley Stevens & Meagan Day join us as Hillary explains how she managed to persevere in the face of the horrific misogyny of sexist pigs like Bernie Sanders. Also, some war stuff, more COVID ranting, and Josh's head explodes.

Feb 21, 2022

Josh & Dave are joined by their pals from The Trillbillies Workers' Party to learn negotiation skills from the master herself. Plus, Shanti Singh stops by to breakdown the school board recall in San Francisco, and to help us prove that Lee Fang is an idiot.

Feb 14, 2022

Julia Claire & Kate Willett join Josh & Dave as Hillary explains public speaking and how to handle hecklers.

Feb 7, 2022

The first of our multi-part examination of Hillary Clinton's version of If I Did It. We really will do anything to avoid going back to The West Wing.

Jan 31, 2022

Dave and Josh aren't emotionaly there yet, so season 7 isn't happening this week. Instead, Brian Siano - our amazing research dude in Philly - pops by for a visit. Plus, fun with the Supreme Court!

Jan 24, 2022

SIX SEASONS DOWN! We're almost there, folks. Walker Bragman joins us to dissect the thrilling climax to the DNC storyline. Who will the Democratic presidential nominee be?

Jan 17, 2022

Impossible space shuttle problems, decent Republicans, and the horrors of a contested Democratic convention. It's a very special science fiction episode of The West Wing!

Jan 10, 2022

Comedian James Fritz joins Josh and Dave to talk about God, children, ice cream, and the awesome January 6 celebration, with a special appearance by West Wing superfan Lin-Manuel Miranda. Plus, an interview with social epidemiologist Justin Feldman about his terrific piece on the Biden administration and Covid, which you can read here: https://jmfeldman.medium.com/a-year-in-how-has-biden-done-on-pandemic-response-88452c696f2

Jan 3, 2022

Cuba Libre! Soft core 90s porn! Brian Dennehy! All this, AND we take on the Don't Look Up non-controversy.

Dec 27, 2021

We force the great comedian Eddie Pepitone to watch his first ever episode of your favorite show, then laugh at his howls of anguish. Plus - did we just hear the stupidest line of dialogue ever spoken on The West Wing?

Dec 20, 2021

Matt Stoller returns to discuss THE most important issue facing mankind today. We're talking about the deficit, of course. Here's Matt's piece on the FDA creep responsible for the rapid test shortage: https://mattstoller.substack.com/p/the-mustached-villain-behind-the

Dec 13, 2021

Jen Briney from Congressional Dish joins us to witness a truly massive return to Sorkinian misogyny on this week's episode. Plus, Josh cries while reading his acceptance speech.

Dec 6, 2021

After weeks of running away from the job, Josh and Dave are back to discuss the latest episode of the show that must not be named.

Dec 1, 2021

We HAD to do it - Briahna Joy Gray joins us for a deep dive into Crooked Media's very weird West Wing video. If you must see it, here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eHe0GHC_6c

Nov 22, 2021

Josh and Luke did it so you - and Dave - don't have to. We watched the entire Mayor Pete documentary. We walk Dave through every horrifying moment. Plus, Alex Press stops by to give us an update on the IATSE vote.

Nov 15, 2021

No show this week, kiddies, but we'll be back in seven days with a very special one. In the meantime, take a walk down Memory Lane with some of Diesel Boots' greatest WWT hits... plus - something new! Even when we're giving you nuthin', we give you sumthin'!

Nov 8, 2021

We're joined by Chapo Trap House's Amber A'Lee Frost to discuss the Cold War, Belarus, sexy ladies, and the joy of feeding Skittles to cows.

Nov 1, 2021

The best goddam Pete in Democratic politics returns to discuss Iowa, corn, and the difference between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Plus: Everyone gets horny. Also: Is Matt Yglesias the stupidest human being to ever make a nickel as a pundit? Seriously - is there something wrong with his fucking brain?

Oct 25, 2021

We're joined by recovering West Wing fan Jared Sexton to discuss what may be the Rosetta Stone of West Wing episodes. Plus, we learn that not all American contractors in Latin America work for the CIA. America is good!

Oct 18, 2021

In which we discover that no one on the West Wing writing staff knows what an activist is. Plus - Dave comes up with the world's greatest podcast.

Oct 11, 2021

Brand new West Wing writer Bradley Whitford takes on the third rail of American politics - gay marriage.

Oct 4, 2021

The great Prof. Adolph joins us to do something no other guest has done... or, to be precise, to NOT do something every other guest has done. Also - our old pal Josh Androsky stops by to explain the LA City Council's unprecedented attack on democracy, and what you can do to stop it. To help out in LA: https://www.hugo2022.com Find your councilmember: https://neighborhoodinfo.lacity.org LA Council president Martinez: https://www.nury-martinez.com

Sep 27, 2021

Penn & Teller join the West Wing kids to send a powerful message about the horrors of flag burning. Plus - THREE Psaki Bombs!

Sep 20, 2021

The West Wing kids accidentally cause an international incident between Taiwan and the Chinese, and our pal Daniel Bessner explains it all to us.

Sep 13, 2021

Weirdest episode ever? Might just be. Matt Santos wins one for the insurance industry, and Leo defends corporate malfeasance in India. Or something like that.

Sep 6, 2021

We made Briahna Joy Gray apologize for killing Roe V Wade, then we punished her by making her watch a super annoying episode of The West Wing. And that's saying something. Plus, the most adorable college love story ever, and some other stuff.

Aug 30, 2021

Lee Camp joins us to watch CJ's first day as the second most important human being on the planet.

Aug 23, 2021

Jed's solved the Middle East problem, but those pesky Republicans are standing in the way with some truly insane demands. Also, whither Leo?

Aug 16, 2021

We kick off the 6th season with this deep dive into The West Wing's Middle East solution with Abby Martin, and a special report on the California recall with Shanti Singh. Plus, Josh reads Vogue's amazing Jen Psaki profile to Dave.

Aug 9, 2021

We felt bad abandoning you for a week, so it's an extra special one for you. We asked the great economist Professor Richard D. Wolff to check our homework on Talking Points, the dreaded NAFTA episode we covered a few weeks ago. We also got the real deal from our good friend Pete D'Alessandro, who was on the ground in Ohio for Nina Turner. Plus, a particularly annoying Psaki Bomb.

Jul 26, 2021

It's a two part season finale, as the West Wing gang decides it's time to get serious and fix Israel!

Jul 19, 2021

No exit, indeed. The West Wing kids are locked up in a zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..... Nothing happens. So Josh and Dave talk about some other shit, including the depraved orgy known as the White House Correspondents Dinner. Don't worry, folks - next week's will make up for this shit show.

Jul 12, 2021

The West Wing kids take on NAFTA, ten years after it happened. And STILL manage to get it wrong. Plus, Hunter Biden's shitty art.

Jul 5, 2021

This was supposed to be about the episode titled "Access," but pretty much nothing happens in it, so we thought we'd celebrate some of the amazing stuff that's happening in Philadelphia with activist Susan Saxe, and talk about the amazing docuseries PHILLY D.A.

Jun 28, 2021

This is it, folks. West Wing episode one you've been waiting for. The most Bartlett-y solution ever. We had to bring in the big guns for this one, and we almost broke them. You can thank us for the grueling work we do by joining our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/TheWestWingThing

Jun 21, 2021

This week, it's all Thing, no Wing as Josh and Dave vamp for an hour. Screw you. The dog ate our homework.

Jun 14, 2021

Muppets and the relationship between female sexual fantasies and genital stimulation. It doesn't get any better than this, folks!

Jun 7, 2021

This week, we zero in on an episode that gives us some fascinating insights into the very weird politics of West Wing writer and all around freak Lawrence O'Donnell as the West Wing gang takes on school vouchers.

May 31, 2021

Josh and Dave celebrate Memorial Day the Wanglord way. Leo learns a hard lesson about politics that every five year old already knew. Lots of yelling.

May 24, 2021

There's a new nuclear power in the world, and the West Wing kids have one day to figure out who it is as the show's slow transformation into 24 proceeds apace.

May 17, 2021

2020 Presidential candidate Marianne Williamson joins us to discuss what is easily one of the most quintessential and pernicious episodes of The West Wing, the one where they go after Social Security. For more on Marianne's candidate summit, go here: https://www.candidatesummit.com

May 10, 2021

Carcrash Johnson from the Trillbillies returns to help us survive a deep dive into the world of mandatory sentencing minimums and the tragic tale of a rich kid whose parents can't buy his way out of a drug sentence.

May 3, 2021

This week's episode deals with a Saudi uprising, so who better to come on and scream in horror but Chapo Traphouse's own Felix Biederman?

Apr 26, 2021

Just because it's a lousy episode of The West Wing doesn't mean you're not getting another great episode of The West Wing Thing! Our pals Will & Kath come back to help us dissect our favorite show, and to discuss their end of life plans. Special thanks to Nancy Pelosi for her amazing sacrifice. We talk a bit at the end about the Discourse Blog, a worker-owned co-op for culture and news from the left. Highly recommended. To subscribe, go here: discourseblog.com/subscribe

Apr 19, 2021

Briahna Joy Gray returns for an epic dissection of one of the weirder West Wing episodes. PLUS we're joined by Adam McKay to discuss the explosion of outrage over his comments about Adam Sorkin's political leanings. Call in sick to work today, folks - this one is packed to the gills with goodness! Bad Faith: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-faith/id1531192509 Death At The Wing: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/death-at-the-wing/id1558869948

Apr 12, 2021

This is it, folks. This is the episode where The West Wing Thing pisses the shoe. AND a new Misogyny Rundown song from the great Diesel Boots. Plus - GET US THAT SUTTER SCRIPT!!!!

Apr 9, 2021

Aaron Sorkin is this week's guest on Michael Moore's Rumble podcast, and it's so absolutely bonkers that we had to bring in Luke and Will to hold Dave down as he listens for the first time. Here's the Jamie Kennedy article referenced in this episode. https://www.thedailybeast.com/comedian-jamie-kennedy-on-how-he-ended-up-in-the-anti-abortion-propaganda-film-roe-v-wade

Apr 5, 2021

Robin Marie Averbeck joins us to discuss porn, Airforce One's ability to transcend the laws of physics, Bruce Springsteen, and why women watch The West Wing. Dave gets real angry at one or two points.

Mar 29, 2021

We're joined by journalist and podcaster Amy Westervelt to discuss the fact that coal is the only source of energy in the West Wing universe. Also, Josh Androsky stops by to discuss what's happening in Echo Park and how it ties into West Wing Brain. Many resources this week: Street Watch LA https://streetwatchla.com Groundgame LA https://www.groundgamela.org Selah https://www.selahnhc.org DSA https://www.dsausa.org NolympicsLA https://nolympicsla.com Knock LA https://knock-la.com https://www.curbed.com/2021/03/echo-park-homeless-camp-lapd.html

Mar 22, 2021

Danny Bessner returns to discuss North Korea, lighting, and the dumbest thing Donna has ever said on The West Wing. Except not, apparently.

Mar 15, 2021

Josh and Dave are joined by Rebecca Bitton to make sense of the post-Sorkin, post-assassination, post-25th amendment, post kidnapping West Wing world.

Mar 8, 2021

Josh and Dave grapple with the realities of a Sorkin-less universe. Less misogyny, perhaps, but even more racism!

Mar 1, 2021

Aaron Maté joins us to usher in the new era of West Wing, as we greet our new overlords, and clean up the mess Aaron Sorkin left when he took off. And, of course, a new theme song from Diesel Boots!

Feb 22, 2021

We're joined by the hosts of the great Useful Idiots podcast to say goodby to Aaron Sorkin, as we discuss the Great Man's final episode of The West Wing. We also break down some fashion Don't, and discuss how to stalk and terrify women into marrying you.

Feb 15, 2021

We're joined by Branko Marcetic to break down the penultimate Sorkin episode and talk about the very incredibly good relationship between the Bartlett administration and the press, and how it reflects the very incredible good relationship between the press and the Biden administration. Plus, stalking and misogyny and Chekhov's No Bottle. Here's the piece we discuss on the show: https://jacobinmag.com/2021/02/for-profit-cable-news-misinformation-trump-cnn

Feb 8, 2021

Donna is perplexed by a bird, and we encounter some peak West Wing Brain as the great man's tenure winds down. Only two more Sorkin episodes!

Feb 1, 2021

Josh and Dave fly naked this week. Misogyny, stalkerish behavior, two thousand dollar checks, and Michael Meyers all make appearances.

Jan 25, 2021

A brief chat about the slow news week we just had, then we dive into a white knuckle episode of The West Wing. Will everyone die in a fiery plane crash? Who could possibly guess how this episode turns out?

Jan 18, 2021

We're joined by the Trillbilly's Tanya Turner to discuss Aaron Sorkin's courage in pointing out that whistle blowers are terrible people.

Jan 11, 2021

Slow news week. Not much to cover. Wyatt stopped by to talk sports.

Jan 4, 2021

The gang flies to Orange County to help Rob Lowe exit the show gracefully. Plus, FUCK THE FRENCH, AM I RIGHT? THOSE GODDAM COWARDS!!!!

Dec 28, 2020

Daniel Bessner is back for Inauguration Part 2, as we dive deep, deep, deep into Aaron Sorkin's rewrite of Rwandan genocide.

Dec 21, 2020

We're joined by Bernie Sanders' foreign policy advisor to explain why Aaron Sorkin's handling of the genocide in Rwanda is less brilliant than you might think. Plus - Jed Bartlet, Contra-lover!

Dec 14, 2020

In the middle of recording, a transporter accident sends Josh and Dave into a mirror universe where they find themselves hosts of The Star Trek Thing, a podcast in which Josh & Dave break down every episode of every Star Trek series and dissect them for their good politics. In this world, we're all still at brunch.

Dec 7, 2020

The gang deals with an important foreign aid bill that will go nowhere, a situation with a soldier on foodstamps that will go nowhere, and the fact that voters are stupid, and only people who can read read the New York Times.

Nov 30, 2020

Jewish gangsters! SATs! Israeli hardware stores AND the world famous, beloved Whiffenpoofs! Life doesn't get better than this. Here are the two articles Nathan wrote that we referenced in the show. https://www.currentaffairs.org/2019/03/the-obama-boys https://www.currentaffairs.org/2020/10/what-happens-in-the-west-wing/

Nov 22, 2020

Heavy on the misogyny this week, plus Star Trek content, AND Josh does a reading of some hot and steamy West Wing fanfic. This week has everything!

Nov 16, 2020

The West Wing gangs yoks it up over how backwards and stupid everyone who's not white and American is. Also, Josh and Dave discuss how right and proper it is to wish death on anyone who lives in a state your candidate didn't win.

Nov 9, 2020

It's our first post-election episode, and we welcome the brave new world of bipartisanship and civility with... well, not gonna lie... another episode of The West Wing Thing. Nando Vila joins us to explain the few tiny things Aaron Sorkin doesn't quite understand about the coup in Venezuela, and boy, oh boy, is this one horny!

Nov 2, 2020

One day before Election Day in America, it's Election Night on The West Wing. So we brought back West Wing hate-watching champ, the amazing Briahna Joy Gray to have our last vigorous political discussion before we all go back to brunch on Wednesday. All this AND a very special, one time only Election Day theme song from the great Diesel Boots! And, be sure to check out our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheWestWingThing

Oct 26, 2020

We swear on a stack of bibles, we only asked her to watch ONE episode! The great Briahna Joy Gray joins us to discuss the 114 episodes of West Wing she's watched in the last week, and to talk about Jeb Bartlett's final debate. Also, Star Trek is better than Star Wars. Also also! If you're so inclined, check out our new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/TheWestWingThing Also also also! Check out our West Wing Thing Reunion Thing! https://vimeo.com/470708483

Oct 21, 2020

Well, we had to do something, right? We went completely overboard with a special video presentation of our West Wing Thing Reunion Thing, with special guests Amber A'Lee Frost and Felix Biederman of Chapo Trap House. It's a massive chunk of entertainment AND the announcement of our Patreon. Here's the link to the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheWestWingThing And here's the link to the video: https://vimeo.com/470708483

Oct 19, 2020

It's flashback time as the gang struggles with what to do with a right wing black guy who doesn't seem to actually exist. If you want to do something that matters, sign up and help Nithya Raman kick the Pelosi/Clinton - endorsed ass of David Ryu in LA CD 4. This is VERY important, folks! https://www.nithyaforthecity.com/signup

Oct 12, 2020

Now that America has, for the first time in history, assassinated a foreign official, what's next? Also, why don't people understand they owe Democrats their vote?

Oct 5, 2020

Bad Faith and Chapo Trap House's Virgil Texas joins us for some West Wing tax wonkery. Recorded as Trump entered Walter Reade. We take no responsibility for the events of the 10,000 news cycles that will have happened since then. All Hail President Pence! And be sure to check out Bad Faith, with Virgil and Briahna Joy Gray!

Sep 28, 2020

It's the first episode of Aaron Sorkin's last season! New episodes! New theme song! New explosions of incoherent rage! Old guests! Josh & Dave paddle down the river of the 4th season premiere, and get jumped by Tom and Terence from The Trillbilly Workers Party.

Sep 21, 2020

It's our third season finale, we're joined by the brilliant and hilarious Wil Anderson, and all we can say is... Aaron Sorkin. Boy, I don't know.

Sep 14, 2020

The gang gets into a 24-style moral quandary as we force yet another person we admire tremendously to watch The West Wing with us. This is starting to feel abusive.

Sep 7, 2020

The kids deal with the most devastating attack ad in the history of the world, and we learn more about CJ's inability to act normal around attractive men. Also, if you want to know what the real west wing staff makes, go here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/July-1-2020-Report-FINAL.pdf

Aug 31, 2020

We introduce our guest, educator and activist Ashley Stevens, to the joys and horrors of The West Wing, with an episode about WMDs and FDR, and now we feel really bad.

Aug 24, 2020

After whipping through this dud of an episode, Josh and Dave hit the mailbag.

Aug 17, 2020

Professional Sorkin hater Rachel Larris joins us to talk about THAT episode. Our new theme song finally tells you the truth about us, and Josh's Joe Kennedy III rant closes out this very special episode of Josh And Dave Try To Get Canceled.

Aug 10, 2020

Only Aaron Sorkin could write an episode of The West Wing about Ireland without including a single Irish character. We rectify that by talking to an actual leprechaun.

Aug 3, 2020

Is it possible? A West Wing Thing without the Misogyny Rundown? Don't worry, though - the kids make it up with a stirring defense of NAFTA and some very weird pranks. Plus, Josh Androsky, Comms director for Nithya Raman, drops by and we force him to watch an episode. Because that's what we do to people we love. https://www.nithyaforthecity.com

Jul 27, 2020

Is it possible that this week's Misogyny Rundown is the worst ever? And that it's not even the worst thing about this episode?

Jul 20, 2020

Luke Savage returns as the kids go to Puerto Rico to discuss Affirmative Action with CJ's dad.

Jul 13, 2020

Dave and Josh welcome Oliver Willis to witness one of the more jaw dropping episodes of your favorite show. Learn why we can't have nice things as Jed and the Wingnut kids do their best to ensure that cancer doesn't get cured. Also, here's a link to free-floating agent of chaos Brian Siano's article referenced in the episode: https://www.briansiano.com/2015/04/04/science-and-public-relations-skeptic-v-7-no-1-1999/

Jul 6, 2020

The most explosive plot in West Wing history comes to a shattering climax. You won't believe your ears.

Jun 29, 2020

We love Bartlet so much we've been walking around in a daze for two weeks. Plus, the things we do to women. AND an all new segment with an all new song from Diesel Boots. What more could you ask for, folks?

Jun 22, 2020

This episode takes the Misogyny Rundown to whole new heights. Our special guest, sex worker Savanna LaMaison, helps us break down some of its awfulness.

Jun 15, 2020

This week, the West Wing skates over the Death Penalty and "Indian" affairs as only the West Wing can. Also - if you want some truly inane and absurd entertaining with no redeeming social merit whatsoever, join Josh, Dave, Diesel Boots, Gareth, Will and Matt for a screening of The Apple. We promise absolutely NO West Wing content: https://vimeo.com/428161678/c92c70b811

Jun 8, 2020

In which the show gets too sexy, and Diesel Boots graces us with a newer and even timelier version of our theme song.

Jun 1, 2020

Head hunters, gods, war crimes, pennies and the birth of The Newsroom. This one's got it all!

May 25, 2020

This week, the West Wing takes on the Israel Palestine conflict, where to get C4, and fashion tips.

May 18, 2020

Amber joins us from her deep dive into Aaron Sorkin. This one's epic, folks!

May 11, 2020

It's the third season of The West Wing Thing, and we start off with the bang made by Josh and Dave crashing into the rocks of the two part season premiere.

May 4, 2020

It's the second season finale as we dive deep into Two Cathedrals with the one and only David Sirota! And don't worry - we'll be back next week.

Apr 27, 2020

Recorded as LA was being shut down, Josh and Dave romp through a piquant and heady brew of misogyny and stupid right wing tax plans with Trillbilly Tom Sexton.

Apr 27, 2020

The West Wing tackles Haiti as only the West Wing can - by pretending America never did anything bad in Haiti. Hilarity ensues. Plus - If you like Diesel Boots' songs for our show, you can now buy any and all of them straight from the source! https://collynmccoy.bandcamp.com/releases

Apr 20, 2020

In which Tobey takes days to figure out the bleeding obvious, Sam and Ainsley argue the ERA, and we offer up an assignment for any one of our diligent listeners to take on.

Apr 20, 2020

The importance of always telling truth, and always laughing at how silly women and their concerns are. Plus, we talk about that Aaron Sorkin interview in the New York Times, and Josh rants about the "Film By" credit.

Apr 13, 2020

Luke Savage returns just in time to watch The West Wing get everything about NAFTA wrong. Trigger Warning - this episode contains Don Henley content. Proceed accordingly.

Apr 13, 2020

Matt Stoller joins us to explain why we don't like Hamilton, which neither of us have seen. But he's right. He also explains why what we do here matters. Plus, we talk about a dopey episode of The West Wing.

Apr 6, 2020

This week, the West Wing takes on the very serious problem of progressives who are just whiny children who don't understand the realities of politics. Plus - will Ainsley pee on the president's rug?

Apr 6, 2020

Ha ha ha ha! People who smoke pot always want to eat stuff. Ha ha ha ha ha! Plus a very special rewrite of The West Wing that fixes everything.

Mar 30, 2020

What is it with women and paint, and why must they constantly sit in it?

Mar 23, 2020

In which we ask the very wonderful and brilliant Alex Press to watch her very first episode of West Wing, then force her to talk about it.

Mar 16, 2020

A good deal of time is spent discussing pancake syrup, but we ignore all that to discuss how The West Wing kids are always losing.

Mar 9, 2020

A very special episode, in which we take a break from discussing the terrible effect of The West Wing's politics, and talk about it's equally terrible impact on mental health.

Mar 2, 2020

In light of recent events, we put together this special 9/11 episode of The West Wing Thing with special guest, Chapo Trap House's Matt Christman. Let's talk Isaac & Ishmael, folks!

Feb 24, 2020

Katherine Krueger and Chapo Trap House's Will Menaker loved it so much, they came back this week to discuss a very smarty pants episode of The West Wing.

Feb 17, 2020

West Wing superfans Katherine Krueger and Chapo Trap House's Will Menaker join us to set us straight on the greatest television show in history.

Feb 10, 2020

In which Josh (the one on The West Wing, not our beloved co-host) explodes in a fit of misogynistic rage. Hilarity ensues.

Feb 3, 2020

"The Lame Duck Congress" In which Sorkin explains the reasons why it's wrong for a politician to do their job.

Jan 27, 2020

"And It's Surely To Their Credit" Bartlet comes perilously close to getting laid, and the great John Larroquette gets to say what the rest of us are thinking.

Jan 20, 2020

"In This White House" Everybody's favorite Good Republican finally comes to The West Wing. It's Ainsley Hayes, folks! This is how you government!

Jan 13, 2020

"The Midterms" Josh finally explodes, but then Dave blows up even more. THE most iconic scene in the history of the show

Jan 6, 2020

Episodes 1&2 In the Shadow of Two Gunmen We're back! And we're joined by TV writer/producer John Rogers, creator of LEVERAGE, who explains - among other things - that it's possible to run a TV series withOUT screwing your writers out of money.

Oct 7, 2019

Episode 22 "What Kind of Day Has It Been?" It's the action packed finale of the first season of The West Wing, and we celebrate by talking with Luke Savage, whose Current Affairs article HOW LIBERALS FELL IN LOVE WITH THE WEST WING is the seminal work in the field. We'll be taking a brief break, but we'll be back shortly with season 3 of The West Wing Thing, in which we discuss season 2 of The West Wing. Confused? Ask Dave. He'll explain.

Sep 30, 2019

Episode 21 "Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics" In which Josh and Dave hype the other West Wing podcast, attempt to bring back the word "pud," reveal who can beat Trump in a debate, and discuss what might actually be the worst line ever uttered on The West Wing. And on The West Wing, the gang sacrifices a live cow to the great god Bipartisanship, and we explain why that's dopey.

Sep 23, 2019

Episode 20 "Mandatory Minimums" Joey Lucas is back, Josh wears his special suit, and the mating habits of emotionally stunted man-boys take center stage. Plus, the dark West Wing past of a Democratic presidential hopeful is laid bare for all to see.

Sep 16, 2019

Episode 19 "Let Bartlet Be Bartlet" In an obvious response to our many criticisms of the show, Leo and the gang determine to buckle down and get real about using the power of the White House to actually get something done.

Sep 9, 2019

Episode 18 "Six Meetings Before Lunch" Josh argues reparations with a new black character, Sam gaslights Mallory with the help of her father, and Zoe (Note to self - confirm character's name before posting!) tells a lie that might have huge repercussions for the White House.

Sep 2, 2019

Episode 17. "The White House Pro-Am" This one's got it all - from NAFTA to child slavery. Listen to find out why Dave considers this "the most vile episode of the West Wing that has ever existed"

Aug 26, 2019

Episode 16. "20 Hours In LA" The gang flies West and finds that California does funny things to ladies and their lady brains. Plus, Bartlett lectures them gays on why pragmatic idealism is more effective than actually doing things.

Aug 19, 2019

Episode 15. "Celestial Navigation" Josh relates the events of a typical day in the West Wing, which includes the introduction of a new West Wing tradition - white people explaining to non-white people the best ways to handle racism. Plus, a shout out to the standard bearers of our industry, Pod Save America.

Aug 12, 2019

Episode 14. "Take This Sabbath Day" In which the West Wing kids tackle the death penalty in the most West Wing way imaginable, it is discovered that sometimes women have names for commonly associated with men, everyone enjoys the great Karl Malden's final performance as a priest, and Dave finds his happy sound.

Aug 5, 2019

Dave and Josh are joined by Chris Wade - Chapo Trap House producer, and co-host of And Introducing to discuss his experience witnessing Aaron Sorkin's version of To Kill A Mockingbird.

Aug 2, 2019

On Monday - It's a very special West Wing Thing with a very special guest who did a very special thing that we're too chicken to do ourselves.

Jul 29, 2019

Dave Anthony and Josh Olson discuss Ep 13, "Take Out The Trash Day," in which several men explain homophobia to CJ.

Jul 22, 2019

It's a brand new season of The West Wing Thing, and Dave and Josh are back! We kick things off with Episode 12, "He Shall, From Time To Time." Everything you ever wanted to know about the State of the Union address! Plus - why CJ has trouble keeping a man.

Jun 10, 2019

We take a mid-season break with a wrap up. We've struggled through 11 episodes of The West Wing and are joined by activist Susan Saxe to discuss neoliberalism and how the West Wing infected the politics of the Democratic Party.

Jun 3, 2019

Episode 11 "Lord John Marbury" The West Wing tackles the complex issue of Pakistan and India in the most simplistic way possible. To discuss the situation, we are joined by our first guest ever - Writer, journalist, and producer of Four Lions, Faisal-Azam Qureshi.

May 27, 2019

Dave Anthony and Josh Olson discuss Ep 10, "In Excelsis Deo," in which the show tackles the serious problem of veteran homelessness in the most shallow fashion possible.

May 20, 2019

Dave and Josh discuss Ep 9, "The Short List." A Supreme Court justice is picked! He's a Federalist! And in West Wing style, the pick seems to have little to do with issues that the left in America would actually care about.

May 13, 2019

In episode 8, "Enemies," we experience the joy of the White House trying to pass a banking bill through a Congress that can attach amendments. It is griping.

May 6, 2019

The State Dinner takes a dive into American exceptionalism, Sorkin's take on unions, and the weirdest hurricane ending possible.

Apr 29, 2019

Dave and Josh discuss Episode 6, "Mr Wills of Ohio." Awkward moments dealing with race. Very awkward.

Apr 22, 2019

In Episode 5, "The Crackpots and These Women," Josh melts down over something he shouldn't meltdown over and we experience the worst ending yet.

Apr 15, 2019

In episode 4,"Five Votes Down" we get to see the exciting mechanics behind passing a gun bill that no one seems to think is good. And Josh Olson finds the greatest visual in the history of television.

Apr 8, 2019

In episode 3, "A Proportional Response," the president of the United States wants to kill a lot of people and the White House becomes less white.

Apr 1, 2019

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc, in which the left wing gets screwed, the delightful friendship of Sam and the sex worker continues, and a very bad thing happens.

Mar 25, 2019

In the pilot of The West Wing, which is titled "Pilot", we meet the staff of the Josiah Bartlet administration. Twitter - @TheWestWingThi1