The Snark Factor

The Snark Factor

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The Snark Factor episodes

  • The Snark Factor 3 in 3 — Week in Review: A Calm Look at a Loud Week

    Four weekdays.

    Twelve stories.
    One calm look at how strange things actually got.

    In the very first Snark Factor 3 in 3 — Week in Review, Fingers Malloy pulls together this week’s daily three-minute episodes into one sharp, measured scan of the news cycle — minus the yelling, the panic, or the fake urgency.

    This week includes:

    • Why a criminal investigation involving Jerome Powell somehow made central banking interesting — and why markets hate that feeling
    • How Bitcoin ATMs became scam magnets, and why “just use the machine by the beef jerky” should always be a red flag
    • A push to ban social media for kids under 16, and the awkward moment where lawmakers try to legislate parenting
    • A nationwide Pecorino Romano recall upgraded by the Food and Drug Administration to its highest risk level — and why this is your sign to stop chewing
    • FBI-style communication tricks that actually work in real life (and don’t require a badge)
    • Why global powers are suddenly talking about Greenland, sugary drinks are getting cheaper, and some people are still threatening fast-food workers over refunds
    • Retail sales, streaming wars, nose-picking science, and the quiet reminder that not every headline is a crisis — but none of them are nothing either

      • This is what 3 in 3 is meant to be:

      Not hot takes.

      Not outrage.
      Just context, perspective, and one steady thought at a time.

      Three stories.

      Three minutes.
      Every weekday.

      This is The Snark Factor 3 in 3 — Week in Review.

      I’m Fingers Malloy.

      Let’s talk next week.

      12 min
    • Two Things Can Be True at the Same Time

      This week on The Snark Factor (WAMM Talk Radio), Fingers Malloy and Sarah Smith try to make sense of a world where the “big story” can change between Thursday’s recording and Sunday morning’s broadcast.

      They dig into the online frenzy over Venezuela, the endless cycle of narrative-building, and why “two things can be true at the same time” might be the only usable philosophy left.

      Then they tackle the Minneapolis ICE shooting—how partial clips shape public reaction, what the video appears to show, and why politicians and activists pushing civilians into confrontations with federal agents is a dangerous game.

      And because you can’t do hard news forever, Fingers takes a sharp left turn into his most honest confession yet: playing hooky at 7 a.m. at Harrah’s, drinking coffee that tastes like “wax, powder, and shame,” overhearing the single most cursed sentence ever spoken on a casino floor, and leaving with two allegedly worm-free hot dogs.

      Show notes (with timestamps)

      0:00 – Quick plug: Eat, Drink, Smoke with Tony Katz

      1:06 – Show setup: recording Thursday / airing Sunday; “what changes in between”

      2:30 – Venezuela reaction + social media panic; skepticism vs celebration

      9:40 – “Two things can be true at the same time” becomes the theme

      15:35 – Minneapolis ICE shooting: what the video appears to show + the narrative war

      19:22 – “Blue/gold dress” comparison: same footage, different “truths”

      23:07 – Reset: hard news fatigue; FingersMalloy.com + podcast cadence

      24:39 – Fingers plays hooky: 7 a.m. casino trip + video poker + cigar etiquette

      36:13 – Overheard: “Older men give you worms… pinworms”

      38:07 – Ford “eyes-off” autonomous driving + parallel parking disappearing

      41:39 – Driver-assist paranoia: lane assist fights you, alarms everywhere

      46:37 – Close + plugs: FingersMalloy.com / Three in Three / podcast platforms

      48 min
    • Minnesota Daycare Fraud, HUD Billions, and the Media Problem

      This episode of The Snark Factor takes a measured look at alleged fraud tied to Minnesota daycare centers, the media’s reaction once the story went viral, and what tends to happen when independent reporting forces coverage. Fingers Malloy and Sarah Smith also break down a HUD review flagging billions in questionable rental assistance payments, along with other examples of large systems struggling with oversight.

      The Snark Factor airs Sunday mornings on WAAM in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is presented here in podcast form.

      50 min
    • Tariffpalooza

      This week on the radio hootenanny:

      You get a tariff. And you get a Tariff.

      Cory Booker, white supremacist? Bloviation bares his party’s shameless playbook.
      April Fool's Day is the worst.
      Fox aives 4-Season Renewals to ‘The Simpsons,’ ‘Family Guy’ and ‘Bob’s Burgers.'
      Customers are outraged over a 'very weird' new restroom rule at Wendy's.

      All that and much more on episode 1416 of The Snark Factor.

      Fingers Malloy and Sarah Smith host The Snark Factor Radio Program on WAAM 92.7FM Ann Arbor, MI.

      Listen to The Snark Factor Sunday mornings on WAAM, Ann Arbor. The Snark Factor is available on your favorite podcast platform. For all things snark, visit www.fingersmalloy.com.

      50 min
    • 10000 Mailniacs

      This week on the radio hootenanny:

      The EU urges citizens to stockpile 72 hours’ worth of supplies amid war risk.

      Did people not learn any lessons during the COVID years?
      Could anything or anyone truly unite America?
      USPS to cut 10,000 workers through voluntary early retirement program.
      It's okay to take a break from social media and the news.
      The push against property taxes.
      MLB Opening Day 2025: What are the wildest new food items at ballparks around the league?

      All that and much more on episode 1415 of The Snark Factor.

      Fingers Malloy and Sarah Smith host The Snark Factor Radio Program on WAAM 92.7FM Ann Arbor, MI.

      Listen to The Snark Factor Sunday mornings on WAAM, Ann Arbor. The Snark Factor is available on your favorite podcast platform. For all things snark, visit www.fingersmalloy.com.

      50 min
    • They Are Burning Teslas

      This week on the radio hootenanny:

      To help save America, some believe they have to burn the Teslas... or something.

      Are attacks on Tesla domestic terrorism?
      NPR is unhinged.
      AP retracts Gabbard story.
      Domino's Pizza unveils generous deal amid alarming consumer trend.
      More folks are avoiding food delivery to save money.
      Installment payments are now available... for DoorDash.
      Is layaway still a thing?
      Frontier offers free checked bag promotion to entice angry Southwest customers.

      All that and much more on episode 1414 of The Snark Factor.

      Fingers Malloy and Sarah Smith host The Snark Factor Radio Program on WAAM 92.7FM Ann Arbor, MI.

      Listen to The Snark Factor Sunday mornings on WAAM, Ann Arbor. The Snark Factor is available on your favorite podcast platform. For all things snark, visit www.fingersmalloy.com.

      50 min
    • The Most Predictable Thing In The History Of Predictable Things

      This week on the radio hootenanny:

      A Judge orders reinstatement for most fired probationary federal workers.

      Trump threatens a 200% tariff on European alcohol as trade war escalates.
      The continuing internal debate about Trump's political leanings.
      The possible big moves over at the Department of Education.
      Did you get a text message saying you owe money for tolls?
      Fingers' magical trip... to Denny's.
      What is a bathroom divorce?
      Things men should never text to a woman.

      All that and much more on episode 1413 of The Snark Factor.

      Fingers Malloy and Sarah Smith host The Snark Factor Radio Program on WAAM 92.7FM Ann Arbor, MI.

      Listen to The Snark Factor Sunday mornings on WAAM, Ann Arbor. The Snark Factor is available on your favorite podcast platform. For all things snark, visit www.fingersmalloy.com.

      49 min
    • The Epstein File Didn't Kill Itself

      This week on the radio hootenanny:

      The Epstein Files dump... dumped.

      MSNBC ruined Joy Reid's day.
      Jake Tapper is writing a book, and the subject will make you laugh.
      Joy Behar had thoughts.
      Sarah went to CPAC. What did she see?
      Changes are coming to the Washington Post.
      A 19-year-old high school grad sues teachers, claiming she graduated but can’t read or write.

      All that and much more on episode 1412 of The Snark Factor.

      Fingers Malloy and Sarah Smith host The Snark Factor Radio Program on WAAM 92.7FM Ann Arbor, MI.

      Listen to The Snark Factor Sunday mornings on WAAM, Ann Arbor. The Snark Factor is available on your favorite podcast platform. For all things snark, visit www.fingersmalloy.com.

      50 min
    • He Doesn't Want To Get You Excited

      This week on the radio hootenanny:

      Over 6,000 IRS employees were expected to be terminated by end of week. There's little respect for the American taxpayer in DC. Property taxes are ridiculous. The media has started its 'Bart's People' segments about folks who lost their jobs because of DOGE. Federal Reserve officials seek ‘further progress’ on inflation before cutting rates.

      Home delistings soar 64% to the highest level in nearly a decade as buyers turn down sellers. The Washington, D.C. real estate market is getting crazy over possible job cuts. Folks need to be aware of how their Facebook posts can travel well beyond the popular social media platform. Does the construction industry have a labor problem? KFC is leaving Kentucky. Costco now carries the retro soda Slice.

      All that and much more on episode 1411 of The Snark Factor.

      Fingers Malloy and Sarah Smith host The Snark Factor Radio Program on WAAM 92.7FM Ann Arbor, MI.

      Listen to The Snark Factor Sunday mornings on WAAM, Ann Arbor. The Snark Factor is available on your favorite podcast platform. For all things snark, visit www.fingersmalloy.com.

      50 min
    • They Fully Turned On Electric Car Jesus

      This week on the radio hootenanny:

      Mitch McConnell 'takes his revenge' on Trump.

      Democrats chased Joe Rogan, Elon Musk and RFK Jr. away. Are democrats so out of touch? No, it's the children who are wrong.

      The Trump administration begins mass layoffs across multiple federal agencies.

      DOGE is set to audit the IRS.

      EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency has found billions of taxpayer dollars parked at a financial institution by the Biden-Harris Administration.

      Unpopular hot take -- Fingers and Sarah liked the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

      Fingers ends the show by featuring the band Jamestown Bound.

      All that and much more on episode 1410 of The Snark Factor.

      Fingers Malloy and Sarah Smith host The Snark Factor Radio Program on WAAM 92.7FM Ann Arbor, MI.

      Listen to The Snark Factor Sunday mornings on WAAM, Ann Arbor. The Snark Factor is available on your favorite podcast platform. For all things snark, visit www.fingersmalloy.com.

      51 min

    About The Snark Factor

    From the publisher's feed

    The Snark Factor is a weekly show that airs on WAAM Talk 1600AM, 92.7FM Ann Arbor. You'll hear unusual takes on the latest news and entertainment from host Fingers Malloy. Sarah Smith and The Snark…