Ash Wednesday, Rhode Island Transgender Shooting, Colbert's Stunt
Ash Wednesday, Rhode Island Transgender Shooting, Colbert's Stunt  
Podcast: O'Connor & Company
Published On: Wed Feb 18 2026
Description: In the 5 AM hour, Larry O’Connor and Bethany Mandel discussed: ASH WEDNESDAY: The beginning of the Lenten season and the Pope’s request for the faithful to abstain from hurtful words. RHODE ISLAND SHOOTING: A transgender gunman, identifying as Roberta Esposito, kills two people during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket. COLBERT STUNT: Stephen Colbert’s "unaired" interview with James Talarico is revealed as a calculated stunt involving the FCC equal-time rule. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 / 5 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.