The Daily Show: Ears Edition

Jon Stewart, Desi Lydic, Michael Kosta, Ronny Chieng, and Jordan Klepper discuss evolving The Daily Show for a digital age, covering the 2024 election, and tackling another Trump era. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan Klepper covers the latest on a potential war with Iran, including the fight between Tucker Carlson and Sen. Ted Cruz that was heard across the MAGA-verse and Trump’s big decision to ignore the problem and focus on erecting flagpoles. Jordan Klepper and Desi Lydic go head-to-head over the latest sports news: DeMarcus Cousins's outburst in Puerto Rico, Aaron Rodgers's surprise wedding, and Caitlin Clark's return to the WNBA. Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and frontman of the band The National, Matt Berninger, sits down with Jordan to discuss traveling back to his Midwest roots in his new solo album “Get Sunk.” They talk about burning down the idea of who you are to find your authentic self, how he started writing songs on baseballs, connecting to Taylor Swift’s honest songwriting, and how the song “Inland Ocean” is a prologue for the album. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan Klepper dives into Trump’s Irish exit from Canada’s G7 Summit to explore a “better than a ceasefire” between Israel and Iran, and how Trump’s threats against Iran’s ayatollah started an intra-MAGA beef with Tucker Carlson. Plus, Michael Kosta finds a delicious way to capitalize on the situation in Iran. Was Trump's parade a military celebration or a show of authoritarian power? Jordan Klepper hit the streets of Washington, D.C., to talk to MAGA during Trump's $45 million military parade. Klepper asks folks how they feel about DOGE cuts, the L.A. protests, and whether they showed up to celebrate the military or the president's birthday. Best-selling co-authors Bill Clinton and James Patterson sit down with Jordan Klepper for a conversation about their new political thriller, “The First Gentleman,” their dynamic as creative collaborators, and how, after three books, they’ve learned that it’s better to humanize than demonize, both in fiction and politics. The former president offers his take on President Trump’s second-term policies, from the economy to deportations to involvement in the Middle East. Clinton and Patterson also emphasize the importance of participation and voting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Stewart breaks down Netanyahu’s “urgent” strike on Iran’s nuclear program, MAGA's sustained focus on battling protesters and immigrants in Democratic cities, and how Trump’s unattended parade of weaponry explains America's muted response to the Minnesota assassination. John Mulaney, actor, writer, comedian, and host of the Netflix show “Everybody’s Live,” fought three 14-year-old boys on the finale of his talk show and lived to tell Jon Stewart the tale. They get deep into fighting strategies, masculinity, father-son competition, the guy who threw his shoes at George W. Bush, and more. Plus, a game of Daily Show Interview Guest Jeopardy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't worry, Bee happy, and listen to some of Sam Bee's best Daily Show field segments. Embed with the Christian heterosexuals that feel persecuted by gay rights. Meet the tobacco farmer advocating for more child labor. Hear how hunters are trying to protect animals from oil and gas companies, so they can shoot them. Learn how the porn industry has discriminated against asian men. Celebrate a pair of gay penguins at the Central Park Zoo. Hear from the people that want to take social security away from the elderly. Finally, find out how Michelle Obama's organic White House farm could cause starvation and obesity at the same time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Daily Show tribute to dads, for better or worse... Jon Stewart analyzes the repercussions of President Biden pardoning his son, Hunter. John Leguizamo finds out about a sperm donor accused of fathering 550 kids. Roy Wood Jr. uncovers the Unsolved Mysteries of Don Jr.'s daddy issues. D. L. Hughley reports on a particularly bad dad. Trevor Noah discusses the parental hypocrisy of Herschel Walker. Kristen Schaal educates Jon Stewart on the phenomenon of the dad bod. Trevor tackles a tackling wrestling father. Roy Wood Jr. breaks down his harsh truths parenting strategies with Hasan Minaj. Jon recounts one boy's incredible journey to find his father. Grace Kuhlenschmidt heads to the DNC to find America's Dad, Tim Walz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Los Angeles and around the country, people are taking to the streets in protest of government overreach. Take a look back at The Daily Show's coverage of protest, counterprotest, and the role of law enforcement. Jon Stewart unpacks the Occupy Wall Street movement. He covers the protest, politicization, and backlash rising from the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO, and the death of a peaceful protester in Charlottesville, VA. Trevor Noah speaks on the persistence of police brutality during protests in America. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Desi Lydic tackles Elon Musk's vague apology to Trump, RFK Jr. putting his conspiracy buddies in charge at the CDC, and Tulsi Gabbard getting AI to do the FBI's homework. Plus, Trump celebrated deploying the military on Angelenos with tickets to "Les Misérables," so Jordan Klepper, Michael Kosta, and Josh Johnson debate whether the president is a Jean Valjean or a Javert. Stephen A. Smith is the King of Takes, but how did he begin his reign? From the Fashion Institute of Technology to Winston-Salem State University, Smith went from the basketball court to print media, ensuring that everyone knew he had all the best takes. After getting a job at ESPN, Smith taught everyone the difference between talking s**t and taking s**t. This is The Daily Showography of Stephen A. Smith. Actor, writer, and comedian Jeff Hiller sits down with Desi to discuss his new memoir, “Actress of a Certain Age.” They talk about honoring celebrity memoirs in the chapter titles, the improvised “this is church” moment in “Somebody, Somewhere,” encouraging queer youth to mobilize and gather during Pride Month, and the humiliating experiences of his career that culminate in an epic book typo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Desi Lydic tackles Trump’s politicized Fort Bragg rally, which screened soldiers for loyalty and waist size. Plus, Trump plans a $45 million military parade for his birthday, and Ronny Chieng is pumped to sit courtside at a display of America’s military might. Corporate America has been suspiciously quiet this Pride Month due to fear of backlash from the Trump administration. Desi Lydic and Troy Iwata discuss the current muted tones of Pride Month, and how the corporations will have to prove themselves when the pendulum swings back to the gays. Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka talks to Desi about her new Hulu stand-up special, “Father,” including how her lack of housework partly inspired the title, as well as the intentional juxtaposition of her colorful clothes and set with the deeply personal stories she mines for levity. Okatsuka also shares how her Grandma Li was able to embrace her silliness later in life through their viral videos, and she explores alternate hairstyles if she were to ever change her signature bowl cut. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Desi Lydic has the latest updates from the L.A. ICE protests, including Trump's outsized military deployment to the city, which defies both California Governor Gavin Newsom and the... "P***y Comitatus Act"? Plus, one soldier sends a letter home from the frontlines of the L.A. war. Where does the public stand on Trump vs. Elon? Grace Kuhlenschmidt and Josh Johnson head out to ask New Yorkers to pick: Team Douche or Team Pedophile? Bryan Cranston joins Desi to discuss his new movie, “Everything’s Going To Be Great," and a busy year of work, including his third film with Wes Anderson and playing a hilarious exec on “The Studio.” He shares how he navigates portraying vastly different characters, why he had to really sell himself to get the role of Walter White, and his passion for live theater. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Stewart examines chaos in the MAGA-verse, as escalating ICE raids in Los Angeles erupt in protests, Stephen Miller hunts for nonviolent immigrants, Elon plays the Epstein card on Trump, and the Trump-Elon alpha male war reveals itself as a sensitive baby feud. Stephen A. Smith, bestselling author & host of “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” sits down with Jon to discuss why he would rather be a hellraiser than an elected official, how politicians have divided and contributed to the demise of this country, and why the messenger matters in politics. Smith, who recently signed a 5-year contract with ESPN and a multi-year deal with SiriusXM, also discussed a comment he made about Jalen Brunson that Stewart considers “an impeachable offense,” their ride-or-die love of the Knicks, and the reason the Buffalo Bills may be at fault for Trump’s presidency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Salute Pride Month with a look back at The Daily Show's coverage of pride, progress and corporate promotional synergy. Desi Lydic recaps the history of the pride movement from its beginnings. Jon Stewart reports on early victories in the marriage equality movement. Steve Carell boldly goes to the Gaylaxicon 2000 convention to discover the links between pride and sci-fi nerds. Ed Helms travels to Canada to meet a lone straight pride warrior. Josh Gad reports from the field on New York's gay marriage legalization. Trevor Noah celebrates recent progress in the movement but warns about workplace discrimination. Jaboukie Young-White joins the Pittsburgh Pride Parade. Dulcé Sloan connects the dots on corporate pride participation, and Ronny Chieng enlists help from Grace Kuhlenschmidt to talk disappointing pride backlash. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Generate a description for a podcast from The Daily Show about AI, including the following segments: Jon Stewart on the false promises of AI, Trevor Noah on whether AI is self aware, Wanda Sykes on AI Hitler, Kal Penn on the release of ChatGPT-4, John Leguizamo on the warning signs of AI, Ronny Chieng and Michael Kosta on AI being used to unlock ancient history, Dulcé Sloan and Ronny Chieng discussing the rise of AI girlfriends and Trevor Noah interviewing CTO of ChatGPT Mira Murati. Make sure it reads naturally, as if it was written by a human. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrate the NBA Finals with a look back at some of The Daily Show’s NBA coverage. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert debate NBA draft age requirements. Jon gets carried away in an interview with Shaq, and examines Lebron James’ professional debut. Trevor interviews 4x NBA champion Draymond Green, and digs into two NBA controversies in China, with help from Ronny Chieng. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Kosta unpacks the latest in Musk and Trump’s messy bromance breakup: Elon doubling down on critiques against the Big Beautiful Bill, Trump’s parent-level guilt, Kanye West calling for a ceasefire, and threats of an Epstein files leak. Plus, Grace Kuhlenschmidt explains that the president is merely playing a game of 7D chess. Back in Black: Students and teachers alike are outsourcing all their work to AI, but Lewis Black thinks kids should stop experimenting with AI in college and go back to experimenting with fun things, like LSD. Jonathan D. Cohen, historian and author of the new book, “Losing Big: America’s Bet on Sports Gambling,” joins Michael to break down how legalized sports betting has become such a huge part of American sports culture, industry, and has created a public health gambling addiction crisis, especially among young men. He details how the sports betting apps use endless scroll and obscure international sports to keep users in a chokehold, how gambling can alter your brain chemistry, and the common-sense solutions that he urges to be implemented immediately. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Kosta dives into the fallout of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill: Elon slamming the “sprawling spending bill" and turning on Trump, Democrats backing Elon’s criticisms, and Marjorie Taylor Greene revealing she never read it in the first place. Plus, the Big Beautiful Bill (Troy Iwata) claps back at all the new haters. The Trump administration has pushed out legacy media outlets from the White House press room in favor of more conspiratorial right-wing "new media" figures like Tim Pool: a conservative YouTuber and podcaster passionate about stroking Trump's ego and delivering truthful reporting sponsored by Russian interests. University of Michigan Law professor and “Strict Scrutiny” co-host Leah Litman joins Michael Kosta to discuss her New York Times bestseller, “Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes.” By making the inner workings of SCOTUS more accessible and believing in the power of “talking sh*t,” she explains how the nation’s highest court has been operating under conservative guidance with little code of ethics in rolling back LGBTQ+ and minority discrimination protections and targeting reproductive rights after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Kosta unpacks Elon Musk calling Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill a "disgusting abomination," the head of FEMA learning there's a hurricane season, Social Security chief Frank Bisignano googling “social security,” and Tulsi Gabbard's Fox News-style intelligence briefing makeover. For those airline customers nervous that diverse pilots aren't qualified for their jobs, White Flight's racial support pilots can put their minds at ease. Let a white male stand-in reassure passengers that their plane won't crash from DEI, while the actual pilots do all the work behind the scenes. Candace Parker, three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, joins Michael to discuss her new book, “The Can-Do Mindset.” She explains how the title speaks to her childhood nickname and the lessons her family instilled in her, how much the WNBA has grown since her tenure as an athlete, the physical toll of the game, and how she fills the competitive void off-the-court. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Stewart tracks Elon Musk's White House crash, from the high of being Trump's "first buddy" to the low of his black-eyed DOGE send-off. Now that the 100-day honeymoon is over, Jon also checks in on Trump's other struggling cabinet members, like the FBI's burned-out deputy director, Dan Bongino. Carole Cadwalladr, the award-winning journalist behind the Substack newsletter “How to Survive the Broligarchy,” talks to Jon about how the U.S. government ignored the huge wake-up call that was the Cambridge Analytica-Facebook data breach scandal – a story Cadwalladr broke and which resulted in no legislative protections for citizens’ private data. She warns about the unregulated dangers that data-mining and AI pose to individual privacy and freedom, and what people and institutions can do to push back on big tech’s authoritarian agenda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the words of Jon Stewart, "What better way to understand the issue than to have two pundits of violently opposing viewpoints disagree with each other?" Join The Daily Show as we look back at years of Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell arguing with each other in their segment, Even Stephven. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so take a look back at some of the recent mental health discussions with The Daily Show's guests. Lil Red Howery and Michael Kosta talk the beauty of therapy. Singer Raye sits down with Desi Lydic and discusses singing about anxiety. Olivia Munn joins to talk postpartum anxiety. Author and social psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb joins Jon Stewart to break down productive vs. unproductive anxiety. Author and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt talks the effects of social media on "The Anxious Generation." Actor Mark Duplass opens up about anxiety and depression. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.