The Daily Show: Ears Edition Trump Puts the Squeeze on Venezuela's Oil & Eyes Greenland as Next Target | Stephen J. Dubner
17 snips
Jan 8, 2026 
Stephen J. Dubner, author and host of Freakonomics Radio, joins Ronny Chieng to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Freakonomics. They dive into the book's genesis, discussing how storytelling and data can reveal surprising truths. Dubner shares amusing insights for a potential 2026 edition, including unexpected topics like animals and artificial insemination. He humorously warns against appearing before a judge before lunch, highlighting the quirky economics of life. Their conversation is a brilliant blend of intellect and humor!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
U.S. Control Over Venezuelan Oil Is A Power Play
- Ronny Chieng frames the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan oil as a blatant power play that centralizes control in the White House.
- The segment highlights concerns that U.S. leverage over Venezuela effectively dictates that country's decisions and sovereignty.
Oil Leverage Is Geopolitical Pressure
- The show emphasizes that U.S. demands include severing Venezuela's ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba.
- That policy frames U.S. influence as not only economic but geopolitical, reshaping regional alliances.
Greenland Talk Mixes Security And Opportunism
- Ronny Chieng and team mock the idea of targeting Greenland, noting the absurdity of threatening a NATO ally.
- They point out the strategic talk about Greenland blends national-security rhetoric with opportunistic aims.
