Trump Wants to be the Next Pope + Political Commentator Benny Johnson
May 1, 2025
auto_awesome
Benny Johnson, a political commentator and host of The Benny Johnson Show, joins the chat for a lively discussion. They delve into Trump's unique approach to White House decor and his unexpected aspirations of papal ambition. The trio critiques California's governance, highlighting its political inefficiencies and addressing the homelessness crisis. With playful banter, they tackle media narratives around Kamala Harris and explore the absurdities of celebrity culture, all while spinning the wheel of quirky topics for laughs.
The podcast discusses Trump's unexpected aspirations to become pope while highlighting the cultural implications and absurdities of political ambitions.
Adam Carolla pitches the idea of retro fast-food menus, emphasizing nostalgia as a marketing strategy to connect with long-time customers.
A critical examination of California's political leadership reveals frustrations with their ineffectiveness in tackling major societal issues like homelessness and infrastructure.
Deep dives
Promotional Fast Food Deals
A new meal deal at McDonald's offers significant value, allowing customers to choose between a McDouble or McChicken, along with a small fry, small drink, and a four-piece McNuggets for just $5. This highlights the key concept of affordability in fast food, especially for a brand known for providing meals that appeal to budget-conscious consumers. The promotion also emphasizes seasonal pricing variations, suggesting that prices may change based on market conditions. The combination of items in this deal signifies McDonald's commitment to delivering value through convenience and choice.
Line 2 Phone Service
Line 2's service provides users with a second phone line right on their existing devices, allowing for enhanced privacy and convenience. This service is marketed towards individuals who wish to separate their personal and professional communications, such as online shopping and dating, without needing an additional phone. The affordability of Line 2, priced at only $9.99 per month, highlights its accessibility for users looking for privacy without compromising on connectivity. Overall, this service reflects the growing need for personal privacy in the digital age.
Masculine Podcast Studio Environment
The podcast features a notably masculine studio environment filled with diverse memorabilia, including race cars and various images celebrating the host's career. The guest, Benny Johnson, notes that the studio represents a dramatic departure from more traditional or feminine podcast settings, which focus heavily on conversational themes. This atmosphere creates a backdrop that resonates with audiences who appreciate a bold and unapologetic approach to content creation. Furthermore, it cultivates a strong brand identity that appeals to the target demographic's values.
Critique of Cultural Appropriation
A discussion arises around the topic of cultural appropriation, particularly in relation to performances that involve individuals adopting cultural personas. The distinction is made between performances that are humorous versus those seen as derogatory or belittling to the cultures represented. The conversation highlights how societal perceptions of such actions change over time, with historical context playing a vital role in contemporary interpretations. This ongoing debate illustrates the complexities surrounding cultural expression and the sensitivities involved in comedic portrayals.
Nostalgia in Fast Food
The host suggests introducing a nostalgic fast food menu that features classic items from previous decades on a limited basis. This idea draws parallels to how sports leagues celebrate retro uniforms, proposing that fast food chains should also embrace nostalgia to appeal to long-time customers. The logic is that bringing back fondly remembered items would generate interest and connection with consumers who have a sentimental attachment to their past dining experiences. The proposal reflects a growing trend where nostalgia is leveraged to engage audiences while providing a sense of familiarity.
Challenges Facing California Politics
A critique is directed at California’s political leadership in the context of their failure to manage and implement effective solutions to pressing issues. The discussion indicates that the current leaders lack the practical skills necessary to execute tangible projects, leading to stagnation in infrastructure and homelessness challenges. This commentary illustrates a broader theme about the disconnect between political rhetoric and measurable action regarding societal problems. The sentiment suggests a need for pragmatic thinkers in leadership positions who can more effectively address the concerns of constituents.
Adam sits down with Benny Johnson to break down Trump’s surprising taste in White House décor, Adam’s pitch for throwback uniforms and retro fast-food menus, and how his rants about California’s slow-motion collapse turned out to be dead-on. They also take a look at Chuck Todd doing gymnastics to dodge blame for lying about Biden’s brain fog, question whether Kamala’s aiming for governor, and try to make sense of Meghan Markle’s exhausting calendar.
Later, Adam, Benny, and Jason “Mayhem” Miller discuss the day’s headlines—including Trump’s papal aspirations, the Oscars’ latest woke checklist, a new mom booted from her running club over a trans controversy, and Katy Perry circling the drain. Plus, they fire up the “Spin the Wheel” game, and Benny gets put through the wringer. Get it on.
