What Now? with Trevor Noah

Anele Mdoda, a dynamic South African media personality, and Sizwe Dhlomo, a savvy television presenter and entrepreneur, join Trevor for an insightful discussion. They dive into the anxieties surrounding parenting today, exploring how external influences shape children’s lives. They tackle the illusion of universal prosperity and the corrosive effects of artificial scarcity. With their playful banter, they also reflect on the complexities of friendships, communication, and the responsibility that comes with navigating a rapidly changing world.

Trevor is joined by Robert Putnam, a renowned political scientist and author known for his influential work on social capital. They dive deep into the importance of community for democracy and personal well-being. The trio humorously explores why more Americans bowl than vote, suggesting polling stations in bowling alleys. The conversation touches on the impact of social media on genuine connections and the need for local engagement to combat loneliness. Putnam highlights bridging social capital as a way to unite a divided society, leaving listeners with hopeful insights.

The hosts dive into wild ideas, like the absurdity of trying crack in hospice care, blending humor with serious themes. They discuss psychedelics, highlighting their potential benefits and risks, while also touching on pharmaceutical influences. A radical proposal suggests pairing people to combat loneliness, sparking debates about companionship's future. The conversation then imagines a whimsical world without politicians and explores a decentralized democratic system aided by AI. Plus, inefficiencies in government budgeting and the paradox of voting against one's interests add layers to their engaging discussion.

Trevor chats with Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD, a YouTube star renowned for his tech reviews. They dive into the challenges of nichification in the digital landscape and the rise of fake outrage online. Marques shares his thoughts on the ethical implications of AI and the struggle for diversity in tech review spaces. They also discuss the irony of tech leaders regulating device usage at home and the frustrations over the 'shittification' of products in an era of rushed innovation. It's an engaging look at the intersection of technology and authenticity.

Jia Tolentino, a staff writer for The New Yorker known for her sharp cultural insights, discusses the cultural obsession with Ozempic. She examines the shifting perceptions of weight-loss drugs in America, exploring how they reflect broader societal attitudes towards body image and beauty. The conversation critiques the implications of these drugs on health, especially for children, and highlights biases surrounding body weight, salary disparities, and the influence of celebrity culture on beauty standards. It's a thought-provoking dive into modern health narratives.

In this engaging conversation, Simon Sinek, an acclaimed author and speaker known for his insights on leadership, joins Trevor Noah and Christiana to explore why the brightest minds often aren’t in leadership roles. They redefine office gossip as a form of community storytelling and discuss its complex role in workplace dynamics. Sinek critiques capitalism’s evolution and emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships in finding purpose, advocating for a cultural shift towards understanding and connection in corporate life.

The hosts dive into the dramatic fallout following the killing of a healthcare CEO, blending humor with an exploration of race and identity. They unpack America's desensitization to violence, critiquing the healthcare system and its corporate negligence. The conversation shifts to youth radicalization, accountability in corporate culture, and societal perceptions of justice. With irreverence, they highlight the complex dynamics of individual actions and corporate apathy, all while pondering the moral implications of power and ethics in society.

Neal Brennan, a comedian, writer, and director renowned for his work on Chappelle's Show, joins Trevor and Christiana for a thought-provoking chat. They dive into how familial dysfunction fuels their comedy and the complex relationship between personal struggles and humor. Neal reflects on his chaotic upbringing in a large family and the emotional burdens of navigating family dynamics. The conversation also tackles the modern evolution of comedy amidst wellness culture, while sharing heartfelt personal anecdotes and insights on the therapeutic power of laughter.

In a festive spirit, the hosts dive into intriguing listener suggestions on how to rule the world. They tackle everything from school start times to hilarious travel stories, shedding light on boarding chaos and in-flight Wi-Fi. The conversation takes a humorous turn with a debate on salary transparency and the merits of single-ply vs. multi-ply toilet paper. They also reflect on the importance of family during Thanksgiving, emphasizing how shared stories can unite us amidst differences. Get ready for laughter and thoughtful insights!

Trevor welcomes Esther Perel, an internationally renowned couples therapist, to discuss the intricacies of modern relationships. They explore the rollercoaster ride of love, addressing everything from finding the perfect partner to weathering storms together. Esther highlights the shift in therapy's perception, encouraging proactive approaches for growth. They tackle the balance of autonomy and togetherness, and how self-awareness shapes intimacy. With humor and real-life insights, they redefine meaningful connections in an age of digital dating.