

The Daily Zeitgeist
iHeartPodcasts
There’s more news and less comprehension today than any historical period that didn’t involve literal witch trials, and trying to stay on top of it all can feel like playing a game of telephone with 30 people, except everyone’s speaking at the same time and like a third of them are openly racist for some reason. From Cracked co-founder Jack O’Brien, THE DAILY ZEITGEIST is stepping into that fray with some of the funniest and smartest comedic and journalistic minds around. Jack and co-host Miles Gray spend up to an hour every weekday sorting through the events and stories driving the headlines, to help you find the signal in the noise, with a few laughs thrown in for free.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 16, 2024 • 22min
Azure AsTrends 10/16: Donald Trump, Merlin Bird ID
Delve into a humorous critique of Donald Trump's recent cognitive slip-ups during a town hall, reflecting on media coverage of political figures' peculiar speech patterns. Explore how scientists are decoding birdsong using the Merlin app, revealing fascinating insights into avian communication and its parallels with human language. The hosts cleverly weave together themes of politics, birds, and parenting in today's chaotic landscape, leaving listeners entertained and pondering the intricate connections between nature and society.

Oct 16, 2024 • 40min
MJGMB #135: NBA Action Remains Fantastic with Khristina Williams
Khristina Williams, an award-winning WNBA reporter and host of 'In Case You Missed It', dives into the thrilling moments of this year's WNBA Finals, spotlighting Courtney Williams' game-changing four-point play. The conversation shifts to the evolution of player skills in the WNBA, the excitement of emerging talents in women's college basketball, and the league's future prospects. Transitioning to the NBA, they discuss the implications of key injuries on teams and reflect on notable draft decisions, alongside rising rookies poised for greatness.

Oct 16, 2024 • 1h 7min
Rogan/Harris = Our Frost/Nixon? George 2.0 10.16.24
Pallavi Gunalan, a witty stand-up comedian and writer, teams up with Katie Goldin, a familiar voice from popular podcasts like Creature Feature. They dive into Kamala Harris's strategy to win male voters through a Joe Rogan appearance, sparking a conversation about campaign jitters. The duo also explores musings on Andrea Bocelli performing for Trump and the cultural fallout from a 90s JFK Jr. magazine's transformation by QAnon. Meanwhile, they hilariously critique the box office battles of killer clowns, blending comedy with timely social commentary.

Oct 15, 2024 • 51min
Real Robots; Fake Artificial Trendtelligence 10/15: Trump, Harris, Israel, Tesla Optimus
Join Pallavi Gunalan, a hilarious stand-up comedian and actor, as she dives into a whirlwind of contemporary issues. They tackle Trump's Coachella rally antics, including bizarre anecdotes and musings on cognitive decline. The conversation shifts to Israel's ongoing conflict in Gaza, critiquing political leaders’ inaction. They also dissect Elon Musk's questionable Optimus robot venture, exploring the intersection of tech and societal expectations. With sharp wit, Pallavi brings humor to serious topics, making for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

Oct 13, 2024 • 1h 13min
Weekly Zeitgeist 342 (Best of 10/07/24-10/11/24)
George Chung and Colin Cole, leaders at More Equitable Democracy and co-hosts of The Future of Our Former Democracy podcast, dive into the critical intersections of politics and racial justice. They discuss the significance of support systems during elections, the influence of wealth on political agendas, and the potential for proportional representation in the U.S. Their humorous anecdotes balance moments of seriousness as they critique the role of cryptocurrency in shaping voter behavior and the challenges posed by economic disparities in politics.

Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 4min
The Chris Crofton Dating Simulator 10.11.24
Chris Crofton, a talented musician, comedian, and author, shares his unique insights on dating and the quirks of social media. He humorously critiques outdated email services and reflects on political landscapes through road trip tales. The bizarre concept of fingernail transplants also provides a laugh-worthy exploration of human behavior. Additionally, Crofton delves into the complexities of fame, touching on Jamie Kennedy’s recent views while blending nostalgia with what it means to create in today’s world.

Oct 10, 2024 • 26min
October Trendth 10/10: Elon Musk, Hurricane Milton, Waffle House, LAPD/Boston Dynamics
Elon Musk sparks controversy by charging hurricane survivors for 'free' internet. The devastating aftermath of Hurricane Milton is explored alongside Waffle House's unique disaster response. The LAPD unveils a RoboCop-like robotic dog, stirring mixed public reactions. Discussions blend humor with serious commentary on celebrity philanthropy and the community's resilience during crises. The intriguing 'Waffle House index' is introduced as a measure of disaster severity, showcasing cultural insights amidst current events.

Oct 10, 2024 • 1h 3min
Crypto Might Tip The Election, How Lara Trump Knows Trump’s Winning 10.10.24
Allison Raskin, a comedian and relationship expert, dives into the fascinating intersection of politics and cryptocurrency. She shares her insights on how Lara Trump’s polling methods sound unbelievable but pack a punch. The discussion also highlights how crypto funding could threaten the Democrats’ Senate majority. Additionally, Raskin humorously critiques the implications of extreme wealth in politics and the absurdity often found in campaign narratives. Join for a blend of laughs and sharp commentary on current events!

Oct 9, 2024 • 21min
A Zeitmare Before ChrisTrends 10/9: Hurricane Milton, Kamala Harris, Dua Lipa, Diet Coke, Collider List
Explore the chaos surrounding Hurricane Milton, as misinformation spreads on social media and affects public perception. Kamala Harris's media strategy comes under scrutiny amidst political tensions. Dua Lipa's viral Diet Coke recipe adds a splash of fun to the mix. Dive into a critique of the worst late-career films by celebrated directors, mixing humor with cultural commentary. The episode navigates between serious global issues and light-hearted takes on trends, reminding listeners of the power of celebrity influence.

Oct 9, 2024 • 45min
MJGMB #134: Northwest Division Breakdown and Bodega KAT with Tony Jones
Tony Jones, a writer for The Athletic covering the Sixers, Nuggets, and Jazz, joins the show to break down the Northwest Division. He shares insights on the KAT trade and discusses the potential of the New York Knicks this season. Expect plenty of banter about the Thunder's rising prospects and their key additions, along with reflections on player expectations and personal anecdotes about the pressures young athletes face. The conversation mixes humor with hardwood analysis, making it a must-listen for basketball fans.