

The Daily Zeitgeist
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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

Sep 4, 2024 • 1h 2min
Barstool Leftists? Our Phones ARE Listening To Us? 09.04.24
Comedian Pallavi Gunalan brings her sharp wit to the conversation, diving into the absurdities of smartphone surveillance and the ethical concerns of tech in our daily lives. The group discusses Kroger's price gouging tactics and the implications of their recent merger. Gunalan also adds humor to the debate about smartphones in schools, highlighting the psychological impact on students. Plus, they analyze the unexpected box office success of a Ronald Reagan biopic, revealing the quirks of audience demographics and film marketing.

Sep 3, 2024 • 57min
Harry Zeiter and the Prisoner Of Trendskaban 9/3: RFK Jr., Trump, Israel Strike, JD Vance, Harry Potter
In this lively discussion, guests RFK Jr., a controversial political figure, Trump, a former president dealing with legal challenges, and the eccentric JD Vance dive into the current political landscape. They explore RFK Jr.'s ballot struggles in swing states and Trump's admission of election interference. The conversation also touches on a significant general strike in Israel and JD Vance's quirky public persona. Amid the serious topics, humor emerges through nostalgic anecdotes, painting a unique picture of today's political climate.

Sep 1, 2024 • 1h 14min
Weekly Zeitgeist 336 (Best of 8/26/24-8/30/24)
Dive into unique podcast highlights, from quick news updates to deep dives into queer sexuality. Get a laugh with humorous brunch debates while tackling serious issues like voter suppression and the impact of AI in policing. Explore the absurdities of political rhetoric and the complexities of justice, all wrapped in engaging anecdotes. Discover the playful blend of comedy and cultural critique, as well as reflections on the importance of journalistic integrity in upholding democracy.

Aug 30, 2024 • 1h 12min
Sane-Washing Trump, AI + Cops = Bad As It Sounds 08.30.24
Emily Galvin-Almanza, co-founder and Executive Director of Partners for Justice, dives deep into the concerning intersections of AI and policing. She shares insights on how AI is being used to generate police reports, potentially undermining accountability. The discussion also critiques mainstream media’s influence on narratives surrounding Trump and the implications of alternatives to traditional policing. Plus, there's a fascinating look at the ethical challenges posed by companies like Axon and their controversial AI technologies.

Aug 29, 2024 • 28min
Thumbs Up At ArlingTrend 8/29: Trump, Arlington Nat'l Cemetery, 'Jurassic World: Rebirth', Marijuana Too Strong, Kamala Harris, Mark Zuckerberg, JD Vance
In this lively discussion, Kamala Harris, a prominent politician, Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, and JD Vance, author of 'Hillbilly Elegy', tackle a range of riveting topics. They dissect Trump’s controversial photo op at Arlington National Cemetery, scrutinizing its implications. The group also dives into the upcoming 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' and the evolution of marijuana strength. Tensions flare as Vance tells Harris to 'go to hell,' adding a spicy twist to their political banter.

Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 1min
RFK Not Weird YOU Are, GOP Gets Serious About F#@%ery 08.29.24
In this discussion, Propaganda, a poet, rapper, and host of Hood Politics, dives into the absurdities of American politics. They tackle shifting poll dynamics and the GOP's questionable tactics, like voter suppression and intimidation. The conversation pivots to the bizarre incident of chainsawing a whale for fun, sparking debates on cultural differences. With humor and sharp insights, they reflect on public figures' vulnerabilities and the ongoing push for gun control. Expect wit and thoughtful critiques all around!

Aug 28, 2024 • 20min
The AcciTrendt 8/28: Deadpool, 'The Accident', Trump, Arlington National Cemetery, Jack Smith, Aubrey Plaza, MAX
Join legal expert Jack Smith, known for tackling high-profile court cases, and actress Aubrey Plaza, celebrated for her offbeat roles, as they dive into a whirlwind of current events. They discuss the viral Netflix show 'The Accident,' poking fun at its mix of humor and tragedy. Jack shares insights on the controversy surrounding Trump at Arlington National Cemetery, while Aubrey reflects on her Emmy-nominated performance. They also explore Deadpool's comedic antics at Disney and the cultural impact of inflatable bouncy castles.

Aug 28, 2024 • 39min
MJGMB #128: The Past, Present and Future of the NBA with Coach Eric Musselman
Join USC Men’s Basketball head coach Eric Musselman, a seasoned figure in the NBA and NCAA, as he shares insights into the current and future landscape of basketball. He reflects on his experiences with the legendary Jerry West and discusses the impact of international play on the game. The conversation also touches on the evolution of basketball fandom, shifting from team loyalty to individual player admiration, and offers playful anecdotes about legendary players' relevance today.

Aug 28, 2024 • 60min
Walz Has A DARK Secret!? Trump Scam #2,345,006 08.28.24
Marcella Arguello, a sharp-witted comedian known for her insightful commentary, joins the hosts for a lively discussion. They dive into the latest absurdity of Trump’s digital trading cards and the ridiculous conspiracy theories surrounding Tim Walz’s dog, Scout. The conversation navigates the strange intersection of pop culture and political nonsense, highlighting the bizarre antics of anti-choice advocates and the GOP's challenges with election integrity. It’s a humorous yet pointed exploration of today’s political landscape.

Aug 27, 2024 • 21min
Once Upon A Zeit In ShaoTrend 8/27: Trump, Martin Shkreli, Wu Tang Clan, Rotten Tomatoes
Martin Shkreli, the infamous pharmaceutical executive, dives into his controversial history with the Wu-Tang Clan's rare album. He discusses his unique listening party post-prison and the ensuing legal battles. The conversation doesn't shy away from Trump's lackluster energy and how it connects to celebrity culture's shift in political discourse. Additionally, the new 'Verified Hot Audience Badge' from Rotten Tomatoes is critiqued, raising questions about modern film reviews and audience influence. It's a wild mix of pop culture and politics!


