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
Aug 20, 2024 • 1h 3min
Literally The Weirdest Guys (with Molly Conger) 08.20.24
Molly Conger, host of Weird Little Guys, digs into the quirks of the Democratic Presidential Campaign and the oddities of contemporary politics. She humorously unpacks the personas of 'weird little guys,' along with the absurdity behind conspiracy theories. The discussion takes a fascinating turn as they reflect on audience reactions to the iconic chestburster scene in Ridley Scott's 'Alien.' With wit and insight, they explore how misinformation shapes our reality and the humanity hiding behind extreme narratives.
Aug 19, 2024 • 52min
JD Vance SemTrend Cups 8/19: Kamala Harris, JD Vance Semen Cups, Swifties For Trump?, Cybertruck, Phil Donahue, Hawk Tuah Girl
Among the guests are Kamala Harris, the dynamic political figure running for office, and Phil Donahue, the legendary television personality. They tackle various intriguing topics such as the unusual antics of JD Vance supporters with fake semen cups and the peculiar wave of Trump endorsing Taylor Swift through AI. The conversation hilariously critiques the Cybertruck's growing list of issues while reflecting on the political landscape and the impact of pop culture on today’s dynamics. It’s a lively mix of humor, commentary, and current events!
Aug 18, 2024 • 59min
Weekly Zeitgeist 334 (Best of 8/12/24-8/16/24)
This week covers a range of captivating topics! A guest shares their arrest at a protest, humorously linking activism to the woes of modern dating. The hosts debate the disappointing nature of s'mores, reflecting on fun childhood memories. Discussions also dive into the controversial ramifications of presidential immunity, the concerning shift in the Supreme Court, and Hollywood's ongoing struggles post-strike, highlighting financial disparities. The impact of media overload and the battle for quality in entertainment also receive a thoughtful critique.
Aug 16, 2024 • 1h 2min
Undercover Inside Project 2025, Grok’s New Lawsuit Generator 08.16.24
Pallavi Gunalan joins author Michael Swaim, known for The Climb, for a captivating chat. They dive into Project 2025, discussing its controversial ties and shady backroom deals. The absurdity of AI-generated images, from Taylor Swift in lingerie to Kamala Harris with a gun, sparks laughter and critiques of our political landscape. Pallavi and Michael also reflect on conspiracy theories and the peculiar complexities of contemporary culture. Expect humor mixed with sharp insights into politics and technology.
Aug 15, 2024 • 23min
Concrete Jungle Wet Dream Trendmato 8/15: Bill Maher/Hawk Tuah Girl, Evaldas Rimasauskas, Willie Horton, Trump Election Fraud
Pallavi Gunalan, an Indian election correspondent, dives into pressing political issues. They dissect Hawk Tuah's Bill Maher interview and Trump's racially charged attack ads against Kamala Harris. The discussion touches on a notorious financial fraud case that bilked Google and Facebook out of millions, as well as a shocking chess scandal involving poison. The conversation is laced with humor while tackling concepts of election integrity and voter suppression, highlighting the unsettling dynamics of race in politics.
Aug 15, 2024 • 1h 3min
Entertainment Dark Ages Coming? Nikki Haley Called It!! 08.15.24
Pallavi Gunalan, a vibrant co-host focused on entertainment and politics, joins Caitlin Durante, a writer known for The Bechdel Cast. They dive into topics like Trump’s chaotic campaign strategies and the challenges ahead for Hollywood amidst market pressures. The duo humorously reflects on the absurdities of dating culture and the rise of independent films amid industry cutbacks. They also share thoughts on how missed opportunities in creativity are impacting the entertainment landscape, all while balancing humor with sharp social commentary.
Aug 14, 2024 • 27min
It Trends With... Controversy?! 8/14: 'It Ends With Us', Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Horses: Smart As Hell?, Mr. Beast
In this edition of It Trends With... Controversy?, Jack and special guest Pallavi Gunalan discuss the Ryan Reynolds/Blake Lively/'It Ends With Us' drama, horses being smarter than we originally thought (because humans are arrogant as hell), Mr. Beast's many, many controversies and much more! WATCH: Serenading the cattle with my trombone (SFW/Classic Youtube)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 14, 2024 • 40min
MJGMB #126: All Gold Everything with Jabari Davis
Jack was joined by Producer Jabari and the duo discussed Team USA Men's Basketball's win over France in the Gold Medal game vs France and which players might remain on the squad in 2028 before transitioning to the ongoing 90s nostalgia conversation. Up this week: Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki and Dwight Howard!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 14, 2024 • 56min
Trump’s Weird Musk Interview, Streaming Wars Over? 08.14.24
In episode 1725, Jack and guest co-host Pallavi Gunalan are joined by co-host of This Day In Esoteric Political History and producer of What Now? with Trevor Noah, Jody Avirgan, to discuss… Trump Musk Interview, Apple TV+ Tries To Stop Blowing Money and more! Trump Musk Interview Elon Musk's unanswered energy plea to Trump Trump Definitely Not Slurring Apple TV+ Tries To Stop Blowing Money Apple TV+ spending billions on content not many are watching LISTEN: The Traitor by Menahan Street BandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 13, 2024 • 22min
TrendPon Tim 8/13: JD Vance, Boeing Astronauts, A Post-Olympic Update, Coca-Cola X Oreos, The Creature From The Black Lagoon
In this edition of TrendPon Tim, Jack and special guest host Pallavi Gunalan discuss JD Vance in "drag", Boeing astronauts STILL being stuck in space (until 2025!?), a post-Olympics update, Oreo and Coca-Cola trying to kill us, the new 'Creature From The Black Lagoon' remake and much more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
