On with Kara Swisher

Ed Helms, known for his comedic roles in The Office and The Hangover trilogy, dives into his new book, SNAFU, which humorously explores history's greatest blunders. He shares insights on the role of satire in modern politics, particularly during the Trump era, while discussing systemic corruption and alternative voting solutions. Helms also highlights the impact of historical narratives on contemporary issues, touching on the importance of empathy in leadership and the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry in a streaming-dominated world.

Judith Butler, a distinguished professor at UC Berkeley and a leading voice on gender theory, joins the conversation to discuss her latest book, Who's Afraid of Gender. She tackles the impact of Trump's binary gender policies on personal rights and medical research. The discussion dives deep into political manipulation of gender identity in elections, the resistance against LGBTQ+ rights, and the chilling effects of political pressures on academic freedom. Butler emphasizes the importance of solidarity in social justice and the need for radical democracy.

Kara Swisher invites Caitlin Dickerson, Pulitzer Prize-winning immigration writer; Deborah Pearlstein, constitutional law expert; and Maria Hinojosa, esteemed journalist, to discuss immigration's legal landscape. They dive into President Trump's controversial policies, examining their constitutional implications and effects on democracy. The guests share personal migrant stories, reveal alarming trends in deportation practices, and highlight the urgent need for due process. This insightful conversation sheds light on the challenges faced by immigrants and the potential erosion of rights.

Melinda French Gates, an accomplished businesswoman and passionate advocate for women and girls, shares her journey of personal transformation and political activism. She discusses her memoir, 'The Next Day,' highlighting her shift from the Gates Foundation to her own philanthropic initiatives. Melinda emphasizes the urgent need for women's voices in A.I. and the impact of U.S. policy changes on global health. The conversation touches on maternal health, navigating public perception, and the importance of community engagement for future generations.

Kara Swisher welcomes Raj Bhala, a trade law expert, Catherine Rampell, an economics columnist, and Bill Cohan, a former banker and financial journalist. They dive deep into the chaos surrounding Trump's tariffs, discussing how these policies have confused markets and strained international relations. The experts analyze China's retaliatory measures and the concept of a tripolar world. They also critique the administration's economic strategies, emphasizing the need for a more diplomatic approach to trade negotiations.

In a lively chat, Josh Johnson, an Emmy-nominated writer and stand-up comic known for his work on The Daily Show, dives into the comedic chaos of his life. He shares his unique approach to tackling dry political topics with humor and relatable anecdotes. Josh also discusses the impact of community on overcoming fear and the importance of owning creative work in today’s media landscape. Plus, he offers a witty take on what prosperous figures like Elon Musk should focus on instead—spoiler alert: it’s not just making more money!

Jeff Lawson, owner of The Onion and co-founder of Twilio, dives into his recent ventures blending satire and democracy. He discusses the critical role of political satire in today’s climate and why it’s essential for defending democracy, especially with the looming Trump 2.0 era. Lawson shares his ambitious plans to revitalize The Onion and reflect on the importance of humor in navigating societal issues. He also tackles the complexities of DEI initiatives, suggesting they can sometimes hinder rather than help.

David Enrich, a Business investigations editor for The New York Times, discusses rising legal threats against the press. Ruth Marcus, a former associate editor at The Washington Post, explores the impact of misinformation on public trust. Ben Mullin, a media reporter for The New York Times, highlights how Trump's legal tactics seek to undermine freedom of expression. Together, they emphasize the deteriorating state of press freedom, the chilling effects of lawsuits, and the vital role of independent journalism in today's democracy.

Michelle Buteau, a dynamic comedian, writer, and multi-talented star of 'Survival of the Thickest,' discusses her path in comedy and representation in entertainment. She shares her journey as the first woman to record a special at Radio City Music Hall. Buteau candidly addresses her call-out of Dave Chappelle regarding his transgender jokes, emphasizing community responsibility in comedy. She delves into navigating body positivity, motherhood, and her commitment to uplifting marginalized voices, all while reflecting on the importance of humor in today's climate.

Graydon Carter, co-founder of Spy Magazine and Air Mail and former editor of Vanity Fair, shares his experiences from the golden age of glossy magazines. He discusses the unique dynamics of editing, the need for anxiety in the role, and the complexities of navigating fame, especially regarding figures like Trump. Carter reflects on the magazine industry's evolution, touching on personal freedoms and the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in modern media landscapes. He also shares insights from his memoir and the importance of creativity in publishing.