The Daily Show: Ears Edition

Dive into the chaotic world of Trump's beefs with notable figures like President Zelenskyy and Governor Gavin Newsom. The hosts unpack Trump's bold trade promises, scrutinizing his rhetoric around prices. They also examine a controversial Oval Office meeting compared to a WWE storyline and discuss the implications of Trump's actions towards Harvard and the National Guard in California. Plus, there's a breakdown of his ongoing feud with Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Expect laughs mixed with sharp commentary!

Hunter Prosper, an ICU nurse and bestselling author of 'Stories From a Stranger,' shares insights on how his nursing background shapes his storytelling. He discusses the power of deep conversations and the emotional connections formed during his interviews. With a focus on resilience, he reveals how he copes with heavy stories while finding silver linings. Hunter also shares a touching memory of interviewing his grandfather, capturing untold family tales. Their chat highlights the importance of human connection in both healthcare and storytelling.

The podcast dives into the chaos of a government shutdown, featuring the Trump administration's bizarre search for Amelia Earhart documents. As federal workers face uncertainty about back pay, air travel grinds to a halt due to FAA staffing shortages. Ronny Chieng hilariously critiques adult-themed Chuck E. Cheese experiences, including adults getting stuck in arcade machines. Broadway star Anthony Ramos discusses his role in a tense thriller, shares how he unwinds on set, and teaches a fun singing exercise.

Wawa Gatheru, the dynamic Founder and Executive Director of Black Girl Environmentalist, discusses her mission to empower Black women and gender-expansive individuals in the climate sector. She shares inspiring strategies to cultivate resilience in the face of the climate crisis, emphasizing the importance of reframing narratives and fostering solidarity. Wawa also highlights the impact of governmental rollbacks on climate work and the critical need for grassroots involvement, urging everyone to engage with local organizations to promote environmental equity.

Jon Stewart dives into the emerging effects of the government shutdown, the battle over healthcare that has Republicans and Democrats pointing fingers, and Trump's delight in using the shutdown to continue steamrolling Democrats and the Constitution. Co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology Tristan Harris sits down with Jon to discuss how AI has already disrupted the workforce as current iterations of the technology have dropped entry-level work by 13%, tech companies prioritization of their first-to-market stance over product and human safety, and how reliance on AI is stifling human growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Josh Johnson, a stand-up comedian and writer for The Daily Show, joins host Ashton Womack to delve into the intricate relationship between politics and comedy. They tackle the ethics of performing at government events, debate the implications of Trump's AI-generated videos, and discuss the tangible impacts of a government shutdown on federal workers. The chat also touches on the drama of Cardi B's feud with Nicki Minaj and excitement over Bad Bunny’s halftime show, showcasing how pop culture and politics intertwine.

Explore the chaos of past government shutdowns and the political games at play. Delve into the Tea Party's influence, the absurd justifications for halting services, and the real victims of these shutdowns, like vulnerable families. Enjoy sharp satire on negotiation tactics and the ridiculousness of media reactions. From a comedic breakdown of Trump's brief shutdown to the lengthy consequences of closures, this engaging discussion reveals the true costs of political brinkmanship.

Taylor Swift's new album drops just in time for a lively discussion. The hosts dive into her political influence, especially regarding voter registrations tied to her endorsements. They explore how Swifties might impact elections and react to her being named Time's Person of the Year. Amid lighthearted banter about fan culture and criticism of Swift, they also tackle serious topics like the Ticketmaster ticket fiasco and the intersection of celebrity with political activism. It's a fascinating blend of fandom and current events!

Kevin Nguyen, features editor at The Verge and author of the novel Mỹ Documents, shares impactful insights on immigration and Asian American identity based on his book's dystopian premise. He discusses the importance of family history and how suppressed narratives shape identity. Comedian Michael Kosta shines with sharp commentary on the absurdity of meme wars during the government shutdown, analyzing the strange tactics used by Republicans. Together, they explore how humor and history intersect in today's political landscape.

Benny Safdie, the talented writer and director of 'The Smashing Machine,' shares insights into his creative journey, focusing on capturing the authentic experience of MMA fighters. He discusses collaborations with Dwayne Johnson and realistic cinematography choices to elevate the story's emotional depth. Comedic correspondent Michael Kosta adds humor with his segment, offering quirky money-saving tips amidst economic challenges, like adults opting for kids' meals and the tooth fairy's diminishing payouts. It's a lively blend of film artistry and comedic commentary!