The Daily Show: Ears Edition

Grace Kuhlenschmidt, a correspondent on The Daily Show known for her comedic insights, joins to tackle the bizarre fallout of Trump’s distancing from MAGA over the Epstein files. They dive into a satirical exploration of political absurdities and the proposed 'America Party' by Elon Musk, gauging New Yorkers' reactions to his questionable ideals. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson shares her journey in filmmaking, inspired by '90s classics and the challenges of creating horror while keeping props discreet from onlookers, revealing the humor in chaos.

Nick Offerman, beloved actor from Parks and Recreation, passionately advocates for the protection of America's national parks, warning of the dire consequences from recent funding cuts. Meanwhile, Thomas Chatterton Williams, a insightful writer for The Atlantic, reflects on America's descent from the Obama era's optimism to present-day division, dissecting the complexities of racial identity and the cultural implications of this shift. Their engaging conversation blends humor with serious reflections on environmental and social issues that resonate deeply.

This episode features Elmo, the beloved Sesame Street character, humorously addressing his unexpected social media controversy alongside economic commentator Kyla Scanlon, author of 'In This Economy?'. They dive into Trump's handling of the Epstein case and the disparity in state relief efforts. Kyla emphasizes the need for accessible economic education and critiques the government's use of budget cuts as a political weapon. Together, they blend humor and critical insight into serious issues, highlighting transparency’s importance in rebuilding trust in the economy.

Join Jon Stewart as he chats with Oren Cass, chief economist at American Compass, who explores the conservative shift towards recognizing the limits of markets and emphasizes the importance of livable wages. Stephanie Kelton, a leading voice in Modern Monetary Theory, challenges traditional views on government deficits, asserting they can boost prosperity. Christine Lagarde delves into the global economy, discussing inflation dynamics and the impact of the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. They tackle the role of AI in shaping economic understanding and labor market dynamics.

Embark on a comedic journey through space with insights into NASA's astronaut duo stranded until 2025. Enjoy humorous musings on the absurdities of space travel, the establishment of the Space Force, and the bizarre effects of a solar eclipse on hotel prices. There's a whimsical look at lunar real estate and the implications of a luxury space hotel. Plus, join the laughter as existential threats like asteroids are tackled, alongside playful theories about dinosaurs and their cosmic demise!

John O'Hara, a writer for the Illinois Policy Institute and author of 'A New American Tea Party', joins the discussion to unpack the emergence of the Tea Party. The conversation dives into the historical significance of third-party politics and the struggles faced within a two-party system. As new political movements emerge, they examine grassroots discontent and explore the dynamics of independent candidates like Gary Johnson and Evan McMullin, revealing the challenges of running as outsiders and the implications for American democracy.

Youngmi Mayer, a writer and comedian, shares her experiences growing up in Korea under pro-American propaganda. She navigates the complexities of being biracial and how her family history shaped her humor. The conversation dives into the healing power of laughter when addressing trauma and cultural identity. Mayer's insights on the intersection of personal stories and societal issues offer a unique perspective on belonging and resilience. Meanwhile, the lighthearted chaos around Trump’s antics adds an engaging twist to the discussion.

Lauren Greenfield, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker known for her insights on youth culture, joins the discussion. She shares her experiences from her latest docuseries, 'Social Studies,' revealing the struggles teens face in a social media-dominated world. Greenfield highlights the hunger for real connection among young people, the dual nature of technology as both crucial and harmful, and the need for stronger regulations to protect their mental health. Her candid approach sheds light on the urgent need for in-person communication amidst growing digital distractions.

The Department of Justice (and Michael Kosta) try to gaslight Ronny Chieng about a suddenly "nonexistent" Jeffrey Epstein client list, Trump lists Benjamin Netanyahu as a reference on his Nobel Peace Prize application, and the TSA ends their foot fetish. Ronny checks in on the status of Trump's trade war, including the president's half-firm decision on another tariff delay and his new international trade pen pal, "Mr. Japan." Michael Luo, author of "Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America" and executive editor at The New Yorker, joins Ronny to discuss the untold stories of Asian American persistence and resilience in the face of bigotry. They talk about one of the worst mass lynchings in America involving Chinese immigrants, Wong Kim Ark’s Supreme Court fight for birthright citizenship, the pertinence of chronicling 19th-century expulsion during the Trump administration, and how this book became a 160,000-word response to a racial abuse incident on the Upper East Side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this discussion, Jon Stewart is joined by Steve Kroft, a seasoned journalist from CBS's 60 Minutes, known for his investigative prowess and award-winning reporting. They delve into Trump's Big Beautiful Bill, dissecting its myriad impacts, including tax cuts skewed towards the wealthy while cutting funds for essential services. The duo explores the troubling implications of Trump's lawsuit settlement against Paramount, labeling it a potential "shakedown" and its effects on press freedom. Their conversation uncovers the tightrope journalists walk amid political pressures.