The Daily Show: Ears Edition

Jen Flanz, an executive producer at The Daily Show, shares her inspiring journey from production assistant to showrunner. She recounts the early days when episodes were hand-delivered on tape and how Jon Stewart taught her the importance of empowering others. They discuss the balance of fun and quality in political satire, the significance of mentorship, and the challenges of gender representation in comedy. Flanz emphasizes teamwork, camaraderie, and cultivating inclusivity in creative spaces, offering valuable advice for aspiring TV professionals.

Daniel Dae Kim, an actor well-known for his role in Broadway's 'Yellow Face,' discusses the crucial need for authentic Asian representation in theater. He highlights the impact of cultural dynamics on productions. Meanwhile, former U.S. Army Counterintelligence Special Agent Luis Elizondo dives into his book on the Pentagon's investigation of UFOs, exploring the implications of potentially intelligent alien life and its unifying potential for Congress. Their engaging conversation blends humor with serious commentary on race and national security.

In this episode, comedian and actor Ronny Chieng brings his sharp wit to the discussion of Trump's latest assassination scare, likening it to an over-the-top movie sequel. He delves into the absurdity of political discourse, highlighting humorous moments like a mock phone call between Trump and Biden. Chieng also critiques Trump's new family cryptocurrency venture amid economic updates, blending laughs with insights on interest rate cuts, while offering a satirical take on the chaotic world of finance. It's a comedic yet thought-provoking ride!

Guest Phillip Lim, co-founder of 3.1 Phillip Lim, shares his journey as a fashion designer shaped by his immigrant background. He talks about the inspiration behind his unique designs and the valuable life lessons from his parents. The discussion also touches on the absurdities of political campaigns, including the role of social media influencers in shaping political discourse. Humorous insights about fashion challenges and the impact of judicial decisions on society add depth to the conversation.

Daniel Dae Kim, an acclaimed actor known for his role in the Broadway play 'Yellow Face,' dives into the complexities of racial representation in theater. He shares his personal journey from drama school to the stage, discussing the cultural implications of casting controversies. The conversation also touches on the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts and Donald Trump's foray into cryptocurrency, blending humor with real financial concerns. Listeners will find insightful commentary on identity, authenticity, and the absurdities of today's economic landscape.

Ronny Chieng, a comedian and actor from The Daily Show, humorously critiques the absurdity surrounding Trump’s alleged assassination attempts, media reactions, and RFK’s wild antics, including a strange investigation involving a whale. He sits down with Luis Elizondo, a former U.S. Army Counterintelligence Special Agent, to delve into his work on nonhuman intelligence and UFOs. Together, they navigate the complexities of political absurdities and the government's engagement with unidentified aerial phenomena, blending humor with serious themes.

John Leguizamo, an acclaimed actor and comedian known for his insights on Latino issues, joins writer Kat Radley to discuss his latest piece on Trump's immigration obsession. They dive into the SAVE Act, examining how it may suppress voter turnout among marginalized communities. John shares his upcoming PBS series, 'American Historia,' which highlights Latinos' vital yet neglected contributions to U.S. history. The conversation also touches on the importance of empathy and humor in addressing complex issues like immigration.

In this lively discussion, Ashley Parker, a Senior National Political Correspondent for The Washington Post, joins Jon to dissect the recent presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. They delve into the unexpected impact on voter perceptions and campaign dynamics. The conversation covers confidence strategies, challenges in connecting with undecided voters, and the significant role of cultural endorsements in political engagement. Together, they analyze how debates have shifted the landscape, leaving listeners with fresh insights and humor.

John Heilemann, chief political columnist at Puck, shares insights from the Trump-Harris debate, highlighting why he believes Kamala Harris was the winner and its potential impact on undecided voters. Yuval Noah Harari, a renowned historian and author, delves into his latest work on information networks, discussing how we manage information overload. He also emphasizes the enduring importance of bureaucracy and institutions in democracy, urging the need for a balanced approach in this technology-driven age.

Jon Stewart, a prominent comedian and political commentator, joins political satirist Jordan Klepper for a lively discussion about the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. They dive into the absurdity of the candidates' takes on immigration and abortion, revealing the theatrical nature of political rhetoric. Klepper hilariously covers Trump's insistence on his debate victory and Taylor Swift's surprising endorsement. The duo wraps up with a comedic spin on misinformation and the bizarre claims made during the discourse.