The Daily Show: Ears Edition

As Vladimir Putin continues his gritty reboot of the Soviet Union, he's getting a surprising amount of help from the party once led by Reagan. In this 2024 special, "Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse: Moscow Tools," Klepper speaks to foreign affairs experts, possible Russian assets, and the Prime Minister of Russia's neighbor, Estonia, to find out whether Republicans have become the Kremlin's most useful idiots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get caught up on the news of the week with Jon Stewart and Michael Kosta. Jon Stewart dives into America and Israel’s impromptu attack on Iran, Trump’s laid-back war announcement from the Mar-a-Lago basement, and MAGA’s refusal to sell the American people on the plan, purpose, and duration of the war. Michael Kosta breaks down the first four days of Trump's war on Iran: the U.S. government offers to evacuate Americans from the Middle East via bus, Trump stocks up for another forever war, conservatives quibble over the definition of "war," and friendly fire takes out $300 million worth of U.S. fighter jets. It only took five days for America's war on Iran to go off the rails, as Trump ponders the worst-case scenario, a nepo baby emerges as a top candidate to lead Iran, Sen. Markwayne Mullin stumbles over his war semantics, and Michael challenges Pete Hegseth to rethink his villainous “no mercy” speech. Finally, Michael dives into the cracks in Trump’s cabinet: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is fired in the wake of ICE chaos, corruption accusations, and affair rumors, RFK Jr. makes enemies out of Dunkin’ and Starbucks, and Pete Hegseth finds time amid the war in Iran to focus on a pet project: stripping Scouting America of its wokeness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Kosta dives into the cracks in Trump’s cabinet: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is fired in the wake of ICE chaos, corruption accusations, and affair rumors, RFK Jr. makes enemies out of Dunkin’ and Starbucks, and Pete Hegseth finds time amid the war in Iran to focus on a pet project: stripping Scouting America of its wokeness. Plus, Jordan Klepper sucks up to Hegseth to earn the coveted “Bros Before Hoes” badge. Grace Kuhlenschmidt visits America's first car-free neighborhood development, accompanied by controversial "freedom fighter" and conspiracy theorist Katie Hopkins, to investigate the truth about increasingly popular 15-minute cities: Are they walkable utopias, or government-controlled prisons? Librarian, literacy advocate, and new host of “Reading Rainbow” Mychal Threets sits down with Michael to spread his love for libraries and discuss his new book, “I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy.” Threets opens up about his mental health journey and the vital role libraries played in saving his life, and how his book is meant to convey the inclusivity of libraries while also telling readers that they are not alone in their struggles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It only took five days for America's war on Iran to go off the rails, as Trump ponders the worst-case scenario, a nepo baby emerges as a top candidate to lead Iran, Sen. Markwayne Mullin stumbles over his war semantics, and Michael Kosta challenges Pete Hegseth to rethink his villainous “no mercy” speech. Plus, a s**t-faced Grace Kuhlenschmidt nominates Trump as Iran’s new supreme leader. Josh Johnson breaks down the the messiest awards show ever, after a Tourette's syndrome activist involuntarily shouted the N-word at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo while they presented onstage at the BAFTAs. And while the controversy sparked an internet war between Black Twitter and Neurodivergent TikTok, Josh urges everyone to turn their outrage to the real culprits, the BBC. Award-winning actor and star of the new NBC series, "The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins," Erika Alexander, talks with Michael about returning to TV with a star-studded cast in her first mockumentary sitcom. She discusses how facing the discriminatory systems of Hollywood in the 90s after her starring run in "Living Single" led her to create opportunities for herself and marginalized communities through her production company, Color Farm Media, and shares advice for up-and-coming Black actors trying to make it in the entertainment industry: "present your authentic self... and haul ass." --- To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/dailyshow Right now, go to https://quince.com/dailyshow for free shipping and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Kosta breaks down the first four days of Trump's war on Iran: the U.S. government offers to evacuate Americans from the Middle East via bus, Trump stocks up for another forever war, conservatives quibble over the definition of "war," and friendly fire takes out $300 million worth of U.S. fighter jets. Leslie Jones tackles one of the great mysteries of life: What the hell is wrong with men? She dives into the male loneliness epidemic, misogynistic podcasts, non-human girlfriend alternatives, and dirty buttholes that are keeping men from living their best lives, before serving up some free therapy. Award-winning filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir joins Michael to discuss her two Oscar-nominated documentaries. They talk about the unvarnished interactions captured on body camera footage in “The Perfect Neighbor,” incorporating difficult footage of grief to bear witness to the effects of gun violence, the dangers of “stand your ground” laws in allowing racial bias, depicting the intersection of faith and women’s reproductive rights in “The Devil Is Busy,” and how filmmaking holds a mirror to society to expose new perspectives. --- To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/dailyshow Right now, go to https://quince.com/dailyshow for free shipping and 365-day returns. --- (00:00) Headlines (09:51) Leslie Jones on Men (21:57) Director Geeta Gandbhir Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Stewart dives into America and Israel’s impromptu attack on Iran, Trump’s laid-back war announcement from the Mar-a-Lago basement, and MAGA’s refusal to sell the American people on the plan, purpose, and duration of the war. Plus, Jordan Klepper reveals America’s calculated war strategy: winging it. Award-winning filmmaker Jafar Panahi sits down with Jon and his interpreter Sheida Dayani to discuss his latest film, “It Was Just An Accident,” which is currently nominated for two Academy Awards. They talk about suffering a 20-year ban from filmmaking under the Iranian regime, the difference between a socially engaged filmmaker and one who caters to audiences, displaying the difference between humanity and authoritarianism through characters' doubt, and why, despite censorship and mass killings, he continues to return to Iran. --- Right now, go to https://quince.com/dailyshow for free shipping and 365-day returns. To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://Hims.com/dailyshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*This episode was recorded on Thursday, February 26, before military action began in Iran. This week's host Michael Kosta sits down with Daily Show writer Randall Otis to recap the latest news, and preview what's coming up. They discuss their frustrations with Trump's latest State of the Union address, the NYPD's overreaction to a New York City snowball fight, and the political fallout from the USA Men's Hockey team's politicized victory lap through congress and the White House. Plus Kosta unpacks his visit to sexy space camp. Looking ahead, they turn their gaze on the upcoming Texas senate primaries, and the buildup toward war in Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As long simmering tensions between the United States and Iran have again boiled over into military action, we take a look back to 2009, when Daily Show correspondent Jason Jones visited Iran on the eve of citizen protests against the regime that erupted into violence. In his four part series "Behind the Veil" Jason visits Tehran to interact with everyday Iranians, and talk to activists and journalists like Ebrahim Yazdi, and Maziar Bahari, who was arrested and imprisoned for his participation, but returned to discuss his incarceration with Jon Stewart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Stewart weighs in on Trump's tantrum after the Supreme Court voided his tariffs, MAGA co-opting the U.S. men's hockey win as their own, and why America might be on the brink of war with Iran. Desi Lydic covers RFK Jr.'s erotic workout video with Kid Rock, Kristi Noem's taxpayer-funded f**k plane, and the president's grisly, record-long State of the Union. Plus, Desi examines the latest fallout from the Epstein files, including Bill Gates oversharing about his romantic affairs and Hillary Clinton giving closed-door testimony to the House Oversight Committee. --- (0:00) Jon Stewart Headlines (20:28) Desi on RFK's Erotic Workout Vid (28:48) Desi on State of the Union (34:15) Desi on New Epstein Fallout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Desi Lydic dives into the latest fallout from the Epstein files: Bill Gates overshares about his romantic affairs, Bill and Hillary Clinton give closed-door congressional testimony about their Epstein ties, and an explosive allegation against Trump resurfaces despite the DOJ's best efforts to bury it. Plus, Republicans spin a snowball fight into an act of terrorism against the NYPD, and Michael Kosta heads to the scene to collect evidence before it melts. Grace Kuhlenschmidt has the latest on the hottest tech advancements, including fart-tracking underwear, science-backed dance moves for men, Waymo’s human solution to car doors left open, and an AI video of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise that answers the question: Who killed Jeffrey Epstein? Christa Miller, star and music supervisor of the Apple TV series “Shrinking,” joins Desi Lydic to discuss her personal connection to her character’s empty nester storyline, how this role has made her more comfortable with vulnerability as an actor, and what it’s like working on the series with her husband Bill Lawrence, the show’s creator and executive producer. Miller also shares how years working in NYC nightclubs prepared her for music supervision and Desi reveals the IMDB credit they have in common. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Desi Lydic recaps Donald Trump's record-long State of the Union address – which was part true crime podcast, part white noise machine –  including the the GOP waking up with rock-hard glutes from all the standing ovations they gave and the president giving out awards to every person in attendance... except for Troy Iwata. Jordan Klepper spotlights LindellTV, a 24/7 news outlet from an innovative media pioneer: The My Pillow Guy. Filled with A-list MAGA members, original rap music, ads within ads, and technical difficulties, LindellTV is asking the tough questions, like “Why does Trump look healthier than ever before?” Bestselling author of "The Anxious Generation" Jonathan Haidt and bestselling author of "How to Break Up with Your Phone" Catherine Price join Desi to discuss their new collaboration, "The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World." They talk about teaching kids how to own their lives so tech doesn’t own them, comprising a “rebel code” that prioritizes real friendship, freedom, and fun over phones, how parents can create a structured space and time for screens within homes, and why we should press our government to intervene in the mental health crisis caused by big tech. --- For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at Mengotomars.com --- (00:00) State of the Union Recap (06:26) Troy Iwata Wants a Medal (11:51) Jordan Klepper On LindellTV (21:23) Guests Jonathan Haidt & Catherine Price (35:12) Moment of Zen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Desi Lydic rounds up the latest vomit-inducing news from Trump's cabinet, including Health Secretary RFK Jr.'s shirtless sauna workout/milk-chugging video with Kid Rock, JD Vance's hot ranch crescent roll recipe that apparently food-poisoned Usha into marrying him, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's taxpayer-funded deportation f**k plane. Plus, after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr urged TV networks to air more pro-America content for the country's 250th birthday, Jordan Klepper keeps The Daily Show from getting too critical of the government with some patriotic public domain bangers. As climate change and nuclear war pose existential threats to humanity, space travel offers an increasingly plausible solution, but there's one big piece of the puzzle that still needs solving: space sex. Michael Kosta talks to scientists Simon Dubé and Maria Santaguida about their research on making space sex possible, and tests if he's got what it takes to join the thousand-mile-high club. Padma Lakshmi, Emmy-nominated TV host, Executive Producer, and Creator of the new CBS series “America’s Culinary Kitchen,” sits down with Desi to discuss her return to the reality cooking competition genre. She describes the freedom she had to create this show from the ground up and how each choice was done with the mission of supporting chefs and bringing together the best culinary talent in the world. Lakshmi also expresses how the Trump administration’s attacks on immigrants threatens the bedrock of the entire country, especially in the food sector, and roasts JD Vance’s cooking skills (or lack thereof). For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at Mengotomars.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Team USA sweeps Canada for gold in Olympic hockey, Jon Stewart navigates how MAGA interprets this win as proof of America's democratic superiority, and Desi Lydic homes in on the U.S. Olympic team's secret weapon: superior political systems. Plus, Jon explains how the Supreme Court took a wrecking ball to Trump’s tariff strategy and examines why the U.S. is on the brink of war with Iran. A. Mechele Dickerson, University of Texas law professor and author of "The Middle-Class New Deal: Restoring Upward Mobility and the American Dream," joins Jon to discuss how the government created the middle class they’ve now abandoned, how mortgage interest deductions, HOA exclusions, and school hours hinder the middle class, and how to restore the tentpoles of pension jobs and home ownership that fuel the middle-class American dream. For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts at Mars Men at Mengotomars.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's Daily Show host Desi Lydic is joined by writer / producer Matt O'Brien to recap the news of the week, and preview what's to come. They tackle Team USA’s historic Olympic hockey win against Canada, Kash Patel’s beer-filled and crazy-eyed celebration, TSA PreCheck's temporary blackout, Trump’s juvenile response to the Supreme Court ruling his tariffs illegal, and what the NYC blizzard and the State of the Union have in common: they make you want to curl into a ball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we approach the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, take a look back at The Daily Show's early coverage with Trevor Noah. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Misty May-Treanor, and Megan Rapinoe. Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at https://meetfabric.com/daily Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Daily Show salute to Black History Month. Take a look back with coverage from Josh Johnson, Trevor Noah, Roy Wood Jr., Jessica Williams, Dulce Sloan, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Catch up on all the biggest news of the week. Jon Stewart digs into MAGA's outrage over Bad Bunny's all-Spanish Super Bowl halftime show, Turning Point USA's "All-American" halftime alternative, and the president achieving new heights of racism with a social media post dehumanizing the Obamas. Jordan Klepper weighs in on Howard Lutnick's lunch with Jeffrey Epstein, Trump's "more than a million" mentions in the Epstein files, and Pam Bondi's congressional crash-out over Epstein questions. Plus, Jordan comments on Trump winning the inaugural Undisputed Champion of Clean Coal award, and the president's subsequent attack on the EPA's ability to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jordan Klepper digs into Trump’s newest fake award, “Undisputed Champion of Beautiful Clean Coal," and how the president is embodying the win by committing the Pentagon to buying electricity from coal-powered plants, blocking the EPA’s ability to curb greenhouse gas emissions, and assuring miners that they wouldn’t want any other life. Grace Kuhlenschmidt talks to American digital nomads living in Mexico City, who bravely moved across the border for a life of cheap rent, no taxes, and bottomless margaritas, and hears from unamused locals who have been priced out of their homes and are pushing back against the gentrification of their neighborhoods and culture. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey talks to Jordan Klepper in the wake of Border Czar Tom Homan’s announcement that he will finally be ending Operation Metro Surge and withdrawing ICE agents from the city. They discuss how this development is a credit to the activism and strength of the people of Minneapolis, whose citizen journalism and support for their neighbors serve as an inspirational example to the country for how to push back against the Trump Administration, and his meeting with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani about protecting American cities from unconstitutional action by speaking up and not backing down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attorney General Pam Bondi goes off the rails in front of Congress over Epstein questions, an Olympic biathlete confesses to an affair after winning a bronze medal, and Grace Kuhlenschmidt gives Jordan Klepper the easy-to-solve riddle of Trump's sudden opposition to opening a new U.S.-Canada bridge. The U.S. might have a lot of problems, but Troy Iwata reminds us that other countries aren't perfect, either! He dives into an impersonal Chinese app for checking that your loved ones are alive without having to talk to them, french fries in England trying to drown themselves in the ocean, and militarized roaches in Germany, in a new segment called "So Not Our Problem!" Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Jarecki sits down with Jordan to discuss the impact of his Oscar-nominated documentary “The Alabama Solution.” They talk about the multi-year investigation into the Alabama prison system through contraband cell phone footage, how inhumane treatment and suspicious deaths inspired a group of incarcerated men to become freedom fighters on the inside, the harsh punishments they’ve received for activism and work strikes, and how Alex Pretti’s death serves as a reminder of the power of truth-telling through cell phone footage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices