On Mondays, Jon Stewart hosts The Daily Show, but on Thursdays, he's back in your ears with The Weekly Show -- a podcast featuring in-depth conversations with a range of special guests. From experts and advocates, to stakeholders and thought leaders, we discuss the challenges, changes, and ideas that are shaping our world.
As the economy reels from Trump's sweeping tariffs, Jon is joined by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to examine the fallout. Together, they explore what Trump's levies mean for everyday Americans, discuss how to bridge the divide between politicians and the people they serve, and consider how a new generation of leadership might rebuild in the years ahead. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social media for more: > YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weeklyshowpodcast > Inst...
As the Trump administration targets the federal workforce, we're joined by Michael Lewis, editor of and contributor to The New York Times bestselling collection "WHO IS GOVERNMENT?: The Untold Story of Public Service.” Together, they explore the vital yet uncelebrated work of civil servants, discuss why negative perceptions of them persist, and consider what we may lose amid DOGE’s chainsawing. Plus, learn what your relationship with your mother says about your relationship with government. Foll...
Jon Stewart and Ezra Klein discuss the difficulties in turning progressive visions into reality, exploring bureaucratic obstacles and governmental inefficiencies. They analyze why government initiatives often fail to deliver expected results, using examples like broadband deployment and infrastructure projects. Klein emphasizes the need for government reform and a focus on outcomes over processes, while Stewart highlights the challenges of balancing government oversight with effective action.
As the Trump administration pursues a dramatic economic realignment, we're joined by Adam Tooze, author of Chartbook on Substack, and Sohrab Ahmari, US Editor of UnHerd and author of Tyranny, Inc., to examine the feasibility and implications of an American industrial revival. We analyze the administration's strategy for reshoring manufacturing, debate whether reversing globalization is possible or desirable, and consider what economic nationalism would accomplish for a workforce that has largely...
Jon Stewart and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa explore the parallels between the Philippines' democratic decline and the current political climate in the United States, focusing on the weaponization of digital platforms against truth and the erosion of democratic institutions. They discuss the rise of authoritarianism, the role of technology, and strategies for resistance to protect democracy. Ressa emphasizes the importance of facts, law, and individual action in combating manipulation and preserving a shared reality.
Jon Stewart and Nick Gillespie explore libertarian principles, discussing where they align with and diverge from contemporary political approaches. They debate the role of government in free markets, individual freedom, and the public good, while also considering the potential impacts of current political trends.
Jon Stewart and Jen Psaki discuss the Democratic Party's current challenges, including messaging failures, policy issues, and the need to reconnect with working-class voters. They analyze Trump's appeal, media dynamics, and potential paths forward for Democrats, emphasizing the importance of economic populism and a clear diagnosis of systemic problems.
Amid the disarray in Washington, we're joined by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss leading the opposition during Trump's second term. We examine his strategy for countering Republican overreach, explore what resistance looks like this time around, and consider how Democrats might harness this moment to forge a more responsive and effective party. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social media for more: > YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weeklyshowpodcast > Instagram: h...
The second Trump administration is off to a chaotic start. To better understand the President’s mindset and motivations, we’re joined this week by Trump friend-turned-foe, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Plus, we delve into issues like DEI and meritocracy, and consider how both parties might evolve in a new Trump era. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social media for more: > YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weeklyshowpodcast > Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weeklyshow...
As Trump returns to the White House, backed by a coalition of billionaires and blue-collar workers alike, we’re joined by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). Together, we confront the growing disconnect between Democrats and their working class roots, discuss strategies for advancing progressive priorities in a resistant Congress, and explore what it would take to rebuild a party that actually delivers for working people. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social media for mo...
As America braces for a second Trump administration, we're joined by historian Jon Meacham to place our current moment within the broader sweep of U.S. history. Together, we examine whether Trump's explicit rhetoric about territorial expansion and open billionaire support truly represents something unprecedented, reflect on how the Biden administration might be remembered, and consider what patterns from our past tell us about America's future. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social m...
As 2024 draws to a close, we're joined by Mark Cuban to reflect on how technology, business, and politics shaped this year. Together we explore his foray into the political arena as a surrogate for Kamala Harris, his mission to disrupt America's healthcare system, and ways government might harness AI to tackle the country’s most entrenched problems. Plus, Mark gives Jon a lesson in crypto. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social media for more: > YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weekl...
As Americans’ faith in government reaches historic lows and billionaires turn their attention to government efficiency, we are joined by Senator Bernie Sanders. Together, we discuss how to restore trust in public institutions by making them more accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social media for more: > YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weeklyshowpodcast > Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weeklyshowpodcast > TikTok: https://tikt...
In the weeks following the election, Democrats are confronting uncomfortable questions as to why much of the electorate—particularly men—abandoned the Left. This week, we're joined by Richard Reeves, President of the American Institute for Boys and Men, and Annie Lowrey, staff writer at The Atlantic. Together, we examine how the party might speak to both modern men and women, and bridge the gap between aspirational rhetoric and practical achievements. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on s...
As Democrats try to understand their eroding support among working-class voters, we're joined by Sarah Smarsh, author of "Bone of the Bone: Essays on America by a Daughter of the Working Class.” Together, we delve into the intersection of class and identity, discuss why the Democrats' appeals to working people have fallen short, and consider how progressive politics might rebuild its relationship with working-class communities. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social media for more: > ...
In the aftermath of Trump's victory, Americans are rightfully worried about what the second Trump administration may bring. This week, we're joined by Heather Cox Richardson, author of “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America.” Together, we explore what our past can teach us about the resiliency of our democratic institutions as we navigate an uncertain future. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social media for more: > YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weeklyshowpodcast > Ins...
With less than a week until the election, Americans face a stark choice about their country's future. While Trump's supporters wave flags from the Revolutionary War — a war fought against a king —Trump seeks to expand presidential authority and claim immunity from wrongdoing. This week, we're joined by Mona Charen, Policy Editor at The Bulwark and host of "Beg to Differ" podcast, and Harvard Professor Emeritus Laurence H. Tribe, to explore Trump's shallow patriotism and his disregard for the ver...
Money in politics isn't new, but billionaire influence in our elections has reached staggering levels – and 2024 could break all previous election spending records. From the presidential race to down ballot elections and think tanks to media empires, wealthy donors are reshaping American democracy in ways voters rarely see. Joining us to follow the money trail are New York Times reporters Teddy Schleifer and Ken Vogel, who help us explore how the ultra-wealthy leverage their resources across the...
You’ve heard the Republican ticket’s pro-worker rhetoric. It often contradicts their own actions and party ideology, but is representative of an emerging faction within the right wing. Joining us to explore this new conservative ideology are Oren Cass, Chief Economist at American Compass, and Zachary Carter, author of "The Price of Peace: Money, Democracy, and the Life of John Maynard Keynes." Together, we delve into key policy battlegrounds, from labor rights and immigration to domestic manufac...
In the aftermath of 2020, and with 2024 voting already underway, election integrity remains a pivotal issue in our political discourse. Joining us this week for a bipartisan breakdown of election security myths vs. facts are Stacey Abrams, voting rights activist and host of "Assembly Required," and Matt Masterson, Senior Director of Microsoft's Democracy Forward Program. Together, they lay bare the real vulnerabilities and safeguards of our voting system. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart ...
With the election just over a month away, Americans are caught between a flood of political promises and the reality that we live in a time of political dysfunction. Joining us this week to explore the root causes are Ezra Klein, opinion columnist at The New York Times, host of "The Ezra Klein Show" podcast, and author of "Why We're Polarized," alongside Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology and co-host of "Your Undivided Attention" podcast. We examine how engagement-dri...
As world leaders descend upon NYC for the UN General Assembly, London Mayor Sadiq Khan joins us to discuss the parallel challenges facing the UK and US. The conversation dives into both countries’ elections, explores the impacts of misinformation, immigration, and populism, and examines the responsibilities of the media and politicians to educate and inform. Later, Stephanie Kelton, Economics Professor at Stony Brook University and author of "The Deficit Myth," offers a fresh perspective on our ...
Inflation has eased, but many Americans aren’t feeling the relief. Their concern is front and center this election, where the economy remains the pivotal issue for voters. As the Federal Reserve cuts rates this week, we delve into competing views on the root causes of recent price surges, the Fed's response to those surges, and the effects of demand-side vs. supply-side stimulus on the American economy. Joining us for a lively conversation are Kitty Richards, Senior Fellow at Groundwork Collabor...
In an election cycle where debates have been more impactful than ever, what influence has the first, and perhaps only, meeting between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump had on voters? To unpack the debate and its implications for each campaign, we’re joined by Ashley Parker, Senior National Political Correspondent for The Washington Post, and David Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic. Together, we explore how debate formats constrain real messaging, which candidates gained or lost ground, and, of ...
The Democratic National Convention is in full swing, but what influence does it have on the election? Once a hotbed of debate, drama, and actual decision-making, the DNC has transformed into a carefully choreographed media event where political insiders pretend to decide things they've already decided. So what are we doing here? This week, we dive into these questions with Zolan Kanno-Youngs, White House Correspondent with the New York Times and CNN political analyst, and Jill Lepore, Professor ...
In a matter of weeks, the Democrats have unveiled a new ticket – injecting fresh energy into a presidential race once considered a foregone conclusion. Who better to illuminate this shift than Senator Amy Klobuchar, who ran against Vice President Harris for President in 2020, served alongside her in the Senate, and represents Minnesota just like Governor Walz? This week, we dive into the Democratic Party's seismic change, and explore the intricacies of VP selection and vetting. Drawing from her ...
The right-wing talks a big economic populist game, claiming that the working class is their chief concern. But their pro-worker words don’t translate into pro-worker actions. During the first Trump administration, for instance, Republicans killed raising the minimum wage and created a higher threshold for workers to be eligible for overtime pay. Plus, Trump’s Supreme Court justice selections represent the most anti-worker judges in a century. This week, we’re joined by Steven Greenhouse, the lab...
In the turbulent month since President Biden’s disastrous debate performance, the media has been speculating as to whether it was probable, or even possible, for him to drop out of the race. Turns out, it was both. In light of Biden’s historic decision, how effectively did the media guide the public through the election chaos? This week, helping us to contextualize the moment and understand the challenges in covering it, we’re joined by Doris Kearns Goodwin, presidential historian and Pulitzer P...
It has been a few days since the attempted assassination of former President Trump. Both sides in our polarized political system have retreated to their respective corners and cast blame on the other, making it more difficult than ever to engage in healthy debate with political adversaries. Joining us to do just that is Bill O’Reilly, Anchor of No Spin News and Author of the upcoming book, Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon S...
After a lackluster debate performance, calls are mounting for President Biden to drop out of the 2024 race. Yet, he insists he is still running. Is this the right move? Joining us to explore our current conundrum, we’re joined by Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor, Founders of Crooked Media, hosts of Pod Save America and Authors of Democracy or else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps, as well as Bakari Sellers, CNN political commentator and Author of The Moment. Together, they hash out the best pat...
