America, China, and the Tech Cold War with Chris Miller

The Messy, Beautiful World Cup with Roger Bennett and Tariq Panja

Jun 24, 20261h 29mSummary

In this episode of The Weekly Show, Jon Stewart hosts Roger Bennett of Men in Blazers and New York Times sports correspondent Tariq Panja to discuss the profound cultural impact of the World Cup. Moving beyond the headlines, the conversation explores how the tournament serves as a unique mirror to global society, reflecting both the beauty of human connection and the complexities of international politics. The guests analyze the growth of soccer in the United States and the excitement surrounding the national team’s performance. They reflect on the tournament's ability to transcend borders, highlighting stories of international fans coming together and the emergence of unexpected underdog narratives, such as the rise of Cape Verde. While acknowledging the often-corrupt bureaucracy of FIFA and the darker geopolitical realities that shadow the game, the hosts argue that the World Cup remains a deeply human experience. They conclude that the event belongs to the people rather than the governing bodies, functioning as an essential source of community, memory-making, and collective joy in an increasingly divided world.

America 250: History vs. Mythology with Annette Gordon-Reed and David Blight

Jun 17, 20261h 28mSummary

In this episode of The Weekly Show, host Jon Stewart invites esteemed historians Annette Gordon-Reed and David Blight to explore the complexities surrounding America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The conversation centers on the intense modern polarization over the nation’s origin story and the competing visions of what the country represents. Blight and Gordon-Reed discuss the resistance to a nuanced, truthful historical narrative, noting that many political actors prefer a nostalgic, sanitized version of the past to serve their current ideological agendas. The guests argue that by controlling the narrative—specifically by de-emphasizing the roles of race, slavery, and systemic inequality—these groups aim to protect a specific social and cultural order. They emphasize that history is inherently political and that origin stories are often used to justify or reject modern progress, such as the social advancements achieved since the Civil War and the implementation of the 14th Amendment. The discussion also touches on the danger of cherry-picking historical anecdotes to fuel culture wars and the importance of acknowledging empathy as a vital component of understanding the American experience. Ultimately, the historians stress that engaging with the messy, complex reality of history is not an act of national shame, but a necessary step in fulfilling the country's aspirational ideals.

Elon Musk and America's Tech Oligarchy with Quinn Slobodian

Jun 10, 20261h 37mSummary

In this episode of The Weekly Show, Jon Stewart sits down with historian Quinn Slobodian to dissect the rise of "Muskism," a term used to describe the current era of digital capitalism led by a small class of powerful technologists. Moving beyond the figure of Elon Musk himself, the conversation examines how individuals like him have become central to the state’s operations, drawing parallels to the era of Henry Ford and industrial capitalism. Slobodian argues that while Fordism created a social contract that included workers through unions and collective bargaining, the current model of Muskism prioritizes efficiency and technological dominance at the expense of labor stability and democratic accountability. The discussion highlights how figures like Musk have effectively hacked corporate governance, allowing them to retain absolute control while tapping into global capital markets. Stewart and Slobodian further explore the complex, often symbiotic, relationship between the tech sector and government military needs, tracing how state support helped birth the current tech oligarchy. Ultimately, the episode serves as a critical reflection on how these modern "techno-kings" wield unprecedented influence over society, often operating outside the traditional constraints of political and economic oversight.

The Iran War and Our Energy Future with David Wallace-Wells

Jun 3, 20261h 33mSummary

In this episode of The Weekly Show, Jon Stewart sits down with writer and journalist David Wallace-Wells to navigate the complex landscape of current existential threats. Moving beyond his well-known work on climate change, Wallace-Wells discusses how his focus has expanded to include the geopolitical instability in the Middle East and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. The conversation centers on the war with Iran, which Wallace-Wells characterizes as a poorly conceived conflict that has significantly weakened America’s global standing. He argues that this war, driven more by a desire to project imperial power than by clear strategic objectives, has fundamentally rewritten the rules of modern combat. Through the lens of drone warfare and the shift in economic leverage, he examines how lesser powers are increasingly capable of neutralizing the technological advantages of superpowers. Throughout the discussion, Stewart and Wallace-Wells explore the widening chasm between the lives of ordinary citizens and the elite decision-makers who shape the world economy. They touch on the influence of AI, the nature of contemporary political rhetoric, and the inherent risks of leaders who operate with little regard for the real-world consequences of their actions.

The Real Election Threat with Casey Newton and Renée DiResta

Silicon Valley Goes to War

At War in the Middle East, Again with Christiane Amanpour and Amb. Wendy Sherman

The State of Things with Ali Velshi

The Wealth of Wall Street with Oren Cass

The Irrational Economy with Richard Thaler