The Daily Show: Ears Edition

Jordan Klepper covers Trump's lavish welcome in Qatar and lifting of Syrian sanctions, while RFK Jr. lands himself in muddy waters over swimming in a contaminated creek. Plus, Grace Kuhlenschmidt and Troy Iwata fight over investigating Trump’s $400 million jet vs. the sewage-tainted Rock Creek. The Trump administration is full of corruption, bigotry, and incompetence, but there's one thing about them that Leslie Jones hates the most: They're f**king GOOFY! She breaks down how Elon's dad jokes, RFK Jr.'s sewage-swimming, and everything about JD Vance are only Making America Goofy Asses. Colum McCann, National Book Award-winning author, sits down with Jordan to discuss his latest novel, “Twist,” which follows the people who fix the underwater cables that carry the world’s digital information at the extreme depths of the ocean. He shares what fascinated him about the concept, especially the themes of disconnection and repair, and how his global nonprofit, Narrative 4, teaches young people how to find connection through the exchange of stories. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Jordan Klepper breaks down day one of Saudi Arabia’s effort to buy Trump’s affection: Arabian horses, a McDonald’s food truck, some business deals, and a mid-meeting nap. Plus, Michael Kosta is so taken by the Saudis' lavish welcome he almost forgets about their oppression and orchestration of 9/11. Trump's 2024 campaign blitz through right-wing podcasters and influencers bought him a big win among young male voters, so Jordan Klepper sat down with liberal darling and Twitch streamer Hasan Piker to better understand how the Left can find a bridge into bro culture, and how easily men are sucked into the manosphere by social media algorithms.  Award-winning filmmaker Matt Wolf sits down with Jordan to discuss his new two-part HBO documentary, “Pee-Wee as Himself,” which tells the story of the late comedian Paul Reubens in his own words. Wolf explains his goal to create a “portrait of an artist,” which was often at odds with Reubens’s vision, their “barbed” but “fun” dynamic behind the scenes, whether the actor’s passing informed the project, and how the “radical acceptance” of the original “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse” changed his life. For more about the rise of young Trump fans, check out Jordan Klepper's new special, "MAGA: The Next Generation," airing on May 19, right after The Daily Show on Comedy Central. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

After Trump teased an upcoming "big announcement" last week, Jon Stewart contemplates what news Americans are supposed to be so psyched for: the possible suspension of d]cess, Trump's appointment of Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as D.C. district attorney, Qatar's $400 million luxury jet "gift" for Trump, or lower prices on the "fat shot drug"? Retired four-star general who served 34 years in the U.S. Army, General Stanley McChrystal, sits down with Jon to discuss his book "On Character: Choices that Define a Life." They talk about leading a national conversation on character, employing empathy in war to negotiate with ideological warriors and mercenaries, what upset him most about Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth’s Signal chat leak, and how his wife taught him to live “with no use for the rear view mirror.” In 2024, 70% of nationwide elections went uncontested. The Daily Show knows that when we don’t have choices, democracy suffers, so we’re partnering with HeadCount for “InDecision: Take a Seat,” to shine a light on vital offices and encourage you to throw your hat in the ring. Learn more at TheDailyShow.com/TakeASeat [http://thedailyshow.com/TakeASeat]. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

There's a new pope, and he's made in America. Celebrate the election of Chicago's Pope Leo XIV with a look back at The Daily Show's papal past.  Jon Stewart breaks down all the news following the death of Pope John Paul II with help from Ed Helms. Jon discovers the Pope has a Twitter handle. Ed Helms demos his conclave simulator. Jon covers the ascendance of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, and finally covers the papal views on economics, aka Popenomics.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

There's still time to order flowers, but you're going to have to move fast. It's Mother's Day! Trevor Noah and Desi Lydic discuss the best ways to celebrate Mother's Day (by leaving moms alone). Jon Stewart sits down with former president Jimmy Carter to talk about his book A Remarkable Mother. Desi dives back in to unpack the history of why we celebrate Mother's Day. Author Angela Garbes joins Trevor to discuss her book Essential Labor. Between the scenes, Trevor explains why his mother will never be on the show. Congresswoman Lucy McBath joins to discuss her book Standing our Ground: A Mother's Story and how losing her son motivated her to run for change. John Leguizamo's mom comes on to spill the beans on his childhood. Finally, Trevor shares memories of his beloved grandmother, Frances Noah.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.