The Daily Zeitgeist
iHeartPodcasts
There’s more news and less comprehension today than any historical period that didn’t involve literal witch trials, and trying to stay on top of it all can feel like playing a game of telephone with 30 people, except everyone’s speaking at the same time and like a third of them are openly racist for some reason. From Cracked co-founder Jack O’Brien, THE DAILY ZEITGEIST is stepping into that fray with some of the funniest and smartest comedic and journalistic minds around. Jack and co-host Miles Gray spend up to an hour every weekday sorting through the events and stories driving the headlines, to help you find the signal in the noise, with a few laughs thrown in for free.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 13, 2026 • 26min
Trenderstellar 5/13: Trump, Mamdani Budget, 'Rush Hour 4', ICE, Nebraska Senate Race, Cruise Ships
Discussion of a political leader dismissing Americans' financial worries and how that ties into foreign policy. Coverage of Iran keeping much of its military capability. New York's mayor presenting a balanced 2027 budget and the politics around it. Reports that most ICE detainments were ruled unlawful. Updates on a strange Nebraska Senate race and cruise ship outbreaks and scandals.
May 13, 2026 • 1h 6min
Teenage Spermland, President Baby’s Toxic Sandbox 05.13.26
Vince Mancini, writer and comedian known for sharp film and pop-culture takes, joins to riff on wild media moments. They tackle RFK Jr.’s sensational teen sperm claims, Stephen Miller’s quiet influence on policy, whether Westworld needs another reboot, and the bizarre saga of White House rubble dumped at a DC golf course with toxic soil findings.
May 13, 2026 • 1h 15min
Winner Winner Roast Dinner
They break down a tense Arsenal win, from late goals to injury and substitution drama. VAR controversy gets a detailed replay and reaction. Title race and Man City implications are debated. Real Madrid training brawl and squad unrest are recounted. Manager styles, locker-room culture and Champions League final matchups round out the football chat.
May 12, 2026 • 30min
Trendie Nights Babies 5/12: Trump Phone, Inflation, Nebraska Senate Race, Sean Duffy, Cole Allen
Conversation covers a mysterious Trump phone preorder saga and related no-bid contracts. They dig into rising inflation and how wages lag behind price increases. The chaotic Nebraska Senate race and Democratic strategy problems get attention. They also discuss Sean Duffy's sponsored road trip, Cole Allen pleading not guilty, and a stolen Beyoncé hard drive plea deal.
May 12, 2026 • 1h 8min
Muffin But Net, James Cameron: Face Stealer 05.12.26
Chris Martin, UK stand-up comedian and co-host of Ain't It Footy, joins to riff on parenting mishaps and hilarious search history. He debates muffin etiquette, explores outrage over World Cup ticket prices and hotel woes, and dives into lawsuits about celebrity likenesses with sharp comic takes. Fast, funny, and packed with sports and pop culture tangents.
May 11, 2026 • 54min
Boogie Nights Babies 5/11: Voting Rights Act, UFO Files, Trump's Golden Calf, Iran
They riff on the Supreme Court ruling and the fast gerrymandering moves reshaping voting rights in the South. They mock the theatrical rollout of newly released UFO files and question what, if anything, is new. Conversation turns to the uproar over a giant golden statue and visa drama tied to a former president. They close with an update on Iran’s peace proposal and escalating regional violence.
May 11, 2026 • 1h 30min
Icon #22 - Anna Wintour: The Ice Queen of Fashion
Mono (Mano Agapion), comedian and writer known for sharp cultural riffs, brings comedic anecdotes and bite to a deep dive on Anna Wintour. They riff on her trademark bob and sunglasses. They unpack her rise from privileged beginnings, fierce leadership style, and the Met Gala's blending of celebrity and fashion.
May 10, 2026 • 54min
Weekly Zeitgeist 430 (Best of 5/4/26-5/8/26)
A rapid best-of roundup covering viral rap origins and memorable emcee names. A nostalgic look at movie theaters and quirky cinema rituals. Reactions to a Tim Heidecker InfoWars parody and the Alex Jones shutdown drama. A heated conversation about DNC transparency, party structure, and voter apathy. Stories about product recalls and McDonald’s ditching self-serve soda.
May 8, 2026 • 1h 4min
Whisky D***khead, Travolta’s Hot Mom 05.08.26
Holly Brown, comedian and host of Everybody Knows But Me, brings 90s sitcom nostalgia and sharp pop-culture takes. They riff on Kash Patel’s personalized bourbon drama, Kim Kardashian’s ChatGPT bar exam saga, and John Travolta’s bizarre new film trailer. Expect playful stories, TV-inflected observations, and laugh-out-loud tangents.
May 7, 2026 • 28min
Vick's Vape-o-Trend 5/7: Hantavirus, "Manic" Markets, Epstein, Detective Stranglione
They cover new Hantavirus cases and why it likely won't mirror past pandemics. A viral CIA time-traveler tweet gets unpacked and debunked. The conversation turns to a manic-feeling stock market and corporate profiteering from oil. They examine an unsealed note tied to Epstein and the strange custody placement of an alleged attacker.
