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
Jan 22, 2026 • 32min
Zeitos… The Trendmaker 1/22: Oscar Noms, Sinners, Trump, Davos, Board Of Peace, Pitchfork
Blake Wexler, a comedian and special guest co-host, joins to bring humor to some hot topics. They dive deep into the record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations for 'Sinners,' discussing notable snubs. Trump’s cringe-worthy appearance at Davos and his controversial 'Board of Peace' initiative are put under the microscope. Plus, the duo critiques Pitchfork's shift to a subscription model, expressing frustration at the changing landscape of music criticism. This lively banter mixes culture with commentary, making for an engaging listen!
Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 6min
Proving The Haters Right, MAGA = The Borg Is Cool! 01.22.26
This week’s guest is Ramzi Fawaz, an English professor and author with expertise in comics and cultural studies. He dives into how celebrity culture fills democratic voids and critiques unhealthy romance narratives. Ramzi also highlights college student activism and the challenges they face with social media and AI. Discussing the conservative reclamation of Star Trek, he underscores its values of diversity and community. Finally, he laments how fandoms have come to replace traditional religious meanings in our society.
Jan 21, 2026 • 26min
We Sometimes Finish Each Others' Sandwiches 1/21: Lindsey Halligan, Usha Vance, Trump @ Davos
The hosts dive into Lindsey Halligan's unqualified exit as a U.S. attorney and critique her courtroom stumbles. Usha Vance's pregnancy announcement prompts amusing speculation about her and JD Vance's parenting skills. Trump's cringeworthy speech at Davos is dissected, highlighting his confusion between Greenland and Iceland, along with his bizarre remarks about being called 'daddy.' The discussion shifts to elite survivalism and who the wealthy would save in an apocalypse, all while assessing the broader implications of Trump's behavior on global confidence.
Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 5min
EU To Trump: F*** Off! Senator HOME WRECKER! 01.21.26
In this lively discussion, a Danish lawmaker passionately tells Trump to 'F*** off' over Greenland remarks. A civil lawsuit against Senator Kyrsten Sinema raises eyebrows as she's accused of being a 'homewrecker' with wild allegations. The Bank of England is warned to prep for alien market disruptions—yes, aliens! Brooklyn Beckham doesn't hold back, calling out his famous parents for prioritizing fame over family. Tune in for a comedic take on politics, celebrity drama, and outrageous predictions!
Jan 20, 2026 • 56min
Milk… It Trends A Body Good 1/20: Nobel Peace Prize, Trump's Peace Board, "Hole" Milk
Join the hosts as they tackle Trump's surprising claim to the Nobel Peace Prize and his newly proposed 'Peace Board.' They explore the absurdity of whole milk culture wars and how trends affect school nutrition policies. The discussion dives into media fatigue regarding political leadership and the risks of normalizing extremism. Also, listen in as they connect milk purity to deeper societal symbols. Their banter is filled with humor and insightful commentary that makes serious topics entertaining.
Jan 20, 2026 • 1h 11min
Man Age, Pod Cast
This week, the hosts dive into the chaotic AFCON final, highlighting Senegal's controversial win and Sadio Mané's leadership. They share hilarious anecdotes about Premier League teams flopping, including a breakdown of Manchester United's derby triumph. The conversation flows from Arsenal's cup victory over Chelsea to the peculiarities of VAR and refereeing. Jamel opens up about the grind of comedian touring, while they also speculate on Xabi Alonso's coaching future. Expect a lively mix of football banter and behind-the-scenes insights!
Jan 19, 2026 • 57min
Oops... All Overrated / Underrated! 1.16.26
In a playful special segment for MLK Jr. Day, the hosts dive into the world of overrated and underrated topics. They rave about the resurgence of advice columns and the excitement around new cereals like Demogorgon Crunch. The critique of Squid Game raises questions on audience engagement, while a guest champions Vaseline over fancy lip products. Lost romantic gestures and the joy of buying landscaping rocks also spark laughter. Finally, they discuss how billion-dollar blockbusters may overshadow storytelling.
Jan 18, 2026 • 60min
Weekly Zeitgeist 414 (Best of 1/12/26-1/16/26)
Journalist and historian James Stout shares insights from his book on anarchists and revolutions. He examines how authoritarian rhetoric escalates, often labeling dissenters as terrorists. Stout draws parallels between protests in Myanmar, Syria, and Iran, highlighting tactics of young activists navigating state violence. The discussion also touches on the impacts of isolation on society and dark humor surrounding trending apps and cultural phenomena. A blend of serious reflection and comedic sketches makes for a captivating conversation.
Jan 16, 2026 • 1h 10min
Sinners X Marty Supreme Mashup, Piss Beats Ice 01.16.26
Vince Mancini, a sharp film critic known for his work on Film Drunk, joins comedian Pallavi Gunalan for a hilarious discussion. They riff on Trump's bizarre fixation with Greenland and the $40 million Melania documentary that’s become an online meme. Vince shares insights on how Marty Supreme almost morphed into a vampire movie, while the trio mock the disastrous morale at ICE, dissecting both absurd news clips and the public's reaction to protests. Tune in for their witty takes on the intersections of politics and pop culture!
Jan 15, 2026 • 28min
This Is Your Brain On Trends 1/15: ICE Shooting, Kristi Noem, EPA, FBI, Plato
Pallavi Gunalan, a stand-up comedian and writer, joins Jack O’Brien for a lively discussion covering urgent current events. They tackle the recent ICE shooting in Minnesota and the ensuing protests. The conversation shifts to Kristi Noem's potential impeachment and the EPA's controversial new business-friendly rules that undermine human life valuation. The duo also critiques the FBI's raids on journalists' homes, raising urgent concerns around press freedom, and highlights Texas A&M's censorship of Plato, reflecting on the growing trend of book bans.
