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
Feb 4, 2026 • 30min
Trending 9 To 5 2/4: Antifa, ICE/Minneapolis, Savannah Guthrie, Tulsi Gabbard
They debate the claim that an Antifa "leader" was identified and poke at social-media-driven federal responses. They unpack DHS pulling ICE agents from Minneapolis and whether it is real change or theater. They follow the developing story about Savannah Guthrie's missing mother and questions about the investigation. They touch on a whistleblower complaint tied to Tulsi Gabbard and national security concerns.
Feb 4, 2026 • 1h 7min
Hottest Congresswoman EVER!!! Millennial Nostalgia Gone Wrong 02.04.26
Pallavi Gunalan, stand-up comedian, writer, and producer of live comedy shows, joins to riff on political meltdowns and millennial nostalgia. They dig into Lindsey Graham’s sloppy on-air moments, Nancy Mace’s staff scandal, Philly DA Larry Krasner’s firebrand stance, and Xfinity’s de-aged Jurassic Park Super Bowl ad that misses the point. Quick, funny takes and pop-culture nostalgia collide.
Feb 3, 2026 • 25min
Moons Over My Trendy 2/3: MAGA Super Bowl Halftime, Tesla vs. Chinese Evs, The Clintons/Epstein Files
They riff on a secretive MAGA alternative Super Bowl halftime and mock the revealed country-leaning lineup. They explore how Chinese EVs are sprinting ahead of U.S. makers, with tech, range, and price comparisons. They discuss the Clintons agreeing to give a deposition about Epstein and the possible political optics around their testimony.
Feb 3, 2026 • 1h 30min
The 2000th Episode 02.03.26
A playful retrospective on the show’s origins, early producers, and memorable running bits. They revisit cringey anecdotes, recurring vocal stims, and fan-favorite catchphrases. Listener memories, standout interviews, and the community’s creative contributions take center stage. Nostalgic stories and wild on-air moments are celebrated with laughs and predictions for what comes next.
Feb 3, 2026 • 1h 15min
Pocket Full Of Billies
Banter about 'billies' crystals and a cheeky Premier League weekend primer. Deep dives into City’s collapse against Tottenham and Arsenal’s 4-0 dominance. Wild match chaos from Chelsea v West Ham and Joao Pedro’s emotional moment. Transfer window oddities, failed medical laughs, and theatrics from managers and VAR controversies.
Feb 2, 2026 • 1h 2min
A Mighty Trend 2/2: Epstein Files, Catherine O'Hara, Grammy's, Don Lemon, 'Melania'
They dig into the newly released Epstein files, questioning redactions and who might be missing. They remember Catherine O'Hara and celebrate her career highlights. They recap Grammy night mishaps and memorable speeches. They riff on the film 'Melania', box office chatter, and suspicious promotional tactics. They also touch on arrests tied to political reporting and local policing concerns.
Feb 2, 2026 • 1h 43min
Icon #8 Dolly Parton: WWDD?
Lydia Popovich, comedian and Dolly superfan, brings deep fandom knowledge and lively anecdotes. She explores Dolly’s saintlike cultural status, songwriting roots from Appalachian lore, iconic hits like Jolene, her savvy business moves, philanthropy and theme park controversies. Short, funny, and full of Dolly lore.
Feb 1, 2026 • 57min
Weekly Zeitgeist 416 (Best of 1/26/26-1/30/26)
Nicole, audio showrunner behind The Secret Adventures of Black People, drops in to reflect on politics and identity. Conversations jump from state violence and policing to TikTok ownership and censorship concerns. They probe the power of saying no, online activism around ICE, and media moves like controversial hires and streaming strategies.
Jan 30, 2026 • 1h 3min
CBS: Let’s Do WORSE, Fash Kink Rethink 01.30.26
TK Dutes, award-winning audio producer and storyteller behind The Secret Life of TK Dutes, chats about miniatures, crafting as burnout therapy, and setting firm boundaries. The conversation also tackles Bari Weiss’s shakeup at CBS, online subculture limits around extremism, and bizarre sea monster conspiracy theories. Short, witty, and wide-ranging.
Jan 29, 2026 • 28min
Trendy Supreme 1/29: Tom Homan/ICE, Election Office Raided, Melania Doc
They break down Tom Homan taking over ICE and the rhetoric surrounding his new role. They cover the FBI raid on a Georgia election warehouse and the political implications. They unpack the surprising ticket troubles and controversies around a Melania documentary. Short, sharp takes on trending political scoops and media stunts.
