Real Time with Bill Maher

HBO Podcasts
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Nov 6, 2021 • 57min

Ep. #583: Senator Amy Klobuchar, Glenn Loury, Michael Eric Dyson

Senator Amy Klobuchar, a leading advocate against monopolistic practices, discusses the effects of monopolies on democracy. Glenn Loury shares insights as an economist on societal issues, while Michael Eric Dyson explores the complexities of racial identity in America. The trio delves into topics like critical race theory's role in education, police reform, and the balance between economic challenges and public support for legislation. With a blend of satire and serious discussion, they tackle contemporary political narratives and the future of American democracy.
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Oct 30, 2021 • 60min

Ep. #582: Sean Spicer, Caitlin Flanagan, Sen. Chris Coons

Sean Spicer, former White House Press Secretary and author of "Radical Nation," joins Caitlin Flanagan, Staff writer at The Atlantic, and Sen. Chris Coons, a Democratic Senator from Delaware. They dive into Halloween traditions and humorous social media antics, while dissecting the internal strife within the Democratic Party on key issues like climate change and education. The trio also tackles the evolving notions of masculinity and heroism, questioning societal labels and the impact of pandemic responses.
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Oct 23, 2021 • 58min

Ep. #581: Saru Jayaraman, Andrew Yang, John McWhorter

Join Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage, Andrew Yang, entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, and linguist John McWhorter for an enlightening discussion. They delve into the Great Resignation, addressing low wages and the urgent need for economic reforms in the restaurant industry. The trio critiques the Democratic Party's messaging and its impact on voter support. They also tackle educational inequities in NYC and explore how party politics contribute to societal divisions, making a case for unity and alternative political reforms.
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Oct 9, 2021 • 57min

Ep. #580: Steven Pinker, Robert Costa, Michael Render (aka Killer Mike)

Join cognitive scientist Steven Pinker, journalist Robert Costa, and rapper Killer Mike as they tackle a range of pressing issues. They discuss the intersection of political accountability and ghost stories, pondering the supernatural while critiquing leadership failures. The trio dives into the need for police reform and the realities of wealth disparity, alongside a fintech initiative aimed at empowering marginalized communities. They also analyze immigration's impact on working-class voters and the unsettling landscape ahead of the 2024 election—where chaos may loom.
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Oct 2, 2021 • 58min

Ep. #579: Steven Van Zandt, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Matt Taibbi

Join journalist Matt Taibbi as he tackles hot-button issues from the political battleground, including debates on Democratic spending bills and the complexities of identity and activism in music. He offers a skeptical take on media portrayals of the Trump-Russia saga and dives into the public's relationship with pharmaceuticals amid COVID. Taibbi also critiques the modern obsession with influencer culture and generational work ethics, all wrapped in his signature blend of sharp wit and insightful commentary.
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Sep 25, 2021 • 58min

Ep. #578: Tristan Harris, Jennifer Rubin, Richard Ojeda

Tristan Harris, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology, discusses the dark side of engagement algorithms and their detrimental effect on teenage mental health. Jennifer Rubin, an opinion columnist at The Washington Post, shares insights on political accountability following the Capitol riot. Together, they explore the intersections of technology and social discourse, scrutinizing how sensationalism impacts our democracy and urging for a more rational dialogue about these pressing issues.
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Sep 18, 2021 • 57min

Ep. #577: Anne Applebaum, Gillian Tett, Dan Savage

Anne Applebaum, a staff writer at *The Atlantic*, discusses the alarming rise of authoritarianism and polarization in the U.S. Gillian Tett, U.S. editor-at-large of the *Financial Times*, dives into the cultural implications of mask-wearing, emphasizing its significance beyond health. Meanwhile, Dan Savage shares his thoughts on relationships amidst societal absurdities and critiques the growth of a snitch culture in America, particularly in the context of recent abortion laws. They engage in a hilarious yet insightful examination of these pressing issues.
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Sep 11, 2021 • 56min

Ep. #576: Rep. Barbara Lee, Christina Bellantoni, George F. Will

Christina Bellantoni, a political analyst and director at USC Annenberg, joins Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George F. Will for a lively discussion. They tackle the controversial Texas abortion law and its societal implications, as well as the evolving political landscape in California. Dive into the lessons from Afghanistan and the significance of vaccine mandates, while examining modern parenting's effects on children's expectations in education. Additionally, they humorously critique America's ongoing water distribution challenges amidst extreme weather.
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Aug 28, 2021 • 58min

Ep. #575: Craig Whitlock, Katty Kay, Ralph Reed

Joined by Craig Whitlock, a Washington Post investigative journalist known for his insights on the Afghan war, Katty Kay, a prominent TV journalist and author, and Ralph Reed, a Republican strategist, they dive deep into the chaotic aftermath of the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan. The discussion humorously critiques political mismanagement over the decades, highlights the rise of conservative comedy, and examines the complex intertwining of faith and politics in today’s landscape. With sharp wit, they explore America's freedoms while recognizing its flaws.
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Aug 21, 2021 • 58min

Ep. #574: Andrew Sullivan, Jackie Calmes, Max Rose

In this engaging conversation, Andrew Sullivan, a renowned political commentator, and Max Rose, a former congressman and defense expert, dive into the complexities of recent U.S. political events. They humorously critique the Afghan troop withdrawal and its emotional toll while addressing the impact on public safety measures. The discussion also touches on creative processes, the challenges of expressing individuality in today’s media, and how smartphones influence our social interactions. It's a whirlwind of insight and humor on pressing societal issues.

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