

Real Time with Bill Maher
HBO Podcasts
He's not in it for the likes. Listen to full episodes of Real Time with Bill Maher and join the post-show conversation with Bill and his guests on Overtime. New episodes air Fridays at 10PM on HBO and HBO Max.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 14, 2021 • 59min
Ep. #573: Martin Short & Steve Martin, Donna Brazile, Michael Moynihan
Donna Brazile, an influential political strategist and former chair of the Democratic National Committee, joins the conversation with comedic legends Martin Short and Steve Martin. The trio discusses the absurdities of political life, including Andrew Cuomo's resignation and the societal strains of pandemic-era celebrations. They delve into the allure of crime in media, generational divides, and the serious implications of climate change, all while mixing humor with poignant political critiques. Expect lively banter and insightful reflections on current events!

Aug 7, 2021 • 58min
Ep. #572: Donna de Varona, Ben Shapiro, Malcolm Nance
Joining the discussion is Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator known for his sharp insights, and Malcolm Nance, a counterterrorism expert highlighting fears of authoritarianism. They tackle the heated debate on transgender athletes in sports and the complexities of balancing rights and competition. The panel also dives into the risks of authoritarianism in America, examining media's role and political divides. With a humorous take on political careerism, they critique the disconnect between politicians and their constituents amidst serious socio-political issues.

Jul 31, 2021 • 57min
Ep. #571: Eric Adams, Joshua Green, Rep. Stacey Plaskett
Join Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, a health advocate and Democratic mayoral nominee, as he discusses his vision for New York City’s future amidst challenges of public safety and socioeconomic disparities. Joshua Green, a Bloomberg Businessweek correspondent, sheds light on the intricacies of political dynamics and media narratives shaping today’s discourse. They tackle the status of U.S. territories, emphasizing self-determination, while offering satirical insights into the absurdities of culture and politics. A compelling mix of humor and reform!

Jun 26, 2021 • 58min
Ep. #570: Quentin Tarantino, Max Brooks, Dan Carlin
Join Quentin Tarantino, the iconic filmmaker of hits like 'Pulp Fiction,' and Max Brooks, author of 'World War Z,' as they dive into the intersections of film, freedom, and personal growth. They reflect on the evolution of storytelling amid political tensions and share their thoughts on the impact of historical pandemics on society. The conversation also touches on the rise of alcohol use during COVID-19 and its connection to mental health, revealing humorous insights and societal critiques along the way.

Jun 19, 2021 • 57min
Ep. #569: Nikki Glaser, Paul Begala, Jane Coaston
Nikki Glaser, a sharp-witted comedian known for her HBO Max show 'Fboy Island', joins political strategist Paul Begala and journalist Jane Coaston for a lively discussion. They tackle the comedic landscape post-pandemic, the tensions in contemporary humor, and the political implications of the January 6 Capitol riots. Glaser shares her experience in navigating live performances, while Begala and Coaston dissect the complexities of current voting sentiments and identity politics, blending humor with serious social commentary.

Jun 12, 2021 • 60min
Ep. #568: Neil deGrasse Tyson, Rachel Bitecofer, Rob Reiner
Neil deGrasse Tyson, renowned astrophysicist and host of "StarTalk," explores the origins of the universe and the evolution of the Big Bang Theory, blending science with philosophical musings on purpose and UFOs. Political scientist Rachel Bitecofer discusses the urgent challenges within U.S. democracy, emphasizing the need for effective strategies against voter suppression. Humor and insight intersect as the guests critique current political landscapes, addressing everything from tax evasion to the implications of recent legislation.

Jun 5, 2021 • 57min
Ep. #567: Rep. Ritchie Torres, John Kasich, Chris Matthews
Joining the discussion is Rep. Ritchie Torres, the youngest elected official in NYC and the first Afro-Latino LGBTQ member of Congress. He shares insights on his journey from poverty to Congress and advocates for policies like universal basic income. The conversation dives into the challenges of identity in politics and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Humor and critical analysis are woven throughout, alongside commentary on cybersecurity challenges and the evolving landscape of higher education in America.

May 29, 2021 • 59min
Ep. #566: Bob Costas, Nicholas Kristof, James Carville
Bob Costas, an award-winning sportscaster, shares insights on the ethical complexities of Olympic coverage and social interactions post-pandemic. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof discusses the challenges of democracy and race, including voter suppression and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They humorously critique the rise of celebrity politicians, arguing that true leadership requires more than just fame. The conversation blends serious analysis with sharp satire, addressing significant social issues while keeping the tone engaging.

May 8, 2021 • 59min
Ep. #565: John McWhorter, Rick Wilson, Rep. Elissa Slotkin
In this insightful discussion, guests include John McWhorter, a Columbia linguistics professor and author, and Rick Wilson, a best-selling author and Lincoln Project co-founder. They dive into the complexities of race and identity, urging for authentic representation of Black voices. The conversation also tackles the Republican Party's shift towards extremism, highlighting the struggles of moderates like Liz Cheney. Humorously critiquing moral double standards, the guests explore evolving political landscapes and the impact of social media on discourse.

May 1, 2021 • 59min
Ep. #564: Ben Sheehan, Thomas Frank, Nancy MacLean
This discussion features Thomas Frank, an author who dives deep into the dynamics of populism in American politics, and Nancy MacLean, a historian revealing the covert strategies of the radical right. They explore how populist movements shape political landscapes and dissect the historical context that has influenced the American right. With wit and insight, they tackle the complexities of democracy, representation, and the ongoing challenges faced by liberalism in a rapidly changing political environment.


