The Daily Show: Ears Edition

Jake Sullivan, former U.S. National Security Advisor and Harvard Kennedy School professor, brings insider experience on Iran and nuclear negotiations. He recounts secret talks, debates whether recent U.S. claims of contact were real, and explains how military strikes affect but do not eliminate nuclear programs. They also spotlight the chaos of using ICE at airports amid a shutdown.

Randall Otis, a Daily Show writer who co-hosts this precap, joins Josh Johnson to tackle current political chaos. They break down airport turmoil from the shutdown and the threat of ICE at airports. They scrutinize claims of 'winning' in the Iran conflict and preview the SAVE America Act's political fallout. They end with a playful case for reviving April Fool's Day.

Michael B. Jordan, actor/producer known for Creed and action roles, talks training, stunts, and directing ambitions. Ryan Coogler, director/writer behind Creed, shares his inspirations and filmmaking roots. Ethan Hawke, actor/writer/director noted for Blue Moon, sits for a long interview about his recent work. They cover filmmaking origins, performance transformation, and behind-the-scenes processes.

They break down Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and what that means for global oil flows. Rising gas and jet fuel prices and the risk of recession come into focus. Political pressure on media coverage and chaotic GOP infighting get sharp attention. A surprising defamation victory by Afroman provides an unexpected legal twist.

Rebecca Traister, bestselling writer on gender and politics, discusses her book Angry Girls Will Get Us Through. She explores the constructive power of anger in social movements. Short, sharp takes cover forgotten activists, sustaining long-term organizing, and the difference between authentic outrage and performative rage.

Steve Zahn, Emmy-nominated actor, producer and co-writer of She Dances, talks about making a personal comedy about grief. He describes wearing many hats, casting his daughter as his on-screen child, and tapping his dance-dad past. Zahn also reflects on longtime collaborations with Ethan Hawke and filming with a local Kentucky crew.

George Saunders, award-winning novelist known for empathetic, moral fiction, talks about his new novel Vigil. He explores a narrator forced to justify terrible choices. He discusses accountability versus compassion, Minneapolis protests as a model of firm compassion, and how writing and Buddhist practice help find clarity amid political chaos.

Matt Mahan, mayor of San José and former teacher and civic tech founder, talks about cutting homelessness and crime and delivering housing results. He describes using data dashboards for accountability. He also discusses pragmatic approaches to AI regulation, balancing innovation with privacy and jobs.

They recap the Academy Awards and Hollywood reactions. They debate the escalating conflict with Iran and its global fallout. They dissect MAGA infighting over war and performative patriotism. They riff on Trump’s controversial hat moment and the story of ill-fitting shoes as a power move. Quick pop culture and odd headlines round out the conversation.

Street reporting from St. Patrick's Day parades with political parade-goers and clashes over inclusion. Humorous takes on drunken revelry, bagpipes, and a naked green bungee jump stunt. Satirical misunderstands where reporters mix up protests and parades. Comedic reflections on Irish immigration history and traditions.