Podcast
Extreme Mortman
Hosted by C-SPAN · ENGLISH
Original political stories inspired by current events. A weekly fix for political junkies combining compelling clips from the C-SPAN archives (iconic and obscure), history, trivia – and often a healthy helping of comedy.
487episodes
Episodes
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Keir Starmer Jokes About Sex and More British PMQ Comedy– With Special Guest Jon Macks
Yesterday00:35:32Tap to summarizeKeir Starmer departs soon as British Prime Minister... But not before telling a joke or two — about sex ..."On consistency, don’t get me started: five Prime Ministers, six Chancellors, eight Home Secretaries 16 Housing Ministers—they had more positions in 14 years than the Kama Sutra. No wonder they are knackered; they left the country screwed."That was Prime Minister's Questions. .... January 14th, 2026 — Turns out, during this past year of PMQs, Keir Starmer told many jokes— and not all about sex. Was Keir Starmer funny? What jokes did Members of Parliament tell? What are some top jokes from prior PMQs? And — are Prime Ministers Questions really all that funny? How does Jon Macks rate each PMQ joke? How would he improve them? And which "joke" heard during Prime Ministers Questions does Jon Macks think was the funniest? To find out, in this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman," we're joined by a very special guest – one of the funniest people on this side of the pond ... legendary comedy writer Jon Macks. Find out in Extreme Mortman - as we say goodbye to Keir Starmer — and celebrate 250 years of American independence from Britain – not just from British rule, but independence from British comedy.Find Extreme Mortman wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Supreme Court Comedy Festival: Justice Scalia's Funniest Moments – with James Rosen (Part 2)
1w ago00:33:56Tap to summarizeQuick comedy question: Can you name a time when, during an oral argument, a Supreme Court Justice made everyone laugh? How about December 11th, 2000: KLOCK: I think what the Florida Supreme Court should do in that instance is note the very tight restrictions that exist under the protest phase. They require that you find voter intent with respect to a damaged ballot. They also vest it in the canvassing board, and the canvassing board is composed of a defined group of officials, a county judge, the elections supervisor and the chairman of the county commission. It is very limited. SOUTER: But that means the court apparently cannot define "legal vote." KLOCK: That's correct. SCALIA: Mr. Klock? I'm Scalia. KLOCK: Yes, sir; I'll remember that. That was Justice Antonin Scalia's legendary crack to a forgetful attorney during Bush versus Gore. And it was hardly the only time Justice Scalia brought down the Court. In the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman," hear many more hilarious Scalia moments. Because it's our annual Supreme Court Comedy Festival – and this year we feature just one Justice. One very funny Justice. What were Antonin Scalia's funniest one-liners in oral arguments? What joke did Justice Scalia tell a Congressional hearing? What did other Justices think of Scalia's humor? And why was Antonin Scalia so very very funny? Find out in part 2 of a special two-part "Extreme Mortman" – and we're joined in this Court comedy cavalcade by a very special guest – Scalia biographer and author -- James Rosen. Find "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →July 4th Special: How the British Burning Washington Became One Big Joke
2w ago00:26:02Tap to summarizeHappy Fourth of July! 250 years ago, America declared independence from the British. And 212 years ago … the British burned down the White House. And now … it's become one big joke … And if I may say so, it is a particular pleasure to be back in this wonderful building, the heart of your democracy. On this occasion, I cannot help noticing the readjustments to the East Wing, Mr. President...following your visit to Windsor Castle last year. And I'm sorry to say that we British, of course, made our own small attempt at real-estate redevelopment of the White House in 1814. That was King Charles the Third... His Royalness, His Majesty at the White House in April 2026 when President Trump threw a big state dinner for him … King Charles isn't the only Brit to joke about the British burning down the White House, and the Capitol. Which other British leaders make War of 1812 jokes? Which American presidents do it, too? And what about officials from other countries — what jokes do they tell about the War of 1812? And -- of all these jokes about burning the White House and the Capitol -- which are funniest? Judge for yourself in this week's episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman," as we celebrate this year's Fourth of July – and 250 years of American independence – by hearing politicians joke about – that time the British burned down Washington. Find "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts … Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Supreme Court Comedy Festival: Justice Scalia's Funniest Moments – with James Rosen (Part 1)
3w ago00:37:03Tap to summarizeQuick comedy question: Can you name a time when, during an oral argument, a Supreme Court Justice made everyone laugh? How about December 11th, 2000: KLOCK: I think what the Florida Supreme Court should do in that instance is note the very tight restrictions that exist under the protest phase. They require that you find voter intent with respect to a damaged ballot. They also vest it in the canvassing board, and the canvassing board is composed of a defined group of officials, a county judge, the elections supervisor and the chairman of the county commission. It is very limited. SOUTER: But that means the court apparently cannot define "legal vote." KLOCK: That's correct. SCALIA: Mr. Klock? I'm Scalia. KLOCK: Yes, sir; I'll remember that. That was Justice Antonin Scalia's legendary crack to a forgetful attorney during Bush versus Gore. And it was hardly the only time Justice Scalia brought down the Court. In the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman," hear many more hilarious Scalia moments. Because it's our annual Supreme Court Comedy Festival – and this year we feature just one Justice. One very funny Justice. What were Antonin Scalia's funniest one-liners in oral arguments? What joke did Justice Scalia tell a Congressional hearing? What did other Justices think of Scalia's humor? And why was Antonin Scalia so very very funny? Find out in part 1 of a special two-part "Extreme Mortman" – and we're joined in this Court comedy cavalcade by a very special guest – Scalia biographer and author -- James Rosen. Find "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Presidential Libraries: Top Moments from 10 Dedication Ceremonies — with Tevi Troy (part 2)
4w ago00:34:08Tap to summarizeQuick question: Name something former presidents have in common. How about: Begging for money! "I would say parenthetically that one of the things that brings former presidents closest together is the extremely onerous and burdensome task of begging for enough money to build a presidential library from private sources; not from the government, and then turn it over to the federal government in perpetuity as a repository for the records of our great nation." That was Jimmy Carter … speaking at the dedication of Ronald Reagan's Library … November 4th, 1991. On June 18th, 2026, another presidential library is dedicated: Barack Obama's. You might be wondering: how much do these things cost? Why should taxpayers support presidential libraries? What do political opponents say about each other at library dedications? What do losing presidents say about the guys who beat them? Which presidential library opening included protests and police intervention? And what was one of the most amazing things ever said on C-SPAN about presidential libraries – from a legendary presidential historian? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Presidential Libraries: Top Moments from 10 Dedication Ceremonies — with Tevi Troy (part I)
Jun 1100:46:18Tap to summarizeOn June 18th, Barack Obama speaks at the dedication of his presidential library. What will he say? Well, here's what another president said when his library opened: "Proverbially, old men plant trees even though they do not expect to see their fruition. Well, so it is with presidents. The doors of this library are open now, and all are welcome. The judgment of history is left to you, the people. I have no fears of that, for we have done our best, and so I say, come and learn from it." That was Ronald Reagan ... November 4th, 1991 ... And joined by fellow former presidents George Bush, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon — and the Democrat he defeated in 1980, Jimmy Carter. In the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman," we revisit 10 dedication and re-dedication ceremonies of presidential libraries - featuring best-of moments from each of them. What do presidents say about their libraries? What do presidents say about other presidents' libraries? And what do First Ladies say about their husbands' libraries? Find out in this week's "Extreme Mortman" — the first of a special two-part episode. And we're joined by a very special guest — presidential historian and author Dr. Tevi Troy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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An Oral History of Senate TV: 40 Years of Memorable Moments on C-SPAN2, with Carl Hulse, Paul Kane, Chad Pergram – Part 2
Jun 400:32:31Tap to summarizeWe're marking the 40-year anniversary of C-SPAN2 by hearing favorite and most memorable moments picked by our audience…. With history and analysis by top Congress reporters Carl Hulse of the New York Times … Paul Kane now with NOTUS – soon The Star … and Chad Pergram of Fox News … … The dream team! • Which clips did our listeners pick? • What do Carl Hulse, Paul Kane, and Chad Pergram say about them? • What do the clips say about – the U.S. Senate? • And what does it sound like when Chad Pergram sings? Find out in a special two-part episode … An Oral History of Senate TV –on C-SPAN2. Find "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts … Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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An Oral History of Senate TV: 40 Years of Memorable Moments on C-SPAN2, with Carl Hulse, Paul Kane, Chad Pergram – Part I
May 2800:56:53Tap to summarizeWhat were John Glenn's reservations about whether TV would change the way the Senate operates? And did those reservations become reality? In the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman" – we get answers – from the All Stars of Congress reporting: Carl Hulse of the New York Times … Paul Kane now with NOTUS – soon The Star … and Chad Pergram of Fox News. .. The dream team! It's the 40th anniversary of Senate TV – 40 years since C-SPAN2 began .. and the "Extreme Mortman" audience chose the best moments to play… • Which clips did our listeners pick? • What do Carl Hulse, Paul Kane, and Chad Pergram say about them? • What do the clips say about – the U.S. Senate? • And what does it sound like when Chad Pergram sings? Find out in a special two-part episode … An Oral History of Senate TV –on C-SPAN2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Governors Celebrate America 250: Great American History from State of State Speeches, Part 2
May 2100:20:25Tap to summarizeRepublican Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. You likely have heard she may run for president. But did you also hear her talk about America's 250th birthday? "If you hear nothing else I say today, hear this: Jesus is our living hope. For each of us. For our state. For our country. America was founded 250 years ago as one nation under God. We have our differences, but our shared faith, values, and love for the people of Arkansas is stronger and more important than any difference." That was Governor Sanders' annual address to the Arkansas legislature. And it turns out, many other governors — some also potentially running for president — also used their state of the state address to talk about America 250. Which governors mentioned America 250 in their state of the state address? What was their big message about the country's big birthday? What did the governors say about their own state's role in the birth of America? And what new fun facts about American history did governors teach us? Find out in the latest, special two-part episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Governors Celebrate America 250: Great American History from State of State Speeches, Part 1
May 1400:22:29Tap to summarizeDemocratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. You likely have heard he may run for president. But did you also hear him talk about America's 250th birthday? I recall as a young State Representative looking up at this mural and seeing the likes of Ben Franklin, Thomas Paine, and Thaddeus Stevens. These are our elders and their example should guide and inspire us. Men like Franklin and Paine and others gathered in Philadelphia 250 years ago to begin this grand experiment in the greatest system of governance the world has ever seen. That was Governor Shapiro's annual address to the Pennsylvania legislature. February 3rd, 2026. And it turns out, many other governors — some also potentially running for president — also used their state of the state address to talk about America 250. Which governors mentioned America 250 in their state of the state address? What was their big message about the country's big birthday? What did the governors say about their own state's role in the birth of America? And what new fun facts about American history did governors teach us? Find out in latest, special two-part episode of C-SPAN's podcast "Extreme Mortman." Find "Extreme Mortman" wherever you get podcasts .... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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