Podcast Summary: Lovett or Leave It – Episode: "Make Phones, Not War"

Host: Jon Lovett
Producer: Crooked Media
Release Date: June 21, 2025
Duration: Approximately 88 minutes

1. Political Turmoil and Senator Mike Lee’s Controversial Tweets

Timestamp: 00:00 - 05:52

The episode opens with Jon Lovett diving into a week fraught with political tension, focusing primarily on the tragic rampage in Minnesota. Before the suspect was apprehended, Republican Senator Mike Lee from Utah took to X (formerly Twitter) to blame the left for the unfolding violence. Lovett highlights Lee's alarming tweets, where he stated:

“This is what happens when Marxists don't get their way.”
(00:45)

Senator Lee further mocked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz with another tweet:

“Nightmare on Wall Street.”
(02:15)
Lovett critiques the tweet for its poor construction and insensitivity, noting the suspect was a religious conservative targeting Democrats and abortion rights advocates. The backlash against Lee was swift, prompting calls for his resignation.

Tina Smith Confronts Senator Lee Timestamp: 03:29 - 03:55

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith directly addressed Lee’s irresponsible rhetoric, stating:

“Your message on social media showed the image of the man who killed my friend... You need to take responsibility and accountability...”
(03:29)

Lovett humorously interjects, supporting Smith’s stance:

“Fuck em up, Tina.”
(03:55)

2. Donald Trump’s Threats Towards Iran and Conservative Rift

Timestamp: 03:55 - 12:54

The discussion shifts to escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Israel launching an attack against Iran’s nuclear facilities. President Donald Trump declared:

“We now have complete and total control over the skies of Iran and called for Iran's unconditional surrender.”
(05:00)

Lovett critiques Trump's unpredictable stance, comparing it to nonsensical actions like throwing Starbursts at Angela Merkel:

“Like the intent not clear, but obviously disgusting.”
(06:12)

This unpredictability has caused a significant rift among conservatives. Lovett references a heated exchange involving Stephen Miller and Senator Ted Cruz, showcasing internal conflicts within the conservative ranks:

“How could you not know the population of the country you seek to topple.”
(05:52)

Stephen Miller’s Satirical Banter Timestamp: 07:00 - 18:05

Stephen Miller engages in a comedic yet scathing dialogue with Lovett, mocking Senator Cruz’s ignorance and questioning his relationship with AIPAC. Their exchange escalates into a playful yet pointed confrontation, highlighting the absurdity and disarray within conservative politics.

3. Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee’s Ban on Gender-Affirming Care

Timestamp: 12:54 - 18:05

Lovett addresses the Supreme Court's decision to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors. He condemns the ruling as:

“Which is fucking bullshit.”
(15:40)

He emphasizes the backlash against the study Utah commissioned, which surprisingly showed positive mental health outcomes from gender-affirming care:

“But conservatives are ignoring the study. It’s like RFK Jr. ignoring vaccine science.”
(20:00)

4. Comedic Interludes and Stephen Miller’s Antics

Timestamp: 18:05 - 29:00

The show transitions into a series of comedic skits featuring Stephen Miller mocking various scenarios, including a faux interaction about a clogged toilet and exaggerated threats. These segments serve to lighten the intense political discussions, blending satire with sharp commentary.

5. Interview with Comedy Legend Larry Charles

Timestamp: 29:00 - 49:37

Larry Charles, the director behind iconic comedies like "Borat," joins the show for an in-depth conversation about his creative process and experiences in the industry.

Discussion Highlights:

• Element of Surprise in Comedy:

  “The element of surprise is so rare in comedy these days. So much is predictable and derivative...”
  (30:33)

• Behind-the-Scenes of "Borat":

  “When you're shooting that scene, what is the experience you're having?”
  (30:33)

  Charles recounts the chaos and spontaneity during the filming of "Borat," emphasizing the unpredictable reactions from the public and the meticulous planning required to manage such interactions.

• Talmudic Tradition and American Jewish Comedy:

  “There's a Talmudic tradition of Jews arguing with each other... generating absurdities and laughter.”
  (42:13)

  He attributes much of American Jewish humor to these deep-rooted conversational traditions, fostering a unique comedic style characterized by back-and-forth banter and intellectual humor.

• Experiences in Jerusalem: Charles shares a harrowing anecdote about filming in an Orthodox neighborhood, where a staged scene led to real-life aggression from locals. His quick thinking and familiarity with confrontations allowed the crew to safely exit the volatile situation:

  “I will crack your fucking skull... and they all backed off.”
  (46:24)

6. "10 Buck Yucks" – Classic Joke Exchange

Timestamp: 46:24 - 49:37

In a lighthearted segment, Jon Lovett and Stephen Miller engage in a joke-telling contest, rating each other's jokes with fictitious monetary values. Highlights include:

• Lovett’s joke about loving the same woman for 50 years:

  “I’ve been in love with the same woman for 50 years. If my wife ever finds out, she'll kill me.”
  (46:49)
  Rated $7 by Miller.

• Miller’s joke about a speeding car:

  “A speeding car hits an elderly Jewish man crossing the street. The paramedic asks, 'Sir, are you doing all right?' The man replies, 'I make a living.’"
  (48:16)
  Rated $100 by Lovett.

The segment showcases the hosts' camaraderie and sharp wit, blending humor with cultural references.

7. "News It or Lose It" – Arcane News Questions

Timestamp: 53:25 - 85:56

This interactive segment quizzes guests Chinedu Anaka and Adam Lustig on obscure news-related questions, blending humor with current events.

Highlights:

• AI Relationships: A discussion on a man falling in love with ChatGPT sparks insights into modern loneliness and human dependency on technology:

  “He's in love with an AI girlfriend... I think we're headed that way in some ways.”
  (54:42)

• Asbestos Ban Reversal: Lovett critiques the Trump administration's consideration to overturn the ban on asbestos, a hazardous material:

  “They want to take asbestos back. Make America cancerous again.”
  (68:33)

• Reputational Repair for Paul Reubens: Stephen Miller humorously addresses the delayed positive reputation of Paul Reubens, creator of Pee-wee Herman:

  “Better late than never. He is getting the kind of reputational whatever that is long deserved.”
  (81:13)

8. Late and Irate Wheel – Reflecting on Missed Discoveries

Timestamp: 76:27 - 85:56

In celebration of Juneteenth, the hosts share personal insights on things they discovered too late but are glad to have found:

• Jon Lovett:

  “I came late to Reality TV shows like the Real Housewives, and now they are part of my identity.”
  (85:00)

• Chinedu Anaka: Reflects on global and social issues, expressing concern over ongoing conflicts and regressions in human rights despite earlier progress:

  “The end of Trump, no matter when he ends, it's going to be too late.”
  (80:42)

• Adam Lustig: Shares practical late discoveries, such as the convenience of QR codes on parking meters, enhancing everyday life by reducing parking tickets:

  “QR codes on parking meters make it easier to pay without returning to the meter.”
  (77:06)

9. Closing Remarks and Final Segments

Timestamp: 85:56 - End

The episode wraps up with promotional segments for upcoming shows and products, interspersed with light-hearted banter among hosts and guests. Jon Lovett encourages listeners to subscribe to the "Friends of the Pod" for exclusive content and highlights future episode topics.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Tina Smith on Mike Lee’s Responsibility:

  “You need to take responsibility and accountability for what you were saying and doing out there in the social media world.”
  (03:29)

• Jon Lovett on Trump’s Unpredictability:

  “Make phones, not war. It sucks going down there not feeling like themselves.”
  (Highlighted sentiment throughout)

• Chinedu Anaka on Free Will:

  “Everything is a manipulation of some kind.”
  (40:04)

• Larry Charles on Comedy’s Element of Surprise:

  “Trust us.”
  (31:19)

• Stephen Miller on Junk Content:

  “Sanctuary cities are engaged in a criminal conspiracy to obstruct, defy, and dismantle the federal laws of the United States.”
  (11:54)

Concluding Insights:

Jon Lovett successfully balances incisive political analysis with sharp humor, maintaining an engaging dialogue throughout the episode. The interaction with guests, particularly Larry Charles, offers valuable insights into the creative process behind influential comedies, while segments like "10 Buck Yucks" and "News It or Lose It" provide levity and entertainment. The episode underscores the persistent divisions within American politics, the ongoing struggles for social justice, and the role of humor in navigating these complex landscapes.

Listeners are left with a blend of critical perspectives on current events and an appreciation for the comedic talents of the guests, all wrapped in Jon Lovett’s signature insightful and witty hosting style.