Podcast Summary: Lovett or Leave It – Episode "Mamdani and Daddy"

Episode Information:

• Title: Mamdani and Daddy
• Host: Jon Lovett (Crooked Media)
• Release Date: June 28, 2025

Jon Lovett returns for a dynamic episode of Lovett or Leave It, featuring former Obama speechwriter and comedian John Leguizamo alongside guests Aristotle Athari and Anthony Carrigan. This episode delves into the tumultuous political landscape of the week, offers insightful interviews, and incorporates engaging segments that blend humor with critical analysis.

1. Political News Breakdown

The episode kicks off with Jon Lovett dissecting the week's major political events, particularly focusing on President Trump's recent actions in the Middle East.

Trump's Ceasefire Announcement:

• Timestamp [00:00-03:15]: Lovett highlights Trump's announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel. Initially denied by Iran, the situation remains tense as both nations have a history of conflict.

Trump's Frustration with Iran and Israel:

• Timestamp [03:15]: John Leguizamo shares Trump's frustration, stating, “We have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don't know what the fuck they're doing” (03:41).

Contradictions in Trump's Claims:

• Timestamp [03:30-06:56]: Lovett discusses the discrepancies in Trump's claims about the effectiveness of the strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, referencing a classified U.S. report that contradicted Trump's assertions (06:56).

2. NATO Summit and "Daddy" Nickname

The episode delves into international relations with a focus on NATO and Trump's interactions.

Mark Rudde's "Daddy" Remark:

• Timestamp [07:07]: Former Dutch Prime Minister and NATO Secretary General Mark Rudde referred to Trump as "Daddy," prompting mixed reactions. Lovett remarks, “You think a grown man calling Trump daddy can't get any creepier and then you hear it in a Dutch accent” (07:23).

Trump's Response:

• Timestamp [08:17-08:30]: Trump addresses the nickname, stating, “Daddy, you're my daddy,” which Lovett humorously critiques for its unsettling tone (08:17).

3. Supreme Court Ruling on Planned Parenthood

A significant judicial decision is analyzed, impacting healthcare and women's rights.

Ruling Details:

• Timestamp [06:56-07:23]: Lovett explains the Supreme Court's decision allowing states to cut Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, even for non-abortion-related healthcare services, emphasizing its implications for women's health (07:23).

Political Reactions:

• Timestamp 07:34: The Senate's actions on budget bills, including cuts to food assistance and Medicaid, are discussed, with Mitch McConnell's dismissive remarks highlighted: “Time heals all wounds” (07:34).

4. New York Mayoral Race: Zoran Mamdani’s Victory

The local political scene in New York takes center stage with surprising outcomes.

Primary Results:

• Timestamp [07:57-33:12]: Zoran Mamdani wins the Democratic mayoral primary in New York, defeating Andrew Cuomo. Lovett critiques the Democratic Party's response, suggesting Mamdani's win signifies a shift towards more charismatic and progressive leadership (28:22).

Reactions from Political Figures:

• Trump Jr. and Marjorie Taylor Greene:
  • Timestamp [07:23-09:08]: Trump Jr. dismisses Mamdani's victory, while Marjorie Taylor Greene expresses disdain for New York City, reflecting broader national tensions (09:07-09:40).

5. Immigration and Anti-American Sentiment

The episode addresses rising nativism and its historical parallels.

Stephen Miller’s Commentary:

• Timestamp [42:13-43:00]: Stephen Miller's views on immigration and his derogatory remarks about New York City are dissected, with Lovett drawing connections to historical nativist movements and their impact on Latin communities (42:13).

Historical Context:

• Timestamp [42:47-43:14]: Leguizamo provides a historical perspective on immigration in America, referencing past deportation acts and their lasting effects on Latino communities (42:47).

6. Unexpected Moments and Viral Incidents

Humorous and unexpected news snippets are shared, adding levity to the episode.

Colorado Attorney's Slip-Up:

• Timestamp [21:53-22:24]: A Colorado attorney accidentally called a judge "honey" during a court livestream, leading to comedic reactions from Lovett and Leguizamo (21:53).

Celebrity Mishaps:

• Timestamp [24:22-28:00]: Lovett humorously covers incidents like LeAnn Rimes losing her fake teeth mid-concert, blending entertainment news with the show's signature humor (24:22).

7. Interview with John Leguizamo

A highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with acclaimed actor John Leguizamo, exploring his career and personal experiences.

Career Highlights and Anecdotes:

• Timestamp [27:06-35:19]: Leguizamo reflects on his diverse roles, from Shakespearean theater to blockbuster films like Super Mario Brothers. He shares amusing behind-the-scenes stories, including his tumultuous relationship with Patrick Swayze and his portrayal of villains in Spawn (27:06).

New Projects and Future Endeavors:

• Timestamp [35:20-44:48]: Discussion shifts to Leguizamo's upcoming Apple TV show Smoke, where he plays a porn director. He elaborates on his mission to celebrate Latin innovation and combat violence against Latino communities, providing insightful commentary on his latest work (35:22).

8. Quiz Segment: "News it or Lose It"

Guests Aristotle Athari and Anthony Carrigan engage in a fun, competitive quiz segment testing their knowledge of recent news.

Memorable Questions and Answers:

• Timestamp [47:50-67:52]: The trio tackles questions about U.S. customs, tech billionaires, and movie trivia. Notable moments include Aristotle correctly identifying Jeff Bezos' wedding protests and Anthony’s affinity for Bratz dolls, with humorous banter throughout (47:50).

9. Let Freedom Rant: Declaring Independence

In preparation for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, the hosts participate in a segment where they declare independence from various modern-day challenges.

Phone Dependency:

• Timestamp [70:38-84:26]: Anthony Carrigan announces his independence from his smartphone by switching to a "dumb phone," highlighting the struggle with digital addiction. Lovett shares his own efforts to reduce screen time using apps that limit social media usage (70:38).

Personal Reflections:

• Timestamp [84:26-83:02]: The segment evolves into broader reflections on political frustrations, with Lovett expressing his commitment to the Democratic Party as a vehicle for a pro-democracy movement, emphasizing the need for a diverse and compassionate coalition (84:26).

10. Final Remarks and Upcoming Highlights

As the episode concludes, Jon Lovett teases upcoming content and expresses gratitude to listeners.

Upcoming Events and Farewells:

• Timestamp [87:06-90:27]: Lovett announces a hiatus until July 31, while promoting future guests and special events like the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. He encourages listeners to stay connected through various platforms and support political causes like Vote Save America (87:06).

Notable Quotes:

• John Leguizamo on Trump’s Ceasefire: “We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don't know what the fuck they're doing” (03:41).

• Jon Lovett on Phone Addiction: “It's a lot. You know, it's too much for me. That's my independence” (71:18).

• Anthony Carrigan on AI Love: “The main thing I'm worried about is the moment that we can create some kind of, like an AI robot lover. Then we're all screwed” (55:22).

This episode of Lovett or Leave It masterfully blends political analysis with personal anecdotes and engaging segments, offering listeners a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of current events and cultural phenomena.