Episode 2960 CWSA 09/16/25

Real Coffee with Scott Adams

Episode 2960 CWSA 09/16/25 – September 16, 2025

Main Theme & Overview

Scott Adams opens this episode with his trademark blend of news, humor, and social commentary, viewing current events "through a persuasion filter." The primary theme is schadenfreude—the pleasure taken in the misfortunes of others—especially when Adams feels it is karmic or "fair" based on previous actions. The episode covers a range of news topics, social trends, and the aftermath of high-profile incidents, all analyzed through his unique hypnotist/persuasion lens.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Remembering Robert Redford & Simultaneous Sip

[00:00] Adams marks the passing of Robert Redford with characteristic exaggeration ("He was 1,000 years old. 89, actually.").
Begins with the "simultaneous sip" ritual to kick off the show and create community engagement.
Tone: Playful, irreverent.

2. Show Announcement

[01:45] Adams plugs his appearance on Tucker Carlson's live-stream that evening:

“I'll just be there for 20 minutes…I think we’re going to be talking mostly about the assassination…”
(A, 01:52)

3. Common Sense or Science? Cell Phones & Classroom Performance

[02:15] Comments on a study showing removing cell phones from classrooms improves grades.

“Did any of you not know that would be the case?”
(A, 02:20)
Mocks the necessity of some scientific studies.

4. Stephen King's Movie Flop

[03:15] Discusses the poor box office showing for The Long Walk, speculating that King’s political comments (specifically about Charlie Kirk) contributed to this.

“You had one job, Stephen King…but the bar was too high.”
(A, 03:55)
Satirizes King's failed social media promotion.

5. Main Theme: Schadenfreude

[05:30] Sets “schadenfreude” as the theme—taking satisfaction in “bad people” getting bad outcomes.
Clarifies he restricts this enjoyment to those he sees as deserving.

6. Economic News

[06:00] Notes positive U.S. retail sales and strong stock market performance.

“The economy is definitely showing signs of strength.”
(A, 06:12)

7. Loneliness and Housing: A Design Problem

[06:30] Covers Axios poll showing high levels of loneliness and family problems among young people, linking it to housing costs—suggests innovative co-living as a solution.

“Loneliness and housing—almost the same problem if you design your housing situation right. As I often say, it’s a design problem.”
(A, 07:35)

8. Lisa Cook, Fed Governor Controversy

[10:00] Reviews new developments in the Lisa Cook mortgage/primary residence scandal; analyzes the multiple, shifting public defenses as a pattern of dishonesty.
"That is your schadenfreude number two."
(A, 12:24)

9. Pam Bondi & Hate Speech

[12:30] Defends Bondi against conservatives misinterpreting her statement on hate speech.

“It does not look like Pam Bondi believes that hate speech is illegal.”
(A, 14:00)

10. Schadenfreude: Cancel Culture “Turning the Tables”

[15:00] Discusses left-leaning individuals being fired for celebratory comments regarding Charlie Kirk's assassination.
Advocates “mutually assured destruction” as a means to bring balance in cancel culture.

"May you live in the world you created…"
(A, 16:40)
Lists examples: Perkins Coie fires attorney, Newsday pulls cartoon, Washington Post fires columnist, UCLA put administrator on leave.

11. Destiny, Charlie Kirk, and Incitement

[22:30] Critiques streamer "Destiny" for refusing to condemn Kirk's assassination—quotes Destiny:

"You need conservatives to be afraid of getting killed."
(Destiny, paraphrased, ~22:40)
Notes Elon Musk’s response:

“I don't think this jackass should be banned, but Amazon should stop paying him to incite murder.”
(Elon Musk, 23:20)
Explores the legal gray zone of such speech.

12. Candace Owens, Bill Ackman, and Rumors

[25:00] Recaps the conflict: Owens alleges Israel-linked pressure/attempted bribery of Charlie Kirk; Ackman (and witnesses) deny it.
Adams speculates this is less about deliberate lying and more about rumor exaggeration or misinterpretation.

13. Charlie Kirk Assassination: Did People Know in Advance?

[27:45] References FBI investigation into social media chatter suggesting possible foreknowledge of the attack.
Humorously advises:

"If you're ever planning to assassinate somebody, my advice is don't tell your trans friends because it looks like... [they] might not be the best secret keepers."
(A, 28:25)

14. Blaming Trump for Divisiveness

[29:20] Discusses MSM tendency to blame Trump for failing to unite the country, especially after tragedies.

"How in the world does this extreme rhetoric have only one directional cause, which is people attacking conservatives?"
(A, 29:40)

15. Persuasion Filter: Mass Hysteria and TDS

[31:10] Analyzes the climate around Trump and Kirk as a mass hysteria created by “Hitler” analogies, reinforced by group psychology.
Defines distinction: “TDS” is for individuals; mass hysteria is the group phenomenon.
Outlines cognitive dissonance triggered when evidence contradicts deeply held views.

"It's a mass hysteria...and then on top of that, there was so much counter evidence that it absolutely triggered people into cognitive dissonance."
(A, 35:50)

16. Legal News: Melania Trump & the Press

[38:57] Melania forces Daily Beast retraction over false claims linking her to Jeffrey Epstein. Simultaneously, Trump sues NYT for $15B over defamation.

17. Congressional Retirements & 2026 Midterms

[40:00] Shares analysis suggesting more GOP retirements may hand the House to Democrats, regardless of policy or campaigning.

18. Campus Free Speech & Violence

[41:30] Shares Harvard survey:

“32% of students say using violence to stop someone from speaking on campus is acceptable, at least in rare cases.”
(Tim Urban relay, 41:40)
Expresses unwillingness to speak at colleges under these conditions.

19. Trump on Antifa

[42:45] Trump says he would consider making Antifa a designated domestic terror group if re-elected.

20. Military/International News: Israel & Ukraine

[44:15] Comments on Israel's ground offensive in Gaza and the mass drone strikes in Ukraine, speculates on the "upper limits" of drone warfare.

21. "Maple Washing" in Canada

[46:55] Highlights Canadian grocery stores covering up "Made in USA" labels with Canadian flags—calls it “maple washing.”

22. Soros Foundation Under Scrutiny

[48:00] Reports nonprofit calls for Soros’s Open Society Foundation to stop funding groups accused of promoting anti-Trump hate.

23. More Schadenfreude: NY Endorsement Drama

[49:40] Relishes irony as NY Governor Hochul endorses mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani, who refuses to endorse her back.

“Admit it. How much do you love that?”
(A, 50:15)

24. Republicans vs. Democrats: Monsters & Clowns

[51:15] Argues that Democrats see Republicans as monsters, whereas Republicans see Democrats as clowns—a powerful reframe.

"Once the Democrats realize they see us as monsters...and we see them as clowns...it all looks weird and crazy and funny."
(A, 51:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"You had one job, Stephen King..." (Mocking public flubs and celebrity politics, A, 03:55)
"May you live in the world you created." (On left-wing figures getting canceled by their own standards, A, 16:40)
"How many people on the left should lose their jobs? 1600. That’d be a good start." (On cancel culture symmetry, A, 19:11)
"If you're ever planning to assassinate somebody, my advice is don't tell your trans friends..." (Dark humor on loose lips, A, 28:25)
"It's a mass hysteria... cognitive dissonance." (On polarization and media psychology, A, 35:50)
"32%. Really? ... using violence to stop someone from speaking on campus is acceptable." (On Harvard survey, A, 41:45)
"We look at [Democrats] like clowns..." (Republicans' perspective vs. Democrats, A, 51:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:00] – Opening, Redford, simultaneous sip, show preview
[01:45] – Tucker Carlson appearance announcement
[03:15] – Stephen King's movie and political fallout
[05:30] – Schadenfreude as the theme
[06:30] – Economic news, stock market, housing/loneliness
[10:00] – Lisa Cook/ Fed Governor controversy
[15:00] – Cancel culture, backlash, Kirk assassination fallout
[22:30] – Destiny, Musk, incitement/streaming
[25:00] – Candace Owens vs. Bill Ackman over Kirk
[27:45] – FBI: Pre-knowledge of Kirk assassination
[29:20] – Trump blamed for divisiveness, media filter
[31:10] – Mass hysteria, TDS, cognitive dissonance
[38:57] – Melania/Daily Beast legal victory; Trump sues NYT
[40:00] – Midterm retirements & House outlook
[41:30] – Harvard: Violence to silence speakers
[42:45] – Trump: Antifa as possible terror org
[44:15] – Israel/Gaza and Ukraine war updates, drones
[46:55] – “Maple washing” in Canadian grocery stores
[48:00] – Soros Foundation under scrutiny
[49:40] – Endorsement snafu: Hochul/Mamdani
[51:15] – Monsters vs. Clowns: Partisan perceptions
[53:00] – (End) Battery tech, final thoughts, sign-off

Takeaways for Non-Listeners

This episode provides Scott Adams’s distinctive take on news, politics, and social psychology—always filtered through his lens as a "trained hypnotist" and persuasion expert. The recurring motif is schadenfreude, particularly about cancel culture, public gaffes, and political own-goals, which he wisely balances with calls for mutual accountability and a deeper understanding of mass psychology. Regular asides keep the show’s tone irreverent and funny, even when covering dark or tragic news.

The episode is rich in reflection about how public figures' words shape outcomes, how media narratives can hypnotize partisans into mass hysteria, and how humor or ridicule ("clown show") can be both a coping mechanism and a social tool. Adams consistently favors solutions based on design over resource-scarcity (housing/loneliness), and stresses that current cultural conflicts are best understood through the lens of mutual escalation and mirrored tactics.

For those interested in today's major headlines—assassination repercussions, campus free speech, left/right cancel culture, and even battery breakthroughs—Scott Adams offers a blend of news, humor, and psychological insight you won’t hear on mainstream platforms.

Real Coffee with Scott Adams

Episode 2960 CWSA 09/16/25 – September 16, 2025

Main Theme & Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Remembering Robert Redford & Simultaneous Sip

[00:00] Adams marks the passing of Robert Redford with characteristic exaggeration ("He was 1,000 years old. 89, actually.").
Begins with the "simultaneous sip" ritual to kick off the show and create community engagement.
Tone: Playful, irreverent.

2. Show Announcement

[01:45] Adams plugs his appearance on Tucker Carlson's live-stream that evening:

“I'll just be there for 20 minutes…I think we’re going to be talking mostly about the assassination…”
(A, 01:52)

3. Common Sense or Science? Cell Phones & Classroom Performance

[02:15] Comments on a study showing removing cell phones from classrooms improves grades.

“Did any of you not know that would be the case?”
(A, 02:20)
Mocks the necessity of some scientific studies.

4. Stephen King's Movie Flop

[03:15] Discusses the poor box office showing for The Long Walk, speculating that King’s political comments (specifically about Charlie Kirk) contributed to this.

“You had one job, Stephen King…but the bar was too high.”
(A, 03:55)
Satirizes King's failed social media promotion.

5. Main Theme: Schadenfreude

[05:30] Sets “schadenfreude” as the theme—taking satisfaction in “bad people” getting bad outcomes.
Clarifies he restricts this enjoyment to those he sees as deserving.

6. Economic News

[06:00] Notes positive U.S. retail sales and strong stock market performance.

“The economy is definitely showing signs of strength.”
(A, 06:12)

7. Loneliness and Housing: A Design Problem

[06:30] Covers Axios poll showing high levels of loneliness and family problems among young people, linking it to housing costs—suggests innovative co-living as a solution.

“Loneliness and housing—almost the same problem if you design your housing situation right. As I often say, it’s a design problem.”
(A, 07:35)

8. Lisa Cook, Fed Governor Controversy

[10:00] Reviews new developments in the Lisa Cook mortgage/primary residence scandal; analyzes the multiple, shifting public defenses as a pattern of dishonesty.
"That is your schadenfreude number two."
(A, 12:24)

9. Pam Bondi & Hate Speech

[12:30] Defends Bondi against conservatives misinterpreting her statement on hate speech.

“It does not look like Pam Bondi believes that hate speech is illegal.”
(A, 14:00)

10. Schadenfreude: Cancel Culture “Turning the Tables”

[15:00] Discusses left-leaning individuals being fired for celebratory comments regarding Charlie Kirk's assassination.
Advocates “mutually assured destruction” as a means to bring balance in cancel culture.

"May you live in the world you created…"
(A, 16:40)
Lists examples: Perkins Coie fires attorney, Newsday pulls cartoon, Washington Post fires columnist, UCLA put administrator on leave.

11. Destiny, Charlie Kirk, and Incitement

[22:30] Critiques streamer "Destiny" for refusing to condemn Kirk's assassination—quotes Destiny:

"You need conservatives to be afraid of getting killed."
(Destiny, paraphrased, ~22:40)
Notes Elon Musk’s response:

“I don't think this jackass should be banned, but Amazon should stop paying him to incite murder.”
(Elon Musk, 23:20)
Explores the legal gray zone of such speech.

12. Candace Owens, Bill Ackman, and Rumors

[25:00] Recaps the conflict: Owens alleges Israel-linked pressure/attempted bribery of Charlie Kirk; Ackman (and witnesses) deny it.
Adams speculates this is less about deliberate lying and more about rumor exaggeration or misinterpretation.

13. Charlie Kirk Assassination: Did People Know in Advance?

[27:45] References FBI investigation into social media chatter suggesting possible foreknowledge of the attack.
Humorously advises:

"If you're ever planning to assassinate somebody, my advice is don't tell your trans friends because it looks like... [they] might not be the best secret keepers."
(A, 28:25)

14. Blaming Trump for Divisiveness

[29:20] Discusses MSM tendency to blame Trump for failing to unite the country, especially after tragedies.

"How in the world does this extreme rhetoric have only one directional cause, which is people attacking conservatives?"
(A, 29:40)

15. Persuasion Filter: Mass Hysteria and TDS

[31:10] Analyzes the climate around Trump and Kirk as a mass hysteria created by “Hitler” analogies, reinforced by group psychology.
Defines distinction: “TDS” is for individuals; mass hysteria is the group phenomenon.
Outlines cognitive dissonance triggered when evidence contradicts deeply held views.

"It's a mass hysteria...and then on top of that, there was so much counter evidence that it absolutely triggered people into cognitive dissonance."
(A, 35:50)

16. Legal News: Melania Trump & the Press

[38:57] Melania forces Daily Beast retraction over false claims linking her to Jeffrey Epstein. Simultaneously, Trump sues NYT for $15B over defamation.

17. Congressional Retirements & 2026 Midterms

[40:00] Shares analysis suggesting more GOP retirements may hand the House to Democrats, regardless of policy or campaigning.

18. Campus Free Speech & Violence

[41:30] Shares Harvard survey:

“32% of students say using violence to stop someone from speaking on campus is acceptable, at least in rare cases.”
(Tim Urban relay, 41:40)
Expresses unwillingness to speak at colleges under these conditions.

19. Trump on Antifa

[42:45] Trump says he would consider making Antifa a designated domestic terror group if re-elected.

20. Military/International News: Israel & Ukraine

[44:15] Comments on Israel's ground offensive in Gaza and the mass drone strikes in Ukraine, speculates on the "upper limits" of drone warfare.

21. "Maple Washing" in Canada

[46:55] Highlights Canadian grocery stores covering up "Made in USA" labels with Canadian flags—calls it “maple washing.”

22. Soros Foundation Under Scrutiny

[48:00] Reports nonprofit calls for Soros’s Open Society Foundation to stop funding groups accused of promoting anti-Trump hate.

23. More Schadenfreude: NY Endorsement Drama

[49:40] Relishes irony as NY Governor Hochul endorses mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani, who refuses to endorse her back.

“Admit it. How much do you love that?”
(A, 50:15)

24. Republicans vs. Democrats: Monsters & Clowns

[51:15] Argues that Democrats see Republicans as monsters, whereas Republicans see Democrats as clowns—a powerful reframe.

"Once the Democrats realize they see us as monsters...and we see them as clowns...it all looks weird and crazy and funny."
(A, 51:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"You had one job, Stephen King..." (Mocking public flubs and celebrity politics, A, 03:55)
"May you live in the world you created." (On left-wing figures getting canceled by their own standards, A, 16:40)
"How many people on the left should lose their jobs? 1600. That’d be a good start." (On cancel culture symmetry, A, 19:11)
"If you're ever planning to assassinate somebody, my advice is don't tell your trans friends..." (Dark humor on loose lips, A, 28:25)
"It's a mass hysteria... cognitive dissonance." (On polarization and media psychology, A, 35:50)
"32%. Really? ... using violence to stop someone from speaking on campus is acceptable." (On Harvard survey, A, 41:45)
"We look at [Democrats] like clowns..." (Republicans' perspective vs. Democrats, A, 51:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[00:00] – Opening, Redford, simultaneous sip, show preview
[01:45] – Tucker Carlson appearance announcement
[03:15] – Stephen King's movie and political fallout
[05:30] – Schadenfreude as the theme
[06:30] – Economic news, stock market, housing/loneliness
[10:00] – Lisa Cook/ Fed Governor controversy
[15:00] – Cancel culture, backlash, Kirk assassination fallout
[22:30] – Destiny, Musk, incitement/streaming
[25:00] – Candace Owens vs. Bill Ackman over Kirk
[27:45] – FBI: Pre-knowledge of Kirk assassination
[29:20] – Trump blamed for divisiveness, media filter
[31:10] – Mass hysteria, TDS, cognitive dissonance
[38:57] – Melania/Daily Beast legal victory; Trump sues NYT
[40:00] – Midterm retirements & House outlook
[41:30] – Harvard: Violence to silence speakers
[42:45] – Trump: Antifa as possible terror org
[44:15] – Israel/Gaza and Ukraine war updates, drones
[46:55] – “Maple washing” in Canadian grocery stores
[48:00] – Soros Foundation under scrutiny
[49:40] – Endorsement snafu: Hochul/Mamdani
[51:15] – Monsters vs. Clowns: Partisan perceptions
[53:00] – (End) Battery tech, final thoughts, sign-off

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Summary

Real Coffee with Scott Adams

Main Theme & Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Remembering Robert Redford & Simultaneous Sip

2. Show Announcement

3. Common Sense or Science? Cell Phones & Classroom Performance

4. Stephen King's Movie Flop

5. Main Theme: Schadenfreude

6. Economic News

7. Loneliness and Housing: A Design Problem

8. Lisa Cook, Fed Governor Controversy

9. Pam Bondi & Hate Speech

10. Schadenfreude: Cancel Culture “Turning the Tables”

11. Destiny, Charlie Kirk, and Incitement

12. Candace Owens, Bill Ackman, and Rumors

13. Charlie Kirk Assassination: Did People Know in Advance?

14. Blaming Trump for Divisiveness

15. Persuasion Filter: Mass Hysteria and TDS

16. Legal News: Melania Trump & the Press

17. Congressional Retirements & 2026 Midterms

18. Campus Free Speech & Violence

19. Trump on Antifa

20. Military/International News: Israel & Ukraine

21. "Maple Washing" in Canada

22. Soros Foundation Under Scrutiny

23. More Schadenfreude: NY Endorsement Drama

24. Republicans vs. Democrats: Monsters & Clowns

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Takeaways for Non-Listeners

Summary

Real Coffee with Scott Adams

Main Theme & Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Remembering Robert Redford & Simultaneous Sip

2. Show Announcement

3. Common Sense or Science? Cell Phones & Classroom Performance

4. Stephen King's Movie Flop

5. Main Theme: Schadenfreude

6. Economic News

7. Loneliness and Housing: A Design Problem

8. Lisa Cook, Fed Governor Controversy

9. Pam Bondi & Hate Speech

10. Schadenfreude: Cancel Culture “Turning the Tables”

11. Destiny, Charlie Kirk, and Incitement

12. Candace Owens, Bill Ackman, and Rumors

13. Charlie Kirk Assassination: Did People Know in Advance?

14. Blaming Trump for Divisiveness

15. Persuasion Filter: Mass Hysteria and TDS

16. Legal News: Melania Trump & the Press

17. Congressional Retirements & 2026 Midterms

18. Campus Free Speech & Violence

19. Trump on Antifa

20. Military/International News: Israel & Ukraine

21. "Maple Washing" in Canada

22. Soros Foundation Under Scrutiny

23. More Schadenfreude: NY Endorsement Drama

24. Republicans vs. Democrats: Monsters & Clowns

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Takeaways for Non-Listeners