Episode Summary: "Jason Bateman Can’t Look Away"

Podcast: The Best People with Nicolle Wallace
Guest: Jason Bateman
Release Date: June 2, 2025

Introduction

In the June 2, 2025 episode of The Best People with Nicolle Wallace, host Nicole Wallace engages in a compelling conversation with renowned actor and director Jason Bateman. Joining them is Sean Hayes, another prominent figure from the Smartless podcast. This episode delves into the origins and unexpected success of Smartless, explores the intersection of entertainment and politics, and offers critical insights into the current American political landscape.

The Birth and Evolution of Smartless

Humble Beginnings During a Pandemic

Jason Bateman recounts how Smartless began as a simple way for friends to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally intended as casual conversations, the podcast unexpectedly attracted a substantial audience.

Jason Bateman (02:19):
"We did not think anyone was going to listen and that no one really needed to listen because, you know, it costs next to nothing to put one of these things up."

From Friendships to a Thriving Podcast

The initial laughter and camaraderie resonated with listeners, leading to the podcast's growth beyond personal circles. Sean Hayes highlights the seamless blend of humor and genuine conversation that captivated audiences.

Sean Hayes (07:02):
"You have People skills, and you're able to listen and talk, and you never get the sense that you're just waiting for them to stop talking so you can go to the next question on your buck slip."

The Appeal of Authentic, Long-Form Conversations

Connecting Through Shared Experiences

Nicole Wallace emphasizes the public's craving for authentic and unscripted conversations, contrasting them with the often rushed and superficial nature of traditional media.

Nicole Wallace (04:54):
"Why did you think in the beginning that someone would listen to 45 minutes of... people are really drawn to these really intimate, really unscripted, really long conversations."

The Power of Relatability

Jason Bateman attributes the podcast’s success to its relatability and the dynamic between hosts who ask genuine, layman’s questions.

Jason Bateman (05:54):
"We don't claim to know much about anything and are happy to sit there and have smarter people answer our questions that are really coming from a layman's point of view."

Navigating the Current Political Climate

Analyzing Donald Trump's Influence

The conversation shifts to the profound impact of Donald Trump on American politics. Both Bateman and Hayes express concern over Trump's unpredictable actions and their ramifications.

Jason Bateman (14:22):
"There are 80 some million people that would vote again for him tomorrow."

Sean Hayes (15:07):
"It's tragic that I think the people who are least equipped to bear what the Trump administration is going to yield are a lot of the folks that voted for him."

Media's Role in Shaping Narratives

Jason Bateman offers a critique of how media outlets handle news versus opinion, advocating for clearer distinctions to enhance public understanding.

Jason Bateman (11:13):
"But who's the arbiter of what is true?... I'm a huge fan, but I happen to think that MSNBC doesn't drift from the truth."

Nicole Wallace echoes the need for media to return to face-to-face interactions to bridge societal divides.

Nicole Wallace (09:03):
"I think politics is like Nordstrom, right? Like, the customer's always right."

Strategies for Promoting Truth in Media

Making Truth "Sticky"

Nicole Wallace proposes that truth should become as "sticky" and viral as misinformation, suggesting that the smartest minds work on making factual information more engaging and shareable.

Nicole Wallace (10:44):
"The truth has to be the next moonshot... the truth has to be the thing that's sticky."

Defining Clear Standards

Discussions include the importance of establishing clear standards for news and opinion segments to prevent confusion among viewers.

Jason Bateman (11:59):
"I’ve always fantasized that media was forced to have that little bug in the bottom right corner of, you know, just like on MSNBC during the day, it's news reporting and it's facts. And at night it's opinion."

The Future of American Politics

Potential Candidates and Voter Dynamics

The trio explores the viability of diverse political candidates and the shifting dynamics of voter bases in key battleground states.

Nicole Wallace (25:24):
"You go to the battleground states where women hold all those top statewide offices."

Jason Bateman (26:33):
"Obama's already been president twice, so you gotta go look behind the tabs."

Overcoming Polarization

A significant focus is placed on the necessity of reducing polarization by fostering genuine conversations and understanding among opposing factions.

Sean Hayes (29:07):
"I just want to understand it."

Notable Quotes

• Nicole Wallace (02:19):
  "The first person that I reached out to is the person who hosts my most favorite podcast, Smartless."

• Jason Bateman (03:44):
  "We thought that was... it was all going to go away after Covid, and we'd get back to our lives of not doing it and actually seeing each other in person."

• Jason Bateman (05:54):
  "We don't claim to know much about anything and are happy to sit there and have smarter people answer our questions that are really coming from a layman's point of view."

• Nicole Wallace (09:03):
  "I think politics is like Nordstrom, right? Like, the customer's always right."

• Jason Bateman (11:13):
  "But who's the arbiter of what is true?... I'm a huge fan, but I happen to think that MSNBC doesn't drift from the truth."

• Jason Bateman (14:22):
  "There are 80 some million people that would vote again for him tomorrow."

• Nicole Wallace (15:07):
  "I don't wish anyone financially ruined. I don't wish anyone, you know, and I welcome them to the effort to not have the whole country sort of held hostage to the whims of Trump."

Conclusion

The episode offers a multifaceted exploration of the challenges facing American politics today, emphasizing the crucial role of authentic communication and credible media. Through Jason Bateman's insights and the dynamic discussions with Nicole Wallace and Sean Hayes, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding political allegiance, media influence, and the path forward towards a more unified society.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened. Notable quotes are highlighted with accurate timestamps to reference pivotal moments in the conversation.