Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club Featuring Jordan Klepper

Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Jordan Klepper On Comedic Journalism, Engaging With Both Sides, New Comedy Special + More
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious (Justina Valentine), Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: Jordan Klepper
Description: An in-depth conversation with comedian and former journalist Jordan Klepper, exploring his approach to comedic journalism, his experiences engaging with diverse audiences, particularly the younger generation of MAGA supporters, and insights into his latest comedy special.

Introduction and Guest Welcome [02:06 - 02:25]

The episode kicks off with the vibrant energy characteristic of The Breakfast Club. DJ Envy introduces the guest, Jordan Klepper, setting the stage for a candid and engaging discussion.

• DJ Envy: "We got a special guest in the building."
• Jordan Klepper: "Yes, thanks for having me."

Height and Personal Anecdotes [02:16 - 03:31]

The hosts engage in light-hearted banter about Jordan's height and personal experiences, establishing a relaxed and personable atmosphere.

• Jordan Klepper: "I broke my sesamoid bone by standing on it for too long."
• Justina Valentine: "Wow."

Jordan Klepper’s New Comedy Special: "Fingers to Post. MAGA. The Next Generation." [03:38 - 05:06]

Jordan delves into his latest comedy special, discussing the motivations and experiences behind engaging with young MAGA supporters.

• Justina Valentine: "It's you talking to the younger... generation of MAGA because 15% of what, young men?"
• Jordan Klepper: "There was a shift right. From the entire youth generation... especially men... moving into the MAGA camp."

He explains the purpose of his special: to uncover the reasons behind this political shift, emphasizing that it's more about "vibes" and identity rather than deeply held conservative ideals.

• Jordan Klepper: "They see people finding success on TikTok and the social media space being conservative, and that gives them an identity."

The Importance of Engaging with Diverse Perspectives [05:06 - 07:39]

The conversation shifts to the significance of engaging with opposing viewpoints and the challenges that come with it.

• Justina Valentine: "I think it's a good exercise. I think more people should do that."
• DJ Envy: "You're not gonna get the answers you like, probably, and then you're probably gonna get threatened a lot."

Jordan shares his experiences of receiving threats and the physical dangers of covering politically charged events, particularly during the Trump era.

• Jordan Klepper: "We've been having threats on family members... It's sort of the new reality."

Experiences Covering January 6th [09:29 - 12:58]

Jordan recounts his firsthand experience covering the January 6th Capitol attack, highlighting both the chaos and unexpected moments of levity.

• Jordan Klepper: "We were like, where's the one place nobody is congregating? And it was outside the African American History Museum."

He narrates an encounter with a man swinging a pitchfork, which underscores the unpredictable nature of such events.

• Jordan Klepper: "We were talking to this guy swinging a pitchfork and he's ranting about revolution... another man comes up... he's yelling so loud that pitchfork man stops the interview."

The Role of Comedy in Journalism [13:15 - 17:43]

The discussion deepens as Jordan explores the blurred lines between comedy and journalism, advocating for the unique position comedians hold in addressing serious issues with humor.

• Justina Valentine: "You are probably some of the best journalists out there... because you do things like go and talk to the other side when other folks really don't."
• Jordan Klepper: "I don't see myself as a journalist, but I take going out and bringing back what we see to the show very seriously."

He emphasizes that while The Daily Show operates with a comedic lens, it remains committed to journalistic integrity by seeking out genuine stories and perspectives.

Satire and Its Place in Modern Media [19:33 - 25:35]

Jordan discusses the evolution of satire in today's fragmented media landscape, addressing whether audiences remain receptive or have become desensitized.

• Justina Valentine: "Where do you think satire fits in today's media landscape? Are people numb to it?"
• Jordan Klepper: "Satire is all about context, and that's hard if you're taking in seven-second chunks on like TikTok... satire is a boon. People are drawn to it."

He asserts that satire remains a powerful tool for uncovering truths but acknowledges the challenges posed by the rise of short-form content consumption.

Future of the MAGA Movement [25:35 - 27:58]

Turning to the future, Jordan speculates on the sustainability and evolution of the MAGA movement beyond Donald Trump.

• Jordan Klepper: "Trump is such a singular character... they think it can be passed on... Trump is going to try to build a cult of personality around him."
• Justina Valentine: "It's not even about the individual of Donald Trump. There's clearly a whole system that is perfectly okay with him doing everything that he's doing."

He expresses concern over the systemic support enabling the perpetuation of Trump's influence, highlighting the challenges in moving beyond a single charismatic leader.

Emotional Impact and Personal Reflections [28:10 - 30:06]

The conversation turns personal as Jordan shares the emotional toll of covering traumatic events like mass shootings and the systemic issues that prevent meaningful change.

• Jordan Klepper: "It's so heartbreaking... especially when I was hosting a show, we're like, what happened today? Well, the big news is there was another terrible shooting in a school."

He reflects on the frustration with governmental inaction and the personal impact of being a parent in such a charged environment.

Closing Remarks and Future Projects [30:14 - 30:21]

As the interview wraps up, Jordan shares where listeners can access his comedy special and hints at future endeavors.

• Jordan Klepper: "They can check it out on Paramount plus or YouTube. It's up on both those places right now."
• Justina Valentine: "Thank you so much for joining us."

Notable Quotes

• Jordan Klepper [07:22]: "My job is to be able to talk to other people, and if I don't do my job, I don't have health insurance."
• Justina Valentine [07:39]: "People wake up every day and wait for other people to tell them how to think and feel about things."
• Jordan Klepper [22:36]: "Comedy is disarming... it cuts to the quick faster than trying to argue with somebody else."
• Justina Valentine [25:26]: "Where do you think satire fits in today's media landscape? Are people numb to it?"

Conclusion

This episode of The Breakfast Club offers a profound exploration of Jordan Klepper's unique approach to blending comedy with journalism. By engaging directly with the younger generation of MAGA supporters, Klepper not only highlights the complexities of political identity formation but also underscores the essential role of empathy and humor in bridging ideological divides. His reflections on the state of modern media, the enduring power of satire, and the systemic forces shaping political movements provide listeners with valuable insights into the current socio-political landscape.

Listen to the full episode on iHeartPodcasts.