The Daily Beast Podcast Episode: George Clooney, TikTok Diets, and Trump’s Presence Release Date: December 26, 2024

Hosts: Joanna Coles & Samantha Bee

1. Introduction & Special Episode Announcement (07:38 – 09:32)

Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee kick off this special episode by sharing their excitement about collaborating on a unique project. Samantha introduces the episode as a crossover from Samantha's own podcast, Choice Words, where she interviews Joanna, emphasizing the blend of their journalistic expertise and creative synergy.

Notable Quote:

Samantha Bee [07:38]: "For everyone listening today, you're going to hear the episode where Sam interviews moi. It's like I'm the friend who always hosts a sleepover, but I never get invited over."

2. The George Clooney Foundation Event (09:32 – 11:22)

The hosts recount their recent experience attending an exclusive event hosted by the George Clooney Foundation. Samantha humorously shares a photograph taken of her interacting with Clooney, highlighting the playful dynamic between them.

Notable Quote:

Samantha Bee [08:21]: "George was fangirling over Samantha Bee. And I was standing hesitantly, trying to listen to the conversation."

3. Joanna Coles' Career Journey & Return to The Daily Beast (11:22 – 19:06)

Joanna delves into her extensive career in journalism, detailing her transition from print journalism to magazine editing to better balance her professional and personal life. She shares poignant experiences, such as missing her son's second birthday due to covering a harrowing murder case, which ultimately led her to seek a more flexible career path.

Returning to The Daily Beast, Joanna expresses enthusiasm about rejoining a dynamic digital news platform. She credits influential figures like Barry Diller and Tina Brown for creating a conducive environment for impactful journalism.

Notable Quotes:

Joanna Coles [12:01]: "No one knows anything. And we are living in an incredibly fast-moving world with very fast communications."

Joanna Coles [15:53]: "I'm thrilled to come back to work at the Daily Beast because it's a wonderful digital news site."

4. News Reporting vs. Predictive Media (19:06 – 32:52)

The conversation shifts to the nature of modern journalism. Joanna emphasizes the importance of real-time reporting over speculative predictions, criticizing the "punditocracy" that thrives on forecasting future events without substantial evidence. She highlights the challenges posed by misinformation and foreign interference on social media platforms, underscoring the necessity for reliable, fact-based journalism.

Notable Quotes:

Joanna Coles [12:43]: "No one knows anything, and we lurch from moment to moment."

Joanna Coles [15:43]: "There's bad actors from the Chinese and Russia taking advantage of our social media platforms to sow incredible confusion."

5. The Evolution of Cosmopolitan & Feminism (32:52 – 37:30)

Joanna reflects on her tenure at Cosmopolitan, discussing how she spearheaded its transformation into a platform that empowers women both personally and professionally. She recounts the magazine's pivotal role in ushering in what she terms "Feminism 4.0," blending discussions on relationships and beauty with actionable advice on workplace dynamics and personal growth.

Notable Quotes:

Joanna Coles [28:06]: "When you have your own show, people buy you clothes and they dress you and make you look like you know what you're doing."

Joanna Coles [25:23]: "We just had an incredible response. People loved it."

6. Social Media vs. Traditional Media (37:30 – 43:08)

The hosts compare the instantaneous nature of social media platforms like TikTok with the depth and deliberation of traditional magazines. Joanna critiques the superficial engagement of TikTok, likening it to "fast energy" that leaves users feeling "listless and frustrated." In contrast, she praises the curated, thoughtful content of magazines, which she believes offers "real nutrition" for the mind.

Notable Quotes:

Joanna Coles [35:28]: "It's half art, half science. And then there's a team."

Joanna Coles [37:30]: "Any length of time I spend on TikTok, I come off feeling pretty listless and frustrated and confused."

7. Personal News Diet & Media Consumption (43:08 – 46:58)

Joanna shares her personal routine for consuming news, which blends traditional media like radio and print with digital platforms. She coins the term "screeding" to describe her habit of rapidly scrolling through headlines to stay informed, while also emphasizing the importance of reading well-crafted content for deeper understanding.

Notable Quotes:

Joanna Coles [39:28]: "I'm trying to take in so much information, I'm screeding."

Joanna Coles [42:31]: "Before I go to bed, I have some real nutrition because I think that's what I'm gonna dream about."

8. Fashion Insights & Personal Anecdotes (46:58 – 52:40)

The episode takes a lighter turn as Joanna and Samantha delve into their love for fashion. Joanna recounts a memorable experience with Valentino, where she learned the designer's aversion to negative news. They humorously discuss their favorite fashion pieces, the challenges of maintaining high-end wardrobes, and the interplay between personal style and professional life.

Notable Quotes:

Joanna Coles [47:15]: "Good for Mr. Valentino. How much better to live in a world of beauty with no bad news."

Samantha Bee [45:48]: "I wish porn should be my porn, but actually, it's just resale shopping."

9. Conclusion & Wrap-Up (52:40 – End)

Samantha wraps up the episode with humor, directing listeners to Joanna's social media to view the infamous photograph of her with George Clooney. They exchange playful banter about future collaborations and personal anecdotes, leaving listeners with a blend of insightful discussion and lighthearted moments.

Notable Quote:

Samantha Bee [52:35]: "I'm gonna follow all your projects, Joanna Coles and to see the most embarrassing photograph of me that has ever been taken, go directly to Joanna's Instagram."

Key Takeaways:

• Real-Time Reporting vs. Prediction: Emphasizes the importance of factual, timely journalism over speculative forecasting in today's fast-paced media landscape.

• Evolution of Women's Magazines: Highlights Joanna's role in transforming Cosmopolitan into a platform that balances beauty and empowerment, advocating for a modern feminist approach.

• Impact of Social Media: Critiques the superficial and fleeting nature of platforms like TikTok, contrasting them with the depth offered by traditional media outlets.

• Personal Reflections: Provides an intimate look into Joanna's career choices, media consumption habits, and personal interests, including fashion and family life.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Joanna Coles [12:01]: "No one knows anything. And we are living in an incredibly fast-moving world with very fast communications."

• Joanna Coles [15:43]: "There's bad actors from the Chinese and Russia taking advantage of our social media platforms to sow incredible confusion."

• Samantha Bee [07:38]: "For everyone listening today, you're going to hear the episode where Sam interviews moi."

• Joanna Coles [35:28]: "It's half art, half science. And then there's a team."

This episode of The Daily Beast Podcast masterfully intertwines serious discussions on journalism and media with personal stories and humorous anecdotes, offering listeners both depth and entertainment.