The Daily Beast Podcast: Sam Bee’s Menopause Rage and The Trumpy Tech Bros
Release Date: October 10, 2024

Hosts:

• Joanna Coles – Chief Creative & Content Officer of The Daily Beast
• Samantha Bee – Host of Full Frontal and Chief Content Officer of Checking in on Al Pacino

Introduction: Setting the Stage

In this vibrant episode of The Daily Beast Podcast, hosts Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee dive into a range of captivating topics, blending personal revelations with sharp political and cultural commentary. From Samantha’s candid discussion about menopause to a scathing critique of Melania Trump’s memoir, the conversation promises both depth and entertainment.

Samantha Bee’s Menopause Journey

Timestamp: [12:18] – [17:54]

Samantha Bee opens up about her personal battle with menopause, detailing the intense emotional and physical turmoil she experienced. She describes her menopause-induced rage as an "inner Vesuvius," where minor inconveniences would trigger explosive anger, leading her to the brink of needing psychiatric care.

Samantha Bee [12:29]: "I would almost blackout from anger. I didn't demonstrate it to anybody. It was like a private inner turmoil."

Her vulnerability paves the way for announcing her upcoming Audible show, How to Survive Menopause, which aims to destigmatize the topic and provide support through shared experiences and humor.

Samantha Bee [16:55]: "It's going to be an Audible experience so people can just listen to it and share it. You'll know you're not wandering around in the forest by yourself."

Joanna expresses empathy and shares her own subtle signs of menopause, reinforcing the importance of peer support in navigating this life stage.

Analyzing Melania Trump’s Memoir with Mary Jordan

Timestamp: [20:22] – [43:47]

The conversation shifts to Melania Trump’s newly released memoir, What Else, featuring insights from Mary Jordan, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The Art of Her Deal. The hosts critically dissect the memoir, questioning Melania’s authenticity and the commercial motivations behind her narrative.

Mary Jordan [22:44]: "She really laid out those photos. English is not her first language, so you can kind of guess that there was help there."

Mary Jordan delves into Melania’s guarded personality and emphasizes her strategic use of image and language, suggesting that the memoir serves more as a branding tool than a personal revelation.

Mary Jordan [26:29]: "There is a streak of exaggeration among the Trumps, both her and her husband."

The discussion highlights Melania’s isolation within the Trump household, her meticulous control over her public persona, and her strained relationship with Donald Trump. Joanna and Samantha express skepticism about Melania’s claims of multilingualism and her apparent detachment from significant events, such as the January 6th Capitol riot.

Samatha Bee [40:20]: "There's a section at the end of this book where she describes her involvement with blockchain technologies...it is just astonishing."

The hosts criticize the memoir for its lack of depth and personal insight, positioning Mary Jordan’s journalistic work as a more truthful portrayal of Melania.

Samantha Bee [43:41]: "This book is a crime and I'm so glad that you came on here to talk about it with us."

The Trumpy Tech Bros: Silicon Valley’s Political Entanglements

Timestamp: [48:27] – [63:48]

The podcast introduces Jessica Lesson, founder and CEO of The Information, a leading tech and business publication. Jessica provides an in-depth analysis of Silicon Valley’s influence on politics, particularly focusing on prominent tech leaders like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.

Jessica Lesson [50:04]: "It's Revenge of the Nerds again... There is a little bit more of that rockstar swagger coming back to the Valley these days."

Jessica discusses the problematic endorsements by tech moguls, the spread of disinformation, and the ongoing battle between tech companies and regulatory bodies over issues like AI and misinformation.

Jessica Lesson [54:11]: "Misinformation abounds. AI has only made it worse."

The conversation also tackles the glaring gender disparities in the tech industry. Jessica laments the scarcity of female leaders and the minimal venture capital funding allocated to women founders, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and structural change.

Jessica Lesson [60:43]: "If you look across the top of business, this is not unique in all the ways that women haven't ascended. It's much, much broader than tech."

Joanna probes the cultural dynamics of Silicon Valley, questioning whether wealth and power inherently lead to better societal outcomes. Jessica remains skeptical, pointing out the endemic issues within the tech elite.

Jessica Lesson [57:54]: "It would be a great lesson to learn. I don't think that will be learned in the Valley."

Conclusion: Reflecting on Obsessions and Looking Forward

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on their discussions. Samantha declares her disinterest in Melania post-discussion, while Joanna introduces their next "beast of the week," Jessica Lesson, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing tech and business leaders.

Samantha Bee [48:05]: "I never want to hear her name again."

Joanna Coles [63:15]: "Jessica Lesson, congratulations on what you have built at The Information and thank you for coming on the pod."

Both hosts encourage listeners to engage with their content, share feedback, and tune in for future episodes that promise similarly engaging and thought-provoking discussions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Samantha Bee [12:29]: "I would almost blackout from anger. I didn't demonstrate it to anybody. It was like a private inner turmoil."

• Mary Jordan [22:44]: "She really laid out those photos. English is not her first language, so you can kind of guess that there was help there."

• Jessica Lesson [54:11]: "Misinformation abounds. AI has only made it worse."

• Jessica Lesson [60:43]: "If you look across the top of business, this is not unique in all the ways that women haven't ascended."

Final Thoughts:

This episode of The Daily Beast Podcast masterfully balances personal anecdotes with incisive critiques of high-profile figures and industries. Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee, alongside their insightful guests, provide listeners with a comprehensive exploration of contemporary issues, from the intricacies of menopause to the pervasive influence of Silicon Valley’s elite.