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Ryan Reynolds
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Joanna Coles
Welcome to the Daily Beast podcast. I'm Joanna Coles. I'm wearing color. So is Sambi. I'm the chief content officer of the Daily Beast. Sam, who are you?
Samantha Bee
I'm Samantha Be as you said, I'm the chief content officer of false eyelashes. Look at them. Oh, look at both of us.
Joanna Coles
False eyelashes. The best.
Samantha Bee
We're going to flutter our way right out of the studio.
Joanna Coles
When everything's done, we're gonna fly. Can you tell everybody why you have false eyelashes on?
Samantha Bee
I was on the CBS Morning show this morning with Gayle King and company. It was very good. I was promoting my menopause show on Audible and I hope everybody listens.
Joanna Coles
I was wondering if everybody that went up in the blue Origin space rocket was menopausal.
Samantha Bee
Oh, I would imagine so. Everybody's in some phase or another of perimenopause.
Joanna Coles
Menopause. Menopause. Post menopause.
Samantha Bee
Come on. So tell me about your lashes. Why do you have your.
Joanna Coles
My lashes? So here's what's embarrassing. Yes, your lashes are fresh from this morning.
Samantha Bee
They Are fresh.
Joanna Coles
Mine are still clinging on. This is embarrassing.
Samantha Bee
Yes.
Joanna Coles
From Sunday.
Samantha Bee
Stop it.
Joanna Coles
From Sunday. Yeah.
Samantha Bee
I don't think that's good for your eyeball.
Joanna Coles
No, of course it's not good for you. But they look so much better because I can't stick them on myself. And I was on CNN Sunday Morning after the White House correspondence.
Samantha Bee
That's right. We have so much to discuss. I understand that you. And this is sad because you did get a diagnosis of a medical condition, Right?
Joanna Coles
I did, and I wasn't going to talk about it, but as you've raised.
Samantha Bee
It, I mean, I think it's time to.
Joanna Coles
Well, and the diagnosis came from an unusual source.
Samantha Bee
It did.
Joanna Coles
It came from the White House spokesperson, who is a man called. I think he's a former wrestling executive.
Samantha Bee
Great.
Joanna Coles
Called Stephen Chung. Yes.
Samantha Bee
Not a medical doctor, per se.
Joanna Coles
Not a medical doctor.
Samantha Bee
Lots of opinions.
Joanna Coles
Yeah. And he said that I was suffering from. Well, first he said I was a little shit, but then he said I was suffering from Trump derangement syndrome, which is tds, which actually I think you have, too.
Samantha Bee
I definitely have that syndrome as well. Yeah, he did. He did say that you're a piece of shit. Let's be accurate.
Joanna Coles
Because he called Michael Wolff a lying sack of shit.
Samantha Bee
But you're just a piece.
Joanna Coles
Just a piece of shit.
Samantha Bee
Not a whole sack.
Joanna Coles
I'm not a whole sack, though I will say that. I wonder if I qualify then in some way for donating to fmt, which is fecal matter transfer, which I heard about this week as an amazing new technology for health issues.
Samantha Bee
Make your life matter. You know what I mean? Make your life about something. You also have a pea sized brain.
Joanna Coles
Oh, yeah.
Samantha Bee
Whereas Michael Wolfe has a peanut sized brain. And I want to recommend as my medical diagnosis for Stephen Chung, that he buy a thesaurus and get a little more creative.
Joanna Coles
Yeah, he's very limited in his number of insults. Stephen, we think you can do better. Come on, ramp it up. Yes, ramp it up.
Samantha Bee
You're a professional communicator. Let's have.
Joanna Coles
Is he, though.
Samantha Bee
Fine. He can at least do a synonym search online.
Joanna Coles
P. Anyway, moving swiftly on.
Samantha Bee
Yes. What are we talking about today?
Joanna Coles
I wish we'd both managed to attend the Pope's funeral because I think it would have been fun.
Samantha Bee
Imagine choosing an outfit for the Pope's funeral. You want to get the color right. Which our president did not do. He loves to stand out.
Joanna Coles
Well. And the last time he met the Pope, as we pointed out in the Daily Beast, he was actually wearing a black suit. So I don't know why he needed to wear blue, except he wanted all eyes on him.
Samantha Bee
He's just the person who shows up at the wedding in a parallel bridal gown. He's just the person who's like, I just had the. It just happens to be a white dress. Whatever. I wore it to my own. What? It's not. Technically. I've reworked it. I raised the hem so.
Joanna Coles
Good. I'm disappointed we missed it because I would like to have worn a veil. I've never actually worn a veil, and I feel like it would be a little black frilly one with some movement.
Samantha Bee
I picture you in a fascinator. When I dream about that, which I often do.
Joanna Coles
Please do. Please dream about it.
Samantha Bee
You're always in a fascinator.
Joanna Coles
I do have a black leather fascinator, actually, which I got for Buckingham Palace.
Samantha Bee
That is the most fascinating fascinators.
Joanna Coles
Yeah, it was. It was a little snme.
Samantha Bee
A little lesson.
Joanna Coles
Yeah. It's black leather and it's cut out. It's got. It's laser cut black leather and it sort of rises up. It's pretty cool, actually. But it's not a veil.
Samantha Bee
Like a little. Just a little dollop of fudge frosting.
Joanna Coles
Yeah.
Samantha Bee
Fantastic.
Joanna Coles
Indeed. Okay, what else? We have so much to talk about because every week we focus on the people and the stories that we're obsessed with at the Daily Beast. What else?
Samantha Bee
What's the condition of the country? We're recording this on the hundred at the hundred day mark.
Joanna Coles
Yeah, 100 day mark seems great.
Samantha Bee
The GDP is shrinking.
Joanna Coles
Can you please explain to us what is going on in Canada?
Samantha Bee
Well, we just had our big federal election in Canada, and Mark Carney, who was the leader of the new, the fresh leader of the Liberal Party, won the election. I think it was a real moment. Canadians really galvanized against kind of a mysterious conservative guy who everybody found him to be. He was quite in the Trump mode. And there was a resounding renaissance for the Liberal Party, who was really expected to lose under the former. Under Justin Trudeau. And they have resoundingly rejected any idea of Trumpism, chaos, the unknown, because they're just building a firewall around the country. And it's actually pretty great to see. And I think that that's going to happen in a lot of places.
Joanna Coles
Well, and Mark Carney's also got the advantage of being financially l. Literature.
Stephen Klubeck
Right.
Joanna Coles
Because he was governor of the bank of England.
Samantha Bee
Yes.
Joanna Coles
So that's helpful given that Canada tariffs, all that stuff. You need someone who Understands going into.
Samantha Bee
These extremely choppy economic waters. They. Canada just chose a leader who they felt could kind of protect them and could understand those systems.
Joanna Coles
So do you think Justin Trudeau is lying there in bed in the mornings just thinking, why didn't I stay on? Why did I?
Samantha Bee
I think he is so, so. Well, I don't know him at all, but I can only imagine that he's like, you know what? I am actually not up for four more years of Donald Trump. So this feels great. I bet you he's getting a massage. I bet you he's getting like, he's just getting like lubed up and worked on. Fantastic.
Joanna Coles
Maybe he will follow in Bill Belichick's footsteps and get a new muse because obviously famously got divorced in office.
Samantha Bee
My goodness.
Joanna Coles
I'm very excited by their relationship. I loved the interview they did with CBS and Tony decouple. Yes. Where she was basically apparently directing the interview from behind the scenes.
Samantha Bee
Yes, she was.
Joanna Coles
Bill looked like he had Stockholm syndrome.
Samantha Bee
I think Bill is doing okay. I think he's kind of winning in this transaction. Do you think? Who's what? God, she's his idea mill.
Joanna Coles
Oh, she's. That's right.
Samantha Bee
Inspired by her. Their love is so true. It just leaps off the screen and the pages. Oh, God, I wish them well.
Joanna Coles
The photo that just freaked me out was she was standing behind him in a beautifully low cut bikini top, which I felt was highly appropriate. And he is sitting there almost in a wrap position with his rings on every finger, his super bowl rings. And it just looks surreal. It looks like a parody of an Adam Sandler movie.
Samantha Bee
Can I be honest with you? Every photograph of him freaks me out. Every single one. Not the least of which are those photos on the beach where he's, oh, he's holding his hand like an insect with its legs up in the air and she's. Oh, God. How many times have my husband and I tried to recreate that exact moment in our Upper west side apartment?
Joanna Coles
Good for you. And they have a 50 year age difference, which I think I was thinking, well, if I had a 50 year age difference difference, that would mean I'd be dating a 13 year old, which is too young. It's too young. 40 would bring me to 23. Still too young.
Samantha Bee
I'm 55. I think I would do very well with a man 105 years of age. I feel like that's the. That's a different type of love match.
Joanna Coles
Yeah. But it's obviously a true love. As you say, we should be happy for Both of them always happy.
Samantha Bee
People in love, Joanna.
Joanna Coles
I love love. All right, tell me about your college tour.
Samantha Bee
I'm taking my son. My son's a junior in high school. We've been doing college tours all around. I've been touring my one woman show. I'm traveling all over the place. It's just pure chaos. I'm going to keep these eyelashes on for the next month.
Joanna Coles
Honestly. You should. You should. And by the end of it, your eyes will be gummed closed.
Samantha Bee
Gummed close. I'll just. When I take them off, I'll peel off my eyelids.
Joanna Coles
Yeah, I know, but it looks good. It looks good. All right. We are now going to talk to our beast of the week. She's a journalist and a White House correspondent, April Ryan. And in the download, we're going to talk to billionaire businessman and candidate for California governor known as the crazily Donald Trump of the Democrats, the mysterious, very mysterious Stephen Klubeck. He actually announced he was running in November. I didn't know anything about it until very, very recently, but I'm looking forward to talking to him.
Samantha Bee
Yeah, I've had a lot of fun Googling him.
Joanna Coles
Yeah.
Samantha Bee
Lots of stuff comes up.
Joanna Coles
Lots of stuff comes up. And apparently he's happy to talk about all of it.
Samantha Bee
Well, that's great. You know what? I'll run for California governor.
Joanna Coles
Honestly, everybody's running for governor just to improve their Google ratings, I think.
Samantha Bee
Will you sing in my band the song about me? Because he has his own song.
Joanna Coles
I will definitely sing.
Samantha Bee
Okay.
Joanna Coles
Yeah, I'll totally sing for you.
Samantha Bee
Oh, my God.
Podcast Host
How cute.
Joanna Coles
God. Yeah. I'll be your backing singer. I'll be your Pips. You're Gladys Ni. I'll be your Pips. I wonder if we could bring in Adam Levine.
Samantha Bee
I don't think I'm going through Maroon.
Joanna Coles
5 phase, which is really worrying. I'm so beyond. I don't understand what's happened. It's wormed its way into my brain and I can't get it out.
Samantha Bee
I'm gonna get that brain worm out.
Joanna Coles
Yeah.
Samantha Bee
We did it for RFK Jr. And we'll do it for you.
Joanna Coles
Okay, thank you. We're going to go for a quick break, and when we come back, we're going to be joined by our beast of the week White House correspondent, April Ryan. The weather's heating up, and that's usually my cue to refresh my space, especially my bedro. One of the easiest ways I found to make everything feel lighter, brighter, and more seasonal is by updating my bedding that's why I love Brooklyn Linen. Their sheets, blankets and bundles aren't just beautiful, they're actually built to last. I've had my set for over a year now and it feels just as soft and as breathable as the first time I slipped into bed. Brook Linen's limited edition linen colours for summer are grounded in this soft, optimistic palette. Think airy earth tones that make the whole room feel calm but intentional. And when the sun goes down and things cool off, I've been layering on their Dreamweave waffle bed blanket. Light enough to breathe, but just adds the right amount of texture and warmth. So whether you're trying to beat the heat or you just want to mix it up with some new colors, Brooklinen makes it super easy with customizable bundles that let you mix and match sizes, fabrics and colors to fit your own style. Shot award winners and then fan faves in store or online at brooklinen.com that's B R O-O-K L I N E N.com visit today for an exclusive new customer offer.
Ryan Reynolds
Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone paying Big Wireless Way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments. But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a try@mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment.
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Joanna Coles
Welcome back. We're joined now by the longest serving African American White House correspondent and our Beast of the Week, April Ryan April, you looked incredible at the weekend at the White House Correspondent Dinner. Yeah. You had a green dress with these incredible feathers. You two could have flown away like me and Sam in our eyelashes. Or false eyelashes for those who weren't at the dinner. Sam wasn't there. Tell us what it was like.
April Ryan
It was the oddest thing I've ever been to, Mind you. I've been to about 28 of them now. 28 years, 28 White House correspondents association dinners. We had no president. The president is typically the guest of honor. He does not put it on. He is the guest of honor, typically. And what happens is, is that we roast him and he roasts us back. And now, I don't know if this is gonna set a precedent or not, but what's happening is. I'm sorry. My husband just keeps calling me. He knows I'm on with you guys.
Joanna Coles
Well, that's nice. It's better that he's calling you than not calling me.
April Ryan
He shows that he loves me. But no, it was the weirdest thing because we didn't have the President. He wasn't roasted. He didn't roast us back, and we didn't have entertainment. And you all know why we didn't have entertainment. Because Amber Ruffin, the comedian that was set to roast the President and roast us and talk about whatever she wanted to talk about, was fired, essentially because of what she said on a daily basis. It was weird. But I did enjoy what Eugene Daniels, the president of the association, had to say. This is a very tense moment for the press. The president is encroaching upon our territory. We're losing ground. And once you lose ground, you never get it back. And Eugene spoke of the moment about the free press. He spoke of the moment about what this means for the American public. See, people think it's just a fight between us and the press. It's not that. It's a fight about information that goes to the American public. I mean, look at what's happening now. If the president gets his way, we won't be around. This is a real moment. And if the press weren't there to ask questions and get answers or dig, the American public would be sitting here scratching their head what's going on.
Samantha Bee
So we're 100 days in. We're all unpacking the first hundred days of this administration. And it is just has been obviously an astonishing experience. I mean, I know it's too soon to talk about when it will all. When it will be over, but how are we actually going to put the horses back in the barn? Do you have any sense of that? I mean, you're a veteran of the White House press room.
April Ryan
How are we going to get the horse back in the barn? Well, let's say this. Let's say the barn has burned down and there's no barn to go back to. Let's try that. The first 100 days have been like drinking out of a fire hose. It's impossible, right? And they say flood the zone, it's called. I'm gonna be honest with you. It's just. It's over the top. It's too much. One story overtopped the other. The President just says whatever he wants. He and Elon Musk were friends. Now they're not. The list goes on. Now let's talk about the American people. We've had measles.
Joanna Coles
April, before we do, can I just ask you one thing? Is the White House Press association still useful? The Axios reporter, Alex Thompson accepted an award and berated the Associ for missing the Biden health story.
April Ryan
And the camera went right to me while I was drinking. I said, oh, Lord.
Joanna Coles
I don't think he was targeting you specifically, but he was pretty aggressive about saying that the association, the reporters essentially missed the story or deliberately, knowingly covered it up. And Carolyn Levitt obviously just comes out and says whatever she feels like saying. This week we saw Amazon potentially labeling tariff costs on customers bills. She came out and said it was a political and hot style act. So she says what she likes. So what is the point? I understand the American people need. Need an account of what's going on, but the AP is no longer in the room. So what is the point of the White House correspondents at this point?
April Ryan
AP is in the room. However, they're not being called on. He is going through exhaustive attempts. When the President flies, they're not allowed to fly on Air Force One or the press charter. So they go their own way. They find a way to get there. And reporters are banding together to help them get information, to put the pool reports so that we all can get the information. I want to say, yes, we are still useful, but in reality, they're taking it over. They're creating who they want to come into the Oval Office to address the President. Kaitlyn Collins from cnn. It took her. It took her a long time. She was the only reporter in there with the El Salvadorian President who asked the question for really the raison d'etre of the meeting. We are still viable. We are very viable. However, we have to be. We have to be Creative in our being viable. And we have to continue. We have to go back to the basics. Basics, like 101. I'm not into chastising other journalists, but we have to go back to the basics and not be friends of the president, not be embedded with the president and ask the questions. We are the fourth estate, Joanna. We are the fourth estate. The next line of questioning, when all else fails, when the judiciary fails, when the legislative branch fails, and when the White House fails. All three branches are now in the realm of the conservative movement, or maga, whatever you want to call it. But you have us still asking the questions. And now Caitlin Collins and others and I are still in that room. However, Caroline Levitt chooses to call those who are very sympathetic and love the President of the United States instead of seeing him for who he is and asking pointed questions.
Samantha Bee
I mean, the WHCA couldn't. They didn't even source the correct photo. A correct photo of you. Like, do you feel like, are they really meeting this moment? That is very basic.
Joanna Coles
You were sort of honored for being the longest serving African American correspondent in the White House restaurant near the White House. And then they flashed up. In the history of the White House. And then they flashed up a picture.
April Ryan
Of my dear friend Yamiche. We don't look alike. And I love that story you did. People were like, oh, my God. They put April and Yamiche together like that. That's my girl, though. And I called her. She said, hey, April. I said, no, no, no, no, no.
Joanna Coles
I'm Yamiche.
April Ryan
You're April. And we laughed. We got a laugh out of it. But it was embarrassing for her. You could see her squirming, and I'm like. At first I was sitting there because I was like, okay. I didn't even know I was out of it, kind of, sort of. I didn't even know it was happening. When I heard my name, I said, wait a minute. I said, that's not me. That's Shamiche. And then so my husband's like, this is her. Come over here, Kim. I'm like, oh, God. So. And I mean, it was awful. We have gone beyond that kind of time when black people all look the same. I'm like, this is crazy.
Samantha Bee
Well, let's say I could wave my magic wand and put you in charge of the White House Correspondents Association. How would you take things back to basics? Like, how would you. I guess. How would you run things? How would you. Right. The ship. I do feel like. I do feel like this big cruise ship. Is in a bit of chaos. I mean, the situation with Amber.
April Ryan
Oh, yeah.
Samantha Bee
Was very bad.
Joanna Coles
I think it's been a bad, bad week for black women with the White House correspondence. Amber's. Well, what if he got it wrong? What if they fired the wrong person? Stuka. For someone else.
April Ryan
You never censor someone's craft in their art. You never do that.
Samantha Bee
No.
April Ryan
And I'm like, what? So I had been on the board of the White House Correspondents Association. I was on for three years when Barack Obama was president. And I was there when we hit the 100th anniversary. And I chose not to stay. I chose not to go for reelection because I felt like I was a hell. And when I say that, I felt like, you know, it's a lot of grudge work. I was in charge of the refrigerator in the kitchen that kept breaking. And we had to bring the people in when the president was gone. And it was such an arduous task. I mean, people would complain about the toilets not working or there's no toilet paper in there, or the relationship with the press and the president. It was. You ran the gambit. But after a while, I said, this is not. And do my job. I said, this is not for me. But if I were president, this would not be a time when I'm trying to curry favor. I would not demand a meeting with Caroline Levitt. She's not the power. The power is the President of the United States. I would impress upon him what's going on and how it does not bode well for him to have people in there who are avid supporters and fanning out. Fan girl or fanboying out. The example. One of the examples. Well, two of the examples in the same day, going back to that Voldemort Zelensky meeting. Marjorie Taylor Greene's boyfriend chastised Volodymyr Zelensky. Why aren't you wearing a suit? But here comes Elon Musk with a baseball cap and an overcoat and a T shirt and his kid in there telling the president to shut up. But the protocol for the Oval Office is that jacket and a tie and a collared shirt. But they didn't ask that. And then also that same day when Volodymyr Zelensky was in the Oval Office, when the president literally ran him out. You had a Russian TV journalist in there, and they don't know how they got in there for real. This is the most powerful office in the land. Secret Service everywhere. And you don't know how. I don't. I don't Know how does it affect.
Samantha Bee
The morale in the room when someone from the Daily Wire can put their hand up and be like, just why are you all doing such an awesome job?
April Ryan
The morale is horrible. Because I'm gonna tell you, I'm gonna give you a little insight. And I know they're gonna get mad, but when the front row, the illustrious front row, does not get called on, and it's like Fox and maybe ABC and that's it on the front row, they all go outside and gather and talk to each other. They don't like it, Right? And it is horrible. It is a horrible moment because he's not doing well. His numbers are underwater. Like that black man who ran for mayor in New York City. He said, the rent is too damn high. Well, the price of everything is too damn high. We're losing money in the stock market. Everything you got, people being laid off, truckers, ups. We're scared about our food. This president is not doing well. And for you to come with the narrative that, oh, you're just doing so well, he's not. And I understand that they're reaching out to other people in the Republican Party to try to help them come back and fix some of the mistakes that they made. So this is a moment where you can't get needed items from around the world. That's a problem. And that shows a failure when people can't go about their daily lives.
Joanna Coles
You're going back in there this afternoon? I believe so. Good luck. Sam, if you had a question for the White House briefing, what would it be?
Samantha Bee
Oh, my God. Don't put me on the spot. Can you all go away? Can you stop out of our eyeballs? Please. Just govern us. Have you ever thought about just governing? Have you ever thought about just governing? My second question would be, why are you so awesome?
Joanna Coles
I really want to know if he's on his mpic, though, because we definitely spot it. I think he's been losing weight, and I know we have a call in April. You see him? Do you think he's lost weight?
April Ryan
Can I tell you something? I don't know if he's lost weight or maybe he's using a spank.
Samantha Bee
You know what? He's doing a triple six.
Joanna Coles
A Manx. I think they're called Manx.
Samantha Bee
Yeah, but you triple them up.
Joanna Coles
He's got triple money.
April Ryan
Oh, I don't know. That's painful.
Joanna Coles
Oh, yeah, they're very cheap on shine, though. They're very cheap on shine. Get them before the tariffs hit. April Ryan, congratulations on your extraordinary career. Long serving White House correspondent. Thank you for joining us and I hope you'll come back and join us again.
April Ryan
I'll join you anytime you ask. Thank you guys.
Samantha Bee
What a pleasure. Thank you so much.
Joanna Coles
Don't go anywhere because we'll be right back for the download with with author Stephen Klubeck, who's running for the governor's seat in California.
Podcast Host
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Joanna Coles
We're back and we're joined by businessman, philanthropist and candidate for governor of California, Stephen Klubeck. Stephen is also the author of the forthcoming book Facing Hard how Americans can get real, pull together and turn our country round. And hopefully he can tell us the secret of how to do that right now. Yes. Because we need it.
Samantha Bee
We do.
Joanna Coles
Stephen, welcome.
Samantha Bee
Thanks so much for being on the show.
Stephen Klubeck
Thank you. I'm grateful. Thank you for having me.
Samantha Bee
I'm gonna just dive in there because you are known to some as the Donald Trump of the Democrats. What does that mean? And how does that sit with you? Well, do you wear that proudly? What does that mean?
Stephen Klubeck
I know him. I, I, we've played, we played in the sandbox of business together. We're both from the hospitality business. We both did reality tv.
Samantha Bee
Yes.
Stephen Klubeck
Undercover Boss and the Apprentice. And they're very similar, actually. They have bravado and we interact with our, our team, but they both end up with in tears. Both shows end up with in tears, except in Undercover Boss, they're happy tears and show you're fired. We create value. He's a wrecking ball. He destroys value.
Samantha Bee
Tell us about your decision making process because you're, listen, your life is very good. You're a very wealthy person. You have every opportunity at your fingertips. Why on God's green earth would you say yes to and throw your hat in the ring?
Stephen Klubeck
It's interesting. Look, I interviewed every candidate as a donor and I'm like, this is the best we got. You're kidding me, right? So I started to do my due diligence, my homework on the great state of California, the country of California. I grew up here. And I'm like, what happened to this beautiful place that gave me all these aspirational goals? I mean, I grew up in the San Fernando Valley. Modest means, but got a great education. I dreamed of, of living over the hill. I lived in the San Fernando Valley and dreamed of living in Beverly Hills. And after I sold my company, Hilton owns it today, I'm very proud of that. I wanted to live my dream and I came back to a state that's just a failed social experiment. And so I did get involved and I did my homework and I found out there's solutions.
Joanna Coles
The Democrats have had control of California, all aspects of California for some time now. What can you bring to it that the current team haven't? What are has Governor Newsom done wrong? And then let's talk about Kamala, because obviously she's the biggest candidate in the race, assuming she's going to run.
Stephen Klubeck
Well, when, when I speak, I'm a Californian and I bring business leadership to the table. And the others have not signed the front of a Check. They don't know what it's like to think of unintended consequences. They don't understand that everyone in California is a customer and they should receive equal or greater value. Look, there's no red carpet with me. No hair gel, no word salad. We are in this predicament of this failed social experiment because the leaders have brought us here. Why would we continue to elect those that have brought us here? We're going to have to find new to actually solve the problems. And I come to the table with solutions, proven solutions.
Samantha Bee
We are having a current lived experience of being governed in some ways or having having our daily lives affected by the actions of billionaires getting involved in politics. You're very far removed from experiencing an affordability crisis. Can you just sort of enumerate the ways in which you would comfort someone who was looking, you know, who is undecided?
Joanna Coles
Well, I don't want you to comfort anybody. I'm just gonna hop in over Sam here. But I do want your solutions for what you would do.
Stephen Klubeck
Well, thank you. Those are good questions. Look, when I was a young boy, I was a busboy, waiter, dishwasher, 8, 9, 10 years old. I'm built to serve. I come from the service business. I roll up my sleeves. I don't believe in red carpets. I'd rather create trillions.
Joanna Coles
What does that mean? I get all that, but you're talking in political cliches now. What are the actual steps you would take to alleviate homelessness in the big democratic cities? What would you actually do?
Stephen Klubeck
Let's talk about. California is not open for business. It's not workable, livable and affordable. I fixed the most broken of companies, 10 to be exact. And nobody said they could be fixed. We've got great exports of our state. People have forgotten about our great exports. Agriculture, tourism and travel, entertainment, innovation, manufacturing, education. And we can grow our GDP from this and have performance and results at the government level. The California Department of Performance and Results, also known as cpr, which the state needs.
Joanna Coles
So why don't we take the biggest industry of that, which is obviously Hollywood and the extraordinary export, both culturally and financially. Would you bring Hollywood back to Hollywood? I mean right now, and I've certainly gone through this. People make shows elsewhere.
Stephen Klubeck
That's my line. You stole my line. I'll bring Hollywood back to Hollywood. So when you look at, when you look at Hollywood, let's just look at the landscape, the due diligence of this landscape. We lost Hollywood. 40% of the sound stages are empty. The Capex is already Here there's no capex required. It's an export. So let's do the comparative analysis to the incentives that are given in other places around the world. Let's pick Georgia, which is spoken about a lot. Georgia's.
Joanna Coles
Georgia. Atlanta. Yeah.
Stephen Klubeck
Georgia as in the state, not the country.
Joanna Coles
Yep.
Stephen Klubeck
$563 billion GDP, $1.3 billion in incentives given. If you do a comparative analysis to California, with our $4.1 trillion GDP, we could give incentives up to $9 billion with no asterisks and keep it simple because right now it's complicated with regulation. You can't do documentaries, you can't do unscripted. And this all trickles down to those working in the industry. Electricians, grips, producers, actors. They want to stay home. They want to be home. They're missing their families. We need to take back Hollywood, bring back Hollywood to Hollywood and own it. We need to be on the offense and the leadership that we've had in the past. Joanna, they've been on defense. I believe in offense, not defense.
Samantha Bee
I mean, speaking of Hollywood, like your own personal life is kind of the stuff of. It is the stuff of Vanity Fair profiles. Do you think that people will accept you as a, as a real candidate for the governorship, given all that is known about, about your personal life? It's. You live very boldly.
Stephen Klubeck
Yeah, sure. Because everything about me is known. I don't get extorted and you won't get extorted on my watch. I fight and I'll fight for California. I mean, those are, those articles, by the way. You're not going to believe it, but I actually had them written. They weren't written about me. I actually did it. You speak with Bill Cohen, you may know him. He's became a friend. I got tagged. I own it.
Joanna Coles
So how do we, how do we know? So you're talking about a relationship you had with a young woman who was an only fans star. You gave her a lot of gifts and then it turned out she'd been shooting porno movies in your Fabian Taylor's homes. It ended in a very ugly way as far as I can see. And it showed a lapse of judgment. If I'm a voter in California, why would I, Why would I assume.
Stephen Klubeck
I don't, I don't. Joanna, I don't know if the lapse of judgment or being naive to the dating scene, I mean I, I didn't know what discord Reddit was to do my due diligence, I could have found out that that wasn't even a real name. Her name was something else. And now she's changed her name a third time.
Joanna Coles
Well, it ended in a very ugly legal battle. Right?
Stephen Klubeck
Well, actually it, it ended in an apology letter which I'm happy to read to you. It ended in all of the gifts being returned.
Joanna Coles
Well, that's good because you spent a.
Stephen Klubeck
Lot of money and, and me not paying one penny to anybody and fighting the fight, because I fight the fight, I don't get extorted. Nobody should on my watch.
Joanna Coles
All right, so how, what, what did you learn from that experience?
Stephen Klubeck
What I learned is there's a lot of grifters and cons out there.
Samantha Bee
I guess. Speaking of, speaking of gripers, you have, what are your interactions with Donald Trump like? I mean, we have a situation now, like how are you going to go head to head with someone who you've interacted with in the past who wants to attach strings to something as seemingly as non political as like LA Wildfire Assistance?
Stephen Klubeck
That's a very good question because I watched that horrifying U shaped table rip down, tear down of Mayor Bass and maybe Congressman Sherman. And if I was there at that table, I would have said, Mr. President, we know each other. I know you say that everyone go back to their home tonight, tomorrow, but you know that's not true because guess what? FEMA's got to come in and certify that every asset is safe. And you know what? That's on you. So when you get that done, Mr. President, come back to us and let us know when it's done. And then the folks can either choose the Army Corps of Engineers to clean up their site for free, or it's going to cost $200,000 approximately to do it on their own, and that's on them. But when you get it done together with us, work together, because California is a bully pulpit, okay? You need us as much as we need you and let's respect each other. And that's how I would handle it. And I've had many interactions with him in the past and we have respect for one another, but frankly, I'm not intimidated.
Samantha Bee
You are golf buddies with Barack Obama by way of example. Does he have any impulse to come out of hiding and tell us what to do? We're all pretty lost.
Stephen Klubeck
What? You know, I don't know that he wants to. I was talking to James Carville this morning. I was talking to James this morning. We're, we're fans of one another. And you know, look, look, we should have had a contested convention if my Dear adopted father was alive. Harry would have really made that happen. And I think from what I hear, Barack wanted that to happen too. And there's not enough voice in the heart center of our party today.
Joanna Coles
So Kamala Harris is supposed to be certainly mulling over a run for governor. And obviously she has a much higher profile than you do. How would you take her on? What are her weaknesses for governor?
Stephen Klubeck
Good question. The last time I spoke to her was May 28, 2019. She called me and asked me whether or not I would assist during her run for office. She misjudged that day because it was the one year anniversary of my father's death. My dearest friend Sheldon and I wasn't in a very good mood and I basically told her she wasn't ready for prime time. She hung up on me. That was the last time I talked to her. You know, when you blow through a billion three in 90 days, people don't forget they blew through not understanding tabletop issues. Economy and immigration, two very important issues. They were just tone deaf. I met with Waltz and the guy didn't even understand balance sheet and income statement. Nice guy, nice guy. But we can't apologize for success in our party. I'm a lifelong Democrat. I'm proud to be a Democrat. Bill Clinton taught me a lot of great things. And Harry Reid did also. I mean, Democrats can govern. Bill Clinton balanced a budget. He also effectively efficiently created what was called reinventing government. Now Gore facilitated 400,000 jobs being stripped from our federal government so Democrats can lead and govern. We just need to find our heart center again. We need some balance. We need some bravado.
Joanna Coles
Have you spent much time with Daniel Lurie, the new mayor of San Francisco? Because he seems to be re exciting the city. Certainly the city seems cleaner. It seems the business community have got more involved because they feel he understands them.
Stephen Klubeck
I was in San Francisco. I have not. I look forward to meeting him. I know. We're trying to schedule it. I was in San Francisco last week, Oakland and Palo Alto. And the city is much cleaner. It's got a great vibe. It's got some, some swag coming back to it. And it's palpable. It is palpable. So, you know, let's not not poo poo business leadership. Just because I've done well doesn't mean that I don't have compassion and warmth for people. Because I'm in the people business. I roll up my sleeves. No red carpet for me. I'm here to serve.
Joanna Coles
I don't think we Were poo pooing. Business leadership. I think business leadership is essential, especially in big cities and running states. Things are complicated, and you need people who can get things done and who are used to being held accountable, which frequently politicians aren't. But now, where am I going with this? Sam, please help me out here. I'm just sort of defending because I'm a big believer in getting business involved in politics, 100%.
Samantha Bee
But I think that, you know, there is. There, you know, there is a class of people who are like, kind of political dilettantes, like newcomers who don't have. Who have an understanding of business but don't have an understanding necessarily of governance, which is different, which is actually of public service. Like, that's actually kind of rare in the business world. So I do think that there's. There's a suspicion. Do you know what I mean? There's anything that's natural.
Stephen Klubeck
Call me a unicorn, because I've legislated and worked with Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Borders, Senate, House, Treasury, Commerce, Interior, and State Department. Changing visa policy in China and Brazil. Do you have a global entry card?
Joanna Coles
Yes, happily.
Stephen Klubeck
I was involved in that. I got our job for you.
Joanna Coles
Thank you.
Stephen Klubeck
Sit down with me and be polite. When people entered the United States and I said, we're going to spend close to $300 million marketing the United States after the lost decade of travel, can the officers, like, smile and say, welcome to the United States, please? And when they leave, did you have a good time? Please come back soon. Disneyland, ask. And we did it. So solutions are possible. I bring uniqueness to the table.
Samantha Bee
And you have a song. You already have a song.
Stephen Klubeck
Old school theme song. Jeff. Jeff Ross. I think you know. Jeff, take our hand Lead us to.
Joanna Coles
The promised land California, California Get a clue back.
April Ryan
It's the guy for you.
Stephen Klubeck
Yes, he wrote the song. I modified it, but he wrote it and gave it to me as a gift over the holidays.
Samantha Bee
It's very good. It's very good. You know what? I clicked on it, and I was like, this is gonna. This is not gonna be good. And that actually was pretty good.
Joanna Coles
Yeah, it was pretty good.
Stephen Klubeck
I just signed a deal with iHeartRadio to launch my podcast called Hard Truths with Stephen J. Klubeck. And our guest list is filling up quick. We're starting at the beginning of May. The book launches in June, which is done by Disrupted Books, West Wing writers. Very proud of this book. Clinton read it. Loved it. Cory Booker, a dear friend of mine, My little shadow, my little brother. He and I are Fighters in arms. I have a lot of dear friends. Zac Efron is my adopted son.
Joanna Coles
A lot of adoptions going on here.
Samantha Bee
Well, this was great. I want to thank you so much for talking to us today. Do you have. Wait, do we.
Joanna Coles
I want. I think I want to take you up on your offer of reading the apology letter you got back from your treacherous girlfriend.
Samantha Bee
I honestly thought that you were gonna say, I would like to be adopted by you.
Joanna Coles
Well, I would love to be adopted by you. I'm enthusiastic. But you offered to read us the apology letter, so I'm gonna take you up on the offer.
Stephen Klubeck
Well, you know, I'm gonna have to.
Samantha Bee
Grab my glasses, and then I'll take you up on the adoption, because if there's an offer on the table, I'm perfectly.
Stephen Klubeck
He says, dear. Dear Steven, I'm so sorry for the emotional pain I caused you. I'm sorry for hurting your heart. I am sorry I disappointed you and could not live up to who you thought I could be. Thank you for pushing me to be a better me. Thanks to you, I have learned that material things do not bring happiness. I hope you find better than me, and I hope for your happiness in the future. Large Xoxo, Stephanie.
Joanna Coles
Wow. That's an apology letter. Thank you for doing that.
Stephen Klubeck
No, it's my pleasure. I'm as transparent as transparent gum. Frank. Lance told me I'm too candid.
Joanna Coles
Well, I think it's very appealing in a world where everything is happening on X now. So, okay, final question then. How do you combat something like X? Because when Bill Clinton was running and you pointed to him being a good president and balancing the books, this was all before social media. And anybody in. In politics now will tell you it's so much harder in social media, and certainly much harder with something like X running against you. How do you counteract that?
Stephen Klubeck
Well, we've got Tick Tock, Instagram playing the social media. Look, you know, there's an advantage of doing reality TV because it's real, it's candid, it's unscripted, which is who I am. I'm authentic. I am decisive, but I come with warmth and compassion. And, you know, we're looking for the spark, and hopefully we do get that spark, because I can actually drive the car without training wheels day one. And I don't believe the other candidates can. I come with very different attributes in addition to my business success. And I'm not afraid. I've got brass balls.
Samantha Bee
Well, please say hi to Jeff Ross for me.
Stephen Klubeck
Thank you. Thank you for Having me. I'm grateful.
Joanna Coles
And we will be tracking you and we hope that you'll come back on again.
Stephen Klubeck
I would love that. Thank you.
Joanna Coles
Good. We want a progress report, and good luck with your book.
Stephen Klubeck
Thank you very much.
Joanna Coles
Okay, bye. Are you reassured for the future of California?
Samantha Bee
Reassured for the future of California? I don't. There is nothing that could reassure me about any one thing that is currently occurring.
Joanna Coles
I found him kind of. I mean, listen, he's super eccentric, right? Yes.
Samantha Bee
Yes, of course. And I think it's actually a valid point that he has nothing to hide. He's actually pretty out there. He's out there, but is very audacious about it in a way that, like. I mean, he's not trying to hide anything, which is refreshing. That alone is refreshing.
Joanna Coles
Yeah, that's true. And it was extraordinary hearing him read the apology letter.
Samantha Bee
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You know.
Joanna Coles
All right, well, if you have been. If you have been, thank you for listening. Much to be said about the future of California. If you have been, thank you for listening. If you haven't already subscribed to the Daily Beast, why on earth not just go to the Daily Beast.com and anything you would like to say, Sam, just.
Samantha Bee
You know what? I just want a world that works. That's all I'm asking for. I just want a world that works.
Joanna Coles
It may be too late, and I.
Samantha Bee
Think it might be too late. And, you know, in the meantime, if you're feeling. If you're feeling prolific, please continue sending your emails to Beast pot@the dailybeast.com drop. Drop us a comment. I bet you might. I bet you have some comments. Why don't you share them with us on YouTube because Joanne's gonna get back to you.
Joanna Coles
I might do. I've been. I'm behind on my chorus. I've been traveling, but I'm back and I will be paying attention.
Samantha Bee
Okay. Okay. Well, prick your ears up because I feel like you can have an. Incoming messages. Incoming as we speak.
Joanna Coles
Oh, Lordy, Lordy.
Samantha Bee
Okay, be a subscriber. Come on. What the hell is wrong with you? You're not a subscriber to the Daily Beat. Why are we even here?
Joanna Coles
How much. How much Coca Cola have you had this morning?
Samantha Bee
Had? Not enough. I'm gonna go have so much more. It's so easy to sign up. Why am I saying the things that you usually say? Just do it. God damn it.
Joanna Coles
I have no idea.
Samantha Bee
But calm. Let's go, people.
Joanna Coles
All right. As our. As our joint muse.
Samantha Bee
Our joint muse might say, might say, even after a papal funeral, I think.
Joanna Coles
We'Re gonna do a reversal of roles, as your muse would say.
Samantha Bee
That's right.
Joanna Coles
Be best.
Samantha Bee
Oh, Joanna, for God's sake, woman.
Joanna Coles
It's be beast.
Samantha Bee
And you know that. You know that.
Joanna Coles
The Daily Beast podcast is produced by Sarah Demikoff, Svea Beren Reinstein, Jesse Cannon and Seamus Coldite, edited by Deanna Chapman and engineered by Dimitri Fearon and the one named Johann.
Podcast Host
Mysterious.
Joanna Coles
Very mysterious. Very mysterious.
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April Ryan
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Monday.com Announcer
I mean she just has a song for everything. It kind of fits into every part of our lives.
April Ryan
Yes, and that premise is the basis of our podcast. Let's Ask Taylor Swift we are going to ask Taylor Swift to speak to our lives.
Monday.com Announcer
Every episode we're going to be choosing a Taylor Swift song and bringing a question to it. Questions like how do we want our exes to remember us? Or do we believe in love at first sight? So join us for our new show, let's Ask Taylor Swift. And make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Stephen Klubeck
Acast helps creators launch, grow and monetize their podcasts everywhere.
Samantha Bee
Acast.com.
The Daily Beast Podcast: "Trump’s Spanx Secrets and OnlyFans Meets Politics" – A Detailed Summary
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Hosts: Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee
Episode Title: "Trump’s Spanx Secrets and OnlyFans Meets Politics"
The episode kicks off with Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee engaging in their trademark playful banter about their false eyelashes. Joanna humorously admits, “Mine are still clinging on. This is embarrassing” (02:30), highlighting her non-removable lashes from Sunday. Samantha adds to the levity by quipping, “We’re going to flutter our way right out of the studio” (01:53), setting a lighthearted tone for the show.
Joanna reveals a recent medical diagnosis, initially termed as “a little shit,” later refined to “Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS)” by White House spokesperson Stephen Chung (03:27). Samantha humorously declares, “I definitely have that syndrome as well” (03:39), underscoring the hosts' critical stance on former President Trump’s influence. The conversation delves into Joanna’s unexpected diagnosis, emphasizing the media's role in shaping public perception.
Transitioning from personal anecdotes, Joanna and Samantha discuss the recent Pope's funeral, reflecting on the President’s unconventional attire choices. Joanna remarks, “the last time he met the Pope… he was wearing a black suit. So I don’t know why he needed to wear blue, except he wanted all eyes on him” (05:06). Samantha compares the President’s behavior to someone “wearing a bridal gown” at inappropriate events (05:55), critiquing his flamboyant presence in political spheres.
The episode features an insightful conversation with April Ryan, the longest-serving African American White House correspondent. April reflects on attending the White House Correspondents Dinner without the President as the guest of honor, highlighting the strained relationship between the administration and the press. She states, “This is a very tense moment for the press. The president is encroaching upon our territory. We’re losing ground” (16:21).
April emphasizes the critical role of the press in maintaining democratic accountability, noting, “We have to go back to the basics… We are the fourth estate” (17:37). The discussion underscores the challenges faced by journalists in an era where presidential rhetoric often undermines journalistic integrity and the free flow of information.
Stephen Klubeck, a businessman, philanthropist, and Democratic candidate for California governor, joins the podcast to discuss his campaign and political philosophy. He is often dubbed “the Donald Trump of the Democrats” due to his unconventional approach and media presence.
Stephen explains his transition from business to politics, driven by a desire to address what he views as California’s “failed social experiment.” He highlights his experience in the hospitality industry and reality TV shows like Undercover Boss and The Apprentice, drawing parallels between his approach and Trump’s.
When questioned about what differentiates him from current Democratic leaders like Governor Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris, Stephen emphasizes his business acumen and practical solutions. He proposes significant incentives to revive Hollywood, citing, “I’ll bring Hollywood back to Hollywood” (35:43), and advocates for the establishment of the California Department of Performance and Results (CPR) to enhance government efficiency.
Joanna brings up a personal controversy involving Stephen’s past relationship with an OnlyFans star, questioning his judgment. Stephen responds by claiming his actions were naive rather than malicious, stating, “I didn’t know what discord Reddit was to do my due diligence” (38:24). He shares an apology letter from his former partner, demonstrating transparency and accountability.
Stephen discusses his interactions with Donald Trump, asserting, “I have respect for one another, but frankly, I’m not intimidated” (39:30). He critiques the current Democratic strategy, advocating for a return to foundational principles and effective governance. He emphasizes the need for business leadership in politics, stating, “We need leaders who can get things done” (43:53).
Stephen shares his upcoming projects, including a podcast titled Hard Truths with Stephen J. Klubeck and his forthcoming book Facing Hard. He reiterates his commitment to transparency and effective leadership, encapsulating his campaign’s ethos with confidence and charisma.
In the concluding segment, Joanna and Samantha reflect on their conversation with Stephen, noting his eccentric yet transparent nature. Samantha appreciates his “audacious” approach, while Joanna finds his apology letter notably sincere. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with the podcast and subscribe for more insightful discussions.
Media Independence: The episode underscores the ongoing tension between the White House and the press, emphasizing the essential role of journalists like April Ryan in safeguarding democratic transparency.
Business Leadership in Politics: Stephen Klubeck advocates for bringing business acumen to political leadership, highlighting the necessity of efficiency and practical solutions in governance.
Transparency and Accountability: Stephen’s candid discussion about his personal controversies reflects a commitment to transparency, a trait the hosts find refreshing in the current political landscape.
Cultural Critique: The hosts use humor and cultural references to critique political figures' behavior, blending entertainment with sharp political commentary.
Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee successfully blend humor, personal anecdotes, and serious political discourse in this episode of The Daily Beast Podcast. Through engaging conversations with industry figures like April Ryan and Stephen Klubeck, they offer listeners a comprehensive look into the current state of media, politics, and leadership. The episode serves both to entertain and inform, making complex political dynamics accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
Note: This summary omits advertisements and non-content sections, focusing solely on the substantive discussions and interviews presented in the episode.