The Daily Show: Ears Edition - Episode Summary Title: In the Field with Stephen Colbert
Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host: Comedy Central

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, host Stephen Colbert ventures "In the Field" to explore various pressing social and political issues with his signature blend of humor and satire. The episode intersperses Colbert’s field reports with humorous advertisements and skits, providing a comprehensive and engaging listening experience.

2. Carvana Commercial Segment [00:00 - 01:29]

The episode opens with Kristen Bell introducing Carvana, highlighting the ease of selling a car through their platform.

Kristen Bell: "Thankfully, Carvana makes it easy. Answer a few questions, put in your van or license and done. We sold ours in minutes this morning and they'll come pick it up and pay us this afternoon."
[00:07]

Stephen Colbert humorously bids farewell to their old truck, emphasizing the seamless process of Carvana.

Stephen Colbert: "Bye bye Truckee."
[00:19]

The segment concludes with additional details about the service terms and conditions.

3. Mint Mobile Advertisement [01:00 - 01:48]

Ryan Reynolds takes center stage promoting Mint Mobile, showcasing a reverse auction format to highlight their affordable pricing.

Ryan Reynolds: "With the price of just about everything going up, we thought we'd bring our prices down... Just 15 bucks a month."
[01:00]

John, presumably a co-host, chimes in to endorse the offer, followed by additional promotional details.

4. Jobbing of America: Congressional Seats Race [01:48 - 05:48]

Stephen Colbert embarks on a satirical journey through the complexities of running for one of the 469 congressional seats up for grabs.

Key Highlights:

• Principles Over Pollsters:

  Stephen Colbert: "I'm a man of two unshakable principles. What are they?... Your view on security and your view on quality of life."
  [02:30]

• Target Voter Demographics:
  Colbert humorously debates targeting "The Nims" versus "MILFs" (Middle Income Moms), poking fun at political campaign strategies.

  [02:34 - 02:43]

• Fundraising Ethics:
  During a mock interview with John, Colbert declares his openness to accepting funds from opposing groups like the NRA and Brady Handgun Control, highlighting the absurdity of bipartisan funding.

  Stephen Colbert: "Why can't their common ground be my bank account?"
  [03:33]

• Political Ads and Negative Campaigning:
  Colbert parodies campaign advertisements, including absurd accusations against himself and attempts to spin negative claims into positives.

  Stephen Colbert: "I want to spin that into a positive about job creation."
  [04:22]

• Campaign Slogans and Conclusion:
  The segment ends with Colbert presenting a fictitious campaign message filled with humorous non-sequiturs and self-aware satire.

  Stephen Colbert: "November 5th vote Stephen Colbert for government office yet to be determined."
  [04:41]

5. Smokism: The New Form of Discrimination [05:48 - 10:03]

Colbert introduces a fictional new discrimination called "smokism," addressing societal stigmas against smokers through exaggerated satire.

Key Highlights:

• Definition and Impact:

  Ryan Reynolds: "It's become the new form of discrimination... All we want to do is smoke in peace."
  [06:22]

• Mock Debate with Jon Banzhaf:
  Colbert engages in a fictitious debate with Jon Banzhaf of ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), parodying anti-smoking arguments.

  Stephen Colbert: "Why can't people be allowed to smoke where they want?"
  [07:48]

• Absurd Comparisons:
  The discussion humorously equates smoking bans to other personal freedoms, such as masturbation, to highlight the illogical extremes of discrimination.

  Stephen Colbert: "I think that's enough about masturbation."
  [09:37]

• Conclusion:
  The segment wraps up with satirical reflections on the proposed discrimination, blending humor with a critique of societal norms.

  Ryan Reynolds: "I have a dream that we'll be able to go out in public and socialize..."
  [09:51]

6. Urban Sprawl and Gun Ranges in Maryland [10:47 - 15:55]

Stephen Colbert investigates the impact of urban sprawl on hunting ranges in Maryland, blending environmental concerns with gun culture satire.

Key Highlights:

• Environmental Impact:

  Stephen Colbert: "Unchecked urban sprawl has been robbing our nation of pristine lands and their indigenous wildlife."
  [10:58]

• Interview with Shooting Range Manager Ben Wise:
  Discusses the challenges faced by hunters due to urban development and noise complaints from homeowners.

  Ben Wise: "With the urban sprawl, it's gonna get very tough."
  [12:00]

• Legislative Intervention:
  Introduction of State Senator Phil Gimeno’s bill to protect gun clubs from noise restrictions, satirizing political motivations and NRA influence.

  Stephen Colbert: "You're not supporting this bill because you're in the NRA's pocket."
  [13:44]

• Reversal and Homeowner Concerns:
  John disputes Colbert's favorable reporting, bringing attention to homeowners' valid concerns about noise from firing ranges.

  Homeowner: "There's high powered weaponry firing yards away from their homes 12 hours a day."
  [15:10]

• Final Satirical Twist:
  Colbert humorously suggests that homeowners should arm themselves, blending gun culture with comedic exaggeration.

  Stephen Colbert: "If only they had guns."
  [15:55]

7. The Penny Debate [16:15 - 20:39]

Colbert delves into the contentious issue of the US penny's relevance, highlighting the polarized opinions surrounding this small denomination.

Key Highlights:

• Arguments to Abolish the Penny:
  Lobbyist Jim Benfield argues against the penny's practicality, citing transaction inefficiencies.

  Jim Benfield: "It's about two to two and a half seconds per cash transaction."
  [16:15]

• Support for the Penny:
  Coin collector Jack Shadig defends the penny’s cultural significance and practicality in transactions.

  Jack Shadig: "Why do you think pennies stir up such deep, fiery emotions?"
  [17:02]

• Expert Opinion - Dr. Bozo Einstein:
  A mock-serious discussion with "Dr. Bozo Einstein" presents absurd solutions to the penny debate, adding layers of satire.

  Dr. Bozo Einstein: "Abolish all other money but the penny."
  [18:55]

• Colbert’s Satirical Analysis:
  Colbert humorously attributes the real reason people dislike pennies to racism, creating an exaggerated and humorous connection between coin colors and historical figures' backgrounds.

  Stephen Colbert: "The penny is brown. Lincoln freed the slave. Sure. So let's get rid of the penny."
  [19:00 - 20:39]

8. Martin Luther King Day Report from South Carolina [21:44 - 26:44]

In a satirical take on race relations and Confederate symbolism, Colbert reports from South Carolina on the controversial observance of Confederate Memorial Day.

Key Highlights:

• Confederate Flag Controversy:
  Colbert reports on State Senator Glenn McConnell's efforts to replace the Confederate flag with a more "practical" nylon version, mocking superficial solutions to deep-rooted issues.

  Stephen Colbert: "The flag was a problem, but you changed it. How did you do that?... It's weather resistant."
  [10:58 - 12:00]

• Confederate Memorial Day Mandate:
  Introduction of Confederate Memorial Day as a state holiday, juxtaposed with civil rights leader Maurice Besinger's efforts to oppose it.

  Stephen Colbert: "Observe this day that honors those who fought for the Confederate way of life."
  [22:00]

• Satirical Dialogue with Maurice Besinger:
  Through a fictitious conversation, Colbert mocks the justification of Confederate Memorial Day, blending humor with pointed social commentary.

  Maurice Besinger: "We don't believe that Confederate Memorial Day is a day that we should celebrate."
  [23:51]

• Humorous Reflection on Progress and Barbecue:
  The segment concludes with Colbert humorously praising Maurice's barbecue, symbolizing the complex interplay between cultural heritage and modern societal values.

  Stephen Colbert: "It's Maurice's barbecue. It's really amazing... it just blindsided me, John, as a journalist."
  [25:32 - 26:44]

9. Police State Satire [27:02 - 31:24]

Colbert delivers a darkly comedic segment titled "So You're Living in a Police State," mocking government surveillance and loss of civil liberties.

Key Highlights:

• Introduction to the Police State:
  Colbert personifies the intrusive nature of heightened security measures, exaggerating their effects for comedic impact.

  Stephen Colbert: "Constant government surveillance. Big Brother equals big fun."
  [27:41]

• Mock Government Announcements:
  Satirical advertisements promote absurd security measures, such as Predator drone indicators and oppressive surveillance tactics.

  Stephen Colbert: "Losing something will soon be a thing of the past... while I was there, I fathered this beautiful Amerasian child."
  [28:00 - 31:24]

• Humorous Illustrations of Surveillance Overreach:
  The segment lampoons the extent of government control by introducing ludicrous scenarios where privacy is entirely eradicated.

  Stephen Colbert: "Everybody wants to be on television... also in here."
  [29:00]

• Conclusion with Ironic Optimism:
  Colbert wraps up the segment by ironically celebrating the "benefits" of a police state, maintaining his satirical tone.

  Stephen Colbert: "I hope you enjoy the police state."
  [31:24]

10. War with Iraq: Simulated Reporting [32:47 - 38:19]

In a fictional account, Colbert takes on the role of a war correspondent in a "fake war" scenario, blending absurdity with a critique of media coverage.

Key Highlights:

• Deployment to Fort Dix:
  Colbert narrates his journey to cover war exercises, setting the stage for a chaotic and humorous exploration of media involvement in warfare.

  Stephen Colbert: "My mission would take me deep into the heart of darkness."
  [33:00]

• Encounter with Fellow Reporters:
  Introduction of eclectic characters like "Tiny" and "Crab Cakes," adding layers of comedic interaction and camaraderie in dire situations.

  Stephen Colbert: "Deuces, velvet hat and Crab Cakes. Yeah, Crab Cakes."
  [36:00]

• Chaos in the DMZ (Duh Media Zone):
  Colbert exaggerates the confusion and lack of preparedness in the simulated war zone, highlighting the absurdities of media portrayal in conflict.

  Stephen Colbert: "It's just chaos that can unhinge a man's mind."
  [35:00]

• Emotional and Absurd Reflections:
  The report blends moments of faux seriousness with humorous asides, such as unexpected fatherhood and misplaced priorities amidst "war."

  Stephen Colbert: "I just found out that while I was there, I fathered this beautiful Amerasian child. Maylie."
  [37:45]

• Conclusion with Personal Anecdote:
  Colbert ends the segment by humorously questioning the coherence of war and its aftermath, maintaining the satirical narrative.

  Stephen Colbert: "Does anything in war make sense, John?"
  [38:17]

11. Conclusion

Stephen Colbert wraps up the episode by promoting other Daily Show content and reminding listeners where to access full episodes.

Stephen Colbert: "Watch the Daily Show weeknights on Comedy Central at 11/10c or stream it on Paramount+."
[38:19]

Notable Quotes

1. On Carvana’s Ease:

   Kristen Bell: "Thankfully, Carvana makes it easy. Answer a few questions, put in your van or license and done."
   [00:07]

2. Campaign Principles:

   Stephen Colbert: "I'm a man of two unshakable principles. What are they?... Your view on security and your view on quality of life."
   [02:30]

3. Smokism Definition:

   Ryan Reynolds: "It's become the new form of discrimination... All we want to do is smoke in peace."
   [06:22]

4. Penny Debate Satire:

   Stephen Colbert: "The penny is brown. Lincoln freed the slave. Sure. So let's get rid of the penny."
   [19:00]

5. Police State Parody:

   Stephen Colbert: "Constant government surveillance. Big Brother equals big fun."
   [27:41]

6. War Correspondent Absurdity:

   Stephen Colbert: "I just found out that while I was there, I fathered this beautiful Amerasian child. Maylie."
   [37:45]

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition showcases Stephen Colbert's adeptness at blending sharp political satire with comedic storytelling. Through various segments, Colbert addresses issues ranging from political campaigns and societal discrimination to government surveillance and military reporting, all while maintaining an engaging and humorous narrative. Notable quotes punctuate the discussions, providing memorable insights and enhancing the episode's overall impact.