Kristi Noem Plots Citizenship Hunger Games & Kash Patel Drops Epstein News | Prabal Gurung

Summary

The Daily Show: Ears Edition – Episode Summary Release Date: May 21, 2025

Hosts: Ronny Chieng and Roy Wood Jr.

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1. Opening Remarks and Headlines

The episode kicks off with hosts Ronny Chieng and Roy Wood Jr. delving into the day's top stories. They set the stage for discussions on political antics, law enforcement controversies, and unexpected developments in the sports world.

2. Kristi Noem and the "Citizenship Hunger Games"

[01:37] Roy Wood Jr. introduces the segment by satirizing South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's administration within the Department of Homeland Security. He mocks the notion of transforming the solemn pathway to American citizenship into a "tacky and gross" reality TV competition.

[02:45] Desi Lydic expands on the absurdity by referencing the Trump administration's reported interest in creating a reality show where immigrants compete to prove their "American-ness" for a chance at citizenship.

[03:53] Roy Wood Jr. criticizes Noem's lack of understanding of legal terms, highlighting her poor performance during congressional testimony on deportations and habeas corpus rights:

“If you didn't know what habeas corpus was, don't worry. Kristi Noem didn't Google it either.” [04:06]

This segment underscores the hosts' skepticism towards politicized approaches to immigration and their critique of leadership incompetence.

3. FBI's Stance on Jeffrey Epstein

Moving to national security, [06:19] Roy Wood Jr. discusses the FBI's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. He humorously yet critically addresses statements by Dan Bongino and Cash Patel, suggesting skepticism about the official narrative that Epstein killed himself:

“Epstein killed himself. Bongino knows the truth, and now he and Cash Patel get to see all the files.” [06:29]

The hosts express doubt over the official account, reflecting broader public mistrust in governmental explanations.

4. Department of Transportation and the "Jesus" Painting

[07:19] Roy Wood Jr. transitions to a bizarre story involving Sean Duffy and a controversial painting of Jesus. Duffy announces the restoration of the painting's prominence at the Merchant Marine Academy, sparking absurd humor:

“Jesus drowns in semen. No, no, no, no, no.” [10:32]

An imaginary interview with "Jesus Christ" follows, wherein the figure complains about modern issues like plane crashes and the portrayal in art, blending satire with surreal comedy.

5. Sports War: Knicks' Historic Victory and Bill Belichick's Engagement

In the "Sports War" segment, [14:38] Roy Wood Jr. and co-host Michael Kosta celebrate the New York Knicks' unexpected advancement to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.

[14:49] Ronny Chieng humorously portrays the fan celebrations, contrasting them with failed celebratory antics:

“After the Knicks eliminated the Boston Celtics... people are really stupid, man.” [15:58]

The discussion shifts to sports news about Bill Belichick's engagement to 24-year-old Jordan Hudson, provoking jokes about the age difference:

“73 year old Bill Belichick and 24 year old Jordan Hudson are engaged. That's going to be one hell of a wedding.” [16:35]

This segment blends sports enthusiasm with sharp comedic takes on personal news in the sports community.

6. Interview with Prabal Gurung: From Nepal to New York Fashion

The highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with Prabal Gurung, an award-winning fashion designer known for his eponymous label and his memoir, Walk Like a Girl.

[21:16] Ronny Chieng welcomes Gurung, praising his achievements and setting the tone for a heartfelt conversation about his journey from Nepal to the pinnacle of New York City's fashion scene.

Themes Discussed:

• Dreams and Support Systems: Gurung emphasizes the importance of dreaming big, delusion (in a positive sense), and the unwavering support from his family, particularly his mother.

  “Dreaming impossible dreams. Delusion, whole lot of it... an incredibly supportive mother and siblings.” [22:22]

• Fashion Evolution: He contrasts the experimental nature of the 1990s fashion scene in New York with today's digital-driven industry, highlighting the democratization of fashion and the expanded definition of beauty.

  “Fashion is for everyone, and that's what we are living in right now.” [31:06]

• Cultural Integration and Identity: Gurung discusses blending Western and Eastern influences in his designs, striving to maintain cultural authenticity while appealing to a global audience.

  “We call it west meeting the East. Not east meeting the West.” [36:03]

• Advice for Aspiring Designers: He advises new designers to seek self-love and creative freedom over external validation, fostering innovation and personal expression.

  “Just do what you want and be curious and read. That's all I would say.” [28:24]

[33:57] Roy Wood Jr. and Gurung engage in a playful segment where Gurung critiques Roy's fashion sense, blending humor with insightful commentary on high fashion aesthetics.

Conclusion of Interview: The interview wraps up with mutual appreciation between the hosts and Gurung, celebrating his contributions to fashion and his inspiring personal story.

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7. Closing Remarks and Promotions

The episode concludes with brief promotional segments for upcoming shows and recurring sponsorships, maintaining the show's signature blend of humor and timely commentary.

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Notable Quotes:

• Roy Wood Jr.: “If you didn't know what habeas corpus was, don't worry. Kristi Noem didn't Google it either.” [04:06]

• Ronny Chieng: “73 year old Bill Belichick and 24 year old Jordan Hudson are engaged. That's going to be one hell of a wedding.” [16:35]

• Prabal Gurung: “Fashion is for everyone, and that's what we are living in right now.” [31:06]

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This episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition masterfully intertwines political satire, cultural commentary, and light-hearted humor, all while spotlighting inspirational stories like that of Prabal Gurung. Whether dissecting the absurdities of televised citizenship or celebrating sports milestones, the hosts deliver engaging and thought-provoking content for their listeners.

Transcript

[Michael Kosta]

You're listening to an iHeart podcast.

[Talkspace Ad]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. May is mental health awareness Month, and Talkspace, the leading virtual therapy provider, is telling everyone, let's face it in therapy, by talking or texting with a supportive licensed therapist at Talkspace, you can face whatever is holding you back, whether it's mental health symptoms, relationship drama, past trauma, bad habits, or another challenge that you need support to work through, it's easy to sign up. Just go to talkspace.com and you'll be paired with a provider, typically within 48 hours. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule. Plus, Talkspace is in network with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. Make your mental health a priority and start today. If you're not covered by insurance, get $80 off your first month with Talkspace when you go to talkspace.com and enter promo code SPACE80. That's S P A CE80. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to talkspace.com and Enter promo code SPACE80.

[Ronny Chieng]

You're listening to Comedy Central from the most trusted journalists at Comedy Central. It's America's only source for news. This is the Daily show with your host, Ronn.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Welcome to the Daily Show. I'm Ronnie Shank. We got so much to talk about tonight. Kristi Noem fails a pop quiz. The FBI wants you to shut up about Jeffrey Epstein already. And while you were stuck at the airport, Sean Duffy did some redecorating. So let's check in with the best cabinet ever in another installment of the Worst Wing. What a bunch of losers. Let's start with Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security and one woman kill shelter. She's in charge of the country's pathway to citizenship, which for hundreds of years has been a solemn, dignified process for achieving the American dream. But what if instead, it was tacky and gross?

[Desi Lydic]

A surreal report that could turn immigration into a TV show. The Trump administration says it's in the very beginning stages of the vetting process for a reported immigrant reality TV show where immigrants would compete to prove they are the most American with a chance to win US Citizenship.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

A reality TV show for citizenship is somehow the most un American and most American thing I've ever heard. Although we already have a contest to prove who's the most American, and it's called the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. What's more American than Eating until your colon explodes and then going bankrupt for medical bills. But let me be clear. I hate this idea. Unless they're looking for a host, then I love this idea, and I'm available on Fridays. I will say it might be a nicer way to get deported. Instead of ICE agents disappearing you up in unmarked vehicles, Ryan Seacrest walks into your living room with a TV crew and is like, carlos, we're taking you out of the usa. But meanwhile, Kristi Noem was testifying in Congress today about whether her administration is deporting people without habeas corpus, which is their right to due process. If you didn't know what habeas corpus was, don't worry. Kristi Noem didn't Google it either.

[Desi Lydic]

What is habeas corpus? Well, habeas corpus is a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country to suspend their rights. Let me stop, ma' am. Habeas corpus.

[Ronny Chieng]

Excuse me. That's incorrect.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay, look, if Kristi Noem was just a random person on the street, I get it. If she was like, habeas corpus, that's. That's a Harry Potter spell. Right? Right. Right. Right. Makes you invisible. But the Secretary of Homeland Security should know that habeas corpus prevents the president from deporting you without due process. Not that it lets the president deport you without due process. That's the opposite of what it means. And I didn't know you could have dyslex. Either way, Noem whiffed hard on that question, but unfortunately for her, the quiz was just beginning.

[Ronny Chieng]

Do you know what section of the Constitution the suspension clause of habeas corpus is in?

[Desi Lydic]

I do not. Nope.

[Ronny Chieng]

Do you know which article it is in?

[Desi Lydic]

No, I do not, sir.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay, well, it is in article one.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

It was in one. It was the first. You didn't even read the first one, so can you stop?

[Ronny Chieng]

We.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

We get it, okay? Stop asking her harder questions. Like, how would senators like it if Kristi Noem asked you questions that she was an expert in? Huh? Hey, Senator Kim, do you know how to trick a puppy into walking into an open grave? No. Not so smart now, are you? Anyway, Kristi Noem, you still don't know the basics of American law, so I'm sorry to say we're gonna have to take you out of usa. But luckily won them back after the dog killing jokes. But luckily for America, Christine Noem isn't the only one in charge of keeping the country safe. We also got Cash Patel and Dan Bongino, two Guys who look like they should be henchmen in a Ninja Turtles movie but are somehow running the FBI now. And before he took over, Dan Bongino wasn't afraid to tell us the truth about what the FBI was covering up.

[Michael Kosta]

Nobody knows how much material people have on Jeffrey Epstein.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

It's unbelievable.

[Michael Kosta]

The guy killed himself and now nobody's gonna know.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah, exactly. Epstein killed himself. Bongino knows the truth, and now he and Cash Patel get to see all the files. So on Sunday, they sat down for an interview to tell us what really happened, because we know Epstein didn't just kill himself. He killed himself. What? He. He killed himself without air quotes? That is the craziest thing I've ever heard. All right, I was a single issue voter on this. Why did you change your mind? As a public defender, as a prosecutor, who's been in that prison system, who's been in the Metropolitan Detention center, who's been in segregated housing, you know a suicide when you see one.

[Ronny Chieng]

And that's what that was. Again, you want me to get.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

I've. I've seen the whole file. He killed himself. I've never seen someone so sad that the deep state didn't kill someone. And also, hey, you can't talk so much shit about how the deep state did this and make it your entire personality. And then now you're in it and you're like, just shrugging it off, like, oh, yeah, I guess they were right the first time they investigated this. Hey, if. If you fail that hard, you gotta let Hillary Clinton kill you. Right? And finally, yeah, I don't know what we're cheering for. And finally, let's talk about the Department of Transportation. Recently, air travel in America has become what's known in the industry as totally. And I'm sure Secretary Sean Duffy has been working on a great plan to fix it.

[Sean Duffy]

We are moving Jesus out of the basement.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

What? What is that? The new air traffic controller. Because that's what we need right now.

[Sean Duffy]

To all the great midshipmen at the Merchant Marine Academy, you let me know how important this painting was to all of you. Now, we all know it was taken out of a place of prominence and put in down in the basement. I worked with the academy, and because this is such a historic painting, I'm announcing that through that work with the academy, this painting is going to go from the basement back to its place of prominence. It'll be a moment to celebrate.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Oh, thank God. No, no, no, no. Thank God. Because when my plane is going down, I can tell the person Next to me. Don't worry. That's a shitty Jesus painting is upstairs at the Merchant marine Academy. Now, for more on the return of the Jesus painting, let's go live to the painting and hear from the king of kings himself, Jesus Christ.

[Jesus Christ]

Hello, my child.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Wait, hang on. Jesus? You're white. I mean, I thought the real Jesus was, like, Middle Eastern or something.

[Jesus Christ]

Well, I can take any form I wish, and this particular one gets me.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Through airport security faster, of course, but. Oh, hey, your majesty, Sean Duffy is taking you out of the basement. I mean, you gotta be happy about that.

[Jesus Christ]

No, no, I'm not happy about it. There's plenty of other things to be worried about right now. Planes are falling out of the sky, boats crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge. Newark Airport killed itself. I mean, not to brag, but when I was on earth, we had zero plane crashes.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Uh, yeah, I guess that's technically true. Uh, but, hey, at least you can be seen by more people in this historic painting.

[Jesus Christ]

This. This shitty painting, the one that looks like it was made at a bachelorette party? Drink and Dr. I've seen better portraits of myself on toast. Okay? You think that's how I want to be seen? Hovering over a boat full of sailors? Hey, everybody, look. It's that famous painting. Jesus drowns in semen. No, no, no, no, no. I. I was fine in the basement. I've had my pictures in worse places. Irish grandmothers, bedrooms, prison cells, Mexican restaurants with a C health rating. Muy grandes grachas. No me gusta lapointes. Worry about stuff that's actually going on.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay, Well, I mean, you're kind of Jesus. Like, can't you help us with some of this airport stuff?

[Jesus Christ]

No, no, I've got more important things on my plate than fixing all your unforced errors. There's war, famine, the Knicks. You're welcome, by the way.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Oh, Whoa. Holy crap. Whoa, wait, wait.

[Ronny Chieng]

So.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

So that was you?

[Jesus Christ]

Oh, no. The Knicks got this far by themselves? Yeah, of course it was me.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay, so are they going to go all the way?

[Jesus Christ]

Oh, my God. This really is a comedy show.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

All right, all right, well, hey, can you. Can you get me courtside seats?

[Jesus Christ]

For you, anything.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

All right. Awesome. I'm going to bring my friend Jordan. Clever.

[Jesus Christ]

No way. All right. I hate that guy. Not my best work. You know, you can't make the body long and the head long. I mean, what was I thinking?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Am that. That's very accurate. Hey, Jesus Christ, everybody, when we come back, Bill Belichick is in love. So don't go away.

[Talkspace Ad]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. May is mental health awareness month, and Talkspace, the leading virtual therapy provider, is telling everyone let's face it in therapy. By talking or texting with a supportive licensed therapist at Talkspace, you can face whatever is holding you back. Whether it's mental health symptoms, relationship drama, past trauma, bad habits, or another challenge that you need support to work through. It's easy to sign up. Just go to talkspace.com and you'll be paired with a provider, typically within 48 hours. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule. Plus, Talkspace is in network with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. Make your mental health a priority and start today. If you're not covered by Insurance, get $80 off your first month with Talkspace when you go to talkspace.com and enter promo code SPACE80. That's S P A CE80. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to talkspace.com and Enter promo code SPACE80.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Welcome back to the Daily Show. I think I speak for everyone when I say politics drools and sports rules. For a full recap on the biggest stories in the world of jocks and straps, we turn to SP.

[Ronny Chieng]

Get ready for battle. It's time for forswar, brought to you by Gambling.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Gambling.

[Ronny Chieng]

Stop hogging that extra kidney.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Hey, what's up, dingleberries? I'm Roy Chan.

[Michael Kosta]

And I'm Michael Kosta. This is Sports War, the show where we are legally not allowed to agree with each other.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

That's right. So if I say the hardest thing in sports is hitting a fastball, then.

[Michael Kosta]

I say the hardest thing is changing a sumo wrestler's diaper. All right, I'd like to see Aaron Judge do that.

[Ronny Chieng]

I'm serious.

[Michael Kosta]

I paid good money to see that.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

I paid good money to see a horse kick you in the face. Until then, let's talk sports. And the only story that matters is New York.

[Michael Kosta]

Wild celebrations in New York City overnight.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

After the Knicks eliminated the Boston Celtics to make the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.

[Ronny Chieng]

Of fans then poured into the streets post game.

[Sean Duffy]

They, like, shut down everything around Penn Station and Madison Square Garden.

[Ronny Chieng]

Is that Spider Man?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Go, New York. Go, New York.

[Jesus Christ]

Go.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

What a mind blowing image. People smiling in midtown Manhattan. No city parties harder while standing in urine than New York City. All right. And I love that guy who climbed the billboard. Can you believe he only pays 1,700. $1,700 a month to live up there. It's practically a studio. But you know what? New Yorkers wait a long time. They deserve this. And the best part of this celebration? Michael Kosta wasn't there.

[Michael Kosta]

Of course I wasn't there. I was out to dinner with my best friend, P. F Chang. We shared fajitas at Applebee's. Great guy, actually. Hey, Knicks fans. You're partying too early. It's only the second round. Your timing is almost as bad as that idiot I saw celebrating Halloween today. He had on a cop costume. A cop car was like with four other dudes in the exact same dumb cop costume. People are really stupid, man.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Which brings us to our bye bye Boston. Better than how will New Yorkers celebrate a Knicks championship brought to you by gambling. Gambling? I heard greyhounds actually like running until their legs are to explode. Let's move on from celebrating basketball and celebrate love or whatever the hell this is.

[Ronny Chieng]

North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick and his 24 year old girlfriend, Jordan Hudson are apparently engaged. A story in the New York Times says Jordan has told one person she and Belichick are, quote, engaged to be married.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah.

[Michael Kosta]

73 year old Bill Belichick and 24 year old Jordan Hudson are engaged. That's going to be one hell of a wedding.

[Ronny Chieng]

Bill.

[Michael Kosta]

Bill, listen to me. This is all happening way too fast. I mean, has she even met your parents yet? Why is Bill locking himself down when he could be cleaning up at the nursing home? Believe me, there's nothing hotter than going down on someone mid dialysis.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Grow up, Costa. You all right? You're just jealous you'll never be famous enough to date a woman born four years from now. We sh. We should be celebrating their love. Love is strange. That's why it's beautiful. Remember that turtle that had sex with that shoe? Well, that shoe was 40 years younger than that turtle. And they seem perfectly happy to me.

[Michael Kosta]

Well, look, this brings us to our sugar baby. Better the night will Bill Belichick smile at his own wedding? Brought to you by gambling. Gambling? Bet your inheritance before your 24 year old stepmom gets it.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Moving on. Costa, what's the nicest bathroom you've ever used?

[Michael Kosta]

The one at my friend P. F Chang's house. And no, he doesn't live in a P F Chang's. He lives above one. And it makes the mail a nightmare.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

I truly regret talking to you. Roll the clip.

[Desi Lydic]

The Dodgers signed Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki after a meeting where he asked if Japanese style toilets would be part of the team's new 100 million dollar locker room. He was promised that they would be included. He says they were a factor in getting him to sign with the team.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

In case you were wondering, Japanese toilets.

[Desi Lydic]

Often include a bidet function, remote controls.

[Ronny Chieng]

Heated seats and an automatic, among other features.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Hey, it's about time. All right. Baseball players are terrible at wiping. Have you ever noticed those shit marks under their eyes? It's embarrassing.

[Michael Kosta]

Ronnie, Ronnie, sounds like you rub shit on your brain. I mean, Japanese toilets in American baseball stadiums. Why did we even fight World War II? My grandfather died in Pearl Harbor. Well, a screening of the film, he choked on a milk duck. The point is, I don't need some toilet kamikaze ing my butt crack.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Which brings us to our tushtech bet of the night. Who will be the first Dodgers player to get sucked into a Japanese toilet Brought to you by gambling. Gambling? The new pope hasn't condemned it yet.

[Michael Kosta]

Well, that's all the time we have to wage war over sports. Join us next time when we debate if it's time for professional swimmers to swim in something other than water.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah, like a marinara sauce. That could be interesting.

[Michael Kosta]

Italian swimmers would dominate.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Don't be racist.

[Michael Kosta]

Don't know anything about it.

[Desi Lydic]

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[Roy Wood Jr.]

Welcome back to the Daily My guest tonight is an award winning fashion designer who launched his eponymous label in 2009. His memoir is called Walk like a girl. Please welcome Prabhul Guru. Bravo, everybody. New York City give you a standing ovation.

[Ronny Chieng]

I mean, thank you very much.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

As they should, the one and only.

[Ronny Chieng]

This is a good. Well, this is a good looking audience. First of all, let's just say that and then thank you very much.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

And.

[Ronny Chieng]

And wait.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

This is a good looking audience.

[Ronny Chieng]

It is incredible. And also, don't you think he looks better now? Okay, just saying, just saying. You know, you follow the style guru and you look good.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

No, this. I don't know what happened.

[Ronny Chieng]

I don't know.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah. I didn't tell you?

[Ronny Chieng]

Decided to dress like Ronnie.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah. Didn't you get the memo? Was gonna happen. Yeah. It's good to see you, man. The highest of the highs in the fashion world. Prabhul, you're the champ.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, thank you very much.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

You honor us with your taste and your grace.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, thank you very much.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah. So you've, like, dressed, you know, the Met Gala. Obama, Michelle Obama. How does a guy go from. How does a person go from being a kid in Nepal to the highest of the highs in New York City fashion?

[Ronny Chieng]

I would say dreaming impossible dreams. Delusion, whole lot of it, you know. And I would say an incredibly, incredibly supportive mother and siblings who believe in all your craziest dreams and say, you know, you're worth it.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah. So having a delusional family. Delusional family?

[Ronny Chieng]

No, I didn't say family.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Don't put words in.

[Ronny Chieng]

I said delusional Me.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Right. But your family also encouraged you because that's a big part of this book. I mean, first of all, I read the book. It's great. Very easy to read. A little sad sometimes.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yes, but that's life.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah. Okay. I wasn't complaining. I was just describing it. And yeah, it's good.

[Ronny Chieng]

It sounded like a complaint, but anyway.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

No, it's bittersweet. It's like the sad moments. But there is hopefulness in it. Even in the sad moment. When I'm reading the sad moments, I think it's because I know how you end up. I know how the book ends. So I'm like, oh, yeah, this is not a big deal, but one theme of the book that keeps popping up is how much you love your mom. You keep talking about how much you love your mom. Like, why do you love your mom so much?

[Ronny Chieng]

Because I've head on my shoulders. Let's just start with that. And, you know, not only do I love her, I like her. My mom is incredible. She's the best. The best friend that.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Wait, hang on, hang on. Mom, you're incredible as well. And you are also the best. Well cut off.

[Ronny Chieng]

That was an afterthought. Just so that.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

No, I wasn't after. I was immediately on it. Mom, you are the best. I love you, Mom.

[Ronny Chieng]

My mom is the best.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

My mom's better than yours.

[Ronny Chieng]

Well, really? Have you written a book?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Have I written a book about my mom? Not yet.

[Ronny Chieng]

There you go.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Give me some time. Yeah. Why? Is why you love him?

[Ronny Chieng]

You know, the funny thing is I'm like looking at you, I can't get over I cannot get over how great you look.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Ronny Chieng]

You know, just saying, I just.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah, I just woke up and I just saw this, and I was like, you know what? Maybe I was just trying this on the show today. I didn't know. It's so embarrassing that you decided to. This is kind of embarrassing, but, yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

I mean, I just thought. Listen, it's time.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Check with your stylist with the.

[Ronny Chieng]

Will do.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Will do. Because you can't just walk on the show dressing like the host.

[Ronny Chieng]

Wait, but the real question. Wait. The real question to you is, how does the cleavage feel?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

I don't know how you pull this off. This is very. I'm very cold right now. You wear this all the time. I have no idea how you don't wear a shirt under your jacket.

[Ronny Chieng]

What makes you think this is not a shirt?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

No, I can see the cleavage. I don't know how you get with it.

[Ronny Chieng]

Well, don't you think we should be equal in everything? So, like, if we are talking about equality, why not let us show our, you know, cleavage? Yeah, you.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah. No, I agree. Let's just say not everyone should show off cleavage. Okay.

[Ronny Chieng]

100%. 100%.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

There's some people who shouldn't be showing off their cleavage. You want to name names? No, we don't need it across multiple genders. Some of them don't need to show that. Clearly. Can you. Your mom. Tell me about your mom. Why do you love your mom?

[Ronny Chieng]

I told him, here's the thing. My mom saw me in full capacity, in my joy, in my sorrows and everything, and accepted me for who I am. You know, she always. She never once judged me. Let's just put it this way.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Which, by the way, it wasn't that, you know, white people watch this and they're like, that's normal. But where in. In Nepal is for. Yeah, but I think that it was a. It was a big deal for her to be like that for you in Nepal because you weren't the typical kid.

[Ronny Chieng]

I wasn't. I was an incredibly effeminate kid that I loved dressing up in my sister's clothes. And my mom was like, you know, and I asked her recently, why did you allow me? And she said, you know, I looked at your face and the joy that you had, I could not deny it. And she was like, you know, and. Yes, that's how I feel. Yeah, exactly. I love you all for that.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Every page of the book. That what you just felt. That's every page of this book.

[Ronny Chieng]

And yes, you know what Guess what? I also talk to my mom every morning. You know, she lives in Nepal and New York. Right now, she's in Nepal. So I'll talk to her. I'll call her. Sometimes it's a deep conversation. Sometimes just like, you know, what do you eat? But my mother is someone who is looking at her, watching her, you know, the raising us, like my siblings and I alone, single handedly, and then with such elegance and such, you know, like I would say, unbowed and unapologetically was my first, you know, lesson in elegance and resilience. And I always keep on saying this, watching her, I realize, you know, elegance is not a posture, it's a practice. You know, it was. So. Is it too heavy for you?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

No, I'm trying.

[Ronny Chieng]

Should I just bring it down? So basically, Ronnie, you know.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

So is your mom good or not mom good or bad? That's all I'm saying.

[Ronny Chieng]

What's better than this? It's phenomenal.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

She's great. Yeah, okay, we get it. You love your mom, she loves you back.

[Ronny Chieng]

You don't love your mom.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

I love my mom, too. I love my mom. I just. Not here. Brag about it every five seconds.

[Ronny Chieng]

Well, you have to meet my mother. Any of my friends who've met her. She's amazing.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

No, I'm sure she's great.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, you love her.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah, but that.

[Ronny Chieng]

I can't believe this is turned into my Mother's Day. Oh, but when is Mother's Day? I'm just kidding.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

I think that's like. That's the problem. There's like multiple mothers. There's like one America.

[Ronny Chieng]

Did you wish her mom?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

I wish her for everyone. I cover all the bases. But I mean, it's because you bring her up in the book. I mean, I'm joking. It's not every single page, but she's definitely a recurring theme at the start. She gives you strength. She keeps coming into the story, even now, talking to you. You can't shut up about her. So it's like, yeah, yeah, yeah, she.

[Ronny Chieng]

No, she is the spine behind my back. She's the one, the reason why here. And this is. She's also one of the. She's the. She's the person who convinced me to come here.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

I know. So, yeah, that's great.

[Ronny Chieng]

Otherwise I wouldn't have, you know that.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Here's the thing. I could. I could talk to you forever. Because, you know, you've got such an amazing story. I'm trying to get out some gems for people to. Okay, so I'll just speed Round through this question. So, like, what would you say to young fashion designers now who are trying to enter the industry now, not just.

[Ronny Chieng]

Fashion designers, to anyone, I would just say, just don't worry about the boxes in the world that's obsessed with applause and who is continuous in needing validations. If you can love yourself without it, that's the first step. Because in that freedom, there's a liberation. Right? So I would say don't worry about what people say. Just do what you make mistakes, do what you want and be curious and read. That's all I would say.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Oh, don't applaud that. He said don't applaud that. He said don't. No, no, he doesn't need the validation. He doesn't. And no.

[Ronny Chieng]

But when they hear the truth, people should be.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

And I want to ask you quick, because you were kind of in New York City at the kind of peak of high fashion in New York. It was the 90s.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yes.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

It was crazy. Vanity Fair was. The parties meant sound, cars. Yeah. There was no Internet, really. There was, like, maybe a blog or, you know, like.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, no, not really.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay, well. Aol, right? Yeah. So what was. What was the fashion world like then compared to now? How has it changed? You know, I know it's a broad question, but.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah, I mean, it's changed. You know, in the 90s, when. Or early 2000, it was very, I would say, like, experimental. There were, like, a lot of, like, artists. East. I lived around East Village on Lower east side. So there was like all the. I'll never forget the first time I went to Cafe Jetta, and I sat there and I was like, you know, writing something. I looked over and it was David Bowie. You know, it was like that. You know, New York you'd walk into, there'll be Chloe Savigny, there'll be Marc Jacobs, and all of a sudden, there's someone you. It was just this. Oh. Another story, I will just say is when I went to Indusheen one time, the first time I remember, it was Salman Rushdie, Padma Lakshmi and a porn star in the other table. And to me, that was like, that's exactly what New York is. And the fashion was so, like, kind of.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Sorry, sorry. How did you know it was a porn star?

[Ronny Chieng]

Because.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Because it was before Internet, so.

[Ronny Chieng]

No, no, because he was dating a friend of mine.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Oh.

[Ronny Chieng]

That's how I know.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

And your friend told you?

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

And so it was magic.

[Ronny Chieng]

Because.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Magic, in the end. Magic.

[Ronny Chieng]

It was magical. Experimental. It was.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

And now it's not now. It's not. No, no, no.

[Ronny Chieng]

It is. It is now. I think at that time, I would say it was you. You know, you kind of dress up for yourself, like, and obviously for your friends and everything. Now you're dressing up for everyone on the Internet.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Right.

[Ronny Chieng]

So you kind of lose your identity.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

And that's bad, right? That's not great.

[Ronny Chieng]

I mean, I think anytime you need outside validation, constantly that you can't exist without it, then it's bad. But sometimes just play around with people, that's fine.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

So what is the advantage, you would say, that the fashion has now over in the 90s? The industry, I will say. I mean, many downsides, but what are some of the upsides?

[Ronny Chieng]

Fashion and culture. You and I wouldn't be sitting like this. The people who. How we look wouldn't be here in fashion. Also, it has completely expanded the idea of beauty. Who gets to be on a Runway, the sizes, the race, you know, and that's what it is. So while. Yes, while we can sit down and talk about it, you know, there are a lot of issues about it. What I tend to look at is, like, the progress that it has made. Obviously, we have a long way to go. There would be no conversation about the curvy models. Or like, I remember. I remember when I was working at Bill Blass, it used to be like, oh, you have one Asian model, two black models. That's enough now. You don't even talk like that right now. Don't think about it.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

I don't know if you heard the president, but that stuff is over now. We can't.

[Ronny Chieng]

I'm talking about fashion people who are smarter sometimes.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

So now. So I guess it's for all the downsides of all these stupid influencers doing stuff for likes. There's still no.

[Ronny Chieng]

That's the job. That's the job. I don't think a lot of influencers are my friends.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay.

[Ronny Chieng]

I'm sorry. No, I don't think they're stupid. Okay. And I think they are really smart. And because it's business, it's a different kind of business. Yeah.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

So it's kind of taken away from the gatekeepers a little bit back in the day. Right?

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah. But then what happens is fashion should always be democratic. You're allowed to a housewife in, you know, let's say Minnesota can be looking at a red carpet on Met Gala and be like, you know what? I don't like it. I like it. I would never wear it. You're participating. That's why fashion is amazing. You know, but then within that, you start to find your own niche. You start finding your own world. And, you know, high fashion is high fashion because it's all hype and it's also a lot of craft in there. But, you know, fashion is for everyone, and that's what we are living in right now.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Well, that's a very kind of down to earth way to look at high fashion, and that's something I really like about you. You can go from, you know, the highest of all high fashion to Met Gala, and you can come and have roadside coffee with me in Malaysia and we can both hang out.

[Ronny Chieng]

See, how generous am I?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

But I just want. Dude, I'm so sorry.

[Ronny Chieng]

You know why that my. Because my. Because of my mom.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Cause your mom. If you just end every story with that and then.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, you don't think I'm gonna do it?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

You. You do. You put it in. I'll talk about my mom. Yeah, me too. Yeah, me too. Look, I'm trying to compress so much in there. I'm sorry if it's a bit rushed, but. So I want people to see your genius. Sometimes it's hard to see creativity in action. The best way I know how to represent is if I give you some photos and you kind of illustrate for us kind of your ideas, your thoughts on these, on this fashion.

[Ronny Chieng]

What are you trying to do?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

This is your. This is your.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay. All right, so what do you want me to talk about?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

So this is your. This is Tessa Thompson at the Met Gala. This is your dress.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yes.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

That you made.

[Ronny Chieng]

We would call it an ensemble.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Ronny Chieng]

It's an ensemble because it is a. There's a. This is a white halter cotton mini dress underneath, and this is like a silk wool, you know, pannier dress.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Did your mom make this too?

[Ronny Chieng]

It was inspired by her, though.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay. Okay, so what can you just draw as though, make people think like, you're doing something cool on it? Yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah. So what are the influences for this? Like, what were some of the influences?

[Ronny Chieng]

So the influence of the super fine tailoring was the theme this year. And I kind of wanted to take someone like Tessa, who really experiments with her role in film and everything and also in fashion and kind of like take and abstract the menswear aspect of it, you know, and just. So that's why, like, if you look at it, this is a very traditional tuxedo. Like, traditional tuxedo year. All of these. Right. This whole area. And then we kind of like, you know, paired it with, like, Something that's an old school pannier. Like those like petticoats. Right. So we did that. It's almost an 8, which is a good luck in the number for me anyway. And then. And then this is like a latex tie. You know, there's like a little bit subversion that I always like. And the back is completely open and the. You can't really see it. Actually, you can see this all hand stitched. This. Okay. Like, yeah. So it's like. So it looks like just a dress with an ensemble that's really. And this is all made in New York, you know, that's what 90% of my stuff we make in New York.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

So this is super cheap, right? This is. Yep.

[Ronny Chieng]

Guess what? We don't have to worry about tariffs.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah. Remake in New York. Here's another.

[Ronny Chieng]

This was. I mean, this year at MET gala was crazy. Oh, man.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

So this is something I actually. I think I was at this show.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yes.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Thank you for inviting me. I was totally out of place there. No idea what I was doing. This is an outfit you had at the.

[Ronny Chieng]

You should have just worn this, by the way, what you're wearing. And you could have come. Actually, next show, maybe you should come out instead of me. How about that? And me. Maybe I'll come here.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

It's okay. I don't need that validation. I'm all right.

[Ronny Chieng]

Trust me, you'll be addicted to it. Why do you think we do, like, gazillion shows?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

So tell me about this.

[Ronny Chieng]

All right, so this is again, silk, wool. This is like a men's shirt. You know, this almost like this idea of a tuxedo. In the end of the night, you open it up, you know, the bow tie. And it's like. I always find that kind of sexy. Like you've had a good time.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Sure. Clearly. Yeah, There you go.

[Ronny Chieng]

Exactly.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

I don't think I've ever seen you button a shirt, by the way.

[Ronny Chieng]

I don't believe in that. I don't believe in closing anything. Just be open. And this is actually. We call it a dhoti pant. So it's this. It's like in a shapely balloon shaped pants. Now this whole color pieces, I love it together because this is very Americana. You know, like, there's like a tuxedo men's shirt. And this is very from our part of the world, from India and Nepal. So this idea, I always do, it is like west meeting the East. Not east meeting the West. It's west meeting the East. You know, just wanted to put it out There.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah, I like that phrasing. Yeah, yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

And then this is like a cashmere cardigan that's made in Nepal, and it was styled by my friend Tina, who's here actually.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah, there you go. So this is also. This is also super cheap. Right? This was like.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay, let's start.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah, so let's try. Let's try this one. Would you. Can you tell me what's going on with this outfit? Yeah, so. So why is this like a high fashion thing or what? Can you explain this? What is this?

[Ronny Chieng]

Wait, hold on. It's like, how many layers?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Well, including the dandruff. That's like. There's like. At least he's wearing.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, my Lord. Do you see this? It is a dandruff.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

So we're blocking the thing if you move it.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, shoot. What are you doing?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Oh, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah, yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay. So anyway, I would say. Okay, let's start with. Good.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

So what is that? What did you just circle there?

[Ronny Chieng]

I think it's like a. It's dandruff.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Oh, it's dandruff.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah, I think so.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

It's a layer of his.

[Ronny Chieng]

Or. Or it's like, you know, when you press something too much.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

No, I think his skin is rejected.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah. What is.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

What is the. What is going on here? Why is there. Is this a thing for fashion? Is he legitimately fashionable or am I.

[Ronny Chieng]

No. And, you know, what he's representing to me is really who he is, like, you know, confused. You know, that's what I would say. But good hair, though. Good hair. Yeah, I would say the hair is good.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

It's also like Botox gone wrong. But anyway.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

But you're the fashion guy. You don't comment on the beauty, so.

[Ronny Chieng]

We do comment head to toe, just to let you know.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

But five shoes, Is that good? Should you ever wear five shirts?

[Ronny Chieng]

I would say no, but Demna, who used to design Balenciaga, might disagree with me.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay.

[Ronny Chieng]

It's very much like layer upon layer.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Upon layer of shirts.

[Ronny Chieng]

They're trying to. Yeah. As I said, he's trying to hide something. I don't know what it is.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

He is almost like the antithesis of you because he's wearing five shirts and you're wearing no shoes.

[Ronny Chieng]

True.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Direct opposite.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay, but, but, but like. But also you have seen. Why?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Why? Oh, oh, okay, okay. You know, this is the last one, this last one, so humor me on this. So.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, who's this child? Who's this baby?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Someone is.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, oh, oh.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

So what do you Think about this outfit right here.

[Ronny Chieng]

What's failure to launch? I mean, what does the hat say?

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Oh, it's a slogan. It's some political slogan. I'm not.

[Ronny Chieng]

I mean, and we. We all believe in that, but in a sense. But not their way.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Sure. Yeah, sure.

[Ronny Chieng]

Not again, actually.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah. Do we. No, not really.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

You're like. I don't know.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

I mean, you make America great. That's what I.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Well, do you like the spin on it? Because usually this is a red, but this seems to be a limited edition black.

[Ronny Chieng]

Black on black.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

I mean, does that give you. Does that buy him any credit with you?

[Ronny Chieng]

Not at all.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay. What do you like about the fit? You know, what do you think about the fit?

[Ronny Chieng]

The fit. The issue is the fit.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay.

[Ronny Chieng]

You know, we call it in fashion. We call it, like. It's like a shift. Not a tight dress, but it's like a mini dress, you know, like, you know, so it's like a. That shape is. Look at that. It's like, very, like, 60s, you know, this is. This is almost like 60s, I would say.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

I mean, I would say his views are also, like, Twiggy.

[Ronny Chieng]

You know, the model Twiggy.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

That's what she would. Yeah, yeah. And that's what she would wear.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Well, don't be negative. Anything positive from this.

[Ronny Chieng]

I love. I love the curtains.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Oh, the curtains. You like? Okay.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay.

[Ronny Chieng]

And that's. This print is really nice.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay.

[Ronny Chieng]

And could be a good earrings.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay.

[Ronny Chieng]

And then this drape. Let's see. Yeah, I would say that. And I think, you know, he was a visionary, but he. I don't know.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Okay, so this. Would you recommend this fit? Thumbs up, thumbs down. No. To anyone. This is. I think. I believe this is called an arm. So, Tom, is that what you just drew there?

[Ronny Chieng]

This is what I'm trying to do is, like, literally trying to make it into a, like, 60s shift dress. Very mod. So if that's where the case. It's very, like, almost like. Then I can see, like, you know.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

It'S very Jackie Onassis if you.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah, dude, that's what I saw. Exactly that.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

See a few.

[Ronny Chieng]

I think you're in the wrong career. You should be a fashion designer. Yeah. Yeah.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Thanks.

[Ronny Chieng]

All right. All right.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Bravo. You're the best man. Thank you.

[Ronny Chieng]

By the group.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Oh, you're the best. Thanks for having us on. Thanks for sharing your talent and thanks for coming on the show, and thanks for sharing your good taste. I really appreciate it. You're the best man.

[Ronny Chieng]

Thank you very much.

[Jesus Christ]

Walk Like a Girl is available now right here.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Quick break. We're right back after this.

[Jesus Christ]

Oh.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Hey, that's our show for tonight. Now here it is, your moment of Zed Bobby Lynn. How many people has he been fired?

[Desi Lydic]

How many people has he fired thus far? Actually, we have not had anyone fired with the exception of one individual who did leave their job. But we have a great team here. So far, so good.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Explore more shows from the Daily Show.

[Ronny Chieng]

Podcast universe by searching the Daily Show. Wherever you get your podcasts, watch the Daily show weeknights at 1110 Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount.

[Roy Wood Jr.]

Plus foreign.

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[Roy Wood Jr.]

You're listening to an iHeart podcast.