SOTU Recap: Trump Gets Tarantino-Gory & Award-Crazy in Record-Long Address | Jonathan Haidt & Catherine Price

Summary

The Daily Show: Ears Edition

Episode: SOTU Recap: Trump Gets Tarantino-Gory & Award-Crazy in Record-Long Address | Jonathan Haidt & Catherine Price
Date: February 26, 2026
Host: Desi Lydic (with Jordan Klepper, Troy Iwata, Jonathan Haidt & Katherine Price)

---

Episode Overview

This episode of The Daily Show delivers a sharp, satirical recap of Donald Trump's record-setting State of the Union address—described as both "endless" and "Tarantino-gory"—and humorously explores the spectacle of excessive award-giving. The team also investigates the rise of Lindell TV, MyPillow founder Mike Lindell's foray into conservative news, before dedicating an in-depth segment to the impact of smartphones and social media on children, featuring authors Jonathan Haidt and Katherine Price and their new book The Amazing Generation.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump's State of the Union: "Endless" & "Gory"

[00:40–06:17]

• Satirical Take on Trump’s Address

  • Desi Lydic describes Trump's speech as “the longest union address in history...but honestly, it didn’t feel long. It felt endless” [00:51].
  • She jokes about Democrats “honoring Black History Month by also having a dream” by napping during the speech [01:34].
  • The speech’s content—despite proclamations of a “Golden Age”—is recounted in hyperbolic, violent, and graphic language by a Trump impersonator, likened to a Tarantino movie:

    “Drug lords, murderers…maimed, thousands ambushed and shot in the head...shredding his leg into numerous pieces.” (Trump impersonator, [02:17–02:43])
    Desi: “Was this a State of the Union speech or a Quentin Tarantino movie? All it’s missing is Uma Thurman’s bare feet.” [02:55]

  • Highlights the gap between supposed optimism and violent imagery.

• Bipartisanship and Performative Applause

  • Republicans repeatedly interrupt with applause; Trump "rotates back and forth like he was stuck on oscillating fan mode" [03:20].
  • Democrats remain seated, which the Trump impersonator obsesses over:

    “How do you not stand? …You should be ashamed of yourself. These people are crazy.” (Trump impersonator, [03:52])

• “Award Show” SOTU

  • Trump doles out numerous medals: Medal of Freedom, Medal of Honor, Legion of Merit (“It’s called the Purple Heart”) [05:12–05:41].
  • Desi quips: “Guess the state of our Union was come on down. Now, you could be cynical and say Trump has so few accomplishments he tries to draft off the heroism of other people.” [05:41]

• Trump’s Self-Centeredness

  • Trump impersonator: “I’ve always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, but I was informed I’m not allowed to give it to myself… If they ever open up that law, I will be there with you someday.” [06:05]

• Troy Iwata’s Satirical Field Report

  • Troy Iwata claims the event “was specifically shitty, okay? The whole thing sucked… I was the only one in the entire room who didn’t get an award. Like, what am I, a female director at the Oscars?” [06:58–07:39]
  • Comedy about a scarcity of personal recognition, leading to a parody award from Desi: “On behalf of the United States, I’d like to present you this presidential water bottle for America’s worst speller of pigeon.” [09:56]

---

2. Media Satire: Lindell TV’s “Journalistic” Emergence

[12:00–19:46]

• Jordan Klepper Explores Lindell TV
  • Klepper introduces Lindell TV, Mike Lindell’s “24.7 TV with all your favorite hosts.” [12:33]
  • Mocks Lindell’s “Judeo Christian platform” with strict language/censorship rules:

    “So in other words, you’re not gonna have porn up there. You can’t say the C word, the N word, the F word, and you can’t use God’s name in vain.” (Lindell TV clip, [13:19])

  • Technical difficulties abound:

    “Edward, I’m getting that feedback like crazy again, can you hear me okay?” (Lindell TV segment, [13:57])

  • Digs into shows like “War Room with Steve Bannon,” “Diamond and Silk,” and “Rudy Giuliani Show”—the latter referred to as being “live from death’s door.” [16:28]
  • Ridicules the abundant Lindell product ads that overtake real news:

    “He’s doing a bed sheet ad inside an energy drink. For the man so hopped up on caffeine he keeps shitting his sheets.” (Klepper, [19:00])

  • Concludes Lindell TV is “news supported ads,” not ad-supported news: “It’s QAnon QVC...they’re the ones living in the Pentagon briefing room while traditional news media is dead outside” [19:00–19:46].

---

3. Interview: Jonathan Haidt & Katherine Price on Kids, Phones, and "The Amazing Generation"

[22:36–36:00]

a) Social Media's Worsening Impact on Children

• Jonathan Haidt reflects that since his previous book, The Anxious Generation (2024), rising evidence suggests short-form video “truly is rotting brains…making them work less well.” [23:44]
• Notes global drop in test scores and IQ since 2012 correlating with smartphone proliferation [24:25], but sees positive momentum: "In the first year, 40 US states have put limits on phones. Australia raised the age for social media to 16, and other countries are following." [25:03]

b) What is "Fun" and Why Don't Phones Provide It?

• Katherine Price defines "real fun" as in-person experiences, not tech-driven dopamine hits:

  “Tech companies are promising us…fun, but that’s actually fake fun. Real fun is…with people in real life, together, totally connected, having a playful experience.” [25:49]

• Desi lauds their new book for bluntly telling kids:

  “If you don’t own your life, tech will own you.” [26:21]

c) Book Approach & Youth Rebellion

• The book speaks directly to kids, not down to them. Haidt credits Price’s idea to use a graphic novel format and testimonials to make it engaging [27:42].
• Price:

  “The ultimate win is if kids decide [to delay smartphones and social media] for themselves…They don’t like to be manipulated.” [27:59]

d) Youth & Parental Buy-In

• Young readers surprise the authors with enthusiasm for limiting screens:

  “It’s been thrilling to see that kids are taking [this message] up and saying, yeah, that is what I want.” (Price, [29:02])

• On adult responsibility, Haidt emphasizes:

  "Structure space and time in your house…Mealtimes: no phones at the table, even if you want to just check something. Most importantly: no screens in the bedroom after a certain time." [30:00]

e) Tackling Systemic Barriers

• Haidt:

  “In any rational world...if [a product] killed thousands of children...it would have been sued out of existence…But wealthy industries buy influence in Congress.” But states and other countries are acting, and kids are leading a new movement. [31:33]

f) The "Rebel Code"

• Price describes the philosophy of youth rebellion:

  “Use technology as a tool, don’t let it use you…Fill your life with real friendships, real freedom, and real fun.” [33:03]

• Haidt adds:

  “Stop focusing on the phones and focus...on childhood…Have you seen movies from the ‘80s and ‘90s? Kids having adventures? You can have that, and kids know they want it.” [34:09]

g) Practical Advice for Parents

• Price:

  “Focus less on what your kids are going to miss out on if you don't give them smartphones...and more on what they will miss out on if you do: a real life.” [34:42]

• Haidt:

  “The key...is that we’re in a collective action trap. If a few of us go out [and limit screens], then others see it and join…do it together and it becomes fun.” [35:08]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Was this a State of the Union speech or a Quentin Tarantino movie? All it’s missing is Uma Thurman’s bare feet.”
  — Desi Lydic, [02:55]
• “I was the only one in the entire room who didn’t get an award. Like, what am I, a female director at the Oscars?”
  — Troy Iwata, [07:39]
• “He’s doing a bed sheet ad inside an energy drink. For the man so hopped up on caffeine he keeps shitting his sheets.”
  — Jordan Klepper, [19:00]
• “If you don’t own your life, tech will own you.”
  — Desi Lydic (reflecting the book’s tone), [26:21]
• “Kids are realizing we’re being manipulated and they don’t like to be manipulated.”
  — Katherine Price, [27:59]
• “We’re in a collective action trap…If a few of us go out, then others see and join. So do it together and it becomes fun.”
  — Jonathan Haidt, [35:08]

---

Segment Timestamps

• SOTU Recap/Trump Violence & Awards: 00:40–06:17
• Troy Iwata Field Report & Award Satire: 06:46–10:31
• Lindell TV Media Satire: 12:00–19:46
• Jonathan Haidt & Katherine Price Interview: 22:36–36:00

---

Tone & Takeaway

The episode blends sharp political humor, pop culture riffs, and earnest, practical advice. It skewers political spectacle and media absurdity, then pivots to genuinely insightful commentary on youth, technology, and mental health. Haidt and Price encourage collective, grassroots action among families and youth, with an optimistic view that a new, screen-skeptical generation is on the rise.

---

Useful for listeners seeking both laughs and substantial insights into politics, media, and modern parenting in a digital age.

Transcript

[Ninjalux Cafe Announcer]

This episode is brought to you by ninjalux Cafe, the three in one machine that makes espresso, drip coffee and cold brew. No barista skills required.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

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, Desi Lining.

[Desi Lining]

Welcome to the Daily Show. I'm Bethany Lydick. We've got so much to talk about tonight. The State of Our Union is rated R. Democrats take a protest nap, and the MyPillow guy has a news channel that's even shittier than his pillow. So let's get into the headlines. Last night, Donald Trump gave the longest union address in history, just beating out Harry Truman's performance of the Vagina Monologues. But honestly, it didn't feel long. It felt endless. That's because I wasn't sleeping through it. Unlike some people, is how it gives

[Donald Trump (Impersonator)]

Americans the chance to see clearly what their representatives really believe. Pillar of the American dream that has been under attack is home ownership. With us tonight is Rachel Wiggins, a mom of two from Houston.

[Desi Lining]

Well, who says Democrats are woke? They were just honoring Black History Month by also having a dream. But let's. Let's not focus on length. Let's focus on girth, by which I mean the content of the speech. Mr. President, what is your message on the State of our Union?

[Donald Trump (Impersonator)]

Our nation is back. Bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before. This is the Golden Age of America.

[Desi Lining]

Oh, okay. That's great news. I actually think an optimistic, uplifting State of the Union might be just what the country needs right now. Let's hear more about this golden age.

[Donald Trump (Impersonator)]

Drug lords, murderers all over our country, killed and maimed, thousands ambushed and shot in the head. Shot violently in the head. One bullet after another, violently and viciously. We're talking about the edge of death.

[Desi Lining]

Which part of this is the golden age? Can we just get back to the uplifting optimism, gushing blood which was flowing

[Donald Trump (Impersonator)]

back down the aisle, viciously slashed, bleeding profusely, blood all over, shredding his leg into numerous pieces. Unbelievable. What's happened to his legs?

[Desi Lining]

Oh, my God. The violence. Was this a State of the Union speech or a Quentin Tarantino movie? All it's missing is Uma Thurman's bare feet. Oh, close enough. Look, there's nothing wrong with honoring Americans who have been through tragedies, but we used to have presidents who could do that without sounding like a six year old dismembering his GI Joes. Now, the speech wasn't just two hours of Dom Trump traumatizing America. One reason that the speech went so long was because Republicans kept interrupting with applause breaks, which Trump would just bask in, rotating back and forth like he was stuck on oscillating fan mode. Guys, he's stuck. How do I get him back to regular push or pull? Do I push or do I pull? But the Democrats stayed seated almost the entire night, and you could tell it started to get under Trump's skin.

[Donald Trump (Impersonator)]

How do you not stand? How do you not stand? You should be ashamed of yourself not standing up. You should be ashamed of yourself. Look, nobody stands up. These people are crazy.

[Desi Lining]

Mr. President, I will have you know that the Democrats are not standing because they are outraged by your tyranny and lawless behavior. And also, they are standing right now. You know, Mr. President, let's forget about the golden age and yelling at Democrats for not applauding you. Why don't you just focus on telling us the State of the Union Now?

[Donald Trump (Impersonator)]

Here with us tonight is a group of winners who just made the entire nation proud. The men's gold medal Olympic hockey team.

[Desi Lining]

Come on in. Oh, okay, great. Nice to give the hockey team a shout out. All right. Give a wave and smile. They got strip clubs to get to. But now that we've gone through that, back to the State of the Union.

[Donald Trump (Impersonator)]

I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

[Desi Lining]

Okay, great. Didn't need to do that here, but sure, one quick award. Let's not turn this whole thing into a big awards show.

[Donald Trump (Impersonator)]

I will ask the first lady of the United States to present Captain Royce Williams with his Congressional Medal of Honor. Present Chief Warrant Officer Slover with the Congressional Medal of Honor. I am now awarding you the Legion of Merit. It's called the Purple Heart.

[Desi Lining]

Wow. He didn't just give out one award. He gave out all the awards. Guess the state of our Union was come on down. Now, you could be cynical and say that it seems like Trump has so few accomplishments of his own that he was trying to draft off the actual heroism of other people instead. But, hey, at least he's giving awards to other people for a change, instead of demanding that they give one to him.

[Donald Trump (Impersonator)]

I've always wanted the Congressional Medal of Honor, but I was informed I'm not allowed to give it to myself. And I wouldn't know why I'd be taking it, but if they ever open up that law, I will be there with you someday.

[Desi Lining]

Yeah, there he is. Just can't help himself. Trump would have Asked for the Purple Heart, but his doctors told him that he had one already. For more on last night's address, let's go live to Washington, D.C. with Troy Iwata. You were in the room for the Spirit. You had a seat in the gallery. What was your impression?

[Troy Iwata]

Yeah, I guess it was fine. I don't know. Some people liked it. Whatever.

[Desi Lining]

Okay, what was fine or whatever about it? Can you just be more specific?

[Troy Iwata]

Oh, you want me to be specific? It was specifically shitty, okay? The whole thing sucked. Okay? Go away.

[Desi Lining]

Go away. Why are you so upset?

[Troy Iwata]

Because I. I was the only one in the entire room who didn't get an award. Are you happy, Desi? Like, this is the fourth grade spelling bee all over again.

[Desi Lining]

Troy, what are you talking about?

[Troy Iwata]

I spelled the word pigeon with a

[Desi Lining]

D. No, I meant about this. Why? Were you expecting an award?

[Troy Iwata]

Well, I wasn't at first, but then everyone around me started getting awards, like the Medal of Freedom, the Medal of Honor, a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, and I went home empty handed. Like, what am I, a female director at the Oscars? See?

[Jordan Klepper]

They're sad for me, too.

[Desi Lining]

But you weren't there to get an award. You were there as a reporter.

[Troy Iwata]

Well, that's no consolation when everyone around me is getting them. And for lame stuff like, a guy in front of me was honored for having good facial hair, and a woman next to me got a medal for her parallel parking. And then some bitch got a fancy flag just because her stupid husband died in the stupid Korean War. Like, why can't my husband have died in the Korean War?

[Desi Lining]

Because you weren't born yet, and you also don't have a husband.

[Jordan Klepper]

Oh, rub it in.

[Desi Lining]

Look, don't let it get to you, all right? Those awards were just trump glomming onto other people's glory.

[Troy Iwata]

I have glory to glom. I have so much glory to Glom. I can spell pidgin now. P I, G, E, O, N, D. Damn it.

[Desi Lining]

Wait, that's where you put the D. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

[Troy Iwata]

You sound Just like Mrs. Lombard.

[Desi Lining]

I'm sorry, but if you care so much about getting an award, why don't you just enlist in the army or join a hockey team?

[Troy Iwata]

You don't think I tried? After heated rivalry, I thought I'd be great at hockey, but turns out it turns out hockey is not the part I was great at,

[Ninjalux Cafe Announcer]

so.

[Troy Iwata]

I don't know, Desi.

[Katherine Price]

I don't know.

[Troy Iwata]

I guess I'm just not good at anything. I'm never gonna get a medal at the State of the union. I'm never gonna be a celebrated widower.

[Desi Lining]

Never. Troy, I hate seeing you like this. Can I. Can I do anything to help? I don't know.

[Troy Iwata]

You could maybe give me an award.

[Desi Lining]

I'm sorry, what?

[Troy Iwata]

You can give me an award. Give me an award.

[Jordan Klepper]

Give me one.

[Desi Lining]

Debbie. Give me an award. Okay, okay. All right. All right, fine. Troy Iwata on Wait, wait, wait, wait.

[Troy Iwata]

I'm not ready.

[Desi Lining]

Okay, okay. Troy, on behalf of the United States, I'd like to present you this presidential water bottle. Thor, America's worst speller of pigeon. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

[Troy Iwata]

Thank you. Thank you. T H A N K D no, that's enough.

[Desi Lining]

Troy Watt, everyone. When we come back, we discover the latest news mogul. So Jump.

[Ninjalux Cafe Announcer]

Cafe quality brews without a barista. That's the Ninjalux Cafe. Yep, no skills needed. Rich espresso balanced drip coffee, rapid cold brew. All made by you. Because barista assist technology handles the details. Grinding, weighing, brewing. So you don't have to finished with silky microfoam made with dairy or plant based milk. Hot or cold, hands free. Still no skills needed. From first timer to full blown coffee fan, you can brew it all. Brew it all with the Ninja Luxe Cafe. No skills needed. Cafe quality coffee without the guesswork. Make espresso, drip coffee, cold brew and more with the Ninjalux Cafe. Listeners of this show get $60 off the ninja Lux Cafe premiere series with the Code Stewart exclusive on SharkNinja.com while supplies last. That's $60 off the Ninja Lux Cafe premiere series with Code Stewart exclusively on SharkNinja.com while supplies last.

[Desi Lining]

Welcome back to the Daily Show. Every year there's more and more reporters joining the esteemed profession of the news media. So to find out who stood some of them are, we go to Jordan Klepper in our ongoing segment News to meet ya.

[Jordan Klepper]

In today's fragmented media environment, it can be hard to know which news sources you can trust. Even I don't always know where to turn. If only there was some truth teller out there that would answer the call.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

I'm here today to announce Lindale TV. We have 24.7TV with all your favorite hosts.

[Donald Trump (Impersonator)]

Yes,

[Jordan Klepper]

24.7news from the MyPillow guy. It just makes sense when you know Mike Lindell, the former crackhead, current candidate for governor of Minnesota and inventor of the only pillow stuffed exclusively with shredded lawsuits against Mike Lindell. Now, you may not have seen Lindell TV because you haven't been in a waiting room of a dentist who uses crystal meth as an anesthetic. So let me introduce you to this innovative media pioneer who lives by a set of core news values.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

This Judeo Christian platform we're gonna have here, they go by biblical principles. So in other words, you're not gonna have porn up there. You can't say the C word, the N word, the F word, and you can't use God's name in vain. What a concept, right?

[Jordan Klepper]

Yeah, an amazing concept. I'm so tired of Wolf Blitzer showing me porn and calling God a. Now, the elites might tell you that a pillow company that has been banned from Walmart has no business in journalism. But much like his products, Lindell TV is flawless.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Hello, everybody, and welcome to the Lindell Show. Here. Edward, I'm getting that feedback like crazy again. Can you hear me okay?

[Desi Lining]

Vanessa, I can hear you.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Yeah. Okay, how about now?

[Desi Lining]

I can hear you.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Vanessa, can you hear me?

[Desi Lining]

Hear you.

[Jordan Klepper]

We can hear you, Mike. The whole world can hear you. Or at least the 98 people who have watched this can hear you. You know what? Lindell TV is so much more than one man in his foyer aimlessly asking for technical support. It's cementing its Judeo Christian legacy with marquee shows like the War Room with Steve Bannon, where MAGA gets its marching orders from a man losing a forever war with washing his face. Then there's famed Trump supporters Diamond and Silk, featuring Silk and an intro that still honors the legacy of the late Diamond. And I promise you, this is unedited.

[Desi Lining]

Hey, yo, drop that beat. Trump show president, he's your president.

[Jordan Klepper]

Wow. That In Memoriam is a banger. I mean, I Wish it was 2003 so I could download that song as

[Jonathan Haidt]

my ringtone trumps yopresident.com Download the song, use it as a ringtone, add it

[Desi Lining]

to your playlist so you can get your boogie oogie woogie on. Perfect.

[Jordan Klepper]

It's the classic journalism technique of getting to the who, what and woogie oogie of the story, all of it being broadcast from what appears to be Diamond's wake. I mean, look at that painting of Diamond, Trump and Silk tastefully shoved behind an ottoman. Everything so meticulously arranged by Lindell TV's production designer slash funeral director. But if you still need more news, there's the Rudy Giuliani show, which, like diamond and Silk, also appears to be hosted by a dead person.

[Jonathan Haidt]

Good evening.

[Jordan Klepper]

This is Rudy Giuliani, and this is Rudy Giuliani show on Lindell tv. Live from death's door, it's Rudy Giuliani, he says, Rudy, what's with the full body brace, man? Apparently, Lindell TV doesn't offer sick days for a collapsed spine. But their programming is vast. There's scriptures and Wall street, the counterculture mom show. And Maha with Mike. And you know what? Trust me, this Mike guy is sharp.

[Desi Lining]

Good morning, Maha Nation.

[Maha Bike]

This is Maha Bike.

[Jordan Klepper]

Oh, oh, did he say Maha Bike? Missed it by this much. You know, not to go all lamestream media, but I'm gonna have to fact check you on your own name there, Baikal. Now,

[Desi Lining]

look,

[Jordan Klepper]

sorry, Mike. Look, you might argue a network of this caliber belongs nowhere near the White House. And to that I say, they're already in the White House. Starting with Lindell TV reporter Kara Kastronova, who isn't afraid to hold this administration's feet to the fire.

[Desi Lining]

Will you guys also consider releasing the President's fitness plan? He actually looks healthier than ever before. Healthier than he did eight years ago. And I'm sure everybody in this room could agree. Is he working out with Bobby Kennedy? And is he eating less McDonald's?

[Jordan Klepper]

Yes. Quick follow up. How does he get those round sweet cinnabun ankles, huh? And hand bruises so taut you could sink a quarter into him. But despite Lindell TV's trove of magnetic on air personalities, it's easy to forget the real star of the network. The ads for Mike Lindell's products.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

It's finally here. Our second annual mega sale. My new towels. With proprietary technology, My coffee is now available on mypillow.com that's lindelloilboom.com. start collecting oil royalty checks. The next generation of energy drinks. Rev7. I'm so sure you're gonna love Rev7 that for a limited time, you can try our three pack absolutely free. Or check out our percale bed sheets.

[Jordan Klepper]

He's doing a bed sheet ad inside an energy drink. For the man so hopped up on caffeine he keeps shitting his sheets. Don't call it quits. Reload. But this is what new media looks like. It's not so much ad supported news as it is news supported ads. And it might be easy to write off Lindell TV as QAnon QVC, but the fact is they're the ones living in the Pentagon briefing room while the traditional news media is dead outside. If only there was a way to send off those dearly departed reporters with a little bit of dignity.

[Desi Lining]

Trump Show President,

[Jordan Klepper]

I'm Jordan Klepper. Good night and seriously, good luck.

[Desi Lining]

Thank you, Jordan. When we come back just and I'll be joining me on the show, so don't go away. Oh Jordan.

[Maha Bike]

From visionary creator Kenya Barris, creator of Black Ish, comes Big Age, the hilarious and heartwarming Audible original comedy about love, aging and finding your way in life's next chapter. Big Age stars comedy legends Jennifer Lewis, Cedric the Entertainer and Niecy Nash Betts. Big Age follows recently retired couple Dot and Butch Watts reluctant relocation to their new Floridian home, Sunset Gardens, a senior community that is anything but relaxing. In Barris Retirement Community, Dot and Butch encounter a parade of unforgettable personalities who push their 50 year marriage to the limit. There's Butch's flirtatious ex flame Ethel, played by Nash Betts, spiritually possessed neighbors, pesky pill pushing couples and the ferociously competitive Stevenator. Through its blend of outrageous comedy, Key Party anyone and touching Revelations, Big Age explores what it means to grow older without growing old at heart. Listen to Kenya Barris new laugh out loud Audible original comedy Big Age Starring Jennifer Lewis, Cedric the Entertainer and Niecy Nash Betts. Big Age does funny things. Go to audible.com bigageseries to start listening today. As men reach their 30s, many begin to notice a significant shift in energy and drive. Statistics show that most men start losing testosterone around age 30, decreasing by about 1% every year after that. This can lead to a feeling of moving through mud where workouts and daily tasks feel twice as hard as they used to. Often the issue is in production. It's accessibility. There's a protein called SHBG that essentially acts like handcuffs for testosterone. Even if the body is producing it, SHBG can lock it up so it cannot be used. It's like having money in the bank but a debit card that doesn't work. Marsman is designed to help free that lock testosterone so the body can actually utilize it. With eight natural, clinically dosed ingredients including Tongat, Ali, Shilajit and Boron Mars Men supports energy, focus and stamina without synthetics. It's made in the USA, third party tested and backed by a 90 day money back guarantee. It's a natural way to support the body's usable testosterone levels. As a part of a 2026 health reset. For a limited time, our listeners get 50% off for life plus free shipping and three free gifts@ Mengotomars.com It's a perfect way to kick off the new year strong. That's MengotoMars.com for 50% off and three free gifts at checkout. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them our show sent you.

[Desi Lining]

Welcome back to the Daily Show. My guests tonight are best selling authors of the Anxious Generation and how to break up with your phone. They teamed up to write the amazing generation, your guide to fun and freedom in a screen filled world. Please welcome Jonathan Haidt and Katherine Price. Oh boy, you got a lot of fans here. A lot of people out here read the Anxious generation how to break up with your phone. Yeah, I mean Jonathan, your previous book the Anxious Generation really sparked a huge conversation all over the world about the effects that social media and our smartphones have on our kids. Talk about what you've observed since the book came out.

[Jonathan Haidt]

Yeah, well, so when the book came out in 2024, I'd focused on the effects of social media on teen mental health. And so one thing I've discovered is that I grossly understated the damage that's being done because since then we've got a lot more evidence about the cognitive deficits, the inability to pay attention, especially because of short videos. There's a lot more research now that short videos truly are rotting brains. I mean it's not a joke. It is truly. Well, okay, it's not literally rotting brains, but it is certainly making them work less well.

[Desi Lining]

And not the Daily show short videos. Correct. Those are good for the brain. Those are a garbage video.

[Jordan Klepper]

Real news is helpful.

[Jonathan Haidt]

And then the other thing that we also know now is that test scores are going down and IQ is going down. We didn't know that a few years ago around the world. So 50 years of progress in education to 2012 ended and now test scores are going down. And so the damage from this phone based childhood is far beyond what I said in the anxious Generation. That's one of the, that's the downside. Okay, can I give you the upside too?

[Desi Lining]

Please, by all means.

[Jonathan Haidt]

The upside is that as soon as the book came out, mothers around the world stood up and said let's go.

[Desi Lining]

Yeah, thought we'd be mollie bigger win.

[Jonathan Haidt]

So just in the first, in the first year we got 40 US states have put limits on phones. 20 did it.

[Desi Lining]

Right.

[Jonathan Haidt]

Phone free for the whole day. Australia is the first country in the world to raise the age to 16 for social media. And just in the last four weeks, a dozen countries have said they're going to follow. So we are at a global turning point.

[Desi Lining]

Okay, this is good momentum. Catherine, you wrote a book called how to break up with your phone and the power of fun. Now you're Very passionate about the idea of kids and adults setting aside their phones to embrace fun. Explain this elusive concept of fun. What is this you speak of?

[Katherine Price]

I have an entire Venn diagram, but I will not go into that right now. But I would say that, yes, I broke up with my own phone. I realized, oh, my goodness, I need to figure out how to fill my time. And that's how I wrote the Power of Fun. And what I realized is that the tech companies are promising us and our children that their products are fun, but that's actually fake fun. Because what real fun is is the feeling that you get when you're with people in real life, together, totally connected, having a playful experience.

[Desi Lining]

Yeah, for fun that happens in real life. Exactly right. And the two of you joined forces to write this incredible book, the Amazing Generation. I have a 10 year old at home. I already gave it to him. I mandated him to read for a certain amount of time. But I will tell you that when his time was up, he continued to read. So you're doing something right. Talk about. I mean, here's what I love about this book is you really. You don't water it down for the kids. You give it to them straight. You say, if you don't own your life, tech will own you. What went behind the decision to be so honest and straightforward?

[Jonathan Haidt]

Yeah, well, the challenge for us was how to make a version of the book for kids. And I sure can't write for kids. And so we put out a. We were looking for a co author, and I'd met Kathryn in part from seeing her amazing TED Talk on the Power of fun. And it was really Katharine's idea about how to make this a book that kids would actually enjoy. And I'm thrilled to hear that your son actually enjoyed it. Can I just suggest next time, don't mandate it. Just, like, put it in front of him and be a little more subtle. But anyway, back to Kathryn.

[Desi Lining]

All right, don't dad, splain to me. Okay? Just trying my best here. Should I slip it in his lunchbox? Is that what you do?

[Jonathan Haidt]

Very simple.

[Desi Lining]

Yeah.

[Jonathan Haidt]

So anyway, so Katherine figured out how to do how to put in a graphic novel, how to put in all kinds of testimonials from older kids, and the net effect. We're here. Like, you look at the Amazon reviews, kids are reading it, and then they're saying, mom, I don't want a smartphone when I start middle school. So we're just really thrilled. And it was Kathryn's idea how to do that.

[Katherine Price]

I appreciate that, but I Think that's really what's been so exciting, because we were just talking about what is a win for this book. And as many people may know, the anxious generation talks about getting phones out of schools, more independence, free play, and responsibility in the real world, and then having kids not have smartphones until at least high school and not have social media till at least 16. Well, the ultimate win is if kids decide that for themselves. And so that was really the goal of this book, and we told them the truth. You know, I think that's why kids are reacting to it in the way they are, where they're actually making these decisions, because they realize we're being manipulated and they don't like to be manipulated. And so it's truly, really exciting to hear from parents and families who feel like for the first time ever, they're on the same side when it comes to screens.

[Desi Lining]

It was really remarkable to see all of the feedback from young people, from teenagers, from kids, from kids in their 20s who are looking back, were you surprised by the willingness of young people to give up their phones and say, you know what? This is what I want. My life is better.

[Katherine Price]

Well, based on how to break up with your phone, I would say I wasn't surprised that when people actually put their phones down and reconnect with real life, that they tend to realize it is better and that it's actually easier than they had feared. I think, though, that I'm personally very excited, and I think you'd agree to just see how quickly the younger generation has accepted this message and gotten excited about it. We frame this basically as an invitation to Gen Alpha, which is the younger kids these days, to join this growing rebellion of young people who are standing up against big tech and deciding they want to have more real friendship and more real freedom and real fun. And so it's been really thrilling to see that kids are taking that up and saying, yeah, that is what I want.

[Desi Lining]

Right.

[Katherine Price]

Yeah.

[Desi Lining]

So if we want our children to put the smartphones down, does that mean that we, the adults, also have to put the smartphones down? Because that's going to be a deal breaker for us. For them. I'm sorry. For them.

[Jonathan Haidt]

Okay. I won't do the dadsplaining thing here and criticize you, but I'll just.

[Desi Lining]

I asked for it.

[Jonathan Haidt]

Yeah. So, you know, a lot of us, we're using our phones all the time. We say, but mine is for work. Kids can actually understand that. They can actually understand that they're different. They can understand that maybe you have some habits that are for adults. The important thing is to structure space and time in your house. Because what happened when these things came in is they're just everywhere, all the time. There is no structure to space and time. And so you got kids sitting at the dinner table, kids sitting on the toilet, kids walking out the door, always on the phone. Put a stop to that. Make it clear. There are times when we have these things and there are times when we don't. So the easiest, of course, are mealtimes. That needs to be absolute no phones at the table, even if you want to just check something. And the other, the most important one of all is no screens in the bedroom after a certain time. If your kids are younger, I would actually say start with the rule no screens of any kind in the bedroom ever. I wish I had done that with my kids. But of course, going through Covid, the habits got formed. So there's a lot you can do to structure space and time that will really convey to your kid that you don't always have this right.

[Desi Lining]

All right, okay. So here's one thing I want to just bring up, because as a parent, I think we see the way that screens affect our kids and we desperately want to take them away. But it can be really challenging. And sometimes parents feel like they're backed into a corner because their kids friends all have phones or the school hasn't done a school ban, and so you're hesitant to pull your kid out and ostracize them from their friends. What how much of the onus falls on the parent and the teachers and how much falls on these tech companies and our leaders to do the right thing?

[Jonathan Haidt]

In any rational world where you had a consumer product that was used by 95% of all children, that had killed thousands of them, that had gotten to the point where 25% of the girls say that it has damaged their mental health, that has gotten to the point where Snapchat gets 10,000 reports of sextortion. Not a year, a month. At least that was the case in 2022. In any rational world, if there was such a consumer product, it would have been sued out of existence or at least made an adult only product. Of course, we don't live in that world. We live in a world where wealthy industries can just pay not even that much money to buy huge amounts of influence in congress and block anything. But the states are acting. The states are much more independent. That's why we're making so much progress in the states and the rest of the world is acting. So I Think we're going to win on this eventually, and the companies are going to have to bear some responsibility. Of course, in Los Angeles right now, they're on trial for the first time. They're facing jury. Thousands of kids are dead, and they've never had an answer for it. So I think justice will come. But until then, we all have to play a part. So it's parents have responsibilities, schools need to do their part. And the amazing thing is that now kids are actually rising up and doing their part.

[Desi Lining]

Right?

[Katherine Price]

Yeah.

[Desi Lining]

There's a part of this book that I think is so inspiring. You don't just approach it in terms of taking something away. You show what's on the other side of it. Your life, your childhood. This is what's on the other end. Explain what the rebel code is.

[Katherine Price]

Yes. So, as I was mentioning, there is a growing youth rebellion of young people who have decided either that they are going to choose not to use these things to begin with, or they've realized, I have regrets about my own youth and I want to live a different way. And they really are rebels because they are standing up against big tech and just going their own path. And so we wanted to try to put their philosophy into words that other people could follow. And so that's the Rebels code. And the basic idea is to use technology as a tool. Just don't let it use you. We're not Luddites. We're not saying that technology is all bad, but we are all being used by technology right now. And then the second part of the rebels code is fill your life with real friendships, real freedom, and real fun. And I think that that's something that's incredibly important for kids, but also for all of us adults, too.

[Jonathan Haidt]

I just like to add on to what Kathryn said. This all makes so much more sense if you stop focusing on the phones and you focus instead on childhood. What is a healthy human childhood? And everybody here who's over, you know, 35, oh, not

[Katherine Price]

understand.

[Desi Lining]

Sorry, can't say that I am. Don't Google it.

[Jonathan Haidt]

Well, if you had an older sister, she probably went out and played.

[Desi Lining]

Yes, yes.

[Jonathan Haidt]

But if you keep your eye on shut. And that's what this is really about. And that's why I think that's why I think your son is going on. Because it's not just, oh, don't do this, kids, it's, have you ever seen movies that took place in the 80s and 90s? Do you ever see kids out having fun, having adventures? You can have that. And kids know that it exists and they want it.

[Desi Lining]

Yeah. Yeah. What is there? If there's one piece of advice that you could give to parents right now, what would it be?

[Katherine Price]

I would suggest that in terms of this fear of your kid being left out, which is the most common thing I think we both hear, to focus less on what your kids are going to miss out on if you don't give them smartphones and social media and focus more on what they will miss out on if we do give them smartphones and social media, which is to say having a real life.

[Jonathan Haidt]

And I would say picking up on what you said before, no parent wants their kid to be alone. If you do this alone, it is hard. But if your kid has one or two other friends who are with them now, they're suddenly the kids who are out riding bicycles, they're going getting ice cream while everybody else has to stay under supervision. So I would say my number one piece of of advice to parents is talk to the parents of your kid's friends. You surely talk with them anyway. You've got them on texting and party pickup and things like that. So find a small group and do it together. I'm a social psychologist. The whole key to this whole thing is that we're stuck in a collective action trap. Anyone who goes out is missing out on the connections. But if a few of us go out, then they're actually having fun and then others see it and then they join. So do it together and it becomes fun.

[Desi Lining]

Excellent advice. My advice would be to go out and pick up this book, Amazing Generation. It's available now. Jonathan Haidt and Katherine Price. We're gonna take a quick break. It would be read.

[Maha Bike]

While many skincare brands focus only on surface level aesthetics, true skin health begins at the cellular level. Oneskin is a pioneer in the field of skin longevity, shifting the focus from simply masking the signs of aging to addressing the biological drivers behind them. At the core of their lineup is the patented OS1 peptide. This is the first ingredient proven to target senescent cells, often called zombie cells, which are the key driver of wrinkles, fine lines and loss of elasticity. These results have been validated in four separate peer reviewed clinical studies, ensuring that the technology is rooted in rigor science. Founded by an all women team of longevity scientists with PhDs in stem cell biology and skin regeneration, One Skin is designed to be both powerful and safe. The products are dermatologist tested free from over 1,500 harsh ingredients and have been awarded the National Eczema association seal of acceptance, making them Ideal even for sensitive skin. Born from over a decade of longevity research, OneSkin's OS1 peptide is proven to target the visible signs of aging, helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try one skin with 15% off code daily at OneSkin Co daily. That's 15% off OneSkin Co with code daily. After your purchase, they'll ask you where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them we sent you.

[Desi Lining]

You're jamming your favorite song, and while you aren't missing a beat, you could be missing a signal from your body. It's an SOS from your kidneys, and it doesn't sound like music at all. It's silent. High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and other risk factors can quietly stress the kidneys, leading to negative impacts on the heart. That's why you should ask your doctor about a simple urine test called uacr. Most miss the signal for hidden kidney disease and related heart risk. You shouldn't visit detectthesos.com today to learn more. That's our show for tonight. Now here it is, your moment exam.

[Donald Trump (Impersonator)]

People are asking me, please, please, please, Mr. President, we're winning too much. We can't take it anymore. We're not used to winning in our country until you came along with just always losing. But now we're winning too much. And I say, no, no, no, you're going to win again. You're going to win big. You're going to win bigger than ever.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Explore more shows from the Daily show 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.

[Desi Lining]

Plus,

[Comedy Central Announcer]

This has been a Comedy Central podcast.

[Desi Lining]

Close your eyes, exhale, feel your body relax and let go of whatever you're carrying today. Well, I'm letting go of the worry that I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1-800-contacts. Oh, my gosh, they're so fast. And breathe. Oh, sorry. I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry. Namaste. Visit 1-800-contacts.com today to save on your first order. 1-800-contacts.

[Maha Bike]

It's tax season, and at Lifelock, we

[Desi Lining]

know you're tired of numbers, but here's a big one you need to billions. That's the amount of money in refunds the IRS has flagged for possible identity fraud. Now here's another big number. 100 million. That's how many data points Lifelock monitors every second. If your identity is stolen, we'll fix it. Guaranteed. One last big number. Save up to 40% your first year.

[Maha Bike]

Visit lifelock.com podcast for the threats you can't control.

[Desi Lining]

Terms apply.

[Jonathan Haidt]

Carvana is so easy. Just a click and we've got ourselves a car. See so many cars.

[Katherine Price]

That's a clicktastic inventory.

[Jonathan Haidt]

And check out the financing options payments to fit our budget.

[Maha Bike]

It I mean, that's Clickonomics 101 delivery to our door.

[Desi Lining]

Just a hop, skip and a click away. And bought. No better feeling than when everything just clicks. Buy your car today on Carvana. Delivery fees may apply.