The Daily Show: Ears Edition - Episode Summary

Episode Title: TDS Time Machine | Jon Interviews Trailblazing Women
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Hosts: Jon Stewart, Malala Yousafzai, Michelle Obama, Cecile Richards
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Paramount Podcasts

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, host Jon Stewart engages in insightful and inspiring conversations with three remarkable women: Nobel Peace Prize nominee Malala Yousafzai, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood. Each guest shares their unique perspectives on education, health, and societal issues, offering listeners a blend of personal anecdotes, advocacy, and thoughtful discourse.

Interview with Malala Yousafzai

Timestamp: [00:08] – [14:54]

Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Peace Prize nominee and advocate for girls' education, takes center stage in an emotional and empowering dialogue with Jon Stewart. She recounts her journey from the Swat Valley in Pakistan, where the Taliban's oppressive regime sought to shut down schools and suppress women's rights.

Key Discussions:

• Importance of Education: Malala emphasizes that education is a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for women's empowerment. Reflecting on her experiences, she states, "Education is the power for women. And that's why the terrorists are afraid of education. They do not want women to get education because then women would become more powerful." ([01:17])

• Confronting Terrorism: She details the Taliban's brutal tactics, including bombing over 400 schools and committing numerous atrocities. Despite the fear, Malala found courage through her father's support and the collective voice of the girls in Swat. She notes, "We spoke up for our rights and we were speaking for peace in Swat." ([03:08])

• Facing Threats: Malala shares the harrowing moment when she realized the Taliban had targeted her, explaining her internal struggle and determination to respond with peace rather than violence. She articulates her resolve: "You must fight others, but through peace and through dialogue and through education." ([03:59])

• Vision for Peace Through Education: Highlighting education as the cornerstone for combating terrorism and fostering global peace, Malala asserts, "I think education is the best way people would be thinking." She elaborates on how education teaches communication, equality, justice, and respect—essential elements for a harmonious society. ([12:30])

Notable Quotes:

• "The girls of Swat, they spoke up for their rights." ([03:08])
• "Education is the power for women." ([01:17])
• "We wanted to live a normal life because Swat is like a paradise on earth." ([09:38])

Interview with First Lady Michelle Obama

Timestamp: [14:55] – [24:27]

Former First Lady Michelle Obama discusses her initiatives to promote healthy eating among children through her book American Grown. She delves into the challenges of childhood obesity and the societal shifts that have led to unhealthy eating habits.

Key Discussions:

• Childhood Obesity Crisis: Michelle highlights the alarming statistics, stating, "One in three of our Kids will be overweight or obese." She connects this issue to modern lifestyle changes, including increased screen time and decreased physical activity. ([16:32])

• Initiative of School Gardens: To combat unhealthy eating, Michelle Obama launched school garden programs that engage children in growing their own food. She explains, "The garden is a way to begin the conversation... kids tend to be more likely to be excited about it." ([18:15])

• Impact on Children: Michelle shares the positive outcomes of her programs, where children not only learn about nutrition but also develop a connection with their food sources. She mentions, "We've served everything from flatbread, veggie pizza that many kids have said is better than takeout." ([19:01])

• Reflection on Political Life: Transitioning to her observations of President Biden's character, Michelle praises his consistency and dedication to equity and fairness. She remarks, "When you're making those judgment calls, all you have is your character, your value, your vision for this country." ([21:23])

Notable Quotes:

• "If kids are involved in the growth process of food, they tend to be more likely to be excited about it." ([18:15])
• "One of the things that I've seen over the last three and a half years, I've seen what it takes to be president." ([20:36])
• "We changed their habits by engaging them in pulling a tomato off the vine." ([19:20])

Interview with Cecile Richards

Timestamp: [24:28] – [29:55]

Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, addresses the contentious debates surrounding women's health issues, particularly contraception. She dispels myths and underscores the vital role Planned Parenthood plays in providing essential health services.

Key Discussions:

• Misconceptions About Planned Parenthood: Cecile counters the "abortion factory" narrative by highlighting that over 90% of Planned Parenthood's services are preventive care. She states, "We're the largest family planning provider in America and we do more to prevent unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion than any organization in this country." ([28:25])

• Political Battles Over Birth Control: She discusses the politicization of birth control in recent elections, noting, "For women, obviously, birth control is not a religious topic. It's a health topic." ([25:40])

• Public Support and Impact: Cecile emphasizes widespread public support for Planned Parenthood, citing that "one in five women in America... have been to Planned Parenthood." She argues that if faced with a ballot measure, Planned Parenthood would likely win substantial support locally. ([29:23])

• Future Challenges and Advocacy: Addressing fears of regression in women's health rights, Cecile remains optimistic due to the strong support base and the organization's pivotal role in women's healthcare. She advocates for continued support to maintain and expand essential services. ([27:37])

Notable Quotes:

• "More than 90% of our services are preventive care." ([28:25])
• "We provide not only more than 2 million folks with birth control each year, but we do more than 750,000 pap smears every year." ([28:44])
• "If it really came down to who do you think is on your side as a woman, as a family, I think folks would vote for Planned Parenthood." ([29:40])

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition masterfully weaves together stories of resilience, advocacy, and proactive solutions from three influential women. Malala Yousafzai's unwavering commitment to education, Michelle Obama's innovative approach to combating childhood obesity, and Cecile Richards' defense of women's healthcare rights collectively offer listeners a profound understanding of ongoing societal challenges and the paths toward meaningful change.

Listeners are encouraged to engage further by supporting Malala's foundation (malalafoundation.org) and exploring the impactful work of Michelle Obama and Planned Parenthood.

Remember: To support these important causes and learn more about the guests, visit ParamountShop.com using discount code "TDS20" for 20% off The Daily Show products. Watch The Daily Show weeknights on Comedy Central at 11/10c or stream it on Paramount+.