The Daily Show: Ears Edition – January 22, 2025

Host: Ronnie K.
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Paramount Podcasts
Guest: Stephanie Hsu, Academy Award-nominated actress

Introduction

In the January 22, 2025 episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, host Ronnie K. and co-host Roy Chang delve into the tumultuous first day of Donald Trump’s second presidential administration. The episode features sharp political satire, insightful commentary, and an engaging interview with guest Stephanie Hsu.

Trump's Inauguration and Party Highlights

Timestamp: 00:01 – 04:15

The episode kicks off with Roy Chang humorously recounting the extravagant and bizarre elements of Donald Trump’s inauguration celebration. Highlighting Trump's unconventional choices, Chang describes Trump’s fitted tuxedo and his entrance set against a nostalgic Windows 95 screensaver playing "YMCA," dubbing it “America’s new national anthem.”

• Notable Quote:
  "Donald Trump got dressed up in a tux that actually fit him for a change and made his grand entrance in front of a Windows 95 screensaver they played. YMCA is America's new national anthem, I guess."
  (00:45)

Chang humorously critiques Trump's dance moves, likening them to a "jerk off dance," and mocks the use of an airplane-decorated cake and a weaponized sword for the ceremonial cake-cutting.

Executive Actions: Day One in Office

Timestamp: 04:16 – 07:58

The hosts transition to discussing Trump’s flurry of executive actions on his first day. Chang lists over 100 executive orders, mocking the rapid pace and often controversial nature of these decisions.

• Notable Quote:
  "He froze the federal hiring bill. Something about genders there. He said Cuba is a state-sponsored terrorist now. He renamed a mountain 'Dishwashers are Less Efficient.'"
  (05:12)

Chuckling at the sheer volume of orders, Chang satirizes Trump’s approach by portraying the signing ceremony as an “arena show,” complete with tossing pins to supporters. The conversation underscores the chaotic and theatrical nature of Trump’s early actions in office.

Specific Executive Orders and Policies

Timestamp: 06:36 – 07:58

Roy Chang continues to dissect specific executive orders, including the controversial move to pause the TikTok ban and propose a deal for the US to own half of the platform. He sarcastically applauds Trump for "saving us from that guy," highlighting the cyclical and unpredictable nature of such policies.

• Notable Quote:
  "Look, if you could put anything in front of him yesterday, he would have signed it."
  (07:15)

Chang also touches on Trump’s intention to end birthright citizenship, mocking the constitutional implications and the potential backlash from such a profound change.

January 6 Pardons and Legal Controversies

Timestamp: 06:34 – 19:00

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Trump’s sweeping pardons for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot. Roy Chang criticizes the pardons, comparing them to actions of fictional villains, emphasizing the gravity of freeing violent criminals prematurely.

• Notable Quote:
  "Freeing violent criminals from prison seems less moderate and more like something Bane did."
  (08:20)

The segment includes a comedic skit featuring Josh Johnson as a pardoned rioter attempting a bank robbery, highlighting the absurdity and potential dangers of such pardons.

• Notable Quote:
  "He was going to end birthright citizenship. It's a constitutional right that those born on American soil are US Citizens, regardless of their parents' immigration status."
  (07:40)

The hosts debate the legitimacy and consequences of these pardons, illustrating the polarized reactions from the public and legal experts.

Inauguration Day Atmosphere and Public Response

Timestamp: 11:47 – 19:35

Jordan Klepper joins the discussion, reporting from the Inauguration Day festivities. The hosts describe a subdued and colder response from supporters, with thousands of MAGA adherents finding themselves aimlessly wandering the National Mall due to inclement weather and reduced ceremony attendance.

• Notable Quote:
  "The ceremonies have been moved inside, and thousands of MAGA faithful were left to aimlessly wander the empty National Mall."
  (17:22)

The conversation humorously laments the lackluster turnout and the symbolic juxtaposition of Trump and his top supporters being separated from the main events.

Guest Interview: Stephanie Hsu

Timestamp: 20:41 – 34:44

In the latter half of the episode, Stephanie Hsu, acclaimed actress known for her role in the Peacock original comedy series Laid, joins the show. The interview explores her career trajectory from experimental theater to mainstream success, and her experience filming Laid.

• Notable Quote:
  "Laid is a dark comedy rom-com about a woman in her 30s who discovers that everyone she's ever slept with is dying in mysterious ways."
  (24:24)

Hsu discusses the challenges and artistic freedoms of experimental theater, her transition to television, and the collaboration with other notable artists like Ali Wong.

• Notable Quote:
  "Experimental theater gave me permission to be a full artist and be fearless."
  (26:22)

Ronnie K. praises Hsu’s comedic timing and depth, while Hsu reflects on the impact of Laid and its reception.

Closing Remarks and Final Satire

Timestamp: 34:19 – End

The episode wraps up with a satirical take on Trump’s post-show remarks about his inauguration sermon, blending humor with a critical edge.

• Notable Quote:
  "What did you think of the sermon? Did you like it? Did you find it exciting? Not too exciting, was it? I didn't think it was a good service."
  (34:19)

The hosts invite listeners to explore more content from The Daily Show podcast universe and encourage tuning in through various platforms.

Conclusion

This episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition masterfully blends political satire with in-depth interviews, providing listeners with both entertainment and critical insights into the early actions of Donald Trump’s administration. Stephanie Hsu’s interview adds a refreshing artistic perspective, rounding out a dynamic and engaging episode.

Listen to the full episode: The Daily Show: Ears Edition is available for streaming on Paramount+ and can be subscribed to via your preferred podcast platform. Don’t forget to use the discount code "TDS20" for 20% off merchandise at ParamountShop.com.

Watch on Comedy Central: The Daily Show airs weeknights at 11/10c on Comedy Central.