Interrupted by Matt Jones - Episode 10: It's The News

Released on July 7, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts

In Episode 10 of "Interrupted by Matt Jones," host Matt Jones joins co-host Drew Franklin and guest Billy Gillespie to delve into the top ten news stories shaping the nation. This engaging episode provides insightful discussions, diverse viewpoints, and notable quotes that encapsulate the essence of each news item. Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode’s key topics, complete with timestamps and attributed quotes.

1. The Big Beautiful Bill Passes into Law

Timestamp: 04:10 – 09:18

The episode kicks off with an analysis of the newly passed "Big Beautiful Bill," signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4th. This controversial legislation encompasses significant tax cuts, stringent immigration measures, military expansions, and substantial reductions to social welfare programs like Medicare and food assistance.

• Matt Jones remarks on the bill's passing with limited support:

  "It will have deep tax cuts, immigration crackdowns, military expansions, and sweeping reductions to social welfare programs... only two members of the GOP voted no on the bill. That's Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Brian Fitzpatrick."
  [04:48]

• Billy Gillespie highlights Trump’s characterization of the bill:

  "He called it the most popular bill in the history of the country."
  [04:49]

The hosts express skepticism about the bill's actual popularity and potential consequences, discussing its impact on wealth inequality and the national debt. They also critique the minimal opposition within the GOP and the strategies employed by dissenting members like Brian Fitzpatrick.

2. Elon Musk Launches the America Party

Timestamp: 16:59 – 23:01

Elon Musk’s announcement to form a new political party, the "America Party," is met with doubt and humor by the hosts. They question Musk's political ambitions and the feasibility of establishing a new party in the current two-party system.

• Billy Gillespie introduces the news:

  "Elon just announced that he is starting his new his own political party. The America Party will be coming out."
  [16:59]

• Matt Jones expresses skepticism:

  "This will be a humongous failure. Like, he will forget about it in six months."
  [17:28]

The discussion covers logistical challenges like ballot access and questions the party's platform and voter base. The conversation also touches on historical attempts at third parties and the inherent difficulties they face in gaining traction.

3. Jeffrey Epstein’s Client List and Conspiracy Theories

Timestamp: 25:00 – 33:04

The hosts delve into recent developments regarding Jeffrey Epstein, focusing on the Department of Justice and FBI's release of footage confirming Epstein's death by suicide and the absence of an incriminating client list.

• Billy Gillespie reports the DOJ and FBI findings:

  "They released 11 hours of footage confirming that Epstein died by suicide in a jail cell in 2019. And nobody entered the facility that day."
  [27:07]

• Matt Jones discusses the lingering conspiracy theories:

  "If you set up a conspiracy theory, you set it up to where there's no way your opinion can be disproved."
  [29:34]

The conversation highlights the enduring public skepticism and the role of prominent figures in fueling conspiracy narratives. The hosts debate the credibility of official statements and the impact of influential media personalities on public perception.

4. Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday and Succession Controversy

Timestamp: 34:15 – 38:44

Celebrating the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, the hosts explore the complexities surrounding his succession and the geopolitical tensions with the Chinese government over the selection process of his successor.

• Billy Gillespie explains the selection process:

  "Each potential Dalai Lama is also shown objects belonging to the previous Dalai Lama to see who can identify the belongings."
  [39:45]

• Matt Jones expresses confusion about the reincarnation process:

  "I feel like you're just saying things."
  [38:10]

The discussion underscores the cultural and religious significance of the Dalai Lama within Tibetan Buddhism and the ongoing dispute with China, which seeks to influence the succession contrary to Tibetan traditions.

5. Surge in U.S. Measles Cases

Timestamp: 40:37 – 43:31

A resurgence of measles in the United States reaches a 33-year high, with 1,277 confirmed cases across 38 states and three related deaths. The outbreak is predominantly among unvaccinated individuals.

• Billy Gillespie presents the statistics:

  "United States measles cases have reached a 33 year record high. 1277 confirmed cases across 38 states."
  [41:13]

• Matt Jones criticizes the anti-vaccination movement:

  "RFK is kind of the figure because he was a left wing guy, he was far left. And they came together and you get this, Maha, make America healthy again."
  [42:24]

The hosts discuss the public health implications, the role of misinformation, and the critical importance of vaccination programs in preventing such outbreaks.

6. Trump Delays Tariff Deadline

Timestamp: 46:04 – 48:19

President Trump delays the implementation of reciprocal tariffs initially set for July 9th to August 1st, extending the window for foreign countries to adjust their trade practices with the United States.

• Billy Gillespie details the delay:

  "Donald Trump has decided to delay that from July 9 to August 1."
  [45:33]

• Matt Jones criticizes the economic impact:

  "Tariffs are stupid. They just are. They raise... prices on Americans."
  [47:54]

The conversation highlights the economic ramifications for both consumers and businesses, emphasizing how tariffs ultimately increase costs for American purchasers while failing to achieve their intended trade balance objectives.

7. USDA’s Plan to Combat Screwworm Flies

Timestamp: 49:13 – 52:17

The Department of Agriculture announces a novel approach to eradicate the New World screwworm fly by breeding sterile flies and releasing them into affected regions in Mexico and Texas.

• Billy Gillespie explains the program:

  "The USDA's plan to breed these flies to sterilize them in radiation and then release them into the environment."
  [49:13]

• Matt Jones expresses skepticism:

  "So you want to trust the government on the fly eating maggots. Over. Over us."
  [51:49]

The hosts debate the efficacy and potential ecological consequences of this method, questioning whether introducing large populations of even sterile insects could have unforeseen impacts on local ecosystems.

8. AI-Generated Band 'Velvet Sundown' Deceives Listeners

Timestamp: 54:58 – 57:02

A new Spotify band, "Velvet Sundown," amasses over 1.1 million monthly listeners before it’s revealed that the entire band is AI-generated, sparking discussions about authenticity in the music industry.

• Billy Gillespie introduces the controversy:

  "This is actually a full AI band that has over 1.1 million monthly listeners."
  [54:58]

• Drew Franklin shares his viewpoint:

  "I would want it to be a human being."
  [55:55]

The hosts explore the ethical implications of AI in creative industries, the listener's right to authenticity, and the future landscape of music production where artificial intelligence plays a more prominent role.

9. Upcoming Superman Movie and Director’s Political Comments

Timestamp: 60:01 – 67:19

The release of a new Superman movie is accompanied by director James Gunn’s remarks that the film will incorporate political themes, sparking debate about the intersection of politics and entertainment.

• Billy Gillespie reports Gunn’s statement:

  "Superman is going to be political."
  [60:37]

• Matt Jones critiques the politicization of superhero narratives:

  "The whole point of the movies in some respect, is to not to get away from the world."
  [61:07]

The discussion centers on maintaining the traditional essence of superhero stories while addressing contemporary social issues, and how political undertones might affect audience reception and the film’s success.

10. Chuck E. Cheese Introduces 'Chuck's Arcade' for Adults

Timestamp: 67:19 – 75:30

Expanding its market, Chuck E. Cheese launches "Chuck's Arcade," an adult-oriented arcade featuring both new and retro video games, aiming to tap into nostalgia and attract a mature audience.

• Billy Gillespie describes the new venture:

  "They are opening adult arcades called Chuck's Arcade."
  [67:19]

• Drew Franklin shares his perspective:

  "I don't think it'll work, though."
  [70:43]

The hosts debate the viability of repurposing a family-centric brand to cater to adults, considering factors like market demand, cultural shifts, and the potential challenges in rebranding.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Matt Jones, Drew Franklin, and Billy Gillespie provide a blend of factual reporting and personal opinions, creating a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion on pressing news topics. The inclusion of direct quotes with timestamps enhances the authenticity and allows listeners to reference specific moments in the conversation.

Listeners gain a multifaceted understanding of each story, complemented by the hosts' critical analyses and humorous exchanges, making this episode a comprehensive resource for those seeking to stay informed without having listened to the full broadcast.

Note: This summary excludes promotional segments and focuses solely on the content discussed by the hosts and guest.