United States of Kennedy: Jack Schlossberg Release Date: August 11, 2025
Hosts: Lyra Smith and George Civeris
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In the episode titled "Jack Schlossberg," hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris delve into the multifaceted persona of Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy. The discussion explores Jack’s evolution from a conventional Kennedy figure to a modern social media influencer, examining the implications of his online presence and potential future in politics.
Background of Jack Schlossberg
Jack Schlossberg, at 32 years old, embodies many traditional aspects of the Kennedy legacy. With an impressive academic background from Harvard and Yale, Jack held a position at the JFK Presidential Library, participating in the selection of citizenship award recipients. He has been involved in politics, such as speaking in favor of Joe Biden at the 2020 Democratic National Convention (DNC) and attending high-profile events like the Met Gala with his mother, Caroline Kennedy.
Notable Quote:
Lyra Smith [05:34]: "Harvard and Yale got em both."
Transformation into a Social Media Personality
Around early 2024, Jack began to significantly amplify his presence on social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and later launched his own YouTube talk show. This shift marked his transition into a "social media jester," blending the Kennedy glamour with edgy, unpredictable humor.
Notable Quote:
George Severis [04:28]: "He is big on Twitter. He was big on Instagram, he has TikToks. He now, you know, a year and a half later, has launched his own YouTube talk show."
Content Analysis
Jack’s social media content is diverse, ranging from traditional jokes and character sketches to deliberate pranks and satirical commentary on his own family and politics. His tweets often mimic the controversial and attention-grabbing style seen in figures like Donald Trump, incorporating unique capitalization and syntax that blur the lines between humor and sincerity.
Notable Quotes:
Lyra Smith [09:09]: "I mean, this is a Kennedy. And he's often talking about politicians, correspondents, serious news... but he continues to like shitpost in the same style."
Lyra Smith [10:50]: "His pinned tweet is Jesus Christ's body type. My thoughts, colon. Jesus was thin, Most popular guy of all time..."
Public Reception and Controversies
Jack’s bold and often offensive humor has polarized audiences. Some appreciate his creativity and relatability, while others criticize his approach as reckless and potentially harmful. His content includes jokes that touch on sensitive topics, such as questioning public figures’ personal lives and making satirical remarks about social issues.
Notable Quotes:
Lyra Smith [20:09]: "He does a class of Jack Schlossberg like it’s an accusation that it's something negative..."
George Severis [47:52]: "But at least his politics are correct down in line with the family."
Intentions and Goals
Despite the chaotic nature of his social media antics, Jack articulates a clear purpose: to engage young voters and bring humor to serious political discourse. He believes that by adopting a more provocative and entertaining online presence, Democrats can better capture the attention of younger demographics, akin to Republican strategies.
Notable Quote:
Jack Schlossberg [23:07]: "My goal for being here tonight and my goal for the next few weeks is to get young people excited to vote..."
William Cohen Interview Insights
The episode features an interview with William Cohen, a business journalist and co-founder of Puck, who has a personal history with the Kennedy family, including high school friendship with JFK Jr. Cohen provides an in-depth analysis of Jack’s unique position within the Kennedy legacy, highlighting Jack’s intellectual capabilities and creative approach to modern media.
Notable Quotes:
William Cohen [31:59]: "I think this guy has tremendous upside right up there with his uncle... he's creative and smart and interesting and funny and clever."
William Cohen [36:54]: "He could certainly run for political office. Not quite for president yet, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him do that."
Comparisons to JFK Jr.
Cohen draws parallels between Jack and his late uncle, JFK Jr., noting similarities in their charisma and potential for political influence. However, Jack’s approach diverges significantly, embracing digital platforms and unconventional methods to establish his presence.
Notable Quotes:
George Severis [60:26]: "There's obviously a physical appearance, there's similarities. I think Jack probably has more raw intelligence than John did."
Lyra Smith [63:10]: "And it's a very Kennedy thing to be both overexposed and unknowable."
Potential Future Trajectory
Both hosts and Cohen speculate on Jack’s potential future, suggesting that his blend of humor and political engagement positions him well for future endeavors in politics or media. However, they also acknowledge the unpredictability of his current path and the challenges that come with balancing his family legacy with his personal brand.
Notable Quotes:
George Severis [63:03]: "I think we knew who he was dating and, you know, what he was doing."
William Cohen [63:40]: "I think he could do whatever he wants to do. Sort of like John Jr. At that age, he can do whatever he wants to do."
Conclusion
The episode paints a comprehensive picture of Jack Schlossberg as a modern Kennedy navigating the complexities of social media influence and political legacy. While his unconventional methods have sparked both admiration and criticism, his intellectual prowess and charismatic presence suggest a significant role in shaping the future narrative of the Kennedy dynasty.
Final Notable Quote:
Lyra Smith [62:48]: "He’s both completely overexposed and also completely mysterious."
Additional Information: For those interested in exploring more about Jack Schlossberg and related topics, the episode also touches upon his interactions with media representations, such as his criticisms of Ryan Murphy's show about JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. The hosts anticipate future episodes to continue unraveling the intricate layers of the Kennedy family’s enduring legacy.
Listen to "United States of Kennedy" on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.