In this episode, the hosts cover significant current events, including Donald Trump's controversial proposal for the U.S. to reclaim the Panama Canal and Greenland. A tragic incident in the NYC subway, where a woman was set on fire, raises public safety concerns, leading to critiques of political leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who faces scrutiny over the mismanagement of $24 billion allocated for homelessness. The conversation also explores the evolving sentiments of public figures like Stephen A. Smith, reflecting voter disillusionment with traditional political narratives and accountability issues surrounding governance.

This episode emphasizes the critical nature of Week 17 in the NFL, focusing on team motivations and playoff scenarios. The hosts provide insights into key waiver wire pickups like James Conner and players such as Jalen McMillan, who may benefit from injuries on their teams. As they preview pivotal matchups, including the Chiefs at Steelers and Ravens at Texans, strategic advice is shared to enhance fantasy football performance during this crucial playoff week. The episode also highlights the upcoming Christmas Day games and the impact of player performances on fantasy outcomes.

In his first public speech since the election, Donald Trump outlined his vision for reform, focusing on border security and the proposed changes to Title IX. During the speech at AmericaFest, he pledged to reclaim the Panama Canal and criticized the Biden administration for its withdrawal of a controversial Title IX rule that allowed biological males to compete in female sports. The public backlash and legal opposition were key factors in this decision, reflecting a significant shift in U.S. policy on gender and athletics as Trump promised to protect female sports and end practices he labeled as harmful.

In this episode, Megyn Kelly and Steve Bannon discuss the political landscape as Donald Trump prepares for a potential second term, emphasizing the urgency of fiscal reforms and the looming challenges of a growing national debt. They critique Democratic strategies while exploring the rising populist movement supporting Trump. The episode also transitions to lighter topics, with Doug Brunt sharing nostalgic Christmas traditions, favorite holiday movies, and reflections on the pressures of modern holiday celebrations.

In this episode, Emmy Award-winning casting director Allison Jones shares her extensive experience in the industry, discussing her origins and journey from a large family in Massachusetts to a successful career in television casting. Highlights include her insights on auditions, the history of casting iconic shows such as 'Family Ties' and 'Golden Girls', and the evolution of casting processes over the decades. Allison also reflects on the unique challenges of casting comedy, her admiration for stand-up comedians, and her memorable encounters with industry legends, including Quincy Jones.

In this episode, Kara Swisher and Paul Krugman discuss critical topics like SoftBank's investment in U.S. projects and ABC's settlement with Trump. Krugman reflects on his career and critiques cryptocurrency's legitimacy, emphasizing its links to illicit activities. They explore the complexities of trade wars initiated by Trump, implications for China's economy, and the stagnation in technological innovations in companies such as Apple. The episode also addresses concerns about the coercive power of government on businesses and how tech entrepreneurs' political alignments may undermine democratic values.

Timothée Chalamet joins Theo Von to discuss his transformative role as Bob Dylan in the upcoming film 'A Complete Unknown.' Chalamet reflects on his experiences filming and highlights how growing up in New York City and his passion for acting shaped his artistic choices. He shares insights about preparing for the role, including working with a dialect coach and understanding Dylan's impact on American culture. The conversation also explores personal stories, challenges of fame, and the evolving landscape of stand-up comedy, emphasizing authenticity and the complexities of representing iconic figures in film.

In this re-released episode of 'SmartLess', hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett chat with the iconic Maya Rudolph about a range of topics from family dynamics during quarantine to her musical aspirations. With humor and playful banter, they discuss her career beginnings on SNL, the challenges of parenting 18 children, and the importance of friendships within the industry. Throughout the conversation, Maya's unique comedic timing and reflections on balancing her creative endeavors and motherhood shine, offering listeners an engaging and humorous take on her life experiences.