Choices We Made: Earth or Space? (with Kal Penn)

Actor and comedian Patton Oswalt joins Sam to catch up where they left off during the first Trump administration and how they simply can’t believe we’re doing round two of this shit. They discuss how there’s money in outrage and how it drives engagement, and how news channels take advantage of your cortisol levels to keep you engaged with constant alerts of BREAKING NEWS. Patton explains why he no longer interacts with people on X but still can’t leave his followers behind, and why they both now mostly use social media to self-soothe, while others are left to raw-dog their boredom. They talk about the need for young nerds to go into politics and what Trump would be doing if Sam was still on TV. A girl can dream! Check out Patton’s new special, Black Coffee and Ice Water, available on Audible.

Bobbi Brown, Founder of Jones Road Beauty, joins Sam fresh off the plane from Paris to discuss her new book, Still Bobbi, and to explore her career trajectory from behind-the-scenes makeup artist to two-time cosmetic company CEO. Bobbi talks about how some of her most important choices were choosing men—both her husband, who she knew within weeks was “the one” and Leonard Lauder, who she decided to sell her eponymous makeup brand to when it wasn’t even for sale. They talk about the importance of knowing who you are and when to stop trying out other personas, why at their age it’s necessary to prioritize being able to lift your own suitcase, and the common sense of “no-makeup makeup.” Bobbi tells Sam she is a life-long “non-agonizer” and how her big regret in life not getting a photo with Tammy Faye Baker when she had the chance, and how in her 60s she’s become an accidental Tik Tok influencer.

Professor, author, and podcast host Kate Bowler joins Sam to talk about her new book Joyful Anyway, and what the difference between joy and happiness really is. They talk about why happiness is circumstantial but joy is big and bright and hits your reward system. They talk about the Prosperity Gospel, Christian amusement parks, and what on earth the Pope must be feeling right now. They talk about taking wisdom from Taylor Swift, an aversion to gardening, and the need to sometimes take a walk around the block for a quick cry.

Actress and author Gina Gershon joins Sam to talk about her new book AlphaPussy which leads to discussing their shared love of audiobooks, allowing cats to choose their owners, and the wild women who have shaped her life. They talk about making decisions from your brain or from your body, the unconventionality of her career, learning to be tough, and the importance of “fuck you” money. Sam is shocked to hear about how Gina turned down Prince because he wanted to call her Gheena instead of Gina, and what it was like coming of age in the Valley in the age of porn. Plus, they bond over being at the age where they need to write parts for themselves because if you’re not happy with the parts being offered, and the beauty of voice memos.

Aasif Mandvi joins Sam for a major Daily Show catch up, and to talk about juggling his return to Broadway in Fallen Angels with his new TV show The Miniature Wife. They bond over the perfection of theater shows with no intermissions, but disagree about when they first met each other. They talk about meeting Bruce Springsteen at The Daily Show, how Kid Rock used to be a huge fan, and what it would be like if Aasif was still the Senior Middle East Correspondent. They share their concern that AI actors are going to replace extras and actors just starting out, how journalists need to be willing to risk everything to ask the right questions, and how there are no politicians to look up to anymore.