What Now? with Trevor Noah

Would Stephen A. Smith actually give up his broadcasting empire to run for President? In Part 2, Stephen reveals why he seriously considered a run for the White House and why FCC equal-time rules ultimately forced him to abandon the campaign to protect his paycheck. He also takes Trevor and Eugene inside his origin story, unpacking how he used a passion for sports magazines to overcome childhood dyslexia and silence his own father's harshest criticisms. Plus, Stephen sounds off on why the new bipartisan college sports bill is fundamentally un-American for excluding Black athletes from the negotiating table, and he opens up about the immense pressure of utilizing his late mother's "tough love" tactics to financially support 19 immediate family members without crippling their independence.

How does the loudest voice in sports media handle being in the hot seat? In Part 1, broadcasting titan Stephen A. Smith joins Trevor and Eugene to reveal the untold personal forces that built his unfiltered career. Stephen unpacks how surviving childhood with four older sisters prepared him for relentless public debate, why his traditional journalism training taught him to stop caring about being liked, and the specific phone call that forced him to confront his own trauma and issue a rare public apology to the mental health community. Plus, Stephen sounds off on his intense hatred of New York taxes and explains exactly why he doesn't trust politicians.

Are you scheduling your friendships to death? In Part 2, Trevor, Eugene and conflict resolution expert and author Priya Parker take aim at the modern epidemic of ‘optimization’, mourning the death of the unannounced “pop-in” visit. They deep-dive on the cultural importance of conflict at weddings and why some cultures argue for fun while others take it personally.

Are we optimizing the joy out of our friendships? In Part 1, conflict resolution expert and author Priya Parker joins Trevor and Eugene to explain why your closest relationships actually need a good fight, and how inconveniencing the people you love is the surest way to build intimacy.

What happens when Michael Che accidentally kicks Trevor Noah out of a New York VIP section? The SNL star joins Trevor and Eugene to revisit their awkward encounter and swap stories about life in comedy, from its unwritten rules to the challenges of navigating fame and mental health. Along the way, they explore the cultural differences between Africans and Black Americans, share stories about some of comedy's biggest legends, and somehow end up debating whether Japanese bidets might be one of humanity's greatest inventions.

Is it possible Thanos was actually the good guy? Trevor, Eugene, and Devin sit down for a hilarious and unpredictable conversation that tackles everything from the physics of Elon Musk’s flying cars to the true meaning of the Avengers franchise. Trevor pitches his most controversial idea yet: legally mandating robust storylines in all adult films to save humanity's attention spans. The crew also unpacks the hidden dopamine cycle of theme parks, exploring why buying a fast pass to skip the line actually destroys the psychological thrill of the roller coaster and how that demand for instant gratification is changing the way kids experience video games. Plus, Devin shares the unbelievable true story of his parents surviving a fiery 1982 plane crash, sparking a massive debate on why society easily swears off airplanes and motorcycles, but will never stop driving cars.

Are you expecting too much from the wrong people? Organizational psychologist Adam Grant joins Trevor and Eugene to explore why making real friends can be so difficult, how power dynamics shape our relationships at work, and why even our closest connections can leave us disappointed. Adam breaks down the three kinds of relationships we all need and explains why confusing them can create unnecessary tension in our lives. It's a funny, thought-provoking conversation about friendship, expectations, and why building stronger relationships might start with understanding what we actually need from one another.

Comedian Gary Gulman joins Stephen Dubner in this preview of an episode from the Freakonomics Radio creator's new show, Better in Person. Watch Better in Person on the Freakonomics Radio Network YouTube channel.

What happens when one of the biggest stars in wrestling history decides to completely start over? John Cena isn't who you think he is—and in this raw, deeply reflective sit-down with Trevor and Eugene, he proves it. From facing the fear of losing everything to questioning society’s obsession with success, the WWE legend turned bonafide movie star delivers a masterclass in self-awareness, aging, and what is takes to evolve beyond the roles that define us. He also opens up about his most personal choices, from why he doesn't want kids to healing his relationship with his father, before offering a powerful mindset shift on why we should replace the word "deserve" with "earn".

What does it actually take to stay relevant for four decades without losing your soul? Before he was a hip-hop icon, LL Cool J was just a kid riding mini bikes and dreaming big. Decades later, he joins Trevor and Eugene to reflect on the wild journey—sharing unforgettable encounters with Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson, the family values that kept him grounded, and why true reinvention requires dropping your ego. Plus, LL breaks down why intuition is God’s voice, why cynicism is just cowardice in disguise, and how he turned his grandfather’s belief into his legendary debut album, Radio.

What makes a joke work, and why are we so afraid to have real conversations? British comedian Jimmy Carr joins Trevor and Eugene to break down the mechanics of comedy, the rise of AI, and what we’re losing as human connection becomes harder to find. Jimmy shares how making his depressed mother laugh helped launch his career, what writing a book about the structure of jokes taught him about being funny, and why dark humor can help us confront the things that scare us most. It’s a funny, surprisingly vulnerable conversation about comedy, technology, and why making each other laugh may be one of the most human things we do.

Colin Kaepernick tells the parts he's never told: what NFL owners said in the room, the offer made while he was being blackballed — and the Jay-Z call that never happened. In this episode of What Now?, Colin sits with Trevor and Eugene for the full story: adopted into a white family in Turlock, the hair that became an identity, the backup who took a team to the Super Bowl in his 10th start — and the protest that cost him everything.

Sizwe and Eugene are not letting Trevor get a hair transplant without a fight. What starts as a beard debate spirals into elbow grafts, foreskin logistics, and the exact wingspan-to-height ratio you'd need after leg-lengthening surgery. Trevor makes an unexpectedly convincing case for Elon Musk as pure talent wrapped in pure bamboozlement, and the three rank which movies actually change how you see the world -- plus Trevor's borderline-scientific approach to watching them on a plane. Then it turns real: xenophobia, why nuance doesn't sell, and who a mob actually protects when it picks a target.

Why do your shoes always fly off in a car accident? Trevor, Eugene, and Khaya chase that question straight into Eugene’s own wild motorbike crash story, involving a T-bone, a second accident two days later, and somehow living to tell the tale. From there, the conversation takes its usual unexpected turns, from South African taxi stickers and quick funerals to a rumor involving Stevie Wonder and Nelson Mandela. And the guys take a moment to remember Dolly Parton, reflecting on the music, humor, and humanity that made her so beloved.

Are you constantly overwhelmed by your to-do list? Obsessed with productivity hacks? Always feel like you’re falling behind? Trevor and Eugene sit down with author and journalist Oliver Burkeman to rethink our relationship with time, success, and control. They unpack why perfectionism can make us miserable, the surprising value of “good procrastination,” and why choosing what to fail at might actually be a good thing. Along the way, they explore the psychology behind our social media facades, how modern conveniences have made us less patient, and whether the secret to getting more out of life might be accepting that we can’t do everything.

Does the language you speak shape how you see the world? Cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky joins Trevor, Eugene, and Dave to explore how our native tongue can influence everything from our personalities to who we blame when things go wrong, and why bilingual people can feel different depending on which language they're speaking. They dive into cultures that navigate using north, south, east, and west instead of left and right, the relationship between language and thought, and why we're all susceptible to the illusion that we're better at communicating than we actually are. It’s a funny, mind-expanding conversation about how the words we use may shape far more of our world than we realize.

Tracee Ellis Ross has spent a lifetime forging an independent identity. She regales Trevor and Eugene with stories of growing up in the embrace of her iconic mother, Diana Ross, building her own beauty empire with Pattern and starring on Broadway. Together, the three candidly dissect the societal pressures women face to be "chosen," the racial biases of '90s television, and how to reclaim your agency in work and love. Packed to the brim with lessons on life, love, and picking the perfect heirloom tomato, this episode is a masterclass in belonging to yourself.

Wil Sylvince is back, and the conversation goes exactly where you'd expect and nowhere you could predict. Trevor, Eugene, Dave, and Wil bounce from pop culture debates and comedy tangents to a candid conversation about the health journey that changed Wil's life. Along the way, they tackle everything from misheard Rihanna lyrics and the Michael Jackson biopic to awkward relationships, before settling the only debate that really matters: which Michael Jackson songs belong at the very top.

Estee Adoram is a comedy legend. You've never seen her on a stage, but every comedian you love has had to earn her approval. This week, Trevor, Eugene, and Dave sit down with the legendary talent booker of New York City’s famous Comedy Cellar to talk about her four decades discovering comedic talent. Together, they discuss what it takes to spot greatness before anyone else, how the Cellar has maintained its singular reputation, the evolution of stand-up, the line between comedy and a soapbox, and which rising comedians have her attention today.

This week, famed chef and author Asma Khan joins Trevor and Eugene for a conversation that shreds traditional fine-dining elitism to pieces. The trio discusses Asma’s upbringing in India, the frustration of over-complicated modern technology, and how she discovered her passion for cooking through pure homesickness after moving to England. Between tales of hitting cheating childhood friends with cricket bats and surviving Cambridge’s soul-crushingly bad food, Asma gets real about how food is truly about identity, storytelling, and dismantling imperialist garbage.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has come to an end. In this final bonus episode, Trevor and Joe break down Spain's dramatic extra-time victory over Argentina to become world champions. They also look back at the tournament's biggest moments and standout players, pull no punches in their critique of England's football culture and France's tactical shortcomings, and look ahead to the sport's next generation. Closing out their six-week run, Joe gets emotional reflecting on his broadcasting debut, and he and Trevor express their gratitude for an unforgettable summer of football.

This week, Trevor and Eugene are joined by comedian Tina Friml for a hilarious and surprisingly moving conversation. Tina talks about growing up with cerebral palsy, how Vermont's theater scene led her to stand-up, and the moment she realized the world saw her disability differently than she did. Along the way, the three swap stories about dating, social media, life on the road, and why the best comedy often comes from life's most uncomfortable moments.

In the penultimate episode of this World Cup bonus series, Trevor and Joe break down a dramatic quarterfinal round, from England's tense victory over Norway to the bizarre "Cable of God" skycam controversy that had everyone talking. Along the way, they debate the nuances of the World Cup draw, what truly makes a football team great, and look ahead to the semifinals. Plus, Joe-stradamus returns with bold predictions, backing Argentina to reach the final and Spain to overcome France in a clash of contrasting styles.

This week, Trevor and Eugene sit down with science fiction author and tech activist Cory Doctorow to unpack the concept of "enshittification"—the theory that explains the decay of the modern internet and why massive monopolies are deliberately making our tech worse. From Google tanking its own search results to digital stores clawing back video games you just paid for, Cory exposes how predatory corporate tactics make the average consumer suffer. But it’s not all a capitalist horror show; Cory leaves us with a genuine message of hope, breaking down the massive, unprecedented global coalition that is finally fighting back.

The knockout rounds have turned the 2026 FIFA World Cup upside down. In this week’s World Cup bonus episode, Trevor and Joe break down Germany’s stunning penalty shootout collapse, Cape Verde’s remarkable performance against Argentina, and FIFA’s decision to overturn Florian Balogun’s red card suspension, before making their predictions for the next week of matches. New bonus episodes drop Mondays at 10pm ET / 7pm PT on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

This week, Trevor and Eugene are joined by China expert Alice Han to unpack why so much of what the West believes about China misses the mark. They break down China's "Four Ds”: debt, lagging demand, an aging demography, and the threat of destruction over Taiwan. They also explore how the legacy of the one-child policy helped create a generation of wildly successful women, an extreme male dating shortage, and a booming market for AI boyfriends who always know exactly what to say. Naturally, the conversation ends with Trevor and Eugene wondering whether their next career should be running a Chinese matchmaking business.

Trevor and Joe can't agree on English striker Harry Kane, the GOAT debate, or how the offside rule is ruining football. In this week's World Cup bonus episode, the football frenemies clash over Kane's place among the game's greats, debate whether FIFA favors Ronaldo or Messi, and who truly deserves football's GOAT crown, and unpack the dramatic aftermath of South Africa's elimination. They also dive into the struggles of midfield stars like Vitinha and Pedri before giving us their complete Round of 32 predictions.

This week, Trevor and Eugene are joined by journalist Don Lemon for a very entertaining and wide-ranging conversation. Don opens up about his high-profile exit from CNN, getting arrested while reporting, and why, four months after his arrest, the government still won’t return his phone. From there, the trio dives into the decline of authenticity in modern media, the politics of identity and belonging, and why love is love is love. Along the way, they make plenty of room for humor, unpacking relationship dynamics, internet gossip, and a brutally honest review of the Kevin Hart roast.

Trevor and Joe tackle Week Two of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In this episode they debate whether the tournament is an incredible global block party or a giant exercise in geopolitical sports washing, whether the David vs. Goliath fable needs some adjustment, and dish on the week's most entertaining World Cup drama, from Turkey's tragic scoreless exit to the fanboys currently making life difficult for Portugal's players. Through it all, they remind us that few things bring people together quite like 22 humans chasing a ball.

What do Premier League football, corporate newsrooms, and 90s action movies have in common? More than you’d think, apparently. This week, Trevor and Eugene sit down with award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and Zeteo founder Mehdi Hasan to discuss fandom, media, and the strange ways everything connects. They debate the beautiful absurdity of sports loyalty, the pressures and limitations of corporate TV, and Mehdi’s decision to leave that world behind and build an independent platform of his own. Then, because no conversation is complete without a few unexpected detours, the three dive into a surprisingly passionate debate over the glory days of classic action movies.

Less than one week in, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already delivering surprises. Trevor and his football frenemy Joe Opio discuss Germany's 7-1 rout of Curaçao, whether Mexico beat South Africa or South Africa lost to Mexico and why those aren't the same thing, and a statement win from the US against Paraguay. They also dive into the ways football is borrowing from basketball, hand out some early flowers (and a few early critiques), and try to figure out what we've actually learned from a tournament that seems determined to keep everyone guessing.

Trevor and Eugene sit down with Eddie Fishman– former State Department official, international sanctions expert, and author of Chokepoints– to unpack the hidden mechanics of global power. Using Iran as a lens, Eddie explains how economic sanctions became one of America's favorite foreign policy tools, why they're often seen as an alternative to war, and what happens when those plans collide with the realities of the world they're meant to change. Along the way, the trio explore unintended consequences, international hypocrisy, and the stubborn truth that people, countries, and history rarely cooperate with anyone's grand strategy.

The World Cup is finally here! And as if Trevor’s World Cup Watch Party on YouTube wasn’t enough, every Monday throughout the tournament Trevor and his football frenemy Joe Opio will drop a special World Cup bonus episode of What Now? to break down the drama, brilliance, heartbreak, controversy, and occasional chaos that make the Beautiful Game the Beautiful Game. In this World Cup preview episode, Trevor and Joe get into who did (and didn’t 😬) make the cut to represent their country, whether England is once again being dramatically overrated (Joe said it, @ him), and the surprisingly controversial new halftime show planned for the final. Whether you can name every member of Brazil’s squad or you only tune in once every four years, Trevor and Joe will be with you for every twist and turn of football's biggest tournament. New bonus episodes drop Mondays at 10pm ET / 7pm PT on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

Trevor and Eugene sit down with professor, author, and The Curiosity Shop co-host Brené Brown for a conversation about connection in an age of constant connectivity. From parasocial relationships and modern media to friendship, community, and the universal desire to feel like we belong, Brené brings her trademark mix of insight, honesty, and humor. Together, the three explore why genuine human connection can feel harder to find than ever — and why it remains one of the most important things we have.

Trevor and Eugene sit down with streamer and political commentator Hasan Piker for a conversation about modern politics, internet culture, and the realities of building a massive audience in an increasingly divided world. From the growing friction between establishment Democrats and the progressive left to the strange experience of becoming a political figure online, Hasan shares what it’s like taking criticism from just about every direction. Along the way, the trio get into South African politics, generational divides in leadership, and the very real federal subpoena he found waiting for him the last time he got home.

On this week’s episode, comedian Wil Sylvince, one of Trevor’s favorite people, joins Trevor and Dave for a loose, funny conversation about comedy, soccer, wearing your own merch, and the strange routes people take into stand-up. A longtime friend, Wil brings the kind of chemistry and storytelling that only comes from years of friendship and life together on the road.

Trevor Noah sits down with comedian and creator Kareem Rahma to talk about the strange reality of subway fame and the unexpected success of his hit series Keep the Meter Running and Subway Takes. From New York survival stories to strong opinions about culture, behavior, and city life, the conversation moves easily between the observational and the personal. Along the way, the two explore modern storytelling in an era of digital deception, and why people still respond to the power of a good story well told.

Trevor and Eugene sit down with author and journalist Katie Couric, who has spent decades at the center of American news, for a wide-ranging conversation about how journalism has evolved. From her early days in traditional broadcast media to her role in today’s digital landscape, Couric has seen the shift from a handful of trusted voices delivering the news to a fragmented, fast-moving media environment where competing narratives often shape how stories are understood. From the evolution of political identity to the influence of social media, the three explore how the way we consume news has changed, and what it might take to rebuild a shared sense of truth in a world that increasingly resists one.

Trevor, Eugene, and David Kibuuka sit down with musician Vic Mensa for a conversation that moves easily between humor and hard truth. Drawing on his own experiences, Vic brings a raw, personal lens to topics like identity, privacy, and the strange contradictions of modern culture. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes a candid look at the gap between how we’re seen and who we actually are—and how much that perspective can shift depending on where you’re standing.

Political scientist and author Ian Bremmer joins Trevor and Eugene to break down a world that is starting to feel a lot less predictable. What happens when American influence is no longer the default and tech companies begin to rival governments in power? Together, they unpack what that shift looks like in real terms, why the old rules are no longer holding, and what it means to be heading toward a “G-Zero” world, where no single country is in charge.

Trevor and Eugene sit down with journalist and filmmaker Oobah Butler, whose work lives at the intersection of prank and social experiment. From creating a fake top-rated restaurant to exposing how easily online systems can be manipulated, Butler has made a career out of blurring the line between perception and reality. Together, they explore the rise of “scam culture,” how algorithms quietly shape what we believe, and just how much of the modern world is built on illusion. It is a funny, unsettling look at how easy it is to fake almost anything—and how hard it can be to tell what is real.

In this episode, Trevor sits down with author and strategist Dex Hunter-Torricke, who has spent years behind the scenes with some of the most powerful people in tech, including Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and Eric Schmidt, and has seen influence move from institutions into the hands of a few companies and the people running them. Together, they explore what that shift feels like from the inside, how much power is concentrated at the top, accountability and the lack of it, and what it means when the people shaping the future are also writing the rules as they go.

Trevor sits down with comedian Atsuko Okatsuka for a lively, wide-ranging conversation about identity, humor, and finding your voice. Bonding over their shared immigrant experience, the two explore how feeling like an outsider can become a powerful lens for comedy. Along the way, Atsuko shares personal stories that are as hilarious as they are revealing and reflects on comedy as a way of making sense of the past and connecting across cultures.

Trevor sits down with famed chef and humanitarian José Andrés, who is also one of his favorite people, for a conversation that’s as human as it is hard-earned. Drawing on his experience leading rapid-response teams feeding thousands in disaster and war zones around the world, José shares how he approaches his work and his life with the precision of a field general and the heart of a chef. Along the way, the two explore the deeper meaning of food, not just as nourishment but as dignity, and why even in the darkest moments, it’s still important to slow down and savor life.

Trevor and Eugene sit down with neuroscientist and content creator Emily McDonald (aka EmOnTheBrain) to explore how our brains shape the way we think, feel, and behave. From the real limits (and possibilities) of neuroplasticity to the surprisingly persistent pull of old habits, McDonald breaks down what’s actually happening inside our nervous systems. Along the way, the trio dive into Emily’s own neurological journey, how elite athletes train their brains for peak performance, and even the spiritual energy of Sedona — all in an effort to understand how we change, and why our brains don’t always make it easy.

This week, Trevor and Eugene are joined by author and social scientist Arthur C. Brooks to unpack the science of happiness and why we’re so good at looking for it in all the wrong places. What begins as a breakdown of the macronutrients of a good life turns into a funny, wide-ranging conversation about the necessity of failure, the search for human connection, and the surprising wisdom hiding inside our most embarrassing moments. Along the way, Brooks makes the case that the road to happiness isn’t neat, polished, or linear. Rather itt’s messy, imperfect, and usually learned the hard way.

This week, author and journalist Malcolm Gladwell joins Trevor and Eugene for a conversation that starts with big social theory and then delves into whether Disney movies have been quietly gaslighting our childhoods. From the idea that your parents are basically just middle managers for your grandparents’ personalities to the invisible shortcuts and assumptions that shape how we see the world, Gladwell does what he does best, spotting hidden patterns in the ordinary. And Trevor does what he does best, poking holes, grounding theory in real life, and refusing to let a big idea off the hook too easily. Part pop culture autopsy and part intellectual rabbit hole, this episode makes us overthink the things we love and love the things we overthink.

AI isn’t just coming for your job — it might already be your manager. Trevor and Eugene sit down with investigative journalist Hilke Schellmann to examine how artificial intelligence has quietly infiltrated the workplace. From hiring software that analyzes your facial expressions to productivity trackers that monitor everything from your writing style to your bathroom breaks, Schellmann explains what these systems actually do — and what they get wrong. Do they eliminate bias, automate it, or just hide it better? And what happens to human work when the algorithm is watching? You won’t want to miss this episode.

In a conversation that’s equal parts psychological thriller and masterclass in influence, Trevor and Eugene sit down with world-renowned cult expert Dr. Steven Hassan. Recruited into the Unification Church (aka the Moonies) as a college student, Hassan rose through its ranks before ultimately breaking free — an experience that reshaped his life’s work and inspired his bestselling book The Cult of Trump. From fringe groups to social media echo chambers, the trio unpack how and why ordinary people get swept into systems of extreme belief, the ways loyalty is engineered, and what separates healthy persuasion from manipulation. They also explore why the line between conviction and control is thinner and closer to home than we think.

Trevor and Eugene sit down with comedian and former Daily Show correspondent Dulce Sloan for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about life. Along the way, they dig into the loneliness that can come with fame, the challenges of dating, and the unspoken pressures men and women bring into relationships. When it comes to the emotional math of choosing between independence and intimacy, is staying home the only good option left? Funny, sharp, and disarmingly real, the episode captures the contradictions of modern love in a world that rarely slows down.