News Weakly – Episode 142 – 24th January 2025

TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was MAGA!

Also, the government solves antisemitism!

All that, and more, on News Weakly!

Summary:

This week, News Weakly plunges into the biblical chaos of Trump’s inauguration as he resurrects 1500 January 6th rioters and brings an unholy mix of executive orders to life, from TikTok bans to climate carnage. Meanwhile, antisemitic incidents in Australia rise, with an investigation uncovering a dark twist: hate outsourced to paid actors. Yes, bigotry is apparently on payroll now. Sami Shah unpacks it all with biting satire and the sharp edge of truth.

Quote of the Week:

"Nothing screams 'commitment to the cause' like subcontracting your racism."

Stay Tuned for More:

Don’t miss out on the News Weakly 150th live show, coming March 21st at Melbourne’s Comedy Republic! Patreon supporters get early ticket access and discounts. Sign up now at patreon.com/samishah.

For the full breakdown of the stories shaping your world—and ruining your faith in humanity—catch the latest episode of News Weakly!

Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.

For more: thesamishah.com

Theme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram.

This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News Weakly Episode 141 – 18th January, 2025

Join Sami Shah as he punches the news in the headlines weakly! This episode dives into the latest on the Gaza ceasefire negotiations and Peter Dutton's "Back on Track" campaign strategy.

Top Stories of the Week

Ceasing to Cease Fire

Hamas and Netanyahu might be edging closer to an agreement that could stop the bloodshed – at least temporarily. But is this deal about hostages and humanity, or just egos and political survival?

Back Off Track

Peter Dutton’s campaign slogan sounds like a railway PSA, but it’s aimed at derailing Labor’s momentum. Sami breaks down the slogans, culture wars, and pithy phrases Dutton hopes will steer Australia into his corner.

Quote of the Week

“Maybe his plan to help with the cost of living crisis is all the money we’ll save on flags.”

Support the Show

Keep News Weakly ad-free and independent by joining Sami’s Patreon at patreon.com/samishah.

Paying members get exclusive access to discounts for the upcoming live show celebrating 150 episodes of News Weakly on March 21st, 2025, at the Comedy Republic in Melbourne.

Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.

For more: thesamishah.com

Theme Music: Historic Anticipation by Paul Mottram

This podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News Weakly – Episode Notes – 11th January, 2025

This Week’s Punchlines in the Headlines: Trump goes full Risk with a bizarre annexation plan, LA faces literal hellfire while Steve Guttenberg makes a surprising cameo, Zuckerberg taps out on fact-checking but not on his MMA delusions, and Justin Trudeau says "au revoir" to the Canadian Dream.

Top Stories of the Week:

1. Trump’s Anschluss Ambitions: Donald Trump’s pre-inauguration antics take a surreal turn as he announces plans to annex Greenland, the Panama Canal, and parts of Canada. We unpack the logic—or lack thereof—behind his geopolitical Monopoly game.
2. Flame of Thrones: The LA fires wreak havoc, claiming homes, billions in damages, and even some celebrity anonymity. Steve Guttenberg gets unrecognised, but Hollywood’s burning continues.
3. Meta Taps Out: Mark Zuckerberg ends Meta’s fact-checking program and appoints Dana White as his fact-checker, but not in the way you’d expect.
4. Justin Time to Leave: The rise and fall of Justin Trudeau, Canada’s progressive poster boy. From yoga poses to blackface scandals, we chart his complicated legacy.

Quote of the Week:

“Justin Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister has officially come to an end. And like the maple syrup Canada is famous for, his tenure started sweet but ended in a sticky mess.”

Support the Show:

Enjoy News Weakly? Keep us going by supporting the podcast on Patreon at patreon.com/samishah. Every contribution keeps us ad-free and sharp!

About the Host:

Sami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.

For more: http://thesamishah.com

Theme Music:

"Historic Anticipation" by Paul Mottram.

Listen Now and Stay Weakly Updated!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.