License to Kimmel
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In this landmark live episode of Love It or Leave It, host John Lovett debuts the show's brand-new Hollywood studio, marking a major evolution from podcast to live performance. The episode is a sharp, satirical deep dive into the political absurdities of the moment, including the failed assassination attempt on President Trump, the controversial push to build a fortified ballroom at the Washington Hilton, and the FCC's retaliatory review of Disney's broadcast licenses following a joke by Jimmy Kimmel. Lovett skewers the hypocrisy of political leaders who demand safety while undermining democratic norms, and highlights the fragility of late-night comedy in the face of increasing censorship. The show also features candid conversations with guests Ron Funches and Anna Conkle, who discuss their personal journeys—Funches reflecting on his time on Survivor and his identity, and Conkle opening up about her memoir, her complex relationship with her father, and her experiences as a performer in elaborate social pranks. The episode culminates in a heartfelt tribute to the team behind the new studio, celebrating their resilience and creativity in overcoming countless obstacles to bring the vision to life.
Late-night comedy is under siege, but it's also evolving—podcasts and live shows are becoming the new frontier for fearless satire.
Political leaders who claim to want safety often use fear to justify authoritarian overreach, like building a fortified ballroom instead of addressing systemic issues.
Authenticity is a superpower: Ron Funches' unfiltered self on Survivor and Anna Conkle's raw memoir show that vulnerability leads to connection and growth.
Behind every successful creative project is a team that says 'we can' instead of 'we can't'—and that mindset is what drives real change.
Personal stories, especially those involving family, trauma, and identity, are not just therapeutic—they’re essential for building empathy and understanding.
Sponsor: Upwork – Hire Smarter, Grow Faster
John Lovett opens the episode with a sponsorship for Upwork, highlighting how the platform helps businesses access top-tier freelance talent across 125+ categories, with AI-powered shortlisting and fast hiring in under six hours.
Sponsor: Shopify – Test Your Business for €1
Lovett promotes Shopify with a focus on its ease of use, integrations, and a limited-time offer to test a business for just €1 per month, emphasizing how the platform frees up time and money for growth.
The Ballroom of Fear: A Satirical Take on Political Safety
“It's like how Ronald Reagan used his assassination attempt at the Washington Hilton to garner political support for Nancy Reagan's White House sex dungeon.”
Jimmy Kimmel, the FCC, and the Mentalist Who Canceled
“There aren't that many of them left! It's an endangered species!”
The Real Comedy of Power: Trump, Comey, and the Seashell Case
“It is a completely ridiculous case and I do hope Comey goes to prison. No, that's not fair. But a little bit.”
“It's like how Ronald Reagan used his assassination attempt at the Washington Hilton to garner political support for Nancy Reagan's White House sex dungeon.”
“We're trying to build something positive and helpful even if it's a cynical time.”
“It is a completely ridiculous case and I do hope Comey goes to prison. No, that's not fair. But a little bit.”
Host
Guests
John Lovett
person
Donald Trump
person
Ron Funches
person
Anna Conkle
person
Crooked Media
organization
Jimmy Kimmel
person
Melania Trump
person
Shopify
brand
James Comey
person
Survivor
media
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