Charlie Rose Season 25 Episode 222 Kurt Andersen; Gillian Tett; Samantha Bee

In season 25, episode 222 of Charlie Rose, the titular host invites three prominent guests to discuss current events and their respective fields. The guests for this episode are Kurt Andersen, an American novelist, radio host, and founder of Spy magazine; Gillian Tett, a British author and journalist who currently serves as the chair of the editorial board and editor-at-large for the Financial Times; and Samantha Bee, a Canadian-American comedian and writer, best known for her satirical news program Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.

The conversation begins with a discussion of Kurt Andersen's latest book, Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire, in which he explores the long history of American culture's obsession with fantasy, conspiracy theories, and alternate realities. Andersen articulates his belief that this trend has worsened since the 2016 election, as people on both the left and the right have become increasingly entrenched in their own beliefs and are unwilling to consider opposing viewpoints.

Gillian Tett adds her own perspectives as a journalist who has covered the financial industry for many years. She points out that the world of finance is particularly prone to its own form of fantasy and magical thinking, as people often invest money based on unrealistic expectations and a belief that things will always go up, without considering the potential risks. Tett also discusses the rise of populism and nationalism around the world, which she sees as a reaction to the rapid pace of change in the global economy.

Samantha Bee enters the conversation with her signature humor, but also offers some serious insights into the political landscape. She discusses her experience covering the 2016 election and the ways in which the Trump campaign was able to take advantage of the media's obsession with ratings to gain unprecedented exposure. Bee also talks about the importance of humor in today's political climate, arguing that it can serve as a powerful tool for speaking truth to power.

Throughout the episode, the discussion ranges from politics and the media to the role of art in society. Andersen discusses his background as a writer and his views on the importance of storytelling in creating a shared cultural experience. Tett draws on her experiences covering the financial crisis of 2008 and the ways in which it revealed the flaws in the global economic system. And Bee offers her unique perspective as a woman in a male-dominated field, as well as her experiences working on Full Frontal and the ways in which comedy can help to bridge divides.

As always, Charlie Rose is an engaged and thoughtful interviewer, drawing out the opinions and insights of his guests while also offering his own perspectives on the topics at hand. This episode is a fascinating exploration of some of the most pressing issues facing our society today, as seen through the eyes of three brilliant and accomplished individuals.