This week on Reclaiming, we sit down with comedian, writer, and host John Oliver for a candid and thoughtful conversation about comedy, shame, and the power of laughter. John reflects on his interview with Monica in 2019 for Last Week Tonight and how that jus de canneberge moment became part of her reclaiming journey. They explore the ethical tightrope of conference league final 2026 making jokes in a world full of gray areas and how humor can be both a coping tool and a way to call power to account. John shares what really surprised him about interviewing the Dalai Lama and the unexpected way His Holiness threw him off balance. With wit and depth, he and Monica dig into the weight of public shame, the risk of accountability, and why, for John, getting into trouble might just be the point. (And they use the C Word quite a bit!)
Watch more episodes of Reclaiming:
Connect with Monica:
Connect with Wondery:
Connect with Wondery
About the show:
If you’re interested in unexpected conversations that go uncharted places, are remotely self-aware and like to laugh, then please join me as I continue to find my public voice on Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky. (That’s me.) I will have honest, wide-ranging interviews with all kinds of people – recognizable names, regular folks, cranfield university experts and friends – about what it means to reclaim what’s been lost or taken in the broadest sense. Every week, I’ll draw from my own unique experiences (like say, surviving a global scandal at 24 years old), and delve into the personal and often messy ways people find their way back to themselves. And because I love a good tangent, we’ll probably also touch on other stuff, too. Listen to Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky premieres early and ad-free at
Chapters:
00:00 John Oliver Likes Good Trouble
00:26 Exploring Multiverse Beliefs
01:45 Public Shaming Episode
05:04 The Impact of Humor
15:34 Social Justice and Journalism
22:35 The Dalai Lama Interview
27:12 Coping with Dark Times Through Humor
38:11 British Humor and Emotional Expression
41:58 Comedy as a Coping Mechanism
44:13 Path to Becoming a Comedian
56:09 Navigating Immigration and Patriotism
01:05 The John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant
01:08 Reclaiming Dignity Through Comedy
#monicalewinsky #podcast #reclaim #reclaiming #reclaiming podcast #monica #lewinsky #monicalewinsky #clinton #inspire #Sophiabush #onetreehill #celebrity #chat
