American “Heritage” vs. American History

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

Comedy Central

Comedy, News Commentary, Politics, News

4.5 • 7.5K Ratings

🗓️ 4 December 2025

⏱️ 89 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

As debates over what it means to be a "heritage American" enter mainstream political discourse, Jon is joined by University of Florida Professor Allen C. Guelzo and Yale historian Joanne Freeman, host of "History Matters" podcast. Together, they examine what this loaded term actually means, explore how American identity has been defined and contested throughout the nation's history, and discuss the central role immigrants have always played in shaping who we are. Plus, Jon talks about the “enemy of the people” and presidential pardons! This podcast episode is brought to you by: GROUND NEWS - http://groundnews.com/stewart. Subscribe for 40% off the unlimited access Vantage subscription for yourself or if you send it as a gift. AURA FRAMES - Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/TWS. Promo Code TWS. INCOGNI - Use code stewart at https://incogni.com/stewart to get an exclusive 60% off. HELLO FRESH - http://hellofresh.com/TWS10FM Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social media for more: > YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weeklyshowpodcast > Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weeklyshowpodcast> TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@weeklyshowpodcast > X: https://x.com/weeklyshowpod > BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/theweeklyshowpodcast.com Host/Executive Producer – Jon Stewart Executive Producer – James Dixon Executive Producer – Chris McShane Executive Producer – Caity Gray Lead Producer – Lauren Walker Producer – Brittany Mehmedovic Producer – Gillian Spear Video Editor & Engineer – Rob Vitolo Audio Editor & Engineer – Nicole Boyce Music by Hansdle Hsu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	December 15th is Bill of Rights Day, marking the anniversary of the freedoms enshrined in the U.S. Constitution,
0:06.2	freedom of speech, freedom of belief, and just as importantly, freedom from religious interference in government.
0:11.6	And on December 21st, the winter solstice reminds us that even in the darkest season, there is light ahead
0:16.8	the time that non-religious Americans have long claimed as a celebration of human resilience, science, and renewal.
0:22.7	Since 1978, FFRF has been fortifying the wall between church and state.
0:27.7	We face growing threats from Christian nationalism, religious extremism and policymaking,
0:32.5	and courts that are increasingly hostile to church-state separation.
0:36.0	But the fight isn't over.
0:37.4	When you support
0:38.2	FFRF, you're helping ensure our government stays neutral, fair, and secular for everyone.
0:44.2	Join or support the Freedom from Religion Foundation at FFRF.U.S.S. Freedom. Or text state to
0:50.5	511-5-11. Text state to 511-511 today.
0:54.6	Because the Constitution belongs to us all, not just the religious majority.
0:58.9	Text fees may apply.
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1:37.9	Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the weekly show podcast. My name is John Stewart.
	...

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