Podcast Summary: No Agenda - Episode 1745 "Old Crone" | Released March 9, 2025

Hosts: Adam Curry & John C. Dvorak
Description: In this episode of "No Agenda," hosts Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak engage in their signature media deconstruction, tackling a variety of topics ranging from international trade policies to media industry shifts and public health concerns.

1. Introduction and Banter (00:00 - 05:15)

The episode begins with the hosts engaging in light-hearted conversation about Ford Truck Month, highlighting the pervasive nature of corporate advertising within media outlets. They humorously critique how unrelated podcasts frequently interrupt their shows with advertisements, asserting that their audience does not align with typical truck buyers.

• Quote:
  John C. Dvorak: "Those people that listen to Pivot buy trucks just don't."

2. Trade War and Tariffs (05:23 - 23:37)

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the ongoing trade tensions, particularly the imposition and retraction of tariffs by the Trump administration on Canadian and Mexican imports. The hosts dissect the economic implications of this "whiplash," discussing its impact on the U.S. stock market, manufacturing sectors, and consumers.

• Quote:
  Adam Curry: "Tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports are off again. It feels like whiplash by the White House has many people wondering what's next."

3. Media Industry Shifts: CBS and Attempts to Revive Old Formats (23:37 - 43:11)

Curry and Dvorak delve into recent changes at CBS, notably the firing of Nora and the introduction of John Dickerson alongside Maurice Dubois in a format reminiscent of the classic Huntley-Brinkley reports. They critique the lack of chemistry between the new hosts and express skepticism about CBS's strategy to regain former glory.

• Quote:
  Adam Curry: "They're trying to bring back Huntley-Brinkley from the '60s and '70s, which was on NBC, not CBS. It stinks."

4. European Defense Spending and the Digital Euro (43:11 - 75:05)

The discussion shifts to European Union defense initiatives, including Ursula von der Leyen's proposal for a €150 billion defense fund. The hosts analyze internal EU disagreements, the role of non-EU partners like Turkey, and the contentious introduction of a digital euro. They express concerns over potential militarization and economic strategies within Europe.

• Quote:
  John C. Dvorak: "France versus Germany over whether funds should be reserved exclusively for EU defense industries or also benefit non-EU partners, including Turkey."

5. Interactions with Media Figures and Public Perception (75:05 - 142:24)

Curry and Dvorak discuss interactions with media personalities, including confrontations involving Elon Musk and critiques of mainstream media outlets like MSNBC's Rachel Maddow. They explore themes of media bias, misinformation, and the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity amidst political pressure.

• Quote:
  John C. Dvorak: "Margaret Brennan, the journalist, is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and she does not disclose that."

6. Donations, Producers, and Community Engagement (142:24 - 173:44)

The hosts highlight the importance of listener donations in sustaining the podcast. They humorously assign honorary titles to donors, fostering a sense of community and appreciation. This segment includes playful banter about the benefits of supporting the show and managing contributions.

• Quote:
  Adam Curry: "We're going to thank the rest of our producers who supported the best podcast in the universe."

7. Public Health Concerns: Hantavirus and Measles (173:44 - 202:24)

A critical discussion on public health issues unfolds, focusing on hantavirus and the resurgence of measles. The hosts question the validity of claims regarding "immune amnesia" caused by measles infections and critique the portrayal of vaccine efficacy. They emphasize skepticism towards public health narratives and advocate for natural immunity over vaccination.

• Quote:
  John C. Dvorak: "Immune amnesia. So first of all, potentially deadly virus... but immune amnesia, which I really question the validity of this, but this is a, you know, CBS, it's big pharma pays their bills."

8. Technical Challenges and Show Dynamics (202:24 - 206:14)

Towards the end of the episode, Curry and Dvorak address technical difficulties experienced during the broadcast, including audio distortions and streaming issues. They reflect on the challenges of maintaining live show quality and tease upcoming content, reinforcing their commitment to delivering unfiltered media analysis.

• Quote:
  Adam Curry: "Microsoft shutting down Skype. And why is that? Because they never got the source code to begin with."

9. Conclusion and Final Remarks (206:14)

The episode wraps up with a blend of final thoughts, acknowledgments to listeners and donors, and humorous exchanges. The hosts reiterate their political stances, express frustration with media and political institutions, and encourage continued support from their audience.

• Quote:
  John C. Dvorak: "Remember us@noagendadonations.com adios mo fos a hooey, hooey and such."

Notable Highlights:

• Trade Policies and Economic Impact: Detailed analysis of the Trump administration's fluctuating tariff strategies and their repercussions on international trade and domestic markets.

• Media Critique: Insightful critiques of major media outlets' strategies to reinvent classic formats, highlighting perceived shortcomings in chemistry and content delivery.

• European Union Dynamics: Exploration of internal EU conflicts over defense funding and the introduction of digital currency, casting light on broader geopolitical tensions.

• Public Health Skepticism: A contentious segment questioning mainstream public health narratives surrounding vaccines and disease immunity, reflecting the hosts' contrarian viewpoints.

• Community Engagement: Effective use of listener donations to build a dedicated community, fostering a participatory environment through honorary titles and recognition.

Conclusion: Episode 1745 of "No Agenda" offers a deep dive into contemporary political and media landscapes, underscored by the hosts' unwavering skepticism and critical analysis. Through a blend of humor, confrontation, and in-depth discussion, Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak provide listeners with a unique perspective on global events and media practices.