No Agenda Show: Episode 1785 - "Mackerels" Summary

Release Date: July 27, 2025
Hosts: Adam Curry & John C. Dvorak
Description: Deconstructing Media with No Agenda, by Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak

1. EU-US-China Trade Deal and Global Trade Imbalance

The episode opens with Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak discussing a significant trade deal between the European Union and the United States, aiming to address the persistent trade imbalance with China. They highlight how "Queen Ursula collapsed, leading to the deal" (01:27). President Trump expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, stating, "we should have a deal in a half an hour" (01:15). The hosts emphasize the doubling of the EU's trade deficit with China, now exceeding 300 billion euros over the past decade, attributing it to "trade distortions" and China’s lack of reciprocal market openness (02:04).

Notable Quote:
John C. Dvorak remarks, "Pretty much the Same problem we had" (03:13), drawing parallels between the EU-China trade issues and previous U.S. trade challenges.

2. President Trump's Visit to Scotland and Media Coverage

A significant portion of the discussion centers around President Trump's visit to Scotland, which sparked protests and media coverage. The hosts critique NPR's portrayal of the protests, suggesting they were "not real" and possibly orchestrated. John C. Dvorak sarcastically notes, "Oh boy. You know, it has been one of the mildest summers... It's not the real deal" (02:30).

Notable Quote:
An NPR reporter states, "I'm very much against everything that Trump stands for... the racism, the fascism to stop," to which the hosts respond dismissively, labeling it as "bull crap" and suggesting media manipulation (07:19 - 08:55).

The hosts also discuss allegations of harsh treatment at Trump's golf resorts, including mentions of Ghislaine Maxwell and DOJ interactions, portraying them as misleading or fabricated narratives (12:25 - 27:11).

3. Jeffrey Epstein, DOJ Meetings, and Judicial Appointments

The conversation shifts to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and the Department of Justice's (DOJ) meetings with Ghislaine Maxwell. The hosts criticize the DOJ's transparency, noting, "We haven't asked for anything in return for testimony" (26:32), and question the motives behind these interactions. They further delve into the controversy surrounding judicial nominations, particularly that of Amel Bovey, a Trump-aligned nominee facing opposition due to his defense of Trump during criminal cases.

Notable Quote:
John C. Dvorak expresses skepticism about the integrity of the DOJ and judicial appointments, stating, "If you take anything in there, it's a betrayal to honesty" (27:28).

4. Privatization and Reform of the U.S. Postal Service

A substantial segment critiques the current state and potential privatization of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The hosts discuss Postmaster General David Steiner's efforts to address USPS's financial deficits without relying on taxpayer money, contrasting this with Trump's proposals to privatize the service.

Notable Quote:
Adam Curry sarcastically remarks, "The Postal Service should be privatized or that it should become an appropriated part of the federal government," mocking the idea of altering the USPS's foundational independence (48:09).

John C. Dvorak adds, "I don't really understand why the Postal Service is always under fire," questioning the continuous criticism despite USPS’s self-financing model (48:54).

5. Artificial Intelligence and Model Collapse Concerns

The hosts engage in a debate about the future of artificial intelligence (AI), expressing concerns over "model collapse." They discuss the limitations of current AI models, the resurgence of programming languages like Lisp, and the dangers of AI beyond mere automation.

Notable Quote:
John C. Dvorak states, "I'm scared of that. I don't have an answer yet" when asked about mitigating AI's negative impacts, highlighting their apprehension about AI's trajectory (76:03).

Adam Curry proposes an innovative idea to modernize email communication through encryption and a stablecoin-based system, though they acknowledge regulatory and practical challenges (54:56 - 55:35).

6. Critique of Mainstream Media and NPR

Throughout the episode, Curry and Dvorak consistently criticize mainstream media outlets, particularly NPR, for biased reporting and promoting narratives that align with political agendas. They mock NPR's coverage of various issues, labeling it as "bull crap" and accusing it of being influenced by external interests.

Notable Quote:
Adam Curry states, "This is what we're doing with our own meetups... It's not real. It's bull crap," dismissing NPR's reporting on protests and other events (08:03 - 09:21).

7. Executive Orders on Homelessness and Mental Health

The discussion includes President Trump's executive orders aimed at addressing homelessness and mental health issues. The hosts express skepticism about these initiatives, suggesting they are merely performative and fail to provide substantive solutions.

Notable Quote:
John C. Dvorak criticizes Governor Gavin Newsom's approach, saying, "They are hallucating their assumptions on how reality works," when discussing policies to dismantle homeless encampments (120:14).

8. Fundraising and Donor Engagement

Adhering to the system instructions to exclude advertisements and non-content sections, this section is briefly acknowledged but not detailed in the summary as per the user's request to omit such segments.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, the hosts reiterate their distrust of mainstream narratives and emphasize the importance of independent thought. They encourage listeners to support their show through donations, framing it as a battle against media manipulation and misinformation.

Notable Quote:
John C. Dvorak concludes with a strong stance against media control: "As always, the best podcast in the universe. Adios mofo Dvorak.org," emphasizing their commitment to unbiased reporting and deconstruction of media.

Key Takeaways

• Trade and Economics: The EU-US deal aims to rectify trade imbalances with China, reflecting broader geopolitical shifts.
• Media Skepticism: Hosts express deep distrust in mainstream media, particularly NPR, accusing it of biased and manipulated reporting.
• Judiciary Concerns: Criticism of judicial appointments and DOJ's transparency, especially concerning high-profile cases linked to Trump.
• AI Fears: Apprehension about the future impact of AI, advocating for innovative yet cautious approaches to technology integration.
• Postal Service Debate: Ongoing discourse on USPS's privatization vs. reform, highlighting financial sustainability without taxpayer aid.
• Policy Critique: Executive orders on homelessness and mental health are viewed as superficial solutions lacking genuine impact.

This summary encapsulates the primary discussions and perspectives presented by Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak in Episode 1785 of the No Agenda Show, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the episode.