No Agenda Show – Episode 1817 “Stunt Grenade”
Date: November 16, 2025
Hosts: Adam Curry & John C. Dvorak
Episode Overview
This episode dives into a wide array of international and domestic topics, focusing on the unraveling situation in Ukraine, emergent Gen Z-led protests in Mexico, European militarization, the mainstreaming of corruption accusations, and the looming release of the Epstein files, among other stories. As usual, Adam and John deconstruct the media’s narrative, lampoon mainstream reporting, and speculate on the deeper forces at play—often with trademark wit, skepticism, and irreverence.
Key Topics and Detailed Breakdown
1. Ukraine’s Collapse & Western Support
00:23–07:33
- John opens by observing Ukraine “falling apart,” not with surprise but with a resigned “of course it’s corrupt.”
- They break down Ursula von der Leyen’s three proposed funding options for Ukraine: borrowing on capital markets, intergovernmental agreements, or taking Russian assets as reparations. Both speculate that taxpaying citizens, not Russians, will foot the bill (02:07).
- Discussion on Russia making significant battlefield gains via attrition, striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure, and undermining morale to force concessions.
- Adam notes the “morale war”—Ukrainians question risking their lives for a corrupt government profiteering off grants meant to rebuild (05:51).
- John predicts Ukraine’s possible further concessions at peace talks, with diplomatic solutions likely resulting in a “hard, cold peace.”
“They’re prevailing. I prefer that term rather than winning.” – John (06:52)
2. German Military Revitalization
07:34–09:27
- In the face of Russian threats and an unreliable US (especially if Trump returns), Germany promotes more voluntary military service—possibly conscription if necessary (08:45).
- Adam and John satirically deconstruct the notion that “more military means more peace.”
3. Ukraine: Corruption and Zelensky's Future
09:27–13:29
- Coverage of an NPR report where associates of President Zelensky are accused of skimming millions from Ukraine’s energy sector; two ministers resign (10:29).
- John wonders why Zelensky stays, postulates he’ll be ousted/arrested within two months, while Adam contends the EU wants to keep him as a figurehead (12:13).
“He’s going to end up dead.” – John (12:03)
“No, I don’t think so. He’s the perfect little showbiz bunny for them.” – Adam (12:09)
4. Eurovision & Media Mockery
14:34–18:39
- News that Canada may join Eurovision: Adam and John riff on non-European countries’ inclusion, mock the spectacle, and discuss the history of outsider participation (16:40).
- They lampoon the notion of Canadian identity in Eurovision (“Celine Dion won for Switzerland—that’s a scam!”).
5. 'Zed' (Gen Z) Protests in Mexico
19:22–27:04
[Episode Title Reference: “Stunt Grenade” at 21:24]
- Major focus on recent, violent Gen Z-led protests in Mexico City—sparked by the assassination of an anti-cartel mayor.
- Clips reveal police use of “stunt grenades” (21:24), prompting jokes:
“When you get—when one hits you, you do a backflip.” – Adam (21:28)
- Protests are organically cross-sectional, not bused-in or orchestrated by the opposition (24:31), per on-the-ground NPR reporting.
- Adam and John theorize these surprise uprisings may be manufactured—“too easy”—perhaps using Discord for organization, distribution of meme flags, and hats (25:53).
“You got Discord, you got hats, you got flags. This is ridiculously, probably completely accurate, but a ridiculously simplistic approach to getting people riled up.” – Adam (26:56)
6. Foreign Influence and Narco-Political Theories
27:05–32:23
- Discussion continues with Senator Lily Tellez openly labeling Mexico as a “narco state,” aligning the government with the cartels, and welcoming US intervention (29:43).
- Adam floats that protests are nudge/covertly encouraged from “North Sea nexus” intelligence (“it’s us, it’s our agencies”) as a response to Mexico’s lack of cooperation (32:23).
7. Discord as a Tool for Protest Mobilization
54:53–69:27
- Adam explains Discord’s role in protest organizing worldwide, highlighting its “spook language” origin story and hints at intelligence ties.
- Both hosts deconstruct Discord’s public-facing company story, voice suspicions about its British leadership, and joke about setting up their own No Agenda server—forecasting it’ll eventually “turn on us” (65:11).
8. BBC, US, and the “UK Nexus”
38:02–52:44
- Adam and John drill into UK’s muddy media maneuvers (BBC), foreign policy, and historical exploitations—framing Ukraine and drug war narratives within international power plays.
- Adam channels increasing suspicion toward British influence (“wreck our country”) and a North Sea-connected “enemy within.”
9. Epstein Files, Trump vs. MTG, and Beltway Theater
70:44–90:10
- Reads and analysis of Trump “un-endorsing” Marjorie Taylor Greene and her push for Epstein files’ release (71:00–75:10).
- John and Adam agree it's classic “theater”—WWE-esque stage fighting to focus media and political energy on the Epstein vote, positioning Trump as a reluctant party to the file release.
- ABC’s interview with Rep. Thomas Massie (88:28–90:10): Massie claims Trump’s trying to protect powerful donors, but Adam and John believe Trump’s not that loyal—he “throws anybody under the bus.”
“Can you spell posturing? That’s what the two of them are doing.” – John (75:10)
- Discussion of UK media obsession with MTG/Trump rift, hinting at anticipation of prominent British and elite names possibly appearing in Epstein files (80:30–86:06).
10. Epstein Theories: Blackmail and Intelligence
103:09–113:46
- Speculation that Epstein’s operation was likely a British (MI6) blackmail entrapment operation (and not Mossad as often rumored).
- Revelations from Michael Wolff (Valuetainment): Steve Bannon misrepresented his involvement with Epstein; footage was never for a documentary but media training and debriefing.
“I think the whole smokescreen—Bannon meeting with Epstein as a media consultant—is really a debriefing.” – John (113:38)
11. No Agenda Meta: Value for Value, Listener Connections, and Meetups
123:18–156:08
- Detailed listing and banter about donations, meetups, and value for value model.
- John recounts stories from a recent Berkeley meetup, including a prized Fort Detrick letterhead gift and the vibrant character mix (“jet-set traveler,” collectors, and long-time hands).
- Several touching notes on how the show strengthened marriages and changed lives during COVID and beyond.
12. AI, Media Future, and Tip of the Day
170:51–190:05
- Adam bemoans new AI-fueled loneliness industry as chatbots for seniors emerge (“Stella Foster”). Satire on exploiting the elderly for tech subscriptions.
- Typical end-of-show banter on AI voice modeling, blurb-writing for books, and meta-podcasting.
- Reprise of John’s “Tip of the Day”: Boeing’s Boeshield T-9 as a WD-40 alternative (184:29–189:19).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Ukraine War Endgame:
“There never will be actual peace. Well, I think Ukraine will give major concessions… it’s already going to lose 20% of its territory.” – John (06:28)
- On Discord and Protest Mobilization:
“You just get on the Discord and hand out hats!” – Adam (26:56)
- On Ukraine Corruption:
“Is this new to the Mexicans, this idea? …No, not to the Mexicans.” – John (30:37)
- On MTG and Trump Spat:
“WWE is what I’m feeling here.” – Adam (75:24)
- On MI6 & Epstein:
“That’s what Epstein was involved in… MI6, not Mossad.” – Adam (103:35)
Important Segment Timestamps
- [00:23] – Ukraine’s “Collapse”
- [02:07] – Ursula von der Leyen’s Ukraine funding options
- [07:34] – Germany’s military conscription discussion
- [09:27] – Ukraine energy corruption/Resignations
- [21:24] – Zed (Gen Z) Riots, Mexico and “Stunt Grenades”
- [25:53] – Discord, flags, hats: recipe for protest
- [29:43] – Sen. Lily Tellez: “Mexico is a narco state”
- [38:02] – North Sea Nexus, BBC, UK Global Politics
- [71:00] – Trump’s posting about Marjorie Taylor Greene
- [80:30–86:06] – BBC’s interest in the MTG/Trump rift & Epstein files
- [88:28] – ABC Interview with Rep. Thomas Massie on Epstein vote
- [103:35] – Intelligence agency speculation: MI6 vs. Mossad on Epstein
- [113:38] – Michael Wolff: Steve Bannon’s Epstein involvement is media cover for debriefing
- [123:18] – No Agenda Value for Value, Listener Criticism & Letters
- [184:29] – Tip of the Day: Boeshield T9
- [190:05] – Outro & end-of-show mixes
Tone, Style, and the "No Agenda" Touch
- Tone: Sarcastic, skeptical, conspiratorial, and often self-aware.
- Language: Casual banter with jabs at each other, tangents, and “inside baseball.”
- Meta content: Regularly lampoon podcasting trends, value-for-value donation appeals, and critique of audience and self.
If You Only Listen to 3 Segments…
- [21:24] – Zed Riots, Mexico ("stunt grenades", Discord theory)
- [71:00] – Trump-MTG Spat/Epstein files: Beltway Showbiz explained as theater
- [103:35] – Deep dive on Epstein, Bannon, and British Intelligence theory
The Bottom Line
This episode shines at connecting global dots behind media headlines—tying together the fall of Ukraine, manufactured protest tactics, European remilitarization, and the American elite’s lurking scandals. Adam and John keep it light with in-jokes and dismissals of mainstream narratives, all the while ushering listeners to question surface-level explanations and find the meta games hidden in plain sight.
Summary Compiled with Adherence to the Show’s Original Tone, Key Topics, and Attribution. For full episode, listen at No Agenda Show.