No Agenda Show – Episode 1854: “Rackout” (March 26, 2026)

Hosts: Adam Curry & John C. Dvorak
Theme: Media deconstruction of current geopolitical events, energy crisis, tech law, and American societal quirks, all in the show's irreverent and analytical style.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Adam and John return to full strength to deconstruct the latest media coverage and geopolitical developments, with a heavy focus on the aftermath of the US-Iran conflict, global energy disruptions, the political maneuverings in the Gulf, spring break culture, and the landmark court victory against Meta/YouTube over addictive social media design. The show blends sharp media dissection, technical insight, pop culture commentary, and characteristic humor—including digressions about robot teachers, airport security, and John’s recent heart surgery.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Trump–Iran Saga & the “Present of Oil”

[00:36–11:43]

• The hosts dissect the rapid news cycle iterations of Trump’s negotiation “algorithm” and how media covers each twist in US-Iran tensions—between threats, attacks, and offers to negotiate.

• Trump’s claim of having received a “big present” from Iran turns out to be a rumored gift of 8–10 oil tankers, whose real destination and significance provoke skepticism.

  Notable Quote:

  • “It seems so obvious, like, you know, ah, well, we're going to bomb them and then, oh, well, you know, they sent me a present and then, yeah…” (Adam Curry, 03:05)

2. Three-By-Three News Coverage Breakdown

[03:52–11:43]

• John conducts a side-by-side analysis of network news (ABC, CBS, NBC) to highlight subtle but critical media framing:

  • Consistent ambiguity around what the “present” from Iran is.
  • Deployment of US troops (82nd Airborne, Marines) to the Middle East and shifting claims of “no boots on the ground.”
  • Pakistan and now Turkey being drawn in as negotiation intermediaries—almost ignored in major outlets.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “How come they don't say Iran claims that is not true? That would be a little more even keeled.” (Adam Curry, 05:14)
  • “Pakistan, the Pakistanis are our guys now in the middle, which is kind of interesting.” (Adam Curry, 06:47)

3. Escalating Energy Crisis: Strait of Hormuz Blockade Effects

[11:43–18:33]

• Analysis of how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts LNG and oil supply to Asia and Europe:

  • Shortages trigger rationing, price spikes, and street protests especially across Asia.
  • EU faces stagflation pressures as inflation and energy shortages worsen.
  • American producers—especially Texas gas—stand to profit from the crisis.

  Notable Quote:

  • “We seem to be in the catbird seat.” (Adam Curry, 15:18)

4. Gasoline & Diesel—American and Global Price Shocks

[14:43–18:19]

• Technical explanation about why diesel prices are high (California’s low-sulfur standards), and the impact of losing global refineries.

5. Troop Movements & Military Scenarios

[20:04–41:03]

• Discussion of scenario planning for US military buildup and strategy:

  • 82nd Airborne’s rapid deployment options, potential objectives like Kharg Island.
  • Middle East “diplomacy by bombs”—Trump’s dealmaking rhythm and the use of military as bargaining chip.
  • Commentary on the complexity and “moving parts” of the conflict, including new players (Turkey), and how the war impacts supply chains beyond oil: fertilizer (urea) and helium shortages threaten agriculture and chip manufacturing globally.

  Memorable Analyst Quote:

  • “The only viable military solution, the one that makes the most sense, is to have some kind of an escort mission. But it's going to still be fraught with peril.” (Ret. Brig. Gen. Steve Anderson, 39:27)

6. Spring Break Segment

[41:56–49:44]

• A lighter segment with a “man on the street” report: college students at spring break demonstrate ignorance on geopolitics and wild party tales.

  • “Blackout with my rack out” becomes the sound bite of the segment.
  • The hosts reflect with wry tolerance on youth, ignorance, and societal perceptions.

  Memorable Moment:

  • “If you go to Ohio State, you're going to be blacking out with your rack out!” (John C. Dvorak, 43:10)

7. Tech & Social: The Landmark Meta/YouTube Lawsuit Verdicts

[60:24–72:31, 63:37–72:31]

• Coverage and deep dive into two major court cases finding Meta and YouTube liable for knowingly making addictive products targeting youth—a parallel drawn to the “big tobacco reckoning.”

  • Potential for class action suits with huge financial implications as each plaintiff sets precedent for claims.
  • First major breach in Section 230 and First Amendment legal defenses via product design/addiction rather than content.
  • “Slot machine effect” and “casino mechanics” cited as internal tech terms for algorithms designed to “hook” users.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “This is no secret… everything is done to keep you engaged. Everything is done to keep you hooked.” (Adam Curry, 66:22)
  • “This is exactly the same as the tobacco situation.” (John C. Dvorak, 72:12)

8. Robot Teachers & The Melania Trump Event

[54:30–58:22]

• Adam rails against First Lady Melania Trump’s public demo of a humanoid robot teacher (“Plato/Play-Doh”) for children: critiques from both technological and societal angles.

  Notable Quote:

  • “You’re not gonna have your kid educated by this stupid robot.” (Adam Curry, 58:05)

9. Airport Security Theater & TSA Woes

[116:47–123:14]

• US airports face total gridlock as TSA staff shortages and government shutdowns worsen.

• Adam floats the provocative idea: “Why not just eliminate the TSA and return airport security to the airlines?”

• The segment pokes holes in the “security theater” mindset post-9/11.

  Notable Quotes:

  • “Do you want your car colder than 72 degrees? That’s a subscription.” (Adam Curry, 79:27, on software-bound cars)
  • “No airport security… just open up the airports again. Think about the productivity!” (Adam Curry, 123:41)

10. Quick Hits:

• NASA’s (likely delayed) $20B moon base plan (“nuts and bolts aren’t ready yet”) [126:44–131:04].
• John’s ongoing post-heart surgery recovery, open-heart support groups, and “celebration of life” plans.
• TSA lines, “man from Florida” segments (bong built into pickup dash), AI tech fears (Anthropic v. DoD), and podcasting culture trends.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Geopolitics/War:
  • “I'm putting all the show prep together… These guys have had their hands on the throat of Asia, the EU, UK for decades, particularly when it comes to LNG.” (Adam Curry, 11:43)
• On Social Media Lawsuits:
  • “It's as easy as ABC: Addicting the brains of children.” (Rob the constitutional lawyer, paraphrased by Adam, 70:46)
• On American Youth:
  • “These are happy dumb people. I have less of a problem with it than I thought I would.” (Adam Curry, 49:24)
• On Tech Creep:
  • “Android Automotive OS… your car’s basic functions will be locked behind a paywall.” (Adam Curry, 79:27)

Memorable Moments

• [43:42] "Blackout with my rack out" – the catchphrase encapsulating American spring break culture.
• [41:56–49:44] Students’ ignorance on Ayatollahs and Venezuela, juxtaposed with their hyper-focus on partying.
• [55:35] Robot teacher “Play doh” on display at the White House, failing to impress Adam.
• [72:12] Smoking-gun internal documents likening social media addiction to a “slot machine effect.”

Structure & Flow

• The show moves from heavy geopolitical and energy analysis, through media criticism and satire, to digressive cultural commentary (Spring Break, tech law, airport security).
• Segments are interlaced with listener donations, humorous asides, and the duo’s signature banter.
• JCD provides grounded technical analysis (refining, fuel standards, military mechanics), while Adam brings storytelling, media critique, and humor.
• Show closes with practical “tip of the day”: buy lead testing swabs (149:44), and meta commentary on podcast longevity.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump–Iran Negotiation & Oil “Gift”: 00:36–11:43
• Media 3x3 Analysis: 03:52–11:43
• Strait of Hormuz & Energy Crisis: 11:43–18:33
• Spring Break Culture: 41:56–49:44
• Meta/YouTube Lawsuit Analysis: 60:24–72:31
• Melania Trump’s Robot Teacher Demo: 54:30–58:22
• TSA/Airport Security Segment: 116:47–123:14
• NASA Moon Base/Space Policy: 126:44–131:04
• Lead Testing Tip: 149:44

Tone & Language

The episode is frank and cutting, mixing skepticism with levity. The hosts’ language is direct, often irreverent, but frequently underpinned by technical knowledge and lived experience.

For Further Reference

• Listen to the detailed spring break segment for a snapshot of youth culture [41:56–49:44].
• Meta/YouTube legal analysis & implications for future tech lawsuits [60:24–72:31].
• For ongoing geopolitical context, refer to the early analysis of the “Trump algo” and shifting alliances in the Gulf [00:36–11:43; 22:22–26:58].

Summary Statement

No Agenda #1854 delivers a full-spectrum deconstruction of global politics, media bias, energy disruption, big tech’s legal comeuppance, and the ironies of American life—with all the wit, skepticism, and sharp observation you expect from Adam and John. A must-listen for anyone seeking to cut through the mainstream media static and corporate narratives.

End of Show ISO

“I thought it was pretty outrageous.” (Planetary Society Host, 148:24)