Podcast Summary: Real Coffee with Scott Adams
Episode: 2903 CWSA 07/20/25
Release Date: July 20, 2025

Scott Adams returns in Episode 2903 of "Real Coffee with Scott Adams," delivering a wide-ranging discussion that touches on societal shifts post-pandemic, advancements in technology, political dynamics, international affairs, and personal anecdotes. Presented through a unique persuasion lens, Adams weaves together current events and personal insights, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the latest happenings.

1. Pandemic's Lasting Impact and "Covid Carl"

Adams begins by addressing the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people's perceptions and behaviors. He introduces a character from his "Dilbert Reborn" comic, aptly named Covid Carl.

Scott Adams [05:15]: "Covid Carl judges all of your opinions by what your opinion was during the pandemic. And if they don't like your opinion during the pandemic, well, they're not going to like any other opinion you ever have."

Carl symbolizes individuals whose worldviews have been permanently altered by the pandemic, likening them to Japanese soldiers who remained hidden decades after World War II ended. Adams emphasizes the difficulty in overcoming these entrenched perspectives, highlighting a societal struggle to move past the pandemic's psychological footprint.

2. Advances in Autonomous Technology

a. Self-Driving Big Rigs

Adams discusses the groundbreaking advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, specifically focusing on Kodiak Robotics' fully autonomous 18-wheeler operating in Texas.

Scott Adams [07:30]: "Did you ever believe that you would be alive at a time when big rig trucks would be driving without a driver on the same road as you?"

He contrasts Kodiak Robotics' LIDAR-based system with Tesla's AI-driven trucks, pondering the future where all vehicles communicate seamlessly to prevent accidents by regulating each other's movements.

b. Autonomous Farming

Expanding on automation, Adams highlights Wall Street Journal reports on Farm, an entirely autonomous outdoor farm utilizing robot tractors and drones.

Scott Adams [09:45]: "Imagine being a farmer and you own a bunch of real estate and you planted something and you run it from your computer and the whole thing is just running itself with robots while you're inside having breakfast."

He reflects on the practicality and implications of managing farms remotely, noting his personal experience working on his uncle's farm and the challenges of manual labor.

c. AI-Driven User Interfaces

Referencing insights from Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, Adams delves into the evolution of user interfaces influenced by AI.

Scott Adams [31:50]: "Eric Schmidt points out that the user interface that we have on our phones and computers and iPads was designed 50 years ago. And AI will simply change its UI on the fly based on what it is that it knows you want."

Adams envisions a future where traditional user interfaces become obsolete, replaced by AI systems that adapt dynamically to user needs, potentially leading to a "no Apps phone."

3. Health and Consumer Products

a. Pepsico Removing Artificial Colors

Adams touches on consumer health trends, citing Jasmine Jordan from Breitbart who reports Pepsico's decision to eliminate artificial colors and flavors from popular snacks like Lay's and Tostitos.

Scott Adams [12:20]: "What would a Lay's potato chip or a Tostito look like without artificial dyes? I don't know. I'm not sure it will look good, but maybe if it tastes good, your brain will just say, ah, that's fine."

He speculates on the potential impact of this change, questioning whether the absence of artificial additives will significantly influence consumer preferences or health outcomes.

b. Obamacare Insurance Cost Increases

Addressing healthcare concerns, Adams references a report from The Hill about rising costs in Obamacare insurance plans.

Scott Adams [22:10]: "A lot of people who have Obamacare are going to find that a lot of the insurance they have for health will go up 15, 20% this coming year."

He discusses the implications of these increases, suggesting potential electoral consequences in upcoming midterms, although he expresses skepticism about the immediate impact on voter behavior.

4. Political Dynamics and Protests

a. Planned National Protests "Good Trouble"

Adams analyzes the failed attempt to organize nationwide protests dubbed "Good Trouble," intended to mobilize support against former President Trump.

Scott Adams [14:35]: "I thought it started, but then I didn't say news, so I thought, well, it must be the next day. And then the next day came and there was no news about it."

He speculates on the reasons behind the protests' fizzled execution, considering factors like defunding of NGOs by the Trump administration and strategic calculations by Democrats to avoid unrest that could backfire politically.

b. Reduction in Federal Workers

Highlighting administrative actions, Adams cites Bloomberg's report on the Trump administration's elimination of 22,000 federal positions in the Washington, D.C. area.

Scott Adams [26:50]: "No, it's way better than adding people. I think Biden added people a lot of them. So good job on getting rid of excess people."

He emphasizes the lack of context in such reports, questioning the total number of federal employees to assess the scale of these reductions and their broader impact on government operations.

5. Migration Trends

Exodus from California to Washington State

Adams discusses the trend of Californians relocating to states like Washington, citing PJ Media's report that 140 people leave California every day for Washington.

Scott Adams [18:45]: "I laugh now, but someday, you know, could happen to me. You never know."

He explores the motivations behind this migration, including high state income taxes, elevated living costs, and government inefficiencies, while also acknowledging the potential mental health challenges migrants might face in their new environments.

6. Technology in Defense and Security

a. Microsoft and Department of Defense Data Access by Chinese Nationals

Adams raises concerns about security breaches involving Microsoft contractors in the Department of Defense.

Scott Adams [28:40]: "It's unbelievable that Microsoft had delegated sensitive access to the Department of Defense computers for Chinese nationals who are forced to tell the government whatever the government wants them to tell them."

He questions the extent and sensitivity of the compromised systems, highlighting the ambiguity surrounding the severity of the breach and its implications for national security.

b. Thingiverse Ban on 3D Printed Guns

Addressing the intersection of technology and regulation, Adams references the Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's influence on Thingiverse's decision to stop hosting 3D-printed gun designs.

Scott Adams [25:50]: "It's just like what's going to happen with AI that I predicted a while ago."

He draws parallels between this move and potential future regulations on AI, suggesting that industries will continue to impose restrictions to prevent misuse of technology.

7. International Affairs

a. Israel's Evacuation Orders in Gaza

Adams examines the ongoing conflict in Gaza, detailing Israel's orders for the evacuation of central Gaza to facilitate military operations against Hamas.

Scott Adams [35:10]: "Every time I see any photograph of Gaza, it is of completely destroyed buildings. I was surprised anybody is still living there."

He critiques the notion of "voluntary" relocation, arguing that the dire circumstances effectively coerce residents into leaving, thereby raising ethical concerns about the humanitarian impact.

b. Ukrainian Conflict and Drones

Focusing on the war in Ukraine, Adams highlights advancements in military technology, including machine gun robots deployed to combat Russian forces.

Scott Adams [40:25]: "I remind you that my prediction, I don't know if anybody else is making it, is that there's nothing that's going to stop that war anytime soon."

He references BBC’s Paul Adams reporting on how Ukraine is "gamifying" the conflict, incentivizing drone operators to engage more aggressively, which he finds both innovative and morally questionable.

c. China's Stance on Fentanyl Trafficking

Adams discusses China's announcement, reported by The Epoch Times, about sentencing fentanyl traffickers to death, a move he attributes to discussions with Trump.

Scott Adams [46:50]: "I am going to predict that that's not going to happen."

He expresses skepticism about the efficacy and sincerity of China's commitment to reducing fentanyl precursor traffic, anticipating that enforcement will not significantly curb the opioid crisis.

8. AI and Its Future

Adams delves deeper into the transformative potential of AI, arguing that artificial intelligence will revolutionize various sectors by overcoming misinformation and enhancing decision-making.

Scott Adams [25:15]: "AI will help humans get past all their fake news and false beliefs because it'll be a super intelligence in practice."

However, he warns of the risks associated with AI companies potentially distorting AI outputs to serve specific industry interests, thereby hindering the technology's ability to convey objective truths.

9. Miscellaneous

a. Jamie Harrison's Podcast and Hunter Biden

Adams critiques Jamie Harrison, former chair of the DNC, for launching a new podcast aimed at presenting the Democratic side authentically. He references Hunter Biden's statements denying any influence over White House decisions.

Scott Adams [29:30]: "Hunter wants you to know that he never had anything to do with any decisions in the White House."

He remains skeptical about the credibility of these claims but acknowledges the complexity surrounding Hunter Biden's role.

b. Elon Musk and SpaceX Contracts

Touching on defense contracts, Adams mentions allegations that the Trump administration attempted to cancel certain SpaceX agreements due to public disagreements with Elon Musk.

Scott Adams [34:10]: "When NASA was asked, all right, are there any SpaceX contracts we can cancel? They learned that everything SpaceX does is sort of vital to our entire space program."

He questions the validity of these cancellation attempts, suggesting they might have been strategic maneuvers rather than genuine efforts to sever ties.

c. Personal Note on Beard

In a light-hearted conclusion, Adams shares his personal dilemma regarding whether to maintain or shave his beard, seeking listener opinions and reflecting on self-image.

Scott Adams [65:50]: "Should I grow it out? To me, it doesn't look good, and it sort of disappears on my face."

He reveals that his beard was initially grown during a battle with shingles and contemplates the aesthetic and practical aspects of facial hair.

Notable Quotes

• Scott Adams [05:15]: "Covid Carl judges all of your opinions by what your opinion was during the pandemic. And if they don't like your opinion during the pandemic, well, they're not going to like any other opinion you ever have."

• Scott Adams [07:30]: "Did you ever believe that you would be alive at a time when big rig trucks would be driving without a driver on the same road as you?"

• Scott Adams [25:15]: "AI will help humans get past all their fake news and false beliefs because it'll be a super intelligence in practice."

• Scott Adams [35:10]: "Every time I see any photograph of Gaza, it is of completely destroyed buildings. I was surprised anybody is still living there."

• Scott Adams [40:25]: "I remind you that my prediction, I don't know if anybody else is making it, is that there's nothing that's going to stop that war anytime soon."

Conclusion

Episode 2903 of "Real Coffee with Scott Adams" offers a multifaceted exploration of contemporary issues, from technological advancements and political maneuvers to international conflicts and personal reflections. Adams effectively intertwines data-driven insights with personal anecdotes, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the current landscape through his unique persuasive framework.