14 chapters across the catalog
Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson, Campaign Musical Performances
Musical legends Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson performed at recent Democratic campaign events. Springsteen's acoustic performance in Georgia was criticized for poor audio quality, while 91-year-old Willie Nelson performed in Houston as the primary musical act following Beyonce's non-performing appearance.
Riot Control Technology, The "Goo" and Acoustic Weapons
A discussion of modern riot control technology questions why advanced tools like acoustic weapons or "sticky foam" (the goo) are not being utilized by police. References are made to the 1999 WTO protests in Seattle and the various high-tech non-lethal options that have been promised but remain absent from current street deployments.
Crowd Sentiment AI, Security Monitoring Technology
BBC Click reports on new AI systems designed to monitor crowd acoustics at sporting events and political rallies to detect shifting moods. The technology aims to provide early warnings for potential violence by distinguishing between cheering, booing, and hostile chanting.
Scott Pruitt's $25,000 Secure Phone Booth (SCIF)
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt faced criticism for installing a $25,000 secure phone booth in his office. However, technical analysis suggests the unit is actually a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), and the price is significantly lower than the $100,000 average cost for such secure communication installations.
Havana Syndrome Acoustic Attacks, State Department Spokespeople
U.S. Embassy personnel in Havana, Cuba, have reportedly suffered permanent hearing loss following suspected acoustic attacks. The discussion shifts to the career trajectories of State Department spokespeople Heather Nauert and Marie Harf, who have both transitioned into roles at Fox News. The hosts critique the deteriorating quality of political analysis on cable news programs like "The Five."
Public Speaking Sound Engineering, Audio Delay Systems
Professional speech setups often utilize complex speaker arrays with calculated time delays to match the speed of sound, approximately 768 miles per hour. This engineering prevents echoes in large arenas and provides the speaker with a powerful, clear vocal presence often described as the "voice of God."
Paul Klipsch, Acoustic Weapons and Subharmonic Frequencies
The conversation turns to Paul Klipsch and his experimental work with massive horns for the US government during World War II. Heil describes a 40-foot horn designed as a potential weapon that could produce inaudible subharmonic frequencies to disorient people. He reflects on Klipsch's mentorship and the legacy of his prototypes stored in Hope, Arkansas.
Studio Environments, Moving Blankets and Chinese Microphones
Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak compare their studio setups, with Curry preferring a dark, "dingy" room deadened by heavy moving blankets. Dvorak discusses his use of a CAD 3000 microphone from China, which was recommended by a professional "modder" for its superior electronics. They emphasize the importance of "close miking" to achieve a professional radio sound.
Curry explains the technical necessity of fast-acting noise gates to eliminate ambient room noise and create a "dead" sound similar to NPR. He mentions helping Andrew Horowitz set up a similar system for the "DH Unplugged" show. Dvorak compares his preferred "abyss" visual style for TV—a black velvet background—to the set of Charlie Rose.
Discrepancies in the reported frequency of the MH370 underwater locator beacon suggest the search data may be unreliable. While official reports mention frequencies drifting to 33.3 kilohertz, technical specifications for the DK120 beacon indicate it should remain near 37.5 kilohertz even as battery power wanes. The segment also references CNN aviation analyst Richard Quest's past legal troubles in New York City while questioning the validity of the ongoing search narrative.
LRAD Sound Devices and Chicago Summit Protests
The Chicago Police Department has acquired Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) for use during upcoming summits. While police frame the devices as "communication tools" for clear messaging, the hosts highlight their history of causing permanent hearing loss when used as acoustic weapons against protesters in Pittsburgh. Democracy Now! and local Chicago news reports are compared for their differing portrayals of the technology.
The hosts discuss the relocation to Austin, Texas, and the ongoing technical challenges of setting up the Camp MoFo studio. Efforts to improve audio quality include ordering professional acoustic tiles to replace temporary solutions. The studio now features functional green screens and improved lighting for future broadcasts.
Wyclef Jean and the CIA Compromised Music Scene
Musician Wyclef Jean released a video message and an acoustic song dedicated to the protesters in Egypt. The hosts mock his delivery and suggest he is part of a "CIA compromised" system, citing his previous involvement in Haitian politics. They dismiss his celebrity activism as out of touch with the actual struggles of the Egyptian people.
G20 Pittsburgh, Acoustic Weapons, and Rainbow Children
During the G20 summit in Pittsburgh, police utilized a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) sound cannon to disperse protesters, marking a significant use of acoustic weaponry on American citizens. The summit is criticized for its messaging regarding a global economic unit. The show concludes with a lighthearted discussion about "rainbow children" and the importance of positive thinking amidst societal decay.
