Topic: Audiobooks

John C. Dvorak provides a "Tip of the Day" based on his time in the hospital listening to audiobooks. He recommends the biography "Elizabeth II: Life of a Monarch," noting the fascinating details about the royal family's private lives and their obsession with the press. The tip highlights the historical context of the British monarchy's living conditions at Buckingham Palace.

The claim that "video killed the radio star" is debated in the context of modern podcasting, with some arguing that audio-only formats like Rush Limbaugh's were more effective for long-form talk. While YouTube markets video as providing more context and feel, many listeners still consume content with their screens off. The push for video is seen as a specific marketing gambit by Google to dominate the medium.

A "tip of the day" suggests that public libraries are over-purchasing digital copies of audiobooks by political figures like Stacey Abrams and Michelle Obama. The contributor notes that while classical literature has few copies, these political titles have hundreds of digital licenses that remain largely unchecked. The hosts characterize this as a scam to funnel public funds to specific authors.

Spotify has reportedly found a legal loophole by bundling audiobooks with its music streaming service. By reclassifying itself as a "bundle" provider, the company is able to pay music artists 25% less in royalties. This strategic move has led to a bump in Spotify's stock price as its content acquisition costs decrease at the expense of creators.

Audiobook narrators are protesting new contract language from Findaway Voices, a Spotify-owned company, which allows Apple to use narrator voices for machine learning training. While some suggest narrators could use AI to speed up their own production, others argue for new laws to protect the copyright of a person's distinctive voice. The industry is currently divided on the ethics of "opt-out" clauses for AI training.

A producer announces a project to provide a free audio version of the Mueller Report at MuellerReportAudio.com to counter the Washington Post's $25 pre-order version. The project aims to apply the value-for-value model to government documents, ensuring the report is accessible without a paywall.

The hosts discuss the phenomenon of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) in relation to high-fidelity recordings of Omarosa Manigault Newman's voice. They explore how certain audio qualities produce a tingling sensation for listeners and joke about starting an ASMR-themed business.

The Grammys featured a pre-taped segment where celebrities like Cardi B, Snoop Dogg, and Hillary Clinton "auditioned" to read Michael Wolff’s book, Fire and Fury. The hosts describe the skit as a "tune-out factor" that alienated viewers by focusing on Trump-related gossip, such as his alleged fear of being poisoned and his preference for McDonald's.

Sir Chad Biderman, the "Baron of Guam," sends a professional letterhead note thanking the show for introducing him to the "Congressional Dish" podcast and the "No Agenda Book Club." He mentions reading "Amusing Ourselves to Death" and "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" as a result of show recommendations. Adam Curry also mentions considering adding Lance Armstrong's podcast to the No Agenda stream.

Adam Curry plays clips of Barack Obama reading his own audiobooks, specifically sections where he quotes colorful characters using profanity. This leads to a discussion about actor Christian Bale's leaked verbal outburst on the set of Terminator Salvation. The hosts critique Hollywood "asshole culture" and the tendency of the public to defend celebrity behavior.

The book "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" by John Perkins is reviewed following a recommendation. The narrative details the exploitation of developing nations through debt and infrastructure projects managed by international corporations. The content has prompted further investigation into independent journalists uncovering global financial manipulation.