Topic: Black Powder

The technical construction of the pipe bombs sent by Cesar Sayoc is questioned, as none of the devices exploded. While the FBI labeled them as "not hoax devices," the use of PVC pipe and materials like sulfur or firecracker dust suggests a low level of sophistication. The lack of actual explosions is viewed as a drain on the media drama, leading to the inclusion of sensationalized details in news reports.

Paul Rosenfeld of New York is charged with building a "200-pound bomb" (which actually contained eight pounds of black powder in a plywood box) to detonate himself on Election Day in support of "sortition" political theory. FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies that the bureau is investigating 1,000 homegrown terror threats.

Elizabeth Warren is criticized for wearing a powder blue outfit to the State of the Union while other Democratic women wore black in solidarity with the "Me Too" movement. The hosts interpret this as a "party faux pas" and a sign that she wanted to stand out for her own presidential ambitions.

Listeners in Spring, Texas, including Robert Hegedus, invite the hosts to a local meetup. Adam Curry expresses interest in attending if there is black powder shooting involved. The hosts discuss the logistics of traveling to the Houston area for a listener gathering.

The hosts analyze the legal definition of a "Weapon of Mass Destruction" under 18 USC 232A, noting that it includes devices with as little as a quarter-ounce of black powder. They argue this broad definition effectively turns common fireworks or small improvised devices into WMDs for prosecution purposes.