Topic: Branded Podcasts

The show concludes with a series of musical mixes, including a "Melon Mix" for Kevin McLaughlin and a "Bedbug Mix" by Jesse Coy Nelson. The hosts promote the "Random Thoughts" podcast and reiterate their "value for value" funding model. Final remarks touch on the FEMA alert test and the upcoming Sunday show before the traditional "Adios Mofos" sign-off.

The Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) is implementing "brand safety" tools that categorize podcasts based on risk factors like "misinformation" and "terrorism." The hosts argue this corporate framework justifies their "Value for Value" model, which avoids reliance on wary advertisers.

A discussion on show artwork leads to a formal "veto" regarding imagery that portrays the hosts as "two old guys shaking canes." While acknowledging their age and experience, they argue that "old fart" branding is detrimental to the show's marketing and appeal. The veto system ensures that all major decisions, including cover art, must be unanimous.

The artwork for episode 1315, titled "The Food and Drunk Administration," was created by Dutch artist Lotalien. The design spoofs feminine hygiene packaging, featuring "33 masks" and "flyaways" branding. The hosts praise the detailed execution of the package design, noting that repurposed commercial branding is a consistent favorite for show art.

John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry established new guidelines for show artwork, explicitly banning the use of host faces or images of Joe Rogan. The hosts emphasize that the art should serve as a promotional tool for the No Agenda brand rather than a tribute to other personalities. Artists are encouraged to avoid "sloppy" compositions and repetitive backgrounds to maintain a professional aesthetic for the value-for-value system.

A host's wife provides feedback after listening to 15 hours of the show, noting that it has become "snappier" but more filled with "inside baseball" jargon. The hosts discuss how their unique language and "comedic stylings" initially confuse new listeners but eventually create a strong hook once the "penny drops."

The New York Times reported on the rise of "branded podcasts," where companies like McDonald's and New Balance hire networks like Gimlet Media to produce full-length shows about their products. Critics view this as a "death knell" for independent podcasting, as networks resort to making native advertisements to meet payroll. The hosts mocked the concept by improvising a "Shellcast" interview with a generic taco shell manufacturer.

The show acknowledges artist CZM137 for the artwork of episode 1147. The hosts discuss the technical evolution of episode-specific podcast art and reveal that their archive now contains over 13,580 unique pieces of listener-submitted artwork.

The hosts discuss how listeners use their No Agenda titles on professional platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. This practice serves as a signal of participation in the Value for Value network. The show has maintained this listener-supported model for over 11 years and 1,100 episodes.

Apple's announcement of the "HomePod" speaker is criticized for its branding and lack of innovation. The hosts also discuss the industry's obsession with the term "machine learning" and express concern over potential changes to Apple's podcasting app and feed formats.

Comedian Adam Carolla announced he will produce "clean" shows twice a week to attract high-end advertisers like Cadillac. The hosts discuss this as a move toward "brand safety," which they argue inevitably leads to self-censorship of controversial topics. They contrast this with the No Agenda "Value-for-Value" model which avoids advertiser influence.

The hosts review recent submissions to the No Agenda Art Generator, criticizing a piece that used incorrect monikers for the presenters. They emphasize the importance of adhering to the show's established branding and style guide, specifically regarding the names "Crackpot" and "Buzzkill." Listeners are encouraged to submit higher-quality artwork for the upcoming 600th episode.

The hosts provide feedback to the "producers" (listeners) who submit artwork to the No Agenda Art Generator. They emphasize the need for high-contrast, readable typography and the omission of specific episode numbers to ensure the art's longevity. They also explain the transition away from using host photos in favor of conceptual art that better represents the show's themes.

The program opens with a review of new potential slogans provided by Dame Lizzie. The selected slogan, "No Agenda like a kick to the crotch," is finalized after reviewing three different takes. Brief banter regarding the show's opening tightness and upcoming topics follows.

The hosts credit Sir Jeff Smith for his high-quality production work on the show's jingles and branding. They describe how catchy audio branding can lead to mental loops where the brain repeats jingles during periods of exhaustion. The segment emphasizes the effectiveness of professional audio production in making a brand or product memorable to an audience.

The hosts provide instructions for listeners to submit questions for the upcoming special episode. They also mention Todd Cochran's plan to create a specific category for "Best Podcast in the Universe" at the Podcast Awards, noting they already own the corresponding URL.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak discuss the show's financial status, noting that donations are currently down. They encourage listeners to contribute based on the entertainment value they receive, comparing the cost to a movie ticket. The hosts emphasize that the show is "open source," allowing listeners to use their catchphrases and content without fear of trademark litigation.