Topic: Geek

The hosts sign off, directing listeners to their website and reminding them of the next live broadcast on Thursday. They mention the "Rock and Roll Geek Show" following their stream. The episode concludes with a musical montage featuring various show memes, including references to Puerto Rico, George Washington University, and political donations.

John C. Dvorak issues a "retracted tip" regarding AliExpress, warning listeners that the site sells fraudulent high-capacity USB drives. He recommends a software tool called "Check Flash," written by a Ukrainian developer, to verify the actual storage capacity of new flash drives. The segment advises users to test all new storage media for "phony baloney" headers and potential malware before use.

A long note from a listener in Tasmania prompts a discussion on the legendary reliability of 2003 Lexus vehicles, specifically the longevity of their light bulbs. The segment also reminisces about the "Cranky Geeks" show and host John C. Dvorak's habit of throwing index cards and CDs at the camera during his time at CNET Central.

Dame Zelda of the Turtle Realm in Muskegon, Michigan, sponsored the knighthood of her husband, Drew Soar, who will now be known as "Sir Grumpy Old Boomer." Drew has been a long-time listener of the hosts' previous projects, including "Cranky Geeks." The couple's donation was celebrated with a formal welcome to the No Agenda Round Table.

The hosts promote No Agenda Social as a federated network free of algorithms and discuss the "Schoolology" artwork by Aero Shamrock. A critique of artist Darren O'Neill's "cheesecake" style leads to a discussion on 1950s advertising aesthetics and the "retro" nature of the show's community.

Paul Gabrielson, a long-time listener since the "Cranky Geeks" era, was knighted as Sir Slovelo of the Central Coast. He requested jobs karma for his wife, who recently started a new position after being laid off due to COVID-19.

The hosts concluded the show by reading the names of producers who contributed to the episode's funding. They emphasized the importance of the "Value for Value" model in maintaining independent media and thanked long-time listeners for their continued support.

The hosts discuss the trend of female celebrities and tech personalities claiming to be "geeks." They propose a rule that no one can call themselves a "geek girl" unless they have a ham radio license. They specifically name Molly Wood, Veronica Belmont, and Natalie Del Conte as candidates for this requirement.

A 2010 clip from the program Cranky Geeks features a discussion on how social networks act as a disease vector in a population with no immunity. The hosts compare the addictive nature of Facebook and Twitter notifications to the dopamine hits of early email systems. They argue that these platforms have caused a societal dislocation by prioritizing interaction over calculation.

A discussion on the evolution of journalistic corrections in the digital age, contrasting the traditional print model with real-time internet reporting. While some argue for "slipstream" changes to articles, major outlets like the Washington Post continue to append lengthy lists of corrections to the end of digital posts.

The hosts detail their re-connection at Meveo through Ron Blum, which led to the creation of the Tech 5 news show and eventually No Agenda. They credit the name "No Agenda" to a casual realization that they had no specific goals for the program other than honest conversation. Curry expresses his belief that a natural, unscripted conversation between two well-traveled individuals is inherently interesting to an audience.

The hosts conduct their bi-weekly donation segment, thanking executive and associate executive producers for supporting the "value for value" model. They credit Ponol Geek for the episode's artwork and read letters from donors including Sir K-Town, Jan LeClerc, and John F. Bell. A provisional barony of Antarctica is granted to Sir Trevor Baxter, and the hosts remind listeners to check their recurring subscriptions.

John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry explain their strict "no guests" policy, citing the logistical nightmare of booking and the lack of authenticity in pre-interviewed segments. They describe how mainstream outlets like CNBC and CNN use bookers to script controversy by assigning guests specific "sides" to take. Dvorak recounts his experience on a radio book tour and his preference for the "freeform" style of Larry King.

The tech segment covers problems with wearable devices lighting up in movie theaters and the utility of gaffer tape for fixing various issues. Adam Curry describes his experience using "Geekatoo," a service that successfully used SEO to intercept customers searching for Geek Squad. He notes the service was significantly cheaper and more efficient for mounting a television in his new home.

Adam Curry promotes the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) as "Twitter for ham radio." He encourages listeners to obtain their FCC licenses, dispelling the myth that the tests are difficult and challenging "geek girls" in the media to prove their credentials by becoming licensed amateur radio operators.

The hosts perform birthday shout-outs for several listeners and Adam Curry plays a mock audition for a Geek Squad commercial. A final list of new knights is read, and the "Value for Value" model is reinforced. The segment concludes the donation portion of the show before moving to the final news items.

Listeners from Pittsburgh, Colorado Springs, and Rotterdam send in donations and requests for "Job Karma." One donor mentions Adam and John's chemistry dating back to the "Cranky Geeks" podcast. Another listener, Jeffrey Yerke, discusses his work remastering old Red Fox comedy albums.

Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central donated to the show, prompting a discussion about the difficulties of dealing with mid-20s media buyers who control large advertising budgets. The hosts share anecdotes about the "douchebaggery" of the advertising industry, including lavish parties on corporate yachts used to court young ad planners.

Adam Curry recounts a phone call from a CNN producer seeking an interview about "nerd culture" at MTV. Curry expresses frustration with the producer's lack of research and the "idiotic" question regarding the difference between a nerd and a geek. He notes that No Agenda's monthly audience likely exceeds that of CNN's Piers Morgan.

John C. Dvorak announces the end of his show "Cranky Geeks," explaining that the half-hour format is no longer viable for traditional ad agencies. He criticizes agencies for only wanting to buy 15-second pre-roll ads and lacking the metrics to value longer-form content. The hosts contrast this failure with the success of the No Agenda value-for-value model.