Topic: Gorillas

The segment highlights an NPR reporter named Buffy Gorilla, noting the unusual nature of the name. Scott Simon introduced her during a report on current events. It is later clarified that she is a Master of Journalism candidate at the University of Melbourne, though the hosts find the name's inclusion in professional broadcasting noteworthy.

A group of great apes at the San Diego Zoo became the first animals in the United States to receive COVID-19 vaccines. The decision followed an outbreak where eight gorillas contracted the virus, leading officials to use the endangered animals to study antibody development and vaccine efficacy.

Gorillas at the San Diego Zoo tested positive for COVID-19, allegedly infected by an asymptomatic staff member. In Canada, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced severe new lockdown measures and fines for non-compliance, citing "scary" modeling data to justify the restrictions.

The hosts discuss the origins of the Steele Dossier, suggesting it was reverse-engineered specifically to justify FISA warrants rather than being the genesis of the investigation. They also recall the "Gorilla Channel" hoax, where a satirical story about Trump watching a fake gorilla television channel was widely believed by critics.

The show honors artist Bear-Ass Gorilla for the episode artwork titled "Show Lee." The hosts discuss the importance of unique artwork in podcast apps and reiterate the "value-for-value" model, which relies on listener contributions rather than traditional advertising.

The show acknowledges high-tier donors including Patrick Seymour and Peter Tangstrom. The segment touches on the recent deaths of Coco the Gorilla and Charles Krauthammer, while introducing the "Space Force" as a primary topic for the second half of the program.

Following the death of Coco the Gorilla, a former zookeeper alleges that the public image of the ape was a PR fabrication. The claims include Coco having a fetish for human nipples and a history of killing the kittens she was famously depicted as befriending.

A brief look at streaming services mentions Pluto TV's new "Gorilla Channel" on Roku. The conversation also touches on the "Pear Network," a service that provides access to various international and premium channels, though its legal status is questioned.

The release of Michael Wolff's book "Fire and Fury" has sparked controversy regarding Donald Trump's mental fitness and White House operations. A viral Twitter hoax claiming the President watches a "Gorilla Channel" for 17 hours a day is discussed as an example of what critics are willing to believe. The hosts analyze the media's reception of the book's claims, including allegations of Russian influence and internal chaos.

The killing of Harambe the gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo to protect a child who fell into the enclosure has sparked intense social media debate. Various tweets are read that frame the incident through the lens of white privilege and racial politics, with some users claiming the animal's life was devalued because of the child's race.