Topic: Indigenous Peoples

Donald Trump signed an executive order or proclamation reaffirming Columbus Day, potentially overriding Indigenous Peoples Day in some jurisdictions. Discussion follows regarding the lack of financial donations from Italy despite listeners in Rome and Padua. Analysis of PayPal country statistics suggests no recorded contributions from Italian residents.

Indigenous communities in Argentina are protesting against multinational lithium mining projects on their territories. Protesters argue that lithium extraction for electric vehicle batteries causes soil degradation and water shortages while providing no development benefits to local communities.

The hosts open the show by acknowledging Australia Day on January 26, 2023. They discuss the historical origins of the date, marking the 1788 landing of the first British ship. The conversation touches on the controversy surrounding the holiday regarding indigenous perspectives and its history as a penal colony.

A critique of modern "Friendsgiving" trends and cultural shifts regarding Thanksgiving traditions follows a clip from Grey's Anatomy regarding colonial history. The discussion covers the historical narrative of Native Americans teaching settlers to fish and farm, noting the linguistic shift toward the term "indigenous." A regional difference in the pronunciation of "Thanksgiving" is also noted.

The shift from traditional Thanksgiving to "Friendsgiving" is characterized as a globalist effort to diminish national identities. Comparisons are made to the rebranding of Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day and the controversy surrounding the Dutch tradition of Black Pete. One host shares a personal update regarding the recent passing of his father at age 80, noting the importance of family traditions.

Harrison Ford announces a $20 million funding commitment from Conservation International for climate efforts. Meanwhile, a UK justice predicts that eating meat could eventually be banned and classified as "ecocide," similar to the social shift against smoking.

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) removed the word "chief" from job titles, such as "Chief of Social Work," to avoid offending Indigenous communities. The hosts mock the decision and brainstorm alternative titles for the "C-suite," suggesting "Prime Executive Officer" as a replacement for CEO. They debate whether the term "commander-in-chief" will be targeted next.

The Los Angeles City Council voted 14-to-1 to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day, citing the genocide of Native people. This move follows a trend started in Berkeley and is criticized as being driven by "subversive" political motives. The segment also clarifies that Vladimir Putin is not a communist under Russia's current system of government.

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario approved a motion calling for the renaming of schools named after Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Critics label Macdonald the "architect of genocide" against indigenous populations. Union representatives argue that school names must reflect inclusive values to ensure students feel safe, while others question if this logic will extend to currency and highways.

Actress Shailene Woodley was arrested during a protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline on Indigenous Peoples' Day. Woodley streamed her arrest on Facebook Live to her 40,000 followers, complaining about the police presence. The hosts mock the incident as a "credit for her IMDB" and a typical celebrity activist performance.

The hosts discuss the shift from celebrating Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day, noting the holiday's status in California versus New York City. They touch upon the modern criticism of Christopher Columbus as a slaver and xenophobe. Despite the holiday, they confirm they will continue working through the weekend.

The discussion covers the environmental and social impact of quinoa consumption on indigenous South Americans. It also highlights "teff" as a new ancient grain and provides a strong endorsement for Lifeway brand Kefir as a superior probiotic compared to inconsistent products like kombucha.

Construction of a Chinese-funded canal in Nicaragua to compete with the Panama Canal has sparked protests among indigenous populations. Residents are reportedly being visited by Chinese company employees accompanied by armed police and soldiers. The hosts note the rising opposition and the use of the phrase "No Chinos" by local demonstrators.

Progressive commentator Thom Hartmann drew a controversial comparison between Christopher Columbus and ISIS, labeling the explorer the "ISIS of his day." This rhetoric is part of a broader movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. The hosts view these efforts as a "code for fellow travelers" within the progressive political sphere, aimed at vilifying Western historical figures.

Adam Curry describes an upcoming trip to Panama with his wife Mickey and producer Mark Workman. They plan to travel by sailboat to visit indigenous islands that are inaccessible by the Pan-American Highway. Dvorak expresses humorous concern about the logistics of the trip and the group dynamic on the boat.

A host returns from a vacation in Formentera, Spain, describing the island's history and the "naked walkers" tradition. The discussion covers local dining at Can Carlos and the process of cooking fish in sea salt. Technical difficulties with GPRS data speeds and solar charging during the trip are also noted.

The hosts conclude the show by discussing the upcoming Columbus Day holiday, noting its rebranding as "Indigenous Peoples Day" in places like Berkeley. They speculate on the potential for a "grid down" event during the long weekend. The episode closes with the standard sign-off from "Gitmo Nation West" and Silicon Valley.