Topic: Madness

A federal bill is moving toward legalizing industrial hemp for the first time in 80 years as part of the 2018 Farm Bill. The hosts discuss the economic potential of the CBD market and the historical reasons for hemp's prohibition. Dvorak attributes the original ban to William Randolph Hearst's desire to protect his timber investments from hemp-based paper competition.

The "Value for Value" funding model is explained, encouraging listeners to return time, talent, or treasure to the show. A discussion on podcast artwork leads to a story about licensing the Alfred E. Neuman character from Mad Magazine for a 1980s Macintosh guide. The hosts recall that Mad Magazine was surprisingly willing to grant the license for free, provided they were asked, as few people bothered to seek formal permission.

The show conducts its formal donation segment, thanking executive and associate executive producers for their financial support. A knighting ceremony is held for Sir John of the Discount Dairy Section and Dame Mad Dog Goodwin. The hosts also distribute "karma" for various listener requests, including job searches, birthdays, and health recoveries.

Medical contributors on the Today Show reported a rise in vasectomies, particularly during March Madness when men use the recovery time to watch basketball. The procedure is marketed as a simple 10-minute office visit with minimal recovery compared to female tubal ligation. The segment critiques the gendered marketing and the lack of "inclusive" language in mainstream medical reporting.

A real radio advertisement from Urology Austin promotes "March Vast Madness," encouraging men to get vasectomies during the college basketball tournament so they can recover while watching sports. The hosts initially suspected the ad was a hoax but confirmed its legitimacy. The marketing tactic is cited as an example of the unique and sometimes bizarre nature of American commercial culture.

Urologists are increasingly marketing vasectomies to coincide with the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament, using the slogan "Vass Madness." The campaign encourages men to schedule the procedure so they can recover on the couch while watching the games guilt-free. This niche marketing strategy has reportedly been successful in driving appointments during the two-week tournament period.

A discussion with Mad Magazine writer Dick DiBartolo, the original writer for "Match Game" in the 1970s, reveals that producers of the Alec Baldwin reboot never consulted him for expertise. The anecdote serves as a metaphor for how modern media often ignores established experts in favor of celebrity-driven revivals. The failure of the Baldwin version is attributed to a lack of understanding of the show's original comedic structure.

The Australian satirical program "Mad as Hell" aired a sketch mocking conspiracy theories related to 5G, Bill Gates, and the Illuminati. The segment featured a hardware store selling "false flags" and "mind-controlling 5G rays" to poke fun at anti-lockdown protesters. The satire reflects a broader media effort to dismiss legitimate concerns about government overreach by labeling them as "nutcase" theories.

The hosts acknowledged the "shortest donation segment in a year," thanking the small group of producers who supported the episode. Gifts from the community were discussed, including a 3D-printed knight stand, classic Mad Magazines from the Netherlands, and a plaque featuring a quote from former CIA Director John Brennan. The segment emphasized the personal connection between the hosts and their "producer" audience.

Mad Magazine announced it will cease publication after 67 years. The satirical publication, famous for its mascot Alfred E. Neuman and the "fold-in" back cover, influenced generations of readers but saw a significant decline in circulation in the digital age.

The hosts credit NickTheRat for the Mother's Day artwork and discuss a high-quality Photoshop by Joshua Pettigrew. The image depicts Pete Buttigieg as Alfred E. Neuman from Mad Magazine. They praise the technical skill involved in the manipulation and note its use in the show's newsletter.

The hosts read through a list of donors contributing $50 or more, including a first-time donor celebrating his brother's 33rd birthday. A physical donation of a 1966 Mad Magazine and a patch from Gnawbone, Indiana are also acknowledged.

A local Austin restaurant, Mad Greens, reported a severe labor shortage despite offering competitive wages, reflecting a broader trend in the city. Meanwhile, Austin continues to rank as a top "quirky" destination for retirees. The segment also briefly mentions the University of Texas Longhorns' football performance and the mascot Bevo.

Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich argued that trade is a "positive sum game" and should be treated as a fundamental "science" rather than a matter of opinion. He criticized Republicans for failing to stand up to President Trump's trade policies, comparing the situation to a "mad king" whose ministers refuse to intervene. Reich called for Congress to take back trade authority from the executive branch.

Sheila Nevins, President of HBO Documentary Films, admitted in an interview that she was "complicit" in the sexual culture of the 1960s to advance her career. Nevins, a multi-Emmy winner, reflected on her time at the Children's Television Workshop and ABC. The discussion links her experiences to the "Mad Men" era of workplace misogyny.

The hosts discuss the upcoming NCAA basketball championship game between Gonzaga and North Carolina. The show concludes with a montage of clips featuring Adam Schiff, climate change skepticism, and the final sign-off for episode 917.

The hosts conclude the episode with a brief discussion of the NCAA March Madness tournament and the upcoming Final Four games. They mention the Golden State Warriors' schedule before signing off from Austin and Silicon Valley. The episode ends with a montage of show ISOs, jingles, and the signature "Adios, mofos!" catchphrase.

The hosts conduct the first production value segment, thanking executive producers and associate executive producers for Episode 911. They perform a knighting ceremony for Sir Tyler Oglesby and Sir Simon of Jefferson, discuss a magnetic knife strip product from a donor, and address technical credits for the No Agenda search site.

Treasury Secretary nominee Steven Mnuchin is revealed to be a prolific Hollywood executive producer with credits on films like "The Accountant," "Sully," and "Mad Max: Fury Road." The film "The Accountant," starring Ben Affleck, is noted for its heavy focus on autism, leading to speculation about Mnuchin's personal interest in the subject. Mnuchin's background as a Goldman Sachs executive and his transition into film financing are highlighted.

General James "Mad Dog" Mattis is discussed following his appointment as Secretary of Defense. The hosts analyze his reputation for bluntness, his "linear" thinking style attributed to being a voracious reader, and past controversies involving a rescue mission in Afghanistan. Concerns are raised about his potential friction with Trump's stance on Vladimir Putin and his 44-year tenure in the Marine Corps.