74 chapters across the catalog
The hosts observe a trend of traditional television shows adopting the visual style of podcasts by placing large microphones and headphones in front of hosts. They criticize the technical choices, noting that many shows use the "wrong" microphones for the aesthetic they are trying to achieve.
Exploding Microphones and the Pager Detonation Theory
Following the mass detonation of pagers in Lebanon, conspiracy theorists have proposed that Charlie Kirk was killed by an explosive hidden in his DJI lapel microphone. Video analysis from the "Redacted" podcast claims to show a puff of smoke and a "cavitation event" near Kirk's shirt. However, alternative theories suggest the "North Sea Nexus" and British intelligence may be using these claims to deflect blame onto Israel.
The White House has launched an official TikTok account despite a looming September 17th deadline for ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations. While the app faces a potential ban over national security and data privacy concerns, it remains a primary tool for political campaigning. Separately, the rise of video podcasting has popularized the use of Rode wireless microphones, often seen with "dead cat" wind covers.
The hosts review the artwork for Episode 1778, titled "Three Holes One Bag," created by artist Nessworks. They discuss the merits of AI-generated art versus traditional styles, noting a piece that resembled Archie comics. The segment transitions into a self-deprecating look at long-promised but undelivered products, including a microphone company and specialized underwear.
Itinerant Fundraiser, NPR Podcast Guide, Time Talent Treasure
A book titled "Confessions of an Itinerant Fundraiser" and an NPR startup guide to podcasts are discussed as contrasting models of media funding. The hosts emphasize their reliance on "Time, Talent, and Treasure" from their audience, noting that many listeners are disgruntled government employees, military personnel, and specialized professionals who provide "boots on the ground" intelligence.
Debate Production Disparities, Open Microphones, Visual Framing
Observations of the ABC News debate broadcast suggest technical disparities in how the candidates were presented. Kamala Harris's microphone appeared to remain active during Donald Trump's speaking turns, allowing her interjections to be heard despite "muted" rules. Furthermore, the visual framing of the two-shot allegedly featured a smaller screen box for Trump compared to Harris, potentially influencing viewer perception.
Cox Media Group, Active Listening Technology, Targeted Advertising
A leaked pitch deck from Cox Media Group (CMG) confirms the existence of "Active Listening" technology used to target advertisements based on ambient conversations. The technology utilizes smartphone microphones to capture voice data about consumer plans, such as home remodeling or vehicle purchases. While often dismissed as a conspiracy theory, the deck advocates for the power of voice data in modern marketing.
Neumann U-47 Microphone Replica, Curry-Dvorak Audio Products
The hosts discuss a high-quality replica of the Neumann U-47 tube microphone, a legendary piece of studio equipment. The conversation touches on the difficulties of finding a reliable OEM partner for a potential "Curry-Dvorak" branded microphone line. They also joke about the "union contracts" at NPR and other legacy media outlets.
No Agenda Microphone Project, Amazon Influencer Rules
The hosts discuss the development of a custom No Agenda microphone and the ethics of modern product promotion. They highlight the Amazon Influencer Program and TikTok Shop, suggesting that many creators are violating FTC disclosure rules by failing to clearly state when they are receiving commissions for product recommendations.
Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 1688 of the No Agenda Show from Texas and Northern Silicon Valley. Curry demonstrates the Curry One Beta microphone, comparing its compact size and punchy sound quality to the Electro-Voice EV320. The hosts joke about their 16-year exit strategy and the potential of the Curry-Dvorak microphone company.
CNN demonstrated the technical setup for the upcoming presidential debate, featuring green lights to indicate active microphones and a muting system to prevent interruptions. The hosts discuss the strict rules agreed upon by both the Biden and Trump campaigns, including the absence of a live audience.
Presidential Debate Rules, Microphone Muting and RFK Jr.
The upcoming presidential debates on CNN will feature new rules, including the ability for moderators to mute microphones if a candidate exceeds their time. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is currently struggling to meet the 15% polling threshold required to participate. The hosts criticize the muting rule as a way to protect President Biden from interruptions.
During a Democratic press event on Capitol Hill, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi experienced a significant microphone failure. The hosts play the audio of the incident, mocking the technical difficulties as Pelosi attempted to address a crowd of protesters and fellow lawmakers.
Microphone Talk, Lewitt LCT 240 Pro, Side-Talker
The hosts engage in a technical discussion about a new microphone being used on the show, the Lewitt LCT 240 Pro. They discuss the transition from a dynamic "end-talker" to a condenser "side-talker" and the benefits of eliminating electrical interference from household dimmers.
Lewitt Microphones, Glenn Beck Museum, Radio Techniques
The technical details of Glenn Beck's studio are revisited, specifically identifying his white microphones as custom Lewitt models. The hosts discuss the history of Rush Limbaugh's gold-plated microphone and share tips for listening to AM talk radio without commercials. The segment highlights the "art of noise gating" required for high-quality remote broadcasting.
A discussion about audible clicking noises reveals the use of a Pilot Precise V7 RT rolling ball pen during the recording. The noise is jokingly compared to a new crowdfunded podcaster microphone. The pen was reportedly acquired during a financial transaction at a Z Bank location.
CNN Debate Technical Issues, Audio Engineering Failures
Technical failures plagued the CNN debate broadcast, including Jake Tapper mistakenly referring to the Fox Theatre as "Fox Studio." Audio engineering issues arose from the use of both gooseneck and lavalier microphones, resulting in ruffling noises from Joe Biden's clothing and feedback during Kamala Harris's segments.
A professional sound mixer explains the history of the presidential microphone setup, traditionally consisting of two Shure SM57s. Donald Trump reportedly requested a single mic closer to his mouth, leading the Navy to create a unique, "hog-calling" style rig using an upside-down SM57 on a gooseneck.
Andrew Yang Microphone Controversy and Debate Presence
Andrew Yang claimed his microphone was muted during the Democratic debate, a charge the hosts dispute by explaining standard audio engineering practices. They suggest Yang's lack of vocal "presence" caused the engineers to keep his levels low compared to more aggressive candidates like Kirsten Gillibrand.
Google admitted that its Nest Secure home security system contained a built-in microphone that was not disclosed in the product's technical specifications. The company claimed the omission was an error and the microphone was intended for future features. This revelation adds to growing privacy concerns regarding "cross-device tracking" and the use of high-frequency tones to monitor user behavior across phones and computers.
