Topic: Nbc Today Show

15 chapters across the catalog

Global Donut
Episode 1612 33:28 - 40:14

1612: Global Donut

Andrew Ross Sorkin's Psychoanalysis of Elon Musk

The hosts mock Andrew Ross Sorkin's post-interview analysis on the NBC Today show, where he attempts to psychoanalyze Musk's "demons" and "demonic side." They criticize Sorkin's claim that Musk was "grappling" with trust issues and dismiss the recurring media narrative regarding Musk's control over Starlink and its impact on global affairs.

Podspeeding
Episode 1535 2:16 - 3:45

1535: Podspeeding

Value for Value Model, McDonald's Native Advertising

The program's "Value for Value" funding model is explained as an alternative to corporate advertising. This leads into a critique of a segment on NBC's Today Show featuring a man on a 100-day McDonald's diet. The segment is identified as a native advertisement disguised as viral TikTok content, complete with superimposed logos and corporate slogans.

Sour Crude
Episode 1402 10:09 - 13:04

1402: Sour Crude

Today Show Analysis, Marlo Thomas, Harry Smith

An analysis of the Today Show’s Thanksgiving broadcast highlights a segment featuring a cancer survivor meeting an Olympic trap shooter. The appearance of 83-year-old Marlo Thomas is noted, with observations on her longevity and voice. Reporter Harry Smith is praised for his physical condition and vocal delivery following his move from CBS to NBC in 2015.

Pingdemic
Episode 1366 20:59 - 26:39

1366: Pingdemic

Morning Show Analysis and NBC Today Show Ratings

A review of major US morning networks reveals a decline in content quality, specifically targeting the NBC Today Show for its focus on celebrity news and Woodstock 99. The Today Show's ratings have reportedly hit a 30-year low, dropping to roughly 3 million viewers. Critics argue the network has failed to recover from the Matt Lauer scandal and remains a "toxic" and "insincere" operation.

Magnetofection
Episode 1360 5:28 - 6:27

1360: Magnetofection

NBC Today Show, Daybreaker Sunrise Parties

NBC's Today Show features a report on "Daybreaker" sunrise dance parties. The hosts mock the segment's lack of clarity and Hoda Kotb's dancing, while Adam Curry compares the event to his childhood experiences in the Unitarian Church listening to Cat Stevens.

FAQs 4 Hacks
Episode 1354

1354: FAQs 4 Hacks

NBC Today Show Advertising and CBS Space Jam Promotion

A critique of morning television news highlights the excessive advertising on NBC's Today Show compared to CBS and ABC. Observations include the prevalence of "deals" segments and Father's Day promotions for Omaha Steaks. CBS is noted for its heavy rotation of entertainment news, specifically promoting the new Space Jam movie starring LeBron James, while NBC featured the opening of the Velocicoaster in Florida.

Belching Freon
Episode 1348

1348: Belching Freon

NBC Today Show, Vaccination Vacation and European Travel

NBC's Today Show promoted the concept of a vaccination vacation, suggesting that fully vaccinated individuals will regain their freedom to travel. While the network claimed a vaccination card is required for entry into Europe, conflicting reports suggest the European Union's green passport may allow for a negative COVID test as an alternative.

Fruit Machine
Episode 986 22:42 - 26:52

986: Fruit Machine

Matt Lauer Termination and NBC Sexual Harassment Scandal

NBC News fired longtime Today Show host Matt Lauer following a detailed complaint of sexual misconduct in the workplace. The hosts analyze the public reaction, including the emotional on-air announcement by Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb. They discuss rumors of Lauer's behavior dating back to the Sochi Olympics and speculate on whether NBC management was truly unaware of his conduct.

Fruit Machine
Episode 986 31:26 - 36:01

986: Fruit Machine

Analysis of Today Show On-Air Reaction

The hosts deconstruct the emotional response of Matt Lauer's co-hosts during the announcement of his termination. They express skepticism regarding the "shock" displayed by Savannah Guthrie, arguing that in close-knit broadcasting environments, such behavior is rarely a secret. Adam Curry shares a personal anecdote about meeting Lauer in 2001, describing him as having an "icky" presence.

MADCOM
Episode 971 17:45 - 22:44

971: MADCOM

Megyn Kelly Today Show, NBC Ratings Struggle

Megyn Kelly's transition to a morning talk show format on NBC is criticized for being too serious and lacking the "happy-go-lucky" tone of competitors like Kelly Ripa. The hosts discuss her coverage of the Harvey Weinstein story and predict the show will be canceled within six months due to poor audience fit.

Psych!
Episode 732 1:34:02 - 1:35:51

732: Psych!

NBC News Revenue, Today Show Profits, Al Roker

Financial data reveals that NBC Nightly News generated $148 million in 2014, while the Today Show brought in approximately $435 million despite not being the top-rated morning program. The hosts discuss the massive profitability of network news divisions and the high salaries paid to anchors like Al Roker. They express amazement at the half-billion-dollar scale of morning television revenue.

The List
Episode 719 1:16:09 - 1:23:39

719: The List

Bill Clinton Meltdown, Foundation Funding Scrutiny

During an NBC Today Show interview in Africa, Bill Clinton defended the Clinton Foundation's acceptance of foreign donations from countries like Saudi Arabia. Clinton dismissed concerns over "perceptions" of conflict of interest and defended his high speaking fees as a means of maintaining personal independence and paying legal bills.

Happy Earth Gay
Episode 506 40:08 - 43:20

506: Happy Earth Gay

Erica Hill Career Shift, NBC Freelance Reporting

The hosts discuss the career trajectory of journalist Erica Hill, noting her move from CBS to NBC. They comment on her being seen doing "stand-up" reporting in the streets of Watertown as a freelancer. An anecdote is shared about a chaotic live shot where she was nearly hit by a car, illustrating the unscripted nature of the breaking news coverage.

Spying is Sharing
Episode 471 1:21:18 - 1:25:49

471: Spying is Sharing

Richard Engel Kidnapping, Syria Media Coverage

John C. Dvorak discusses the kidnapping and release of NBC correspondent Richard Engel in Syria. The hosts suggest the story failed to gain "traction" due to the Sandy Hook coverage and question the dramatic details of Engel's account on the Today Show.

The Reluctant Spy
Episode 201 54:33 - 58:31

201: The Reluctant Spy

Today Show Ad Saturation, Media Programming, Commercial Rundown

A detailed rundown of a 15-minute block of NBC's Today Show reveals a massive imbalance between actual content and advertisements. The list includes commercials for cruises, pharmaceuticals, movies, and coal, illustrating that the "show" has become a secondary vehicle for marketing.