14 chapters across the catalog
A producer provides insight into the use of chlormequat, a chemical recently detected in General Mills and Quaker Oats products. Farmers use the substance as a growth inhibitor to strengthen plant stems and prevent cereal crops from "lodging" or falling over under the weight of heavy seed heads. The practice is intended to maximize yield and ease harvesting despite potential health concerns for consumers.
Chlormaquat Pesticide, EPA Import Regulations and Health Concerns
A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) detected the pesticide chlormaquat in 90% of tested oat-based foods, including Quaker Oats and Cheerios. While the EPA restricts the chemical to ornamental plants domestically, it allows the importation of food crops treated with it from other countries. Animal studies suggest the chemical may disrupt reproductive systems and fetal growth, leading to calls for stricter government testing and regulation.
Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the broadcast from Texas and Northern California, debating the nutritional value and taste of unsweetened oat milk. They observe high levels of activity in the "troll room," noting that listeners are increasingly agitated by global events. The hosts address community feedback regarding show mixes and the prevalence of meme culture among their audience.
ISOs and Outro, Jeff Smith End of Show Mix
The show concludes with a series of "In Search Of" (ISO) sound clips and a final news item about an NBC podcast targeting a North Texas school district. The hosts sign off from Episode 1400, looking forward to Episode 1401. A classic end-of-show mix by Sir Jeff Smith plays the program out.
Aunt Jemima, Lillian Richard, Historical Erasure
The family of Lillian Richard, one of the women who portrayed Aunt Jemima for decades, expressed dismay over Quaker Oats' decision to retire the brand. Richard was considered a local hero in Hawkins, Texas, and her family argues that removing the image erases her professional legacy. The segment also notes the irony of a Lenin statue being erected in Germany while American historical figures are being removed.
Quaker Oats, a subsidiary of Pepsi, announced the retirement of the 130-year-old Aunt Jemima brand, citing its origins in racial stereotypes and the antebellum plantation era. The decision follows a New York Times article by Dr. Riche Richardson calling for the removal of the image. Other brands including Uncle Ben's rice and Haribo's blackface-shaped licorice are also facing similar pressure to remove racially insensitive iconography.
The hosts share a listener joke about being so poor they only listened to "Oats" instead of Hall and Oates. They also play a clip of a caller on a mainstream news show referring to Steve Bannon as "Steve Banyan," a mispronunciation previously popularized on No Agenda. Dvorak celebrates this as further evidence of the show's influence on the broader media landscape.
The hosts explore the theory of "reverse speech," which posits that the unconscious mind speaks backwards simultaneously with forward speech. They play several examples from the 2016 conventions, including clips where Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders supposedly reference "Satan" when their speeches are played in reverse. The hosts ultimately remain skeptical of the findings.
The hosts discuss the Amazon Prime series "Humans," which explores the societal impact of synthetic robots or "synths." The episode concludes with a critique of President Obama's rhetoric on climate change and a brief mention of a recent Hall & Oates concert in Austin. The show signs off with a final thank you to the producers and a reminder of the upcoming Sunday broadcast.
Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz is criticized for his distinctive, old-fashioned hairstyle, which the hosts compare to the Quaker Oats man and George Washington. This leads to a conceptual discussion about a new male hairstyle called the "mouffant"—a combination of a mullet and a bouffant. The hosts joke about the confidence required to maintain such a look in a high-level government position.
A listener-contributed write-up of John C. Dvorak's "Perfect Oatmeal" recipe is reviewed and corrected. The recipe emphasizes using regular Quaker oats, vanilla extract, and specific simmering times, with the clarification that butter and maple syrup should be added only after the cooking process is complete.
A detailed instructional segment explains the proper way to prepare oatmeal to avoid a "pasty" texture. The technique involves boiling water with salt and vanilla before adding flat or cut oats to "seal" the flakes. This method ensures individual oat flakes remain separate rather than turning into mush, with butter and real maple syrup recommended as finishes.
Baron of Wales, Jeopardy Mentions, and Hollywood Listeners
Philip Meason is named the "Baron of Wales" following a $333.33 donation. The hosts then discuss potential "No Agenda" references on the game show Jeopardy, featuring clips of Alec Trebek saying "In the morning" during clues about Hot Pockets and Quaker Oats. They speculate on the number of Hollywood producers who listen to the show to escape propaganda.
The hosts play a high-energy commercial for Honey Bunches of Oats cereal, noting its effective rhythmic structure. The clip ends with a jarring transition into a somber advertisement for the antidepressant Pristiq, highlighting the stark contrast in television marketing.
