6 chapters across the catalog
A discussion on the "Birds Aren't Real" conspiracy theory serves as a critique of modern phone addiction and its impact on interpersonal communication. The hosts argue that delayed responses caused by "thumb typing" on smartphones are the true cause of relationship friction rather than a lack of interest in birds. The segment references the 1963 song "Surfin' Bird" by The Trashmen as a humorous retort to the social media trend.
A discussion regarding the lack of call waiting on certain phone lines leads to an anecdote about producer Dana Brunetti receiving a busy signal. The conversation shifts to the "tip of the day" suggesting people disable call waiting to avoid interruptions from "bigger names" on other lines.
Telemarketing Harassment and Phone Etiquette Frustrations
Frustrations are expressed regarding the failure of the National Do Not Call List to prevent persistent telemarketing calls, specifically mentioning "Rachel" and offers for Google search rankings. A strict personal policy is shared regarding hanging up on callers who ask "Is this Adam Curry?" without first introducing themselves. The segment highlights a perceived decline in professional phone manners among modern callers.
Listener Etiquette, Phone Call Frustrations and Tourette's
Adam Curry vents about the lack of etiquette from callers who don't identify themselves immediately. This leads to an anecdote about a man with Tourette's syndrome on a flight who was removed due to his vocal tics and erratic behavior, which the hosts attribute to extreme social anxiety.
The prospect of using illegal signal jammers in theaters to prevent phone disruptions is debated. While jammers would ensure silence, they pose a significant safety risk by preventing emergency 911 calls during medical crises, such as heart attacks.
Early Mobile Phone Technology and Social Changes
The evolution of mobile phones from "bricks" with puny batteries to modern Bluetooth-enabled devices has fundamentally changed public social behavior. Early car phones were expensive status symbols that required operator assistance, whereas today's constant "yakking" on cell phones is seen as a form of digital slavery. The segment reflects on the loss of privacy and the "Star Trek" reality of modern communication.
