Topic: Psas

26 chapters across the catalog

This Actually Happened!
Episode 1722 47:32 - 49:17

1722: This Actually Happened!

Bolivar Peninsula "Go Topless" Jeep Weekend, Mask PSA Contest

Thousands of people gathered at Bolivar Peninsula for "Go Topless" Jeep weekend as Texas beaches reopened, leading to over 63 arrests. Law enforcement admitted that enforcing social distancing was impossible given the size of the crowds. Meanwhile, a public service announcement contest for mask-wearing received over 600 submissions, with winners being selected by a public vote.

Algo Juice
Episode 1650 36:55 - 39:21

1650: Algo Juice

Prostate Cancer Screening and PSA Test Skepticism

A 15-year trial suggests that routine prostate cancer screening may cause more harm than good due to false positives and subsequent invasive treatments. References are made to public figures like Warren Buffett who have expressed skepticism toward such screenings. The discussion links the cultural reliance on the PSA test to the widespread adoption of COVID-19 testing protocols.

Carbon Bomb
Episode 1516 22:29 - 25:10

1516: Carbon Bomb

History of PSA Airlines and American Eagle Acquisition

Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) is remembered as the California-based carrier that inspired the Southwest Airlines business model. Known for its "smile" livery and flight attendant uniforms, PSA was eventually acquired by American Airlines and integrated into American Eagle. The transition resulted in the removal of the iconic smile branding and a shift toward regional jet operations.

Flub Meister
Episode 1404 1:06:34 - 1:07:17

1404: Flub Meister

Michigan Health, Pediatric Vaccination PSA

A public service announcement from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services features children expressing their desire to get vaccinated. The ad is criticized for using children to promote a narrative that they "love" being vaccinated to stay safe.

Yer Boy Amy
Episode 1378 50:09 - 53:33

1378: Yer Boy Amy

NBA Star Andrew Bogut, Refusal of Paid COVID PSAs

Former NBA player Andrew Bogut reveals he was offered money to film public service announcements encouraging citizens to stay home during the pandemic. Bogut refused the offer, citing the hypocrisy of a wealthy athlete telling "plebs" to isolate while he remained financially secure. The story highlights the use of paid influencers to promote government health mandates.

Boba Liberals
Episode 1329 43:46 - 46:47

1329: Boba Liberals

Presidential PSA, Obama, Bush, and Clinton Promote Vaccines

Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton appear in a public service announcement urging Americans to get vaccinated to end the pandemic. Notably, Donald Trump was not included in the campaign. The former leaders discuss their personal motivations for vaccination, such as visiting family and attending sporting events.

Agitprop
Episode 1252 1:03:04 - 1:05:03

1252: Agitprop

Hollywood Racism PSA Parodies and Cultural Differences

Recent Hollywood public service announcements regarding racism have been widely parodied and criticized for being out of touch, a sentiment echoed by podcaster Joe Rogan. The discussion also touched on the distinction between Chinese nationals and local Chinese-American populations, noting significant cultural differences in public manners and personal space.

Mask Up!
Episode 1245 38:23 - 42:56

1245: Mask Up!

New York Mask PSA Contest and Fashion Trends

Governor Andrew Cuomo launched a user-generated PSA contest to promote mask-wearing in New York, receiving over 600 submissions. The segment notes the evolution of masks into fashion accessories, including high-fashion models from brands like Gucci and knitted versions worn by celebrities like Alyssa Milano. Some mask designs are criticized for prioritizing style over actual filtration effectiveness.

Coronafest
Episode 1235 56:43 - 58:30

1235: Coronafest

Oregon Health Authority, Fear-Based PSA Messaging

The Oregon Health Authority released a fear-based public service announcement warning that 1.4% of Oregonians could die if residents do not stay home. The PSA uses personalized language, suggesting that individuals could "accidentally kill" their neighbors, teachers, or family members. The hosts characterize this messaging as pathetic and damaging to public mental health.

Boozing and Beefing
Episode 1227 1:23:07 - 1:26:27

1227: Boozing and Beefing

Melania Trump, Coronavirus Public Service Announcement

First Lady Melania Trump released a video message urging Americans to follow CDC guidelines and stay connected through technology during the pandemic. The production was criticized for poor audio quality and an echoing environment, which some felt detracted from the comforting nature of the message.

Dolleridoos
Episode 975 3:23:13 - 3:25:12

975: Dolleridoos

Tom Steyer Impeachment PSA

Billionaire Tom Steyer launches a $10 million ad campaign calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. The PSA cites concerns over nuclear war, obstruction of justice, and constitutional violations. The hosts critique the urgency of the ad and suggest Steyer's money would be better spent on direct charitable causes like homelessness.

Factivist
Episode 890 49:24 - 51:06

890: Factivist

National Association of Broadcasters 2013 PSA on Trust

A 2013 public service announcement from the National Association of Broadcasters is replayed to highlight the industry's self-promotion as the "most trusted source" for news. The hosts find the messaging ironic in the current climate of "fake news" accusations and declining trust in traditional media institutions.

Postcard From Paris
Episode 823 1:59:35 - 2:04:30

823: Postcard From Paris

Jimmy Kimmel Climate PSA, Anthropogenic Global Warming, Child Profanity

Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show aired a segment featuring climate scientists asserting that anthropogenic global warming is a certainty and "not a prank." The segment, which directed viewers to globalchange.gov, was criticized for using a child using profanity to emphasize the message. Analysts describe the piece as a high-production "native ad" or psychological operation funded by climate initiatives.

Moral Debt
Episode 722 1:37:13 - 1:38:42

722: Moral Debt

Amateur Radio Public Service Announcement Recording

A host shares a self-recorded public service announcement for the Ski Country Amateur Radio Club's upcoming "Field Day" on June 27th. The spot encourages the community to visit Missouri Heights to learn about alternative power and emergency communications. The segment serves as a demonstration of professional voiceover work compared to the previously discussed commercial.

Tech Surge
Episode 559 57:02 - 59:49

559: Tech Surge

Freddy the Firewall Cybersecurity Mascot

Congressman Mike Rogers suggests that 80 percent of cyber threats can be handled through private sector education, leading to a parody of a potential PSA mascot named "Freddy the Firewall." The hosts mock the idea of using a mascot to teach children and iPad users about network security and protecting against foreign hackers.

Chubby Hitler
Episode 517 45:27 - 48:13

517: Chubby Hitler

National Association of Broadcasters PSA, Trust in Media and Ham Radio

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) released a public service announcement claiming that broadcast television and radio remain the most trusted sources for news and entertainment. This claim is disputed by the hosts, who argue that the industry is in a state of panic due to declining ratings and loss of public trust. They suggest that in actual emergencies, citizens rely on ham radio operators rather than corporate broadcasters.

Episode 516 1:55:22 - 1:59:03

516: 9/11 Generation

Ad Council PSAs, Discover the Forest

The hosts critique a series of Ad Council public service announcements, including "Discover the Forest" and a campaign encouraging children to use smaller plates to prevent obesity. They characterize these ads as a waste of public money and a form of "1930s-style" social engineering. The "small plate" campaign is mocked as a directive for "slaves" to limit their consumption.

Raining Scuds
Episode 497 2:28:01 - 2:31:55

497: Raining Scuds

Public Service Announcements, Surfer Dude Voice

A discussion on the structure and timing of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) leads to a reading of a National Institute of Health script regarding underage drinking. The host utilizes a "surfer dude" voice to perform the script, suggesting that such character voices could be used for future No Agenda promotional spots or professional voiceover work.

Middle Class Infanteers
Episode 476 2:00:08 - 2:03:56

476: Middle Class Infanteers

Navy Bath Salt PSA, Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act

The U.S. Navy released a public service announcement warning sailors about the dangers of "bath salts," depicting users as violent and "jacked up." Producer Chad identifies a connection between the PSA and the Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012, which placed 26 new substances into Schedule 1.