9 chapters across the catalog
A historical account of the Southwick family, Quakers who were banished from their Puritan community in the 1600s, is used as a backdrop for modern legal discussions. The Southwicks fled to Shelter Island, New York, where they eventually died of exposure. This historical precedent of "civil death" is being revisited in the context of modern deportation and exile policies.
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.
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.
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 read through a list of donations and grant "Karma" to various producers. Notable donors include an 18-wheeler driver from Pennsylvania and a student from New South Wales. They acknowledge a significant drop in donations, totaling approximately $10,000, attributed to both holiday spending and the PayPal technical issues.
