Topic: Retin A

The show acknowledged several listener birthdays and health updates, including Duchess Kim's recovery from her third retinal detachment surgery. Nathan Rotier from Alberta, Canada, clarified the Dutch and French origins of his surname. The hosts provided "karma" and "biscuits" to various members of the Gitmo Nation community as part of the show's interactive tradition.

Producer and artist Darren O'Neill shares his story of recovering from multiple retinal surgeries, which required him to remain face-down for seven weeks. He announces the launch of a new podcast, "Grumpy Old Bens," with Sir Bemrose. The hosts discuss the physical ailments of the show's contributors, including hearing aids and vision issues.

A report from Science Daily claims a direct correlation between the health of blood vessels in the retina and a person's IQ and cognitive function. The hosts link this to the potential for future biometric surveillance, where retinal scans could be used to categorize individuals by intelligence or health risk. They view this as another step toward a "technocratic" control system.

Polk County Schools in Florida implemented a trial of "EyeSwipe" retinal scanners on school buses without prior parental notification. The technology was promoted at a TED conference by Eyelock's chief strategist, who claimed that ending identity theft through biometrics could save enough money to fund the Gates Foundation's efforts to eradicate polio.

A deconstruction of the 39% rate increase by Anthem Blue Cross focuses on the relationship between insurance companies and pharmaceutical pricing. Dvorak shares a personal anecdote about the cost of a generic Retin-A cream jumping from $15 to $125. He argues that insurance companies encourage high drug prices to increase their total revenue while maintaining a fixed 2-5% profit margin.

Stephen Brill, the founder of Brill's Content, is identified as the creator of Verified Identity Pass, the company behind the Clear airport security program. The system utilizes retinal scans and fingerprints to allow travelers access to a dedicated security line, though standard TSA liquid and shoe restrictions still apply. Concerns are raised regarding the efficiency of US border systems and the frequent secondary screenings experienced by travelers.

The hosts criticize the TSA's implementation of security theater, specifically the confiscation of duty-free perfumes exceeding 110 milliliters. They question the lack of investigative journalism into the agency's hiring practices and mock the "Clear" program for encouraging citizens to voluntarily provide retinal scans and fingerprints to the government.