Topic: Tell

32 chapters across the catalog

Rage Bait
Episode 1533 1:11:00 - 1:14:48

1533: Rage Bait

Biden's Rhetorical Tells, Xi Jinping Warning

President Joe Biden detailed a conversation with President Xi Jinping where he warned that China could face the same corporate exodus as Russia if it supports the invasion of Ukraine. Biden noted that 600 American corporations, including McDonald's and Exxon, left Russia without government prodding. Analysts have identified Biden's use of phrases like "no joke" and "God's honest truth" as specific rhetorical markers used when he is delivering questionable anecdotes or blatant falsehoods.

Chuckle Tell
Episode 1421 1:00:19 - 1:05:35

1421: Chuckle Tell

The "Chuckle Tell" and Diplomatic Arrogance

Analysts identified a "chuckle tell" in Secretary Blinken's responses during interviews about the Russia-Ukraine crisis. The laughter is interpreted as either a sign of hubris or an indication that the diplomatic tension is a manufactured distraction. The segment deconstructs Blinken's language, specifically his use of the word "look" and his dismissive tone regarding Russian demands for written security guarantees.

Pale Male
Episode 1211 2:18:48 - 2:21:42

1211: Pale Male

Amazon "Show and Tell", Vision Accessibility

Amazon's "Show and Tell" feature for the Echo Show allows blind and low-vision users to identify household items by holding them up to the camera. While touted as a revolutionary accessibility tool, the hosts point out the broader implications of Amazon's computer vision technology. They recall the "Fire Phone" which had similar object-recognition features intended to drive instant purchases from the Amazon store.

Phallocentric Age
Episode 935 3:09 - 11:34

935: Phallocentric Age

London Bridge Terror Attack, Run Hide Tell Protocol

The June 2017 London Bridge terror attack prompted varied reactions from UK politicians and the media, including the suspension of election campaigning by Jeremy Corbyn. The "Run, Hide, Tell" safety protocol is criticized as a message of submission compared to American "See Something, Say Something" campaigns. London Mayor Sadiq Khan and local citizens expressed defiance, emphasizing that the city's way of life would not be altered by cowardly acts.

Gun Disease
Episode 781 1:05:02 - 1:10:33

781: Gun Disease

Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, Donald Trump and Public Radio Humor

NPR's "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" featured satirical segments targeting Donald Trump, which some listeners found to be bigoted. The program used Trump's refusal to leave the race as a comedic springboard, leading to a broader discussion on the tone of public radio humor.

Peak Coffee
Episode 779 1:21:35 - 1:24:39

779: Peak Coffee

British Counterterrorism Advice: Run, Hide, Tell

The British National Counterterrorism Security Office issues new guidelines for citizens caught in terror attacks: "Run, Hide, and Tell." The advice includes finding secure hiding places behind "substantial brickwork" and silencing mobile devices. The hosts mock the simplicity of the advice and the instruction to show hands to police who may point guns at civilians during an evacuation.

Axe Man
Episode 723 1:44:57 - 1:48:13

723: Axe Man

Rand Paul Filibuster and Cocaine Use Theories

Observations of Senator Rand Paul's physical mannerisms during his eight-hour filibuster lead to a speculative discussion about cocaine use. The hosts debate whether Paul's frequent touching of his nose and "sniffles" are indicators of drug use or merely a cold. The theory is challenged by the logistical difficulty of maintaining a cocaine high during a lengthy public speech without breaks.

Appification Generation
Episode 636 1:50:28 - 1:55:22

636: Appification Generation

NPR and PBS Underwriting Guidelines Analysis

The hosts examine the official underwriting guidelines for NPR and PBS, noting that they are strictly prohibited from airing traditional advertisements or "calls to action." They argue that many modern underwriting spots, including those on "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!", violate these rules by providing phone numbers and promotional descriptions. The segment critiques the blurring line between public broadcasting and commercial advertising.

Hats of State
Episode 367

367: Hats of State

Navy Homecoming Lesbian Kiss, Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal

The first public lesbian homecoming kiss in the U.S. Navy occurred following the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Media outlets including CNN and The Telegraph circulated footage of the event, which took place as a ship returned from deployment. The imagery is characterized as a strategic public relations move to normalize gay couples in the military by featuring an attractive female couple rather than men.

Katy Bar The Door, Baby!
Episode 364 1:37:24 - 1:40:15

364: Katy Bar The Door, Baby!

UK Riots, Bestiality Repeal, and Police Funding

A BBC Newsnight report suggests the London riots were primarily anti-police, with citizens frustrated by aggressive law enforcement. The hosts also discuss a provision in the NDAA that reportedly repeals prohibitions on sodomy and bestiality to comply with the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal. They joke about the inclusion of farm animals as a "bonus" in the legislation.

CIA vs MI6
Episode 323 1:02:22 - 1:06:33

323: CIA vs MI6

Don't Ask Don't Tell, Graphic Military Abuse Stories

The hosts discuss the ongoing transition regarding the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in the US military. They play clips of graphic stories involving the abuse of gay service members, which they suggest are being used as propaganda to delay or manipulate the repeal process. They express skepticism about the authenticity of some of the more extreme accounts.

Dead Man Walking
Episode 320 12:48 - 15:12

320: Dead Man Walking

Obama Political Strategy, Progressive Disillusionment

The discussion shifts to President Obama's perceived failure to support progressive causes such as gay marriage and the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Some hardcore Democrats are reportedly suggesting that Obama should decline to run for a second term in 2012 due to these policy inconsistencies.

Reckless & Provocative
Episode 318 1:15:26 - 1:18:45

318: Reckless & Provocative

Pakistan Bilateral Relations and Media Scripts

Fran Townsend's analysis of the "precarious" relationship between the US and Pakistan is criticized as a scripted theatrical performance. While the US claims relations are at an all-time low following the Bin Laden raid, the Pakistani ambassador suggests backroom deals are still being made. The segment notes "tells" in Townsend's delivery that indicate she is reading from a pre-approved intelligence community script.

Show 300!
Episode 300 1:36:51 - 1:40:04

300: Show 300!

Don't Ask Don't Tell, Obama Administration Delay

The Obama administration has requested that a federal appeals court maintain the ban on openly gay service members until the Pentagon is fully prepared for the transition. This move contradicts previous perceptions that the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy had already been effectively ended. The hosts point out that the administration is actively fighting to keep the ban in place for now.

Obama Needs Water
Episode 292 1:40:33 - 1:42:24

292: Obama Needs Water

Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal Delays

The Pentagon claims the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will be ready by summer, but the hosts are skeptical. They note that only 9% of the force has received the necessary training on how to handle the policy change. They predict the administration will use the conflict in Libya as an excuse to delay the repeal further.

George W. Obama
Episode 288 39:09 - 43:09

288: George W. Obama

Hillary Clinton Body Language, Arab Relations

Analysis of Hillary Clinton's press conference footage suggests she has a physical "tell"—touching her nose—when discussing strategic partnerships with Arab nations. The hosts discuss the historical friction between female U.S. Secretaries of State, such as Madeleine Albright and Condoleezza Rice, and Middle Eastern leaders who traditionally marginalize women.

George W. Obama
Episode 288 1:00:34 - 1:04:26

288: George W. Obama

Don't Ask Don't Tell, Navy Repeal Training

The Pentagon has released training vignettes for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," though the policy remains in effect until formal certification. The training materials include hypothetical scenarios regarding service members' conduct in public spaces and the rights of chaplains. Critics argue the administration is dragging its feet on the actual implementation of the repeal.