Topic: Thanksgiving

The discussion opens with a critique of gun control efficacy, contrasting strict firearm laws in Australia and Chicago with recent violent incidents. Reports indicate four people were killed and 13 wounded in Chicago over the Thanksgiving Day weekend despite local regulations. The narrative suggests that media coverage of such events is often influenced by racial dynamics and political agendas.

The hosts recount their Thanksgiving celebrations, specifically detailing a nine-pound heritage turkey smoked in a Masterbuilt smoker. The bird was brined and reportedly tasted more like pheasant or peacock than traditional turkey. One host notes this cooking method was a previous "tip of the day" from a year prior.

The hosts thank Jock10 for the artwork for episode 1820, titled "Tokyo Rose," which featured Abraham Lincoln carving a turkey. They also discuss technical issues with a 3D soup can submission that failed to map text correctly. Listeners are encouraged to use the No Agenda Art Generator while following specific size requirements.

A deconstruction of Thanksgiving origins challenges the traditional pilgrim narrative, attributing the modern holiday to an 1863 proclamation by Abraham Lincoln influenced by magazine editor Sarah Josepha Hale. The history of the presidential turkey pardon is traced from Harry Truman's grain conservation efforts to the formal tradition established by George H.W. Bush in 1989. Mention is made of John F. Kennedy's 1963 informal sparing of a turkey just days before his assassination.

A financial theory suggests that stockbrokers have a "gentleman's agreement" to keep the market stable during Thanksgiving week to avoid client complaints during family gatherings. The segment also notes the global expansion of Black Friday sales into Europe, driven largely by Amazon.

"Green Wednesday" has emerged as a major day for cannabis sales, popularized by the "cousin walk" trend where family members step away from Thanksgiving dinner to consume marijuana. Brands like Hidden Valley and Taco Bell have reportedly leaned into the trend for marketing purposes.

The tradition of inflating balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is discussed as a beloved public event. The hosts share personal plans for the holiday, including a high-end dinner in Fredericksburg, Texas, featuring caviar and fine wine prepared by a professional chef.

Recent TikTok trends feature users expressing anxiety over attending Thanksgiving dinners with "MAGA" relatives and debating the use of gender pronouns. One viral video featured a mother claiming her four-year-old child corrected a family member's pronoun usage, leading to a critique of "shitty boomer parents." These clips are analyzed as symptoms of ongoing social trauma and the performative nature of the platform.

Jen Psaki and NBC News challenged President Trump's claims regarding a 25% cheaper Thanksgiving meal bundle at Walmart, alleging the price drop is due to "shrinkflation." The 2025 bundle reportedly excludes several staples found in previous years, such as onions, celery, and cranberries, while swapping premium rolls for cheaper alternatives. Trump maintains that the lower price is proof of his administration's success in making the country more affordable.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the Thanksgiving broadcast from Texas and Silicon Valley. They discuss a local radio segment on Hill Country Patriot where host Matt Long criticized Dvorak's newsletter essay regarding the historical origins of Thanksgiving. Dvorak defends his writing as "show prep" while Curry notes the tradition of Dvorak debunking holiday myths for the past 17 years.

A historical retrospective via the Chicago History Museum details the evolution of Thanksgiving from the 1621 Plymouth harvest to George Washington's 1789 proclamation. The discussion highlights Sarah Josepha Hale's lobbying efforts and Abraham Lincoln's 1863 proclamation during the Civil War. Dvorak notes that Franklin D. Roosevelt attempted to move the holiday in 1939 to extend the Christmas shopping season, a move mockingly dubbed "Franksgiving."

A trend on TikTok involves young adults filming themselves announcing they will not attend Thanksgiving with their "MAGA" families. The hosts characterize these videos as "cries for help" and symptoms of extreme narcissism and loneliness. They argue that these individuals are prioritizing social media "likes" and dopamine hits over real-world family connections.

The hosts discuss the importance of maintaining a consistent release schedule, even during holidays like Thanksgiving. They compare their "formula" to the *Wall Street Journal's* front page, noting that listeners rely on the routine. They emphasize that skipping shows or changing times can disrupt the lives of their audience and lead to "audience shrinkage."

The show concludes with a reminder of the next episode on Thanksgiving Day. The hosts thank the "trolls" in the chat room and promote the upcoming "Billy Bones" segment on the No Agenda Stream. The episode ends with a montage of media clips regarding "nuclear saber-rattling" and a final "Adios Mofos" sign-off.

During a Thanksgiving segment on PBS, journalist Jonathan Capehart expressed gratitude for "science" after testing positive for COVID-19. Capehart contrasted his current situation with the early days of the pandemic, praising medical advancements for allowing him to manage the illness at home. The segment was noted for its strong support of the Biden administration's handling of international crises.

Protesters supporting Palestine disrupted the Thanksgiving Day parade, leading to a discussion on the push to "decolonize" the holiday. A viral clip features a millennial woman advocating for renaming the day "Tribal Nations Day" and planting native species. The hosts reflect on the history of the holiday, including Abraham Lincoln's role, and share personal anecdotes about gratitude and a checkout clerk's recovery from a heart attack.

Media reports are framing weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro as "game changers" for the Thanksgiving holiday, as users report a decreased interest in traditional feasting. Walmart's CEO noted that customers on these medications are buying less food, prompting the food industry to consider smaller portion sizes. The hosts critique the promotion of these drugs as a way to "increase energy" for the holidays.

The hosts discuss the "value-for-value" model that has sustained the show for 16 years without advertising or sponsorships. As a Thanksgiving treat, a Dutch dessert called "Spekkoek" (thousand-layer cake) is introduced, highlighting its Indonesian origins and the labor-intensive process of baking its many layers. The segment transitions into a call for listener support through time, talent, and treasure.

A large group of producers is thanked for their "treasure" donations, including several "show number" donations of $1610. The hosts announce that the special PhD in Media Deconstruction program is coming to an end on the 333rd day of the year. Notable donors from Idaho, Canada, and the UK are recognized for their support during the holiday broadcast.

The hosts sign off from the Thanksgiving episode, reminding listeners of the upcoming Sunday show and the latest episode of "Curry and the Keeper." They thank the trolls, producers, and mixers for their contributions. The episode concludes with a characteristic "Adios Mofos" and a final audio mix featuring various show themes and clips.