Topic: Tics

John C. Dvorak questions Scott Adams on whether he has Tourette's Syndrome, comparing his physical tics to those of Adam Curry. The conversation touches on the correlation between minor Tourette's and being a "neat freak," though Adams remains skeptical of the diagnosis.

The hosts discuss their own verbal tics, specifically the frequent use of the phrase "by the way," which was documented 17-21 times in recent episodes. They also critique the common media phrase "to your point," which they interpret as a way for speakers to signal they have a better point to make. This rhetorical habit is blamed largely on Fox News, while CNN is criticized for using "on the other side" as a repetitive transition to commercial breaks.

The hosts discuss the physical tics and presentation styles of televangelists, specifically Jimmy Swaggart and his son. They debate whether the son's identical neck and chin twitches are genuine Tourette's syndrome or an artificial imitation of his father's mannerisms. The conversation includes a nostalgic reference to "tits or no tits" games played while channel surfing on Cinemax.

President Biden shares a story about his "grandpop" working for an oil company in the 1920s to promote electric vehicle charging stations. The hosts analyze Biden's frequent use of the phrase "not a joke" as a verbal tic used when he is being met with skepticism or applause.

President Joe Biden's frequent use of the phrase "not a joke" has become a notable verbal tic, often following serious statistics or claims. Political strategist David Axelrod has reportedly noted the habit. Critics argue the phrase is unnecessary and distracting, particularly when discussing somber topics like the national COVID-19 death toll.

President Biden frequently uses the phrases "no joke" and "all kidding aside," often in response to audience applause. Analysts suggest this may be a nervous tic or a symptom of cognitive decline, as he appears to perceive praise as mockery. Additionally, Biden claimed he faced initial criticism for prioritizing teacher vaccinations, a statement that lacks historical evidence as the policy was widely supported.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson appeared on Bill Maher's show to express skepticism regarding recent Navy UFO sightings, arguing that "fuzzy monochromatic" images are not proof of alien visitation. The hosts propose an alternative theory involving "Project Nemesis," a system designed to project false images onto electronic sensors. Tyson is criticized for being "annoyed" that he isn't the primary media expert on the subject.

CBS's 60 Minutes featured a report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), interviewing Navy pilots Alex Dietrich and David Fravor regarding their 2004 encounter with a "Tic-Tac" shaped object. The pilots described a craft with no visible propulsion or wings that could descend 80,000 feet in less than a second and mimic their flight patterns. Former Pentagon official Christopher Mellon stated these capabilities far exceed any known U.S. or foreign military technology.

The discussion of UFOs has moved into the mainstream, with major news outlets and figures like Tucker Carlson covering declassified Pentagon videos. The "Tic Tac" UAP video, confirmed as authentic by the Navy, has shifted public perception from skepticism to a demand for more transparency. The hosts noted that while interest is high, definitive proof like a physical landing remains elusive.

Adam Curry discusses his personal experience with Tourette's Syndrome, describing various motor tics such as eye squinting and finger tapping. During his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, he jokingly referred to the condition as a "superpower" that helps attract "hot wives," citing Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin as another example.

Analysis of Joe Biden's recent campaign speeches in Pennsylvania reveals a frequent use of the phrase "not a joke" to punctuate policy assertions. Deconstruction of this tic suggests that Biden may subconsciously feel his own statements are ludicrous or unbelievable. The phrase is often used after discussing "Made in America" mandates for federal contractors.

An analysis of the debate reveals that both Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg frequently used the word "look" as a verbal crutch to interject into conversations. The hosts mock the repetitive nature of these tics and Biden's "here's the deal" phrasing.

Adam Curry announces an upcoming appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience in Los Angeles, scheduled for February or March 2020. The discussion covers the logistics of the trip and Curry's personal management of Tourette's syndrome tics during long-form recordings.

MSNBC host Chris Hayes was criticized for his excessive use of the word "right" as a verbal tic during interviews. A "record-breaking" segment featured Hayes saying the word four times in five seconds, and six times within a 25-second window. The hosts used a bell to count each instance, characterizing the habit as a pseudo-intellectual affectation common among certain cable news presenters.

John C. Dvorak discusses his habit of saying "of course" too frequently, a metric tracked by producer JJ Meyer across recent episodes. The conversation shifts to Dvorak's upcoming 65th birthday on April 5th. Adam Curry mentions sending a birthday gift for the first time in a decade, leading to a realization that neither host has the other's physical address saved.

A 14-year-old advocate named Keaton Savard is promoting the "Trek for Tourette's" event on March 26th to raise awareness for the condition. Tourette Syndrome is a brain-based condition causing involuntary sounds and movements. Adam Curry discusses his own experiences with tics and the relationship between Tourette's and OCD.

Former CIA Deputy Director Mike Morrell is analyzed regarding his frequent media appearances and his failed Silicon Valley venture. A supercut highlights Morrell's repetitive use of the word "right" as a verbal tic during interviews. The discussion suggests this habit may hinder his transition into a mainstream media personality.

The hosts critique the frequent use of the phrase "I think" by politicians like Marco Rubio and hosts of "tech horny" podcasts. They argue that this verbal tic undermines authority and leadership, suggesting that experts should state facts directly rather than qualifying them with personal thoughts. They call for a "No Agenda response" to discourage this style of speaking in media.

A discussion regarding personal tics and Tourette's syndrome follows a previous segment about toe snapping. Listeners have submitted emails detailing their own strange habits, such as rolling tennis balls over their bodies or blowing into their hands. The conversation suggests that acknowledging and laughing about these tics with family can often reduce their frequency.

Austin Tubbs, a long snapper for Stanford, is highlighted for playing football despite having Tourette's Syndrome. A host shares personal experiences with "advanced ticking," including head twitches and blinking, and how these were managed during a career at MTV. The discussion emphasizes that tics often disappear when the individual is focused on a specific task, such as sports or broadcasting.