Topic: Today Show

69 chapters across the catalog

Global Donut
Episode 1612 33:28 - 40:14

1612: Global Donut

Andrew Ross Sorkin's Psychoanalysis of Elon Musk

The hosts mock Andrew Ross Sorkin's post-interview analysis on the NBC Today show, where he attempts to psychoanalyze Musk's "demons" and "demonic side." They criticize Sorkin's claim that Musk was "grappling" with trust issues and dismiss the recurring media narrative regarding Musk's control over Starlink and its impact on global affairs.

Global Donut
Episode 1612 1:11:19 - 1:16:12

1612: Global Donut

Today Show PopStart and Blue Moon Bagel Collaboration

The hosts critique the "PopStart" segment on the Today Show as a platform for native advertising. They highlight a "food collaboration" between Blue Moon beer and Pop-Up Bagels, featuring Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie, as an example of blatant product placement disguised as news.

Beast Train
Episode 1593 1:05:27 - 1:10:53

1593: Beast Train

Fall Vaccine Checklist, Nasal Sprays, Aspirin Warnings

Dr. Natalie Azar appeared on the Today Show to promote a "fall checklist" of vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The segment highlighted the availability of nasal spray flu vaccines for children but noted they cannot be used by those taking aspirin or with weakened immune systems. The presentation is likened to a commercial for seasonal products like pumpkin spice lattes.

Hydrating
Episode 1569

1569: Hydrating

Bidenomics, France Riots, and Fourth of July Media

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the session discussing the definition of Bidenomics and its perceived impact on inflation and international funding. The conversation shifts to the Fourth of July weekend and the high salaries of mainstream media hosts like Al Roker. Initial reports of civil unrest in France are introduced as a parallel to domestic economic concerns.

Podspeeding
Episode 1535 2:16 - 3:45

1535: Podspeeding

Value for Value Model, McDonald's Native Advertising

The program's "Value for Value" funding model is explained as an alternative to corporate advertising. This leads into a critique of a segment on NBC's Today Show featuring a man on a 100-day McDonald's diet. The segment is identified as a native advertisement disguised as viral TikTok content, complete with superimposed logos and corporate slogans.

Mask in a Bottle
Episode 1525 1:21:03 - 1:24:13

1525: Mask in a Bottle

Today Show Ozempic Segment, Pharmaceutical Marketing, Obesity Genetics

The hosts critique a Today Show segment featuring a doctor who promoted Ozempic while ostensibly warning about its side effects. They characterize the segment as a "shill" for the pharmaceutical industry, encouraging women to use the drug slowly to avoid rapid facial aging. The discussion also touches on the claim that obesity is primarily genetic, which the hosts link to future mRNA gene therapy marketing.

Texas Balls
Episode 1451 9:04 - 10:44

1451: Texas Balls

Florida Emergency Landing, Pilot Medical Emergency

A passenger with no flying experience successfully landed a plane in Florida after the pilot suffered a medical emergency. The passenger is scheduled for an interview with Savannah Guthrie on the Today Show. Speculation regarding the pilot's sudden incapacitation remains unconfirmed, despite various theories about potential substance use.

Birthing Comrade
Episode 1406 1:20:07 - 1:22:55

1406: Birthing Comrade

Hillary Clinton's 2016 Acceptance Speech Reading

Hillary Clinton appeared on the Today Show to read the victory speech she would have delivered had she won the 2016 presidential election. The reading, which included emotional references to her mother and daughter, was part of a MasterClass promotion. The segment is viewed as a highly produced attempt to maintain her public relevance and potentially signal a future political return.

Sour Crude
Episode 1402 10:09 - 13:04

1402: Sour Crude

Today Show Analysis, Marlo Thomas, Harry Smith

An analysis of the Today Show’s Thanksgiving broadcast highlights a segment featuring a cancer survivor meeting an Olympic trap shooter. The appearance of 83-year-old Marlo Thomas is noted, with observations on her longevity and voice. Reporter Harry Smith is praised for his physical condition and vocal delivery following his move from CBS to NBC in 2015.

Flu Tsunami
Episode 1396 6:14 - 8:17

1396: Flu Tsunami

Kristen Stewart Spencer Promotion, Guy Fieri Wedding Anecdote

The Today Show featured Kristen Stewart promoting the film Spencer, which depicts Princess Diana. The hosts discuss CNN's heavy promotion of Diana-related content as part of an ad buy. During the interview, Stewart discussed her engagement and a humorous plan to have chef Guy Fieri officiate her wedding, leading to a lighthearted segment on the morning show.

Pingdemic
Episode 1366 20:59 - 26:39

1366: Pingdemic

Morning Show Analysis and NBC Today Show Ratings

A review of major US morning networks reveals a decline in content quality, specifically targeting the NBC Today Show for its focus on celebrity news and Woodstock 99. The Today Show's ratings have reportedly hit a 30-year low, dropping to roughly 3 million viewers. Critics argue the network has failed to recover from the Matt Lauer scandal and remains a "toxic" and "insincere" operation.

Magnetofection
Episode 1360 5:28 - 6:27

1360: Magnetofection

NBC Today Show, Daybreaker Sunrise Parties

NBC's Today Show features a report on "Daybreaker" sunrise dance parties. The hosts mock the segment's lack of clarity and Hoda Kotb's dancing, while Adam Curry compares the event to his childhood experiences in the Unitarian Church listening to Cat Stevens.

FAQs 4 Hacks
Episode 1354

1354: FAQs 4 Hacks

NBC Today Show Advertising and CBS Space Jam Promotion

A critique of morning television news highlights the excessive advertising on NBC's Today Show compared to CBS and ABC. Observations include the prevalence of "deals" segments and Father's Day promotions for Omaha Steaks. CBS is noted for its heavy rotation of entertainment news, specifically promoting the new Space Jam movie starring LeBron James, while NBC featured the opening of the Velocicoaster in Florida.

Belching Freon
Episode 1348

1348: Belching Freon

NBC Today Show, Vaccination Vacation and European Travel

NBC's Today Show promoted the concept of a vaccination vacation, suggesting that fully vaccinated individuals will regain their freedom to travel. While the network claimed a vaccination card is required for entry into Europe, conflicting reports suggest the European Union's green passport may allow for a negative COVID test as an alternative.

Kackling Kamala
Episode 1334 13:34 - 17:32

1334: Kackling Kamala

Morning Show Spot Check, 3x3 News Experiment

A "3x3 spot check" of Thursday morning news broadcasts compared coverage across NBC, ABC, and CBS. The Today Show focused on black preachers encouraging vaccinations, Good Morning America discussed debt loads for same-sex couples, and CBS reported on the military background of January 6 insurrectionists. The analysis suggests a coordinated effort to purge certain ideologies from the Pentagon.

Ejexit
Episode 1184 1:32:38 - 1:36:33

1184: Ejexit

Today Show Celebrity Coverage and Al Roker Criticism

A critique of The Today Show focuses on Carson Daly's celebrity reporting, specifically regarding Miley Cyrus and Cody Simpson. One host shares personal experiences working with Al Roker at Z100 in New York, describing him as an "arrogant dick" who steals punchlines. The segment also notes the show's set changes and Al Roker's fashion choices.

Elusive Logic
Episode 1125 1:36:32 - 1:41:02

1125: Elusive Logic

Jussie Smollett, Whiteface Hoax Allegations

Jussie Smollett's legal team suggested it was "not implausible" that his attackers wore whiteface makeup under ski masks, citing a video of one of the Osundairo brothers performing a Joker monologue. Comedian Chris Rock mocked the situation at the NAACP Image Awards, calling Smollett a "waste of light skin."

Composting People
Episode 1117 35:38 - 41:30

1117: Composting People

Hamza Bin Laden Wedding Video, Mohammed Atta Connection

The CIA released video footage of Hamza bin Laden's wedding, leading to reports that he married the daughter of 9/11 mastermind Mohammed Atta. The Today Show and other outlets have used this connection to highlight his status as a "specially designated global terrorist." The U.S. government is promising relocation and confidentiality for informants.

Flash Meetup!
Episode 1100 2:30:32 - 2:37:19

1100: Flash Meetup!

Jeff Zucker on OJ Simpson and the 1992 Election

CNN President Jeff Zucker discussed his career on David Axelrod's podcast, detailing how he used the OJ Simpson trial to boost *The Today Show* ratings. Zucker also explained how giving Bill Clinton and Ross Perot extended airtime during the 1992 election helped Clinton win by splitting the Republican vote.