Topic: Tom Brokaw

24 chapters across the catalog

MEGA
Episode 1734 38:54 - 43:02

1734: MEGA

Caroline Kennedy, RFK Jr Character Attack, Ambassador Credentials

Caroline Kennedy, the former U.S. Ambassador to Australia, publicly attacked her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., labeling him a "predator" and recounting stories of his past drug addiction. The segment dismisses her criticisms as self-serving and questions her own credentials for her diplomatic appointments in Japan and Australia. An anecdote is shared regarding a 1990s meeting with her where she appeared more interested in press releases than the actual utility of the internet.

Grope Line
Episode 1372 1:34:20 - 1:37:44

1372: Grope Line

History of MSNBC, Microsoft Partnership, Princess Diana Coverage

John C. Dvorak recounts the early days of MSNBC as a joint venture between Microsoft and NBC. He explains how the network pivoted from tech news to celebrity coverage following the death of Princess Diana, which significantly boosted their ratings. Adam Curry shares an anecdote about being in the control room during the network's launch with Tom Brokaw and Bill Clinton.

Bald Nancy
Episode 1371 2:34:51 - 2:41:15

1371: Bald Nancy

1961 Hemingway Death Report, Media Authoritativeness

A 1961 news report by Edwin Newman regarding Ernest Hemingway's death is analyzed for its lack of transparency, as it initially labeled the suicide an "accident" while cleaning a shotgun. The hosts discuss the era of "authoritative" male news anchors like Walter Cronkite and Tom Brokaw, contrasting it with the modern, more casual style of news presentation. They argue that media manipulation has always existed but has become more sophisticated with behavioral science.

Adam's Storytime
Episode 1337 12:31 - 15:35

1337: Adam's Storytime

MSNBC Launch, Tom Brokaw Interviewing Bill Clinton

The launch of MSNBC involved a technical collaboration to implement a robust chat system based on IRC technology. During the opening day, Tom Brokaw interviewed President Bill Clinton, demonstrating elite broadcasting skills. Brokaw managed to maintain a complex dialogue while simultaneously receiving timing cues and commercial break instructions through his earpiece.

Nance in the Hood
Episode 1143 1:08:16 - 1:11:28

1143: Nance in the Hood

Tom Brokaw, Morning Joe Impeachment Warning

Veteran journalist Tom Brokaw appeared on Morning Joe to express concern over the casual nature of current impeachment discussions. Brokaw contrasted the present political climate with the methodical, bipartisan approach taken during the Nixon era. He warned that removing a president is a grave constitutional act that must be defended by the rule of law for a century to come.

The Zoomers
Episode 1083 1:56:11 - 1:59:00

1083: The Zoomers

Tom Brokaw, Sexual Assault Allegations, NBC News

A clip of a former NBC correspondent accusing Tom Brokaw of "assault" by tickling her waist in 1993 is played. The hosts debate whether the incident constitutes an assault or merely rude behavior, noting the woman's claim of being "low on the totem pole." They view the resurfacing of this story as part of a broader target on NBC executives like Andy Lack.

Batteries Not Included
Episode 1029 2:21:39 - 2:28:41

1029: Batteries Not Included

Linda Vester's Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Tom Brokaw

Former NBC anchor Linda Vester has accused Tom Brokaw of sexual harassment, including an incident where he allegedly tickled her in a "predatory" manner. Vester claims the culture at NBC was "misogynistic and over-sexualized," and that she was silenced by Brokaw's immense power. Brokaw has denied the allegations, citing his long career and awards as a defense.

Batteries Not Included
Episode 1029 2:28:42 - 2:34:17

1029: Batteries Not Included

Tom Brokaw's Alleged Hotel Room Visit to Linda Vester

Linda Vester detailed a 1994 incident where Tom Brokaw allegedly forced his way into her hotel room after her flight was canceled. She claims the trauma from this encounter was worse than the "transient PTSD" she suffered from being carjacked or nearly blown up in war zones. The summary notes the timing of these allegations appearing in *Variety* as potentially part of a larger move against NBC.

Dealio
Episode 940 1:35:00 - 1:39:29

940: Dealio

Tom Brokaw on the "Web of Hate" and Resistance

Former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw delivers a commentary on the "deep dark hate" in America, specifically targeting Alex Jones and the "underside" of the internet. Brokaw calls for citizens to "step up" and resist these common threats. The hosts interpret this as a call for political resistance and mock Brokaw's delivery and perceived incompetence in slowing cultural trends.

Roundly Debunked
Episode 932 34:36 - 38:10

932: Roundly Debunked

Broadcast News Production, Tom Brokaw, and IFB Feeding

A story is shared about the technical side of news broadcasting, specifically how producers feed information to anchors through IFBs (Interruptible Foldback). An anecdote describes watching Tom Brokaw interview Bill Clinton during the launch of MSNBC, where Brokaw seamlessly integrated real-time instructions from the control room into his questioning. The hosts discuss the high level of skill required to manage these inputs while remaining professional on air.

Men in Skirts
Episode 901 40:53 - 43:20

901: Men in Skirts

Tom Brokaw, Advice on Political Rage

Veteran journalist Tom Brokaw criticized the Berkeley rioters, stating that violence only solidifies the resolve of Trump supporters. Brokaw advised young activists that "rage is not a policy" and suggested they choose their battles more wisely. He specifically defended the judicial credentials of Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.

Dustbin of History
Episode 780 42:18 - 45:24

780: Dustbin of History

Tom Brokaw, NBC News Retirement Commentary

Retired NBC anchor Tom Brokaw returned to the air to deliver a commentary against Donald Trump, comparing his proposals to Japanese internment and McCarthyism. The segment critiques Brokaw's transition from a supposedly neutral "meat puppet" news reader to an editorialist in his later years. The historical comparisons are dismissed as logically flawed and partisan.

Episode 518 2:34:34 - 2:48:55

518: Hot Scene

Benghazi Cover-up Claims, First Amendment and Sign-off

The show concluded with a critique of the Benghazi investigation, specifically the role of Susan Rice in delivering misleading talking points. A final note on the First Amendment emphasized that it restricts government interference rather than granting rights. The hosts signed off with a reminder of the "value for value" model and a final mention of the Museum Ships radio event.

Episode 512 9:15 - 10:50

512: Club Sub

MSNBC Launch, Tom Brokaw and Bill Clinton

During the launch of MSNBC in New Jersey, Tom Brokaw interviewed President Bill Clinton using a highly directed system where questions were fed into his ear by producers. The technical infrastructure for the chat portion of the launch was managed by a third-party company using Linux-based Sun Spark servers because Microsoft's own servers were insufficient at the time.

Lonely Crazies
Episode 508

508: Lonely Crazies

White House Correspondents Dinner, Celebrity Culture and Media

The 2013 White House Correspondents Dinner, colloquially referred to as "nerd prom" or "douchepalooza," is analyzed for its shift from a professional gathering to a celebrity-driven spectacle. Named entities including Claire Danes, Bob Schieffer, and Kevin Spacey are highlighted for their participation in the event's red carpet and promotional videos. Tom Brokaw is criticized for his public disapproval of the event's "down market" evolution while simultaneously praising specific high-profile celebrities like George Clooney.

Lonely Crazies
Episode 508 8:10 - 13:59

508: Lonely Crazies

Tom Brokaw, History of the Correspondents Dinner

Tom Brokaw provides a historical retrospective on the White House Correspondents Dinner, tracing its origins from a small gathering of Washington sources to a tabloid-style event. Brokaw identifies the 1975 appearance of the Saturday Night Live cast, including Chevy Chase and John Belushi, as a turning point for the event's profile. He specifically cites the invitation of Fawn Hall and later Lindsay Lohan as markers of the dinner's decline in dignity.

Struggling Masses
Episode 439 47:49 - 50:12

439: Struggling Masses

Tom Brokaw, Washington Press Corps Criticism

Former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw criticized the annual Washington Press Corps dinner for its focus on celebrity culture and elitism. Brokaw argued that the sight of journalists posing with figures like Kim Kardashian sends a negative signal to struggling Americans in places like Wichita and Seattle. The hosts agree with Brokaw's assessment that the media has become a group of sycophants rather than protectors of public rights.

Burka Bellyflop
Episode 430 48:54 - 55:24

430: Burka Bellyflop

Olympic Security Costs, Empty Seats, Chinese Athletic Dominance

Tom Brokaw and Mayor Boris Johnson discuss the massive security costs and economic hopes for the London Olympics. Dvorak points out that many venues appear two-thirds empty on television because prime seats are reserved for the "Olympic family" and corporate sponsors who are not attending. They also note the suspicious dominance of Chinese swimmers, jokingly suggesting they might be "robots."

Episode 395 52:28 - 58:29

395: Multi Modal Mutt

Hiring Our Heroes, US Chamber of Commerce, Veteran Employment

The "Hiring Our Heroes" initiative, heavily promoted by NBC News and Tom Brokaw, is scrutinized as a public relations effort by the US Chamber of Commerce. While presented as a patriotic service for veterans, critics suggest it functions similarly to a standard employment agency with potential for corporate exploitation.

Furries Forever
Episode 104 52:06 - 55:17

104: Furries Forever

Tom Brokaw, MSNBC Launch Professionalism

A host recounts being in the control room during the launch of MSNBC, witnessing Tom Brokaw interview President Bill Clinton. The story emphasizes Brokaw's skill in multitasking, as he managed a complex dialogue with the President while simultaneously receiving timing cues and instructions through his IFB (internal feedback) earpiece.