The latest episode of the No Agenda podcast, Episode 1893, titled ‘En Banc,’ opens with a heartfelt tribute to the late John C. Dvorak, co-host of the show who passed away recently. Adam Curry, phoning in from a San Francisco hotel room the day after Dvorak’s private memorial, shares reflections on Dvorak’s impact on tech journalism. Curry noted, “He wrote about how these products sucked because he felt they could be better. That really was a big part of his role in the world. And I really came to appreciate that hearing that yesterday.” The memorial, held in Oakland, drew about 70 people, including Sir Mark and Dame Astrid from Tokyo, Void Zero from the Netherlands, and eulogist Marty Higgins.
Beyond the tribute, the episode delivers the show’s trademark media deconstruction. A key focus is the D.C. Circuit Appeals Court’s 2-1 ruling that blocks further construction on President Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom. The judges ruled that “whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide,” a decision that was compared across Fox, ABC, and CBS in the show’s signature 3×3 segment. This ruling has significant implications for presidential authority and congressional oversight, highlighting the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump’s projects.
Another major story covered is the $567 million judgment against Meta in New Mexico over child safety on Facebook and Instagram. This landmark ruling underscores the growing legal scrutiny on social media platforms regarding their responsibility to protect minors. The hosts also discussed the escalating WNBA controversy after Clay Travis offered $10 million for a game pitting the Las Vegas Aces against a high school boys’ team, a proposal that has sparked debates about gender equity and competitive fairness.
The episode also delved into Michigan candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s Medicaid comments, alongside reporting on his wife’s Ann Arbor practice, MindWorks Psychiatry. This segment raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and policy positions, illustrating the show’s commitment to scrutinizing political figures.
In a lighter but equally intriguing segment, the hosts unpacked the strange saga of British academic Jason Arday, whose book ‘Great and Unfortunate Things’ is set for release on August 11 amid allegations of fabricated credentials. The story, detailed by Larry Bleidner, raises concerns about academic integrity and the publishing industry’s vetting processes. Additionally, Darren O’Neill highlighted Staten Island activist Scott LoBaido, who chartered a banner plane over New York City targeting Zohran Mamdani from his hospital bed days after open-heart surgery, a testament to his dedication to activism.
The episode closed with ten meetup reports from cities including Albany, Austin, Perth, and Hamilton, showcasing the show’s global listener community. No Agenda, known for its skeptical and independent look at media and politics, continues to offer an irreverent alternative to conventional news analysis. Episode 1893 is available now wherever podcasts are heard, and listeners are encouraged to use a Podcasting 2.0 app to enhance their listening experience.
