The latest episode of the No Agenda podcast, titled 'En Banc,' opens with co-host Adam Curry calling in from a San Francisco hotel room, the day after attending the private memorial for his longtime co-host, the late John C. Dvorak. Fill-in hosts Darren O'Neill and Larry Bleidner anchored the studio as Curry reflected on a weekend of remembrance that drew attendees from around the world.
Curry described the Oakland service, attended by about 70 people, including Sir Mark and Dame Astrid from Tokyo, Void Zero from the Netherlands, and Eric the Shill from South Dakota. Eulogist Marty Higgins spoke, and Curry shared his appreciation for Dvorak's unique approach to tech criticism: '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.'
Beyond the tribute, the episode delivered the media deconstruction the show is known for. A key segment examined a D.C. Circuit Appeals Court 2-1 ruling that blocked further construction on President Trump's $400 million White House ballroom. The hosts compared coverage across Fox, ABC, and CBS, highlighting how the court's use of 'en banc' review was framed. The ruling stated that 'whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide.'
Another major story was a $567 million New Mexico judgment against Meta over child safety on Facebook and Instagram. The hosts discussed the implications for social media regulation and corporate accountability.
The WNBA controversy also drew attention, following Clay Travis's offer of $10 million for a game pitting the Las Vegas Aces against a high school boys' team. The hosts debated the merits and potential fallout of such a matchup.
In political news, Michigan candidate Abdul El-Sayed faced scrutiny over his Medicaid comments, with reporting on his wife's Ann Arbor practice, MindWorks Psychiatry, adding context to the discussion.
The episode also delved into the strange saga of British academic Jason Arday, whose book 'Great and Unfortunate Things' is set for release amid allegations of fabricated credentials. Bleidner detailed the controversy, questioning the publishing industry's vetting processes.
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, demonstrating his relentless activism.
The show concluded with meetup reports from ten cities, including Albany, Austin, Perth, and Denver, showcasing the podcast's global community.
No Agenda, a listener-supported podcast, continues to offer a skeptical, independent look at media and politics. Episode 1893 is available now wherever podcasts are heard, and listeners are encouraged to use a Podcasting 2.0 app.
