# ISIS in Oz > California goes dark as utility politics collide with wildfire fears, while the impeachment inquiry shifts toward Ukrainian energy deals and the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 1180 - **Published:** 2019-10-13 - **Length:** 2h 50m - **Topics:** PG&E Shutoffs, Ukraine Energy, China Censorship, [Tulsi Gabbard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tulsi-gabbard.md), ISIS Prisoners, Trudeau Scandal - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz ## About this episode Pacific Gas & Electric implemented widespread public safety power shutoffs across California, leaving thousands in the dark while San Francisco remained fully powered. Governor Gavin Newsom faces scrutiny as critics compare the utility's maneuvers to Enron-era blackouts, suggesting the outages are a political tactic related to the city's interest in purchasing PG&E infrastructure following its bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Cal Fire has issued a directive demanding high leasing fees from amateur radio operators, threatening the vital emergency communication network maintained by ham enthusiasts. In Washington, the impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump intensifies as Secretary of Energy Rick Perry is linked to Ukrainian natural gas deals involving Cheniere Energy. Former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch faces allegations from Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuri Lutsenko regarding a do-not-prosecute list, while CIA analyst Ray McGovern suggests the probe serves as a diversion from John Durham's investigation into the Russia inquiry's origins. Simultaneously, the 2019 Canadian federal election sees Justin Trudeau under fire for past blackface scandals as Andrew Scheer and Maxime Bernier challenge his climate policy and carbon tax initiatives. Cultural tensions peak as the NBA and Activision Blizzard face backlash for self-censoring to appease the Chinese Communist Party, a move famously parodied by South Park. CBS correspondent Holly Williams interviewed an ISIS captive from Minneapolis who claimed he joined the caliphate because he believed reports of their atrocities were fake news. The program also features a review of the seventy-five dollar BLU X5 smartphone and a warning about the Onlia insurance app's driver surveillance capabilities. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/transcript.md. ### 1. Dodgers Playoff Loss, Texas Sports Success (0:00–1:31) The hosts open the program discussing the Los Angeles Dodgers' exit from the MLB playoffs after losing a critical fifth game. Contrast is drawn between the sports culture in Northern Silicon Valley and Texas, where the San Antonio Spurs and local baseball teams are noted for their recent successes. Keywords: dodgers, [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), spurs, [baseball](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baseball.md), playoffs [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/1.md) ### 2. PG&E Power Shutoffs, California Utility Corruption (1:31–9:47) Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) implemented widespread "Public Safety Power Shutoffs" across California, citing fire risks despite reports of low wind speeds in areas like Mill Valley. The situation is compared to the Enron-era rolling blackouts under Governor Gray Davis, with claims that the current shutoffs may be a political maneuver related to San Francisco's interest in purchasing PG&E equipment following the company's bankruptcy. Keywords: [pg&e](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pg-e.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [gray davis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gray-davis.md), [gavin newsom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gavin-newsom.md), [enron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/enron.md), [rolling blackouts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rolling-blackouts.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Cal Fire Repeater Fees, Amateur Radio Restrictions (9:49–15:42) Cal Fire issued a directive to amateur radio repeater owners demanding high application and leasing fees to remain on state-owned mountain sites, citing technological advances as a reason to end financial support for ham operators. The "No Agenda Hams" (NAMs) are organizing in response to these restrictions, which critics argue undermine a vital public service during emergencies. Keywords: cal fire, [ham radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ham-radio.md), [repeaters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/repeaters.md), nams, [verizon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/verizon.md), [fcc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fcc.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/3.md) ### 4. San Francisco Power Disparity, PG&E Political Rift (15:46–18:32) Reports from Mill Valley indicate power was cut despite calm weather, while the City of San Francisco remained fully powered. This disparity fuels theories that the shutoffs are part of a commercial or political rift between the utility provider and local governments. Keywords: [mill valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mill-valley.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [pg&e](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pg-e.md), [east bay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/east-bay.md), [weather models](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather-models.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Hillary Clinton PBS Interview, Trump Rematch Comments (18:34–24:45) Hillary Clinton appeared on PBS NewsHour with her daughter Chelsea to promote their book, where she criticized President Trump's foreign policy regarding the Kurds and Turkey. In response to a Trump tweet suggesting she enter the 2020 race, Clinton stated she could beat him again in a rematch, leading to speculation about her potential candidacy. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [chelsea clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chelsea-clinton.md), [pbs newshour](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs-newshour.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [elizabeth warren](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elizabeth-warren.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/5.md) ### 6. FBI Television Show, Kamala Harris Archetype (24:46–34:37) The Dick Wolf television series "FBI" featured a storyline involving a progressive female District Attorney from New York running for president, which the hosts identify as a clear archetype for Kamala Harris. The segment highlights a scene where a character accuses the prosecutor of building a career by wrongfully convicting innocent black men. Keywords: [dick wolf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dick-wolf.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [kamala harris](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kamala-harris.md), brooklyn da, police procedural [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Bernie Sanders Health, Big Pharma Criticism (34:38–36:20) Bernie Sanders suffered a heart attack shortly after publicly criticizing the pharmaceutical industry's advertising presence during primary debates. The timing of his health scare and the recent death of his daughter-in-law are noted as significant setbacks for his 2020 presidential campaign. Keywords: [bernie sanders](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bernie-sanders.md), [big pharma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/big-pharma.md), [heart attack](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heart-attack.md), [2020 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2020-election.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Tulsi Gabbard DNC Boycott, Debate Rigging Claims (36:21–38:27) Representative Tulsi Gabbard released a video message threatening to boycott the October 15th Democratic debate, accusing the DNC and corporate media of rigging the election process. She argued that the debate format serves as commercialized reality television rather than a platform for informing voters in early states like Iowa and New Hampshire. Keywords: [tulsi gabbard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tulsi-gabbard.md), [dnc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dnc.md), [corporate media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/corporate-media.md), 2020 debates, [aloha](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aloha.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Elizabeth Warren Gun Control, Constitutional Scrutiny (38:27–41:24) Elizabeth Warren participated in an MSNBC gun safety forum where she advocated for federal limits on firearm purchases to prevent "bulking up" during crises. She asserted that such restrictions would survive constitutional scrutiny, a claim the hosts dispute by noting that talk of bans often leads to increased sales of firearms like the AR-15. Keywords: [elizabeth warren](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elizabeth-warren.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [gun safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gun-safety.md), [ar-15](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ar-15.md), [second amendment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/second-amendment.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Canadian Federal Election, Trudeau Blackface Scandal (41:24–56:32) The 2019 Canadian federal election campaign features intense debates over climate change, the carbon tax, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's past use of blackface. Conservative leader Andrew Scheer and People's Party leader Maxime Bernier attacked Trudeau's credibility, while NDP leader Jagmeet Singh positioned himself as a socialist alternative to the established parties. Keywords: [justin trudeau](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/justin-trudeau.md), andrew scheer, maxime bernier, [jagmeet singh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jagmeet-singh.md), [carbon tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-tax.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Extinction Rebellion Netherlands, Climate Protest Chants (56:34–59:28) The Dutch chapter of Extinction Rebellion held protests in Amsterdam featuring English-language chants about rising oceans and the lack of a "Planet B." The hosts criticize the musical quality of the protest songs, describing them as depressing dirges that fail to inspire action. Keywords: [extinction rebellion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/extinction-rebellion.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [dutch farmers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dutch-farmers.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/11.md) ### 12. SFO Sea Wall, Candlestick Park Construction History (59:29–1:02:43) San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced a $587 million plan to build a 10-mile wall to protect against rising bay waters attributed to climate change. This project is compared to historical construction practices in the Bay Area, including the controversial building and subsequent illegal burning of wooden forms at Candlestick Park. Keywords: [sfo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sfo.md), sea wall, [candlestick park](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/candlestick-park.md), [air pollution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-pollution.md), construction scams [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/12.md) ### 13. No Agenda Art, Apple iOS 13 Artwork Bug (1:02:44–1:07:35) The hosts discuss a technical bug in Apple's iOS 13 that prevents per-episode podcast artwork from displaying correctly. They thank "Comicstripblogger" for providing the current episode's artwork and explain the "value for value" model that powers the show's creative contributions. Keywords: [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [ios 13](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ios-13.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [comicstripblogger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comicstripblogger.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Executive Producer Donations, Climate Science Skepticism (1:07:36–1:22:51) A donor entering a three-year meteorology program describes how textbooks present human-caused climate change as an absolute fact while using hedging language like "high confidence" to cover failed projections. The segment includes the knighting of "Sir Jellyhead" and various "Jobs Karma" requests from the show's executive producers. Keywords: [ipcc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ipcc.md), [meteorology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meteorology.md), sir jellyhead, [anonymous](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anonymous.md), [jobs karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jobs-karma.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Impeachment Standards, Media Amplification (1:22:51–1:28:48) The hosts examine the history of impeachment, noting that a president does not need to commit a specific crime to be impeached, as seen in the cases of Andrew Johnson and Richard Nixon. They argue that the current inquiry regarding the Ukraine call is driven by media amplification and public sentiment rather than legal evidence found in the transcript. Keywords: [impeachment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/impeachment.md), andrew johnson, [richard nixon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/richard-nixon.md), [ukraine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ukraine.md), brian lehrer [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Rick Perry, Ukraine Natural Gas Deals (1:28:49–1:34:03) Secretary of Energy Rick Perry reportedly encouraged President Trump's call to Ukrainian President Zelensky to protect U.S. liquid natural gas (LNG) interests. The U.S. is currently exporting LNG to Poland, which then delivers it to Ukraine, a deal involving significant investments from companies like Cheniere Energy. Keywords: [rick perry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rick-perry.md), [poland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poland.md), [liquid natural gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/liquid-natural-gas.md), cheniere energy, [ukraine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ukraine.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Marie Yovanovitch, Ukrainian Corruption Allegations (1:34:05–1:38:42) Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch is accused by Ukrainian Prosecutor General Yuri Lutsenko of providing a "do not prosecute" list during her tenure. These allegations surface alongside reports from Zero Hedge claiming Joe Biden received $900,000 from Burisma for lobbying efforts. Keywords: [marie yovanovitch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marie-yovanovitch.md), yuri lutsenko, [burisma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/burisma.md), [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [kiev](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kiev.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/17.md) ### 18. DOJ Leaks, John Durham Investigation (1:38:42–1:47:52) CIA analyst Ray McGovern suggests the impeachment inquiry is a diversion from Inspector General Michael Horowitz's FISA report and John Durham's investigation into the origins of the Russia probe. Meanwhile, a Defense Intelligence Agency worker was arrested for leaking top-secret information to reporters, signaling a potential crackdown on government leakers. Keywords: [bill barr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-barr.md), [john durham](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-durham.md), [fisa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisa.md), [ray mcgovern](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ray-mcgovern.md), [james comey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-comey.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Syria Withdrawal, Kurdish Geopolitics (1:47:53–1:57:07) President Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from northern Syria is analyzed as a strategic move to force regional players like Turkey, Russia, and Iran to manage their own borders. Colonel Douglas MacGregor argues that the withdrawal checkmates these actors, leaving Turkey responsible for containing ISIS while the Kurds are forced to negotiate with the Syrian government in Damascus. Keywords: [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [kurds](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kurds.md), [turkey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/turkey.md), [erdogan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/erdogan.md), [douglas macgregor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/douglas-macgregor.md), [isis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isis.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Steve Pieczenik, Military Industrial Complex Critics (1:57:08–2:02:13) Steve Pieczenik criticizes "chicken hawks" like Mitt Romney and Dick Cheney for advocating for wars they avoided serving in personally. He suggests that Dr. Rand Paul should be sent as an envoy to negotiate with Bashar al-Assad and mocks the idea of relocating ISIS prisoners to Australia or New Zealand. Keywords: [steve pieczenik](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-pieczenik.md), [mitt romney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mitt-romney.md), [dick cheney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dick-cheney.md), [liz cheney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/liz-cheney.md), [rand paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rand-paul.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/20.md) ### 21. ISIS Prison Interviews, Fake News Claims (2:02:14–2:06:26) CBS correspondent Holly Williams interviewed ISIS captives in a Syrian prison, including a 22-year-old from Minneapolis who claimed he joined the group because he believed reports of ISIS terrorism were "fake news." The prisoner expressed a desire for forgiveness, claiming he was a victim of propaganda rather than a fighter. Keywords: [holly williams](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/holly-williams.md), [cbs news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbs-news.md), [isis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isis.md), [minneapolis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/minneapolis.md), [fake news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fake-news.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/21.md) ### 22. China Influence, NBA and Hollywood Censorship (2:06:26–2:14:56) The influence of the Chinese Communist Party on American institutions is highlighted following the NBA's controversy over a pro-Hong Kong tweet and Activision Blizzard's banning of a championship player. The hosts discuss how Hollywood and the gaming industry self-censor to maintain access to the Chinese market, as parodied in a recent "South Park" episode. Keywords: [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [hong kong](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hong-kong.md), [nba](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nba.md), [south park](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-park.md), activision blizzard [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Associate Producer Donations, Global Meetups (2:15:01–2:27:46) The hosts acknowledge donations from associate executive producers and announce upcoming meetups in Austin, Tokyo, Atlanta, and Nashville. They also promote the "No Agenda Hams" website for amateur radio enthusiasts within the listener community. Keywords: [charleston](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charleston.md), [tokyo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tokyo.md), [nashville](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nashville.md), no agenda hams, [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Onlia Insurance App, Driver Monitoring (2:27:47–2:32:12) A new mobile app from Canadian insurance provider Onlia uses phone sensors to monitor driving habits such as speed and cornering in exchange for rewards like Starbucks gift cards. The app is marketed as a way to reduce road rage through comedy podcasts, but the hosts warn it is a tool for total driver surveillance. Keywords: onlia, [canada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/canada.md), [insurance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/insurance.md), [road rage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/road-rage.md), [telematics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/telematics.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Google Advanced Protection, Ring Doorbell Privacy (2:32:13–2:38:48) Google's "Advanced Protection Program" is marketed to activists and journalists, yet the hosts remain skeptical of using Google for privacy. A personal anecdote about the Amazon Ring doorbell app illustrates how its "Neighborhood" feature can increase user anxiety by constantly reporting local crimes, leading to a preference for traditional security measures like peepholes and firearms. Keywords: [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [amazon ring](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amazon-ring.md), [privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy.md), [off the grid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/off-the-grid.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/25.md) ### 26. BLU X5 Smartphone Review, Cheap Tech Discipline (2:38:49–2:43:32) A review of the $75 BLU X5 smartphone highlights that off-brand devices can perform nearly all the functions of $1,000 flagship phones, including running Android 9 and streaming Pluto TV. The user emphasizes the importance of digital discipline, keeping the phone turned off in a drawer when not in use to avoid constant tracking. Keywords: blu x5, [android](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/android.md), [miami](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/miami.md), [smartphone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smartphone.md), [pluto tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pluto-tv.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Show Outro, Adam Schiff Parody, China Mix (2:43:35–2:50:37) The episode concludes with a series of musical mixes featuring Donald Trump's comments on China and a parody of Adam Schiff's interpretation of the Ukraine phone call. The hosts sign off from Austin and Silicon Valley, announcing their return for the Sunday show. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [adam schiff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-schiff.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [space force](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/space-force.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1180-isis-in-oz/chapter/27.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1179-vooden-sporks.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1181-solutioning.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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