# Mackerels > A massive US-EU trade deal coincides with Ghislaine Maxwell's secret DOJ meetings and a controversial new Postmaster General appointment that threatens the future of rural mail. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 1785 - **Published:** 2025-07-27 - **Length:** 3h 25m - **People:** [Adam Curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/person/adam-curry.md) (host), [John C Dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/person/john-c-dvorak.md) (host) - **Topics:** Trump Scotland, USPS privatization, Alligator Alcatraz, Quantum energy, [Epstein files](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/epstein-files.md), Mackerel currency, [GPT-5](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gpt-5.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels ## About this episode President Donald Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen finalized a sweeping trade agreement this week as the European Union demands China withdraw support for the Russian war in Ukraine. During a high-profile visit to Scotland to open a new golf course, Trump faced intense local protests while calling on European leaders to halt the immigration invasion and criticizing the impact of wind turbines on the Scottish landscape. In Florida, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche held multi-day closed-door meetings with Ghislaine Maxwell, fueling speculation regarding a potential deal involving the Jeffrey Epstein files. Meanwhile, David Steiner, a former FedEx board member with significant stock holdings, has been appointed as the 77th Postmaster General, sparking a national debate over the privatization of the United States Postal Service. In Chicago, ComEd customers are seeing a surge in electricity bills as massive AI data centers and the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park strain the local power grid. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admitted to Theo Von that the mental health implications of AI companions remain a significant concern as ChatGPT launches a new unlicensed therapy tab. Governor Ron DeSantis has established a remote migrant detention center in the Everglades dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, where detainees report harsh conditions and the use of mackerels as a primary currency. The episode captures the absurdity of modern media as Sir Mike Slayer of Taxes receives a knighthood and Dame Astrid reports on a generational divide in Tokyo where younger workers have never seen Pulp Fiction. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/transcript.md. ### 1. No Agenda Episode 1785 Introduction, Texas Weather Report (0:00–0:59) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 1785 of the No Agenda show on July 27, 2025. Curry reports from the Texas Hill Country in FEMA Region 6, noting an unusually mild summer, while Dvorak describes foggy conditions in Northern Silicon Valley. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [texas hill country](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas-hill-country.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [fema region 6](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fema-region-6.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/1.md) ### 2. European Union and United States Trade Deal, China Summit (1:00–6:11) President Donald Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen finalized a major trade agreement between the United States and the European Union. Von der Leyen addressed the EU-China summit, highlighting a 300 billion euro trade deficit and demanding China move toward rules-based trade and withdraw support for Russia's war in Ukraine. Keywords: [ursula von der leyen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ursula-von-der-leyen.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [trade deficit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-deficit.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Donald Trump Scotland Visit, Windmill Criticism and Protests (6:12–11:18) Donald Trump visited Scotland to open a new golf course, sparking protests from locals who criticized his policies on Gaza and immigration. During his arrival, Trump urged European nations to stop the "invasion" of illegal immigration and criticized wind turbines for ruining the Scottish landscape. Keywords: [scotland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scotland.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [windmills](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/windmills.md), [immigration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/immigration.md), [gaza](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gaza.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/3.md) ### 4. NPR Coverage of Trump Scotland Trip, Jeffrey Epstein Questions (11:19–19:08) NPR's Scott Simon and other reporters covered Donald Trump's trip to Scotland, focusing on the cost to Scottish taxpayers and Trump's past association with Jeffrey Epstein. Trump denied being briefed on the Epstein files and suggested the media focus on other associates of the sex offender. Keywords: [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [scott simon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scott-simon.md), [jeffrey epstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeffrey-epstein.md), [ghislaine maxwell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ghislaine-maxwell.md), [scotland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scotland.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/4.md) ### 5. NPR Weekend Edition Production Staff, Time Magazine Rankings (19:08–23:04) A review of the credits for NPR's "Up First" weekend show reveals a production staff of approximately 15 people for a half-hour program. The hosts contrast this large staff with their own independent production model and dismiss Time Magazine's top podcast rankings. Keywords: [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [scott simon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scott-simon.md), aisha roscoe, [time magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/time-magazine.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Ghislaine Maxwell DOJ Meetings, Presidential Pardon Speculation (23:06–28:13) Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche conducted multi-day, closed-door meetings with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell in a Florida prison. While Maxwell's attorneys claim she is cooperating freely without a quid pro quo, critics suggest the Trump administration may be seeking a deal to manage the political fallout of the Epstein files. Keywords: [ghislaine maxwell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ghislaine-maxwell.md), [todd blanche](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/todd-blanche.md), [department of justice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-justice.md), [jeffrey epstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeffrey-epstein.md), [pam bondi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pam-bondi.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Barack Obama Intelligence Community Assessment, John Brennan Claims (28:14–31:20) A 2017 clip of James Clapper confirms that President Barack Obama tasked the intelligence community with the assessment that initiated the Russia investigation. Claims are made regarding John Brennan's political motivations and his past tenure as CIA station chief in Riyadh. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [james clapper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-clapper.md), [john brennan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-brennan.md), [tulsi gabbard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tulsi-gabbard.md), ica [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Dan Bongino FBI Memo, Public Corruption Investigation (31:20–34:08) Dan Bongino posted a memo on X allegedly from a high-ranking FBI official regarding internal investigations into public corruption and the weaponization of intelligence. The memo emphasizes a commitment to "righteous" investigations conducted "by the book," echoing language used in previous political controversies. Keywords: [dan bongino](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dan-bongino.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [susan rice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/susan-rice.md), [law enforcement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/law-enforcement.md), x [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Mike Baker Joe Rogan Interview, Intelligence Blackmail Tactics (34:09–41:44) Former CIA operative Mike Baker appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience to discuss the operational risks of using blackmail to recruit assets. Baker noted that while Russian and Israeli intelligence services frequently use "honeypot" operations, the CIA often avoids blackmail because it can lead to assets becoming double agents. Keywords: mike baker, [joe rogan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-rogan.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [blackmail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackmail.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/9.md) ### 10. XRP Ripple Cryptocurrency, Quantum Finance Buzzwords (41:44–44:12) The long-running promotion of the XRP cryptocurrency is characterized as a persistent psychological operation involving claims of "off-world servers" and "quantum networks." This is compared to the "New Economy" buzzwords of the late 1990s, such as "clicks and mortar." Keywords: [xrp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xrp.md), [ripple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ripple.md), quantum finance, [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), new economy [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Benjamin Franklin First Postmaster General, Postal History Trivia (44:14–46:20) On the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, it is noted that the Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. The appointment occurred around the same time as the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Keywords: [benjamin franklin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/benjamin-franklin.md), continental congress, postmaster general, [postal service](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/postal-service.md), [trivia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trivia.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/11.md) ### 12. David Steiner USPS Appointment, Postal Service Privatization Debate (46:21–52:44) David Steiner, a former FedEx board member, has been appointed as the 77th Postmaster General, sparking concerns about the privatization of the U.S. Postal Service. While Steiner claims he does not support privatization, critics point to his millions in FedEx stock and the potential for reduced rural mail service. Keywords: david steiner, [usps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/usps.md), [fedex](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fedex.md), [louis dejoy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/louis-dejoy.md), [privatization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privatization.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Secure Email Proposal, Postal Service Modernization Concept (52:45–1:00:46) A proposal for modernizing the U.S. Postal Service suggests the agency should operate a secure, encrypted email service. By charging a fractional fee via stablecoin for each message, the system could eliminate spam and provide a government-backed alternative to private providers like Google. Keywords: [usps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/usps.md), [encryption](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/encryption.md), [stablecoin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stablecoin.md), [spam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spam.md), public key [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/13.md) ### 14. NPR Funding Crisis, This American Life Profanity Warning (1:00:46–1:03:14) NPR has launched an aggressive donation campaign following the elimination of federal funding for public media. Separately, the program "This American Life" issued a warning regarding un-beeped profanity in its podcast version, directing sensitive listeners to its website for a censored feed. Keywords: [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [this american life](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/this-american-life.md), [public media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-media.md), [donation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donation.md), [federal funding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-funding.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Quantum Computing Power Demand, Chicago Energy Grid (1:03:15–1:07:54) ComEd customers in Chicago are facing rising electricity bills attributed to the high power demands of AI data centers and the new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. Anchor tenant PsiQuantum requires massive amounts of energy to maintain qubits at near absolute zero temperatures. Keywords: comed, [chicago](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chicago.md), [quantum computing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/quantum-computing.md), [qubits](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/qubits.md), psiquantum [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/15.md) ### 16. LISP Programming Resurgence, AI Reasoning Limitations (1:07:56–1:11:49) Artificial intelligence researchers are reportedly returning to the LISP programming language to improve machine reasoning and recursive logic. While Python remains the dominant language for large language models, the limitations of current neural networks have led to a renewed interest in the symbolic AI approaches pioneered by John McCarthy. Keywords: [lisp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisp.md), [python](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/python.md), [artificial intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/artificial-intelligence.md), [neural networks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/neural-networks.md), john mccarthy [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Sam Altman GPT-5 Preview, AI Mental Health Concerns (1:11:50–1:17:28) OpenAI CEO Sam Altman appeared on Theo Von's podcast to discuss the upcoming GPT-5 model, claiming its capabilities made him feel "useless." Altman expressed concern regarding the impact of AI companions on user mental health and admitted he does not yet have a solution for mitigating these negative effects. Keywords: [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [gpt-5](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gpt-5.md), [theo von](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/theo-von.md), [mental health](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mental-health.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/17.md) ### 18. ChatGPT Therapy Tab, Unlicensed Medical Advice Concerns (1:17:29–1:19:51) The ChatGPT mobile application now includes a dedicated "therapy" tab, raising legal questions regarding the provision of unlicensed therapeutic services. In states like California, practicing psychology or psychiatry requires a professional license, which the AI model does not possess. Keywords: [chatgpt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chatgpt.md), [therapy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/therapy.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [licensing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/licensing.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Social Media Bot Flooding, Barack Obama Cyber Speech (1:19:51–1:24:05) Social media platforms are increasingly flooded with bot accounts used by intelligence agencies to massage public narratives. A 2022 speech by Barack Obama at Harvard is cited as a description of the "Cloward-Piven" strategy for the digital age, where the public square is flooded with "raw sewage" to destroy trust in institutions. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [bots](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bots.md), x, [disinformation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disinformation.md), [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Donald Trump and Melania Photo, Twitter Identification Debate (1:24:07–1:28:46) A debate ensues over a historical photograph of Donald Trump with Jeffrey Epstein and an unidentified woman. While some claim the woman is Melania Trump from the late 1990s, others argue the timeline of Trump's divorce from Marla Maples and his early dating life with Melania makes the identification less certain. Keywords: [melania trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/melania-trump.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [jeffrey epstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeffrey-epstein.md), [marla maples](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marla-maples.md), x [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Emil Bove Judicial Nomination, Federalist Society Conflict (1:28:46–1:39:58) Donald Trump has nominated his former defense attorney, Emil Bove, to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The nomination is controversial because Bove is not a member of the Federalist Society, signaling Trump's break from the organization after several of its recommended judges ruled against him in lower courts. Keywords: emil bove, [federalist society](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federalist-society.md), [mitch mcconnell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mitch-mcconnell.md), [department of justice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-justice.md), [trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trump.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Federal Prison Visit, Minimum Security Camp Conditions (1:39:59–1:43:18) A visit to a federal correction facility in Texas reveals the relaxed atmosphere of a minimum-security "camp." The experience involved strict rules regarding clear bags and dollar bills for vending machines, though the guards were surprisingly friendly and recognized the visitor from past media work. Keywords: [federal prison](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-prison.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), visitation, [ozzy osbourne](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ozzy-osbourne.md), [vending machines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vending-machines.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Alligator Alcatraz Detention Center, Florida Everglades Airstrip (1:43:19–1:47:25) Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has opened a migrant detention center, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," on a remote Everglades airstrip originally designed for the Concorde. The facility is intended to serve as a deterrent to illegal immigration, with Florida seeking $450 million in FEMA reimbursements for its operation. Keywords: [ron desantis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-desantis.md), [florida](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/florida.md), everglades, alligator alcatraz, [fema](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fema.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Prison Currency Mackerel, Alligator Alcatraz Abuse Allegations (1:47:26–1:56:34) Detainees at the Alligator Alcatraz facility have alleged harsh treatment, including being placed in "The Box" under the hot Florida sun. Separately, it is noted that individually wrapped mackerels, known as "Macs," have replaced cigarettes as the primary currency in many federal and commercial prisons. Keywords: mackerel, [currency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/currency.md), alligator alcatraz, [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Homelessness Executive Order, Forced Addiction Treatment (1:56:35–2:02:02) President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at removing homeless encampments from city streets and redirecting federal funds toward forced treatment for substance abuse and mental illness. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the order as a distraction, despite recently issuing his own directives to dismantle encampments. Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [gavin newsom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gavin-newsom.md), [homelessness](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homelessness.md), [addiction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/addiction.md), [mental health](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mental-health.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Beef Prices Surge, Texas Slim Beef Initiative (2:02:03–2:08:10) Beef prices have reached historic highs due to Midwest droughts and shrinking cattle herd sizes. Texas Slim of the Beef Initiative delivered $10,000 worth of ground beef to Mercy Chefs in Kerrville, Texas, advocating for consumers to buy directly from local ranchers to avoid commodity price spikes. Keywords: [texas slim](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas-slim.md), [beef initiative](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/beef-initiative.md), [kerrville](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kerrville.md), [drought](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drought.md), [cattle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cattle.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Podcast Industry Slowdown, Sam Altman Car Collection (2:08:11–2:13:11) The hosts discuss a general "slowdown" in the podcasting industry and listener engagement. The conversation shifts to the exotic car collections of tech billionaires, noting Sam Altman's McLaren F1 and Larry Ellison's Bugatti, as well as Glenn Beck's classic Bugatti. Keywords: [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [larry ellison](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-ellison.md), [glenn beck](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-beck.md), [bugatti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bugatti.md), mclaren f1 [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/27.md) ### 28. TrueFans Podcast App, Value for Value Model (2:13:11–2:15:49) The new TrueFans app is introduced as a modern podcasting platform for Apple and Android that supports the Value for Value model. The app allows listeners to become "fans," receive live broadcast alerts, and purchase show merchandise directly through the interface. Keywords: truefans, [podcasting 2.0](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting-2-0.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [android](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/android.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/28.md) ### 29. AI Image Steganography, Yellow Channel Metadata (2:15:50–2:22:36) Technical analysis suggests that AI-generated images contain hidden steganography in the yellow channel, encoding prompts and user data. This metadata may be used by AI companies to identify synthetic content and prevent "model collapse" caused by training new models on AI-generated data. Keywords: [steganography](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steganography.md), yellow channel, ai images, [chatgpt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chatgpt.md), [metadata](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/metadata.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Producer Donations, Sir Mike Slayer of Taxes (2:22:37–2:29:08) Sir Animas of Dogpatch contributes $27.77 and 20 Israeli shekels, commenting on the display of flags in schools. Sir Mike Slayer of Taxes donates $1,000 from Las Vegas, requesting a PhD in media deconstruction and sharing his summer plans in Bemidji, Minnesota. Keywords: [seronymous](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seronymous.md), [las vegas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/las-vegas.md), bemidji, [taxes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taxes.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Knighting Ceremony, Mega Time Watch Promotion (2:29:12–2:35:26) Harjeet Dosanjh and William Levenberg contribute to the show, with Levenberg celebrating his 33rd birthday. A new watch company, MegaTimeWatch.com, is promoted by a producer who took over equipment from a previous wooden watch venture. Lee Gunning from Western Australia is also recognized for his first-time donation. Keywords: harjeet dosanjh, [tom hartman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tom-hartman.md), mega time watch, [bali](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bali.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Dame Astrid Japan Report, Tokyo Meetup Announcement (2:35:28–2:39:19) Dame Astrid, the Archduchess of Japan, sends custom socks and reports on a generational gap where younger staff are unfamiliar with Pulp Fiction. An emergency meetup is announced for July 30th in Shibuya to celebrate Sir Sebastian's birthday. Dame Nikki Ray also requests birthday wishes for her daughter. Keywords: [dame astrid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dame-astrid.md), [tokyo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tokyo.md), shibuya, pulp fiction, mechanical engineering [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Guatemalan Hospital Fundraiser, Upside App Promotion (2:39:20–2:46:05) Bobby Burke highlights his wife Joanne's work with the Wisconsin State Lions and a fundraiser for a hospital in Guatemala. Sir Cashman in Austin and Eric Chaffee provide donations, with Chaffee promoting the Upside app for earning gas rebates to support the show. Keywords: bobby burke, [guatemala](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guatemala.md), lions club, upside app, sir cashman [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/33.md) ### 34. Donald Trump Federal Reserve Visit, Interest Rate Refinancing (2:46:06–2:52:49) Donald Trump visited the Federal Reserve to pressure Chair Jerome Powell into lowering interest rates. Trump criticized the $2.7 billion renovation cost of the Fed's offices and argued that a three-point rate cut would allow the U.S. to refinance its debt, saving $1 trillion annually. Keywords: [jerome powell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jerome-powell.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [interest rates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/interest-rates.md), [bellagio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bellagio.md), [national debt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-debt.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/34.md) ### 35. Paramount Skydance Merger, South Park Trump Satire (2:52:49–2:56:54) The FCC approved the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media after Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump over a "60 Minutes" edit. Meanwhile, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone signed a $1.5 billion deal and released a premiere episode mocking Trump and Paramount's legal settlement. Keywords: [paramount](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paramount.md), [skydance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skydance.md), [south park](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-park.md), [stephen colbert](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stephen-colbert.md), [fcc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fcc.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/35.md) ### 36. Jeff Bezos Media Expansion, CNBC Acquisition Rumors (2:56:56–2:59:58) Reports suggest Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is considering purchasing CNBC and potentially MSNBC to expand his media holdings. Analysts speculate that Bezos may integrate these news networks into Amazon Prime Video while maintaining their presence on cable for carriage fee revenue. Keywords: [jeff bezos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeff-bezos.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [washington post](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-post.md), [amazon prime](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amazon-prime.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/36.md) ### 37. Industrial Fish Poaching, Satellite Tracking Technology (2:59:59–3:04:08) A study published in the journal Science using European satellite radar found that while industrial fish poaching is rare in strictly protected areas, it occurs in half of the regions with partial protections. These "dark vessels" often disable GPS transponders to fish illegally for months at a time. Keywords: poaching, marine protected areas, [satellites](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/satellites.md), jennifer rayner, [seafood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seafood.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/37.md) ### 38. Final Donor Credits, Sir Eric Knighthood (3:04:10–3:12:04) The show concludes with a final reading of donors, including Miss Masters in London and Mark Brustar in Arizona. Eric Reinhardt is officially dubbed "Sir Eric" of the No Agenda Round Table for his $1,000 contribution, receiving the traditional knightly accolades and a signet ring. Keywords: miss masters, mark brustar, [dortmund](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dortmund.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [sir eric](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sir-eric.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/38.md) ### 39. Meetup Calendar, IP Location Tip of the Day (3:12:04–3:21:11) The hosts review upcoming meetups in Columbus, Victoria, and Tokyo. John C. Dvorak provides the "Tip of the Day," recommending IPLocation.net for identifying the geographic origin of IP addresses using multiple data sources. The episode closes with a preview of the "Exit Strategies" special. Keywords: [columbus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/columbus.md), [victoria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/victoria.md), [tokyo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tokyo.md), iplocation.net, [grimerica](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grimerica.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/39.md) ### 40. Candace Owens Lawsuit, End of Show Mix (3:21:11–3:25:40) The final segment features a news clip regarding a lawsuit against Candace Owens for spreading lies about the Macron family. This is followed by an end-of-show music mix featuring themes of government conspiracies, fluoride in water, and MKUltra. Keywords: [candace owens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/candace-owens.md), [macron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/macron.md), [fluoride](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fluoride.md), [conspiracy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy.md), [mkultra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mkultra.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/40.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1784-yakcasting.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1786-best-exit-strategies.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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