# Name Drop > A massive Hollywood merger triggers state-mandated film quotas while global leaders debate the risks of super intelligence and the rise of the digital Euro. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 1906 - **Published:** 2026-09-24 - **Length:** 2h 52m - **People:** [Adam Curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/person/adam-curry.md) (host), [Dana Brunetti](https://search.noagendashow.net/person/dana-brunetti.md) (host) - **Topics:** Paramount Merger, [Super Intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/super-intelligence.md), [Digital Euro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/digital-euro.md), Diesel Export Ban, Russian Sabotage, GLP-1 Lawsuits - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop ## About this episode The entertainment landscape shifts as Warner Brothers and Paramount move toward a massive October merger under the Ellison family, triggering a controversial settlement from California Attorney General Rob Bonta. This legal agreement mandates the production of 30 annual films and specific blockbuster quotas to protect local jobs, even as media analysts Brian Stelter and Kara Swisher predict widespread layoffs. The deal faces intense political scrutiny from critics who view the settlement as a face-saving measure for the state rather than a victory for the industry. Global tensions rise as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warn of a Russian sabotage campaign targeting defense factories in Bulgaria and Italy. Simultaneously, the United Nations Security Council held its first formal meeting on super intelligence, where Yoshua Bengio cautioned against the reckless risks taken by a handful of tech giants. In the United States, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry proposed a 90-day ban on diesel exports to stabilize domestic fuel costs, while the European Central Bank unveiled Pontes, a digital Euro platform designed for interbank transactions. Pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are also facing new legal challenges as lawsuits allege a link between GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and rare vision loss. Guest co-host Dana Brunetti joins Adam Curry to recount early encounters with an introverted Elon Musk and the logistical nightmares of building a private heliport in Amsterdam. The show explores the bizarre cultural fallout at a Massachusetts lesbian bar where a mask-optional policy led to accusations of eugenics and a three-hour mediated therapy session. Between discussions of FedEx horse transport and AI-generated cinema, the episode concludes with a formal knighting ceremony for the latest producers in the Value for Value model. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/transcript.md. ### 1. Adam Curry and Dana Brunetti Introduction (0:00–8:24) Adam Curry introduces guest co-host Dana Brunetti, a former Hollywood producer known for House of Cards and The Social Network. The two discuss Brunetti's transition from the film industry to ranching and his recurring role on the show. They touch upon the competitive nature of guest hosts including Jason Calacanis and Rob Dew. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [dana brunetti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dana-brunetti.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [house of cards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/house-of-cards.md), [social network](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-network.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Warner Brothers and Paramount Mega Merger Analysis (8:25–18:59) The discussion centers on the potential merger between Warner Brothers and Paramount, highlighting the involvement of the Ellison family. Analysis focuses on the value of legacy studio catalogs for streaming services and the political pushback against Larry Ellison. The conversation explores the possibility of studios moving operations from California to states like Tennessee or Texas to avoid high taxes. Keywords: [warner brothers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/warner-brothers.md), [paramount](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paramount.md), [larry ellison](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-ellison.md), [david ellison](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-ellison.md), [streaming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/streaming.md), [intellectual property](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intellectual-property.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/2.md) ### 3. California Attorney General Rob Bonta Settlement Terms (18:59–23:51) California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement regarding the Paramount merger that requires an increase in domestic production. The terms mandate the release of 30 films annually, with specific requirements for independent films and guaranteed "blockbusters." Critics and protesters outside studio gates express frustration, claiming the agreement only offers temporary protections for California jobs. Keywords: [rob bonta](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rob-bonta.md), [paramount](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paramount.md), [hollywood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hollywood.md), film production, blockbusters, [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Media Industry Reactions and CNN Future (23:51–28:46) Media analysts Brian Stelter and Kara Swisher react to the impending October merger, with Swisher expressing a desire to exit her contract. The discussion covers David Ellison's potential plans to shift CNN toward a more centrist, factual news approach. Commentator Clay Travis suggests the merger could balance the media landscape similarly to Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter. Keywords: [brian stelter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brian-stelter.md), [kara swisher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kara-swisher.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [david ellison](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-ellison.md), [clay travis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clay-travis.md), [hbo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hbo.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Antitrust Concerns and Entertainment Sector Layoffs (28:46–33:03) The settlement of the Paramount antitrust case is criticized as being politically motivated rather than a strict legal victory. Experts predict significant layoffs in the entertainment sector due to back-office consolidation between Warner Brothers Discovery and Paramount. Director Spike Lee declines to comment on the merger, suggesting established creators avoid criticizing the few remaining major studios. Keywords: [antitrust](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/antitrust.md), [rob bonta](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rob-bonta.md), [spike lee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spike-lee.md), [layoffs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/layoffs.md), movie studios, [consolidation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consolidation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/5.md) ### 6. AI Film Production and Future of Entertainment (33:03–40:44) Fountain Zero chairman Tom Rogers discusses the AI-generated film Odysseus the Fall, produced for under $25,000. The conversation shifts to a future where AI renders personalized content for consumers on demand based on specific prompts. A host describes using AI models to develop an audio drama based on The Land of Far Beyond, illustrating the rapid evolution of creative tools. Keywords: fountain zero, [artificial intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/artificial-intelligence.md), odysseus the fall, tom rogers, [grok](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grok.md), filmmaking [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/6.md) ### 7. AI Model Saturation and Consumer Adoption (40:44–46:19) The discussion explores whether AI development has reached a "peak model" phase where updates become incremental, similar to annual iPhone releases. The hosts discuss the "Muse" AI app and its adoption by non-technical users for tasks like price comparison and luxury item appraisal. They debate whether AI-driven comparison shopping will hurt or help Amazon's retail monopoly. Keywords: [ai models](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai-models.md), [iphone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iphone.md), [muse](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/muse.md), [grok](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grok.md), [amazon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amazon.md), [consumer behavior](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consumer-behavior.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/7.md) ### 8. UN General Assembly and Super Intelligence Terminology (46:19–50:23) The United Nations Security Council held its first meeting on AI, where leaders discussed the risks of "super intelligence." The term "artificial intelligence" is criticized by some as sounding fake, leading to a preference for "super intelligence" in official documents. Panelists like Yashua Bengio warned that a handful of companies and countries are taking reckless risks with humanity's fate. Keywords: [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), [super intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/super-intelligence.md), yashua bengio, [ai regulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai-regulation.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [security council](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/security-council.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Pro-Human Assembly and AI Legislative Debates (50:23–55:59) Congressman Chip Roy and Senator Bernie Sanders appeared at a "Pro-Human Assembly" organized by Steve Bannon to discuss AI regulation. Roy argues against new regulations, suggesting that existing cybersecurity and liability laws should be applied to tech companies first. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is cited as supporting the application of current laws rather than creating a "doomsday narrative" to justify new restrictions. Keywords: [steve bannon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-bannon.md), [chip roy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chip-roy.md), [bernie sanders](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bernie-sanders.md), [jensen huang](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jensen-huang.md), [nvidia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nvidia.md), pro-human assembly [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Jaron Lanier on AI Religion and China (55:59–1:06:34) Visionary Jaron Lanier spoke at a conference about the "pseudo-religion" surrounding AI and the drive to create a digital god. He argues that the industry's focus on passing the Turing Test with human-like voices is an expensive "parlor trick" that creates addiction and political distortion. Lanier notes that Chinese AI models are often cheaper because they focus on utility rather than human-like personality illusions. Keywords: [jaron lanier](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jaron-lanier.md), [turing test](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/turing-test.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [ai safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai-safety.md), [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [virtual reality](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/virtual-reality.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Future AI Licensing and Digital ID (1:06:34–1:11:41) The discussion touches on the return of "disinformation" experts like Tristan Harris and Renee DiResta to the public eye. A host predicts that AI regulation will eventually manifest as a personal licensing system, similar to a driver's license, linked to a digital ID. This shift would place the burden of responsibility on the individual user rather than the platform or the software. Keywords: [tristan harris](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tristan-harris.md), renee diresta, [digital id](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/digital-id.md), [licensing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/licensing.md), [ai regulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai-regulation.md), [section 230](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/section-230.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Diesel Prices and Louisiana Export Ban Proposal (1:11:41–1:20:50) Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry proposes a 90-day ban on U.S. diesel exports to lower domestic fuel costs. The hosts discuss the impact of high diesel prices on ranching and the use of "red diesel" for off-road farm equipment. Landry also defends the water usage of data centers, claiming they use significantly less water than golf courses, while welcoming SpaceX investments in Louisiana. Keywords: [diesel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diesel.md), [jeff landry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeff-landry.md), red diesel, [cyber truck](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cyber-truck.md), [louisiana](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/louisiana.md), fuel exports [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/12.md) ### 13. NATO Warnings and Russian Sabotage Claims (1:20:50–1:28:24) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warn of increasing Russian aggression and hybrid threats across Europe. Reports cite a series of fires and drone incidents at defense warehouses and factories in Bulgaria, Italy, and Estonia as evidence of a sabotage campaign. Critics suggest these events are being used to build a narrative for war and to test NATO's Article 5 commitment. Keywords: [nato](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nato.md), [mark rutte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-rutte.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [poland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poland.md), [sabotage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sabotage.md), [leipzig airport](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leipzig-airport.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/13.md) ### 14. European Central Bank and Digital Euro Launch (1:28:27–1:33:16) ECB President Christine Lagarde announces the launch of "Pontes," a digital Euro platform for interbank transactions using distributed ledger technology. The ECB is also surveying Europeans on new banknote designs, which some interpret as a precursor to phasing out physical cash. The move toward a digital currency is framed as a necessary step for the European monetary system's future. Keywords: [christine lagarde](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/christine-lagarde.md), [european central bank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-central-bank.md), [digital euro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/digital-euro.md), [banknotes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banknotes.md), [blockchain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blockchain.md), [ireland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ireland.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Massachusetts Lesbian Bar Mask Mandate Controversy (1:33:18–1:39:40) A lesbian bar in Greenfield, Massachusetts, faced intense backlash from its patrons after announcing a single "mask-optional" night per week. The owners, who had required N95 masks for six years, were accused of "eugenics" and "ableism" by their community. The situation escalated into a three-hour mediated therapy session where the mediator was criticized for being "white" and "ableist." Keywords: [mask mandate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mask-mandate.md), [massachusetts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/massachusetts.md), [covid-19](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/covid-19.md), [n95](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/n95.md), [ableism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ableism.md), [social justice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-justice.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Measles Outbreak and Vaccine Efficacy Debate (1:39:40–1:46:04) Fox News medical analyst Dr. Mark Siegel discusses a measles outbreak in Pennsylvania and the decline in national vaccination rates. The segment highlights cases of fully vaccinated individuals testing positive for the virus, which Siegel attributes to the vaccine's 97% efficacy rate. The hosts contrast the modern medical alarmism with a 1969 Brady Bunch episode that depicted measles as a routine childhood event. Keywords: [measles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/measles.md), [mark siegel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-siegel.md), [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), [vaccination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccination.md), [brady bunch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brady-bunch.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/16.md) ### 17. GLP-1 Lawsuits and Cosmetic Peptides (1:46:11–1:54:08) Pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly face lawsuits alleging that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic cause a rare type of vision loss. The hosts discuss the widespread use of these drugs for weight loss and the growing trend of "micro-dosing" peptides and Botox among social circles. They express skepticism regarding the long-term safety of these treatments and the "aesthetics" culture driving their popularity. Keywords: [ozempic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ozempic.md), wagovi, [eli lilly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eli-lilly.md), vision loss, [botox](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/botox.md), [peptides](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peptides.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Helicopter Logistics and the Amsterdam Heliport Story (1:54:09–2:02:35) The discussion covers the difficulty of obtaining helipad permits, prompted by Donald Trump's comments on Marine One's power. A host recounts a personal attempt to build a heliport in Amsterdam harbor to assist trauma helicopters, which ultimately failed due to a nearby windmill and a crooked business partner. The segment concludes with advice on the dangers of landing helicopters in tall grass or near curious cows. Keywords: [helicopters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/helicopters.md), sikorsky, [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), baby seals, robinson r-44, helipads [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/18.md) ### 19. FedEx Horse Transport and Show Mix (2:02:35–2:08:23) An air traffic control clip reveals the frequency of shipping racehorses and jumpers via FedEx cargo planes. The hosts discuss the high costs and specialized logistics involved in transporting livestock internationally. This is followed by a produced musical mix recapping the show's themes and the guest appearance of Dana Brunetti. Keywords: [fedex](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fedex.md), horse transport, [air traffic control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-traffic-control.md), [show mix](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/show-mix.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Meeting Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Anecdotes (2:08:31–2:17:31) The hosts share personal stories of meeting Elon Musk during the early days of Tesla and SpaceX. One describes meeting Musk at a venture capital event where he appeared introverted, while Brunetti recounts cold-emailing Musk to propose a movie. The anecdotes highlight Musk's early awkwardness and his eventual rise to prominence within the Hollywood and tech elite. Keywords: [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [tesla](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tesla.md), [spacex](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spacex.md), [ray lane](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ray-lane.md), mike moritz, [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Podcast Strategy and Future AI Movie Plans (2:17:31–2:23:00) The hosts brainstorm a plan to produce an open-source AI movie and document the process on GitHub and X. They discuss using appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience and with Alex Jones to promote the project. The segment includes a reflection on a failed podcast idea with John C. Dvorak titled "Party Line" that never materialized due to logistical disagreements. Keywords: [joe rogan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-rogan.md), [alex jones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alex-jones.md), [github](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/github.md), [open source](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/open-source.md), ai movie, [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Value for Value Donations and Knighting Ceremony (2:23:01–2:34:16) Adam Curry reads donations from the "Value for Value" model, thanking producers for their financial support. Several listeners are inducted into the "Order of the Ant" in memory of John C. Dvorak. A formal knighting ceremony is held for Dame Media Equals Virus and Sir Glenn of the Drink, complete with traditional jingles and peerage titles. Keywords: [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [order of the ant](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/order-of-the-ant.md), [peerage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peerage.md), [john c dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Meetups, Tips of the Day, and Final Credits (2:34:17–2:51:40) The show concludes with a list of upcoming No Agenda meetups across the United States and Europe. Dana Brunetti provides "Tips of the Day" regarding lying on security questions for privacy and using the iPhone spacebar as a trackpad. The episode ends with a "Book of Knowledge" segment on Kevin Trudeau and final musical credits. Keywords: [meetups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meetups.md), kevin trudeau, security questions, trackpad, [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1906-name-drop/chapter/23.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1905-nerdballs.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1907-one-shotted.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`. - [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt) - [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md) - [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md) - [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md) - [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)