# The Christmas Show 2014 > The creators of the value-for-value model peel back the curtain on their technical workflow, historical media deconstruction, and the linguistic traps of modern political rhetoric. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 681 - **Published:** 2014-12-26 - **Length:** 2h 28m - **Topics:** RIAA deconstruction, [Freedom Controller](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freedom-controller.md), [Radio history](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radio-history.md), [Taylor Swift](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taylor-swift.md), Linguistic policing, Green tech failures, [Net neutrality](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/net-neutrality.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014 ## About this episode Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak celebrate the 2014 holiday season by deconstructing the origins of the No Agenda program and its foundational sacred texts. The duo revisits a 2008 Washington Post report on the RIAA and CD ripping that served as the catalyst for their media deconstruction model. They analyze how selective quoting and narrative manipulation by mainstream outlets necessitated a permanent alternative to traditional news cycles. Technical philosophy takes center stage as the hosts detail their rejection of video in favor of high-fidelity audio production. They examine the failure of the California green jobs initiative, the marketing machinery behind Taylor Swift, and the historical competition between the NBC and CBS radio networks. Specific attention is given to the Freedom Controller RSS system, the linguistic policing of filler words, and the media's use of fear-based triggers regarding North Korean threats and the Kony 2012 phenomenon. John C. Dvorak adopts his Last Minute Charlie approach to news gathering while Adam Curry demonstrates the Phil Spector of podcasts production style using outboard noise gates. The session concludes with a look at the Koch brothers' libertarian roots and a series of archival gaffes from figures like Al Sharpton and Gordon Brown. This special sequentially numbered episode serves as a definitive primer on the show's value-for-value infrastructure and its commitment to unrehearsed, freeform dialogue. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/transcript.md. ### 1. No Agenda Christmas Special, Show Origins and Sacred Texts (0:00–8:32) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak introduce a special sequentially numbered episode of No Agenda produced for the Christmas holiday to avoid working on the actual day. They discuss the show's history, referencing "sacred texts" like Confessions of an Economic Hitman and the TV series Rubicon. Dvorak highlights Wendy Doniger's book The Hindus, noting its controversial status and ban in India. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [confessions of an economic hitman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confessions-of-an-economic-hitman.md), [rubicon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rubicon.md), [legacy of ashes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legacy-of-ashes.md), wendy doniger [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Early Show Dynamics, Cultural Misunderstandings and Linguistic Bluntness (8:33–16:22) The hosts reflect on the early years of their partnership, characterized by technical delays on Skype and frequent interpersonal friction. They examine how Dutch linguistic patterns and flat intonations can be misinterpreted as rudeness or sarcasm by Americans. An archival clip from 2009 illustrates an awkward exchange regarding hot chilies and professional "foodies." Keywords: [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), dutch influence, linguistic cadence, [sarcasm](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarcasm.md), communication styles, social cues [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/2.md) ### 3. RIAA Misquotation, Genesis of the No Agenda Deconstruction Method (16:21–24:42) A pivotal 2008 clip regarding the RIAA and CD ripping marks the transition of No Agenda into a news deconstruction program. The hosts analyze how a Washington Post reporter omitted a crucial detail about "shared folders" in a quote, leading to a misleading narrative about the legality of ripping music. This incident established the show's thesis that mainstream news is often manipulated or poorly researched. Keywords: [riaa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/riaa.md), [washington post](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-post.md), [media deconstruction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-deconstruction.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), [copyright law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/copyright-law.md), shared folders [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Art of Listening, Audio Fidelity and Rejection of Video (24:42–34:59) The discussion shifts to the technical philosophy of podcasting, emphasizing the importance of listening for comprehension rather than just for a reply. The hosts explain their commitment to an audio-only format, arguing that video is a distraction that limits the listener's imagination. They detail their real-time production workflow, which utilizes outboard gear and noise gates to avoid the need for post-production editing. Keywords: [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [audio engineering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audio-engineering.md), [noise gates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/noise-gates.md), [tricaster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tricaster.md), [garageband](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/garageband.md), [video podcasts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/video-podcasts.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Guest Booking Rants, Pre-Interview Mechanics and Media Manipulation (35:00–40:03) John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry explain their strict "no guests" policy, citing the logistical nightmare of booking and the lack of authenticity in pre-interviewed segments. They describe how mainstream outlets like CNBC and CNN use bookers to script controversy by assigning guests specific "sides" to take. Dvorak recounts his experience on a radio book tour and his preference for the "freeform" style of Larry King. Keywords: guest booking, [cranky geeks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cranky-geeks.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [wolf blitzer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wolf-blitzer.md), [larry king](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-king.md), media controversy [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Studio Ambience, Noise Gates and the Phil Spector of Podcasts (40:03–45:40) Adam Curry demonstrates the effect of noise gates by turning them off to reveal the ambient hiss and background noise in his studio. They compare their "grungy" 1950s radio sound to the "dead" acoustic environment favored by NPR. Curry describes his role as the "Phil Spector of podcasts," using limiters and compressors to create a consistent, high-fidelity audio experience. Keywords: [noise gates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/noise-gates.md), [audio processing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audio-processing.md), npr sound, condenser mics, studio environment [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Feinstein Terrorist Warning, Media Apathy and Mary Kennedy (45:41–50:38) The hosts review a 2010 clip of Senator Dianne Feinstein and intelligence officials predicting a certain terrorist attack within six months, which never materialized. They discuss the apathy of broadcast network employees who treat news as a "gig" rather than a mission. A clip regarding the death of Mary Kennedy leads to a discussion on the role of pharmaceuticals like Ambien in high-profile suicide cases. Keywords: [dianne feinstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dianne-feinstein.md), [terrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terrorism.md), [mary kennedy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mary-kennedy.md), [robert f. kennedy jr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-f-kennedy-jr.md), [pharmaceuticals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmaceuticals.md), [ambien](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ambien.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Producer Model, Information Management and Last Minute Charlie (50:39–1:01:56) The hosts define their audience as "producers" who provide essential research and leads, though they acknowledge the risk of "plants" giving bad information. They compare their preparation styles, with Dvorak moving toward an ad-libbed "Last Minute Charlie" approach using a hardware DVR for clips. They emphasize that they do not talk to each other outside of the show to keep their reactions fresh and unrehearsed. Keywords: [producers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/producers.md), [crowdsourcing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crowdsourcing.md), information management, [larry king](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-king.md), [newsletter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/newsletter.md), rehearsal [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Freedom Controller, RSS Aggregation and Show Preparation (1:01:57–1:08:18) Adam Curry details his sophisticated "Freedom Controller" system, an RSS aggregator and information management tool developed with Dave Jones. He describes a rigorous preparation cycle involving 780 feeds, C-SPAN monitoring, and deep dives into Form 990 tax filings for nonprofits. This process culminates in a structured rundown and the generation of detailed XML-based show notes. Keywords: [freedom controller](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freedom-controller.md), [rss feeds](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rss-feeds.md), [opml](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opml.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [news aggregation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-aggregation.md), [dave jones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dave-jones.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Random Walk Theory, Harry Reid and North Korean Fearmongering (1:08:19–1:14:55) John C. Dvorak explains his "Random Walk Theory" of news gathering, which relies on serendipity and mainstream media monitoring. They recall a specific C-SPAN find where Harry Reid quietly passed the NDAA during a session on wildfires. A 2010 news clip about North Korea allegedly targeting Hawaii on the 4th of July is used to illustrate how media uses fear to drive ratings. Keywords: [harry reid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harry-reid.md), [ndaa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ndaa.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [north korea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-korea.md), [hawaii](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hawaii.md), [missile defense](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/missile-defense.md), [media fear](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-fear.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Emotional Triggers, Financial Support and Al Sharpton Gaffes (1:14:57–1:20:39) The hosts analyze the use of fear as a primary emotional trigger in both mainstream and alternative media to maintain engagement and advertising rates. They pause to remind listeners of the "Value-for-Value" support model via dvorak.org/na. The segment concludes with a series of humorous gaffes from media personalities Ed Schultz and Al Sharpton, including the "skillets and iced tea" remark. Keywords: [fear](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fear.md), [glenn beck](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-beck.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [ed schultz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ed-schultz.md), [al sharpton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-sharpton.md), [gaffes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gaffes.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Green Tech Failures, Pharmaceutical Disclaimers and Apes with iPads (1:20:40–1:28:42) Archival clips highlight the failure of the "green jobs" initiative in California and the absurdity of long pharmaceutical disclaimers, specifically for the drug Stelara. They discuss how PR firms place "native advertising" stories in the news, such as a story about orangutans using iPads, which they link to the promotional cycle for a Planet of the Apes movie. Keywords: [green jobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/green-jobs.md), stelara, [psoriasis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/psoriasis.md), planet of the apes, [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md), pr campaigns [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Newspaper Editorial Meetings, Media Slant and Native Advertising (1:28:43–1:37:06) The hosts deconstruct the editorial process of major newspapers, where editors-in-chief decide the daily narrative. They argue that modern media slanting is achieved through the selection of news rather than a lack of reporter objectivity. Dvorak critiques MSNBC for being a "pro-Democrat" cheerleader and expresses skepticism about the long-term viability of such biased programming under corporate owners like Comcast. Keywords: [new york times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-times.md), editorial meetings, [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), left-leaning media, [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), [comcast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comcast.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Radio History, NBC vs. CBS and the Bonehead Network (1:37:06–1:42:53) John C. Dvorak shares insights from a 1935 book on the history of radio networks, explaining the competition between NBC and CBS. He describes how NBC's flat-rate affiliate model led to its decline as CBS implemented a more successful per-person payment structure. This historical context is used to mock the "bonehead" management styles that persist in modern broadcasting. Keywords: [radio history](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radio-history.md), nbc blue, nbc red, [cbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbs.md), [advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md), [broadcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/broadcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/14.md) ### 15. No Agenda Infrastructure, Volunteers and Jingle Production (1:42:56–1:47:57) The hosts credit the volunteers who maintain the show's infrastructure, including Void Zero in the Netherlands and Paul Couture for the art generator. They discuss the creative necessity of "getting ideas out of the system" to avoid mental constipation. Sir Jeff Smith and John Fletcher are praised for their prolific production of show jingles and "shouts," including the Putin/Hogan's Heroes parodies. Keywords: [void zero](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/void-zero.md), [paul couture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paul-couture.md), [sir jeff smith](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sir-jeff-smith.md), [john fletcher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-fletcher.md), [jingles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jingles.md), [album art](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/album-art.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Linguistic Policing, Kony 2012 and Mental Health (1:47:58–1:53:35) The hosts discuss their habit of "policing" each other's use of filler words and societal memes to maintain clearer communication. They revisit the "Kony 2012" phenomenon, noting the public mental breakdown of its creator, Jason Russell. They argue that the constant provocation of fear by the media can lead to such psychological tolls on the public. Keywords: [memes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/memes.md), linguistic habits, [kony 2012](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kony-2012.md), [jason russell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jason-russell.md), [invisible children](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/invisible-children.md), mental breakdown [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/16.md) ### 17. SF Food Wars, Earth Hour and the Power of Words (1:53:37–2:00:13) A series of "dud" news trends are revisited, including the San Francisco "Food Wars" and the "Earth Hour" initiative. The hosts emphasize that "words matter," criticizing the linguistic shift from "carbon dioxide" to "poison gas" in climate change discourse. They also note the repetitive use of phrases like "fact of the matter" and "look/listen" in political rhetoric. Keywords: sf food wars, [cupcakes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cupcakes.md), [earth hour](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/earth-hour.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [carbon dioxide](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-dioxide.md), [linguistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linguistics.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Taylor Swift Marketing Genius, Noodling and Conversation Transitions (2:00:13–2:05:19) John C. Dvorak recounts his early skepticism of Taylor Swift, noting her father's background as a high-level investment banker as a key to her rapid ascent. While they ridicule a clip of her discussing "noodling" in guitar solos, they acknowledge her as a marketing genius. The segment transitions into a self-analysis of their own conversational habits, specifically the use of "yeah, no" as a transition. Keywords: [taylor swift](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taylor-swift.md), [merrill lynch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merrill-lynch.md), [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md), [green day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/green-day.md), linguistic transitions, noodling [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Larry David, Revelatory Thinking and the Koch Brothers (2:05:21–2:13:58) The hosts compare their show's longevity to Larry David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," noting that mass media provides endless material for neurosis and mockery. They discuss the "revelatory" nature of the show, which they believe makes listeners feel like better citizens. A discussion on the Koch Brothers reveals Charles Koch's history as a libertarian who supported the anti-Vietnam War movement, contrary to his "evil" media portrayal. Keywords: [larry david](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-david.md), [seinfeld](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seinfeld.md), [patriotism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patriotism.md), charles koch, [libertarians](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libertarians.md), [john birch society](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-birch-society.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Future Fears, Net Neutrality and the Obama Beach Gaffe (2:13:59–2:20:55) John C. Dvorak expresses concern about future internet censorship and the potential for government licensing of podcasters under the guise of net neutrality. They play a series of clips featuring Geraldo Rivera on marijuana, Charlie Rose's "creepy" interview style, and a famous gaffe by Gordon Brown where he refers to "Omaha Beach" as "Obama Beach." Keywords: [net neutrality](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/net-neutrality.md), [fcc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fcc.md), [censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/censorship.md), [geraldo rivera](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/geraldo-rivera.md), [charlie rose](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charlie-rose.md), [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), obama beach [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Bat Signal, Live Stream Apps and Christmas Sign-off (2:20:57–2:28:26) The hosts discuss the "Bat Signal" push notification system used to alert listeners when the show goes live. Adam Curry mentions the new countdown timer on noagendastream.com. They conclude the Christmas special with holiday wishes, noting that Curry will be in Mexico for the upcoming Sunday show. The episode ends with the traditional "Merry Christmas, slave" sign-off. Keywords: [bat signal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bat-signal.md), [push notifications](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/push-notifications.md), [noagendastream.com](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/noagendastream-com.md), [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md), [christmas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/christmas.md), [sign-off](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sign-off.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/681-the-christmas-show-2014/chapter/21.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/680-sir-thomas-nussbaum-presents.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/682-sir-duke-don-tomaso-di-toronto-presents.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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