# California Zephyr on The No Agenda Show

California Zephyr comes up in 22 chapters across 22 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from November 2015 to July 2026.

- **Chapters:** 22
- **Episodes:** 22
- **Discussed:** November 2015 – July 2026
- **Related topics:** [Amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [Bitcoin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bitcoin.md), [Austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [California](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [Sacramento](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sacramento.md), [Silicon Valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [Zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zephyr.md), [Adam Curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [Cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [Economy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economy.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 22

### Nigel and Karen Ewan and the Sacramento Train Meetup

- **Episode:** [1889: Producer's Tribute to JCD](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1889-producer-s-tribute-to-jcd.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-27
- **Time:** 7:00:04–7:01:39
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1889-producer-s-tribute-to-jcd/chapter/nigel-and-karen-ewan-and-the-sacramento-train-meetup.md

Nigel and Karen Ewan, along with Oscar Z, recall a legendary meetup at the Sacramento Train Museum and riding the California Zephyr observation car with John C. Dvorak. They share memories of Dvorak telling stories about refineries and other topics during the trip. The Ewans mention their "No Agenda baby" and the habit of crying when rinsing grease down the drain.

Keywords: [sacramento](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sacramento.md), [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [columbus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/columbus.md), [john c dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [train museum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/train-museum.md)

### California Zephyr Observations and Florida Real Estate Trends

- **Episode:** [1434: Second Lady](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1434-second-lady.md)
- **Published:** 2022-03-17
- **Time:** 2:04:04–2:07:07
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1434-second-lady/chapter/california-zephyr-observations-and-florida-real-estate-trends.md

Observations of the California Zephyr train included a rare private rental car, sparking speculation about "elites" traveling across the country. Meanwhile, listeners reported relocating from high-tax states like New Jersey to Florida, citing skyrocketing housing prices in areas like Ponte Vedra. The discussion touched on the difficulty of remaining objective in the face of intense "fear porn" and propaganda surrounding the Ukraine conflict.

Keywords: [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [florida](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/florida.md), [real estate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/real-estate.md), ponte vedra, [relocation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/relocation.md)

### California Zephyr Commemorative Engines and Orient Express

- **Episode:** [1428: Health Glitch](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1428-health-glitch.md)
- **Published:** 2022-02-24
- **Time:** 1:23:03–1:26:28
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1428-health-glitch/chapter/california-zephyr-commemorative-engines-and-orient-express.md

A report on the California Zephyr train noted the use of four engines, including two commemorative units, on a recent trip to Sacramento. The discussion shifted to luxury rail travel, including the revamped Orient Express and the Trans-Siberian Railway route from Vladivostok to Moscow.

Keywords: [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), orient express, trans-siberian railway, [travel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travel.md)

### California Zephyr Report, Economic Indicator

- **Episode:** [1351: Bug Appetit!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1351-bug-appetit.md)
- **Published:** 2021-06-01
- **Time:** 2:51:40–2:53:40
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1351-bug-appetit/chapter/california-zephyr-report-economic-indicator.md

A surprise sighting of an eight-car California Zephyr with a mail or luggage car is reported as a significant economic indicator. The hosts treat the train's configuration as "breaking news" that rivals traditional financial reports. The segment concludes with a brief mention of Bitcoin's current price.

Keywords: [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), mail car, [economic report](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economic-report.md), horn

### Value for Value Model, California Zephyr Report

- **Episode:** [1348: Belching Freon](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1348-belching-freon.md)
- **Published:** 2021-05-20
- **Time:** 1:23:08–1:25:24
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1348-belching-freon/chapter/value-for-value-model-california-zephyr-report.md

The No Agenda show operates on a value-for-value model, eschewing traditional advertising for direct listener support. In economic news, the California Zephyr was spotted with two private luxury cars attached, a traditional indicator of high-end economic activity, as Bitcoin prices fluctuated around the $40,000 mark.

Keywords: [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [private rail cars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/private-rail-cars.md), [bitcoin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bitcoin.md)

### Zephyr Report Economic Update and Bitcoin Surge

- **Episode:** [1307: de-googling](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1307-de-googling.md)
- **Published:** 2020-12-31
- **Time:** 1:35
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1307-de-googling/chapter/zephyr-report-economic-update-and-bitcoin-surge.md

The Zephyr Report for December 27, 2020, indicates an economic upturn based on an eight-car train count in Northern California, including a private car. Bitcoin reached a significant milestone of $26,681. The report serves as a recurring informal economic indicator for the region.

Keywords: [zephyr report](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zephyr-report.md), [economy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economy.md), [bitcoin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bitcoin.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), train count

### Bitcoin Price Surge, California Rain, and Zephyr Report

- **Episode:** [1304: Ten Days of Darkness](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1304-ten-days-of-darkness.md)
- **Published:** 2020-12-19
- **Time:** 2:30
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1304-ten-days-of-darkness/chapter/bitcoin-price-surge-california-rain-and-zephyr-report.md

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program from Austin and Silicon Valley, noting heavy rain in California and snow on the East Coast. Bitcoin reached a new high of $23,600, prompting a discussion on its lack of correlation with the local Zephyr train car count.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [bitcoin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bitcoin.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [weather](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather.md), [zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zephyr.md)

### California Zephyr, Husker Du, Train Conductor Video

- **Episode:** [1290: Hairy Legs](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1290-hairy-legs.md)
- **Published:** 2020-10-31
- **Time:** 2:03:07–2:06:26
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1290-hairy-legs/chapter/california-zephyr-husker-du-train-conductor-video.md

Todd Kramer donates and shares a song about the California Zephyr, written by Gary Hart of the 80s band Husker Du. The hosts discuss the seasonal nature of the train and a video sent by a producer who is a train conductor in Victoria, Australia. The segment includes a request for "F-cancer" karma for a friend and his son battling leukemia.

Keywords: [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), husker du, gary hart, [trains](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trains.md), [victoria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/victoria.md)

### California Zephyr Train Count, Economic Indicator

- **Episode:** [1269: pre-bunked](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1269-pre-bunked.md)
- **Published:** 2020-08-16
- **Time:** 10:36–11:23
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1269-pre-bunked/chapter/california-zephyr-train-count-economic-indicator.md

The California Zephyr train passes through the observation point four minutes late with an eight-car consist. This car count is used as a localized metric for economic stability. Additionally, the price of Bitcoin is noted at $11,871 during the train's passage.

Keywords: [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), car count, [economy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economy.md), [bitcoin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bitcoin.md)

### California Zephyr Economic Report and Austin Luxury Spending

- **Episode:** [1263: Flibbertigibbet](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1263-flibbertigibbet.md)
- **Published:** 2020-07-26
- **Time:** 2:08
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1263-flibbertigibbet/chapter/california-zephyr-economic-report-and-austin-luxury-spending.md

A sighting of the California Zephyr train featuring two private luxury cars suggests hidden wealth moving through the markets despite economic uncertainty. Observations from Austin, Texas, indicate a surge in high-end recreational purchases, including motorized surfboards and new boats. These anecdotes serve as an informal economic report contrasting with mainstream financial news.

Keywords: [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [mark zuckerberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-zuckerberg.md), [luxury goods](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/luxury-goods.md), [economic indicators](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economic-indicators.md)

### Amtrak Holiday Travel Surge and California Zephyr Delays

- **Episode:** [1196: Clinton Kildepstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1196-clinton-kildepstein.md)
- **Published:** 2019-12-08
- **Time:** 5:08–7:42
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1196-clinton-kildepstein/chapter/amtrak-holiday-travel-surge-and-california-zephyr-delays.md

Amtrak reports record-breaking passenger counts during the Thanksgiving holiday week, with over 846,000 riders expected to be exceeded this year. While most trains remained on schedule, the California Zephyr traveling from Emeryville to Chicago experienced a five-hour delay.

Keywords: [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [thanksgiving](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/thanksgiving.md), [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [chicago](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chicago.md), rail travel, mark magliari

### California Rain, Global Warming, and Chris Wilson Intro

- **Episode:** [1101: Tippie-Top](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1101-tippie-top.md)
- **Published:** 2019-01-07
- **Time:** 2:28
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1101-tippie-top/chapter/california-rain-global-warming-and-chris-wilson-intro.md

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the show discussing heavy rain in Northern Silicon Valley and the historical context of California's climate. They miss the timing of the Zephyr train horn but play an intro song performed by Chris Wilson in a Johnny Cash style.

Keywords: [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zephyr.md), [chris wilson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chris-wilson.md), johnny cash

### Amtrak California Zephyr Train Observations

- **Episode:** [1095: Yeah No](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1095-yeah-no.md)
- **Published:** 2018-12-17
- **Time:** 1:28
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1095-yeah-no/chapter/amtrak-california-zephyr-train-observations.md

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program with observations about the California Zephyr train length in Northern Silicon Valley. Dvorak notes that train cars have increased from eight to ten during the holiday season, including a baggage car.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md)

### Changeover.com and Amtrak Travel Anecdotes

- **Episode:** [1076: M-Word](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1076-m-word.md)
- **Published:** 2018-10-11
- **Time:** 1:04:31–1:07:40
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1076-m-word/chapter/changeover-com-and-amtrak-travel-anecdotes.md

Sir John Zika discusses his business, Changeover.com, and Amazon's book banning policies. Jim Van Beveren sends a six-page handwritten letter describing his journey across America on the Amtrak California Zephyr, detailing the dining car experience and his interactions with Amish travelers.

Keywords: sir john zika, jim van beveren, [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [amazon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amazon.md), [books](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/books.md)

### John Dvorak, Antique Sideboard Discoveries

- **Episode:** [1020: Undercount of Color](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1020-undercount-of-color.md)
- **Published:** 2018-03-29
- **Time:** 4:05
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1020-undercount-of-color/chapter/john-dvorak-antique-sideboard-discoveries.md

John Dvorak describes cleaning out a large British sideboard from the 1970s and discovering a collection of vintage items. Among the finds are an original California Zephyr train brochure and memorabilia from the Oakland Oaks baseball team. The discussion includes a comparison to the television show Pawn Stars and Dvorak's plan to scan and archive the documents online.

Keywords: [john dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-dvorak.md), [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), oakland oaks, pawn stars, [antiques](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/antiques.md), [collectibles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/collectibles.md)

### California Zephyr Private Rail Cars Observation

- **Episode:** [980: King Tide](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/980-king-tide.md)
- **Published:** 2017-11-09
- **Time:** 0:00–1:42
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/980-king-tide/chapter/california-zephyr-private-rail-cars-observation.md

John Dvorak describes seeing three private rail cars attached to the end of the California Zephyr train in Northern Silicon Valley. The consist included two original California Zephyr dome cars and a famous original observation car. Adam Curry notes the aesthetic beauty of the vintage private coaches.

Keywords: [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [private rail cars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/private-rail-cars.md), dome cars, observation car, [amtrack](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrack.md)

### California Zephyr Train Schedule, Microphone Equipment Malfunction

- **Episode:** [969: Sock Puppet Media](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/969-sock-puppet-media.md)
- **Published:** 2017-10-01
- **Time:** 2:57
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/969-sock-puppet-media/chapter/california-zephyr-train-schedule-microphone-equipment-malfunction.md

The hosts open the program discussing the consistent tardiness of the California Zephyr train passing through Berkeley. A technical malfunction occurs when a microphone falls off its stand, leading to a brief discussion about audio equipment and recording setups.

Keywords: [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [berkeley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/berkeley.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [microphone stand](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microphone-stand.md), train schedule

### No Agenda Meetup, Sacramento Train Trip

- **Episode:** [954: Rasiss](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/954-rasiss.md)
- **Published:** 2017-08-11
- **Time:** 2:05:05–2:14:02
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/954-rasiss/chapter/no-agenda-meetup-sacramento-train-trip.md

Details are finalized for a No Agenda listener meetup in Sacramento, California, featuring a visit to the California State Railroad Museum and a gathering at the Fat City Bar. One host plans to travel via the Amtrak California Zephyr and encourages listeners to document their journeys on social media. The segment includes birthday wishes and "karma" requests for various producers.

Keywords: [sacramento](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sacramento.md), [meetup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meetup.md), california state railroad museum, fat city bar, [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zephyr.md)

### California Zephyr Train Aesthetics, Ayn Rand Comparison

- **Episode:** [805: Mono Nuptials](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/805-mono-nuptials.md)
- **Published:** 2016-03-06
- **Time:** 1:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/805-mono-nuptials/chapter/california-zephyr-train-aesthetics-ayn-rand-comparison.md

The hosts open the program discussing the visual style of the California Zephyr train, comparing its modern appearance to the architectural and industrial aesthetics found in Ayn Rand's literature. They contrast the classic version of the train, which featured glass domes, with the current Amtrak route and older Burlington engines.

Keywords: [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md), [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [ayn rand](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ayn-rand.md), burlington, [train travel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/train-travel.md)

### No Agenda Meetups and California State Railroad Museum

- **Episode:** [803: Joe Hitler](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/803-joe-hitler.md)
- **Published:** 2016-02-28
- **Time:** 1:22:28–1:24:59
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/803-joe-hitler/chapter/no-agenda-meetups-and-california-state-railroad-museum.md

New rules for promoting listener meetups are established, requiring a minimum of ten confirmed attendees before an event is mentioned on air. Plans are discussed for a future meetup at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, involving a group trip on the California Zephyr train.

Keywords: [meetup.com](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meetup-com.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [sacramento](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sacramento.md), california state railroad museum, [california zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-zephyr.md)

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