# Commencement on The No Agenda Show Commencement comes up in 21 chapters across 19 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from May 2009 to May 2026. - **Chapters:** 21 - **Episodes:** 19 - **Discussed:** May 2009 – May 2026 - **Related topics:** [Barack Obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [Rutgers University](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rutgers-university.md), [Bill Nye](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-nye.md), [Evergreen State College](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/evergreen-state-college.md), [Michelle Obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelle-obama.md), [Amy Schumer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amy-schumer.md), [Arnold Schwarzenegger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arnold-schwarzenegger.md), [Artificial Intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/artificial-intelligence.md), [Baltimore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baltimore.md), [Certificates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/certificates.md) ## Chapters 1–20 of 21 ### Eric Schmidt, AI Commencement Speech Backlash - **Episode:** [1870: VBS](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1870-vbs.md) - **Published:** 2026-05-21 - **Time:** 1:51:12–1:53:43 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1870-vbs/chapter/eric-schmidt-ai-commencement-speech-backlash.md Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt was booed during a commencement speech at UCF while discussing the "Industrial Revolution" of Artificial Intelligence. Students reportedly walked out as Schmidt described AI's future impact on every profession and relationship. The segment notes that the "Architects of AI" were named Time Magazine's Person of the Year for 2025, reflecting the growing public tension surrounding the technology. Keywords: [eric schmidt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-schmidt.md), ucf, [artificial intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/artificial-intelligence.md), [time magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/time-magazine.md), [commencement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement.md) ### Jerry Seinfeld Commencement Walkout at Duke University - **Episode:** [1660: Doom Goblin](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1660-doom-goblin.md) - **Published:** 2024-05-16 - **Time:** 2:36:14–2:38:33 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1660-doom-goblin/chapter/jerry-seinfeld-commencement-walkout-at-duke-university.md A small group of students walked out of Jerry Seinfeld's commencement address at Duke University to protest the war in Gaza. The hosts dismiss the event as "bullcrap news," noting that the vast majority of the 20,000 attendees cheered for the comedian. Keywords: [jerry seinfeld](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jerry-seinfeld.md), [duke university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/duke-university.md), [commencement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement.md), gaza protest, pop-tart movie ### No Agenda Knighthood and PhD Commencement Ceremony - **Episode:** [1612: Global Donut](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1612-global-donut.md) - **Published:** 2023-12-06 - **Time:** 3:22:23–3:33:59 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1612-global-donut/chapter/no-agenda-knighthood-and-phd-commencement-ceremony.md Adam and John conduct the formal commencement ceremony for the new Knights, Dames, and PhD graduates. They list the symbolic food and drink items brought to the "Round Table" and direct the new producers to NoAgendaRings.com to claim their certificates and physical rings. Keywords: [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [phd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/phd.md), [commencement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement.md), [round table](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/round-table.md), [rings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rings.md), [certificates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/certificates.md) ### Kamala Harris West Point Commencement and Speech Style - **Episode:** [1559: COBALT](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1559-cobalt.md) - **Published:** 2023-05-28 - **Time:** 21:28–25:45 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1559-cobalt/chapter/kamala-harris-west-point-commencement-and-speech-style.md Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a commencement address at West Point, emphasizing the defense of democratic ideals and her recent visits to NATO's eastern flank in Poland. The hosts critique her rhetorical style, specifically her repeated use of the phrase "unburdened by what has been." A "sweetened" version of the audio is played, featuring cinematic sound effects to highlight her delivery. Keywords: [kamala harris](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kamala-harris.md), [west point](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/west-point.md), [nato](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nato.md), [poland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poland.md), [commencement speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement-speech.md) ### UC Berkeley, Public Health Virtual Commencement - **Episode:** [1348: Belching Freon](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1348-belching-freon.md) - **Published:** 2021-05-20 - **Time:** 2:01:00–2:05:18 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1348-belching-freon/chapter/uc-berkeley-public-health-virtual-commencement.md The UC Berkeley School of Public Health held a virtual commencement featuring Assistant Dean Quinn Hussey, who opened the ceremony with a formal land acknowledgment for the Ohlone people. The event also included a minute of silence for lives lost to police violence, setting a highly political tone for the graduation. Keywords: [uc berkeley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uc-berkeley.md), [public health](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-health.md), [commencement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement.md), land acknowledgment, quinn hussey ### Tom Hanks Commencement Speech Critique - **Episode:** [1243: Obamable](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1243-obamable.md) - **Published:** 2020-05-21 - **Time:** 2:16:32–2:21:37 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1243-obamable/chapter/tom-hanks-commencement-speech-critique.md Actor Tom Hanks is criticized for a "discombobulated" and poorly produced virtual commencement speech for Wright State University. The hosts mock the low audio quality and the "phoned-in" nature of the address, noting that a professional producer of his stature should have utilized better technology and production values. Keywords: [tom hanks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tom-hanks.md), wright state, [commencement speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement-speech.md), [production values](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/production-values.md), chosen ones ### University of Texas Commencement, Popular Degree Statistics - **Episode:** [933: Learn Russian!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/933-learn-russian.md) - **Published:** 2017-05-28 - **Time:** 3:20–5:43 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/933-learn-russian/chapter/university-of-texas-commencement-popular-degree-statistics.md The University of Texas at Austin held its commencement ceremony where 9,600 degrees were conferred, including over 6,700 bachelor's degrees. Contrary to expectations of liberal arts dominance, the most popular majors for the graduating class were business administration, economics, accounting, and finance. Keywords: [university of texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/university-of-texas.md), [commencement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement.md), bachelor's degrees, business administration, [economics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economics.md) ### Hillary Clinton Wellesley Commencement, Coughing Fit Incident - **Episode:** [933: Learn Russian!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/933-learn-russian.md) - **Published:** 2017-05-28 - **Time:** 5:44–10:01 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/933-learn-russian/chapter/hillary-clinton-wellesley-commencement-coughing-fit-incident.md Hillary Clinton returned to her alma mater, Wellesley College, to deliver a commencement address marked by a recurring coughing fit that required medical assistance from aides. During the speech, Clinton reflected on her time as a student in 1969 and discussed her path from graduation to winning the popular vote in the 2016 presidential election. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), wellesley college, [commencement speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement-speech.md), [coughing fit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coughing-fit.md), [popular vote](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/popular-vote.md) ### Susan Rice Commencement Speech on Diversity - **Episode:** [828: White, Male & Yale](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/828-white-male-yale.md) - **Published:** 2016-05-26 - **Time:** 2:51:26–2:54:49 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/828-white-male-yale/chapter/susan-rice-commencement-speech-on-diversity.md National Security Advisor Susan Rice is criticized for a commencement speech at Florida International University where she lamented that the national security workforce is "white, male, and Yale." The hosts argue that politicizing a graduation ceremony with diversity quotas is inappropriate and fails to provide the traditional "inspirational" message expected at such events. Keywords: [susan rice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/susan-rice.md), [diversity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diversity.md), [national security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-security.md), [commencement speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement-speech.md), [florida international university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/florida-international-university.md) ### Obama Commencement Speeches, Political Rhetoric - **Episode:** [826: Ten Times](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/826-ten-times.md) - **Published:** 2016-05-19 - **Time:** 47:13–49:11 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/826-ten-times/chapter/obama-commencement-speeches-political-rhetoric.md President Obama's commencement speeches at Rutgers and other universities are criticized for focusing on political attacks against Donald Trump rather than inspiring graduates. Obama's remarks targeted the idea that "ignorance is a virtue" and challenged the rejection of political correctness. The use of graduation ceremonies as a platform for partisan campaigning is noted as a departure from tradition. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [rutgers university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rutgers-university.md), [commencement speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement-speech.md), [political correctness](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-correctness.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md) ### Bill Nye's Commencement Speech and Comedy Central Appearance - **Episode:** [725: Cricket Flour](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/725-cricket-flour.md) - **Published:** 2015-05-30 - **Time:** 33:18–35:37 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/725-cricket-flour/chapter/bill-nye-s-commencement-speech-and-comedy-central-appearance.md Bill Nye received a $35,000 fee for a commencement speech at Rutgers University, a practice typically done for an honorary degree. Nye also appeared in a sketch on Amy Schumer's Comedy Central show regarding the universe. The segment mocks the idea of the universe "sending signals" to individuals for mundane life choices. Keywords: [bill nye](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-nye.md), [rutgers university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rutgers-university.md), [amy schumer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amy-schumer.md), [comedy central](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comedy-central.md), [commencement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement.md) ### Bill Nye's Rutgers Commencement Speech on Climate - **Episode:** [723: Axe Man](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/723-axe-man.md) - **Published:** 2015-05-25 - **Time:** 2:07:59–2:11:13 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/723-axe-man/chapter/bill-nye-s-rutgers-commencement-speech-on-climate.md Bill Nye "The Science Guy" received $35,000 to deliver a commencement speech at Rutgers University, where he compared climate change denial to denying the link between smoking and cancer. He urged graduates to "get to work" and cited Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution regarding the promotion of science. The hosts mock Nye's "hip" persona and his aggressive stance against climate skeptics. Keywords: [bill nye](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-nye.md), [rutgers university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rutgers-university.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [commencement speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement-speech.md), [science denial](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/science-denial.md) ### Valerie Jarrett, Pomona College Commencement and NSA Spying - **Episode:** [620: Dead Man Cuffed](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/620-dead-man-cuffed.md) - **Published:** 2014-05-26 - **Time:** 2:38:42–2:43:43 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/620-dead-man-cuffed/chapter/valerie-jarrett-pomona-college-commencement-and-nsa-spying.md White House advisor Valerie Jarrett delivered a commencement speech at Pomona College that included jokes about the government's ability to see what students do online. The hosts find the jokes inappropriate given the NSA's failure to prevent domestic attacks like the Isla Vista shooting despite the suspect's public threats. Keywords: [valerie jarrett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/valerie-jarrett.md), pomona college, [commencement speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement-speech.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [spying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spying.md), [jokes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jokes.md) ### Sam Palmisano Johns Hopkins Commencement Speech - **Episode:** [418: Oryx Burgers!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/418-oryx-burgers.md) - **Published:** 2012-06-17 - **Time:** 1:28:40–1:30:18 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/418-oryx-burgers/chapter/sam-palmisano-johns-hopkins-commencement-speech.md Former IBM CEO Sam Palmisano delivered a commencement speech at Johns Hopkins University after receiving an honorary doctorate. Palmisano went off-script to mention his previous degree from the institution, referring to his prepared remarks as a "script." Keywords: sam palmisano, [ibm](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ibm.md), [johns hopkins university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/johns-hopkins-university.md), [commencement speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement-speech.md), [honorary degree](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/honorary-degree.md) ### Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Commencement Speech - **Episode:** [412: Red Square Patch](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/412-red-square-patch.md) - **Published:** 2012-05-27 - **Time:** 2:19:28–2:21:07 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/412-red-square-patch/chapter/baltimore-mayor-stephanie-rawlings-blake-commencement-speech.md Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake delivered a commencement speech that is compared to the rhetorical styles of Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama. The speech emphasized the role of parents and educators in student success. The Mayor's mannerisms and tone are described as part of a specific archetype of modern political oratory. Keywords: stephanie rawlings-blake, [baltimore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baltimore.md), [commencement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement.md), [oprah winfrey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oprah-winfrey.md), [michelle obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelle-obama.md) ### University Commencement Speeches, Political Status Symbols - **Episode:** [408: Odious Debt](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/408-odious-debt.md) - **Published:** 2012-05-13 - **Time:** 9:17–11:18 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/408-odious-debt/chapter/university-commencement-speeches-political-status-symbols.md Political figures including Mitt Romney, Barack Obama, and Janet Napolitano are increasingly using university commencement speeches as strategic status symbols. Romney recently addressed Liberty University to bolster support among evangelical conservatives. These appearances are characterized as efforts to align with powerful academic institutions and influence specific voter demographics. Keywords: [mitt romney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mitt-romney.md), [liberty university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/liberty-university.md), [commencement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement.md), [janet napolitano](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/janet-napolitano.md), [higher education](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/higher-education.md) ### Arnold Schwarzenegger Commencement Speech Parody - **Episode:** [200: The Deuce!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/200-the-deuce.md) - **Published:** 2010-05-16 - **Time:** 1:26:54–1:28:43 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/200-the-deuce/chapter/arnold-schwarzenegger-commencement-speech-parody.md A clip featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger's signature movie catchphrases is played as a parody of a university commencement address. The hosts joke about the Governor's reliance on buzz phrases and his high speaking fees. Keywords: [arnold schwarzenegger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arnold-schwarzenegger.md), [commencement speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement-speech.md), [stanford](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stanford.md), [impressions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/impressions.md) ### Evergreen State College, American Commencement Traditions - **Episode:** [104: Furries Forever](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/104-furries-forever.md) - **Published:** 2009-06-14 - **Time:** 22:07–24:35 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/104-furries-forever/chapter/evergreen-state-college-american-commencement-traditions.md A host describes attending the commencement ceremony for his son at Evergreen State College, noting that such elaborate ceremonies are a uniquely American tradition. The discussion compares US graduation customs, involving caps, gowns, and valedictorian speeches, to the more subdued degree-granting processes in Europe. Keywords: [evergreen state college](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/evergreen-state-college.md), [commencement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement.md), [graduation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/graduation.md), [traditions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/traditions.md), academic regalia ### Obama Worship, Corporate Poet at Graduation - **Episode:** [104: Furries Forever](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/104-furries-forever.md) - **Published:** 2009-06-14 - **Time:** 24:36–27:15 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/104-furries-forever/chapter/obama-worship-corporate-poet-at-graduation.md During the Evergreen State College graduation, a speaker reportedly urged students to "help Obama," framing the presidency as a cause for the youth to support. The keynote speaker, David Whyte, a "corporate poet," was introduced with a degree in "zoology," which the hosts mock for its mispronunciation and perceived lack of academic rigor. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [evergreen state college](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/evergreen-state-college.md), david whyte, corporate poet, [commencement speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement-speech.md) ### Michelle Obama Commencement Speeches, UC Merced and G20 - **Episode:** [98: Health Code Violation](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/98-health-code-violation.md) - **Published:** 2009-05-17 - **Time:** 40:36–41:59 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/98-health-code-violation/chapter/michelle-obama-commencement-speeches-uc-merced-and-g20.md First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to give a commencement speech at UC Merced, drawing a massive crowd to the rural California campus. Her previous public appearances at schools during the G20 summit in London are also noted. Keywords: [michelle obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelle-obama.md), uc merced, [commencement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement.md), [g20](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/g20.md), girls school [Next page](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commencement.md?offset=20) --- 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)