# Confucius on The No Agenda Show

Confucius comes up in 13 chapters across 12 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from April 2013 to August 2026.

- **Chapters:** 13
- **Episodes:** 12
- **Discussed:** April 2013 – August 2026
- **Related topics:** [Adam Curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [Austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [Silicon Valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [Chinatown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chinatown.md), [Harvard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harvard.md), [John C. Dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [Mit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mit.md), [Puns](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/puns.md), [Academia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/academia.md), [Afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md)

## Chapters 1–13 of 13

### CCP Infiltration, US University Audits

- **Episode:** [1897: Caconian](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1897-caconian.md)
- **Published:** 2026-08-23
- **Time:** 46:22–50:24
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1897-caconian/chapter/ccp-infiltration-us-university-audits.md

The Pentagon has ordered 30 universities, including Harvard and MIT, to audit their ties to foreign adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. Reports suggest that some Pentagon-funded projects were being taught in Mandarin to non-U.S. students. The hosts discuss the "elite capture" strategy allegedly used by the Chinese Communist Party to influence American higher education.

Keywords: [ccp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ccp.md), [confucius institutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confucius-institutes.md), [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), [harvard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harvard.md), [mit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mit.md)

### Mike Pompeo, MIT Speech Refusal, Chinese Influence on Campus

- **Episode:** [1305: Palin Pardon](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1305-palin-pardon.md)
- **Published:** 2020-12-20
- **Time:** 1:17:57–1:21:24
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1305-palin-pardon/chapter/mike-pompeo-mit-speech-refusal-chinese-influence-on-campus.md

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized MIT for refusing to host his speech regarding the threat of the Chinese Communist Party on American campuses. Speaking at Georgia Tech, Pompeo warned that Chinese-funded Confucius Institutes and student associations are used to monitor students and suppress academic freedom. He argued that university administrators are self-censoring out of fear of losing Chinese funding.

Keywords: [mike pompeo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-pompeo.md), [mit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mit.md), [georgia tech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/georgia-tech.md), [confucius institutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confucius-institutes.md), [chinese communist party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chinese-communist-party.md)

### Confucius Institutes and Chinese Influence in American Academia

- **Episode:** [1261: Infodemic](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1261-infodemic.md)
- **Published:** 2020-07-19
- **Time:** 51:43–53:49
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1261-infodemic/chapter/confucius-institutes-and-chinese-influence-in-american-academia.md

The CCP is accused of using Confucius Institutes to co-opt American academic institutions and silence discussions on topics controversial to Beijing. Bill Barr urged universities to protect academic integrity and resist the suppression of diverse voices. These institutes are described as government-funded nodes that pressure host schools to align with Chinese state interests in exchange for financial support.

Keywords: [confucius institutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confucius-institutes.md), [academia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/academia.md), [university of maryland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/university-of-maryland.md), [beijing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/beijing.md), research integrity

### National Association of Scholars on CCP Campus Infiltration

- **Episode:** [1261: Infodemic](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1261-infodemic.md)
- **Published:** 2020-07-19
- **Time:** 53:49–57:23
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1261-infodemic/chapter/national-association-of-scholars-on-ccp-campus-infiltration.md

Rochelle Peterson of the National Association of Scholars explains how Confucius Institutes serve as propaganda centers on global campuses. While there were once 110 institutes in the U.S., the number has dropped to 75 following a societal backlash. Schools like the University of Texas have cut ties, but others like the University of Arkansas maintain active programs despite concerns over CCP-vetted teachers.

Keywords: rochelle peterson, national association of scholars, [confucius institutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confucius-institutes.md), [university of texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/university-of-texas.md), hanban

### Chinese Espionage in US Universities and Confucius Institutes

- **Episode:** [1216: Rando](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1216-rando.md)
- **Published:** 2020-02-16
- **Time:** 54:13–57:18
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1216-rando/chapter/chinese-espionage-in-us-universities-and-confucius-institutes.md

Attorney General Bill Barr and Secretary Mike Pompeo have highlighted the "Thousand Talents Plan," a Chinese program used to recruit U.S. scientists for intellectual property theft. The Department of Justice has indicted professors at Harvard and other universities, while many schools are closing "Confucius Institutes" due to their role as CCP propaganda and monitoring hubs.

Keywords: [bill barr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-barr.md), [confucius institutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confucius-institutes.md), [thousand talents plan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/thousand-talents-plan.md), [espionage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/espionage.md), [harvard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harvard.md)

### Confucius Institutes, Hong Kong Liquidity and National Endowment for Democracy

- **Episode:** [1170: Generational Justce](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1170-generational-justce.md)
- **Published:** 2019-09-08
- **Time:** 1:39:31–1:43:28
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1170-generational-justce/chapter/confucius-institutes-hong-kong-liquidity-and-national-endowment-for-democracy.md

Confucius Institutes on American campuses are allegedly funded by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to promote Chinese culture and influence. While Bannon called for shutting them down, it was noted that the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy (NED) similarly funds pro-freedom movements in Hong Kong. The current unrest in Hong Kong is also linked to massive rent increases and liquidity issues within Chinese banks operating in the territory.

Keywords: [confucius institutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confucius-institutes.md), [pla](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pla.md), [hong kong](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hong-kong.md), [national endowment for democracy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-endowment-for-democracy.md), [pope francis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pope-francis.md), [banking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking.md)

### TAPI Pipeline and Chinese Influence in Universities

- **Episode:** [1011: Vasectomies & Dogs](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1011-vasectomies-dogs.md)
- **Published:** 2018-02-25
- **Time:** 2:48:54–2:53:11
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1011-vasectomies-dogs/chapter/tapi-pipeline-and-chinese-influence-in-universities.md

Senator Marco Rubio raised concerns about Chinese "Confucius Institutes" at U.S. universities, alleging they are used to covertly influence public opinion. Simultaneously, Afghanistan has broken ground on the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline. The project, which has been in development for decades, is seen as a strategic move to thwart Chinese and Iranian energy influence in the region.

Keywords: [tapi pipeline](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tapi-pipeline.md), [marco rubio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marco-rubio.md), [confucius institutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confucius-institutes.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md)

### No Agenda Ninth Anniversary Celebration and Plato Anecdotes

- **Episode:** [872: Kinetic Kill](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/872-kinetic-kill.md)
- **Published:** 2016-10-27
- **Time:** 0:00–2:20
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/872-kinetic-kill/chapter/no-agenda-ninth-anniversary-celebration-and-plato-anecdotes.md

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak celebrate the ninth anniversary of the No Agenda show on October 27, 2016. Dvorak introduces a new opening joke format using Plato and Aristotle to avoid accusations of cultural appropriation regarding his previous Confucius-style jokes. The hosts reflect on their long-term partnership and acknowledge the contributions of the show's producers over nearly a decade of broadcasting.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), ninth anniversary, [plato](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/plato.md), [confucius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confucius.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md)

### Confucius Say Opening, Irish Writer Anecdote

- **Episode:** [871: New World Hackers](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/871-new-world-hackers.md)
- **Published:** 2016-10-23
- **Time:** 1:34
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/871-new-world-hackers/chapter/confucius-say-opening-irish-writer-anecdote.md

The program opens with a "Confucius say" joke regarding jackhammers making noise. An anecdote is shared about an Irish writer who provides these jokes and a listener's email criticizing the host's delivery style.

Keywords: confucius say, [email](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/email.md), irish writer, [listener feedback](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/listener-feedback.md), opening segment

### Introduction, Confucius Puns and Martin Higgins

- **Episode:** [867: Wordy Durd](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/867-wordy-durd.md)
- **Published:** 2016-10-09
- **Time:** 1:27
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/867-wordy-durd/chapter/introduction-confucius-puns-and-martin-higgins.md

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 867 from Austin and New York City. They discuss a series of Confucius-themed puns written for the show by comedian Martin Higgins. The hosts debate whether the ongoing "pun feud" is genuine or a comedic bit.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), martin higgins, [confucius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confucius.md), [puns](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/puns.md)

### Adam Curry, John C. Dvorak, Episode 866 Introduction

- **Episode:** [866: Delay or Avoid](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/866-delay-or-avoid.md)
- **Published:** 2016-10-06
- **Time:** 1:33
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/866-delay-or-avoid/chapter/adam-curry-john-c-dvorak-episode-866-introduction.md

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 866 of the No Agenda show from Austin, Texas and Northern Silicon Valley. Dvorak continues his bit of reading numbered Confucius sayings, noting he has enough to last until episode 1000. Curry announces his upcoming trip to New York to speak on a media panel at Syracuse University's Newhouse School.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [confucius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confucius.md), episode 866

### Confucius Say Jokes, MSNBC Global Citizen Concert Coverage

- **Episode:** [863: Quantum of Evidence](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/863-quantum-of-evidence.md)
- **Published:** 2016-09-25
- **Time:** 0:00–1:47
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/863-quantum-of-evidence/chapter/confucius-say-jokes-msnbc-global-citizen-concert-coverage.md

The hosts open the program with a discussion about a vintage Confucius joke book purchased in Chinatown and the potential for reprinting public domain jokes. They transition into media observations, noting that while CNN and Fox focused on the Charlotte shooting, MSNBC broadcast the Global Citizen concert from Central Park.

Keywords: [confucius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confucius.md), [chinatown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chinatown.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [global citizen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-citizen.md), [central park](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/central-park.md), [new world order](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-world-order.md)

### Confucius Say Puns and Humor

- **Episode:** [502: Nuevo Orden Mundial](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/502-nuevo-orden-mundial.md)
- **Published:** 2013-04-07
- **Time:** 37:09–39:05
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/502-nuevo-orden-mundial/chapter/confucius-say-puns-and-humor.md

A collection of "Confucius Say" puns from a vintage booklet purchased in Chinatown is shared. The jokes rely on visual and linguistic wordplay typical of mid-century humor. The hosts debate the entertainment value of such content for the modern audience.

Keywords: [confucius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/confucius.md), [puns](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/puns.md), [humor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/humor.md), [chinatown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chinatown.md), [e-book](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/e-book.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)