# Letterman on The No Agenda Show Letterman comes up in 49 chapters across 47 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from October 2007 to August 2023. - **Chapters:** 49 - **Episodes:** 47 - **Discussed:** October 2007 – August 2023 - **Related topics:** [Jay Leno](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-leno.md), [Barack Obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [Nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), [Sarah Palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md), [Television](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television.md), [Conan O'brien](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conan-o-brien.md), [Late Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/late-show.md), [Andrew Breitbart](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/andrew-breitbart.md), [Cbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbs.md), [Cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md) ## Chapters 1–20 of 49 ### David Letterman, Screwball Show Concepts - **Episode:** [1583: Ninny](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1583-ninny.md) - **Published:** 2023-08-20 - **Time:** 1:53:31–1:57:30 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1583-ninny/chapter/david-letterman-screwball-show-concepts.md A discussion of David Letterman's "Late Night" era recalled experimental episodes, such as one where the camera slowly rotated 360 degrees over an hour and another overdubbed with a Latin accent. These references served as a prelude to a special "Best Of" No Agenda episode featuring a rapid-fire compilation of show openings from the past 1,400 episodes. The compilation was described as a high-energy, "screwball" production intended for long car rides. Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), megan markle, [late night](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/late-night.md), [television](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television.md), [best of show](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/best-of-show.md) ### Tasmania, Lexus Reliability, Cranky Geeks - **Episode:** [1561: Star Butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1561-star-butler.md) - **Published:** 2023-06-04 - **Time:** 2:12:23–2:17:45 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1561-star-butler/chapter/tasmania-lexus-reliability-cranky-geeks.md A long note from a listener in Tasmania prompts a discussion on the legendary reliability of 2003 Lexus vehicles, specifically the longevity of their light bulbs. The segment also reminisces about the "Cranky Geeks" show and host John C. Dvorak's habit of throwing index cards and CDs at the camera during his time at CNET Central. Keywords: [tasmania](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tasmania.md), [lexus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lexus.md), [cranky geeks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cranky-geeks.md), [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [cnet central](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet-central.md) ### David Letterman Interview with Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev - **Episode:** [1513: Inrush](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1513-inrush.md) - **Published:** 2022-12-18 - **Time:** 9:02–10:45 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1513-inrush/chapter/david-letterman-interview-with-volodymyr-zelensky-in-kiev.md David Letterman traveled to Kiev to interview President Volodymyr Zelensky in a subway station converted into a television studio. During the interview, an air raid siren sounded, which Zelensky dismissed as a routine occurrence. Critics characterized Letterman's participation in the segment as a departure from his historically anti-establishment persona. Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [volodymyr zelensky](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/volodymyr-zelensky.md), [kiev](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kiev.md), [netflix](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netflix.md), air raid siren ### Two and a Half Men, 2009 Media Standards - **Episode:** [1159: Showly](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1159-showly.md) - **Published:** 2019-08-01 - **Time:** 1:45:57–1:47:34 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1159-showly/chapter/two-and-a-half-men-2009-media-standards.md The hosts reflect on the shift in media standards over the last decade, citing jokes made by David Letterman about Anderson Cooper and the content of the sitcom "Two and a Half Men." They observe that many jokes considered acceptable in 2009 would likely be banned or heavily criticized in the current cultural climate. Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [anderson cooper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anderson-cooper.md), [two and a half men](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/two-and-a-half-men.md), [sitcoms](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sitcoms.md), [media censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-censorship.md) ### David Letterman, Netflix Series and Algorithmic Bubbles - **Episode:** [999: Nein Nein Nein](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/999-nein-nein-nein.md) - **Published:** 2018-01-18 - **Time:** 1:52:51–1:58:57 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/999-nein-nein-nein/chapter/david-letterman-netflix-series-and-algorithmic-bubbles.md John Dvorak reviews David Letterman's new Netflix show, "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction," criticizing Letterman's beard and the lack of a traditional producer to reign him in. The first episode features Barack Obama, who discusses how social media algorithms reinforce biases and create "bubbles." Obama cites an experiment where different users searching for "Egypt" received vastly different results based on their political leanings. Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [netflix](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netflix.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [algorithms](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/algorithms.md), [egypt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/egypt.md), [tahrir square](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tahrir-square.md) ### Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan Joke, Letterman Rip-off - **Episode:** [847: Clean Food](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/847-clean-food.md) - **Published:** 2016-07-31 - **Time:** 1:08:24–1:10:32 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/847-clean-food/chapter/kareem-abdul-jabbar-michael-jordan-joke-letterman-rip-off.md Kareem Abdul-Jabbar opened his DNC speech with a joke pretending to be Michael Jordan to insult Donald Trump. The hosts also point out that a DNC video segment featuring "great quotes in history" was a blatant imitation of a classic David Letterman comedy bit. Keywords: [kareem abdul-jabbar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kareem-abdul-jabbar.md), [michael jordan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-jordan.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [dnc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dnc.md) ### David Letterman Desk Mic, Bob Workman and Custom Designs - **Episode:** [737: Sculley and Heil](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil.md) - **Published:** 2015-07-09 - **Time:** 2:04:08–2:09:35 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/737-sculley-and-heil/chapter/david-letterman-desk-mic-bob-workman-and-custom-designs.md Bob Heil explains his philosophy of listening to artists to create custom solutions, such as the PR 31BW designed for Charlie Daniels' sound man, Bob Workman. He also reveals the story behind the PR 40 appearing on David Letterman's desk, noting it was originally placed there as a replacement for a stolen RCA 77 and remains largely as a prop. Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), rca 77, pr 40, bob workman, charlie daniels, pr 31bw ### David Letterman Finale and Media Archiving Challenges - **Episode:** [723: Axe Man](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/723-axe-man.md) - **Published:** 2015-05-25 - **Time:** 9:09–11:55 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/723-axe-man/chapter/david-letterman-finale-and-media-archiving-challenges.md The final episode of the David Letterman show prompts a discussion on the poor quality of archival television footage, much of which exists only on degrading VHS or two-inch Ampex tapes. Concerns are raised about the "15 minutes of legacy" for modern humans as digital formats become obsolete. The technical difficulty of maintaining vintage reel-to-reel machines for digitization is highlighted as a crisis for cultural preservation. Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [late show](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/late-show.md), [ampex](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ampex.md), media preservation, [vhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vhs.md), [digital archiving](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/digital-archiving.md) ### David Letterman, Cultural Discourse on Discrimination - **Episode:** [709: Terror Factory](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/709-terror-factory.md) - **Published:** 2015-04-02 - **Time:** 18:51–22:59 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/709-terror-factory/chapter/david-letterman-cultural-discourse-on-discrimination.md Late-night host David Letterman, an Indiana native, criticized his home state's recent legislation, joining a broader media trend of condemning the law. The discussion expanded to the potential for future laws to address discrimination based on physical appearance or "body modification," such as piercings and tattoos. Concerns were raised that political agendas are overshadowing the actual needs of the pansexual and transgender communities. Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [indiana](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/indiana.md), [discrimination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/discrimination.md), [body modification](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/body-modification.md), [pansexual](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pansexual.md) ### Brian Williams, NBC News, Iraq War Lie - **Episode:** [693: Kunzite](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/693-kunzite.md) - **Published:** 2015-02-05 - **Time:** 1:42:07–1:48:04 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/693-kunzite/chapter/brian-williams-nbc-news-iraq-war-lie.md NBC News anchor Brian Williams is criticized for falsely claiming his helicopter was hit by an RPG during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The hosts play clips of his recent apology alongside a 2013 appearance on David Letterman where he repeated the exaggerated story, labeling him a "liar" and comparing the incident to Hillary Clinton's "sniper fire" claims. Keywords: [brian williams](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brian-williams.md), [nbc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc-news.md), [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [iraq war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq-war.md), [rpg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rpg.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md) ### Sarah Palin Iowa Speech, Teleprompter Failure - **Episode:** [691: Ten Minute Timer](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/691-ten-minute-timer.md) - **Published:** 2015-01-29 - **Time:** 2:10:44–2:19:17 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/691-ten-minute-timer/chapter/sarah-palin-iowa-speech-teleprompter-failure.md Sarah Palin's recent speech at the Iowa Freedom Summit is analyzed following media reports of a "gobbledygook" performance caused by a teleprompter failure. An interview with former advisor Nicole Wallace on the Letterman show is critiqued for its portrayal of Palin's intelligence. The hosts discuss the technical skills required to transition from a failed prompter to paper scripts. Keywords: [sarah palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md), [nicole wallace](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nicole-wallace.md), [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [teleprompter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/teleprompter.md), iowa freedom summit ### David Letterman, Norah O'Donnell Putin Discussion - **Episode:** [638: Parliment Update](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/638-parliment-update.md) - **Published:** 2014-07-27 - **Time:** 39:13–40:58 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/638-parliment-update/chapter/david-letterman-norah-o-donnell-putin-discussion.md During an appearance on David Letterman's show, CBS News anchor Norah O'Donnell discussed the escalating tensions with Vladimir Putin. Letterman joked about sending SEAL Team 6 to "kill the guy," reflecting a trend in popular culture toward aggressive rhetoric regarding the Russian leader. The segment is cited as an example of how complex international relations are simplified for television audiences. Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [norah o'donnell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/norah-o-donnell.md), [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [seal team 6](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seal-team-6.md), [cbs news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbs-news.md) ### Television Success, Merv Griffin Big Head Theory - **Episode:** [624: The Sluggish Cloud](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/624-the-sluggish-cloud.md) - **Published:** 2014-06-08 - **Time:** 1:22:17–1:24:44 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/624-the-sluggish-cloud/chapter/television-success-merv-griffin-big-head-theory.md The "Merv Griffin theory" suggests that individuals with large heads and smaller bodies are more successful on television. This aesthetic discussion touched on the importance of hair styling for TV personalities and referenced David Letterman's observations on how a person's hair remains consistent after the age of 55. Keywords: merv griffin, [television](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television.md), [hair](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hair.md), [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [aesthetics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aesthetics.md) ### David Letterman Mother's Day Tribute and Troops in Qatar - **Episode:** [616: Jihadi Disneyland](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/616-jihadi-disneyland.md) - **Published:** 2014-05-11 - **Time:** 1:11:00–1:12:45 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/616-jihadi-disneyland/chapter/david-letterman-mother-s-day-tribute-and-troops-in-qatar.md A Mother's Day segment on the David Letterman show featuring video messages from overseas troops is criticized as "patriotic sadness." One clip features a specialist stationed in Doha, Qatar, which prompts a discussion about the pervasive presence of U.S. military personnel in the Middle East and Europe, including Germany and Poland. Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [mother's day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mother-s-day.md), [doha](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/doha.md), [qatar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/qatar.md), [us military](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/us-military.md) ### David Cameron David Letterman Appearance, Magna Carta - **Episode:** [447: Drone Double Tap](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/447-drone-double-tap.md) - **Published:** 2012-09-27 - **Time:** 1:14:47–1:17:36 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/447-drone-double-tap/chapter/david-cameron-david-letterman-appearance-magna-carta.md British Prime Minister David Cameron's appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman is reviewed. The discussion focuses on Cameron's inability to provide the literal English translation of "Magna Carta" during a quiz on British history. Keywords: [david cameron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-cameron.md), [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [magna carta](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/magna-carta.md), british history, [prime minister](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prime-minister.md) ### Joan Rivers Criticizes the Two-Year Election Cycle - **Episode:** [417: Cyber 9/11](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/417-cyber-9-11.md) - **Published:** 2012-06-14 - **Time:** 50:28–52:47 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/417-cyber-9-11/chapter/joan-rivers-criticizes-the-two-year-election-cycle.md Comedian Joan Rivers appeared on CNN to promote her book and criticized the length of the American presidential campaign. Rivers compared the two-year U.S. cycle unfavorably to the six-week parliamentary system in England. She also expressed disdain for the high costs of political fundraisers, specifically mentioning a $40,000-per-plate dinner attended by President Obama. Keywords: [joan rivers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joan-rivers.md), [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [election cycle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/election-cycle.md), [mitt romney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mitt-romney.md) ### Andrew Breitbart Death, Hillary Clinton Drone Claims - **Episode:** [387: Bear Bile](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/387-bear-bile.md) - **Published:** 2012-03-01 - **Time:** 1:52 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/387-bear-bile/chapter/andrew-breitbart-death-hillary-clinton-drone-claims.md Andrew Breitbart died at age 43 of what officials termed natural causes, though claims of foul play circulate due to his recent CPAC appearance. Speculation suggests Breitbart possessed damaging videotapes of Barack Obama that he intended to release. The discussion references Hillary Clinton's perceived ruthlessness regarding political enemies and the suspicious timing of the media figure's sudden collapse. Keywords: [andrew breitbart](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/andrew-breitbart.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [cpac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cpac.md), [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [slide whistle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slide-whistle.md), [assassination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/assassination.md) ### Media Analysis of South Park, House, and Letterman - **Episode:** [355: Flying Antenna](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/355-flying-antenna.md) - **Published:** 2011-11-10 - **Time:** 2:04:34–2:06:55 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/355-flying-antenna/chapter/media-analysis-of-south-park-house-and-letterman.md The hosts review various pop culture clips, including a South Park episode about the History Channel and a scene from the medical drama House. They also play a clip from David Letterman's show where an actress uses the word "vagina" in a comedic anecdote, noting a trend of more explicit language appearing in mainstream broadcast media. Keywords: [south park](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-park.md), house md, [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [vagina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vagina.md), [pop culture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pop-culture.md), [television](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television.md) ### George Clooney, Lake Como Guests - **Episode:** [346: The Indignati](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/346-the-indignati.md) - **Published:** 2011-10-09 - **Time:** 1:15:14–1:20:02 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/346-the-indignati/chapter/george-clooney-lake-como-guests.md George Clooney appears on Letterman and discusses high-profile guests at his Lake Como estate, including Walter Cronkite and David Gergen. The hosts find the presence of political consultant David Gergen suspicious, as he is not a traditional journalist. They speculate about the nature of these gatherings and Clooney's role as a potential "handler." Keywords: [george clooney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-clooney.md), [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [lake como](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lake-como.md), [walter cronkite](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/walter-cronkite.md), [david gergen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-gergen.md), [charlie rose](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charlie-rose.md) ### Chaz Bono Media Tour, Piers Morgan Interview - **Episode:** [304: Chimp in Heat](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/304-chimp-in-heat.md) - **Published:** 2011-05-15 - **Time:** 56:54–58:24 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/304-chimp-in-heat/chapter/chaz-bono-media-tour-piers-morgan-interview.md Chaz Bono appeared on several talk shows, including Letterman and Piers Morgan, to promote a new book. The interviews covered Bono's transition and public life as the child of Cher. The media coverage was noted for its frequent use of post-operative B-roll, which some viewers found excessive during the promotional tour. Keywords: chaz bono, [cher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cher.md), [piers morgan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/piers-morgan.md), [letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/letterman.md), [book tour](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/book-tour.md) [Next page](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/letterman.md?offset=20) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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