# Literacy on The No Agenda Show

Literacy comes up in 59 chapters across 55 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from November 2008 to July 2026.

- **Chapters:** 59
- **Episodes:** 55
- **Discussed:** November 2008 – July 2026
- **Related topics:** [Education](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/education.md), [Chromebooks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chromebooks.md), [Critical Thinking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/critical-thinking.md), [Propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md), [Twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [Bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [Chatgpt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chatgpt.md), [European Union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [Fake News](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fake-news.md), [Gen Z](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gen-z.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 59

### Engineering Perspectives and Aaron Hewitt Son Tribute

- **Episode:** [1889: Producer's Tribute to JCD](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1889-producer-s-tribute-to-jcd.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-27
- **Time:** 5:44:14–5:47:18
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1889-producer-s-tribute-to-jcd/chapter/engineering-perspectives-and-aaron-hewitt-son-tribute.md

An engineering graduate from 1981 appreciates John C. Dvorak's ability to "rattle off chip numbers" and his kindred spirit. Aaron Hewitt Son from New South Wales, Australia, credits Dvorak's skepticism with helping her navigate the media landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic. The segments emphasize Dvorak's role in teaching listeners to question accepted narratives.

Keywords: [engineering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/engineering.md), microprocessors, penrith, [john c dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [media literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-literacy.md)

### Whatever Girls Podcast, History and Math Literacy

- **Episode:** [1880: Antifa Book Club](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1880-antifa-book-club.md)
- **Published:** 2026-06-25
- **Time:** 1:38:20–1:40:32
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1880-antifa-book-club/chapter/whatever-girls-podcast-history-and-math-literacy.md

Clips from the "Whatever" podcast highlight a perceived lack of basic historical and mathematical knowledge among young guests. Participants struggle to identify the decades of World War I and World War II or calculate a quarter of an hour. The hosts characterize this educational decline as a potential national security issue.

Keywords: [whatever podcast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/whatever-podcast.md), [history](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/history.md), [math](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/math.md), [national security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-security.md), [literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/literacy.md)

### Gen Z Computer Illiteracy, Workplace Tech Skills

- **Episode:** [1833: Spicy Mode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1833-spicy-mode.md)
- **Published:** 2026-01-11
- **Time:** 1:37:08–1:40:21
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1833-spicy-mode/chapter/gen-z-computer-illiteracy-workplace-tech-skills.md

Middle management in tech companies reported a surprising lack of basic computer literacy among Gen Z employees, including those with IT degrees. Common issues cited include an inability to use the command line, lack of touch-typing skills, and unfamiliarity with basic troubleshooting like using the Task Manager.

Keywords: [gen z](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gen-z.md), computer literacy, [excel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/excel.md), [command line](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/command-line.md), tech skills

### Education Crisis, Chromebooks and the Loss of Textbooks

- **Episode:** [1832: Lincoln's Dome](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1832-lincoln-s-dome.md)
- **Published:** 2026-01-08
- **Time:** 2:40:01–2:46:09
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1832-lincoln-s-dome/chapter/education-crisis-chromebooks-and-the-loss-of-textbooks.md

Teachers are reporting a total absence of physical textbooks in many high schools, with students relying entirely on Chromebooks and digital PDFs. Critics argue that this shift has decimated attention spans, eliminated essential computer skills like typing and file management, and replaced active thinking with "digital babysitting." There is a growing call to return to computer labs and hands-on learning tools like paper and pencils.

Keywords: [education](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/education.md), [chromebooks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chromebooks.md), [textbooks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/textbooks.md), computer labs, [literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/literacy.md)

### Gen Z Password Literacy and Tech Literacy

- **Episode:** [1798: Adam & The Robot](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1798-adam-the-robot.md)
- **Published:** 2025-09-11
- **Time:** 1:46:02–1:50:32
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1798-adam-the-robot/chapter/gen-z-password-literacy-and-tech-literacy.md

A "boots on the ground" report from a college bookstore employee highlights a lack of basic technical literacy among Gen Z students, specifically regarding password resets. The hosts discuss how the shift toward "Sign in with Google" or Apple has removed the need for users to understand underlying account security. They lament the decline of formal computer literacy classes in schools.

Keywords: [gen z](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gen-z.md), [password reset](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/password-reset.md), tech literacy, google login, [chromebooks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chromebooks.md), computer literacy, [bookstore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bookstore.md)

### Classroom Technology, Literacy Decline and AI Plagiarism

- **Episode:** [1794: Heroin Hotties](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1794-heroin-hotties.md)
- **Published:** 2025-08-28
- **Time:** 19:03–22:16
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1794-heroin-hotties/chapter/classroom-technology-literacy-decline-and-ai-plagiarism.md

A teacher featured on the YouTube channel HaloHaley describes a significant decline in student literacy and attention spans due to constant smartphone and TikTok use. Students reportedly struggle to sit through movies or write basic paragraphs without attempting to use AI tools like ChatGPT. The educator advocates for cutting off personal technology in schools until students reach the college level.

Keywords: halohaley, [tiktok](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tiktok.md), [chatgpt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chatgpt.md), [literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/literacy.md), [high school](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-school.md), classroom technology, attention spans

### Education Failure, Basic Math Literacy and Phone Bans

- **Episode:** [1789: Glop](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1789-glop.md)
- **Published:** 2025-08-10
- **Time:** 26:39–30:15
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1789-glop/chapter/education-failure-basic-math-literacy-and-phone-bans.md

Anecdotes from retail environments suggest a decline in basic literacy and math skills among young workers, including confusion over the meaning of "half-a-dozen" and weight abbreviations like "lbs." In response to classroom distractions, the state of Texas has implemented a ban on personal communication devices in schools. Teachers report that removing smartphones has immediately improved student engagement, note-taking, and face-to-face socialization.

Keywords: [literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/literacy.md), [education system](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/education-system.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [instacart](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/instacart.md), smartphone ban

### AI in Classrooms, Equity and Literacy Programs

- **Episode:** [1789: Glop](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1789-glop.md)
- **Published:** 2025-08-10
- **Time:** 30:16–34:42
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1789-glop/chapter/ai-in-classrooms-equity-and-literacy-programs.md

The integration of AI into school curricula is being framed by some educators as a tool for "AI literacy" and a means to achieve equity for underserved students. Proponents argue that AI can act as a 24/7 tutor for students who lack support at home, while critics warn it serves as a shortcut to products rather than a learning process. Concerns remain that over-reliance on AI will lead to standardized, potentially incorrect outputs across the student population.

Keywords: [artificial intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/artificial-intelligence.md), [chatgpt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chatgpt.md), [equity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/equity.md), [education](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/education.md), [literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/literacy.md)

### Parenting and the Rejection of AI Children's Books

- **Episode:** [1788: chatJCD](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1788-chatjcd.md)
- **Published:** 2025-08-07
- **Time:** 1:27:37–1:29:57
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1788-chatjcd/chapter/parenting-and-the-rejection-of-ai-children-s-books.md

A 35-year-old parent shares a strategy for fostering literacy by providing physical books and strictly limiting phone and AI exposure. The contributor argues that parents should create their own stories for children rather than relying on "garbage" AI-generated content or modern digital distractions.

Keywords: [parenting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parenting.md), [literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/literacy.md), ai books, [sesame street](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sesame-street.md), [screen time](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/screen-time.md)

### Media Literacy, Propaganda and CISSP Certification

- **Episode:** [1762: Stick Fight](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1762-stick-fight.md)
- **Published:** 2025-05-08
- **Time:** 2:28:58–2:32:54
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1762-stick-fight/chapter/media-literacy-propaganda-and-cissp-certification.md

The hosts respond to requests for lectures on media literacy, clarifying that their focus is specifically on deconstructing propaganda. They acknowledge a listener's achievement in passing the CISSP cybersecurity exam and promote a resume-writing service for executives.

Keywords: [media literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-literacy.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md), cissp, [cybersecurity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cybersecurity.md), [resumes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/resumes.md)

### Costco Panic Buying and Vietnam's Economic Literacy

- **Episode:** [1753: Local Jamoke](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1753-local-jamoke.md)
- **Published:** 2025-04-06
- **Time:** 1:08:42–1:11:31
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1753-local-jamoke/chapter/costco-panic-buying-and-vietnam-s-economic-literacy.md

Reports from Washington State indicate that despite media hype, Costco shoppers are not engaging in panic buying due to new tariffs. The hosts suggest that American consumers may simply become more frugal and stop buying "junk." Meanwhile, Vietnam is positioned as a primary beneficiary of the trade war, with the hosts noting the country's 97% literacy rate and its readiness to absorb manufacturing from China.

Keywords: [costco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/costco.md), [panic buying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/panic-buying.md), [vietnam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vietnam.md), [tariffs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tariffs.md), [literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/literacy.md)

### Institutional Response to Digital Harassment in Schools

- **Episode:** [1749: Gynocracy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1749-gynocracy.md)
- **Published:** 2025-03-23
- **Time:** 2:26:15–2:30:02
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1749-gynocracy/chapter/institutional-response-to-digital-harassment-in-schools.md

Experts suggest that schools need to update student handbooks to specifically address the risks of AI-generated harassment. Parents are encouraged to have open conversations with teens to reinforce that creating or spreading deepfake images carries real-world consequences and is not a joke.

Keywords: [schools](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/schools.md), [harassment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harassment.md), [ai safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ai-safety.md), [parents](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parents.md), [digital literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/digital-literacy.md)

### Mississippi Literacy Rates, Phonics vs. Balanced Literacy

- **Episode:** [1686: Publical](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1686-publical.md)
- **Published:** 2024-08-15
- **Time:** 2:34:18–2:38:16
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1686-publical/chapter/mississippi-literacy-rates-phonics-vs-balanced-literacy.md

Mississippi's elementary literacy ranking rose from 49th to 21st in the nation after the state transitioned to a "science of reading" approach centered on phonics. The shift moved away from "balanced literacy," which encouraged students to guess words based on cues. While some critics attribute the rise to changes in assessment methods, proponents argue that returning to systematic phonics instruction is the primary driver of the improvement.

Keywords: [mississippi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mississippi.md), [literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/literacy.md), [phonics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/phonics.md), [education](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/education.md), science of reading

### Kathy Hochul, New York Media Literacy Mandate

- **Episode:** [1611: Podcast Pro](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1611-podcast-pro.md)
- **Published:** 2023-11-26
- **Time:** 25:44–28:06
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1611-podcast-pro/chapter/kathy-hochul-new-york-media-literacy-mandate.md

New York Governor Kathy Hochul directed the Division of Homeland Security to develop media literacy tools for K-12 students in public schools. The initiative aims to teach students and teachers how to identify conspiracy theories, misinformation, and online hate. Critics argue this is an extension of ill-defined hate speech laws intended to control digital discourse.

Keywords: [kathy hochul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kathy-hochul.md), [new york](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york.md), [media literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-literacy.md), [k-12](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/k-12.md), [misinformation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/misinformation.md)

### CDC Vaccination Push, Media Literacy Outro

- **Episode:** [1611: Podcast Pro](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1611-podcast-pro.md)
- **Published:** 2023-11-26
- **Time:** 3:15:48–3:20:51
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1611-podcast-pro/chapter/cdc-vaccination-push-media-literacy-outro.md

The show ends with a montage of clips featuring CDC Director Mandy Cohen urging Americans to get updated COVID-19 and flu shots. It also includes Governor Kathy Hochul's remarks on media literacy in schools, juxtaposed with various "truth-based" media soundbites. The final mix serves as a summary of the episode's themes regarding government messaging and media deconstruction.

Keywords: [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), [mandy cohen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mandy-cohen.md), [vaccination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccination.md), [media literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-literacy.md), [kathy hochul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kathy-hochul.md)

### C-SPAN Callers, Obama Dog Claims and Media Literacy

- **Episode:** [1580: Coup Map](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1580-coup-map.md)
- **Published:** 2023-08-10
- **Time:** 2:46:28–2:50:21
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1580-coup-map/chapter/c-span-callers-obama-dog-claims-and-media-literacy.md

A caller on C-SPAN's Washington Journal asked a provocative and racially charged question regarding former President Obama, which was quickly cut off by the host. The segment explores how such callers manage to get through the screening process and the nature of live call-in television. The hosts discuss the "woke" interpretation of such comments versus the absurdity of the claims themselves.

Keywords: [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [washington journal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-journal.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [media literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-literacy.md), [racism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/racism.md)

### Pipeline Security and News Literacy Week

- **Episode:** [1524: Climatarian](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1524-climatarian.md)
- **Published:** 2023-01-26
- **Time:** 2:28:45–2:31:08
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1524-climatarian/chapter/pipeline-security-and-news-literacy-week.md

Norway has heightened its military readiness to protect 9,000 kilometers of underwater pipelines following the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines. The hosts also acknowledge "News Literacy Week," mocking the mainstream media's efforts to define "credible information" while they encourage listeners to deconstruct all sources.

Keywords: [norway](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/norway.md), [nord stream](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nord-stream.md), [pipelines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pipelines.md), [sabotage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sabotage.md), news literacy week

### Explain It Like I'm Five Concept

- **Episode:** [1504: Value Chain](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1504-value-chain.md)
- **Published:** 2022-11-17
- **Time:** 13:52–15:50
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1504-value-chain/chapter/explain-it-like-i-m-five-concept.md

A discussion ensues regarding the popular internet acronym ELI5, or "Explain It Like I'm Five," which has gained traction on Twitter during the FTX crisis. One host expresses disdain for the phrase, arguing it is a tedious way to request information. The segment touches on the interconnected nature of crypto exchanges like Binance and Coinbase.

Keywords: [tom woods](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tom-woods.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), eli5, [financial literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-literacy.md), [communication](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/communication.md)

### Queen Maxima of the Netherlands on Digital Currency

- **Episode:** [1498: Junk Fees](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1498-junk-fees.md)
- **Published:** 2022-10-30
- **Time:** 58:33–1:07:21
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1498-junk-fees/chapter/queen-maxima-of-the-netherlands-on-digital-currency.md

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands delivered a keynote speech at an IMF meeting, promoting CBDCs as a tool for inclusive finance. She argued that well-designed digital currencies could help the vulnerable and poor gain access to financial services, while skeptics view the move as a step toward financial enslavement and the elimination of cash.

Keywords: [queen maxima](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/queen-maxima.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [imf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imf.md), [financial literacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-literacy.md), [cbdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbdc.md)

### Seeds of Literacy and New Knighting Ceremony

- **Episode:** [1487: Si Senor](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1487-si-senor.md)
- **Published:** 2022-09-18
- **Time:** 2:50:30–2:52:53
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1487-si-senor/chapter/seeds-of-literacy-and-new-knighting-ceremony.md

A plug is given for the "Seeds of Literacy" organization and its upcoming event honoring Margo Hudson. The show concludes its formal segments with a knighting ceremony for Sir George of the Southern Carpathians and Sir Greg Carlwood of the Higher Side.

Keywords: seeds of literacy, margo hudson, [knighting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighting.md), sir george, sir greg carlwood

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