# Lobbying on The No Agenda Show

Lobbying comes up in 131 chapters across 126 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from March 2008 to September 2026.

- **Chapters:** 131
- **Episodes:** 126
- **Discussed:** March 2008 – September 2026
- **Related topics:** [Congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [Supreme Court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supreme-court.md), [Washington Dc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-dc.md), [Barack Obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [Paul Manafort](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paul-manafort.md), [Pharmaceutical Industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmaceutical-industry.md), [501c3](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/501c3.md), [Aipac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aipac.md), [Fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), [Harry Reid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harry-reid.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 131

### AI Lobbying in Washington and Regulatory Capture Efforts

- **Episode:** [1905: Nerdballs](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1905-nerdballs.md)
- **Published:** 2026-09-20
- **Time:** 39:36–43:56
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1905-nerdballs/chapter/ai-lobbying-in-washington-and-regulatory-capture-efforts.md

Jason Calacanis claims that AI companies are spending unprecedented amounts on lobbyists in Washington, D.C., surpassing the military and oil industries. He argues that frontier model companies are pushing for regulations to "gate" the technology and slow down open-source competitors like GitHub and Hugging Face. The hosts warn that users should assume their interactions with commercial AI models are being monitored by law enforcement.

Keywords: [washington dc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-dc.md), [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md), [regulatory capture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/regulatory-capture.md), [github](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/github.md), [hugging face](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hugging-face.md), [vpn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vpn.md)

### Boots on the Ground, Flavored Vapes CDC Resignation

- **Episode:** [1872: Lunar Economy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1872-lunar-economy.md)
- **Published:** 2026-05-28
- **Time:** 2:08:04–2:10:39
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1872-lunar-economy/chapter/boots-on-the-ground-flavored-vapes-cdc-resignation.md

"Boots on the ground" reports suggest that a high-ranking CDC official resigned because Donald Trump forced the approval of flavored vapes. Other listener feedback covers the use of kratom and the "government teat." The hosts emphasize the importance of these field reports in providing information not covered by mainstream media.

Keywords: [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), [flavored vapes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flavored-vapes.md), [boots on the ground](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boots-on-the-ground.md), [kratom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kratom.md), [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md)

### Israel Lobby, AIPAC Influence on Thomas Massie Primary

- **Episode:** [1870: VBS](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1870-vbs.md)
- **Published:** 2026-05-21
- **Time:** 26:09–33:30
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1870-vbs/chapter/israel-lobby-aipac-influence-on-thomas-massie-primary.md

The primary race between Thomas Massie and Ed Galrain is identified as the most expensive in history, with significant funding allegedly coming from the Israel lobby. Massie's vocal criticism of AIPAC and his votes against foreign aid are viewed as the primary reasons for the targeted campaign against him. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's appearance at a campaign event for Galrain is criticized as an inappropriate use of military tradition for political purposes.

Keywords: [aipac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aipac.md), [israel lobby](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/israel-lobby.md), [thomas massie](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/thomas-massie.md), ed galrain, [pete hegseth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pete-hegseth.md), [epstein files](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/epstein-files.md)

### Washington State Politics, Letter Writing Efficacy

- **Episode:** [1850: Error Bars](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1850-error-bars.md)
- **Published:** 2026-03-12
- **Time:** 1:14:50–1:18:46
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1850-error-bars/chapter/washington-state-politics-letter-writing-efficacy.md

A discussion on local governance in Washington State reveals that traditional letter-writing campaigns on physical paper are currently more effective at influencing legislators than emails or digital surveys. The hosts criticize Governor Jay Inslee's administration for pushing through a state income tax despite public opposition.

Keywords: [jay inslee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-inslee.md), [washington state](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-state.md), [income tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/income-tax.md), [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md), constituent services

### Lobbying Power, AIPAC vs National Association of Realtors

- **Episode:** [1849: Hose Water](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1849-hose-water.md)
- **Published:** 2026-03-08
- **Time:** 59:59–1:02:58
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1849-hose-water/chapter/lobbying-power-aipac-vs-national-association-of-realtors.md

Adam Curry challenges the narrative that Israel controls American policy through AIPAC by comparing lobbying expenditures. He points out that the National Association of Realtors, the American Medical Association, and the American Bankers Association outspend AIPAC by significant margins. He argues that the "Israel dragged us into war" meme is a simplification that ignores larger domestic lobbying forces.

Keywords: [aipac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aipac.md), [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md), national association of realtors, [american medical association](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-medical-association.md), [nra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nra.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md)

### Nonprofit Industrial Complex, Propaganda and Chilean Sea Bass

- **Episode:** [1849: Hose Water](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1849-hose-water.md)
- **Published:** 2026-03-08
- **Time:** 1:13:59–1:16:22
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1849-hose-water/chapter/nonprofit-industrial-complex-propaganda-and-chilean-sea-bass.md

Mimi Smith-Dvorak uses the marketing rebrand of the Patagonian toothfish to "Chilean sea bass" as a metaphor for the "snow job" of modern nonprofits. She argues that many NGOs are merely conduits for government money to reach lobbyists and political campaigns. She warns that this "nonprofit industrial complex" flavors all public information with propaganda, making impartial news nearly impossible to find.

Keywords: [nonprofits](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nonprofits.md), [ngos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ngos.md), [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md), chilean sea bass, [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md)

### Washington State Income Tax, Millionaires Tax and Mail-in Voting

- **Episode:** [1849: Hose Water](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1849-hose-water.md)
- **Published:** 2026-03-08
- **Time:** 1:35:10–1:38:37
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1849-hose-water/chapter/washington-state-income-tax-millionaires-tax-and-mail-in-voting.md

Washington State legislators are moving toward passing a "millionaires tax" of 9.9% on earnings over a million dollars, despite a state constitutional ban on income tax. Opponents, including Representative Jim Walsh, argue the threshold will eventually be lowered to apply to all citizens. Mimi Smith-Dvorak notes that the Washington Association of Cities is a primary lobbyist for the tax and expresses concern over the integrity of the state's mail-in voting system.

Keywords: [washington state](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-state.md), [income tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/income-tax.md), jim walsh, [mail-in voting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mail-in-voting.md), millionaires tax, [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md)

### AIPAC Lobbying, FARA Regulations and Qatar Interview Controversy

- **Episode:** [1774: Leave it to Bibi](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1774-leave-it-to-bibi.md)
- **Published:** 2025-06-19
- **Time:** 38:17–41:47
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1774-leave-it-to-bibi/chapter/aipac-lobbying-fara-regulations-and-qatar-interview-controversy.md

The legal status of AIPAC is questioned regarding whether the organization should register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Simultaneously, Tucker Carlson faced criticism from right-wing influencers over a FARA disclosure involving the government of Qatar. The document actually detailed a lobbying firm's arrangement for Carlson to interview the Qatari Prime Minister in person.

Keywords: [aipac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aipac.md), [fara](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fara.md), [qatar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/qatar.md), [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md), foreign agents

### Holobook Project, Smartphone Detox Gimmick

- **Episode:** [1755: Rat Poop](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1755-rat-poop.md)
- **Published:** 2025-04-13
- **Time:** 1:01:05–1:05:34
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1755-rat-poop/chapter/holobook-project-smartphone-detox-gimmick.md

A proposal for a "Holobook"—a hollowed-out book designed to store a smartphone and reduce addiction—is discussed. A listener suggested using $7 hollow books from Hobby Lobby as a base for the product. While one host is enthusiastic about the potential for a 1,000-unit limited run as a "No Agenda" gift, the other remains skeptical about the product's viability in a society deeply dependent on mobile technology.

Keywords: [hobby lobby](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hobby-lobby.md), holobook, [smartphone addiction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smartphone-addiction.md), [product design](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/product-design.md), gimmick

### Silicon Valley Lobbying, TikTok Search Dominance and Market Competition

- **Episode:** [1731: Cyber Timebombs](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1731-cyber-timebombs.md)
- **Published:** 2025-01-19
- **Time:** 47:11–50:53
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1731-cyber-timebombs/chapter/silicon-valley-lobbying-tiktok-search-dominance-and-market-competition.md

US tech giants and mainstream media corporations are accused of lobbying against TikTok to protect their own market shares in search and advertising. Data suggests that TikTok has begun to overtake Google as a primary search tool for younger users looking for products and local services. The platform's success is seen as a modern evolution of the QVC home shopping model, which US tech companies failed to modernize effectively.

Keywords: [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [amazon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amazon.md), [qvc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/qvc.md), [search engine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/search-engine.md), [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md)

### Raw Milk Regulations, Big Milk Lobby Influence

- **Episode:** [1725: Artificial Indian](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1725-artificial-indian.md)
- **Published:** 2024-12-29
- **Time:** 43:30–52:59
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1725-artificial-indian/chapter/raw-milk-regulations-big-milk-lobby-influence.md

A discussion on raw milk highlights how small farmers use "pet food" labels to bypass strict government prohibitions on unpasteurized dairy. The "Big Milk" lobby is accused of using safety regulations to protect a centralized sales channel and eliminate competition from independent producers. Comparisons are made to the beef industry, where large processors like Cargill allegedly discourage direct-to-consumer sales from local ranchers.

Keywords: [raw milk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/raw-milk.md), dairy regulations, milk lobby, [pasteurization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pasteurization.md), [k&c cattle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/k-c-cattle.md)

### Mike Gallagher, Palantir Career Pivot

- **Episode:** [1657: Trash Can Man](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1657-trash-can-man.md)
- **Published:** 2024-05-05
- **Time:** 1:13:09–1:15:40
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1657-trash-can-man/chapter/mike-gallagher-palantir-career-pivot.md

Former Representative Mike Gallagher, who authored the bill to force the sale of TikTok, has accepted a position at the defense technology firm Palantir. Gallagher delayed his resignation from Congress specifically to vote on the $100 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

Keywords: [mike gallagher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-gallagher.md), [palantir](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/palantir.md), tiktok bill, [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md)

### Banking Lobby Influence, Digital Currency Limits

- **Episode:** [1649: Stay Alarmed](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1649-stay-alarmed.md)
- **Published:** 2024-04-07
- **Time:** 2:12:54–2:16:25
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1649-stay-alarmed/chapter/banking-lobby-influence-digital-currency-limits.md

The banking lobby has successfully influenced the digital euro proposal to ensure it is distributed through existing financial infrastructure and remains unremunerated (no interest). There are ongoing debates regarding holding limits, with some advocates pushing for no limits to provide "healthy competition" to private banks. The system is framed as a response to the COVID-19 economic crisis, despite the health emergency having largely concluded.

Keywords: [ecb](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ecb.md), banking lobby, [digital euro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/digital-euro.md), [interest rates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/interest-rates.md), [quantitative easing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/quantitative-easing.md)

### Check Donations and Birthday Shoutouts

- **Episode:** [1638: Test Tube Babies](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1638-test-tube-babies.md)
- **Published:** 2024-02-29
- **Time:** 2:41:03–2:46:04
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1638-test-tube-babies/chapter/check-donations-and-birthday-shoutouts.md

Linda Weigert sent a vintage Valentine from Hobby Lobby along with a check, noting the show's positive impact on her mental health. Birthday wishes are extended to Trenton Winter and Diane of Northumberland, who requested a "biscuit" for her 44th birthday.

Keywords: linda weigert, [hobby lobby](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hobby-lobby.md), valentine, sydney winter, diane northumberland

### Hunter Biden, California Tax Indictment and Foreign Lobbying

- **Episode:** [1619: Flash to Bang](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1619-flash-to-bang.md)
- **Published:** 2023-12-24
- **Time:** 16:18–18:41
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1619-flash-to-bang/chapter/hunter-biden-california-tax-indictment-and-foreign-lobbying.md

Hunter Biden faces significant legal exposure in 2024 with a 56-page indictment in California involving tax charges and his business dealings in Ukraine, China, and Romania. Legal analysts suggest the Special Counsel is investigating potential violations of foreign lobbying laws. These criminal prosecutions are expected to unfold concurrently with the 2024 presidential election cycle.

Keywords: [hunter biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hunter-biden.md), [jack smith](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jack-smith.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), tax charges, foreign lobbying

### Novo Nordisk, Ozempic Lobbying Tactics

- **Episode:** [1583: Ninny](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1583-ninny.md)
- **Published:** 2023-08-20
- **Time:** 2:53:21–2:56:43
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1583-ninny/chapter/novo-nordisk-ozempic-lobbying-tactics.md

Novo Nordisk spent $11 million on food and travel for doctors to promote the diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. The company has spent a decade lobbying Congress to reclassify obesity as a chronic disease rather than a lifestyle choice, successfully influencing the "Treat and Reduce Obesity Act." This marketing push comes as competitors like Eli Lilly and Pfizer prepare to release their own versions of GLP-1 drugs.

Keywords: [novo nordisk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/novo-nordisk.md), [ozempic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ozempic.md), [wegovy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wegovy.md), [obesity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obesity.md), pharmaceutical lobbying

### Robert Weissman, Public Citizen Trump Administration Critique

- **Episode:** [1578: Tranarchism](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1578-tranarchism.md)
- **Published:** 2023-08-03
- **Time:** 19:54–26:45
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1578-tranarchism/chapter/robert-weissman-public-citizen-trump-administration-critique.md

Robert Weissman, president of the lobbying group Public Citizen, argued on Democracy Now! that the Trump indictment is rooted in a Civil War-era civil rights statute. Weissman described the Trump presidency as a period of constant assault on decency, immigrants, and people of color. The discussion notes that Public Citizen is a 501(c)(4) lobbying organization rather than a traditional non-profit.

Keywords: robert weissman, [public citizen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-citizen.md), [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md), [civil rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-rights.md), [trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trump.md)

### Corporate Lobbying for China and Human Rights

- **Episode:** [1569: Hydrating](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1569-hydrating.md)
- **Published:** 2023-07-02
- **Time:** 2:43:52–2:46:18
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1569-hydrating/chapter/corporate-lobbying-for-china-and-human-rights.md

The discussion concludes with an analysis of how major U.S. and German corporations act as the biggest lobbyists for China due to their manufacturing interests. The Shein influencer controversy is framed as a microcosm of global politics, where "authentic" social media voices are used as tools for state propaganda. The hosts emphasize that information regarding human rights abuses in Tibet and Xinjiang remains strictly controlled.

Keywords: [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md), [genocide](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/genocide.md), [tibet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tibet.md), [xinjiang](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xinjiang.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md)

### Big Pharma Advertising, Television's "Third Rail"

- **Episode:** [1551: Big Mike & The Rock](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1551-big-mike-the-rock.md)
- **Published:** 2023-04-30
- **Time:** 23:55–26:52
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1551-big-mike-the-rock/chapter/big-pharma-advertising-television-s-third-rail.md

The pharmaceutical industry's influence over television news is identified as a "third rail" that media figures are forbidden from touching. Tucker Carlson's monologues criticizing direct-to-consumer drug advertising and the legal immunity granted to vaccine manufacturers are cited as potential factors in his removal. The United States remains one of only two countries globally that allows pharmaceutical companies to advertise directly to the public.

Keywords: [big pharma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/big-pharma.md), [pharmaceutical industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmaceutical-industry.md), [direct-to-consumer advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/direct-to-consumer-advertising.md), [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md), [tucker carlson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tucker-carlson.md)

### James O'Keefe Project Veritas Departure

- **Episode:** [1528: HABIDAT](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1528-habidat.md)
- **Published:** 2023-02-09
- **Time:** 1:07:11–1:09:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1528-habidat/chapter/james-o-keefe-project-veritas-departure.md

James O'Keefe has reportedly been pushed out of Project Veritas following internal conflicts between the organization's 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) arms. Speculation suggests the recent undercover Pfizer sting may have caused friction with the group's board or lobbying interests.

Keywords: [james o'keefe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-o-keefe.md), [project veritas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/project-veritas.md), [pfizer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pfizer.md), [501c3](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/501c3.md), [lobbying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbying.md)

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