# Silicon Spin on The No Agenda Show

Silicon Spin comes up in 29 chapters across 26 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from November 2007 to October 2026.

- **Chapters:** 29
- **Episodes:** 26
- **Discussed:** November 2007 – October 2026
- **Related topics:** [Tech Tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-tv.md), [John C Dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [Zdtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zdtv.md), [Anti-gravity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anti-gravity.md), [Cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [Donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [Max Keiser](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/max-keiser.md), [Podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [Stacy Herbert](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stacy-herbert.md), [Steve Jobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-jobs.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 29

### The Letter J and Silicon Spin Tech History

- **Episode:** [1916: The Final Episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1916-the-final-episode.md)
- **Published:** 2026-10-30
- **Time:** 2:01:41–2:03:41
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1916-the-final-episode/chapter/the-letter-j-and-silicon-spin-tech-history.md

A producer known as "The Letter J" recounts following John C. Dvorak from Silicon Spin on Tech TV to various podcasts including TWiT and Cranky Geeks. He shares an anecdote about sending a romantic anniversary card to the show as a joke. The hosts clarify that while they considered doing three shows a week, they ultimately stuck to a twice-weekly schedule.

Keywords: [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), [tech tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-tv.md), twit podcast, [cranky geeks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cranky-geeks.md), [dh unplugged](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dh-unplugged.md), anniversary card

### Knighthood Accounting and JCD Challenge Coins

- **Episode:** [1915: Off The Rails](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1915-off-the-rails.md)
- **Published:** 2026-10-25
- **Time:** 2:20:15–2:23:59
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1915-off-the-rails/chapter/knighthood-accounting-and-jcd-challenge-coins.md

Producers Gary Barnick and Ethan Falk complete their knighthood accounting, with many listeners citing John C. Dvorak's old PC Magazine columns as their entry point to his work. The "JCD Challenge Coin" becomes a primary focus for donors, serving as a tangible memento of Dvorak's legacy. Glenn DeSantos reaches knighthood but chooses to bestow the honor upon a deserving cause instead.

Keywords: [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [john c dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [pc magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pc-magazine.md), [challenge coins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/challenge-coins.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md)

### Joel Cox and the Silicon Spin History

- **Episode:** [1889: Producer's Tribute to JCD](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1889-producer-s-tribute-to-jcd.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-27
- **Time:** 6:10:56–6:13:19
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1889-producer-s-tribute-to-jcd/chapter/joel-cox-and-the-silicon-spin-history.md

Joel Cox from the Pittsburgh area traces his fandom back to Silicon Spin and Cranky Geeks, having been present for No Agenda episode one. He recounts his initial disbelief at the newsletter announcing Dvorak's death, thinking it was clickbait. Mark Leclerc notes the show helped him through 12-hour workdays at UPS during the post-COVID holidays.

Keywords: [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), [pittsburgh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pittsburgh.md), [ups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ups.md), [john c dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [clickbait](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clickbait.md)

### Sir Cabral and the Silicon Spin Legacy

- **Episode:** [1889: Producer's Tribute to JCD](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1889-producer-s-tribute-to-jcd.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-27
- **Time:** 6:56:29–6:58:21
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1889-producer-s-tribute-to-jcd/chapter/sir-cabral-and-the-silicon-spin-legacy.md

Sir Cabral of Masarictown traces his following of John C. Dvorak through PC Mag, CNET, ZDTV, and TWiT. Chris O'Brien from Boston also cites Silicon Spin as his starting point with Dvorak's work. Sir Kevin McLaughlin, Archduke of Luna, contributes a "BOOB" donation of $80.08 in honor of the show's traditions.

Keywords: [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [zdtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zdtv.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), [john c dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [archduke](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/archduke.md)

### Sir Sean of Allegheny Valley, Dame Tara, and Miss Kitty Girl Soaps

- **Episode:** [1888: In The Mourning](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-24
- **Time:** 3:48:51–3:51:06
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning/chapter/sir-sean-of-allegheny-valley-dame-tara-and-miss-kitty-girl-soaps.md

Sir Sean of the Allegheny Valley reflects on following Dvorak from Silicon Spin to No Agenda and receives a "jobs karma" blessing due to his current unemployment. Dame Tara mentions lighting a candle at mass for Dvorak. Miss Kitty Girl Soaps and Sir William of Morningside also offer tributes.

Keywords: sean mckeown, dame tara, miss kitty girl soaps, [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), [unemployment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unemployment.md)

### Michael Hall, Matthew McCoy, and the iBook Toilet Seat Comment

- **Episode:** [1888: In The Mourning](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-24
- **Time:** 3:58:13–4:00:25
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning/chapter/michael-hall-matthew-mccoy-and-the-ibook-toilet-seat-comment.md

Michael Hall discusses his background as an Orthodox Christian praying for Dvorak's soul. Matthew McCoy shares a classic memory from 1999 of watching Dvorak on Silicon Spin, where Dvorak famously asked why anyone would buy a laptop "shaped like a toilet seat" regarding the Bondi blue iBook.

Keywords: [michael hall](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-hall.md), matthew mccoy, ibook, [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), [tech tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-tv.md)

### Bobby and Sarah Hiney, Alex from Bluegrass, and Horse Racing

- **Episode:** [1888: In The Mourning](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-24
- **Time:** 4:16:01–4:18:31
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning/chapter/bobby-and-sarah-hiney-alex-from-bluegrass-and-horse-racing.md

Bobby and Sarah Hiney describe Dvorak as a "wise grandfather." Alex from Bluegrass recalls seeing Dvorak live at The Brick House in 2012 and shares an anecdote about emailing Dvorak regarding the thoroughbred racing industry, receiving a characteristically blunt response.

Keywords: bobby hiney, alex from bluegrass, [horse racing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/horse-racing.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), the brick house

### Final Donation Segment, Religious and Health Tributes

- **Episode:** [1849: Hose Water](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1849-hose-water.md)
- **Published:** 2026-03-08
- **Time:** 2:52:17–3:02:06
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1849-hose-water/chapter/final-donation-segment-religious-and-health-tributes.md

The final donation segment features long-time listeners who have followed Dvorak since his "Silicon Spin" days. Donors offer various health tips, including the use of natokinase, and many offer prayers in the names of Jesus and during the month of Ramadan. The hosts express deep gratitude for the "fabulous notes" and the financial support that helps cover John's medical expenses.

Keywords: [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), natokinase, dr. mccullough, [ramadan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ramadan.md), [jesus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jesus.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md)

### Anti-Gravity Technology, Silicon Spin Anecdote, Disclosure Delays

- **Episode:** [1844: Second Half of Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1844-second-half-of-show.md)
- **Published:** 2026-02-19
- **Time:** 2:23:33–2:25:44
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1844-second-half-of-show/chapter/anti-gravity-technology-silicon-spin-anecdote-disclosure-delays.md

A host recalls a 1996 encounter with a semi-famous tech figure who claimed to have seen aliens and was convinced that anti-gravity technology would be revealed to the public "next week." The segment reflects on how such claims of imminent disclosure have been circulating for decades without fruition.

Keywords: [anti-gravity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anti-gravity.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), [disclosure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disclosure.md), [technology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/technology.md), 1996, dream state

### XRP Ripple Cryptocurrency, Quantum Finance Buzzwords

- **Episode:** [1785: Mackerels](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels.md)
- **Published:** 2025-07-27
- **Time:** 41:44–44:12
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1785-mackerels/chapter/xrp-ripple-cryptocurrency-quantum-finance-buzzwords.md

The long-running promotion of the XRP cryptocurrency is characterized as a persistent psychological operation involving claims of "off-world servers" and "quantum networks." This is compared to the "New Economy" buzzwords of the late 1990s, such as "clicks and mortar."

Keywords: [xrp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xrp.md), [ripple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ripple.md), quantum finance, [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), new economy

### Kara Swisher, Silicon Valley Media and Steve Jobs

- **Episode:** [1735: Old Bag](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1735-old-bag.md)
- **Published:** 2025-02-02
- **Time:** 1:12:14–1:15:10
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1735-old-bag/chapter/kara-swisher-silicon-valley-media-and-steve-jobs.md

The hosts reminisce about the early days of Silicon Valley tech journalism, specifically criticizing Kara Swisher's technical credentials. They recall her time on "Silicon Spin" and her partnership with Walt Mossberg at the D3 conference. One host credits the D3 conference as the venue where Steve Jobs invited him to a meeting that eventually led to the birth of podcasting.

Keywords: [kara swisher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kara-swisher.md), [walt mossberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/walt-mossberg.md), [steve jobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-jobs.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), [wall street journal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wall-street-journal.md), [aol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aol.md)

### Anti-Gravity Technology Claims, Silicon Valley Alien Anecdote

- **Episode:** [1727: Sideshow Bob](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1727-sideshow-bob.md)
- **Published:** 2025-01-05
- **Time:** 3:29
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1727-sideshow-bob/chapter/anti-gravity-technology-claims-silicon-valley-alien-anecdote.md

A discussion regarding long-standing claims of imminent anti-gravity technology reveals notes that such promises have circulated for decades without fruition. An anecdote from 1997 involves a semi-famous Silicon Valley figure who left his company claiming to have seen aliens in a dream state. These recurring narratives about secret propulsion technology are identified as a staple of fringe tech circles.

Keywords: [anti-gravity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anti-gravity.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [aliens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aliens.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), technology reveal

### Ray Kurzweil, Spam and AI Limitations

- **Episode:** [1560: Connectionism](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1560-connectionism.md)
- **Published:** 2023-06-01
- **Time:** 1:08:55–1:11:37
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1560-connectionism/chapter/ray-kurzweil-spam-and-ai-limitations.md

Ray Kurzweil's theories on the singularity are contrasted with the practical failures of current AI to solve basic problems like email spam or improve voice assistants like Siri and Alexa. Despite decades of research, these tools often remain frustrating for users. The discussion suggests that investors are often more interested in the "hype" of AI than in fixing fundamental user experience issues.

Keywords: [ray kurzweil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ray-kurzweil.md), [spam filters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spam-filters.md), [siri](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/siri.md), [alexa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alexa.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md)

### Podcast Awards, Webby Awards and Production Quality

- **Episode:** [1553: Ample Bosom](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1553-ample-bosom.md)
- **Published:** 2023-05-07
- **Time:** 56:00–58:39
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1553-ample-bosom/chapter/podcast-awards-webby-awards-and-production-quality.md

A discussion about the Pivot podcast winning a Webby Award leads to a tangent about the history of the Webby Awards and its founder. The hosts joke about their own lack of awards, suggesting they deserve a Peabody or a production award for audio engineering. They mock the idea of televised awards for behind-the-scenes staff.

Keywords: [webby awards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/webby-awards.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), [tech tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-tv.md), [peabody awards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peabody-awards.md), [ricky gervais](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ricky-gervais.md), [audio engineering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audio-engineering.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md)

### David Bowie, 1999 Internet Prediction

- **Episode:** [1502: Shood Fortage](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1502-shood-fortage.md)
- **Published:** 2022-11-24
- **Time:** 1:17:40–1:20:00
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1502-shood-fortage/chapter/david-bowie-1999-internet-prediction.md

A 1999 clip of David Bowie is played, where he predicts the internet will become an "alien life form" and fundamentally change the relationship between providers and audiences. One host recalls Bowie being a fan of their previous show, "Silicon Spin." They discuss how Bowie's vision of a "simpatico" relationship between creator and audience has come to fruition.

Keywords: [david bowie](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-bowie.md), [internet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet.md), [1999](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/1999.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), content provider, [medium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/medium.md)

### Todd Rundgren, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

- **Episode:** [1478: Flexitarianism](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1478-flexitarianism.md)
- **Published:** 2022-08-18
- **Time:** 1:19:06–1:23:12
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1478-flexitarianism/chapter/todd-rundgren-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame.md

Musician Todd Rundgren is noted for his refusal to participate in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which he views as politically biased. Rundgren, a former guest on the show "Silicon Spin," reportedly preferred tape compression over high-fidelity audio. This discussion follows Neil Young's recent decision to remove his music from Spotify.

Keywords: [todd rundgren](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/todd-rundgren.md), [rock and roll hall of fame](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame.md), [neil young](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/neil-young.md), [spotify](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spotify.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md)

### Executive Producer Donations, Houston Meetup, and Big Thinkers

- **Episode:** [1422: Honk Honk](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1422-honk-honk.md)
- **Published:** 2022-02-03
- **Time:** 1:30:29–1:34:59
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1422-honk-honk/chapter/executive-producer-donations-houston-meetup-and-big-thinkers.md

The show acknowledges high-tier donations from Sir Sorted Out, Team Jennifer, and Chris Keller. A discussion ensues about the "Big Thinkers" show on TechTV, which John C. Dvorak hosted as a spin-off of "Silicon Spin." Dvorak recalls his lack of enthusiasm for the program despite interviewing many interesting figures in the tech industry.

Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [houston](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/houston.md), [animated no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/animated-no-agenda.md), [big thinkers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/big-thinkers.md), [tech tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-tv.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md)

### Host Origin Story, CNET 1992

- **Episode:** [1313: Q Victims](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1313-q-victims.md)
- **Published:** 2021-01-17
- **Time:** 1:58:59–2:05:57
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1313-q-victims/chapter/host-origin-story-cnet-1992.md

The hosts recount how they first met during the early days of CNET in 1992-1993. The story involves the development of "interactive television" and a pilot for a show that eventually became *Silicon Spin*. They clarify that their actual friendship solidified later through Skype and appearances on *Cranky Geeks*.

Keywords: [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md), [halsey minor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/halsey-minor.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md)

### Tech TV Silicon Spin and Adult Industry Guests

- **Episode:** [1201: John's Story Time](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1201-john-s-story-time.md)
- **Published:** 2019-12-26
- **Time:** 2:00:47–2:03:21
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1201-john-s-story-time/chapter/tech-tv-silicon-spin-and-adult-industry-guests.md

Memories from the Tech TV show "Silicon Spin" include hosting guests from the adult industry, such as Danny Ash. The speaker describes Ash as a "hardcore businesswoman" and observes how other men in the industry seemed to be "corrupted" by the lifestyle, eventually adopting stereotypical gold necklaces and unbuttoned shirts.

Keywords: [tech tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-tv.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), danny ash, [adult industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adult-industry.md), [business](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/business.md), [corruption](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/corruption.md)

### Steve Jobs, Nudity and Dominance Tactics

- **Episode:** [963: Born This Way](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/963-born-this-way.md)
- **Published:** 2017-09-10
- **Time:** 18:11–19:37
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/963-born-this-way/chapter/steve-jobs-nudity-and-dominance-tactics.md

A historical anecdote from a Vanity Fair article describes Steve Jobs' alleged habit of putting his feet up on tables during meetings while wearing loose shorts and no underwear. This behavior is characterized as a deliberate, albeit disturbing, tactic to dominate and unsettle colleagues. The story was reportedly confirmed by a guest on the program Silicon Spin.

Keywords: [steve jobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-jobs.md), [vanity fair](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vanity-fair.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), dominance, office behavior

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