Topic: Superstition

The Tower of London has appointed Barney Chandler as the new Raven Master to care for the fortress's resident ravens. According to ancient legend, if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the Kingdom of England will fall. The segment describes the unique behavior of these large birds and the traditional care they receive from the Yeoman Warders.

A compilation of TikTok videos shows Jewish Americans questioning Zionist narratives. The hosts discuss how trauma-based content is amplified by algorithms and religious sermons, leading to a broader sense of global hysteria and superstition.

NPR reported on an ancient tradition in northern Pakistan where residents attempt to "mate" glaciers to combat melting caused by global warming. The practice involves mixing "female" white ice with "male" debris-covered ice in mountain crevices. The report highlights the intersection of traditional superstitions and modern environmental anxieties in remote regions.

The hosts compare their show's superstitions, such as playing "Flight of the Valkyries" with specific lyrics, to those of Alex Jones and professional baseball players. The discussion touches on the ritualistic nature of broadcasting and performance.

The hosts discuss the superstitions embedded in the show's pre-live rituals, such as singing along to "Ride of the Valkyries" and shouting "Cinco de Mayo." These rituals, though not included in the final podcast recording, are essential for "getting psyched" for the three-hour broadcast. The "Ride of the Valkyries" tradition is jokingly traced back to the propaganda techniques of Joseph Goebbels.

Adam Curry broadcasts from Rotterdam, Netherlands, while John C. Dvorak joins from Northern Silicon Valley for episode 704 of the No Agenda show. The hosts discuss their pre-stream rituals, including Curry's superstition regarding the timing of playing Richard Wagner's "The Ride of the Valkyries." They acknowledge the "Ides of March" date and set the stage for the media assassination to follow.

The Curry family maintains a tradition where the oldest grandchild recites Psalm 121 whenever the family departs from their homestead. The hosts discuss the ritualistic nature of this practice and its intersection with personal superstitions and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

During the recording, a piece of equipment falls and shatters, requiring a quick repair with a soldering iron. The hosts joke that the accident was a result of "subconscious sabotage" due to missing a "Cinco de Mayo" ritual, leading to a broader discussion on how people inadvertently sabotage themselves when they are stressed or superstitious.