# Taco Bell on The No Agenda Show

Taco Bell comes up in 29 chapters across 28 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from January 2011 to July 2026.

- **Chapters:** 29
- **Episodes:** 28
- **Discussed:** January 2011 – July 2026
- **Related topics:** [Native Advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/native-advertising.md), [Podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [Abc News](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abc-news.md), [Advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md), [Cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [Marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md), [Npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [Oreos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oreos.md), [Value For Value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [Africa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/africa.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 29

### John C. Dvorak Career Advice for Young People

- **Episode:** [1888: In The Mourning](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-24
- **Time:** 42:43–47:05
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning/chapter/john-c-dvorak-career-advice-for-young-people.md

A classic clip features Dvorak offering cynical but practical career advice, suggesting that employees should ignore their supervisors' "bullcrap" while pretending to comply. Curry contrasts this with his own advice of finding a passion and getting paid for it. Curry credits Dvorak's business instincts for the success of the "Value for Value" model, which allowed Curry to transition into podcasting full-time.

Keywords: [career advice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/career-advice.md), [management](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/management.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md)

### No Agenda Art, Darren O'Neill, Taco Bell Toilet

- **Episode:** [1887: The Stick Works](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1887-the-stick-works.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-19
- **Time:** 2:10:25–2:13:47
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1887-the-stick-works/chapter/no-agenda-art-darren-o-neill-taco-bell-toilet.md

The hosts praise the artwork submitted to the No Agenda Art Generator, specifically a Taco Bell-themed piece by Darren O'Neill. They discuss the importance of keeping album art simple and bold, as complex visual jokes often fail to translate in small formats. Darren is commended for his ability to use AI as a tool while applying professional Photoshop adjustments.

Keywords: [darren o'neill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/darren-o-neill.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [photoshop](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/photoshop.md), [album art](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/album-art.md), visual jokes

### Cyclospora Parasite Outbreak, Michigan Lettuce, and Taco Bell Investigation

- **Episode:** [1886: Cytoshitosis](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1886-cytoshitosis.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-16
- **Time:** 7:39–20:02
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1886-cytoshitosis/chapter/cyclospora-parasite-outbreak-michigan-lettuce-and-taco-bell-investigation.md

Health officials are investigating a widespread Cyclospora parasite outbreak affecting 34 states, with Michigan reporting over 2,600 cases. Dr. Omer Awan explains that the parasite causes prolonged gastrointestinal distress, and investigators are focusing on leafy greens and lettuce as the primary source. Taco Bell has voluntarily removed certain ingredients at select locations while the CDC and FDA continue their trace-back investigation.

Keywords: cyclospora, [michigan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michigan.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), lettuce, [parasite](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parasite.md), foodborne illness

### Fast Food Economics, Ground Beef Benefits, Taco Bell Tostada

- **Episode:** [1818: Bible Belt Buckle](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1818-bible-belt-buckle.md)
- **Published:** 2025-11-20
- **Time:** 2:34:31–2:38:43
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1818-bible-belt-buckle/chapter/fast-food-economics-ground-beef-benefits-taco-bell-tostada.md

The discussion on ultra-processed foods shifted to the economics of healthy eating, with the hosts arguing that home-cooked meals are often cheaper than fast food. They cited the example of a Taco Bell tostada, which can be replicated at home for a fraction of the price using higher-quality ingredients. Listeners were encouraged to buy beef directly from ranchers to save money and improve their metabolic health, particularly in low-income settings.

Keywords: [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [ground beef](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ground-beef.md), [k&c cattle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/k-c-cattle.md), [nutrition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nutrition.md), budget cooking, [africa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/africa.md)

### Clip Blitz, Dollar Tree Closures and AI Act

- **Episode:** [1643: NetBEUI](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1643-netbeui.md)
- **Published:** 2024-03-17
- **Time:** 1:42:46–1:46:13
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1643-netbeui/chapter/clip-blitz-dollar-tree-closures-and-ai-act.md

A rapid-fire news segment covers Dollar Tree closing 1,000 stores, the European Union's approval of the Artificial Intelligence Act, and Taco Bell closing dining rooms in Oakland due to crime. The segment also touches on the failed partnership between Elon Musk and Don Lemon on the X platform.

Keywords: [dollar tree](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dollar-tree.md), [don lemon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/don-lemon.md), [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), eu ai act, [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md)

### Native Advertising and the Value-for-Value Model

- **Episode:** [1508: 2022 Best of End of Show Mixes Special](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1508-2022-best-of-end-of-show-mixes-special.md)
- **Published:** 2022-12-01
- **Time:** 3:14:48–3:16:55
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1508-2022-best-of-end-of-show-mixes-special/chapter/native-advertising-and-the-value-for-value-model.md

The hosts contrast "native advertising"—ads that look like news stories—with their own "value-for-value" model. They mock the "seamless" integration of brands into podcasting, using Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza and Oreo research as examples of corporate manipulation. The segment emphasizes that No Agenda was built on listener support rather than the "midroll ads" that have become standard in the industry.

Keywords: [native advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/native-advertising.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [oreos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oreos.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md)

### End of Show Mix and Ant Anecdote

- **Episode:** [1493: Maiden America](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1493-maiden-america.md)
- **Published:** 2022-10-09
- **Time:** 2:59:55–3:03:28
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1493-maiden-america/chapter/end-of-show-mix-and-ant-anecdote.md

The episode wraps up with a humorous anecdote about an ant invasion and a musical montage featuring themes of "Value for Value." The mix includes news clips about the popularity of Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza and a study comparing the addictive qualities of Oreos to drugs. The hosts sign off with their traditional "Adios Mofos" and a reminder to support the show at dvorak.org/na.

Keywords: [ants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ants.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [oreos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oreos.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md)

### Precision Fermentation, Taco Bell Plant-Based Meat

- **Episode:** [1479: MacGuffin](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1479-macguffin.md)
- **Published:** 2022-08-21
- **Time:** 2:19:55–2:23:52
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1479-macguffin/chapter/precision-fermentation-taco-bell-plant-based-meat.md

George Monbiot proposed replacing traditional meat with "microbial protein" produced through precision fermentation in factories. Simultaneously, Taco Bell is testing a new soy and pea protein meat alternative in Alabama, a move the hosts compare to the futuristic "Demolition Man" scenario where all restaurants are Taco Bells.

Keywords: precision fermentation, [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [beyond meat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/beyond-meat.md), [soy protein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soy-protein.md), demolition man

### Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza Musical, Native Advertising

- **Episode:** [1450: New Collar Worker](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1450-new-collar-worker.md)
- **Published:** 2022-05-13
- **Time:** 1:22:51–1:27:00
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1450-new-collar-worker/chapter/taco-bell-s-mexican-pizza-musical-native-advertising.md

Taco Bell is launching "Mexican Pizza: The Musical" on TikTok featuring Dolly Parton and Doja Cat to celebrate the return of the menu item. This follows a suspicious two-minute segment on NPR that appeared to be an undisclosed native advertisement. The discussion also critiques Taco Bell's experimental menu items, such as their "mealy" seasoned french fries.

Keywords: [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [dolly parton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dolly-parton.md), doja cat, mexican pizza, [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [native advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/native-advertising.md)

### NPR Native Ad, Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

- **Episode:** [1444: Lawful but Awful](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1444-lawful-but-awful.md)
- **Published:** 2022-04-21
- **Time:** 2:24:48–2:30:57
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1444-lawful-but-awful/chapter/npr-native-ad-taco-bell-mexican-pizza.md

The hosts identify a two-minute segment on NPR about the return of Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza as a "native ad." The piece features comedian Rima Parikh discussing the item's popularity among South Asian Americans. The hosts argue the segment's precise timing and promotional content violate NPR's traditional journalistic standards.

Keywords: [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), mexican pizza, rima parikh, [native advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/native-advertising.md)

### Supply Chain Shortages and Taco Bell "Outages"

- **Episode:** [1366: Pingdemic](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1366-pingdemic.md)
- **Published:** 2021-07-25
- **Time:** 3:15:02–3:20:28
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1366-pingdemic/chapter/supply-chain-shortages-and-taco-bell-outages.md

National delivery delays are causing "outages" of food and beverage items at Taco Bell and Starbucks, including a shortage of hot sauce. The used car market is also seeing extreme inflation, with dealers offering thousands of dollars over lease payoffs for three-year-old vehicles. These disruptions are attributed to a combination of labor shortages and quasi-universal basic income policies.

Keywords: [supply chain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supply-chain.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [starbucks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/starbucks.md), [used cars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/used-cars.md), [inflation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/inflation.md), [labor shortage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/labor-shortage.md)

### Taco Bell Employee Fired Over Black Lives Matter Mask

- **Episode:** [1252: Agitprop](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1252-agitprop.md)
- **Published:** 2020-06-21
- **Time:** 16:45–19:04
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1252-agitprop/chapter/taco-bell-employee-fired-over-black-lives-matter-mask.md

A Taco Bell employee's video went viral after he was fired for refusing to remove a Black Lives Matter face mask. The manager in the video claimed the mask violated company policy against bringing politics into the workplace, while the employee argued he was standing up for his community. The incident sparked the trending hashtag RIP Taco Bell and calls for the manager's termination.

Keywords: [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [black lives matter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/black-lives-matter.md), [viral video](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/viral-video.md), employee rights, [termination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/termination.md)

### Taco Bell Podcast and Taco Shell Innovation

- **Episode:** [1201: John's Story Time](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1201-john-s-story-time.md)
- **Published:** 2019-12-26
- **Time:** 1:28:03–1:30:37
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1201-john-s-story-time/chapter/taco-bell-podcast-and-taco-shell-innovation.md

A satirical interview segment features "Bill" from a taco shell manufacturing facility. The discussion touches on the absurdity of corporate "native ad" podcasts and the engineering of "stand-up" taco shells with flat bottoms.

Keywords: [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), taco shells, [el paso](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/el-paso.md), [patents](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patents.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [native advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/native-advertising.md)

### Fast Food Taco Reviews, Burger King vs Taco Bell

- **Episode:** [1166: Tacorista](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1166-tacorista.md)
- **Published:** 2019-08-25
- **Time:** 2:10:54–2:13:59
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1166-tacorista/chapter/fast-food-taco-reviews-burger-king-vs-taco-bell.md

A host provided a scathing review of the new Burger King hard-shell taco, describing it as a "soggy piece of shit" that fails to live up to its commercial imagery. The discussion compared the product to the Jack in the Box taco and criticized Taco Bell's recent attempt to enter the french fry market. The hosts joked about starting a "Shellcast" podcast dedicated to taco reviews.

Keywords: [burger king](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/burger-king.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [jack in the box](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jack-in-the-box.md), [fast food](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fast-food.md), [reviews](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reviews.md)

### Lab-Grown Meat, Aleph Farms, Agriculture Revolution

- **Episode:** [1104: People's Vote](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1104-people-s-vote.md)
- **Published:** 2019-01-20
- **Time:** 1:46:59–1:51:52
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1104-people-s-vote/chapter/lab-grown-meat-aleph-farms-agriculture-revolution.md

Israeli firm Aleph Farms is developing cultured meat grown from cells in a lab, aiming to provide a slaughter-free alternative to traditional beef. Proponents argue this technology is necessary to meet global demand and combat climate change. Skeptics question the "mouthfeel" and texture of lab-grown steaks compared to natural cuts of meat.

Keywords: [lab-grown meat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lab-grown-meat.md), aleph farms, [agriculture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agriculture.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md)

### Native Advertising History and Taco Bell News Segments

- **Episode:** [611: Let's Get Social!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social.md)
- **Published:** 2014-04-24
- **Time:** 1:17:56–1:22:03
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/native-advertising-history-and-taco-bell-news-segments.md

Adam Curry revisits a 2013 clip from ABC News that he now identifies as an early example of "native advertising." The segment featured a human-interest story about customers "screaming" for a new Taco Bell product. Curry argues that major news networks frequently integrate paid corporate promotions into their standard news broadcasts under the guise of reporting.

Keywords: [native advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/native-advertising.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [abc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abc-news.md), [the five](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-five.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md)

### Taco Bell Hot Sauce Marketing Slogans

- **Episode:** [580: Hiroshima Syndrome](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/580-hiroshima-syndrome.md)
- **Published:** 2014-01-05
- **Time:** 1:16:53–1:19:24
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/580-hiroshima-syndrome/chapter/taco-bell-hot-sauce-marketing-slogans.md

Taco Bell has begun printing various slogans on its hot sauce packets, including "Will you marry me?" and "Why say no when you can say yes?" These messages are analyzed as a calculated PR move designed to generate free media coverage when a customer eventually uses a packet for a marriage proposal.

Keywords: [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md), [hot sauce](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hot-sauce.md), [slogans](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slogans.md), [public relations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-relations.md)

### Chelsea Clinton, Geico Gecko and Media Corruption

- **Episode:** [508: Lonely Crazies](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/508-lonely-crazies.md)
- **Published:** 2013-04-28
- **Time:** 2:01:06–2:06:06
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/508-lonely-crazies/chapter/chelsea-clinton-geico-gecko-and-media-corruption.md

NBC's *Rock Center with Brian Williams* is criticized for a segment featuring Chelsea Clinton interviewing the Geico Gecko. The hosts argue that this "shameless plug" for the insurance mascot's new book represents the total corruption of news media, where advertisements are presented as editorial content. This is compared to recent long-form promotional segments for Taco Bell on other networks.

Keywords: [chelsea clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chelsea-clinton.md), geico gecko, [nbc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc-news.md), rock center, [brian williams](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brian-williams.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md)

### ABC Nightline, Taco Bell Puff Piece, Salmonella Outbreak

- **Episode:** [507: Airplane Apocalypse](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/507-airplane-apocalypse.md)
- **Published:** 2013-04-25
- **Time:** 2:03:22–2:08:55
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/507-airplane-apocalypse/chapter/abc-nightline-taco-bell-puff-piece-salmonella-outbreak.md

The hosts analyze a lengthy segment on ABC's Nightline that praised Taco Bell's marketing and corporate culture. They suggest the piece was a "make-good" for advertisers following a report by Diane Sawyer on a salmonella outbreak linked to the restaurant chain.

Keywords: [nightline](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nightline.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [abc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abc-news.md), [salmonella](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/salmonella.md), [brian ross](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brian-ross.md)

### Taco Bell Gourmet Menu Product Placement on CNN

- **Episode:** [423: Wonderful Marinade](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/423-wonderful-marinade.md)
- **Published:** 2012-07-05
- **Time:** 1:03:38–1:06:16
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/423-wonderful-marinade/chapter/taco-bell-gourmet-menu-product-placement-on-cnn.md

CNN's "Starting Point" with Soledad O'Brien featured a segment promoting Taco Bell's new "Cantina Bell" gourmet menu created by Chef Lorena Garcia. The hosts criticize the segment as blatant product placement disguised as news, noting that the entire panel was shown eating and endorsing the food. They argue this represents a decline in journalistic integrity and a blurring of the lines between news and advertising.

Keywords: [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [soledad o'brien](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soledad-o-brien.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), lorena garcia, [product placement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/product-placement.md), [advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md)

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