# Tropes on The No Agenda Show

Tropes comes up in 22 chapters across 22 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from November 2008 to June 2026.

- **Chapters:** 22
- **Episodes:** 22
- **Discussed:** November 2008 – June 2026
- **Related topics:** [Donald Trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [Outro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/outro.md), [Forensics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/forensics.md), [Ncis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ncis.md), [2020 Election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2020-election.md), [Anti-semitism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anti-semitism.md), [Barack Obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [Bones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bones.md), [Brad Pitt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brad-pitt.md), [Burisma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/burisma.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 22

### Father's Day and the "War on Men" in Media

- **Episode:** [1879: Grace and Assurance](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1879-grace-and-assurance.md)
- **Published:** 2026-06-21
- **Time:** 2:05:38–2:10:00
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1879-grace-and-assurance/chapter/father-s-day-and-the-war-on-men-in-media.md

A critique of modern media's portrayal of fathers argues that dads are consistently depicted as "blithering buffoons" or doofuses in commercials and sitcoms. This cultural shift is described as a "war on men" that devalues the importance of fatherhood. The hosts share personal anecdotes about the lack of recognition for Father's Day compared to Mother's Day, emphasizing the need for men to support and lift each other up.

Keywords: [father's day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/father-s-day.md), [masculinity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/masculinity.md), [media tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-tropes.md), buffoons, [culture war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/culture-war.md), [parenting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parenting.md)

### Russian Playbook Montage, Outro, Final Sign-off

- **Episode:** [1792: Meloni in the Middle](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1792-meloni-in-the-middle.md)
- **Published:** 2025-08-21
- **Time:** 3:26:31–3:30:42
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1792-meloni-in-the-middle/chapter/russian-playbook-montage-outro-final-sign-off.md

The show closes with a montage of media figures repeatedly using the phrase "Russian playbook" to describe various political events. The hosts sign off from the Texas Hill Country and Silicon Valley, promising to return on Sunday. The final audio clip features a humorous dismissal of "conspiracy theories" and a reference to "My Little Pony."

Keywords: [russian playbook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russian-playbook.md), [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [media tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-tropes.md), [conspiracy theory](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theory.md), [outro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/outro.md)

### Fox News, Biden Crime Family Tropes

- **Episode:** [1548: Dangle Op](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1548-dangle-op.md)
- **Published:** 2023-04-21
- **Time:** 1:13:02–1:14:33
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1548-dangle-op/chapter/fox-news-biden-crime-family-tropes.md

The hosts critique Fox News and Sean Hannity for adopting the same "walls are closing in" tropes previously used by liberal media against Donald Trump. The segment focuses on allegations that the Biden family is compromised by foreign business interests in Ukraine and China.

Keywords: [sean hannity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sean-hannity.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [hunter biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hunter-biden.md), [burisma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/burisma.md), [media tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-tropes.md)

### Leana Wen, Media Representation of Minorities

- **Episode:** [1410: Spock Tiled](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1410-spock-tiled.md)
- **Published:** 2021-12-24
- **Time:** 45:22–49:08
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1410-spock-tiled/chapter/leana-wen-media-representation-of-minorities.md

Dr. Leana Wen's media appearances are analyzed alongside broader television tropes regarding the casting of minority women in authoritative or antagonistic roles. The discussion explores how news personalities and fictional characters are framed to influence public perception.

Keywords: [leana wen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leana-wen.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [media tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-tropes.md), [casting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/casting.md), [television drama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-drama.md)

### Stephanie Grisham Book and The "Trump Rotation" Checklist

- **Episode:** [1390: No Hugs For You!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1390-no-hugs-for-you.md)
- **Published:** 2021-10-14
- **Time:** 3:04:18–3:08:37
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1390-no-hugs-for-you/chapter/stephanie-grisham-book-and-the-trump-rotation-checklist.md

Former White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham released a book detailing Donald Trump's "unstable" behavior. The hosts refer to their "Trump Rotation" website, which lists 59 recurring media tropes used to attack Trump, ranging from "Russian agent" to "cheeseburgers." They argue these stories are no longer news but a repetitive psychological operation.

Keywords: [stephanie grisham](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stephanie-grisham.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [m5m](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/m5m.md), political tropes, [trump rotation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trump-rotation.md)

### Trump Re-election Anxiety and the Very Fine People Trope

- **Episode:** [1261: Infodemic](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1261-infodemic.md)
- **Published:** 2020-07-19
- **Time:** 31:17–36:22
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1261-infodemic/chapter/trump-re-election-anxiety-and-the-very-fine-people-trope.md

Anecdotes from the Austin area describe intense personal anxiety among teachers and Jewish residents regarding a potential Trump re-election. One individual expressed fear that "white supremacists will be unleashed," citing the "very fine people" trope from the Charlottesville protests. The discussion suggests that media narratives have convinced a segment of the population that social unrest will only cease if Trump loses the election.

Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [anti-semitism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anti-semitism.md), [charlottesville](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charlottesville.md), [tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tropes.md), [2020 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2020-election.md)

### Racial Tropes, White Supremacist Playbook Accusations

- **Episode:** [1085: Transaged](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1085-transaged.md)
- **Published:** 2018-11-12
- **Time:** 16:33–26:16
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1085-transaged/chapter/racial-tropes-white-supremacist-playbook-accusations.md

CNN analyst Kirsten Powers accused President Trump of using "racial tropes" and following a "white supremacist playbook" by questioning the intelligence of black public figures like Don Lemon, Maxine Waters, and LeBron James. The term "trope" is analyzed as a figurative use of language that the media is using to build a case of systemic racism against the administration.

Keywords: [kirsten powers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kirsten-powers.md), [michael caputo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-caputo.md), [don lemon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/don-lemon.md), [maxine waters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/maxine-waters.md), [washington post](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-post.md), [tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tropes.md)

### World War Z, Hollywood Collective Action Narratives

- **Episode:** [1033: Swagger](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1033-swagger.md)
- **Published:** 2018-05-18
- **Time:** 1:40:02–1:43:52
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1033-swagger/chapter/world-war-z-hollywood-collective-action-narratives.md

A comparison is made between Max Brooks' book "World War Z" and the Brad Pitt film adaptation. The discussion highlights how Hollywood prefers "hero" narratives over the book's theme of "collective action" and diffuse adaptation. Panelists from the Lear Center discuss the "Trojan Horse" method of sneaking nuanced or political messages into big-budget films through popular source material.

Keywords: [world war z](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-war-z.md), max brooks, [brad pitt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brad-pitt.md), collective action, hollywood tropes

### Media Rotation, No Plan B Catchphrase

- **Episode:** [1032: Going Vertical](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1032-going-vertical.md)
- **Published:** 2018-05-11
- **Time:** 2:28:12–2:29:48
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1032-going-vertical/chapter/media-rotation-no-plan-b-catchphrase.md

A new media trope is identified involving the phrase "No Plan B," used by various officials and news outlets regarding the Iran nuclear deal and other diplomatic efforts. The repetition of the phrase across different networks suggests a coordinated messaging strategy or a shared linguistic script among pundits.

Keywords: [plan b](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/plan-b.md), [media tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-tropes.md), [trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trump.md), [nuclear deal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-deal.md), [catchphrase](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/catchphrase.md)

### Media Echo Chamber on OJ Simpson Parole

- **Episode:** [949: Bro_splosion](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/949-bro-splosion.md)
- **Published:** 2017-07-23
- **Time:** 2:49:19–2:50:42
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/949-bro-splosion/chapter/media-echo-chamber-on-oj-simpson-parole.md

A montage of news clips shows various anchors using the exact same "The Juice is Loose" phrasing to report on OJ Simpson's parole. The hosts highlight this as an example of the lack of original thought and the scripted nature of mainstream broadcast news.

Keywords: [oj simpson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oj-simpson.md), the juice is loose, [media tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-tropes.md), [parole](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parole.md), [news montage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-montage.md)

### Madam Secretary, Anti-Muslim Tropes and Show Outro

- **Episode:** [931: Putin's Playbook](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/931-putin-s-playbook.md)
- **Published:** 2017-05-21
- **Time:** 3:00:03–3:13:11
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/931-putin-s-playbook/chapter/madam-secretary-anti-muslim-tropes-and-show-outro.md

The hosts critique the TV show "Madam Secretary" for its reliance on anti-Muslim plotlines despite Hollywood's outward progressive stance. The episode concludes with a reminder of the upcoming Thursday broadcast, a final "Value for Value" appeal, and a series of sound mixes featuring Maxine Waters and the "I-word" (impeachment).

Keywords: [madam secretary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/madam-secretary.md), tea leoni, [hollywood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hollywood.md), [tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tropes.md), [outro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/outro.md)

### Obama Working Class Rhetoric, Sports Tropes, Okie Doke

- **Episode:** [874: Trump Trope](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/874-trump-trope.md)
- **Published:** 2016-11-04
- **Time:** 58:56–1:04:51
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/874-trump-trope/chapter/obama-working-class-rhetoric-sports-tropes-okie-doke.md

President Obama's campaign rhetoric in Ohio is analyzed, specifically his use of the "Come on, man!" sports trope and the phrase "Okie Doke." The President is accused of being out of touch for using dated imagery like "punching a clock" and for suggesting that Donald Trump cannot represent the working class because of his wealthy background.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [working class](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/working-class.md), sports tropes, okie doke, [ohio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ohio.md)

### Hollywood Hacking Tropes, Phone Tracing and Password Cracking

- **Episode:** [756: Shemita Cycle](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/756-shemita-cycle.md)
- **Published:** 2015-09-13
- **Time:** 35:09–36:50
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/756-shemita-cycle/chapter/hollywood-hacking-tropes-phone-tracing-and-password-cracking.md

The hosts discuss common inaccuracies in television depictions of technology, such as the "90-second trace" for phone calls. They criticize shows like NCIS for depicting hackers guessing complex passwords based on personal details like a pet's name. They contrast these tropes with the more realistic "human hacking" shown in the series Mr. Robot.

Keywords: [mr robot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mr-robot.md), [ncis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ncis.md), hacking tropes, phone tracing, password guessing

### NCIS Television Propaganda and Morse Code

- **Episode:** [723: Axe Man](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/723-axe-man.md)
- **Published:** 2015-05-25
- **Time:** 18:55–21:50
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/723-axe-man/chapter/ncis-television-propaganda-and-morse-code.md

The television show NCIS is characterized as a government propaganda machine, specifically citing a season finale involving American children radicalized by a cult. The plot features characters being lured into a trap in Syria and the use of a "crude version" of Morse code. The segment mocks the unrealistic depiction of terrorist communication methods in mainstream media.

Keywords: [ncis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ncis.md), government propaganda, [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [morse code](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/morse-code.md), [television tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-tropes.md)

### Television Hacking Tropes and Show Outro

- **Episode:** [665: Jihadi Cool](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/665-jihadi-cool.md)
- **Published:** 2014-11-02
- **Time:** 2:52:34–2:56:10
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/665-jihadi-cool/chapter/television-hacking-tropes-and-show-outro.md

The episode concludes with a humorous clip from the TV show Castle illustrating the absurd portrayal of computer reboots and system crashes in popular media. The hosts sign off with a reminder of the upcoming "666" episode on Sunday and a final musical montage. The program ends with its signature "best podcast in the universe" declaration and a call for continued listener support.

Keywords: [castle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/castle.md), [hacking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hacking.md), [television tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-tropes.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [outro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/outro.md)

### Velveeta Commercial, Number 33 Symbolism, Media Patterns

- **Episode:** [488: Sponsor Influence](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/488-sponsor-influence.md)
- **Published:** 2013-02-17
- **Time:** 23:00–25:07
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/488-sponsor-influence/chapter/velveeta-commercial-number-33-symbolism-media-patterns.md

A Velveeta shells and cheese advertisement featuring a ham radio operator is analyzed for its use of the number 33 on a display. The hosts discuss the recurring appearance of "33" in news stories and marketing as a potential signal or "wink" indicating a sham or specific agenda. This leads to a broader discussion on how mainstream media often mirrors themes discussed on the podcast.

Keywords: [velveeta](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/velveeta.md), [ham radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ham-radio.md), [number 33](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/number-33.md), [symbolism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/symbolism.md), [media tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-tropes.md)

### TV Forensics Ridicule, Margarine Typeface

- **Episode:** [475: Tsunami Bomb](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/475-tsunami-bomb.md)
- **Published:** 2013-01-03
- **Time:** 2:34:49–2:36:40
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/475-tsunami-bomb/chapter/tv-forensics-ridicule-margarine-typeface.md

The forensic science depicted in the TV show "Bones" is ridiculed for a scene where a character identifies a specific cookbook by running a typeface through a fictional Library of Congress database.

Keywords: [bones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bones.md), [forensics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/forensics.md), [typeface](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/typeface.md), [library of congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/library-of-congress.md), [television tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-tropes.md)

### John Edwards, Rielle Hunter and Media Interview Tropes

- **Episode:** [420: The Data Hole](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/420-the-data-hole.md)
- **Published:** 2012-06-24
- **Time:** 1:27:28–1:29:26
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/420-the-data-hole/chapter/john-edwards-rielle-hunter-and-media-interview-tropes.md

Rielle Hunter, the mistress of former Senator John Edwards, described their relationship as a "love story" in a recent interview. The discussion mocks the interviewer's use of the phrase "That's a great question," calling it a lazy media trope. The hosts suggest a "fine jar" for journalists who use such clichés on television.

Keywords: [john edwards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-edwards.md), rielle hunter, [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), [media tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-tropes.md), love story

### Linguistic Habits, Transitionary Phrases and Media Buzzwords

- **Episode:** [408: Odious Debt](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/408-odious-debt.md)
- **Published:** 2012-05-13
- **Time:** 48:42–51:09
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/408-odious-debt/chapter/linguistic-habits-transitionary-phrases-and-media-buzzwords.md

The hosts discuss the overuse of specific transitionary phrases such as "turns out" and "the fact of the matter." These terms are identified as linguistic crutches used to pivot between statements or to sound authoritative in media contexts. Listeners are invited to suggest better alternatives for these common verbal habits.

Keywords: [linguistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linguistics.md), turns out, [fact of the matter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fact-of-the-matter.md), [communication](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/communication.md), [media tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-tropes.md)

### NCIS Los Angeles, Technical Inaccuracies and Internet Tropes

- **Episode:** [279: Dr. Watson I presume?](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/279-dr-watson-i-presume.md)
- **Published:** 2011-02-17
- **Time:** 59:21–1:02:55
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/279-dr-watson-i-presume/chapter/ncis-los-angeles-technical-inaccuracies-and-internet-tropes.md

An episode of NCIS: Los Angeles featured a scene where a character "broke the internet" to stop a video upload. The dialogue used technical jargon, including "VNC controller" and "stack buffer overflow," in a nonsensical manner. This is identified as a propaganda technique to convince the public that the government possesses total control over global digital infrastructure.

Keywords: [ncis los angeles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ncis-los-angeles.md), vnc controller, stack buffer overflow, [television tropes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-tropes.md), [cyber security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cyber-security.md)

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