PBD Podcast Trump's LA Rebuild TAKEOVER, Google's $68M Spying Case, UPS Layoffs + Energy Costs EXPLODE | PBD 727
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Jan 28, 2026 They debate a proposed federal takeover to speed California wildfire rebuild permits and the political fallout. They cover a $68M lawsuit over alleged secret Google recordings and data privacy concerns. They discuss massive UPS layoffs, automation and AI’s effect on jobs. They examine a sharp rise in U.S. energy prices and how higher utility bills strain households.
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Leader Fires Disruptive Internal Critic
- Jennifer Sey described a Mid-level employee putting her feet on the desk and declaring everyone hated her after sweeping changes at Levi's.
- Patrick and Tom recount firing the dissenting employee and praise Sey for turning the brand around to IPO and later becoming brand president.
Federal Leverage Forces Local Action
- Patrick argues federal takeover of permitting can shine a spotlight and force California to act by using the power of the purse.
- Tom and Brad say expediting permits could shift voter trust and expose local bureaucratic agendas.
Aging Grid And Demand Push Energy Costs Up
- Energy prices are rising faster than overall inflation because aging infrastructure and demand spikes (data centers, gas swings) increase costs.
- Hosts warn the Inflation Reduction Act incentives haven't resolved localized heating reliance on oil and aging systems in the Northeast.
