Mike Schur, creator of The Good Place and Parks & Rec, joins to discuss the inspiration of 'The Power Broker'. They explore Moses' urban planning impact on marginalized communities and ethical compromises. Schur shares insights on the book's influence on TV shows like Parks and Rec, highlighting power dynamics and ethical dilemmas. The conversation delves into the shifting Overton window and the consequences of wielding dictatorial power. The episode concludes with hints at future book coverage and exciting insights from the guest.
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Quick takeaways
Mike Schur found inspiration in 'The Power Broker' for his sitcoms.
Robert Moses prioritized cost-saving and utilized creative financing schemes for urban projects.
The complex relationship between brothers Paul and Robert Moses affected their careers and financial status.
Mary Moses supported Robert's career but faced personal challenges and neglect.
Robert Moses transitioned from idealism to power-driven change in shaping New York City's landscape.
Deep dives
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Mike Schor's Insights on The Power Broker
Mike Schor, known for beloved sitcoms like Parks and Recreation, The Good Place, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, joins the discussion on The Power Broker. Chapters 25 and 26 highlight Robert Moses's power dynamics amid political challenges. Moses uses federal orders to regain influence, demonstrates ruthless behavior in achieving his objectives, neglects marginalized communities, and becomes focused on personal power rather than public service, setting the stage for conflicts and exploitation in the narrative.
Robert Moses's West Side Improvement Project
Robert Moses undertakes the transformative West Side Improvement Project, reshaping Manhattan's west side. Facing funding challenges of $109 million during the Depression, Moses strategically secures financial sources. By exploiting legal ambiguities and employing creative financing schemes, Moses optimizes funds. Notably, he prioritizes cost-savings by designing park sections with varying standards based on community affluence levels, highlighting Moses's economic savvy in executing large-scale urban projects.
Sibling Rivalry and Legacy Division
Paul and Robert Moses, brothers with mirrored personalities, have a tumultuous relationship highlighted by financial control. Paul's exclusion from the inheritance and professional setbacks due to Robert's clandestine influence in government jobs creates family rifts and financial struggles, impacting their paths in public service.
Swimming Into Troubled Waters
The siblings share a love for swimming, but while Robert builds Jones Beach with government backing, Paul's swim club struggles financially. Allegations of Robert hindering Paul from jobs he deserved surface, revealing a complex dynamic of financial dependency and familial power play.
The Guarded Secrets and Unsettled Scores
Paul Moses' mysterious disenfranchisement from family ties, magnified by financial conflicts and professional hindrances, unravel shadowy accusations of Robert Moses manipulating societal connections to impede Paul's career advancement, creating a poignant tale of family, finance, and power dynamics.
The Tragic Downfall of Paul Moses
Paul Moses, an electrical engineer, faced a series of devastating obstacles in his career, largely orchestrated by his influential and ruthless brother, Robert Moses. Despite possessing the necessary expertise, Paul was systematically blocked from acquiring permanent job positions, leading to financial ruin and personal despair. Even private companies refused to hire him, plunging him into poverty and degradation, a stark contrast to his former affluent lifestyle.
A Heartbreaking Portrait of Mary Moses
Mary Moses, Robert Moses' wife, played a significant role in supporting his professional endeavors by managing their home and aiding his career. However, over time, as Robert gained more power and prominence, Mary's presence and influence diminished. She faced challenges, struggled with alcoholism and hospitalization, while Robert reached new heights of influence and recognition, unveiling a poignant narrative of sacrifice and neglect in their marriage.
Robert Moses' Transition from Idealist to Power Gatherer
Robert Moses shifted from being an idealist to embracing power to drive change. As he built roads to connect people to beaches in Manhattan, he gained immense influence. This transformation exemplified the shift from focusing on ideals to wielding power effectively in the public sphere.
Robert Moses' Legacy and Influence on Urban Development
Robert Moses' vision for New York City's development, akin to Michael Bloomberg's projects, underscored a continuous need for growth and construction in the city. While Moses' drive to build reshaped the cityscape, his utilitarian approach blurred ethical lines, impacting neighborhoods and displacing communities in the pursuit of progress.
This is the sixth official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro.
This week, Roman Mars and Elliott Kalan sit down with Mike Schur, who created the critically acclaimed NBC comedy The Good Place, and co-created Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn 99, Rutherford Falls, and Netflix’s upcoming, A Classic Spy. Prior to Parks, Michael spent four years as a writer-producer on the Emmy Award-winning NBC hit The Office.
Mike also happens to be a big fan of The Power Broker, and has cited the book as his inspiration behind Parks & Rec.
Elliott and Roman also cover the first section of Part 5 (Chapter 25 through Chapter 26), discussing the major story beats and themes.
