Lindsay Owens

Lindsay Owens, executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative and author of "Gouge," joins David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect, to dissect the world of corporate pricing. They reveal how algorithms and data are reshaping what consumers pay for everyday items like hamburgers, highlighting the impact of gamification and dynamic pricing. The discussion touches on ethical concerns surrounding personalized pricing, the challenges it poses for lower-income consumers, and the widening economic disparities in pricing strategies.

Lindsay Owens, an economist and executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, dives into the complex world of tax policy and economic inequality. She discusses the fallout from the Trump administration's decision to cut IRS workers just as tax season begins. Lindsay explains potential Republican tax cuts and highlights the negative impact of budget cuts on low-income healthcare. The conversation also touches on rising economic uncertainty and the implications of misinformation surrounding recent health crises.

Leah Nylen, a Bloomberg antitrust reporter, and Lindsay Owens, Executive Director at Groundwork Collaborative, delve into Instacart's controversial AI-driven pricing experiments. They discuss shocking findings where consumers were charged different prices for identical items, highlighting discrepancies of up to $9.59. The duo explains the motivations behind the investigation and the implications of such pricing strategies. Following public outcry and regulatory scrutiny, Instacart's decision to halt these experiments signals a significant shift in grocery pricing practices.

Lindsay Owens, the executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, dives into the complex narratives surrounding the economy, emphasizing how public perception often overlooks harsh realities. She discusses the alarming rise of inflation and its connection to corporate profiteering rather than just consumer costs. Lindsay also sheds light on the critical loss of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which plays a vital role in protecting citizens from financial exploitation. Expect insights on strategic investments and the need for clearer economic messaging to empower everyday Americans.

Lindsay Owens, head of the Groundwork Collaborative and former senior policy advisor, joins to explore grocery pricing dynamics. She discusses how data collection might allow stores to charge different prices to different customers. A study revealed a staggering 75% of items on Instacart had varying prices depending on the shopper. Owens warns of potential 'Instacart tax' costs adding up to $1,200 a year. The conversation touches on the implications of personalized pricing, likening it to a return to haggling in the digital age.