Kara and Scott question Elon Musk's sense of humor after he bans comedian Kathy Griffin (and others who spoofed his account) over the weekend. They also talk about the layoff trend in the tech industry, as Meta reportedly prepares for a massive reduction in its workforce this week. Friend of Pivot Matt Stoller stops by with reasons to be optimistic about the fight against corporate monopolies.You can follow Matt Stoller at @matthewstoller, and subscribe to his substack, BIG, here.Send us your questions! Call 855-51-PIVOT or go to nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Stoller, an analyst at the American Economic Liberties Project, joins to dissect key geopolitical shifts, including Ukraine's potential territorial concessions for NATO membership. He examines the chaotic landscape of Syria, highlighting the rise of rebel factions amid shifting alliances. Stoller also tackles the controversial topic of debanking, revealing the implications for financial accessibility and regulatory challenges. The conversation touches on the influence of big money in politics and calls for reform within the Democratic Party to better serve the working class.

Matt Stoller, author of "Goliath," dives into the competitive cheer industry, noting its rapid growth and the potential monopolistic grip of major players like Varsity Brands. He discusses how high costs and safety concerns plague participants, revealing the broader implications of antitrust issues hidden in unexpected fields. The conversation also touches on the relationship between democracy and market competition, alongside personal anecdotes that bring humor to serious topics. Tune in for a fresh perspective on competition law!

Matt Stoller, an author and Research Director at the American Economic Liberties Project, dives into the pervasive issue of monopolies in America. He explains how these monopolies, especially in the tech sector, can cripple small businesses, inflate prices, and stifle competition. The conversation explores the political nature of monopolies, their impact on democracy, and the historical evolution of corporate power. Stoller also discusses the challenges and legal implications surrounding tech giants like Google and the urgent need for regulatory action.

Matt Stoller, a researcher at the American Economic Liberties Project, dives into the geopolitical implications of Biden's handling of the Israel negotiations and the potential TikTok sale to Elon Musk. He dissects the complex ties between TikTok's parent company and the Chinese government, while also discussing the impact on U.S. politics. James Fox, a renowned UFO documentarian, reveals insights from his upcoming documentary, shedding light on governmental secrets regarding unidentified aerial phenomena. The discussion is rich with political analysis and intriguing revelations.

Matt Stoller, the Director of the Economic Liberties Project and an expert on antitrust law, joins to discuss the potential for Trump's cabinet picks to combat corporate power and support economic populism. He examines the implications of these appointments on labor rights, consumer advocacy, and anti-monopoly sentiment. The conversation also dives into the divisive question of whether liberals should cut ties with Trump-supporting friends and family, highlighting the challenges of political discourse amidst growing tensions.

Matt Stoller, from the American Economic Liberties Project, dives into Hollywood's consolidation and big tech's impact. They discuss antitrust concerns, Warner Bros. Discovery merger, government's role, and differences between Netflix and tech giants like Apple. The podcast sheds light on market structuring challenges and the influence of tech giants on the streaming market, focusing on Amazon's strategies and disruptive practices in the entertainment industry.

In this engaging discussion, Matt Stoller, a commentator on industry machinations, delves into the hidden forces behind rising real estate prices. He highlights how large investors and potential collusion are reshaping the rental market. Stoller uncovers major profits made by home builders despite a stagnant housing growth and examines the troubling trend of builders becoming middlemen, exacerbating the housing shortage. This conversation offers crucial insights into the monopolization impacting everyday lives and escalating homelessness.

Matt Stoller, an antitrust expert, dives into the recent court ruling that labels Google as an illegal monopoly. He discusses how this impacts consumer choice and the competitive landscape, highlighting Google's tactics to stifle competition. The conversation shifts to the political arena, raising questions about the Biden administration's ability to govern amid crises and the potential legal hurdles Trump may face regarding his eligibility for future elections. Stoller critically examines the implications for democracy and governance in this turbulent climate.

Matt Stoller, Research Director for AELP, discusses the impact of monopolies on the economy, market consolidation in grocery shopping, and the illusion of choice created by big conglomerates. He explores economic termites driving up costs and inflation, emphasizing the need for political solutions to address power dynamics and bring fairness to the marketplace.