This special episode dives deep on Taylor Swift, Ticketmaster, and how a handful of policy changes in the 1980s led to one firm so thoroughly dominating the live events business in the United States that Congress held a hearing in 2023, because Taylor Swift fans were so upset about antitrust law. That sentence is wild. We’re going to unpack all of this with the help of some experts. Here we go.Transcript:https://www.theverge.com/e/23409098Credits:Thanks so much to everyone who talked to us and shared their valuable insights for this episode including Dean Budnik, Florian Ederer, Russ Tannen, and Sandeep Vaheesan. And special thanks to Makena Kelly and Jake Kastrenakes. This episode was written and reported by Jackie McDermott and Owen Grove. It was produced by Jackie McDermott, Owen Grove, and Creighton DeSimone with help from Jasmine Lewis. It was edited by Callie Wright.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Exploring the evolution of middle-out economics from a new theory to mainstream practice, with insights from economists, researchers, and former officials. Discussing the impact of middle-out economics on economic growth, antitrust enforcement, public satisfaction, infrastructure investments, workers' rights, and advocating for a more equitable economic approach.

Sandeep Vaheesan, legal director at the Open Markets Institute and author of "Democracy in Power," discusses the history of electrification and the push for public ownership in energy. Hayden Clarkin, known as "the transit guy," dives into the newly implemented congestion pricing in NYC, highlighting its environmental benefits and community challenges. Together, they explore the urgency of decommodifying resources, the political dynamics of urban transit, and the legacy of public power in addressing climate change.