Guest Tim Murphy, senior reporter for Mother Jones, explores the concept of American oligarchy and its impact throughout history. He delves into the history and changing meaning of the term 'oligarch', highlighting the collaborations between Russian and American oligarchs to protect their wealth. The podcast also discusses the growing influence of the American oligarch class, particularly in the tech industry, and the need to reevaluate our understanding of wealth and its implications for societal change.

Tim Murphy, a reporter with Mother Jones, and Layla El-Abed, a Palestinian-American activist leading the Uncommitted movement, explore the complexities behind Donald Trump's victory. They discuss the motivations of 'messy middle' voters, revealing how economic concerns often clash with personal beliefs. Murphy highlights stories of January 6 participants seeking pardons, while El-Abed shares her struggles with political identity during a tense election night. Together, they navigate the emotional and political landscape, shedding light on diverse voter sentiments and the quest for genuine engagement.

Tim Murphy, a reporter for Mother Jones, shares insights from inside Maricopa County's election center, highlighting the threats faced by election officials like Stephen Richer. Ari Berman delves into the influence of election deniers in Georgia, illuminating efforts to reshape voting laws. The conversation touches on the stark reality of misinformation and its impact on public trust in democracy. Emotional testimonies reveal the personal toll on those defending election integrity amid a charged political atmosphere.

Laura Walters, a political editor, and Marc Daalder, a senior political reporter, join co-editor Tim Murphy and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for a lively discussion. They dive into the coalition's ambitious infrastructure plans and the potential impacts on the economy. The panel critically examines Luxon's casual approach to ministerial misbehaviour, questioning if he's developed a bond with underperforming colleagues. They also ponder Winston Peters’ fixation on historical Māori figures, revealing insights into political narratives and biases in contemporary governance.

Tim Murphy, senior reporter for Mother Jones, discusses the rise of the American oligarch class and its impact on society. He explores the allure and disgust towards Russian oligarchs, highlighting their opulent wealth. The podcast also delves into the wealth, influence, and exploitation of resources by tech billionaires like Bezos, Musk, and Zuckerberg. Overall, it examines the need to reconsider the narrative around oligarchy and the impacts of extreme wealth.