In this engaging discussion, journalist Michael Hobbes highlights the alarming rise of white-collar crime and the concept of 'elite deviance.' He reveals how wealthy individuals often evade consequences for crimes that cause significant social harm, illustrating a stark contrast in accountability compared to minor offenders. Hobbes delves into the erosion of regulatory frameworks and the illusion of accountability, critiquing the current legal systems that favor the powerful. He advocates for better funding of agencies to tackle these disparities and achieve true justice.

Yoni Appelbaum, a deputy executive editor of The Atlantic and author of "Stuck," dives into America's evolving landscape of opportunity. He discusses how zoning laws and economic policies have locked many into communities, preventing upward mobility. The episode highlights the historical context behind rising housing costs and their impacts on family relocation. Appelbaum emphasizes the need for housing reforms to restore accessibility and argues that mobility is essential for fostering prosperity, especially for immigrant families.

With billionaires pouring unprecedented sums of money into politics, corporate interests shaping policy, and the revelation that Trump has appointed a record 13 billionaires to top administration roles in the wealthiest cabinet in American history, it's clear how much sway the ultra-wealthy hold over our democracy. So, we’re re-airing our 2021 conversation with Thom Hartmann, which offers timely insights into how the ultra-wealthy consolidate power, and how concentrated wealth undermines economic fairness and democratic governance.Thom Hartmann is a New York Times bestselling author and America’s #1 progressive talk show host for over a decade. This episode originally aired on February 2, 2021.Social Media:Bluesky @hartmannreport.comTwitter @Thom_HartmannFurther reading: The Hidden History of American OligarchyWebsite: http://pitchforkeconomics.comInstagram: @pitchforkeconomicsThreads: pitchforkeconomicsBluesky: @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.socialTwitter: @PitchforkEcon, @NickHanauer, @civicactionYouTube: @pitchforkeconomicsLinkedIn: Pitchfork EconomicsSubstack: The Pitch

Journalist Kurt Hackbarth, a contributor to Jacobin Magazine and co-founder of MexElects, discusses the significant electoral success of Mexico’s Morena party. He highlights how their middle-out policies, like minimum wage hikes and robust social safety nets, have reduced poverty and defied neoliberal norms. Hackbarth delves into Morena's innovative communication strategies via social media and the importance of maintaining grassroots connections, offering valuable lessons for U.S. Democrats looking to reshape their approach.

Gary Gerstle, a historian and author specializing in American political and economic history, shares his insights into the rise and decline of neoliberalism. He explores how its roots intertwine with cultural movements of the 1960s and 70s, and how recent political shifts challenge its principles. Gerstle discusses the rivalry between the U.S. and Soviet economies, the elitist tendencies of neoliberalism on democracy, and the potential for a more equitable 'middle-out' economic framework amid today's crises.

With a second Trump administration on the horizon, we’re bracing for a return to the same failed trickle-down policies that have dominated our politics for 50 years—policies that enrich the wealthy few at the top while leaving everyone else behind. That’s why we’re resharing our 2022 conversation with Mark Blyth, a political economist who explains why trickle-down economics refuses to die and how it continues to shape our world. In this episode, Mark exposes the myths behind these harmful ideas and makes a compelling case for a new economic paradigm.This episode originally aired on October 11, 2022.Mark Blyth is a political economist, professor, author and the Director of the William R. Rhodes Center for International Economics and Finance at Brown University. He is the author of several influential books, including Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea and Angrynomics (co-authored with Eric Lonergan), and he’s the co-author of a forthcoming book, Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers. Further reading: Inflation: A Guide for Users and LosersAngrynomicsAusterity: The History of a Dangerous IdeaWebsite: http://pitchforkeconomics.comInstagram: @pitchforkeconomicsThreads: pitchforkeconomicsBluesky: @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.socialTwitter: @PitchforkEcon, @NickHanauer, @civicactionYouTube: @pitchforkeconomicsLinkedIn: Pitchfork EconomicsSubstack: The Pitch

David Autor, an MIT professor and labor economist, shares his insights on the future of AI and its potential to empower the middle class. Rather than fearing job loss, Autor argues that AI can enhance productivity and create new opportunities, emphasizing the need for equitable access to its benefits. He discusses the importance of targeted investments and labor support to navigate the challenges posed by technological transition. This engaging conversation tackles the ethical deployment of AI and the vital connection between labor markets and democratic stability.

This week, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed joins Nick and Goldy to discuss how the recent assassination of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson has thrown a harsh spotlight on the public's visceral anger toward our exploitative healthcare system. Dr. El-Sayed outlines the stark contrasts between the profit-driven U.S. healthcare system and those of other developed nations, arguing that we need a public option to alleviate the burdens of skyrocketing costs and access issues. Goldy also explains how the warnings from Nick’s viral POLITICO piece from 10 years ago, “The Pitchforks Are Coming For Us Plutocrats,” feel eerily prescient, as the public reaction to Thompson’s death was a mix of hailing the shooter as a hero, outrage, and people sharing their personal healthcare horror stories online. Is it possible that America’s healthcare system is having its own pitchforks moment?Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is a physician, epidemiologist, and public servant whose work focuses on health equity, resiliency, and environmental justice. He is the host of America Dissected, Crooked Media’s podcast that explores the intersection of health and society with leading experts in science, public health, and policy. Abdul is also the author of Healing Politics and Medicare for All: A Citizen’s Guide, and he serves as a visiting scientist at Harvard’s FXB Center for Health & Human Rights, as well as a Scholar in Residence at Wayne State University and American University.Social MediaBlueSky: @abdulelsayed.bsky.socialInstagram: abdulelsayedThreads: abdulelsayedTwitter:  @AbdulElSayedFurther reading: America Dissected Healing Politics: A Doctor's Journey Into the Heart of Our Political EpidemicMedicare for All: A Citizen's Guide   Nick’s OpEd in POLITICO: The Pitchforks Are Coming… For Us PlutocratsNick’s Ted Talk: Beware, fellow plutocrats, the pitchforks are comingWebsite: http://pitchforkeconomics.comInstagram: @pitchforkeconomicsThreads: pitchforkeconomicsBluesky: @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.socialTwitter: @PitchforkEcon, @NickHanauer, @civicactionYouTube: @pitchforkeconomicsLinkedIn: Pitchfork EconomicsSubstack: The Pitch

This week, Nick and Goldy interview a Pitchfork Economics first: a sitting President of the United States. President Joe Biden joins the podcast for a conversation about the transformative economic vision at the heart of his presidency. Biden shares how his groundbreaking middle-out economic policies—investing in workers, rebuilding infrastructure, and revitalizing American industries—are reshaping the economy and creating a legacy of shared prosperity. From empowering unions to creating good-paying jobs and boosting wages, the President underscores why a thriving middle class isn’t just the foundation of a strong economy—it’s the engine that drives it. This is an insightful discussion with the leader who has helped turn the page on five decades of failed economic theory, breaking the suffocating DC economic consensus in favor of prioritizing working Americans.Joseph R. Biden is the 46th President of the United States. Social Media:Facebook: Joe BidenInstagram: joebidenThreads: joebidenTwitter: @JoeBidenFurther reading: President Biden in The American Prospect: From the Middle Out and Bottom UpA New Economics Takes HoldWebsite: http://pitchforkeconomics.comInstagram: @pitchforkeconomicsThreads: pitchforkeconomicsBluesky: @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.socialTwitter: @PitchforkEcon, @NickHanauer, @civicactionYouTube: @pitchforkeconomicsLinkedIn: Pitchfork EconomicsSubstack: The Pitch

Sandeep Vaheesan, legal director at the Open Markets Institute, and Brian Callaci, chief economist, dive into the housing crisis gripping the U.S. They argue that profit-driven markets fail to ensure affordable housing, especially for low-income individuals. Exploring the need for stronger antitrust enforcement and rent controls, they reveal how algorithms worsen rental prices. Their conversation emphasizes the necessity of governmental intervention and presents the idea of a public housing option as a key solution for creating stability and equity in housing.