Jetson Leder-Luis, an assistant professor at Boston University and a research fellow at NBER, dives into the murky waters of government fraud. He discusses how schemes like ambulance fraud and identity theft siphon billions from programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The conversation sheds light on the explosion of fraud during the pandemic, particularly in unemployment insurance. Leder-Luis also emphasizes the role of whistleblowers and data analysis in combating these issues, highlighting the urgent need for effective anti-fraud strategies.

In the final episode of our special three-part series exploring the US economy through the chicken industry, we’re taking a look at market competition. Chicken in the US is dominated by a handful of huge poultry processors. But new technologies,  like algorithmic pricing, are also leading to accusations of anticompetitive corporate behavior that can potentially create bad outcomes for both consumers and workers. We’re using poultry to trace the evolution of America’s approach to antitrust and learning what’s different now. You’ll hear from senior officials at the Department of Justice about how concentration in chicken and elsewhere is impacting the economy, and what can be done to fix it.    Become a Bloomberg.com subscriber using our special intro offer at bloomberg.com/podcastoffer. You’ll get episodes of this podcast ad-free and exclusive access to our daily Odd Lots newsletter. Already a subscriber? Connect your account on the Bloomberg channel page in Apple Podcasts to listen ad-free.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maren McKenna, journalist and author of "Big Chicken," teams up with Craig Watts, a former poultry producer from North Carolina, to explore the evolution of chicken farming in America. They dive into the drastic changes from small-scale operations to large poultry corporations, examining the industry's impact on labor markets and profit distribution. Watts shares his insights on the exploitative tournament system that burdens independent farmers, raising critical questions about animal welfare and the future of agriculture.

In this engaging discussion, Glenn Hickman, President of Hickman's Egg Ranch, delves into the intriguing dynamics of the chicken market amidst rising prices. He explores the quirky phenomenon of 'chickflation'—how consumer love for chicken remains strong despite soaring costs. Hickman also examines the impact of avian flu on egg prices and the broader poultry industry. Listeners will gain insights into how supply chain issues and inflation affect what we pay for our favorite chicken dishes, highlighting the interconnectedness of economics and consumer behavior.

Richard Clarida, former Fed Vice Chair and current Economic Advisor at Pimco, discusses the Federal Reserve's recent rate cut and the uncertainty surrounding future monetary policy. He shares insights on inflation trends and how upcoming political changes could influence economic stability. Clarida emphasizes the challenges the Fed faces in balancing short-term data with long-term projections. Additionally, he delves into the intricate relationship between the central bank and political pressures during the Trump administration.

Delve into the fascinating world of the chicken industry and its broader economic implications. Discover why chicken sandwiches have taken over while also examining societal trends influencing consumer choices. The discussion touches on rising prices of eggs and meat, revealing insights on inflation and the labor market. Additionally, there's an intriguing look at data-driven marketing strategies and the pivotal role of therapy in our lives. Get ready for insights sprinkled with humor and relevance to today's issues!

Steven Kelly, Associate Director of Research at Yale’s Program on Financial Stability and a financial markets expert, discusses the evolution of risks in the banking system. He explains the shift of lending from traditional banks to private credit, revealing how this has created new challenges. Kelly emphasizes that while risks may appear to be minimized, they often return, especially when outside entities rely on banks for leverage. The conversation highlights the need for proactive regulation to manage these evolving financial landscapes.

In this discussion, Max Read, author of the Read Max newsletter, delves into the internet's transformation, focusing on how platforms like Twitter have degenerated from reliable news sources to havens for misinformation. He highlights the rise of AI-generated content and its impact on quality, emphasizing the shift in media culture toward algorithm-driven engagement. Read explains how social media's evolution has affected public discourse and the challenges faced by traditional media in adapting to an increasingly chaotic digital landscape.

Harley Bassman, managing partner at Simplify Asset Management and creator of Convexity Maven, dives into the bond market's response to Trump's election victory. He discusses the surprising rise in Treasury yields amidst anticipated Fed rate cuts. The conversation shifts to how investor sentiment is reshaping expectations around regulatory changes and market volatility. Bassman also explores the interplay of economic policies and political pressures during Trump's term, revealing the complexities of navigating such a turbulent financial landscape.

Skanda Amarnath leads Employ America, offering insights on the economic landscape, while Neil Dutta from Renaissance Macro dives into market behaviors. Prediction markets expert Zvi Mowshowitz discusses electoral forecasts and volatility. Brad Setser from the Council on Foreign Relations shares thoughts on 'unhealthy globalization' and its implications for the next president. The conversation is rich with lively banter on U.S.-China relations, market dynamics, and the intersection of policy uncertainty and investment strategies as the nation braces for election results.