Unf*cking The Republic

Pete Buttigieg is a legitimate star in the Democratic Party. Having moved his family to Michigan there was speculation that he might run for the governor’s office or become a Senator. But he turned down both options and instead set his sights on the 2028 Presidential election. In addition to making the rounds on multiple cable shows and podcasts to help rehabilitate the image of the Democratic Party, he recently held a massive town hall in Iowa, where he was victorious in the 2020 Caucus. But who is Pete Buttigieg and why do so many people consider him a frontrunner for the Democratic ticket in ‘28? His experience as a small city mayor and single term as Transportation Secretary in the Biden Administration would still make him one of the least experienced candidates in U.S. history. So why all the attention? Resources Win The Era PAC Washington Examiner: Buttigieg high school essay praised Sanders as courageous for calling himself ‘Socialist’ UNFTR Resources Video: The Case AGAINST Buttigieg in 2028 -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Join our Discord at unftr.com/discord. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility. Unf*cking the Republic is produced by 99 and engineered by Manny Faces Media (mannyfacesmedia.com). Original music is by Tom McGovern (tommcgovern.com). The show is hosted by Max and distributed by 99.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In April alone, corporations announced a staggering $233.8 billion in stock buybacks, reflecting deeper economic pessimism. The discussion explores how these buybacks bolster executive pay while stunting innovation and worker investment. The podcast critiques the Clinton-era loophole that exacerbates this issue and the effectiveness of recent taxes on curbing buybacks. It argues for stronger policy reforms to realign corporate incentives toward long-term growth and reduce wealth concentration among the richest. Ultimately, it frames buybacks as a form of legalized theft.

Crude Oil tanks as OPEC+ floods the market with product. Russia and Saudi Arabia just did the unthinkable by announcing that they’re increasing output by 411,000 barrels per day starting in June. With demand forecasts going down every day as the world braces for a Trump induced global recession, it’s the exact opposite move from what everyone expected. This episode tackles what this means for the economy, the future of energy, Trump’s tariff gambit, inflation and unemployment.  Access the episode resources. Resources OPEC OilPrice.com U.S. EIA: Advances in technology led to record new well productivity in the Permian Basin in 2021 EnergyNews: OPEC maintains its forecast for oil demand growth in 2025 and 2026 Reuters: US agrees to sell Saudi Arabia $142 billion arms package Responsible Statecraft: Lobby Horse: Trump’s ‘trillion dollar' visit to Saudi Arabia Deloitte: 2025 Renewable Energy Industry Outlook World Economic Forum: 5 trends shaping the energy world in 2025 AInvest: JPMorgan Cuts 2025 Oil Price Forecasts 12% on Weak Demand, OPEC+ Output ExxonMobil: ExxonMobil Announces First-Quarter 2025 Results Reuters: OPEC output hikes, trade wars have US oil producers wary of 'drill baby drill' Trading Economics: United States Exports By Category St. Louis Fed: Breakeven Fiscal Oil Price for Saudi Arabia (SAUPZPIOILBEGUSD) UNFTR Episode Resources Peak Oil: It's a Crude, Crude World. Bitcoin & Crude Oil. The Energy Independence Myth. Iceberg. Dead Ahead. Video: Oil Prices TANK as OPEC Floods the Market -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Join our Discord at unftr.com/discord. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility. Unf*cking the Republic is produced by 99 and engineered by Manny Faces Media (mannyfacesmedia.com). Original music is by Tom McGovern (tommcgovern.com). The show is hosted by Max and distributed by 99.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is this the end of Capitalism? If so, what comes next? Does it even matter what we call it? Today Max pauses to reflect on the speed and totality of damage wrought by the Trump administration, and whether it’s bringing about the end of Capitalism on purpose in order to return to a state reminiscent of the industrial era when the working class lived to serve the elite and the poor thrown to the streets. Resources Marketplace: Higher income Americans drive bigger share of consumer spending Book Love Jacob Riis: How the Other Half Lives UNFTR Resources YouTube: The End of Capitalism: What comes next is worse. YouTube: Phone A Friend: Yanis Varoufakis -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Join our Discord at unftr.com/discord. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility. Unf*cking the Republic is produced by 99 and engineered by Manny Faces Media (mannyfacesmedia.com). Original music is by Tom McGovern (tommcgovern.com). The show is hosted by Max and distributed by 99.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Max and 99 return from their Show Notes hiatus to discuss the 5 Non-Negotiables, global events, and share some genuinely insightful tangents (for a change lol). Enjoy! Chapters Intro: 00:00:21 Discord Comments: 00:06:46 5NN: 00:10:04 Emails: 00:33:34 Memberships: 01:58:40 Outro: 02:01:41 Resources Only 3 days left in our Spring Fund, Friend, and Hell Raiser! Become a member today. Subscribe to the YouTube Channel. Visit our 5NN homepage. Save PBS and NPR! Unf*cker Recommendations Sarah Smarsh: Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth Timothy Snyder: On Tyranny Graphic Edition: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century Jason Stanley: How Fascism Works:The Politics of Us and Them Ilan Pappe: A Very Short History of the Israel–Palestine Conflict Sayash Kapoor + Arvind Narayanan: AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can't, and How to Tell the Difference -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Join our Discord at unftr.com/discord. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility. Unf*cking the Republic is produced by 99 and engineered by Manny Faces Media (mannyfacesmedia.com). Original music is by Tom McGovern (tommcgovern.com). The show is hosted by Max and distributed by 99.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This discussion dives into the dangers of market speculation in volatile commodities like Bitcoin and crude oil. A cautionary tale from the 2008 financial crisis reveals how institutional players manipulated oil markets for profit. The conversation also explores the psychology behind investor behavior during downturns and how a pro-crypto administration could reshape regulations. With insights on vulnerabilities in crypto, the impact of institutional leverage, and the pursuit of retail investors, it's a compelling look at risks in today's economy.

There’s a hidden market that might crash the economy in 2025. Tariff chaos. Leverage in the Repo Market. A burgeoning liquidity crisis. There’s an iceberg, dead ahead, only we can’t see below the surface to know how big it is. In this episode Max takes a big swing at the existential crisis brewing in the financial markets. Trump’s tariffs, declining economic data and slumping global demand will potentially neutralize half of the Fed’s crisis response arsenal. The logical and expected response to what is shaping up to be a catastrophic summer is the “Fed Put.” In other words, another bailout. But if the Fed looks to expand its balance sheet to accomplish this during a liquidity crisis, will the buyers of U.S. debt show up? Inflation and a weak dollar, frayed nerves in the bond market and more reckless behavior coming out of the White House could cause a run on the big banks and other firms that live in the “shadow repo” market leaving the Fed balancing the world on its shoulders. Access the episode resources. Resources Apollo Global Management: How are US consumers and firms responding to tariffs? LendingTree: BNPL Tracker: 41% of Users Late in Past Year The Fed: What Happened in Money Markets in September 2019?  Brookings Papers on Economic Activity: Treasury Market Dysfunction and the Role of the Central Bank -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Join our Discord at unftr.com/discord. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility. Unf*cking the Republic is produced by 99 and engineered by Manny Faces Media (mannyfacesmedia.com). Original music is by Tom McGovern (tommcgovern.com). The show is hosted by Max and distributed by 99.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the five essential non-negotiables for a progressive future. The discussion highlights economic security as a cornerstone for societal progress. A bold proposal for a Civilian Labor Corps aims to combat job losses due to AI. Medicare for All is presented as a solution to fix healthcare woes. Addressing climate collapse through innovative funding solutions also takes center stage. Learn how to reclaim the Democratic Party and unite under a cohesive political vision to engage and inspire the masses.

We have a special edition of Show Notes today! In a rare occurrence, Max, Manny and 99 were all in the same place and they took to the mics to mark the occasion. Enjoy! -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Join our Discord at unftr.com/discord. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility. Unf*cking the Republic is produced by 99 and engineered by Manny Faces Media (mannyfacesmedia.com). Original music is by Tom McGovern (tommcgovern.com). The show is hosted by Max and distributed by 99.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are there hidden market patterns that signal massive economic change? A weak dollar and rising yield on the ten year treasuries sent Wall Street into panic mode over fears that Trump was torching the global economy with his tariff wars. Since 1945 the U.S. dollar has been the bedrock of the global economy. Trump’s reckless behavior has allies and enemies alike wondering if this is the end of U.S. hegemony in the world. Last week when the dollar and ten year treasury yield briefly split, the global bond market suddenly came into focus and was on everyone’s radar. This episode boils down the jargon to explain what’s going on and why everyone freaked out. Ultimately, while we may not tear down the global order, there’s no question that we won’t restore faith in the U.S. Dollar and economy until Trump is out of office. Access the episode Show Notes. Resources Compound Real Estate Bonds: Bond Vigilantes: Definition, Role & Impact on Markets EWA: The Relationship Between US Dollar Index and US 10 Year Treasury Bond Investopedia: Bonds: Treasury Yields and Interest Rates CNBC: Investors are growing concerned about a U.S. asset exodus as Treasurys and the dollar decline Privalgo: The relationship between bond yields and currencies ScienceDirect: International capital flows and U.S. interest rates St. Louis Fed: Nominal Broad U.S. Dollar Index (DTWEXBGS) St. Louis Fed: Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity, Quoted on an Investment Basis (DGS10) Darden Report Online: What the Sell-Off in Treasuries Means for Your Mortgage The Washington Post: Fact Check: Has Trump declared bankruptcy four or six times? -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Join our Discord at unftr.com/discord. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility. Unf*cking the Republic is produced by 99 and engineered by Manny Faces Media (mannyfacesmedia.com). Original music is by Tom McGovern (tommcgovern.com). The show is hosted by Max and distributed by 99.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.