Big Take

In a gripping investigation by reporter Jackie Davalos, multiple voices—including a Kindbody employee, donors, and medical experts—shed light on the ethical quagmire surrounding billionaire Greg Lindberg’s controversial fertility practices. They discuss alarming issues like donor coercion and unregulated industry standards, revealing how Lindberg fathered multiple children while incarcerated. Experts highlight serious concerns about oversight, donor treatment, and the prioritization of profit over patient care, all amid Kindbody's turmoil and subsequent leadership changes.

In this insightful discussion, Elizabeth, a fertility patient, and Lacey Mickelson, who faced traumatic IVF experiences, share their stories seeking care at Kindbody. Elizabeth recounts being steered toward expensive IVF when she wanted less invasive options. Lacey reveals the pain of an unnecessary biopsy and her frustration with billing issues. Both highlight the pressures of company quotas influencing medical decisions. Ultimately, Lacey celebrates the birth of her son, shedding light on the complexities and ethical concerns within fertility care.

In this engaging discussion, Patrick Gillespie, Bloomberg's Buenos Aires bureau chief, dives into the complexities of Argentina's economic crisis. He unpacks the surprising US support for President Milei, including a potential $20 billion swap line aimed at stabilizing the peso. Gillespie highlights the political turmoil behind Argentina's financial struggles and examines the geopolitical motivations for US involvement. He also critiques whether this support will be a temporary fix or lead to lasting change amid upcoming midterm elections.

Guest Magdalena Del Valle, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the U.N., delves into the critical funding challenges facing the organization. She highlights how the U.S.'s unpaid dues hinder the U.N.'s ability to function and impact global peace efforts. The discussion reveals the implications of geopolitical shifts towards multipolarity and the legitimacy crisis within the Security Council. Del Valle also tackles recent changes in U.N. policy, such as asylum protocols and growing recognition of Palestinian statehood, showcasing the complexities of international diplomacy.

In this discussion, Josh Wingrove, Senior White House correspondent for Bloomberg, and Mark Anderson, Bloomberg's Asia tech editor, delve into the recent tentative deal concerning TikTok. They unravel the reasons behind TikTok becoming a national security concern for the U.S., examining fears of data access by China. The mechanics of the deal are highlighted, particularly the proposed U.S.-controlled board and concerns over TikTok’s algorithm. They also explore how this agreement reflects the ongoing geopolitical chess game between Beijing and Washington.

In this discussion, Allison McNeely, a private equity reporter at Bloomberg, delves into the current slump facing the private equity industry. She highlights the challenges of fewer deals, long waits for returns, and ongoing fundraising struggles. Allison explains how rising debt costs and frustrated limited partners contribute to the slowdown. The conversation also explores potential solutions, including the impact of 401(k) access on capital flow and how firms may need to rethink their strategies for recovery.

A major acquisition sends Kindbody soaring, promising employees wealth and rapid growth. However, internal documents reveal financial turmoil, leading to layoffs that strain remaining staff. The pressure results in a chilling mistake at an Atlanta clinic, involving a mislabeled embryo. This incident highlights the critical nature of precision in IVF and the dangers of systemic oversight. Amidst ambitious dreams, the reality of operational chaos unfolds, raising questions about the impact on patients and the company's future.

Dina and Bea's emotional IVF journey takes a dramatic turn when they learn their clinic has thawed the wrong embryo. This shocking mix-up raises questions about safety in reproductive health. The investigation uncovers troubling patterns of errors and understaffing at the clinic, suggesting it's not an isolated incident. Former embryologists reveal alarming lab conditions, while patients weigh the risks of staying despite the chaos. All this unfolds as the couple navigates the complex world of IVF and their unexpected pregnancy.

Gina Bartesi, the founder of Kindbody, is a trailblazer in the fertility industry, revolutionizing care with spa-like clinics. She shares her journey from personal struggles with infertility to launching a startup that attracted major investment. The podcast dives into the ambitious vision of Kindbody while highlighting the challenges faced, including operational gaps and a significant lab error during the rapid expansion. Through candid employee anecdotes and patient experiences, listeners get an inside look at the complexities of merging startup culture with fertility science.

Sam Potter, Bloomberg's markets editor, dives into the world of structured products—complex investment vehicles designed to reduce downside risk amid volatile markets. He explains how these hybrid bond-options work and why their popularity is surging, especially among wealthy investors seeking stability. Potter also highlights critical concerns, including hidden costs and the lessons learned from past financial disasters like Lehman Brothers, reminding us that no investment is truly risk-free.