Lever Time

In this discussion, investigative reporter Luke Goldstein explores the impact of private equity firms like Black Bear Sports Group on youth sports. He reveals how families were banned from recording their kids' hockey games, driving a national outcry. Luke shares parents' frustrations over rising fees and poor rink conditions. The episode highlights the consolidation of power in youth sports and its implications for access and tradition, culminating in a congressional hearing that seeks to address these issues.

This week we’re sharing a special episode from our friends at On NOTUS, which was recently featured by Semafor and POLITICO as a must-listen podcast. Produced by the nonpartisan newsroom NOTUS and hosted by congressional journalist Reese Gorman, On NOTUS brings on lawmakers from Capitol Hill for truly candid conversations. Each week, they go past the headlines and soundbites to hear what really makes Congressional leaders tick and what brought them to Washington in the first place. You’ll get an insider's view of the people shaping policy in the United States, from House Majority Whip Tom Emmer to Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and beyond. And today, we’re sharing On NOTUS’ recent episode with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who breaks down how to get things done in the House, why he decided to run for office, and the assassination attempt that almost took his life. It’s a conversation that is well worth a listen.  And for more interviews like this, make sure to follow On NOTUS on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. And tell them we sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rutger Bregman, a historian and author known for his views on inequality, discusses the concept of moral ambition, urging us to realign career choices with meaningful impact. He critiques elite institutions that prioritize profit over societal good, claiming many talented individuals are trapped in unfulfilling careers. Bregman emphasizes the need for direct action, moving beyond mere awareness, and addresses barriers in pursuing meaningful work. His insights challenge us to rethink talent’s role in solving global issues.

Tech journalist Ed Zitron, known for his critical take on the tech industry, teams up with Sruthi Pinnamaneni, journalist and co-creator of the Search Engine podcast, to dissect the current AI frenzy. They discuss the alarming stock growth of AI companies and the risk of a market collapse. Zitron highlights the excess of unused GPUs due to overproduction, while Pinnamaneni reveals the eerie state of data centers. They warn that a quick market correction may be necessary to reset expectations and prevent widespread financial damage.

In this engaging discussion, Lenore Skenazy, author of 'Free-Range Kids' and founder of Let Grow, shares her bold take on parenting. She recounts her infamous moment as the 'World’s Worst Mom' when she let her child ride the NYC subway alone, sparking a viral debate. Lenore tackles the misconceptions surrounding child safety and the significance of nurturing independence. Delving into the media's role in creating parental anxiety, she explains how letting kids explore can foster real-world competence, turning fear into trust.

Cory Doctorow, an activist, journalist, and novelist, dives deep into the concept of 'enshittification,' explaining how platforms like Amazon manipulate users through a three-stage process that degrades quality and service. He reveals the adverse effects of rising fees and payola on consumer experiences and discusses the broader implications of technology's monopolistic tendencies. Doctorow also offers actionable solutions to reclaim consumer power and highlights the need for stronger regulations to protect users from corporate abuse.

In this riveting discussion, investigative journalist Julie K. Brown, known for exposing the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, shares shocking insights from newly released documents. Trump’s name appears extensively in Epstein's emails, suggesting a troubling connection. Ro Khanna, a U.S. Congressman advocating for transparency, explains the urgency of revealing all Epstein files and the challenges of congressional action. They address elite accountability and question whether powerful figures like Larry Summers can truly evade scrutiny.

Larry Lessig, a Harvard Law School professor and leading voice in campaign finance reform, delves into the legal fight against Super PACs. He discusses the pivotal Maine ballot measure aimed at limiting Super PAC contributions and the district court's unusual ruling that acknowledged corruption risks but barred regulation. Lessig believes the Supreme Court can uphold state limits without overturning Citizens United. He emphasizes the urgent need to address corruption to improve democracy, expressing newfound optimism in the fight for reform.

Adam Bonica, a Stanford political scientist and expert on political dynamics, joins to discuss the shifting landscape of American politics. He highlights how recent electoral victories signal a move towards populism as the new centrism. Bonica critiques mainstream media narratives on moderation and analyzes the impact of billionaire money in politics. He also emphasizes the role of public financing in empowering anti-oligarchy candidates and explores how nationalized elections affect political outcomes. Their conversation invites a fresh perspective on political labels and campaign strategies.

This episode features Karen Wharton, Democracy Coalition Coordinator for Citizen Action of New York, and Jillian Gilchrest, Connecticut state representative and congressional candidate. They delve into the transformative power of public campaign financing. Wharton discusses how NYC's system amplifies grassroots donations, while Gilchrest shares experiences from Connecticut’s public financing and its role in enabling her campaign. Together, they explore how public money counters the influence of corporate cash, improves representation, and fosters grassroots engagement.