Lever Time

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken a strong stance against ultra-processed foods, criticizing their harmful effects on public health. The podcast reveals how food companies mirror Big Tobacco's tactics to manipulate consumer choices. Listeners learn about the psychological allure of these foods and the impact of marketing aimed at children. It also discusses the history of sugar in cereals and highlights efforts to promote healthier eating habits. Ultimately, the conversation urges awareness of the pervasive influence of the food industry on health policies.

Brad Setser, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and trade expert, breaks down Trump’s sweeping tariffs and their historical impact on U.S. trade policy. He highlights how the tariffs aim to tackle border security but may worsen the illegal drug trade. Setser explains the complexities of trade relations with China, Mexico, and Canada, and the adverse effects on American manufacturing and jobs. The conversation reveals the challenges of using tariffs as a foreign policy tool and questions their overall effectiveness in restoring U.S. industries.

Nathan Tankus, a journalist known for his insightful newsletter Notes on a Crisis, delves into Elon Musk's audacious move to infiltrate U.S. government agencies. The discussion reveals how Musk's actions threaten the integrity of the government, particularly with his push into the Treasury's outdated payment system, which has led to rising anxiety among civil servants. Tankus emphasizes the cultural divide between modern tech talent and legacy IT systems, shedding light on the systemic risks that come with Musk's controversial influence.

David Dayen, the Executive Editor of The American Prospect, dives deep into the chaos surrounding early Trump administration actions. He examines the immediate impact of halted federal spending on vital services like Medicare and education. Dayen discusses Trump's strategic manipulation of federal funding laws, and contrasts his approach with tech leadership styles. He critically analyzes the misconception that cutting federal jobs will save money, and uncovers the ideological motives behind the push to dismantle government structures.

James Bopp, an attorney and key architect behind Citizens United, discusses the monumental Supreme Court case that reshaped campaign finance in the U.S. He highlights the case's origins and the interplay between anti-abortion activism and political financing. The conversation dives into the rise of dark money in elections, the machinations behind the ruling, and the implications for democracy. Bopp also reflects on the legal strategies that transformed how candidates are funded, showcasing the ongoing battle for transparency in political campaigns.

David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect, and Ryan Grim, co-founder of DropSite News, delve into the implications of Trump’s resurgence. They discuss how Trump's support from corporate America symbolizes a shift toward oligarchy. The duo explores the political landscape, analyzing the dynamics of populism and the self-interests of wealthy elites. They tackle controversial confirmation hearings and the ideological shifts in the Republican Party, shedding light on the complex relationships between powerful tech leaders and far-right figures within the political arena.

The podcast delves into Los Angeles' problematic urban sprawl and its ties to devastating wildfires. Personal stories highlight emotional impacts as residents grapple with loss and the urgency for better planning. The discussion reveals how California's housing policies have contributed to risky developments in fire zones. It touches on the legacy of air pollution from the smog crisis and critiques the powerful real estate industry's influence on safety standards. The episode ultimately calls for innovative solutions to build resilient communities amid climate change.

In a gripping discussion, New York Times reporter David Wallace-Wells, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Elizabeth Kolbert, and former California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones tackle the harrowing impacts of Los Angeles wildfires. They explore the urgent questions of safety, insurance accessibility, and climate crisis response. The conversation highlights the devastating effects of climate change on wildfire frequency and intensity, the shifting patterns of urban wildfires, and the pressing need for policy reforms in disaster preparedness and insurance.

this is placeholder audio for the purpose of feed validation

Tensions within Trump's supporter base heat up over immigration policies, sparked by his choice of an Indian-American for his team. A clash emerges between hardline nationalists and tech giants like Elon Musk advocating for H-1B visas. The complexities of the H-1B visa process are unraveled, revealing stories of exploitation and abuse that demand reform. The conversation delves into the implications for American workers amidst the rising nativism and explores the need for better protections for both immigrants and locals in the job market.