Lever Time

Arjun Singh, a senior podcast producer examining the societal impacts of sports betting, and Scott Grappensperger, an assistant professor specializing in mental health and addiction behaviors, delve into the NBA's deepening relationship with gambling. They discuss how the league's push for legalized betting is reshaping sports culture, highlighting alarming trends in mental health issues linked to gambling. The conversation reveals the risks of addiction among younger fans and calls for a public health perspective in gambling policies.

Spencer Ackerman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of a new Iron Man comic, joins Dave Gonzales, co-author of MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios. They delve into how Iron Man became a symbol of military might with Pentagon influence in film. Ackerman discusses his critical take on the military-industrial complex through his comic series, reshaping the narrative of wealth and power. The conversation also touches on how pop culture, particularly post-9/11, intertwines with politics and the freedom of storytelling in comics versus film.

David Sirota delves into the shocking murder of a health insurance CEO and the public outrage that followed. He discusses the persistent failures of the U.S. health care system and its ties to political corruption over decades. The podcast highlights historical warnings from JFK about social justice and stability. It critiques the massive income gap in healthcare and the role of corporate influence in preventing reform. Sirota calls for a collective push for a humane health care model that prioritizes citizens' needs over profits.

Wendell Potter, a former Cigna executive and whistleblower, joins journalist Jonathan Cohn to unravel the healthcare crisis in America. They discuss the growing public outrage towards the insurance industry, especially in light of a recent executive's murder. Potter shares firsthand experiences of how profit motives jeopardize patient care while Cohn analyzes the long history of political battles over healthcare reform. Together, they dissect the complexities of healthcare policies, the struggle for universal coverage, and the challenges that remain in making healthcare accessible for all.

In this engaging discussion, Tyler Gibgott, a young magician and cognitive science student, and Gustav Kahn, a psychology professor with a magic background, delve into the art of deception. They explore how Trump's rhetoric mirrors magical techniques to manipulate public perception. The conversation highlights the psychology of misinformation and the significance of cognitive biases in shaping beliefs. Additionally, they discuss societal instability, magical thinking, and how our physical structure influences cognition, paralleling magic with personal growth and political dynamics.

Rep. Dean Phillips, Congressman from Minnesota's 3rd district and 2024 presidential candidate, shares his journey of dissent within the Democratic Party and the backlash he faced for questioning its electability. He explores the detrimental impact of blind loyalty and big money on party dynamics, urging for reform and greater inclusivity. Phillips underscores the necessity of connecting with voters and maintaining open dialogue, reflecting on how crises shape political leadership and voter behavior in today’s complex landscape.

In a gripping discussion, Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney dives into his latest work, The Bibi Files, which unveils stunning police footage of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial. He explores the psychological drivers behind political misconduct, drawing parallels to other notorious leaders. The conversation delves deep into the fallout of Netanyahu’s actions on regional stability and the growing societal divisions in Israel. Gibney also reflects on the broader implications of corruption and the fight for power amidst international scrutiny.

No matter what, the cryptocurrency industry was going to win the election. After spending hundreds of millions to influence politicians in both parties, the industry defeated some of its fiercest critics and scored bipartisan support, particularly from President-elect Donald Trump, despite crypto’s potential risks for consumers and the financial system. Today on Lever Time, Lever reporter Freddy Brewster discusses crypto’s emergence as a political power broker and what industry insiders are hoping for in return for their massive donations. Then, Senior Podcast Producer Arjun Singh sits down with documentarian Cullen Hoback to discuss his new film Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery, in which Hoback alleges to have discovered the identity of the enigmatic inventor of the groundbreaking cryptocurrency Bitcoin. 

In this engaging discussion, political analyst Krystal Ball, known for her work on Breaking Points, teams up with Jeff Weaver, the mastermind behind Bernie Sanders' campaigns. They dissect the surprising shift of working-class voters towards Trump and analyze how his populist rhetoric resonates with them. Krystal explores the Democratic Party's disconnect with these voters, while Jeff shares insights on Sanders' successful multiracial coalition-building. Together, they ponder how Democrats can reclaim this essential electorate amid the evolving political landscape.

Delve into Project 2025, a radical plan by the Heritage Foundation aimed at reengineering the U.S. government, highlighting its alignment with religious nationalism and free-market ideology. Discover the controversial Schedule F, which allows political interference in federal employment to enforce loyalty. Explore the troubling influence of organizations like Opus Dei and their connections to conservative politics. The podcast also reveals the real-world consequences of these agendas, including the exploitation faced by vulnerable populations.