Lever Time

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.

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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.

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.