Organized Money

Antonio Ciaccia, President of 3 Axis Advisors and architect of Ohio’s Medicaid pharmacy overhaul, joins Benjamin Jolly, a pharmacist and advocate at the American Economic Liberties Project. They discuss Ohio's groundbreaking initiative to eliminate pharmacy benefit managers from Medicaid, saving $140 million in two years. Ciaccia reveals how he uncovered hidden costs in the pharmaceutical system, while Jolly shares insights into the benefits of this transparent model that’s gaining traction nationwide, despite the challenges facing independent pharmacies.

Alex Jacquez, former Special Assistant to the President for Economic Development and now Chief of Policy and Advocacy at Groundwork Collaborative, dives into the critical issue of rare earth minerals. He discusses how trade tensions with China highlighted America's vulnerability in securing these essential resources. The conversation covers misconceptions surrounding their rarity, China's dominance, and the geopolitical ramifications for the U.S. Jacquez emphasizes recent policy shifts and the challenges faced in reviving domestic production, crucial for national security and clean energy.

Liz Pelly, a New York-based writer and author of 'Mood Machine,' discusses the rise of Spotify and its murky impact on the music industry. She reveals how Spotify revolutionized music consumption post-file sharing, but at what cost to artists? The conversation dives into Spotify's algorithmic influence on musical taste, the challenges faced by independent musicians, and the ethical implications of practices like 'Discovery Mode.' Pelly also highlights possible alternatives that offer fairer options for artists and fans alike.

Zohran Mamdani's triumph in New York City's democratic mayoral primary is sending shockwaves through the political strata: As the populist wing celebrates, establishment Democrats are scrambling to make meaning of his upset, and big-money financiers are holding secret meetings to address "the Zohran situation".On today's episode, Matt and David bring back friend of the show, Zephyr Teachout, to ask how Mamdani did it. Zephyr ran for governor against Cuomo in 2014, and her background as an attorney, professor, and candidate helps us understand what Mamdani's win means for the future of New York City politics, and the party as a whole.  

Richard Rushfield, editorial director and columnist for The Ankler, shares his insights on the drastic Warner Bros. split, highlighting the shifting dynamics of Hollywood amidst the rise of streaming services. He discusses the industry’s leadership challenges and its struggle to adapt to technological advancements while wrestling with a decline in traditional television. Rushfield also critiques the disconnect between studio executives and storytelling, revealing the industry's pervasive cynicism toward change and innovation. A thought-provoking take on Hollywood's uncertain future!

Ben Bowman, Oregon House Majority Leader, led groundbreaking legislation to curb corporate control in healthcare, while Hayden Rooke-Ley, a Senior Fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project, focuses on restoring physician autonomy. They discuss how loopholes allowed corporate takeovers of doctor’s offices and how Oregon's new bill aims to return medical decision-making to healthcare professionals. The conversation highlights the potential for Oregon’s reform to inspire similar initiatives nationally, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks that prioritize patient care.

The hosts dive into the latest buzz surrounding Google's antitrust challenges and potential divestitures. The legal landscape for pharmacy benefit managers and healthcare competition is evolving, with significant updates from Arkansas and Oregon. They also tackle surveillance pricing and the contradictions in recent California legislation. The discussion shifts to tariff issues and the fallout from previous trade policies. Lastly, the impact of a controversial tax bill seeking to cut Medicaid while favoring the wealthy raises eyebrows, alongside a plea for listener support.

In this lively discussion, Lee Hepner, an antitrust lawyer at the American Economic Liberties Project, dives into the unsettling world of surveillance pricing. He explains how companies manipulate your data to set personalized prices, often harming consumers. Listeners learn about the RealPage scandal, where landlords coordinated rent hikes, and how this tactic is emerging in various sectors, from retail to meatpacking. Hepner stresses the urgent need for lawmakers to address these issues, as dynamic pricing practices continue to blur the lines of fairness and competition.

Courtney Van Kott, a dedicated real estate broker from California and Arizona, shares her harrowing six-year battle against a non-compete agreement that nearly derailed her career. She recounts the shocking moment she was served legal papers while picking up her kids from school, revealing the immense pressure to sign a contract that demanded 75% of her commissions even after leaving her team. Their discussion highlights the chilling effects of non-competes on workers, especially in real estate, and touches on the ongoing fight for fair employment practices.

David Seligman, the Executive Director of Toward Justice, dives into the transformative impact of the 1970s Powell memo on corporate power. He reveals how Justice Lewis Powell reshaped antitrust laws to favor corporations over worker rights. Discussion highlights include the ongoing effects of vertical restraints on healthcare and gig economies. Seligman also critiques the influence of Chicago school scholars on legal interpretations, illustrating how these historical shifts continue to affect economic equity and democracy in today's society.