Organized Money

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.

In this engaging discussion, Mike Beckham, Co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern, shares his journey from nonprofit work to leading a successful e-commerce brand known for its stainless steel drinkware. He dives into the complexities of global supply chains and the challenges of reshoring manufacturing to the U.S. Mike highlights how new tariffs could disrupt consumer prices and discusses the hidden costs of Amazon's business model, revealing how algorithms dominate decision-making in retail.

In this engaging discussion, Molson Hart, an entrepreneur and toy company founder, delves into the significant impact of new 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. He shares firsthand experiences from the manufacturing floor, revealing how these tariffs disrupt supply chains, risking layoffs in ports and warehouses. The conversation highlights strategic shifts toward production in countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, and contrasts current economic uncertainties with the pandemic's effects. Hart emphasizes the need for reevaluating supply chain dependencies and fostering U.S. manufacturing resilience.

Laurel Kilgore, an attorney with the American Economic Liberties Project, and Brendan Benedict, an antitrust attorney, dive into high-stakes antitrust trials against Google and Meta. They discuss Google's potential punishment for monopolizing search and the government's push to divest Chrome. Brendan shares insights from the Meta trial, examining how the company's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp may have stifled competition. The conversation highlights the interplay of law and corporate power amid the current political climate.