Organized Money

Google just lost a huge antitrust case—but somehow seems to have walked away the winner. In this emergency episode David and Matt explain how a federal judge ruled that Google is an illegal monopolist, then turned around and let the company keep the very deals that entrench its dominance. From billion-dollar payments to Apple to the future of AI, they dig into what the ruling means, why critics on both the left and right are calling this a huge win for Big Tech and what it tells us about the fight against monopoly power.If you love Organized Money, support us! Go to Organizedmoney.fm to subscribe to our newsletter, or Organizedmoney.fm/donate to throw us a donation. 

The biggest story in football this season isn’t on the field, but in the boardrooms and backrooms of the NFL. In this episode David and Matt dig into the collusion scandal rocking the league—where billionaire owners conspired to block star quarterbacks from getting guaranteed contracts, in cahoots with the NFL Players Association, the union meant to represent player interests.We're joined by the journalist who cracked the story, Pablo Torre, host of Pablo Torre Finds Out, along with Doha Mekki, Former Acting Assistant Attorney General. Together, we try and piece together how how this scandal's collusive DMs, strip club meetings, shady union politics, and brazen conflicts of interest, form a case study in contemporary power, labor, and corruption.If you love Organized Money, support us! Go to Organizedmoney.fm to subscribe to our newsletter, or Organizedmoney.fm/donate to throw us a donation. 

The business of skateboarding has grown from an independent, DIY culture into one almost completely dominated by private equity groups. How did it get gobbled up? In this episode David teams up with former “skate rat” and researcher Daniel Stone of the Center for Economic and Policy Research to expose how private equity has quietly, and sometimes catastrophically, taken over the world of skateboarding. What started as a subversive, counter-cultural movement has become a hunting ground for financial firms snapping up iconic skate and surf brands, only to leave them saddled with debt, stripped of their soul, and disconnected from the local shops and skaters that built them. From the leveraged buyout and hollowing out of World Industries, the collapse of Dwindle Distribution and Enjoi skateboards, and Boardriders’ massive bankruptcy we see how  these firms disconnected iconic brands from their roots, gutted skate teams, and contributed to the decline of local skate shops. This episode is a cautionary tale, showing how even the most rebellious sides of youth culture aren’t safe from Wall Street’s relentless appetite. Check out Daniel's report, No Comply: Private Equity and Skateboarding here.Love Organized Money? Support us! Go to OrganizedMoney.fm to subscribe to our free newsletter, and throw us a donation if you're able. It helps keep the lights on.  

Join Dan Weissman, an investigative reporter and host of An Arm and a Leg, alongside Emily Pizzacreda, a dedicated producer and insulin-dependent diabetic, as they dive into a riveting tale of pharmaceutical monopolies. They explore the alarming rise in costs of tuberculosis treatments, a drug critical for saving lives, yet often out of reach. Discover the inspiring grassroots movement led by YouTubers advocating for affordable healthcare and the impact of India's patent laws that sparked a revolution in access to essential medicines. This is a powerful story of activism and hope.

Lori Wallach, Director of Rethink Trade at the American Economic Liberties Project, shares her vast expertise in trade, cultivated since the NAFTA era. She unpacks the chaotic tariff landscape shaped by Trump's administration, illustrating how erratic policies confuse businesses and manipulate corporate interests. Key discussions include legal constraints on presidential tariff powers, the distortions in market reactions to trade news, and the real economic impact on American workers versus big tech. Lori advocates for clearer, more equitable trade practices.

Sohrab Ahmari, a conservative journalist and editor at Unheard, delves into the controversial merger between Hewlett-Packard and Juniper Networks, shedding light on backdoor deals within the Justice Department. He discusses the implications for antitrust policy under a potential second Trump administration and the threats faced by populist reformers. The conversation also touches on the opaque nature of political and corporate relationships, raising concerns about the future of competition and the neglect of class analysis in political discourse.

Bridget Read, a features writer for New York Magazine and author of "Little Bosses Everywhere," delves into the murky waters of multi-level marketing (MLM) and pyramid schemes. She discusses how companies like Amway and Herbalife exploit the dream of entrepreneurship, often leading to financial losses for participants. The conversation reveals the deep ties of MLMs to American politics, and how these schemes perpetuate a cycle of hope and extraction within vulnerable communities. Read also critiques the cult-like mentality that thrives in the pursuit of the American dream.

Steve Hunt, a Costco customer service worker and former Oklahoma City mayoral candidate, uncovers how private equity takeovers are impacting product quality and customer service at Costco. He shares his firsthand experiences navigating the corporate landscape, revealing how cost-cutting measures by private equity firms are eroding trust and enjoyment for customers. The conversation delves into the broader implications of these practices, highlighting the contrast between Costco's reputation and the reality of vendor relationships, ultimately calling for greater corporate accountability.

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.