Organized Money
Rock Creek Sound
Organized Money is a podcast about how the business world really works, and how corporate consolidation and monopolies are dominating every sector of our economy. The series is hosted by writers and journalists Matt Stoller and David Dayen, both thought leaders in the antimonopoly movement. Organized Money is a fresh spin on business reporting, one that goes beyond supply and demand curves or odes to visionary entrepreneurs. Each week Matt and David break down the ways monopolies control everything from the food we eat, to the drugs we take, the way we communicate and even how we date. You’ll hear from workers, business leaders, antitrust lawyers, and policymakers who are on the front lines of the fight for open markets and fair competition.If you care about an economy that is free and open, one not controlled by a handful of corporations, Organized Money is for you. New episodes out every week until the end of the year. Organized Money is a Rock Creek Sound production, from executive producers Ari Saperstein and Ellen Weiss, and senior producer Benjamin Frisch.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 2min
The Enshitification Life Cycle With Cory Doctorow
Cory Doctorow, an author and digital rights activist, discusses his book on 'enshittification,' a term he coined to describe the decline of digital platforms. He explains a three-stage cycle where user-friendly services morph into profit-driven entities, leading to user dissatisfaction. The conversation spans topics like the implications of digital rights management, the importance of coalition-building for privacy reforms, and how countries could foster tech alternatives. Doctorow highlights the responsibility to resist algorithmic exploitation and defend digital rights.
Dec 16, 2025 • 50min
When Billionaires Go Rogue
Tom Steyer, a former financier and activist billionaire running for California governor in 2026, shares his unique insights on anti-monopoly politics. He passionately critiques the potential impacts of the Warner Bros. deal on California's film industry, emphasizing the risks of industry consolidation. Steyer outlines his vision for affordability, addressing housing and utility monopolies, while advocating for innovative solutions like manufactured housing. His commitment to represent working Californians showcases the intersection of wealth and public service in the political landscape.
Dec 10, 2025 • 47min
The Shadowy Puppet Masters Who Control College Athletics
Katie Van Dyck, a Senior Legal Fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project and former FTC attorney, dives deep into the tumultuous world of college athletics. She discusses the groundbreaking 2019 Supreme Court ruling that allowed athletes to monetize their talents, contrasting it with the current legislative efforts aiming to roll back many of these gains. With insights on NCAA's grip on student-athletes, the push for revenue sharing, and the implications of the SCORE Act, Katie sheds light on the urgent need for collective bargaining rights to safeguard athletes' futures.
13 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 56min
The AI Bubble Everyone Wants To Pop
Advait Arun, a senior associate focused on capital markets, and Sarah Meyers-West, co-executive director of the AI Now Institute, delve into the perilous landscape of AI data centers and financing. They unpack the disconnect between massive investments and meager revenue in AI, questioning if the hype will yield productivity gains. The conversation highlights risks in the complex financing behind data centers, potential bubble bursts, and the societal impacts of AI-driven policies. They also explore innovative solutions and necessary policy reforms to navigate this volatile market.
5 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 54min
Big Tech and Fascism
In this engaging discussion, Tim Wu, a legal scholar and public intellectual known for coining 'net neutrality', dives into his book The Age of Extraction. He explores how tech platforms shifted from innovative spaces to monopolistic powerhouses, discussing the political risks of economic concentration. Wu connects this evolution to rising inequality and even fascism, advocating for treating platforms like utilities to restore balance. With a critical look at Silicon Valley's embrace of monopoly, he outlines anti-monopoly as essential for democratic stability.
Nov 11, 2025 • 51min
The Bad Seed: Another Side Of The Farmer Revolt
In this engaging discussion, John Latham, a third-generation seed producer, and Todd Martin, an esteemed seed industry executive, dive into the monopolistic grip on the seed market. They reveal how giants like Bayer and Corteva dominate seed prices, squeezing farmers and impacting food costs. John shares his experience breeding tar spot-resistant corn and testifying before the Senate on competition issues. Both guests highlight the challenges faced by independent producers amidst rising seed royalties and corporate consolidation, painting a vivid picture of the agricultural landscape.
9 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 45min
The Election And Tariffs At The Supreme Court
Lori Wallach, Director of Rethink Trade, shares her expertise on the Supreme Court's upcoming arguments on Trump's tariffs. She emphasizes the constitutional risks of granting unlimited tariff power to the president, arguing it should reside with Congress. The discussion delves into how a ruling could impact Wall Street and the complexities surrounding trade authority. With insights on the timeline and potential court strategies, Lori sheds light on the stakes involved in this pivotal case.
10 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 56min
The Dark Side Of The McDonald's Monopoly Contest
In this insightful discussion, Sam Levine and Stephanie Nguyen, former FTC officials and now experts in consumer protection and data privacy, shed light on the hidden dangers of loyalty programs. They unveil how companies like McDonald's exploit these schemes to harvest consumer data and manipulate spending through surveillance pricing. The duo breaks down their framework of attracting users and raising prices, while revealing the surprising legality behind extensive data collection. Join them as they explore why loyal customers often end up paying more and the implications for competition and consumer trust.
22 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 45min
Snitching As A Service - The Antifraud Company
Sahaj Sharda, a 27-year-old entrepreneur and anti-monopolist, and David Barclay, a former FTC attorney, co-founded The Anti-Fraud Company to tackle corporate fraud against government programs. They explore innovative methods to incentivize whistleblowers, using the False Claims Act and sophisticated data tools. They discuss challenges in healthcare fraud, from patent abuses to hidden inflation caused by corporate misconduct. With a surge in public interest, they promote a new culture of accountability, aiming to deter fraud and inspire generational change.
33 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 50min
The AI Bubble: More Subprime Than Dot Com
Herb Greenberg, a seasoned financial journalist and author of Herb Greenberg's Red Flag Alerts, dives into the intriguing world of AI investment. He discusses the explosive spending by major tech firms and likens it to past financial bubbles. Herb explains the mechanics of vendor financing and the risks posed by private credit players. He highlights CoreWeave as a case study for systemic dangers and warns of parallels to the 2008 housing crisis. The conversation also touches on geopolitical risks and the challenge of regulating this burgeoning market.
