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
Aug 5, 2025 • 46min
The Coup at the Antitrust Division
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.
10 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 14min
Amway, Mary Kay, Herbalife and the Get Rich Quick Business
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.
13 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 39min
Costco's Private Equity Headache
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.
11 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 47min
The PBM Hitman
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.
11 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 49min
America’s Rare Earth Problem
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.
20 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 55min
How Spotify Monopolized Music
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.
Jun 26, 2025 • 33min
The Zohran Situation
Joining the discussion is Zephyr Teachout, an attorney and political activist known for her 2014 gubernatorial run against Andrew Cuomo. She dives into Zohran Mamdani's surprising victory in NYC's mayoral primary, exploring its implications for anti-monopoly policies and left populism. The conversation highlights the significance of municipal governance, the challenges faced by small businesses, and the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party. Zephyr also touches on the changing political landscape and the importance of local activism to drive economic fairness.
Jun 20, 2025 • 44min
Can Hollywood Survive?
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!
10 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 44min
How Oregon Is Ending Corporate-Run Healthcare
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.
14 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 56min
A Big Beautiful Antitrust News Roundup
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.
