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
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.
17 snips
May 29, 2025 • 43min
The Wild World of Surveillance Pricing with Lee Hepner
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.
7 snips
May 22, 2025 • 41min
The Non-Compete Nightmare
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.
