14 chapters across the catalog
Ageism and Hiring Practices in Corporate America
A discussion on modern hiring practices explores the impact of diversity initiatives and the end of the COVID-19 emergency declaration. Producers share anecdotes suggesting that "ageism" has become a significant barrier in the tech industry, often overshadowed by more public debates regarding gender and racial hiring quotas.
A discussion on the American justice system highlights the "business" of incarceration, noting that private prison companies like Correctional Corporation of America profit from high inmate populations. The hosts argue that federal funding should be redirected toward rehabilitation and diversion courts rather than maintaining the current system of mass imprisonment for non-violent offenses.
MSNBC host Nicole Wallace mistakes the sound of a soda can opening in the studio for gunshots during a live broadcast about the YouTube shooting. Meanwhile, student activist David Hogg responds to accusations from Bill O'reilly regarding "shadowy figures" funding his movement. Hogg asserts his independence while welcoming the support of corporate America for the "March for Our Lives" movement.
David Hogg CNN Interview, Corporate America, and Political Grooming
A clip from CNN features David Hogg discussing the Laura Ingraham apology and his appreciation for "corporate America" standing with his movement. The hosts criticize Hogg's rhetoric, suggesting he is being groomed for a political career and noting the irony of a youth activist praising corporate power. The segment also includes a clip of John Heilemann praising Hogg's "fearlessness" compared to Republican politicians.
The hosts satirically propose "Prison Prep" schools for children who are not on the college track. They link this to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's investments in the Corrections Corporation of America, suggesting that the education system is already designed to funnel certain demographics into the private prison system.
The aggressive questioning of female CEOs like Heather Bresch is compared to the treatment of male executives, such as those from Wells Fargo. While some observers look for signs of gender bias in how lawmakers conduct these hearings, others focus on the "robotic" and rehearsed nature of executive testimony. The timing of these public rebukes of wealthy individuals is noted for its potential political impact during an election year.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Prison Investments
A critique of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation highlights its status as a major stakeholder in the Corrections Corporation of America, a private prison operator. While the foundation publicly focuses on global health and equality, its investment portfolio includes for-profit incarceration. The commentary suggests a disconnect between the foundation's humanitarian rhetoric and its financial backing of the prison industry.
A symposium at the Harvard Club titled "Bonds and Blackboards" highlights how hedge fund executives and foundations are investing in charter schools as a new revenue stream. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is identified as a major recipient of political contributions from these investors. The hosts also discuss the "hedge" made by the Gates Foundation in investing in the Correctional Corporation of America, suggesting a cynical link between failing students and the private prison industry.
Private Probation Services, Debtors Prison, Parking Tickets
A criminal defense lawyer highlighted the rise of private probation services, which charge monthly fees on top of court fines. This system is described as a modern "debtors prison," where failing to pay a private company for a minor offense like a parking ticket can lead to arrest and incarceration.
Abby Martin's appearance on Piers Morgan's show is discussed, focusing on her defense of RT's editorial independence compared to US corporate media. The hosts critique her argument regarding advertiser influence and her lack of specific knowledge regarding the Ukraine crisis.
The hosts critique the debut of the PBS NewsHour Weekend, noting its short duration and heavy reliance on corporate and foundation funding. They list various sponsors, including Mutual of America and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, while observing a "fee schedule" for name mentions during the credits. The segment highlights the shift toward feature-based content rather than hard news.
Following the death of novelist and essayist Gore Vidal, his long-standing critiques of the American political system are reviewed. Vidal's 1968 assertion that there is no fundamental difference between the two major parties and his 2003 warnings of a slide into a militarized "police state" are highlighted as prescient.
PBS Funding and Corporate Sponsorship Bias
The hosts examine the "Big Three" corporate sponsors of the PBS NewsHour: Bank of America, Chevron, and BNSF Railway. They argue that such heavy reliance on corporate funding compromises the objectivity of public broadcasting.
Resolution Trust Corporation, Hyperinflation, and Virgin America
The proposed Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) is viewed as a mechanism for offloading toxic assets, likely funded through higher taxes, money printing, or borrowing from China. This strategy is characterized as a choice between a deflationary crash and hyperinflationary survival. A brief tangent mentions Virgin America and Richard Branson's potential acquisition of Gatwick Airport.
