Podcast appearances and mentions of Apollo Global Management

Athene is redefining retirement security through innovation, scale, and long-term vision. CEO Grant Kvalheim joins Inside the ICE House to discuss how the company's five-year growth plan is expanding its market leadership and helping millions of Americans build more confident retirements. He shares how Athene's partnership with Apollo Global Management, commitment to digital transformation, and culture of ownership are driving efficiency, innovation, and lasting impact across the retirement services industry.

In a move widely criticized as politically motivated and structurally compromised, former SEC chairman Jay Clayton—who previously worked closely with Apollo Global Management, the private-equity firm led for decades by Jeffrey Epstein associate Leon Black—was appointed to oversee an investigation into Epstein's alleged ties to Donald Trump's political adversaries. Critics argue that placing someone so closely connected to a firm entangled in Epstein's financial orbit fundamentally undermines the credibility of the inquiry. While the announcement was framed as a push for transparency, the decision raised immediate concerns about conflicts of interest and selective scrutiny. Observers note that when Trump publicly demanded investigations into his opponents, he conspicuously avoided referencing Black or Les Wexner, another figure long linked to Epstein, fueling allegations that the appointment was designed to protect insiders rather than expose them.The broader controversy highlights what many see as a calculated effort to contain the fallout from newly surfaced Epstein-related communications that could implicate individuals across both political parties. Rather than pursuing a comprehensive accounting, the administration's strategy appears focused on limiting exposure and reframing the narrative toward partisan targets. Survivors of Epstein's abuse and their advocates have expressed frustration that those with direct proximity to Epstein—financially and personally—continue to remain shielded while public attention is redirected. Critics contend that the government's approach resembles damage control rather than a legitimate pursuit of justice, reinforcing suspicions that political and financial interests, rather than accountability, are driving decisions at the highest levels.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

In a move widely criticized as politically motivated and structurally compromised, former SEC chairman Jay Clayton—who previously worked closely with Apollo Global Management, the private-equity firm led for decades by Jeffrey Epstein associate Leon Black—was appointed to oversee an investigation into Epstein's alleged ties to Donald Trump's political adversaries. Critics argue that placing someone so closely connected to a firm entangled in Epstein's financial orbit fundamentally undermines the credibility of the inquiry. While the announcement was framed as a push for transparency, the decision raised immediate concerns about conflicts of interest and selective scrutiny. Observers note that when Trump publicly demanded investigations into his opponents, he conspicuously avoided referencing Black or Les Wexner, another figure long linked to Epstein, fueling allegations that the appointment was designed to protect insiders rather than expose them.The broader controversy highlights what many see as a calculated effort to contain the fallout from newly surfaced Epstein-related communications that could implicate individuals across both political parties. Rather than pursuing a comprehensive accounting, the administration's strategy appears focused on limiting exposure and reframing the narrative toward partisan targets. Survivors of Epstein's abuse and their advocates have expressed frustration that those with direct proximity to Epstein—financially and personally—continue to remain shielded while public attention is redirected. Critics contend that the government's approach resembles damage control rather than a legitimate pursuit of justice, reinforcing suspicions that political and financial interests, rather than accountability, are driving decisions at the highest levels.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

In a move widely criticized as politically motivated and structurally compromised, former SEC chairman Jay Clayton—who previously worked closely with Apollo Global Management, the private-equity firm led for decades by Jeffrey Epstein associate Leon Black—was appointed to oversee an investigation into Epstein's alleged ties to Donald Trump's political adversaries. Critics argue that placing someone so closely connected to a firm entangled in Epstein's financial orbit fundamentally undermines the credibility of the inquiry. While the announcement was framed as a push for transparency, the decision raised immediate concerns about conflicts of interest and selective scrutiny. Observers note that when Trump publicly demanded investigations into his opponents, he conspicuously avoided referencing Black or Les Wexner, another figure long linked to Epstein, fueling allegations that the appointment was designed to protect insiders rather than expose them.The broader controversy highlights what many see as a calculated effort to contain the fallout from newly surfaced Epstein-related communications that could implicate individuals across both political parties. Rather than pursuing a comprehensive accounting, the administration's strategy appears focused on limiting exposure and reframing the narrative toward partisan targets. Survivors of Epstein's abuse and their advocates have expressed frustration that those with direct proximity to Epstein—financially and personally—continue to remain shielded while public attention is redirected. Critics contend that the government's approach resembles damage control rather than a legitimate pursuit of justice, reinforcing suspicions that political and financial interests, rather than accountability, are driving decisions at the highest levels.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Apollo Global Management has transformed itself from a traditional private equity giant into an insurance-fueled credit powerhouse—thanks to its acquisition of life annuity issuer Athene. CEO Marc Rowan makes a bold bet that an asset-heavy model, which is backed by hundreds of billions in long-term insurance liabilities, can drive repeatable, superior returns and propel Apollo's assets under management to $1.5 trillion. However, public markets award Apollo a multitude on its earnings that is far lower than asset-light peers like Blackstone, which highlights important trade-offs. Harvard Business School professor George Serafeim joins host Brian Kenny to discuss the questions raised by the case, Apollo Global Management, and explore what Apollo's transformation reveals about business-model innovation and risk management in today's rapidly evolving private markets ecosystem, and what it means to be a modern investment firm.

In this episode, host Greg Dowling welcomes Josh Harris—founder of 26North, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, and managing partner of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Commanders. Josh reflects on his journey from Wall Street to the world of sports, sharing lessons on building enduring institutions, transforming franchises into global media powerhouses and leading with trust and purpose. The conversation explores how finance, philanthropy and legacy intersect—and why the future of investing is more human than ever.You can find every episode of FEG Insight Bridge podcasts in one place and sign up to receive our other publications here.

The fallout from the revelations about Leon Black's financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein ignited a bitter power struggle at Apollo Global Management. When it was revealed that Black had paid Epstein over $150 million for questionable “advisory services,” investors, regulators, and the public demanded accountability. That scrutiny forced Apollo's board to initiate a review, which ultimately led to Black stepping down earlier than planned. His departure cracked open rivalries among Apollo's co-founders, with Marc Rowan and Josh Harris maneuvering for influence. What should have been a smooth leadership transition instead turned into a test of Apollo's governance, reputation, and stability in the face of scandal.The struggle was not just about replacing Black—it was about cleaning up the mess his actions left behind. Senior leadership and board members clashed over why such extraordinary sums were paid to Epstein with little documentation or oversight, sparking deeper questions about Apollo's culture of accountability. Harris, once considered a top contender for the top role, pulled back from daily management amid the turmoil, leaving Rowan to step into leadership. The entire episode underscored how deeply Epstein's shadow reached into the highest levels of finance, destabilizing one of the world's most powerful private equity firms and forcing Apollo to reckon with reputational damage that money alone couldn't erase.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comSource:https://nypost.com/2021/05/24/jeffrey-epstein-led-to-fallout-at-apollo-global-management/

Plug: Author of Gratitude, Strength, and Opportunity: Living for Today and the coming book Escape Plug: Managing Partner of Delos Capital Plug: https://www.deloscap.com/team/matthew-constantin SPEAKING POINTS: A true story of paradise, poison, and a man's encounter with near-certain death in the Caribbean Actual events that occurred beginning in April 2021. I have chosen to anonymize the island because what happened to me during that period was unfortunately not an isolated event confined to that one island but occurs all too frequently in destinations around the globe. To be clear, to me HAPPENED, and continues to HAPPEN… Government expands travel warnings after surge in deadly fake alcohol poisonings / Personal Story *https://www.foxnews.com/travel/government-expands-travel-warnings-after-surge-deadly-fake-alcohol-poisonings *https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/lifestyle/travel-warnings-expand-after-surge-in-fake-alcohol-poisonings/ *https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Hr3qYTafe8M Matt is also the author of Gratitude, Strength, and Opportunity: Living for Today. Gratitude, Strength, and Opportunity: Living for TODAY is a thought-provoking and interactive work with the potential to fundamentally change lives. Author Matt Constantino offers a simple yet profound catalyst for daily reflection, affirmation, and action that is accessible for readers of any age and from every walk of life. With a laser-sharp gift for self-examination, he not only demonstrates the system of daily insights that he and his close-knit yet diverse "tribe" of confidants use to navigate and better their own lives, but also shares a year of searingly unvarnished daily reflections that are deeply powerful in their absolute honesty. Through the author's fearless example, readers who adopt his method can achieve the introspective clarity essential for progress in every facet of their lives. Expertise: Finance Author, Survivor, Money, Finances, Business, Investments Matt Constantino is Managing Partner of Delos Capital and has more than 25 years of experience working with management teams, CEOs, and boards of privately-held businesses. Previously, Mr. Constantino joined Apollo Global Management in 2002, where he was initially a member of the firm's flagship private equity fund, which focused on buyout transactions. In 2006, Matt was promoted to Partner within Apollo. Subsequently, he was named Head of Private Investments for Apollo's Strategic Value Fund, where he focused on lower- and middle-market private equity and special situations opportunities, as well as public and private debt and equity investing. Mr. Constantino also worked with ZS Fund and at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette in its Mergers & Acquisitions Department, and Vision Capital. He has an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School and a BA in Economics from Wesleyan University. Mr. Constantino is engaged in several external organizations, including Smiles Through Cars, Cherish Health, Free a Girl, and Hamptons Youth Camps. Matt is also the author of Gratitude, Strength, and Opportunity: Living for Today.

In April 2022, when Elon Musk made his $43–44 billion bid to buy Twitter, Apollo Global Management quickly surfaced as one of the major Wall Street firms exploring involvement. Reports from the Wall Street Journal and Sports Business Journal indicated that Apollo, which owned Yahoo and AOL through its portfolio, was considering helping finance Musk's bid through preferred equity or debt financing. The firm was also exploring options to roll its existing digital assets—like Yahoo's advertising infrastructure—into a broader partnership with Twitter after acquisition. The discussions positioned Apollo as one of the most significant institutional players potentially backing Musk, underscoring its appetite for high-profile tech and media investments.By October 2022, however, Reuters and PYMNTS confirmed that Apollo, along with Sixth Street Partners, had dropped out of negotiations. Sources familiar with the talks said the firms were “no longer in discussions” to participate in the financing package, citing uncertainties over Musk's shifting deal terms and the platform's long-term revenue trajectory. The withdrawal highlighted Apollo's risk-management approach—balancing bold investment ambition with caution toward volatile technology assets. In the end, Musk closed the acquisition without Apollo's participation, and the firm publicly moved on to other digital-media ventures.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

European governments have rallied behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and are rushing to secure a deal on the use of Russia's frozen assets, a coalition deal in Japan paves the way for Sanae Takaichi to become the country's first female prime minister, and Amazon Web Services experienced a major outage on Monday. Plus, Marc Rowan, chief executive of Apollo Global Management, has said Europe is “at war with itself” over financial regulation. Mentioned in this podcast:Europeans rush to Volodymyr Zelenskyy's defence after tense Donald Trump meetingApollo's Marc Rowan says ‘at war with itself' over finance regulationAmazon says cloud services recovering from widespread outageJapan coalition deal paves way for Sanae Takaichi to become first female PMToday's FT News Briefing was produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Our show was mixed by Kent Militzer. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Gavin Kallmann and David da Silva. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show's theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Employee engagement is rapidly becoming one of the most powerful forces shaping corporate philanthropy today. And skilled volunteerism—where employees contribute their professional expertise to nonprofits—can transform both the organizations served and the employees themselves.We invited Lauren Coape-Arnold, Executive Director of the Apollo Opportunity Foundation (AOF) and Global Head of Citizenship at Apollo Global Management, to speak about how AOF built a model that puts employees at the very heart of the company's philanthropy. It empowers employees to nominate, evaluate, and partner with grantees, ensuring that they are engaged throughout the entire relationship—not just at the funding stage. Through cross-functional “deal teams,” employees apply their analytical, financial, and strategic skills to help nonprofits thrive, all while cultivating collaboration and leadership within Apollo's culture. By structuring philanthropy around its people, AOF creates a cycle of giving and growth that benefits communities, strengthens performance, and deepens employees' sense of meaning at work.Listen for insights on:Establishing relationships with grantees that go beyond check-writingBuilding skilled volunteer programs employees actively want to joinCreating successful grant councils that bolster nonprofits and engage employees Resources + Links:Lauren Coape-Arnold's LinkedInApollo Opportunity Foundation (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Lauren Coape-Arnold and Apollo Opportunity Foundation (03:02) - Lauren's Background (05:40) - Apollo (06:29) - Creating the Foundation (08:39) - The Guardrails (10:12) - Picking the Focus (13:24) - Employee Focus (16:11) - How It's Done (19:10) - Skills-Based (19:53) - Deal Teams (21:28) - Impact (23:03) - Logistics (24:03) - GAIN UK (26:52) - Advice (28:47) - Review Process (29:51) - Integrating AI (31:51) - Last Word (33:00) - Wrap Up

Ralph welcomes Professor Roddey Reid to break down his book “Confronting Political Intimidation and Public Bullying: A Handbook for the Trump Era and Beyond.” Then, we are joined by the original Nader's Raider, Professor Robert Fellmeth, who enlightens us on how online anonymity and Artificial Intelligence are harming children.Roddey Reid is Professor Emeritus at the University of California, San Diego where he taught classes on modern cultures and societies in the US, France, and Japan. Since 2008 he has researched and published on trauma, daily life, and political intimidation in the US and Europe. He is a member of Indivisible.org San Francisco, and he hosts the blog UnSafe Thoughts on the fluidity of politics in dangerous times. He is also the author of Confronting Political Intimidation and Public Bullying: A Handbook for the Trump Era and Beyond.I think we still have trouble acknowledging what's actually happening. Particularly our established institutions that are supposed to protect us and safeguard us—many of their leaders are struggling with the sheer verbal and physical violence that's been unfurling in front of our very eyes. Many people are exhausted by it all. And it's transformed our daily life to the point that I think one of the goals is (quite clearly) to disenfranchise people such that they don't want to go out and participate in civic life.Roddey ReidWhat's broken down is…a collective response, organized group response. Now, in the absence of that, this is where No King's Day and other activities come to the fore. They're trying to restore collective action. They're trying to restore the public realm as a place for politics, dignity, safety, and shared purpose. And that's been lost. And so this is where the activists and civically engaged citizens and residents come in. They're having to supplement or even replace what these institutions traditionally have been understood to do. It's exhilarating, but it's also a sad moment.Roddey ReidRobert Fellmeth worked as a Nader's Raider from 1968 to 1973 in the early days of the consumer movement. He went on to become the Price Professor of Public Interest Law at the University of San Diego (where he taught for 47 years until his retirement early this year) and he founded their Children's Advocacy Institute in 1983. Since then, the Institute has sponsored 100 statutes and 35 appellate cases involving child rights, and today it has offices in Sacramento and DC. He is also the co-author of the leading law textbook Child Rights and Remedies.I think an easy remedy—it doesn't solve the problem totally—but simply require the AI to identify itself when it's being used. I mean, to me, that's something that should always be the case. You have a right to know. Again, free speech extends not only to the speaker, but also to the audience. The audience has a right to look at the information, to look at the speech, and to judge something about it, to be able to evaluate it. That's part of free speech.Robert FellmethNews 10/17/25* In Gaza, the Trump administration claims to have brokered a ceasefire. However, this peace – predicated on an exchange of prisoners – is extremely fragile. On Tuesday, Palestinians attempting to return to their homes were fired upon by Israeli soldiers. Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed those shot were “terrorists” whose attempts to “approach and cross [the Yellow Line] were thwarted.” Al Jazeera quotes Lorenzo Kamel, a professor of international history at Italy's University of Turin, who calls the ceasefire a “facade” and that the “structural violence will remain there precisely as it was – and perhaps even worse.” We can only hope that peace prevails and the Palestinians in Gaza are able to return to their land. Whatever is left of it.* Despite this ceasefire, Trump was denied in his bid for a Nobel Peace Prize. The prize instead went to right-wing Venezuelan dissident María Corina Machado. Democracy Now! reports Machado ran against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in 2023, but was “barred from running after the government accused her of corruption and cited her support for U.S. sanctions against Venezuela.” If elected Machado has promised to privatize Venezuela's state oil industry and move Venezuela's Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and in 2020, her party, Vente Venezuela, “signed a pact formalizing strategic ties with Israel's Likud party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.” Machado has also showered praise on right-wing Latin American leaders like Javier Milei of Argentina and following her victory, praised Trump's “decisive support,” even telling Fox News that Trump “deserves” the prize for his anti-Maduro campaign, per the Nation.* Machado's prize comes within the context of Trump's escalating attacks on Venezuela. In addition to a fifth deadly strike on a Venezuelan boat, which killed six, the New York Times reports Trump has ordered his envoy to the country Richard Grenell to cease all diplomatic outreach to Venezuela, including talks with President Maduro. According to this report, “Trump has grown frustrated with…Maduro's failure to accede to American demands to give up power voluntarily and the continued insistence by Venezuelan officials that they have no part in drug trafficking.” Grenell had been trying to strike a deal with the Bolivarian Republic to “avoid a larger conflict and give American companies access to Venezuelan oil,” but these efforts were obviously undercut by the attacks on the boats – which Democrats contend are illegal under U.S. and international law – as well as Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeling Maduro a “fugitive from American justice,” and placing a $50 million bounty on his head. With this situation escalating rapidly, many now fear direct U.S. military deployment into Venezuela.* Meanwhile, Trump has already deployed National Guard troops to terrorize immigrants in Chicago. The Chicago Sun-Times reports Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope and a Chicago native, met with Chicago union leaders in Rome last week and urged them to take action to protect immigrants in the city. Defending poor immigrants is rapidly becoming a top priority for the Catholic Church. Pope Leo has urged American bishops to “speak with one voice” on the issue and this story related that “El Paso bishop Mark Seitz brought Leo letters from desperate immigrant families.” Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, also at the meeting with Leo and the union leaders, said that the Pope “wants us to make sure, as bishops, that we speak out on behalf of the undocumented or anybody who's vulnerable to preserve their dignity…We all have to remember that we all share a common dignity as human beings.”* David Ellison, the newly-minted CEO of Paramount, is ploughing ahead with a planned expansion of his media empire. His next target: Warner Bros. Discovery. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Ellison already pitched a deal to WB CEO David Zaslav, but the $20 per share offer was rejected. However, Ellison is likely to offer a new deal “possibly…backed by his father Larry Ellison or a third party like Apollo [Global Management].” There is also talk that he could go directly to the WBD shareholders if the corporate leadership proves unresponsive. If Ellison is intent on this acquisition, he will need to move fast. Zaslav is planning to split the company into a “studios and HBO business,” and a Discovery business, which would include CNN. Ellison is clearly interested in acquiring CNN to help shape newsroom perspectives, as his recent appointment of Bari Weiss as “editor-in-chief” of CBS News demonstrates, so this split would make an acquisition far less of an attractive prospect. We will be watching this space.* In another Ellison-related media story, Newsweek reports Barron Trump, President Trump's 19-year-old son, is being eyed for a board seat at the newly reorganized Tik-Tok. According to this story, “Trump's former social media manager Jack Advent proposed the role at the social media giant, as it comes into U.S. ownership, arguing that the younger Trump's appointment could broaden TikTok's appeal among young users.” Barron is currently enrolled in New York University's Stern School of Business and serves as an “ambassador” for World Liberty Financial, the “Trump family's crypto venture.” TikTok U.S., formerly owned and operated by the Chinese company ByteDance, is being taken over by a “consortium of American investors [including Larry Ellison's] Oracle and investment firm Silver Lake Partners,” among others.* As the government shutdown drags on, the Trump administration is taking the opportunity to further gut the federal government, seeming to specifically target the offices protecting the most vulnerable. According to NPR, “all staff in the [Department of Education] Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), with the exception of a handful of top officials and support staff, were cut,” in a reduction-in-force or RIF order issued Friday. One employee is quoted saying “This is decimating the office responsible for safeguarding the rights of infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.” Per this report, OSERS is “responsible for roughly $15 billion in special education funding and for making sure states provide special education services to the nation's 7.5 million children with disabilities.” Just why exactly the administration is seeking to undercut federal support for disabled children is unclear. Over at the Department of Health and Human Services, headed by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS sent out an RIF to “approximately 1,760 employees last Friday — instead of the intended 982,” as a “result of data discrepancies and processing errors,” NOTUS reports. The agency admitted the error in a court filing in response to a suit brought by the employees' unions. Even still, the cuts are staggering and include 596 employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and 125 at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to name just a few. This report notes that other agencies, including the Departments of Justice, Treasury and Homeland Security all sent out inaccurately high RIFs as well.* The Lever reports Boeing, the troubled airline manufacturer, is fighting a new Federal Aviation Administration rule demanding additional inspections for older 737 series planes after regulators discovered cracks in their fuselages. The rule “would revise the inspection standards…through a regulatory action called an ‘airworthiness directive.'...akin to a product recall if inspectors find a defective piece of equipment on the plane…in [this case] cracks along the body of the plane's main cabin.” The lobbying group Airlines for America is seeking to weaken the rule by arguing that the maintenance checks would be too “costly” for the airline industry, who would ultimately have to bear the financial brunt of these inspections. Boeing is fighting them too because such a rule would make airlines less likely to buy Boeing's decaying airplanes. As this report notes, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy – who oversees the FAA – “previously worked as an airline lobbyist…[and] Airlines for America recently selected the former Republican Governor of New Hampshire, Chris Sununu to be their chief executive officer.”* In more consumer-related news, Consumer Reports has been conducting a series of studies on lead levels in various consumer products. Most recently, a survey of protein powders and shakes found “troubling levels of toxic heavy metals,” in many of the most popular brands. They write, “For more than two-thirds of the products we analyzed, a single serving contained more lead than CR's food safety experts say is safe to consume in a day—some by more than 10 times.” Some of these products have massively increased in heavy metal content just over the last several years. CR reports “Naked Nutrition's Vegan Mass Gainer powder, the product with the highest lead levels, had nearly twice as much lead per serving as the worst product we analyzed in 2010.” The experts quoted in this piece advise against daily use of these products, instead limiting them to just once per week.* Finally, in a new piece in Rolling Stone, David Sirota and Jared Jacang Maher lay out how conservatives are waging new legal campaigns to strip away the last remaining fig leaves of campaign finance regulation – and what states are doing to fight back. One angle of attack is a lawsuit targeting the restrictions on coordination between parties and individual campaigns, with House Republicans arguing that, “because parties pool money from many contributors, that ‘significantly dilutes the potential for any particular donor to exercise a corrupting influence over any particular candidate' who ultimately benefits from their cash.” Another angle is a lawsuit brought by P.G. Sittenfeld, the former Democratic mayor of Cincinnati – who has already been pardoned by Trump for accepting bribes – but is seeking to establish that “pay-to-play culture is now so pervasive that it should no longer be considered prosecutable.” However, the authors do throw out one ray of hope from an unlikely source: Montana. The authors write, “Thirteen years after the Supreme Court gutted the state's century-old anti-corruption law, Montana luminaries of both parties are now spearheading a ballot initiative circumventing Citizens United jurisprudence and instead focusing on changing state incorporation laws that the high court rarely meddles with.The measure's proponents note that Citizens United is predicated on state laws giving corporations the same powers as actual human beings, including the power to spend on politics. But they point out that in past eras, state laws granted corporations more limited powers — and states never relinquished their authority to redefine what corporations can and cannot do. The Montana initiative proposes to simply use that authority to change the law — in this case, to no longer grant corporations the power to spend on elections.” Who knows if this initiative will move forward in Montana, but it does provide states a blueprint for combatting the pernicious influence of Citizens United. States should and must act on it.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Eric Greenberg is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Cox Media Group, a multi-platform media company based in Atlanta that serves major US media markets. CMG is a portfolio company of the private equity firm, Apollo Global Management. In this episode… AI is transforming how general counsels and legal teams approach their work, with efficiency being just the beginning. For general counsels, the real opportunity lies in using technology to strengthen strategic thinking and decision making, not replace it. Large language models enable lawyers to analyze complex issues and identify patterns across vast amounts of information, yet they still need to apply critical thinking to interpret the results. So, how can legal professionals leverage AI to elevate their roles without compromising the judgment that defines their value?  Legal professionals should approach AI as a strategic collaborator rather than a simple efficiency tool. Prompt engineering is emerging as a critical skill that bridges tech-savvy younger lawyers with seasoned attorneys who bring deep judgment and experience. Together, they can build more collaborative, strategic teams. Inside companies, AI is changing how legal departments and outside counsel work together by enhancing efficiency and fostering opportunities for shared learning across systems. Embedding institutional knowledge into AI systems offers benefits for consistency and strategic alignment, yet it also carries risk if general counsel and legal teams rely too heavily on its static outputs instead of applying their own judgment. And as AI evolves, organizations need to also prepare for fast-moving threats like deepfakes, building plans that allow them to respond within minutes, not days.  In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels talk with Eric Greenberg, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of Cox Media Group, about how general counsels can effectively use AI. Eric discusses how AI tools are reshaping due diligence and decision-making, why developing strong prompt engineering skills can strengthen collaboration between junior and senior lawyers, and how in-house and outside counsel can work more effectively through interoperable AI systems. He shares insights from his Bloomberg Law article series on AI's impact, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and staying open-minded as technology evolves. Eric also explains the benefits and risks of embedding institutional knowledge into AI systems and offers practical ways legal professionals can experiment with AI tools.

In this live episode, recorded at Bloomberg's Investment Management Summit in Singapore, we sit down with Matthew Michelini, head of Asia-Pacific business for Apollo Global Management. We explore his optimism about Japan, driven by its corporate governance reform and the vast $7.5 trillion in consumer deposits. We also discuss how private capital is shaping asset allocation and the challenges posed by intense competition in the private-equity industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leon Black's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein spanned decades and has been a source of sustained scandal. Black, cofounder of Apollo Global Management, paid Epstein at least $158 million (and recent investigations suggest as much as $170 million) between 2012 and 2017 for tax, estate planning, and art-collection services. Black has acknowledged that working with Epstein was a “horrible mistake” and said he deeply regrets their association. Nonetheless, his payments and closeness to Epstein have invited intense scrutiny about what Black knew — or should have known — about Epstein's criminal network. Meanwhile, congressional and regulatory probes have sought to uncover the full extent of their financial entanglements and whether Black's use of Epstein's services was beyond mere professional consults.In addition to the financial scandal, Black's ties to Epstein have been tangled with serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Multiple lawsuits accuse Black of rape, including claims that in 2002, when introduced by Epstein, he assaulted a 16-year-old autistic girl in Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. One prominent lawsuit filed by Cheri Pierson accused Black of attacking her in Epstein's home; that lawsuit was later dismissed. Black has denied all criminal wrongdoing, asserting consensual relationships and rejecting claims against him as false. These overlapping allegations and financial links with Epstein have undermined Black's reputation, led to his resignation as MoMA board chair and Apollo executive, and triggered ongoing legal and reputational battles.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmaill.com

A new wave of scrutiny has reignited public attention on figures once connected to Jeffrey Epstein, with developments spanning finance, politics, and media. Billionaire investor Leon Black, who resigned from Apollo Global Management in 2021 after revelations he paid Epstein more than $150 million for “tax and estate planning,” is reportedly in talks to anchor a bid for The Telegraph, one of Britain's most storied newspapers. The move, seen by critics as an attempt at reputation rehabilitation, has drawn renewed criticism over Black's past ties to Epstein — particularly as he seeks control of a media institution traditionally associated with moral conservatism.Across the Atlantic, former Labour heavyweight Peter Mandelson has been ousted from his ambassadorial role after emails emerged showing him describing Epstein as a “good friend” and advocating for his early release even after the financier's sex crime conviction. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who initially defended Mandelson, reversed course swiftly once the correspondence became public, declaring the longtime political operator would have “no future role” in government. The episode has underscored the enduring reputational risks tied to Epstein's network, years after his death, and how proximity to his name continues to derail public careers.Meanwhile, journalist and author Michael Wolff has resurfaced with claims that Epstein's “ghost” still haunts former president Donald Trump — a relationship both men have publicly minimized. Wolff's insinuations, based largely on anecdotal accounts and suggestive sourcing, have been met with skepticism, yet continue to generate headlines in a political environment where scandal and spectacle often overshadow substance. Collectively, the stories of Black, Mandelson, and Trump — filtered through a media ecosystem eager for intrigue — illustrate how Epstein's legacy remains an open wound in elite circles, where power, money, and image intersect in a never-ending struggle between denial and exposure.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Leon Black's fall from grace at the Museum of Modern Art came in early 2021, after intense public backlash over his deep financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Reports revealed that Black had paid Epstein approximately $158 million for tax and estate advisory services, long after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. The revelations sparked outrage across New York's art world, with artists, staff, and activists demanding his removal from MoMA's board. Protesters accused the museum of moral hypocrisy for maintaining ties with a man linked to Epstein's network, arguing that his presence tainted the institution's credibility and mission. As pressure mounted from both within and outside MoMA, calls for his resignation grew louder, and donors began quietly voicing discomfort about his continued leadership.In March 2021, facing unrelenting scrutiny, Black announced that he would step down as chairman of MoMA's board and not seek re-election when his term ended. While he technically remained on the board as a trustee, his exit from the chairmanship was viewed as a forced retreat under immense public pressure. His resignation from the top spot came shortly after he also resigned as CEO of Apollo Global Management amid the same Epstein scandal. MoMA attempted to minimize the fallout by framing his departure as voluntary, but the timing — coming amid protests and reputational damage — made clear that Black's position had become untenable. His exit marked one of the most high-profile instances of cultural institutions severing ties with financiers connected to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Guzel Ganieva, a former Russian model, accused billionaire Leon Black of sexual abuse, coercion, and defamation stemming from a relationship that began in 2008. She alleged that Black raped her in 2014, engaged in “sadistic sexual acts,” and forced her into signing a nondisclosure agreement under duress to keep her silent. Ganieva claimed that Black used his wealth and power to control her and made payments to maintain her silence. Black denied all wrongdoing, describing the relationship as consensual and accusing Ganieva of extortion. The lawsuit gained national attention due to Black's high-profile status as co-founder of Apollo Global Management and his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.In March 2023, Ganieva fired her legal team, Wigdor LLP, citing an “irrevocable breakdown” in their attorney-client relationship and moved to represent herself. A New York State Supreme Court judge later granted Wigdor's request to withdraw. In May 2023, a judge dismissed Ganieva's defamation claims, ruling that the nondisclosure agreement she signed — and accepted $9.5 million from — barred her case and that she had ratified the deal by taking its benefits. Ganieva appealed, but courts have continued to uphold the dismissal. Black later sued both Ganieva and her former law firm for malicious prosecution, alleging reputational damage, and while parts of that countersuit were dismissed, other claims were allowed to proceed.to contact me:bobbyapucci@protonmail.com

A new wave of scrutiny has reignited public attention on figures once connected to Jeffrey Epstein, with developments spanning finance, politics, and media. Billionaire investor Leon Black, who resigned from Apollo Global Management in 2021 after revelations he paid Epstein more than $150 million for “tax and estate planning,” is reportedly in talks to anchor a bid for The Telegraph, one of Britain's most storied newspapers. The move, seen by critics as an attempt at reputation rehabilitation, has drawn renewed criticism over Black's past ties to Epstein — particularly as he seeks control of a media institution traditionally associated with moral conservatism.Across the Atlantic, former Labour heavyweight Peter Mandelson has been ousted from his ambassadorial role after emails emerged showing him describing Epstein as a “good friend” and advocating for his early release even after the financier's sex crime conviction. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who initially defended Mandelson, reversed course swiftly once the correspondence became public, declaring the longtime political operator would have “no future role” in government. The episode has underscored the enduring reputational risks tied to Epstein's network, years after his death, and how proximity to his name continues to derail public careers.Meanwhile, journalist and author Michael Wolff has resurfaced with claims that Epstein's “ghost” still haunts former president Donald Trump — a relationship both men have publicly minimized. Wolff's insinuations, based largely on anecdotal accounts and suggestive sourcing, have been met with skepticism, yet continue to generate headlines in a political environment where scandal and spectacle often overshadow substance. Collectively, the stories of Black, Mandelson, and Trump — filtered through a media ecosystem eager for intrigue — illustrate how Epstein's legacy remains an open wound in elite circles, where power, money, and image intersect in a never-ending struggle between denial and exposure.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

A new wave of scrutiny has reignited public attention on figures once connected to Jeffrey Epstein, with developments spanning finance, politics, and media. Billionaire investor Leon Black, who resigned from Apollo Global Management in 2021 after revelations he paid Epstein more than $150 million for “tax and estate planning,” is reportedly in talks to anchor a bid for The Telegraph, one of Britain's most storied newspapers. The move, seen by critics as an attempt at reputation rehabilitation, has drawn renewed criticism over Black's past ties to Epstein — particularly as he seeks control of a media institution traditionally associated with moral conservatism.Across the Atlantic, former Labour heavyweight Peter Mandelson has been ousted from his ambassadorial role after emails emerged showing him describing Epstein as a “good friend” and advocating for his early release even after the financier's sex crime conviction. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who initially defended Mandelson, reversed course swiftly once the correspondence became public, declaring the longtime political operator would have “no future role” in government. The episode has underscored the enduring reputational risks tied to Epstein's network, years after his death, and how proximity to his name continues to derail public careers.Meanwhile, journalist and author Michael Wolff has resurfaced with claims that Epstein's “ghost” still haunts former president Donald Trump — a relationship both men have publicly minimized. Wolff's insinuations, based largely on anecdotal accounts and suggestive sourcing, have been met with skepticism, yet continue to generate headlines in a political environment where scandal and spectacle often overshadow substance. Collectively, the stories of Black, Mandelson, and Trump — filtered through a media ecosystem eager for intrigue — illustrate how Epstein's legacy remains an open wound in elite circles, where power, money, and image intersect in a never-ending struggle between denial and exposure.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Leon Black's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein spanned decades and has been a source of sustained scandal. Black, cofounder of Apollo Global Management, paid Epstein at least $158 million (and recent investigations suggest as much as $170 million) between 2012 and 2017 for tax, estate planning, and art-collection services. Black has acknowledged that working with Epstein was a “horrible mistake” and said he deeply regrets their association. Nonetheless, his payments and closeness to Epstein have invited intense scrutiny about what Black knew — or should have known — about Epstein's criminal network. Meanwhile, congressional and regulatory probes have sought to uncover the full extent of their financial entanglements and whether Black's use of Epstein's services was beyond mere professional consults.In addition to the financial scandal, Black's ties to Epstein have been tangled with serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Multiple lawsuits accuse Black of rape, including claims that in 2002, when introduced by Epstein, he assaulted a 16-year-old autistic girl in Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. One prominent lawsuit filed by Cheri Pierson accused Black of attacking her in Epstein's home; that lawsuit was later dismissed. Black has denied all criminal wrongdoing, asserting consensual relationships and rejecting claims against him as false. These overlapping allegations and financial links with Epstein have undermined Black's reputation, led to his resignation as MoMA board chair and Apollo executive, and triggered ongoing legal and reputational battles.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmaill.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Leon Black is an American businessman and investor who co-founded the private equity firm Apollo Global Management. He has been a prominent figure in the financial industry. Jeffrey Epstein, on the other hand, was a financier and convicted sex offender who was known for his associations with numerous high-profile individuals, including politicians, celebrities, and business leaders.The history between Leon Black and Jeffrey Epstein is primarily centered around their business and personal connections. Black and Epstein became acquainted in the late 1990s through their involvement in philanthropic and business circles. They both had connections to Harvard University and its financial and academic networks.Black's ties to Epstein included financial transactions, personal loans, and Epstein's involvement in managing some of Black's personal finances.One of the most significant points of contention was Black's relationship with Epstein after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Despite Epstein's conviction, Black maintained a relationship with him, including financial transactions.This relationship became public knowledge and raised questions about Black's judgment and decision-making, considering Epstein's criminal history.In January 2021, Leon Black announced that he would step down as CEO of Apollo Global Management amid increased scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein.An internal review by Apollo's board found that Black had paid Epstein over $150 million for various services and advice, including tax and estate planning. Black stated that he deeply regretted his involvement with Epstein and acknowledged the mistake in judgment.As the story continued to evolve, even more disturbing allegations were brought against Leon Black, including that he took part in the abuse of some of Jeffrey Epstein's victims. In this episode, we get an update on an ongoing legal case between Leon Black and one of his accusers, a woman who is also afflicted with mosaic down syndrome. (commercial at 10:24)to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Leon Black's Down syndrome rape accuser says he sent private investigators to her house and to her parents' home after she filed lawsuit | Daily Mail OnlineBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Leon Black's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein spanned decades and has been a source of sustained scandal. Black, cofounder of Apollo Global Management, paid Epstein at least $158 million (and recent investigations suggest as much as $170 million) between 2012 and 2017 for tax, estate planning, and art-collection services. Black has acknowledged that working with Epstein was a “horrible mistake” and said he deeply regrets their association. Nonetheless, his payments and closeness to Epstein have invited intense scrutiny about what Black knew — or should have known — about Epstein's criminal network. Meanwhile, congressional and regulatory probes have sought to uncover the full extent of their financial entanglements and whether Black's use of Epstein's services was beyond mere professional consults.In addition to the financial scandal, Black's ties to Epstein have been tangled with serious allegations of sexual misconduct. Multiple lawsuits accuse Black of rape, including claims that in 2002, when introduced by Epstein, he assaulted a 16-year-old autistic girl in Epstein's Manhattan townhouse. One prominent lawsuit filed by Cheri Pierson accused Black of attacking her in Epstein's home; that lawsuit was later dismissed. Black has denied all criminal wrongdoing, asserting consensual relationships and rejecting claims against him as false. These overlapping allegations and financial links with Epstein have undermined Black's reputation, led to his resignation as MoMA board chair and Apollo executive, and triggered ongoing legal and reputational battles.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmaill.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Guzel Ganieva, a former Russian model, accused billionaire Leon Black of sexual abuse, coercion, and defamation stemming from a relationship that began in 2008. She alleged that Black raped her in 2014, engaged in “sadistic sexual acts,” and forced her into signing a nondisclosure agreement under duress to keep her silent. Ganieva claimed that Black used his wealth and power to control her and made payments to maintain her silence. Black denied all wrongdoing, describing the relationship as consensual and accusing Ganieva of extortion. The lawsuit gained national attention due to Black's high-profile status as co-founder of Apollo Global Management and his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.In March 2023, Ganieva fired her legal team, Wigdor LLP, citing an “irrevocable breakdown” in their attorney-client relationship and moved to represent herself. A New York State Supreme Court judge later granted Wigdor's request to withdraw. In May 2023, a judge dismissed Ganieva's defamation claims, ruling that the nondisclosure agreement she signed — and accepted $9.5 million from — barred her case and that she had ratified the deal by taking its benefits. Ganieva appealed, but courts have continued to uphold the dismissal. Black later sued both Ganieva and her former law firm for malicious prosecution, alleging reputational damage, and while parts of that countersuit were dismissed, other claims were allowed to proceed.to contact me:bobbyapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Leon Black's fall from grace at the Museum of Modern Art came in early 2021, after intense public backlash over his deep financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Reports revealed that Black had paid Epstein approximately $158 million for tax and estate advisory services, long after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. The revelations sparked outrage across New York's art world, with artists, staff, and activists demanding his removal from MoMA's board. Protesters accused the museum of moral hypocrisy for maintaining ties with a man linked to Epstein's network, arguing that his presence tainted the institution's credibility and mission. As pressure mounted from both within and outside MoMA, calls for his resignation grew louder, and donors began quietly voicing discomfort about his continued leadership.In March 2021, facing unrelenting scrutiny, Black announced that he would step down as chairman of MoMA's board and not seek re-election when his term ended. While he technically remained on the board as a trustee, his exit from the chairmanship was viewed as a forced retreat under immense public pressure. His resignation from the top spot came shortly after he also resigned as CEO of Apollo Global Management amid the same Epstein scandal. MoMA attempted to minimize the fallout by framing his departure as voluntary, but the timing — coming amid protests and reputational damage — made clear that Black's position had become untenable. His exit marked one of the most high-profile instances of cultural institutions severing ties with financiers connected to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Leon Black's fall from grace at the Museum of Modern Art came in early 2021, after intense public backlash over his deep financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Reports revealed that Black had paid Epstein approximately $158 million for tax and estate advisory services, long after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. The revelations sparked outrage across New York's art world, with artists, staff, and activists demanding his removal from MoMA's board. Protesters accused the museum of moral hypocrisy for maintaining ties with a man linked to Epstein's network, arguing that his presence tainted the institution's credibility and mission. As pressure mounted from both within and outside MoMA, calls for his resignation grew louder, and donors began quietly voicing discomfort about his continued leadership.In March 2021, facing unrelenting scrutiny, Black announced that he would step down as chairman of MoMA's board and not seek re-election when his term ended. While he technically remained on the board as a trustee, his exit from the chairmanship was viewed as a forced retreat under immense public pressure. His resignation from the top spot came shortly after he also resigned as CEO of Apollo Global Management amid the same Epstein scandal. MoMA attempted to minimize the fallout by framing his departure as voluntary, but the timing — coming amid protests and reputational damage — made clear that Black's position had become untenable. His exit marked one of the most high-profile instances of cultural institutions severing ties with financiers connected to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Guzel Ganieva, a former Russian model, accused billionaire Leon Black of sexual abuse, coercion, and defamation stemming from a relationship that began in 2008. She alleged that Black raped her in 2014, engaged in “sadistic sexual acts,” and forced her into signing a nondisclosure agreement under duress to keep her silent. Ganieva claimed that Black used his wealth and power to control her and made payments to maintain her silence. Black denied all wrongdoing, describing the relationship as consensual and accusing Ganieva of extortion. The lawsuit gained national attention due to Black's high-profile status as co-founder of Apollo Global Management and his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein.In March 2023, Ganieva fired her legal team, Wigdor LLP, citing an “irrevocable breakdown” in their attorney-client relationship and moved to represent herself. A New York State Supreme Court judge later granted Wigdor's request to withdraw. In May 2023, a judge dismissed Ganieva's defamation claims, ruling that the nondisclosure agreement she signed — and accepted $9.5 million from — barred her case and that she had ratified the deal by taking its benefits. Ganieva appealed, but courts have continued to uphold the dismissal. Black later sued both Ganieva and her former law firm for malicious prosecution, alleging reputational damage, and while parts of that countersuit were dismissed, other claims were allowed to proceed.to contact me:bobbyapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

After Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 arrest, billionaire financier Leon Black scrambled to distance himself from the disgraced sex offender, despite years of documented financial and personal ties. Black initially portrayed his connection to Epstein as limited to “tax and estate planning advice,” claiming he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities and had ended all contact after learning of them. But that narrative began to crumble when reports revealed Black had paid Epstein roughly $158 million between 2012 and 2017—years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. Under growing scrutiny, Black stepped down as CEO and chairman of Apollo Global Management in 2021 following an internal investigation that, while stopping short of criminal findings, confirmed that his payments to Epstein were far larger and more frequent than previously disclosed.Publicly, Black sought to frame himself as a victim of Epstein's manipulative charm, describing their relationship as a “terrible mistake” born of misplaced trust in a man who “betrayed” him. Privately, however, former associates and leaked correspondence suggested the two had shared a closer dynamic, with Epstein advising on personal matters, charitable giving, and even meeting members of Black's family. The fallout tarnished Black's reputation permanently, forcing him into partial exile from the financial elite he once dominated. His attempts to rebrand the connection as a naïve business misjudgment only deepened public skepticism—cementing his image as another powerful man who enabled, empowered, and profited from Jeffrey Epstein long after the rest of the world knew who and what he was.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Leon Black, billionaire cofounder of Apollo Global Management, was for years a heavyweight political donor, spreading money to both Democrats and Republicans. In 2016 alone, he poured in more than $590,000 across campaigns and committees, with large sums going to both parties' super PACs—$250,000 to the Democratic-aligned Senate Majority PAC and $150,000 to the Republican-aligned Congressional Leadership Fund. His donations continued into later cycles, but the amounts dropped sharply once his connections to Jeffrey Epstein became public, with watchdogs noting a steep decline in his political spending after 2020.When it came to his personal scandals, Black has claimed he was the one being targeted rather than the perpetrator. After Guzel Ganieva filed her 2021 lawsuit alleging sexual assault and coercion, Black fired back that the allegations were “fiction” and part of an extortion scheme. He launched counterclaims of defamation, insisted he had proof in the form of texts and calls, and argued that he was the victim of a calculated conspiracy meant to “destroy” him through litigation and media pressure. Black's stance has consistently been that he was set up—framed as both a financial and reputational hit job orchestrated by opportunists who saw him as a target.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Leon Black, billionaire cofounder of Apollo Global Management, was for years a heavyweight political donor, spreading money to both Democrats and Republicans. In 2016 alone, he poured in more than $590,000 across campaigns and committees, with large sums going to both parties' super PACs—$250,000 to the Democratic-aligned Senate Majority PAC and $150,000 to the Republican-aligned Congressional Leadership Fund. His donations continued into later cycles, but the amounts dropped sharply once his connections to Jeffrey Epstein became public, with watchdogs noting a steep decline in his political spending after 2020.When it came to his personal scandals, Black has claimed he was the one being targeted rather than the perpetrator. After Guzel Ganieva filed her 2021 lawsuit alleging sexual assault and coercion, Black fired back that the allegations were “fiction” and part of an extortion scheme. He launched counterclaims of defamation, insisted he had proof in the form of texts and calls, and argued that he was the victim of a calculated conspiracy meant to “destroy” him through litigation and media pressure. Black's stance has consistently been that he was set up—framed as both a financial and reputational hit job orchestrated by opportunists who saw him as a target.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Leon Black, billionaire cofounder of Apollo Global Management, was for years a heavyweight political donor, spreading money to both Democrats and Republicans. In 2016 alone, he poured in more than $590,000 across campaigns and committees, with large sums going to both parties' super PACs—$250,000 to the Democratic-aligned Senate Majority PAC and $150,000 to the Republican-aligned Congressional Leadership Fund. His donations continued into later cycles, but the amounts dropped sharply once his connections to Jeffrey Epstein became public, with watchdogs noting a steep decline in his political spending after 2020.When it came to his personal scandals, Black has claimed he was the one being targeted rather than the perpetrator. After Guzel Ganieva filed her 2021 lawsuit alleging sexual assault and coercion, Black fired back that the allegations were “fiction” and part of an extortion scheme. He launched counterclaims of defamation, insisted he had proof in the form of texts and calls, and argued that he was the victim of a calculated conspiracy meant to “destroy” him through litigation and media pressure. Black's stance has consistently been that he was set up—framed as both a financial and reputational hit job orchestrated by opportunists who saw him as a target.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Story of the Week (DR):War against women continues: Uber Not Responsible for Sex Assault, Jury Finds, as More Cases FollowEthan P. Schulman, the judge presiding over the California state court cases, told jurors that Uber would be responsible for the woman's harm if the company was negligent in using adequate safety measures and the negligence was a “substantial factor” in causing the harm.In its decision, the jury unanimously agreed that Uber had been negligent in its general safety practices when the incident occurred in 2016 — but that the negligence was not a substantial factor in causing the attack. The jury's foreman: “We felt that they could have done more back in the early days of Uber, rather than just focusing on growth,”Meet Lisa Monaco, the 57-year-old Microsoft executive Trump wants fired“Corrupt and Totally Trump Deranged Lisa Monaco (A purported pawn of Legal Lightweight Andrew Weissmann), was a senior National Security aide under Barack Hussein Obama. Monaco has been shockingly hired as the President of Global Affairs for Microsoft, in a very senior role with access to Highly Sensitive Information. Monaco's having that kind of access is unacceptable, and cannot be allowed to stand.”Monaco helped coordinate the Justice Department's response to the Jan. 6th attacks on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters in 2021. In January 2022, Monaco publicly announced that the Justice Department was investigating the Trump fake electors plotMilitary women fear losing 'every bit of ground' as Hegseth looks backward to the 1990sDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that he wants to review Defense Department standards that have changed since the 1990s, a time when military women saw far less support for their service and met drastically lower physical standards than today: "The 1990s test is simple. What were the military standards in 1990? And if they have changed, tell me why. Was it necessary change based on the evolving landscape of combat? Or was the change due to a softening, weakening, or gender-based pursuit of other priorities? 1990s seems to be as good a place to start as any."PGA of America CEO apologizes for Ryder Cup missteps, but group's president denies problemThe Misogynistic Abuse Towards Rory McIlroy's Wife at the Ryder Cup Is Deeper Than Golf. It shows a cultural shift, one in which men feel emboldened to attack women in public without shame or consequence. The abuse and taunts were so unrelenting that Stoll was spotted with “tears streaming down her face”PGA of America President Don Rea took a different approach on Sunday in a BBC interview where he downplayed the severity of the crowd's behavior: “Well, you have 50,000 people there that are really excited, and heck, you can go to a youth soccer game and get some people who say the wrong things,” Rea said. When asked about the abuse directed at McIlroy, he responded, “I haven't heard some of that. I'm sure it's happened … Rory understands things like that are going to happen.”Fake billionaire manbaby “retirements” continue DRSpotify CEO Daniel Ek to Step Down. The Stock Is Falling.Spotify founder steps down amid controversy over defence linksIt comes after Mr Ek has faced fierce scrutiny for investing around €700m (£612m) in defence company Helsing through his venture capital fund. Munich-based Helsing sells AI software for military use and has expanded into weapons manufacturing following an investment by the founder of Spotify.Spotify has said that it is “totally separate” from HelsingSpotify founder Ek Daniel to step down as CEO; says: I will be more involved than a typical US chairmanGustav Söderström and Alex Norström under founder/former CEO/Executive Chair Daniel Ek (43%) (Ted Sarandos on this board)Spotify founder Daniel Ek once said he was the ‘least powerful person' at the company. Here's how he built it into a $145 billion music empireThe rise of the bro co-CEO: Lila MacLellanCEOs and Trump love affair continuesTrump, Pfizer agree to lower U.S. drug prices, exempt company from pharma tariffsTrump announces 'TrumpRx' drug-buying website alongside Pfizer CEOPartnering with Pfizer, beginning in 2026 the federal government will have a website, TrumpRx.gov, through which Pfizer's prescription drugs can be sold directly to consumers at discounts, without the intermediaries of pharmacy benefit managers such as CVS Health's Caremark and UnitedHealthcare-owned OptumRx46% against Say on Pay in 2025Proxy adviser ISS recommended against the compensation proposalCEO/Chair Albert BourlaOther board members include: former Vanguard CEO/Chair Mortimer J. Buckley, OpenAI (2024-) board member and former Meta (2013-2019) board member Susan Desmond-Hellmann; former Deloitte CEO Joseph J. Echevarria; Adobe CEO/Chair Shantanu Narayen; former Goldman Sachs Vice Chair Suzanne Nora Johnson; Coca-Cola CEO/Chair James Quincey; former State Street Global Advisor CEO Cyrus Taraporevala; Compensation Committee chair (James Smith, former Thomson Reuters CEO) received 93% supportOnly 23% women; 5 top NEOs all menTrump Adviser Admits Larry Ellison Is “Shadow President of the United States” Larry Ellison once predicted ‘citizens will be on their best behavior' amid constant recording. Now his company will pay a key role in social mediaElon Musk fighting for attention:Elon Musk speaks out on controversial $1 trillion Tesla pay package: 'It's not about compensation'"It's not about 'compensation,' but about me having enough influence over Tesla to ensure safety if we build millions of robots.”Elon Musk makes history as first person ever to hit $500B net worth milestoneNew Evidence Links Elon Musk to Epstein's IslandElon Musk Calls Wikipedia “Too Woke,” Announces His Own GrokipediaElon Musk implores people "Cancel Netflix" over a canceled TV show because of wokeMore Dummies from DealBook:Talking A.I. With CEO William Stone of SS&C, a major investment fund administrator and transfer agency, acquired the automation software company Blue Prism for around $1.6 billion in 2022:How do you personally use A.I.? “I'm interested in horse racing, and I own horses. I use A.I. to track how they're doing. There are all kinds of statistics, like how far can they travel before their performance starts to deteriorate: If they're in Kentucky, can they go to California? Can they go to New York?”Goodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Gavin Newson [sic] Signs Law Cracking Down on AI IndustryCalifornia governor Gavin Newsom signed what proponents say is the first AI safety and transparency law in the US. The Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act, also known as SB 53, requires AI companies with over $500 million in revenue to publicly disclose their safety and security protocols in fairly granular detailMM: F.D.A. Approves a New Generic Abortion Pill DR MMMM: Activist Investor Wants Target's Brian Cornell Completely OutMM: One line from this story about Tesla's advising sleepy drivers to stay away by enabling Full Self Driving: Tesla's cars can't actually drive themselves without close human supervision. Nonetheless, the automaker labels its most advanced driving mode “Full Self-Driving” (FSD), while its CEO and chief overpromiser Elon Musk explicitly says that they do, in fact, “drive themselves” seemingly every other week.Assholiest of the Week Biggest Loser (MM):US WomenThe rise of the bro-co-CEOMilitary women fear losing 'every bit of ground' as Hegseth looks backward to the 1990sUber Not Responsible for Sex Assault, Jury Finds, as More Cases FollowKKR Appoints Former Eaton CEO Craig Arnold to Board of Directors, Increasing Independent Seats to ElevenContinues a trend - from 29% to 26% female by adding another dude through board expansionMeanwhile…Share of female execs at major Japan firms rises to 18.4%Spineless companiesDisney's image tanks among Republicans, Democrats after Jimmy Kimmel controversyCracker Barrel Drops Firm Behind Ill-Fated Logo ChangeInvestorsU.S. States are shedding shareholder protections. That's an advantage for CanadaPreparing the board for 2026: More than half of directors want a peer replaced, survey findsFedEx shareholders elect Richard Smith, son of founder Fred Smith, to board of directorsEveryone elseGodfather of AI Says We're Barreling Straight Toward Human ExtinctionOpenAI says it's worried about ‘doomscrolling, addiction, isolation, and … sloptimized feeds' as it rolls out Sora social media appMeta won't allow users to opt out of targeted ads based on AI chatsElon Musk Calls Wikipedia “Too Woke,” Announces His Own GrokipediaLarry Ellison once predicted ‘citizens will be on their best behavior' amid constant recording. Now his company will pay a key role in social mediaThe wealth of the top 1% reaches a record $52 trillionThe climateNew BP Chair Urges Faster Pivot to Oil and GasDuke Energy backs off renewables after North Carolina cuts climate goalTrump administration cancels nearly $8 billion in climate funding to blue states: VoughtMAGA comes for the ‘woke pope' after pontiff blesses block of ice in climate change gestureOpenAI's New Data Centers Will Draw More Power Than the Entirety of New York City, Sam Altman SaysHeadliniest of the WeekDR: New Poll: 94% of Gen Z Youth Report Experiencing Regular Mental Health ChallengesMM: Police Pull Over Waymo to Check for Drunk DrivingWho Won the Week?DR: Daniel Ek: the dude who got rich by devaluing artists, then used his billionaire ego to create a vanity money-spending company with the pretentious name Prima Materia (“formless primeval substance regarded as the original material of the universe”).Prima Materia says it wants to “partner with exceptional people to build companies that leverage technology to help solve meaningful problems for society.”He set it up with Shakil Khan — a fellow Spotify investor and close personal friend with a criminal past, who was accused of hiding his real role at Spotify during its IPO.Khan doesn't appear in any of Spotify's filing documents, even though he's been publicly described as: 1) “head of special projects,” 2) “advisor to Daniel Ek,” 3) “personal advisor to the Spotify CEO,” 4) “investor in Spotify,” 5) “founder,” 6) “consigliere,” 7) “second-in-command,” and 8) “prominent public role” — apparently to avoid scaring investors.Khan cites Mark Zuckerberg as the American leader he admires most.Now their company invests (and Ek chairs) in literal weapon building (Helsing/military strike drones, etc.) and nonsense like Neko Health, the so-called “Apple of healthcare” that charges £300 for preventative screenings like mole checks — giving Daniel Ek more time to feel super important and potentially destroy the world while getting richer?MM: Ron Sugar, who TWICE has had his age limit restriction waived on the Apple board, will turn out a-okay: Dr. Ronald Sugar and Gilman Louie join Ursa Major's Board of DirectorsPredictionsDR: Daniel Ek's Prima Materia leads €600 million Series D strategic financing round for Moodify, an AI-supported app that will “end depression” by pushing algorithmically-optimized dopamine ads 24/7, think TikTok for sadnessMM: LAY UP: After reading this - Apollo Global Management director Pauline Richards resigns from board - the board is now 4 women and 10 men (Marc Rowan owns 63% of board influence, so no one really matters). I predict Pauline Richards will be replaced by a male director, going from 33% female to 27% female in one fell swoop. Side note: Apollo's fun joke was to have a “sustainability committee” on the board they take so seriously, it's the committee with 3 women and and anti-woke anti-ESG ex-Senator Patrick Toomey

Denise George, the former Attorney General of the U.S. Virgin Islands, took a highly aggressive approach in pursuing Jeffrey Epstein's financial network, using subpoenas as her primary weapon. Her office demanded records from major banks—including JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, and Citibank—seeking detailed information on Epstein's accounts, shell companies, and offshore structures. She also extended subpoenas to powerful financiers like Leon Black and his firm Apollo Global Management, as well as Glenn Dubin and his wife, requiring them to produce financial statements and communications tied to their dealings with Epstein. These subpoenas aimed to uncover the hidden channels through which Epstein moved money, secured influence, and allegedly funded his trafficking operation.The broader intent behind George's subpoenas was not just to secure financial restitution from Epstein's estate, but to expose the web of enablers who may have knowingly or unknowingly facilitated his crimes. Her legal filings accused Epstein and his entities of running a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking, forced labor, and aggravated sexual assault in the Virgin Islands. By targeting banks and billionaires alike, George's subpoenas sent a clear message: Epstein's power was built on institutional complicity, and the only way to dismantle it was to follow the money wherever it led.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Leon Black, billionaire co-founder of Apollo Global Management, maintained a direct and lucrative financial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein long after Epstein's 2008 conviction. Records show Black paid Epstein roughly $158 million between 2012 and 2017 for what he characterized as tax, estate, and philanthropic advisory work. Despite Epstein's notoriety, Black said he relied on top law firms and accounting advisors to vet Epstein's services, insisting the payments were tied to legitimate advice.Beyond financial dealings, Black's inclusion in Epstein's 2003 “birthday book” underscored a social tie as well. He submitted a poem that alluded to Epstein's reputation for financial wizardry, suggesting familiarity beyond just business. Congressional investigators and Senate leaders have since questioned whether the scale of the payments was commensurate with the services Epstein claimed to provide, calling for deeper IRS scrutiny into whether Epstein was effectively a shadow fixer for Black's wealth.to  contact  me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comSource:https://www.crainsnewyork.com/finance/epstein-had-door-apollo-his-deep-ties-blackBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen are at Fast Company's 2025 Innovation Festival to discuss the latest business news and the event's festivities. Topics include the TikTok deal “framework” with new investors, California lawmakers passing an AI safety bill, Apollo Global Management considering the sale of AOL, and the top takeaways from the Emmys.   Next, senior editor Max Ufberg talks with Glean's founder and CEO, Arvind Jain, about the future of agentic AI. They discuss his thoughts on improving workplace knowledge for enterprise clients and staying ahead of major competitors as this market continues to evolve competitively. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/newsTo follow the latest on Innovation Festival:https://events.fastcompany.com/innovationfestival25

Apollo Global Management (along with VICI Properties) struck a massive deal to acquire The Venetian Resort, Palazzo, and Sands Expo from Las Vegas Sands for about $6.25 billion. The deal split the real estate and operations: VICI bought the land and real estate assets (~$4 billion), while Apollo acquired the operating company. Apollo is responsible for running day-to-day operations including hotel rooms, casinos, dining, entertainment, and conventions. Seller financing and favorable lease terms with VICI were part of the structure, making it a complex transaction with shared responsibilitiesRegulators in Nevada approved Apollo's license to operate the properties, despite concerns tied to Apollo's past (notably its prior ownership of Caesars and founder Leon Black's controversies). To address those concerns, Apollo agreed to strict governance structures: Leon Black, though still a shareholder, would have no day-to-day control, no board seat, and would stay fully separated from decision-making for these properties. Apollo reinforced that this deal is very different from its prior stressful venture with Caesars, mainly with less leverage, clearer operational expectations, and stronger protections.To contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.nevadacurrent.com/2022/02/01/as-apollo-makes-license-bid-for-sands-founder-alleges-conspiracy-against-co-founder/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

In July 2023, billionaire Leon Black, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, agreed to pay roughly $62.5 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands to resolve potential claims tied to his financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. The USVI had been pursuing Epstein's estate and associates for enabling or benefiting from his trafficking network, and Black was facing scrutiny over large payments made to Epstein's companies for so-called “financial advice.” The settlement gave Black immunity from criminal liability in the USVI and ended the possibility of a lawsuit there, though it did not include an admission of wrongdoing. Black has consistently said the payments were legitimate professional fees and that he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes.The deal, however, did not put all questions to rest. Around the same time, the Senate Finance Committee, led by Senator Ron Wyden, released documents showing Black paid Epstein far more than originally known—over $150 million between 2012 and 2017—sparking deeper concerns that such vast sums may have indirectly financed Epstein's operations. The revelations intensified scrutiny not only of Black's judgment but also of whether banks and institutions involved properly flagged or investigated the transactions. While the $62 million settlement resolved matters with the Virgin Islands, it left lingering doubts about the true nature of Black's relationship with Epstein and whether full accountability was ever reached.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Leon Black, CEO of Apollo Global Management, wrote to his investors expressing regret over his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, but he strongly denied wrongdoing or any inappropriate conduct. Black acknowledged that he transferred between $50 million and $75 million to Epstein as far back as 2008, and detailed that Epstein provided professional services to Black's family partnership — services such as estate planning, tax advice, and philanthropic consulting.Black insisted that all of his dealings with Epstein were in a personal capacity and that Apollo itself did not conduct business with Epstein. He said he was “completely unaware” of, and appalled by, the wrongdoing revealed in late 2018 that led to the criminal charges against Epstein. He also pledged to cooperate with ongoing investigations, including that by the U.S. Virgin Islands, while maintaining that none of the conduct was illegal.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comSource:https://www.reuters.com/article/us-people-jeffrey-epstein-apollo-global/apollo-ceo-black-says-he-regrets-ties-to-epstein-denies-any-wrongdoing-idUSKBN26X2PDThe letter:https://www.axios.com/leon-black-jeffrey-epstein-0eff63bd-6549-4c03-a93a-bb99766dcade.htmlBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

In der heutigen Folge sprechen die Finanzjournalisten Daniel Eckert und Philipp Vetter über Rückenwind für die Hannover Rück, den erfolgreichen Börsengang der Kryptobörse Gemini und fehlende Friedensfantasie bei Heidelberg Materials. Außerdem geht es um Warner Bros Discovery, Tesla, Micron Technology, Palantir, Advanced Micro Devices, Microsoft, Strategy, Trade Republic, EQT, Apollo Global Management, Merck & Co., Amgen, Boeing, Nike, Coinshares Physical XRP (WKN: A3GRUE), Bitwise Physical XRP (WKN: A3GYNB) und Invesco Physical Bitcoin (WKN: A3GU8J). Die Tickets zum Finance Summit am 17. September bekommt ihr 40 Euro günstiger – aber nur mit dem exklusiven Code AAA2025, der ihr unter dem folgenden Link eingeben müsst: https://veranstaltung.businessinsider.de/BN5aLV Außerdem könnt ihr unter diesem Link euer Depot hochladen – und mit etwas Glück wird kein Geringerer als Christian W. Röhl euer Depot beim Summit checken und optimieren. https://form.jotform.com/Product_Unit/formular-finance-summit-depot-check Wir freuen uns über Feedback an aaa@welt.de. Noch mehr "Alles auf Aktien" findet Ihr bei WELTplus und Apple Podcasts – inklusive aller Artikel der Hosts und AAA-Newsletter. Hier bei WELT: https://www.welt.de/podcasts/alles-auf-aktien/plus247399208/Boersen-Podcast-AAA-Bonus-Folgen-Jede-Woche-noch-mehr-Antworten-auf-Eure-Boersen-Fragen.html. Der Börsen-Podcast Disclaimer: Die im Podcast besprochenen Aktien und Fonds stellen keine spezifischen Kauf- oder Anlage-Empfehlungen dar. Die Moderatoren und der Verlag haften nicht für etwaige Verluste, die aufgrund der Umsetzung der Gedanken oder Ideen entstehen. Hörtipps: Für alle, die noch mehr wissen wollen: Holger Zschäpitz können Sie jede Woche im Finanz- und Wirtschaftspodcast "Deffner&Zschäpitz" hören. +++ Werbung +++ Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte! https://linktr.ee/alles_auf_aktien Impressum: https://www.welt.de/services/article7893735/Impressum.html Datenschutz: https://www.welt.de/services/article157550705/Datenschutzerklaerung-WELT-DIGITAL.html

Jim Zelter, president at Apollo Global Management, says the US economy has “legacy inflation issues” and that companies are having a challenging time passing that on to consumers. He is joined by Bloomberg's Jonathan Ferro, Lisa Abramowicz and Annmarie Hordern.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For all the doomsaying about US President Donald Trump's trade and economic policies, the world's biggest economy has held up relatively well, at least on the surface. Markets are up, trade demand remains firm and the Federal Reserve is moving toward interest rate cuts, which could spur more activity. But Steven Okun, founder and CEO of APAC Advisors, warns that the worst is yet to come. Global exports that surged in the run-up to August’s reciprocal levies are cooling, the US labor market is slowing, and markets will react once the data confirms economists’ warnings, he says. Though the slew of global levies provides some clarity, questions remain over Trump's motivations on trade policy and his tendency to upend matters with one social media post. Okun speaks with John and Katia from Singapore. Join us for Bloomberg's Investment Management Summit in Singapore on Oct. 7, featuring leading investors, asset managers and experts, to unlock insights and strategies for geopolitical volatility, technology innovation and sustainable growth. Also catch John and Katia for a live episode recording with Matthew Michelini, head of Asia-Pacific at Apollo Global Management. See you there!Register here for this exclusive event: https://events.bloombergevents.com/0BAkqmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leon Black's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein stands as one of the most damning scandals to come out of the financier's world. Despite Epstein's 2008 conviction as a sex offender, Black—billionaire co-founder of Apollo Global Management—paid him over $170 million for what he later called “tax and estate planning.” Those claims collapsed under scrutiny, especially after Senator Ron Wyden's Finance Committee investigation revealed the true scale of the payments and raised questions about whether they were legitimate services or hush money. Black's evasions, his refusal to provide documentation, and his settlement with the U.S. Virgin Islands for $62.5 million only deepened suspicions.What emerges is not a story of poor judgment, but of complicity. Black was not Epstein's victim—he was his lifeline, bankrolling him long after his downfall and sustaining his influence in elite circles. The lawsuits accusing Black of sexual assault, coupled with his forced resignation from Apollo, cemented his fall. Yet he remains untouched by criminal charges, shielded by wealth and the systemic failures of regulators, banks, and cultural institutions. Leon Black's legacy is not one of brilliance on Wall Street but of disgrace: the billionaire who bankrolled a predator and never gave the world an honest explanation why.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Leon Black's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein stands as one of the most damning scandals to come out of the financier's world. Despite Epstein's 2008 conviction as a sex offender, Black—billionaire co-founder of Apollo Global Management—paid him over $170 million for what he later called “tax and estate planning.” Those claims collapsed under scrutiny, especially after Senator Ron Wyden's Finance Committee investigation revealed the true scale of the payments and raised questions about whether they were legitimate services or hush money. Black's evasions, his refusal to provide documentation, and his settlement with the U.S. Virgin Islands for $62.5 million only deepened suspicions.What emerges is not a story of poor judgment, but of complicity. Black was not Epstein's victim—he was his lifeline, bankrolling him long after his downfall and sustaining his influence in elite circles. The lawsuits accusing Black of sexual assault, coupled with his forced resignation from Apollo, cemented his fall. Yet he remains untouched by criminal charges, shielded by wealth and the systemic failures of regulators, banks, and cultural institutions. Leon Black's legacy is not one of brilliance on Wall Street but of disgrace: the billionaire who bankrolled a predator and never gave the world an honest explanation why.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Leon Black's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein stands as one of the most damning scandals to come out of the financier's world. Despite Epstein's 2008 conviction as a sex offender, Black—billionaire co-founder of Apollo Global Management—paid him over $170 million for what he later called “tax and estate planning.” Those claims collapsed under scrutiny, especially after Senator Ron Wyden's Finance Committee investigation revealed the true scale of the payments and raised questions about whether they were legitimate services or hush money. Black's evasions, his refusal to provide documentation, and his settlement with the U.S. Virgin Islands for $62.5 million only deepened suspicions.What emerges is not a story of poor judgment, but of complicity. Black was not Epstein's victim—he was his lifeline, bankrolling him long after his downfall and sustaining his influence in elite circles. The lawsuits accusing Black of sexual assault, coupled with his forced resignation from Apollo, cemented his fall. Yet he remains untouched by criminal charges, shielded by wealth and the systemic failures of regulators, banks, and cultural institutions. Leon Black's legacy is not one of brilliance on Wall Street but of disgrace: the billionaire who bankrolled a predator and never gave the world an honest explanation why.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

The Senate Finance Committee launched an investigation into billionaire Leon Black's financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein after it was revealed that Black had paid Epstein over $158 million for tax and estate planning services between 2012 and 2017—years after Epstein's conviction for sex crimes involving minors. Lawmakers expressed concern not just over the extraordinary size of the payments, but over whether they were legitimate business expenses or a cover for something more nefarious. The committee sought records to determine if Black used Epstein's offshore entities or connections to facilitate improper tax avoidance, and whether the transactions raised red flags related to money laundering or abuse of financial loopholes.The investigation intensified as Black's name continued to surface in civil litigation filed by Epstein survivors, some of whom accused him of rape and knowingly participating in Epstein's trafficking network. Senators questioned whether the payments to Epstein were part of a broader pattern of financial manipulation and whether Black had accurately disclosed these dealings to tax authorities and shareholders of Apollo Global Management, the private equity firm he co-founded. The inquiry underscored how deeply Epstein's shadow extended into the world of high finance—and how figures like Black, who claimed to have cut ties with Epstein, remained entangled long after public denials were issued.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Lawmakers Question Bank of America About Leon Black's Payments to Epstein - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

The Senate Finance Committee launched an investigation into billionaire Leon Black's financial dealings with Jeffrey Epstein after it was revealed that Black had paid Epstein over $158 million for tax and estate planning services between 2012 and 2017—years after Epstein's conviction for sex crimes involving minors. Lawmakers expressed concern not just over the extraordinary size of the payments, but over whether they were legitimate business expenses or a cover for something more nefarious. The committee sought records to determine if Black used Epstein's offshore entities or connections to facilitate improper tax avoidance, and whether the transactions raised red flags related to money laundering or abuse of financial loopholes.The investigation intensified as Black's name continued to surface in civil litigation filed by Epstein survivors, some of whom accused him of rape and knowingly participating in Epstein's trafficking network. Senators questioned whether the payments to Epstein were part of a broader pattern of financial manipulation and whether Black had accurately disclosed these dealings to tax authorities and shareholders of Apollo Global Management, the private equity firm he co-founded. The inquiry underscored how deeply Epstein's shadow extended into the world of high finance—and how figures like Black, who claimed to have cut ties with Epstein, remained entangled long after public denials were issued.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Lawmakers Question Bank of America About Leon Black's Payments to Epstein - The New York Times (nytimes.com)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Leon Black, the former cofounder of Apollo Global Management with deep ties to Jeffrey Epstein, has donated significant sums to the IPI—reportedly at least $950,000—in a pattern that closely mirrors Epstein's own shadowy funding of the institute. Even though Black has attempted to distance himself publicly, the conduit appears to have been deliberately opaque: donations through intermediaries, anonymity, and minimal disclosure have raised flags among those investigating Epstein's network. These contributions come under scrutiny not only because Epstein was involved in brokering them but also because the donations were structured to conceal the true source and avoid public recognition.Meanwhile, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden has escalated concerns by requesting documents from the DOJ, Treasury, and FBI about Black's financing of Epstein's operations. Wyden's investigation revealed that Black transferred at least $170 million to Epstein between 2012 and 2017—far exceeding the $158 million previously acknowledged—and that some of those funds directly supported Epstein's operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2023, Black settled claims with the USVI by paying $62.5 million—a case that stated some of his payments were used to fund Epstein's illicit activities on Little St. James Island. Critics argue that the use of IPI and other charitable vehicles to mask these funds reflects a deliberate effort to launder legitimacy onto Epstein's network.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.dn.no/politikk/the-international-peace-institute/jeffrey-epstein/terje-rod-larsen/leon-black-did-like-his-adviser-jeffrey-epstein-gave-anonymously-to-un-affiliated-think-tank/2-1-897114

Leon Black, the former cofounder of Apollo Global Management with deep ties to Jeffrey Epstein, has donated significant sums to the IPI—reportedly at least $950,000—in a pattern that closely mirrors Epstein's own shadowy funding of the institute. Even though Black has attempted to distance himself publicly, the conduit appears to have been deliberately opaque: donations through intermediaries, anonymity, and minimal disclosure have raised flags among those investigating Epstein's network. These contributions come under scrutiny not only because Epstein was involved in brokering them but also because the donations were structured to conceal the true source and avoid public recognition.Meanwhile, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden has escalated concerns by requesting documents from the DOJ, Treasury, and FBI about Black's financing of Epstein's operations. Wyden's investigation revealed that Black transferred at least $170 million to Epstein between 2012 and 2017—far exceeding the $158 million previously acknowledged—and that some of those funds directly supported Epstein's operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2023, Black settled claims with the USVI by paying $62.5 million—a case that stated some of his payments were used to fund Epstein's illicit activities on Little St. James Island. Critics argue that the use of IPI and other charitable vehicles to mask these funds reflects a deliberate effort to launder legitimacy onto Epstein's network.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:https://www.dn.no/politikk/the-international-peace-institute/jeffrey-epstein/terje-rod-larsen/leon-black-did-like-his-adviser-jeffrey-epstein-gave-anonymously-to-un-affiliated-think-tank/2-1-897114Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Trucking and logistics company Forward Air is on the verge of a potential acquisition⁠, with several private equity firms, including Clearlake Capital and Apollo Global Management, submitting bids, causing its shares to surge 10%. This interest follows intense pressure from activist investors after the company's heavily contested merger with Omni Logistics, which shareholders criticized for its structure and the large debt burden it placed on Forward. In maritime news, ⁠a historic order has been placed for a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel to be built at a Philadelphia shipyard⁠, marking the first of its kind in the U.S. in nearly 50 years. This joint-build project by Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Philly Shipyard aims to comply with new rules proposed by the United States Trade Representative, which are designed to counter China's dominance in shipping and shipbuilding by requiring a percentage of U.S. LNG exports to be transported on U.S.-flagged and crewed vessels. On the railroad front, ⁠CSX reported a decline in its second-quarter profits, with operating income falling 11% and revenue decreasing 3%⁠. Despite these financial setbacks, executives expressed encouragement regarding the railroad's operational recovery during the quarter, highlighting improvements in on-time performance. CSX anticipates overall volume growth for the year, driven by numerous industrial development projects becoming operational and the ongoing conversion of freight from highway to intermodal transport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We keep hearing the refrain that there's billions of dollars sitting on the sidelines for commercial real estate. Well if that's true, then why is it so hard to raise capital in the current environment? Every investor and every developer I speak with is saying that investors are sitting on their wallets. There is a substantial amount of dry powder available for commercial real estate investment across various firms, with London-based investment data company Preqin putting the number at more than $350 billion. Much of it is held by the largest private equity and alternative investment firms, including Blackstone, Brookfield Asset Management, Ares Management, KKR, Carlyle Group, Apollo Global Management, TPG Capital and Starwood Capital Group.Much of the dry powder was raised three or more years ago and has been left unspent. Funds often have set periods during which they must spend money they've taken in from investors, and that deadline is approaching with many companies showing new signs of activity. -------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)