Podcasts about market competition

How did a popular children's game become rife with sexual abuse?In the debut episode of The Capitol Forum Investigates, technology and privacy reporter Ethan Ehrenhaft explains why the video game maker Roblox is mired in dozens of lawsuits related to child safety on their platform, and how an investigation from The Capitol Forum revealed the vast safety flaws on Roblox's platform, which several lawsuits argue enables sexual predators to easily abuse children.To learn more about The Capitol Forum and our journalism click hereIf you are interested in working at The Capitol Forum or have a pitch for a story contact us here

In this episode, Teddy Downey, Executive Editor of The Capitol Forum sits down with Michael Kades, Antitrust Partner at Nachawati Law Group and former Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, and Adam Gitlin, Chief of the Antitrust and Nonprofit Enforcement Section at the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia. Together, they will explore how state-level enforcers are shaping the next phase of antitrust policy and what their growing influence means for markets, consumers, and competition nationwide.

Transmission capacity on the Romanian-Moldovan border was overbid at quarterly auctions held in November as traders have been competing to sell gas to Moldova this winter. Only five years ago such a scenario would have been unthinkable. The country was fully reliant on Russian gas and depended heavily on Russian-controlled Transnistria for electricity supplies. After multiple energy crises triggered by Russia since then, Moldova has fast-tracked the implementation of EU-aligned reforms. Within less than six months it will start its gradual liberalisation of the gas sector and by 2027 it expects to couple its electricity spot market with that of the EU. However, as Constantin Borosan, director of energy regulator ANRE tells ICIS journalist Aura Sabadus, there are still many challenges ahead. These include ensuring the correct framework for functional power and gas markets, expanding the border gas capacity with Romania and Ukraine to facilitate regional transit and thinking long-term about the future of Transnistria's energy arrangements.    

Join Nate Thurston in this solo edition of Good Morning Liberty as he covers the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Nate discusses the Senate vote and the implications of the compromise used to reopen the government. He shares his thoughts on the overall messiness of the political situation, including the impact on health insurance, layoffs of federal workers, and the proposed extended health insurance tax credits. Nate explores Trump's new proposals over the weekend, like $2,000 stimulus checks from tariff money, 50-year mortgages, and bonuses for air traffic controllers. He addresses the issues surrounding Obamacare, Bernie's critique of recent decisions, and investigates the real impact of the Affordable Care Act on health insurance stock prices. Nate also proposes alternative solutions for healthcare reform, focusing on health savings accounts, interstate insurance sales, and more efficient market-based strategies. 00:00 Intro 00:43 Government Shutdown Update 01:45 Political Commentary and Personal Views 02:22 Senate Moves to End Shutdown 03:59 Impact of Shutdown on Federal Workers 06:15 Trump's Weekend Proposals 07:41 Critique of Trump's Strategy 08:27 Shutdown Winners and Losers 09:50 Obamacare Subsidies Debate 14:33 Economic Implications of Shutdown 19:33 Trump's Tariff Stimulus Proposal 32:53 Health Insurance Companies and Obamacare 43:20 Radical Healthcare Reform Ideas 43:42 The Role of HSAs in Healthcare 47:00 Government's Role in Healthcare 49:33 Employer-Provided Healthcare and Tax Implications 52:33 Price Transparency and Market Competition 56:22 State Mandates and Insurance Across State Lines 01:01:49 Certificate of Need Laws 01:09:52 Preexisting Conditions and Risk Pools 01:14:55 Taxation in Healthcare  

In this conversation, Professor John Newman, from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, former FTC official and DOJ antitrust trial attorney, shares insights on Judge Amit Mehta's decision, the specific measures imposed on Google, and what it signals for the future of Big Tech regulation.

How does understanding AI change the way we trust it?In this interview with The Capitol Forum's Executive Editor & CEO, Teddy Downey, Chiara Longoni, Associate Professor of Marketing at Bocconi University and co-author of “Lower Artificial Intelligence Literacy Predicts Greater AI Receptivity,” explains the methodology and surprising findings from her research on AI literacy.

In this episode, Europe Executive Editor Javier Espinoza sits down with Senior Editor Jeff Bliss to discuss his reporting on the European Commission's review of the proposed $36 billion merger between Mars and Kellanova.

In this episode, Teddy Downey sits down with Kathleen Claussen, Professor of Law at Georgetown University, and Beth Baltzan Senior Advisor at The Capitol Forum and former Counselor for Trade and Investment to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, for a discussion on the legality of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

In this episode, we're joined by Mahdavi Singh Deputy Director of the Thurman Arnold Project and Resident Fellow at the Information Society Project at Yale Law School to discuss how Google's integration of A.I. overviews could extend its search monopoly and the legal arguments that it could violate antitrust law.

Dr. Beckett, along with co-hots Dan/Vintage Baseball Cards and Orlando/Collectors Dream, on Hobby Hotline, delve into the surging popularity of grading Pokémon cards, the integration of younger collectors into the hobby, and the evolving landscape of trading card licensing. Discussion includes the burgeoning presence of Pokémon at card shows, the implications of increased Pokémon card grading for the sports card industry, and how nostalgic factors influence collecting behaviors. The episode also explores the significance of Topps regaining the NBA trading card license, historical comparisons of card company competitions, the effects of monopolies versus competition, and concerns over excessive card variations.   00:46 The Rise of Pokemon in Card Shows 02:51 Concerns About Pokemon Grading 03:56 Nostalgia and Market Dynamics 06:43 Topps Regains NBA Trading Card License 08:09 Innovation and Market Competition    

SummaryIn this conversation, Jeff Jackson shares his journey from custom home building to leading a production home building company. He discusses the challenges faced during the 2008 housing crisis, the importance of partnerships for growth, and the strategies employed for land banking and financial management. Jackson emphasizes the need for long-term planning and adaptability in the current market, while also addressing the competition with larger builders and the future of home building, particularly in terms of affordability and public perception.Chapters00:00 Navigating Impact Fees and Permits00:14 Transitioning from Custom to Production Home Building03:21 The Importance of Craftsmanship in Home Building06:15 Scaling the Business: From Custom Homes to Larger Projects09:19 Partnerships and Capital: The Role of Blue Diamond Capital12:14 Land Banking Strategies and Market Adaptation15:11 Entitlement Processes and City Relations18:20 Long-Term Planning and Inventory Management21:08 Market Competition and Pricing Strategies24:02 Exploring Build-for-Rent Opportunities28:30 Navigating Institutional Investor Relationships32:35 Evaluating Home Builder Valuation36:23 Land Banking Strategies and Risks38:24 Collaboration with Builders for Better Outcomes44:17 The Role of Land Banks in Development46:06 Competing as a Small Builder52:22 Differentiating in a Competitive Market56:51 Future of Home Building and Affordability59:36 Public Perception and Zoning Challenges

HEADLINE: Russian Economic Crisis Driven by Budget Strain and Oil Market Competition GUEST NAME: Michael Bernstam SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Michael Bernstam about Russia's deteriorating economy and budget crisis. After three years of "military Keynesianism" driving manufacturing expansion, the labor force is exhausted and the government faces severe financial constraints. The new budget forecasts declining capital investment for the first time in decades, with military spending dropping 5.8% nominally. Russia increased profit taxes from 20% to 25% and is raising the value-added tax. Oil revenues, providing one-third of budget income, are declining due to global competition. With production costs of $42-44 per barrel plus required $15 discounts, Russia cannot compete effectively. The US shale revolution, producing 14 million barrels daily, drives OPEC's market share fight. OPEC's October 5 meeting will determine November quotas, with increases of at least 137,000 barrels per day expected, accelerating price declines. Taiwan purchases NAFTA, a refined oil product essential for semiconductors, from Russia at $70-80 per barrel, but only due to discounts. Bernstam concludes that capitalism, markets, and technological revolution—not military action—will ultimately challenge Russia, as US technological progress has added 8 million barrels of oil daily since 2004.

Herbert Hovenkamp, Wharton Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, discusses the recent antitrust decision requiring Google to share its search index data, exploring how this ruling may impact market competition, consumer behavior, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of online search. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David W. Johnson and Julie Murchinson debate what will happen in the wake of two recent antitrust enforcement policy moves by the Trump administration on “Who Controls the Future of Healthcare Market Competition?” the new episode of the 4sight Health Roundup podcast, moderated by David Burda.

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WBZ's Jordan Rich talks with Matt Robinson of matts-meals.com about the Boston Public Market Entrepreneurship Forum Incubator Competition.Get all the news you need by listening to WBZ - Boston's News Radio! We're here for you, 24/7.

In this episode, Jamie and Jaeden discuss the emergence of a new AI smart glasses company that has developed glasses capable of recording conversations and providing augmented reality features. They explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of such technology, including privacy concerns, user experience, and market competition with established brands like Meta and Google. The conversation delves into the implications of always-on recording technology and the challenges of battery life, ultimately questioning the desirability of such devices in everyday life.AI Hustle YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AI-Hustle-PodcastOur Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/aihustleTry AI Box: https://aibox.aiYouTube Video: https://youtu.be/AUOj3aWpN3AChapters00:00 Introduction to AI Smart Glasses01:40 Features and Functionality of Smart Glasses03:51 Privacy Concerns and User Experience05:52 Market Competition and Pricing08:39 Recording Technology and User Utility

In this conversation, Conor Grennan and Jaeden Schaefer discuss the recent hiring freeze at Meta amidst its aggressive spending on AI talent and infrastructure. They explore the implications of this freeze, the organizational changes within Meta, and Zuckerberg's long-term vision for AI. The discussion also touches on monetization strategies in the AI space and the competitive landscape among major players like OpenAI and Google.AI Applied YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AI-Applied-PodcastTry AI Box: ⁠⁠https://aibox.aiConor's AI Course: https://www.ai-mindset.ai/coursesConor's AI Newsletter: https://www.ai-mindset.ai/Jaeden's AI Hustle Community: https://www.skool.com/aihustleYouTube Video: https://youtu.be/7LG8B4Z9cSUChapters00:00 The AI Talent Wars: Meta's Hiring Freeze02:45 Meta's Spending Spree and Organizational Changes05:44 Zuckerberg's Vision: Creating the Future of AI08:47 Monetization Strategies and Market Competition

This episode compares the real estate markets of Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia, focusing on long-term rental investments. It highlights key factors such as property prices, rental yields, cost of living, job growth, and market competition, ultimately concluding that Birmingham offers a superior investment opportunity for those seeking affordability and cash flow.To learn more about our full-service turnkey operations, check us out online at www.spartaninvest.comConnect with Spartan!Facebook: @spartanTURNKEYInstagram: @spartaninvestLinkedIn: @spartaninvestConnect with Lindsay!Facebook: @spartanlindsaydavisInstagram: @spartanlindsaydavis

Generative AI is testing the limits of copyright law — and the courts are starting to weigh in. Teddy Downey speaks with Keith Kupferschmid, CEO of the Copyright Alliance, about:The legal stakes of AI training on copyrighted works-Conflicting rulings in California courts-How the Warhol decision could influence AI copyright cases-The importance of a healthy licensing market-What's at risk for creators and the economy

In this Capitol Forum podcast, Executive Editor Teddy Downey speaks with Catherine Simonsen—co-founder of the newly launched Simonson Susman LLP and former FTC antitrust enforcer—about the long-neglected Robinson-Patman Act. Together, they dissect how underenforcement of price discrimination laws has contributed to excessive consolidation, economic rent extraction, and the quiet hollowing-out of American small businesses.Simonson outlines legal strategies to revive these laws and challenge dominant “power buyers” like Walmart and Amazon, and explains how price discrimination distorts the supply chain from producer to pharmacy shelf. This is antitrust not as theory, but as practice.

In this episode, Capitol Forum's Nate Soderstrom sits down with Jeremy Sanford, partner at Econic Partners and former FTC economist, to discuss his new paper on the 2015 Steris/Synergy merger—a key potential competition case that was litigated but allowed to proceed.Jeremy walks through:Why the FTC brought the case-The court's reasoning in denying the injunction-What we've learned from 10 years of post-merger evidence-How this case fits into broader merger enforcement and guideline updates

In this wide-ranging conversation, Capitol Forum Executive Editor Teddy Downey sits down with Beth Baltzan — former Counselor to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai — and Capitol Forum Trade Correspondent Neil Tracey to unpack the latest wave of Trump tariff threats.We cover:Why Trump is targeting an unusual mix of countriesHow rare earths give China lasting leverageWhether USMCA will actually be exemptedThe growing influence of Big Tech on trade policySection 301 vs. Section 232: What tools Trump is using — and whyHow global trust in the U.S. rule of law is erodingWhat's missing from a purely tariff-based industrial strategyWhy the global trading order may never be the same

Teddy Downey, Executive Editor of The Capitol Forum, sits down with Tahir Amin, co-founder of I-MAK, to discuss the pharmaceutical industry's misuse of the U.S. patent system—and what it costs American patients and taxpayers.They dive into I-MAK's new report, Overpatented, Overpriced, and explore:How drugs like Eliquis and Ozempic are protected by dozens to hundreds of patentsThe role of patent term extensions, follow-on patents, and settlement deals in delaying generic competitionHow companies like Novo Nordisk and BMS generate tens of billions in additional revenue through strategic patentingWhy the Hatch-Waxman Act and USPTO are failing to protect patients and the public interest Full report: https://www.i-mak.org/overpatented/

What happens when one company dominates every aspect of an industry—from venues and ticketing to artist access and local politics? In this in-depth interview, The Capitol Forum's Teddy Downey speaks with Tommy Dorfman, former promoter and now CEO of Juice Entertainment, about his extraordinary 15-year legal battle against Live Nation and Ticketmaster.Dorfman alleges that Live Nation used anti-competitive tactics—backed by its control of Ticketmaster—to force him out of the industry, block access to artists, and coerce state-run venues. His claims include:Closed-door threats and pressure to enter a forced partnershipA nationwide pattern of leveraging rebates to inflate ticket pricesControl over municipal venues, artist touring, and even event securityAs the U.S. Department of Justice pursues its own case against Live Nation, Dorfman makes a broader argument: that monopolistic control in the live events industry suppresses competition, stifles independent promoters, and ultimately harms artists and consumers alike.A story of market power, legal resilience, and the changing economics of live music.

Ari Paparo has done it all in digital advertising—from DoubleClick and Google to founding Beeswax and covering the DOJ antitrust trial as an independent analyst.In this conversation with Capitol Forum Executive Editor Teddy Downey, Ari shares his insider take on:

In this Capitol Forum podcast, Executive Editor Teddy Downey is joined by Jeremy Furchtgott and Riley Kruse of Baron Public Affairs to unpack the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement shaping RFK Jr.'s vision for Health and Human Services. Drawing from their rigorous influencer analytics and new report, they explore:The shift from academic experts to social media influencers like Tucker Carlson and Russell BrandCompeting schools of thought inside Maha: Big Pharma vs. Big FoodHow elite vs. populist divides shape policy prioritiesThe strange alliance between conservative “crunchy cons,” libertarians, and techno-optimistsWhat Maha says about vaccines, SNAP food policy, pharma ad bans, and the future of public health

Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts James and Amy are back to delve into a series of key topics for IT professionals and managed service providers (MSPs). They discuss the recent CloudFlare outage and its relatively minimal impact on businesses, emphasizing the importance of adaptability. The episode's main focus is on how MSPs can stand out and provide value in a competitive and commoditized market by emphasizing unique selling propositions and customer-centric strategies. They also touch on the implications of leadership changes at Southwest Airlines and their potential impact on the airline's unique value proposition. Economic updates and their effects on business growth are reviewed, along with the continued significance of robust marketing efforts. The episode wraps up with lighter discussions about wildlife challenges in gardening and wishes for a happy Father's Day. --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:44 CloudFlare Outage Discussion 02:20 MSP Question of the Week: Standing Out in a Low-Cost World 11:54 Southwest Airlines Changes 15:59 Economic Update and Marketing Tips 18:26 Community Announcements and Freebies  22:26 Father's Day Reflections and Closing Remarks --- New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI --- Sponsor Memo: Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6). If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out. There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it. For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com

On April 9th, President Trump signed E.O. 14267, Reducing Anti-Competitive Regulatory Barriers, which “commences the process for eliminating anti-competitive regulations to revitalize the American economy.” The order instructs the agency heads to review all regulations that may stifle economic competition or impose restraints on the free market. Many applaud the order, arguing that it addresses an overburdened economy, while others question the necessity of government regulation for ensuring a fair and just market.What does President Trump’s order mean for the future of the economy and the laws that regulate it?FeaturingAlden Abbott, Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center, George Mason UniversityCharlie Beller, Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)Kathleen Bradish, Vice President and Director of Legal Advocacy, American Antitrust InstituteModerator: Bilal Sayyed, Senior Adjunct Fellow, TechFreedom

Is "Abundance" the answer to our housing, energy, and pharma crises—or just neoliberalism in a new outfit?In this in-depth conversation, Capital Forum's Teddy Downey sits down with Sandeep Vaheesan of the Open Markets Institute to dissect "Abundance", the much-hyped book by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. Sandeep—legal director, historian, and author of Democracy and Power—offers a sweeping critique of the book's policy proposals and ideological foundations.We talk about:

Cross-border E-commerce and Supply Chain Realities with Jianggan LiIn a vibrant episode of the Asia Business Podcast, host Art Dicker engages in a compelling conversation with Jianggan Li, the founder and CEO of Momentum Works, a venture builder and insights research firm. As a thought leader and co-author of the book "Seeing the Unseen Behind Chinese Tech Giants Global Venturing," Jianggan shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspectives on the international business terrain, particularly focusing on Chinese companies' strategies for penetrating global markets.Introducing Jianggan LiConnect with JiangganJianggan Li is a seasoned entrepreneur with roots in China, now thriving in Singapore. With his extensive background in venture building and market insights, Jianggan commands a strong understanding of the dynamics that drive Chinese companies to venture beyond their borders. His journey from a young expatriate in Singapore to a prolific businessman offers invaluable insights into cross-cultural business strategies.Understanding the Unfolding Global Business DynamicsIn the episode, Jianggan explores the complexities of Chinese companies navigating international waters, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strategic maneuvering in response to ever-shifting market conditions. He highlights how companies like Temu and Shein are adeptly structuring their logistics to accommodate regulatory changes, pointing to the broader need for strategic foresight in business operations.The Resilience and Agility of Chinese CompaniesChinese companies are renowned for their agility and resilience in the face of changing demands and regulations. Jianggan discusses the strategic adjustments of brands amid evolving trade rules, illustrating how they maintain competitiveness by leveraging subsidies, loopholes, and local partnerships. The conversation underscores the necessity for businesses to anticipate market shifts and prepare for regulatory changes proactively.Localizing Brand Identity in International MarketsA key challenge for Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein is successfully localizing their brand identity to resonate with diverse global consumers. Jianggan shares insights into how these companies build their brand narratives to overcome political perceptions and establish consumer trust. By focusing on product quality, efficient logistics, and strategic marketing, Chinese companies can construct a robust brand presence internationally.Lessons from the Chinese Tech SectorArt and Jianggan delve into the dynamic nature of the Chinese tech sector, exploring the competitive challenges it presents and the lessons that can be extrapolated for global application. Jianggan's experiences shed light on the critical role of innovation, adaptability, and local integration in sustaining growth in competitive markets.Predicting the Future of Chinese Tech GiantsLooking ahead, Jianggan offers speculative insights into the future trajectory of current tech giants, contemplating their longevity and potential for sustained dominance. Despite the unpredictable nature of the tech industry, the conversation hints at the importance of maintaining agility and a forward-thinking approach to remain at the forefront of technological advancement.Final Reflections and Future EngagementJianggan Li's deep-seated expertise offers listeners strategic insights into navigating the complexities of international business and technology. For those intrigued by Jianggan's insights and keen to delve deeper, he is accessible via LinkedIn for further discussions and collaborations. Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:08 Jianggan Li's Background and Journey03:02 Challenges and Strategies in Chinese Tech Ventures04:08 Supply Chain Dynamics and Adaptations07:55 Localization and Brand Identity14:26 Future of Chinese Tech Companies27:42 Conclusion and Contact Information ProducerJacob ThomasFollow UsLinkedInApple Podcasts

Jonathan Kanter (former DOJ Antitrust) and Martin Gaynor (Carnegie Mellon Professor and former FTC official) join The Capitol Forum to discuss their groundbreaking paper, The Rise of Healthcare Platforms. They explain how companies like UnitedHealth have evolved into sprawling conglomerates—combining insurer, provider, pharmacy, and PBM functions—and why this consolidation threatens both market competition and patient care.

WATCH the video on Substack by clicking the play button above or on YouTube (here).STREAM audio only on Apple Podcasts (here), Spotify (here), or your favorite podcast player app.We continue our series of “long takes” amidst the macro mess we are slogging through and wanted to hit upon a couple of observations coming out of a surprisingly interesting quarterly earnings season that we think are relevant as corporates and investors think through long-term implications and opportunities. The first comes courtesy of Diamondback Energy: Is US shale oil peaking? And if it is, what does that mean for the energy macro. The second comes from Next Era Energy which made some interesting remarks about the relative economics of various generation sources juxtaposed against massive US power demand growth. The first two points then lead to the obvious question of how should companies think about business evolution, M&A and strategy during a period of uncertainty and turmoil to best position themselves for the decade ahead. For investors, who and what do you want to own?

Tough times for tech as Apple AND Google face legal woes. This week on The Six Five Pod, Patrick Moorhead and Daniel Newman dissect the major developments shaping the tech landscape: From the DOJ's challenge to Google Chrome's search dominance and Apple's legal battles over its app store policies. Get the expert breakdown on the implications for consumers and the future of these tech behemoths. The handpicked topics for this week are:   Google's Legal Challenges and Antitrust Issues: Discussion on Google's predicament with the DOJ's demand to sell Chrome, plus the examination of antitrust implications and the potential impact on consumer choice and competition.   Apple's Legal Setback and Potential Criminal Charges: Analysis of the judgment against Apple's in the Epic lawsuit regarding app payment services. Insight into the judge's strong stance against Apple's non-compliance and the possible pursuit of criminal charges against its executives.   Major Announcements from Nvidia and IBM: Overview of NVIDIA and IBM's significant investment announcements at the White House and a discussion on what these investments could mean for U.S. tech infrastructure and global competitiveness.   Taiwan's Ruling on TSMC's Chip Production: Exploration of Taiwan's decision to keep TSMC's leading-edge chip production local and the potential geopolitical and economic impact of this ruling for global semiconductor supply chains.   Intel's Foundry Day and 18A Variants: Insights into Intel's Foundry Day announcements, including updates on 18A variants, plus a look into Intel's strategy to attract major fabless customers and how this could affect the semiconductor industry.   Six Five Summit Announcement: Announcement of the upcoming Six Five Summit, "AI Unleashed 2025" from June 16-19. The opening keynote will be delivered by Michael Dell, along with a lineup of other prominent speakers. Visit www.SixFiveMedia.com/summit for more information on the virtual event! For a more on each topic, please click on the links above. Be sure to subscribe to The Six Five Pod so you never miss an episode.  

In this podcast episode, experts Hannah Garden-Monheit, formerly at the FTC, Jonathan Kanter, and Max Barangau from The Capitol Forum dissect the complexities of antitrust policy, price fixing, and their impact on inflation. Garden-Monheit reflects on her journey from DOJ trial attorney to the FTC and White House NEC, highlighting challenges in revitalizing antitrust enforcement amid corporate skepticism. The panel scrutinizes controversial price-fixing cases, including algorithm-driven collusion in housing markets and egg pricing schemes, and explores how data-driven monopolization amplifies economic power. A compelling analysis for anyone interested in the crossroads of policy, economics, and technology.

In this special episode, former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter and former U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai talk to Teddy and former Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter to discuss the recent upheaval at the FTC and its implications for market stability, antitrust enforcement, and the rule of law. Slaughter describes being abruptly fired from her FTC position, highlighting that this dismissal violates legal protections that prohibit FTC commissioners' removal without cause. She emphasizes that this unprecedented action introduces significant legal uncertainty, potentially undermining ongoing critical FTC cases, such as the lawsuit against pharmaceutical benefit managers accused of inflating insulin prices, and cases involving major corporations like Amazon. This instability challenges market predictability and may affect the enforcement of antitrust laws, consumer protection, and market fairness.Ambassador Tai reflects on the global perception of U.S. trade policy, particularly during the Trump administration, and stresses the importance of consistent policies for international trust and stability. Tai explains the complexity surrounding tariffs, underscoring the risks associated with unpredictability and disruptions in trade relationships with key partners like the EU, Canada, and Mexico. She points out that inconsistent U.S. actions erode its reputation as a reliable trading partner, thus pushing other nations to depend more heavily on China or each other.Both express concern over current policy chaos in Washington, implications for the rule of law, and democratic stability. They highlight that market actors like Wall Street typically prefer predictability and clear rules, now compromised by this governmental instability. We end with worries that politically driven decisions—such as Slaughter's firing—provide advantages to large corporations, including Big Tech, undermining fair competition and accountability.

Welcome to the Alfalfa Podcast

Slade Bond, Chair of Cuneo, Gilbert and LaDuca's Public Policy and Legislative Affairs practice, discusses the evolving landscape of tech policy, discussing the legislative battles, political dynamics, and behind-the-scenes efforts shaping the future of regulation. Slade shares his insights on navigating Congress, the challenges of bipartisan cooperation, the influence of industry lobbying, and what it takes to push meaningful reforms forward.

Mark Ellis, an American Economic Liberties Project Senior Fellow, discusses his recent paper “Rate of Return Equals Cost of Capital.” In this episode of Second Request, he examines how and why investor-owned utility profit models diverted from their initial design, as well as how much excess returns cost American households.

Hayden Rooke-Ley is a Health Law and Policy Fellow at the Brown University School of Public Health and a Senior Fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project. In this episode of Second Request, Hayden discusses vertical consolidation in health care markets, UnitedHealth Group's outsized lead in this trend with Medicare Advantage, and the capitated payment model undergirding this shift.

I talk to Jonathan Kanter who served as the Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice from 2021 to 2024.Kanter discusses his experiences at the FTC and DOJ, emphasizing the need for rigorous antitrust enforcement, especially as modern markets have evolved and become dominated by Big Tech. He highlights the importance of confronting monopolies to protect economic fairness, innovation, democracy, and freedom, and explains how he prioritized impactful cases against major corporations like Google, Apple, Ticketmaster, and others. Reflecting on his tenure, he stresses adapting antitrust laws to current market realities, warns about the dangers of economic concentration, and expresses the need for support for robust antitrust enforcement to maintain healthy competition and democracy.

In this episode, Seth Bloom, President of Bloom Strategic Counsel and former General Counsel of the U.S. Senate Antitrust Subcommittee, discusses the congressional outlook on antitrust in 2025. With shifts in antitrust subcommittee leadership this term, he explores what these changes mean for competition policy, the legislative possibilities ahead, and what to expect from Republican-led antitrust efforts. Bloom offers key insights into how Congress may approach antitrust enforcement and reform in the coming year.

In this episode, former USDA Senior Advisor for Fair and Competitive Markets Andy Green discusses the Biden administration's efforts to improve fairness in food markets and what the future may hold for the agency. Green reflects on key USDA rule-makings over the past few years, their impact on agriculture markets—particularly in seeds and poultry—and changes in enforcing the Packers and Stockyards Act. Green provides valuable insights into the agency's progress and the steps he believes are necessary to strengthen competition in the food industry.

In this special edition of Second Request, an exclusive interview with Margrethe Vestager, the former EU Antitrust Chief addressed concerns about a potential shift in U.S.- EU relations with the election of President Donald Trump.The interview is the first of a regular podcast hosted by Capitol Forum's new Europe Executive Editor Javier Espinoza that will include some of the biggest names in European policy. Mr. Espinoza, a leading voice in Brussels regulatory coverage, recently joined Capitol Forum after nearly a decade at the Financial Times.

In this episode, The Capitol Forum welcomes National Independent Venue Association Executive Director Stephen Parker to explore how the DOJ's Sherman Act Section 2 suit against Live Nation Ticketmaster could reshape the live entertainment industry. Parker discusses the current state of the primary ticketing market, the potential impact of structural changes on venues and promoters, and what ideal remedies could look like if Live Nation is found guilty.

Outline 00:00 Introduction to Mario Ragu and His Journey 04:50 The Birth of Force 6 Fitness and Product Design 09:15 Navigating Controversy: The Barbell Storage Debate 13:41 Competition and Collaboration in the Home Gym Industry 17:53 The Dynamics of Market Competition and Customer Choices 22:22 Cultural Reflections: The Home Gym Community's Challenges 30:36 The Rise of Home Gym Communities 31:58 Navigating Conversations and Perspectives 33:23 The Ramifications of Social Media Accusations 36:06 The Power of Community in Brand Reputation 37:50 Collaboration vs. Competition in Business 44:08 Manufacturing: USA Made vs. Imports 49:33 The Value of Quality Over Price 56:26 The Evolution of Home Gym Equipment 01:00:48 Future Trends in the Home Gym Community 01:05:26 The Role of Influencers and Community in Fitness 01:09:58 Navigating Business Challenges in the Fitness Industry

Amanda and Ash welcome Matthew Ricciardella, the principal and managing partner of Crystal View Capital. Matthew shares his journey from residential flipping to managing over 25,000 units in mobile home parks and self-storage facilities. He discusses the importance of passive income, key performance indicators in management, and the strategies he employs to source off-market deals. Matthew also highlights the impressive returns his funds have delivered to investors and the challenges of navigating a competitive market. He emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships with investors and the lessons learned from scaling his business.   Sponsors: Altra Running