Podcasts about Middle class

What would it look like if aging in America came with a real plan instead of a quiet free fall? In this episode, Dr. Joanne Lynn, a longtime geriatric and hospice physician and elder-care policy leader, explains how longer lives have outpaced the systems people rely on when disability arrives. She highlights how ageism and invisible, unpaid caregiving strain families, often forcing them to drain savings before support becomes available. She also examines staffing shortages in nursing homes, limited geriatric training for clinicians, and gaps in long-term care infrastructure. Finally, she shares promising solutions, including community villages, the PACE model, and policy reforms like catastrophic long-term care social insurance and stronger local accountability. Tune in to learn how we can build a future where aging remains meaningful, supported, and dignified. Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. Joanne Lynn on LinkedIn. Visiting medicaring.org to learn more about community-based eldercare improvements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his State of the Union address, President Trump made exaggerated claims about the state of the economy, including prices, jobs and the cost of health care. Economics professor Justin Wolfers breaks down what Trump's policies have meant for middle-class U.S. families.Then, artificial intelligence companies are engaging in circular lending. For example, the high-tech chip-maker Nvidia is investing in the company OpenAI, and OpenAI is then buying chips from Nvidia. The Wall Street Journal's Jonathan Weil explains what these deals mean and the risks behind them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This week on Swimming with Allocators, Earnest and Alexa welcome David Clark, CIO at Vencap, who unpacks the realities of venture capital, emphasizing a data-driven approach to understanding returns, the persistent and intensifying “power law” in VC, and why only a small percentage of funds and companies drive outsized results. The discussion covers the challenges of evaluating new managers versus established firms, the nuances of secondary investments, and the critical importance of consistent, top-tier fund performance. Listeners will gain insight into the pitfalls of confirmation bias, the difficulties facing retail investors, and why strategy, transparency, and adaptability are key for long-term VC success. Also don't miss Rebecca Stuart of Sidley as she explains how unprecedented AI-focused acqui-hires function as talent raids that can bypass standard change-of-control protections. She also outlines legal and structural strategies VCs and startups can use like broadened definitions of change of control, retention and vesting design, and coordinated employment/comp practices, to better protect portfolios and key teams. Highlights from this week's conversation include: Welcoming David to the Show and Previewing Today's Episode (0:18) David's Shift From Traditional LP Diligence to Data-Driven Investing (2:48)   How Long Feedback Loops and Unknown Unknowns Shape Venture Outcomes (5:16)   Confirmation Bias, Narratives, and Doing Pre-Meeting Homework on Managers (6:55)   Pattern Recognition and What World-Class Founders Look Like (8:49)   Using Power Laws and Top 1% Companies as the Core LP Filter (10:40)   Why Singles and Doubles Rarely Add Up to Great Venture Funds (13:46)   AI Acqui-Hires, Talent Raids, and Risks to VC Portfolios (17:20)   Deal Structures That Avoid Change of Control and LP Protections (19:04)   Retention Tools, Forfeiture for Competition, and Staggered Vesting Cliffs (20:53)   Democratization of VC, 401(k) Investors, and the Risk of Disappointment (25:22)   Emerging Managers and the Myth of the Middle Class in Venture (30:58)   Venture Secondaries, Premium Pricing, and Why Discounts Can Be Misleading (36:04)   Scope Creep, Platform Expansion, and When LPs Disengage From Big Firms (42:06)   VenCap is one of the longest-running dedicated venture capital fund-of-funds globally, investing in many of the world's leading VC firms for over three decades. The firm's strategy emphasizes long-term consistency, deep relationship networks, and concentrated exposure to top-tier venture capital companies across cycles. Sidley Austin LLP is a premier global law firm with a dedicated Venture Funds practice, advising top venture capital firms, institutional investors, and private equity sponsors on fund formation, investment structuring, and regulatory compliance. With deep expertise across private markets, Sidley provides strategic legal counsel to help funds scale effectively. Learn more at sidley.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies.  The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For decades, families gathered in their big ol' vehicles and enjoyed a nice night out at a chain restaurant. The purpose of these chains is, no matter where you're located, you'll have generally the same food and experience at a reasonable price. However, by the 2010s, chain restaurants became pariahs, and many have either filed for Chapter 11 or have closed up shop completely. Check Your Brain's Tony Mazur talks about the death of the chain restaurant, how it wasn't just Millennials and their avocado toast that killed them, and how these closures represent an erosion of the Middle Class.   Be sure to subscribe to Tony's Patreon. $3 gets you just audio, $5 gets video AND audio, and $10 has all of the above, as well as bonus podcasts per week. Visit Patreon.com/TonyMazur. Tony is also on Rumble! Go find his video podcasts over there for free.   Cover art for the Check Your Brain podcast is by Eric C. Fischer. If you need terrific graphic design work done, contact Eric at illstr8r@gmail.com.

If $130,000 is the new poverty line… what does that make you?In this episode of Classonomics, we tackle the viral argument that the middle class isn't struggling — it's being mismeasured. On paper, incomes are up and unemployment is low. So why does it feel harder than ever to afford a home, raise kids, or even stand still? We break down the hidden costs of economic participation, from housing and childcare to smartphones and “technological coercion”. We also examine the rise of the two-income trap that quietly reset the price of middle-class life. Are millennials truly worse off than their parents? Is inflation data masking reality? And was the 80s and 90s middle class partly a sitcom illusion? If you've ever felt “middle class” in theory but squeezed in practice, this episode explains why.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction: Welcome to Classonomics0:39 –  Why 90s “Struggling” TV Families Look Wealthy Today02:03 – Is $130k the New Poverty Line?04:52 – Technological Coercion: From Luxury to Necessity09:08 – Why Inflation Stats are Misleading: Better vs. Cheaper11:03 – The Two-Income Trap: From Option to Obligation14:54 – The Nostalgia Gap: Are We Remembering the 80s Correctly?17:20 – The Reality of Generational Downward MobilityResearch links:Part 1: My Life Is a LieHow a Broken Benchmark Quietly Broke Americahttps://www.yesigiveafig.com/p/part-1-my-life-is-a-lieCory Doctorow https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enshittificationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cory_DoctorowHedonic adjustmentshttps://www.npr.org/2022/11/10/1135849519/hedonic-adjustment-how-to-measure-pleasureCredits:Mike Moffatt https://twitter.com/MikePMoffatthttps://bsky.app/profile/mikepmoffatt.bsky.socialHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

War Room Massie Drops Redacted Epstein Names On House Floor, U.S. F-22 Stealth Fighters Deployed to Southern Israel Amid Iran Tensions, PLUS Trump SOTU to Focus On Economy & Middle Class

War Room Massie Drops Redacted Epstein Names On House Floor, U.S. F-22 Stealth Fighters Deployed to Southern Israel Amid Iran Tensions, PLUS Trump SOTU to Focus On Economy & Middle Class

John X hosts the third episode of “Born In Trouble” with guests Robert Brooks (in-studio) and Andrew Johnson (host of the Men Money and Marriage Podcast). The conversation ranges from reactions to a Spanish-language halftime performance and public discomfort with other cultures, to concerns that the U.S. is increasingly divided and “full of” contradictions. They discuss faith and the idea that there is only one God/Jesus, argue that protecting vulnerable children is a moral imperative, and condemn pedophilia while criticizing how high-profile cases and trials are drip-fed to distract the public. They talk about Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell's alleged intelligence ties, and claim Epstein did not want Black people on the island, framing it as “white on white crime,” while cautioning against pulling Black people in as scapegoats. They revisit Michael Jackson, suggesting allegations were tied to power and music publishing, describing how he amassed catalogs (including the Beatles and Sony-related publishing) and used leverage in the industry, including returning Little Richard's rights. The episode also covers immigration and business incentives to exploit undocumented labor, including avoiding taxes/benefits, and connects this to broader U.S. history and Manifest Destiny, arguing people are “coming back” to land taken from Mexico. They speculate about hidden history, restricted sites like parts of the Grand Canyon, and debates over identity, criticizing tribalism and the use of slurs within communities. Andrew shares concerns about his daughter's future, rising costs, and the increasing age of first-time homebuyers; they discuss 50-year mortgages as “glorified renting” and how lack of equity could discourage divorce. They debate AI's impact on jobs, suggesting timelines are exaggerated but warning about motives, and they argue screen-based schooling and phone dependence reduce creativity and critical thinking in Gen Z. They briefly mention hypocrisy around anti-LGBTQ rhetoric (including Grindr spikes during Republican conventions) and insist people should be judged by character rather than group identity. The episode closes with a warning about scapegoating, references to “ghetto loans” from mortgage work, commentary on hypocrisy in politics and culture, and a sign-off framing the episode as “Devil Worshipers,” with plans for future episodes and a possible one-on-one with Grant Lancaster. 00:00 Cold Open and Guests 01:02 Valentine's Day Banter 02:49 Welcome to Born In Trouble 03:40 Super Bowl Halftime Debate 05:47 Do We Stand for Anything 06:19 Faith and Protecting Kids 08:40 Immigration and Business Incentives 10:57 Division and Distraction Politics 12:35 Michael Jackson Revisited 15:02 Publishing Power and Catalog Wars 18:06 Epstein Network and Race 23:01 Manifest Destiny and Hidden History 25:34 Identity Tribalism and Language 28:55 When Did It Get So Tribal 29:16 Tribal Cities Talk 31:18 Parenting and Housing Fears 32:25 Looking Rich Economy 33:22 Fifty Year Mortgages 36:16 Aging Out the Demo 37:32 AI Jobs Reality Check 42:02 Screen Age Kids 45:05 Tribalism and Community 49:19 LGBTQ and Hypocrisy 54:17 Closing Thoughts and Signoff

Are Politicians Fighting The Wrong Battles While Americans Fight Their Bills? In this episode of Go Right with Peter Boykin, The Constitutionalist for Liberty, we break down the growing disconnect between political headlines and real-life kitchen-table struggles. While politicians argue over symbolic issues, Americans are dealing with rising power bills, grocery costs, housing prices, insurance premiums, and everyday financial pressure that continues to reshape trust in government.This monologue explores how federal policies, state regulations, and local decisions all contribute to the cost-of-living crisis and why many voters feel ignored by both parties. From constitutional consistency to economic reality, this is a direct look at how leadership priorities impact real people and why affordability may be the defining issue shaping the future of our Constitutional Republic.Watch and Listen:https://rumble.com/v766730-are-politicians-fighting-the-wrong-battles-while-americans-fight-their-bill.html https://youtu.be/owDjjoREFIg?si=Q0iKOWsX2kF7REVZhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/are-politicians-fighting-the-wrong-battles-while-americans-fight-their-bills--70243586Visit and follow:https://gorightnews.com/are-politicians-fighting-the-wrong-battles-while-americans-fight-their-bills/ Follow Go Right with Peter Boykin, The Constitutionalist for Liberty at GoRightNews.com. Watch on Rumble. Listen on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon. Support independent journalism at Cash App $GoRightNews. Watch more episodes and join the movement by following and subscribing. Share your thoughts in the comments and help keep the conversation focused on solutions, accountability, and constitutional principles.#GoRight, #GoRightNews, #PeterBoykin, #ConstitutionalistForLiberty, #CostOfLivingCrisis, #Inflation, #KitchenTableIssues, #EconomicReality, #SupremeCourt, #SCOTUS, #FederalPower, #StateGovernment, #LocalGovernment, #ConstitutionalRepublic, #WeThePeople, #JohnRoberts, #ConstitutionalLaw, #RuleOfLaw, #JudicialActivism, #JudicialConsistency, #SeparationOfPowers, #ChecksAndBalances, #TaxingPower, #HealthcareMandate, #VaccineMandate, #TradePolicy, #Tariffs, #EconomicNationalism, #AmericaFirst, #PoliticalCommentary, #CitizenJournalism, #LibertyFirst, #GovernmentPower, #LegalDebate, #AmericanPolitics, #HighBills, #EnergyCosts, #HousingAffordability, #PropertyTaxes, #SmallBusinessStruggles, #RegulatoryReform, #FiscalResponsibility, #CountyCommissioners, #CityCouncil, #GovernmentAccountability, #EconomicFreedom, #MiddleClass, #IndependentVoters, #PoliticalReformBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/go-right-with-peter-boykin-the-constitutionalist-for-liberty--3096608/support.

One voter's defiance, capitalism's widening wealth divide, and demands for answers after an ICE shooting in Texas reveal a democracy under pressure.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

Thank you Stuart Cohen, DavidPageYea, Jane B In NC

The middle class isn't vanishing by accident. The numbers reveal a structural economic flaw in capitalism.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

Mark Shupe joins Michael Liebowitz on The Rational Egoist to discuss the principles of applied capitalism through the lens of Objectivism. Mark is an Objectivist, an author, and an investor who has developed a unique approach to wealth-building for everyday people. His work focuses on empowering the middle class to think rationally about money and investment strategies rather than chasing trends or relying on conventional “expert” wisdom.Mark is the author of The Moneyball Method: Investing for the Middle Class, which applies clear, objective principles to help investors make smarter decisions:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1696009111He also publishes The Moneyball Method on Substack, where he shares regular insights on investing, finance, and rational decision-making:https://moneyballmethod.substack.com/His website is: http://www.moneyballmethod.com/This episode explores how Objectivist principles—reason, self-interest, and long-range thinking—can be applied directly to the way we handle money, build wealth, and secure financial independence.About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational EgoistMichael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crimehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit...View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Libertyhttps://books2read.com/u/4jN6xjAbout Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational EgoistXenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand's ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.Join us at: https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-r...(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia's thought-provoking essays at her Substack:https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?ut...Hashtags:#Investing #Objectivism #RationalEgoism #WealthBuilding #MiddleClass #MoneyballMethod #AynRand #FinancialIndependence

To raise taxes on the rich, New York's Mayor wants help from Albany and Gov. Kathy Hochul. And if they refuse? Mamdani now says he'll jack up property taxes by nearly 10%. But isn't overspending the problem? Plus, the Congressional Budget Office offers an estimate for federal deficits over the next decade: $24 trillion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's edition, Alec Hogg explores a significant demographic milestone: new data reveals that African and white households are now level-pegging in South Africa's upper-middle-class income bracket. We delve into the implications of this shift, the migration of taxpayers from Johannesburg to Cape Town, and a critical look at Cyril Ramaphosa's presidency—a leadership defined by well-intentioned instructions that are rarely implemented in what has become a "Republic of no consequences".

Everyone's got a weapon. Everyone's got a weakness.In Industry Season 4, Episode 6 — “Dear Henry” — the knives come out. Eric goes on CNN for what feels like a final stand. Harper delivers her most surgical strike yet. Whitney scrambles as the walls close in. And by the end? Nothing is the same.Brandon & Chanel break down one of the most ruthless episodes of the season — where narrative becomes a weapon, loyalty collapses, and ambition eats its own.

Welcome back to another episode of the 360 Money Matters Podcast!  In this episode, Billy and Andrew tackle the paradox plaguing middle-class households: wages are up, but financial stress is higher than ever. We explore the hidden forces draining your wallet—from subscription creep and lifestyle inflation to housing costs and Australia's tax burden—and why it's exponentially harder to manage money today than even a decade ago. This episode unpacks why middle-class Australians are experiencing the squeeze despite rising incomes—and what you can do about it. -   This podcast contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. This information is provided by Billy Amiridis &  Andrew Nicolaou of 360 Financial Strategists Pty Ltd, authorized representatives and credit representatives of Akumin Financial Planning – AFSL 232706   Episode Highlights Why the "middle-class squeeze" hits hardest between upper and lower income brackets How businesses have become smarter at getting you to spend without noticing The real cost of social media comparison and lifestyle creep Why housing and taxation are compounding the problem Practical strategies to prioritize financial flexibility over lifestyle optimization   Connect with Billy and Andrew! 360 Financial Strategists    Check out our latest episode here:  Apple Podcast Spotify

This week, Ian and Gary continue to discuss the findings of Ian's research on C. H. Spurgeon's teaching methods and their relevance for training preachers from working-class communities. The episode highlights how middle class preachers need to acknowledge cultural barriers and the need for contextualisation when preaching to the working class.

 America built this thing we call the middle class.  It was purposeful and forward-looking public policy in the 1930’s which recognized that the strength of our democracy required a vibrant sector that could aspire to a middle -class life of owning a home, putting your children through college and retiring comfortably.  It resulted in a period our guest calls the ‘Great Compression’ (1947-1974) in which workers received a fair share of the nation’s economic prosperity.  In this timeframe, there was an expectation of job security and stability, undergirded by strong labor unions.  Much of that has changed over the last 50 years as wealth has gone to the top and left workers behind.  Much of our political unrest today (affordability) is a byproduct of those changes.  So, what happened?  Our guest, University of Texas Law School professor, A. Mechele Dickerson, lays it out, chapter and verse, in her new book “The Middle- Class New Deal: Restoring Upward Mobility and the American Dream.”  It’s essential to any understanding of where we are today

In the latest episode of the Unlocking California Politics podcast, C.A.R. Senior Vice President Sanjay Wagle sits down with former Senate Majority Leader Emeritus Robert Hertzberg to discuss his proposed statewide ballot initiative aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities for middle-income Californians. The 2026 measure, known as the Middle-Class Homeownership and Family Home Construction Act, seeks to address the growing barriers facing the next generation of would-be homeowners. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. If you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing news and policies, and other top industry matters.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4pm: Video Guest – Todd Myers – Washington Policy Center // 'Millionaires' tax' legislation officially introduced by Washington state Democrats // Ferguson says he can’t support WA income tax bill without changes // 'Billionaire' Tax is a Bait-and-Switch To Gouge the Middle Class // Todd Myers: 5 tricks dems used to force this bill through // KISS and Company at the ‘All-American’ Kennedy Center Honors // Signs of forced entry found at Arizona home of ‘Today’ show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother // TMZ has received a credible ransom demand for Guthrie’s mom

Buy The Middle-Class New Deal here: https://www.amazon.com/Middle-Class-New-Deal-Restoring-Mobility/dp/0520423399

In the first episode of 'Born In Trouble', host John X reunites with co-hosts Grant L and Andrew J. They engage in a light-hearted and personal conversation that covers various topics, including their experiences with cold weather, childhood memories, and personal loss. John reflects on the significant impact of his mother's compassion and care for others. The discussion also delves into serious issues such as systemic racism, immigration, labor exploitation, and public perceptions. They critically examine the resurfacing controversies around comedian Corey Holcomb and the sociopolitical dynamics in the United States. The episode concludes with reflections on communal readiness, self-reliance, and the strategic non-participation of Black people in current social battles.

The American middle class didn't disappear by accident—it was dismantled by design. In this episode of The Electorette, host Jen Taylor-Skinner is joined by Professor A. Mechele Dickerson, author of Middle-Class New Deal: Restoring Upward Mobility and the American Dream, for a clear-eyed conversation about how deliberate public policy once built a strong middle class—and how decades of political neglect slowly unraveled it. Dickerson explains why the middle class exists at all, how housing policy, labor protections, education, and debt once worked together to create upward mobility, and what changed beginning in the 1980s. We also discuss why conversations about the middle class so often erase race—and how ignoring systemic inequality ultimately weakens the entire economy. There's a personal thread woven throughout this conversation as well: both Dickerson and Taylor-Skinner grew up in Memphis and even attended the same middle school, a shared history that mirrors many of the book's core themes around affordable housing, public education, and economic opportunity. This is a grounded, urgent conversation about what Americans have lost—and the open question of whether a new middle-class deal is still possible if the collective political will can be summoned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the American middle class actually shrinking, or evolving? In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase offer educational context on widely discussed economic, investing, and retirement planning topics shaping today's financial conversations. Listen as long-term data, market history, and household-level considerations are used to frame—not forecast—how these issues connect. • Examine why the U.S. middle class is often described as shrinking and how income mobility, inflation-adjusted thresholds, and household dynamics influence that narrative. • Review how artificial intelligence is commonly discussed in relation to productivity, workforce demand, and labor market participation. • Outline general considerations around emergency savings, including income consistency, job stability, and insurance coverage. • Explain factors households often weigh when deciding whether to engage a financial professional for planning support. • Provide historical context on gold, market corrections, and why gold is sometimes referenced in diversification discussions. • Summarize why dividends are frequently included in long-term investing conversations across market cycles. • Highlight planning considerations for investment club assets, including potential capital gains implications during account or custodian transitions. • Examine variables that may influence retirement spending needs, reinforcing that planning outcomes vary by household. • Compare commonly discussed perspectives on dollar-cost averaging versus lump-sum investing during periods of market volatility. This episode focuses on education and perspective—not individualized recommendations. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for ongoing conversations that place investing and retirement topics into long-term context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beat Migs! Oh, how the times have changed.

Microwaves? A dishwasher? Jim takes your calls. Plus – What do you want to tell the person driving next to you?GUEST: Monte MacGregor - criminal lawyer

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Michael Burry saying Japanese yen recovery is a risk to US stocks. Voters see a middle-class lifestyle as drifting out of reach. Longing to stop working? Retiring early might not be the answer. Why people still matter in the AI era. Meme stocks turn five. Will there be another GameStop?

President Trump captured the world's attention this week in Davos by making the case for a U.S. purchase of Greenland. After some contentious moments, the president announced that he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have "formed the framework of a future deal” for the largest island on earth. But as the President prepares to head to Iowa to sell his economic message ahead of the fall midterms, questions remain about how to resolve America's “affordability” problem and the squeeze on America's middle class. Brianna Lyman, elections correspondent for The Federalist, joins FOX Business Network's Taylor Riggs to discuss the value of Greenland and what she sees as the growing divide between corporate interests and true capitalism. Plus, Brianna weighs in on the deal that "saved" TikTok for Gen Z and the latest "No-Buy January" trend taking over social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump captured the world's attention this week in Davos by making the case for a U.S. purchase of Greenland. After some contentious moments, the president announced that he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have "formed the framework of a future deal” for the largest island on earth. But as the President prepares to head to Iowa to sell his economic message ahead of the fall midterms, questions remain about how to resolve America's “affordability” problem and the squeeze on America's middle class. Brianna Lyman, elections correspondent for The Federalist, joins FOX Business Network's Taylor Riggs to discuss the value of Greenland and what she sees as the growing divide between corporate interests and true capitalism. Plus, Brianna weighs in on the deal that "saved" TikTok for Gen Z and the latest "No-Buy January" trend taking over social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is the era of manufacturing-led growth officially over? For decades, the path to a stable middle class was paved through industrialization, but today, even manufacturing giants like China are losing millions of factory jobs to automation.In this episode, Bethany McLean and Luigi Zingales sit down with Dani Rodrik, Ford Foundation Professor of International Political Economy at Harvard and author of Shared Prosperity in a Fractured World. Rodrik argues that we have "no other choice" but to look toward the service sector to anchor our future economy.But there's a problem: we still treat these essential roles as "bottom rung" jobs in terms of pay and respect. Is it possible to elevate a job's status and pay simply because society needs it to be better? As Rodrik argues, it's a future we must learn to navigate if we want to preserve a stable society. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Shared Prosperity in a Fractured World: A New Economics for the Middle Class, the Global Poor, and Our Climate, Dani Rodrik proposes new modes of cooperation and policy experimentation to address our greatest global challenges.Rodrik is the Ford Foundation Professor of International Political Economy at Harvard Kennedy School. He codirects both the Reimagining the Economy Program at Harvard and the Economics for Inclusive Prosperity network.In his conversation with Nikolaus Lang, global leader of the BCG Henderson Institute, he discusses the trilemma between democracy, prosperity, and sustainability, how hyper-globalization contributed to this struggle, and his proposed framework for resolving it.Key topics discussed: 01:06 | The trilemma of democracy, prosperity, and sustainability03:50 | The shortcomings of hyper-globalization10:33 | Why manufacturing is no longer an escape from poverty14:47 | Services as drivers of development18:33 | The new framework of productivism23:25 | The power of unilateral climate actions27:26 | Implications for business leadersAdditional inspirations from Dani Rodrik:Straight Talk on Trade: Ideas for a Sane World Economy (Princeton University Press, 2017)Economics Rules: The Rights and Wrongs of the Dismal Science (W. W. Norton & Company, 2015)

Neil welcomes Jason Davis to discuss the 'Cowboy Perspective' and various life insights. They explore the importance of experience and learning from mistakes, foundational lessons from grandparents, and the value of real-world application over theoretical knowledge. Jason shares his personal journey from corporate life to ranching, emphasizing the significance of true wealth and life experiences. They also touch on the impact of significant personal events like the loss of a spouse, raising children, and teaching valuable life lessons. The conversation dives into concepts such as the difference between wealth accumulation and preservation, how societal perceptions vary, and the importance of maintaining a purpose throughout life. This engaging dialogue provides a range of thought-provoking insights into business, personal development, and living a fulfilling life.   Visit us online: https://thecowboyperspective.com/ More on Jason at https://crosswindranch.com/   Topics 03:03 Meet Jason Davis 04:35 Lessons from Grandfather 09:17 Real-World Business Ethics 19:35 Balancing Work and Life 33:23 The Perot Experience 42:48 Reflecting on a Billion Dollars 43:37 Discovering a Talent for Numbers 44:25 Understanding Geometric Progression 45:40 The Value of Time and Money 47:48 Generational Perspectives and Work Ethic 50:27 Balancing Work and Retirement 54:14 The Importance of Responsibility 55:53 Classy vs. Trashy: A Game of Perception 01:00:45 Middle Class and Government Handouts 01:07:12 Memorable Moments with Ross Perot 01:13:19 The Never-Ending Chores 01:15:18 Books and Lifelong Learning 01:21:06 Biblical Lessons and Final Thoughts  

NDEMIC POLICY AND THE DYING CITIZEN Colleague Victor Davis Hanson. Hanson discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that unelected health officials like Anthony Fauci exercised excessive power that damaged the middle class while favoring large corporations. He contends that lockdowns and school closures caused irreparable harm, particularly to children, while scientific claims regarding natural immunity and masking have been challenged. Hanson also suggests the virus likely escaped from a Wuhan laboratory engaged in gain-of-function research. NUMBER 81821

An expansive policy blueprint for meaningfully expanding the middle class for the first time in a century The US middle class was a product of state and federal policies enacted in the wake of the Great Depression. But since the 1980s, lawmakers have undermined what they once built, shredding the social safety net and instituting laws that virtually guarantee downward mobility for all but the most privileged. How can we restore what has been lost? Rigorous and highly readable, The Middle-Class New Deal: Restoring Upward Mobility and the American Dream (U California Press, 2026) breaks down the policies that have decimated working families and proposes reforms to reverse this trend. As Mechele Dickerson shows, part of the problem is that politicians disingenuously conflate the middle class with the "White lower rich." Such propaganda hides how state and federal lawmakers consistently favor education, labor, housing, and consumer-credit laws that erode the bank accounts of lower- and middle-income people--especially those who are not White and don't have college degrees. Weaving together the latest research with the personal stories of Americans struggling to make ends meet, Dickerson provides a clarion call for political leaders to enact a bold agenda like the one that created the middle class almost a century ago. A. Mechele Dickerson is the Arthur L. Moller Chair in Bankruptcy and Practice and University Distinguished Teaching Professor at University of Texas School of Law. Professor Dickerson is a nationally recognized scholar on financial vulnerability, consumer debt, housing affordability, and racial and economic disparities. She regularly teaches Remedies and Federal Civil Procedure at the School of Law, has taught a class on civil procedural disputes that arose between the two Trump presidencies, and has taught numerous cross-listed interdisciplinary graduate-level courses on the American middle-class and the COVID pandemic. She is also the author of Homeownership and America's Financial Underclass: Flawed Premises, Broken Promises, New Prescriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

An expansive policy blueprint for meaningfully expanding the middle class for the first time in a century The US middle class was a product of state and federal policies enacted in the wake of the Great Depression. But since the 1980s, lawmakers have undermined what they once built, shredding the social safety net and instituting laws that virtually guarantee downward mobility for all but the most privileged. How can we restore what has been lost? Rigorous and highly readable, The Middle-Class New Deal: Restoring Upward Mobility and the American Dream (U California Press, 2026) breaks down the policies that have decimated working families and proposes reforms to reverse this trend. As Mechele Dickerson shows, part of the problem is that politicians disingenuously conflate the middle class with the "White lower rich." Such propaganda hides how state and federal lawmakers consistently favor education, labor, housing, and consumer-credit laws that erode the bank accounts of lower- and middle-income people--especially those who are not White and don't have college degrees. Weaving together the latest research with the personal stories of Americans struggling to make ends meet, Dickerson provides a clarion call for political leaders to enact a bold agenda like the one that created the middle class almost a century ago. A. Mechele Dickerson is the Arthur L. Moller Chair in Bankruptcy and Practice and University Distinguished Teaching Professor at University of Texas School of Law. Professor Dickerson is a nationally recognized scholar on financial vulnerability, consumer debt, housing affordability, and racial and economic disparities. She regularly teaches Remedies and Federal Civil Procedure at the School of Law, has taught a class on civil procedural disputes that arose between the two Trump presidencies, and has taught numerous cross-listed interdisciplinary graduate-level courses on the American middle-class and the COVID pandemic. She is also the author of Homeownership and America's Financial Underclass: Flawed Premises, Broken Promises, New Prescriptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

The Upwardly Mobile but Anxious Middle Class. Guest: VERONIQUE DE RUGY. Despite reports of a shrinking middle class, data shows many individuals are actually moving into the upper middle class. However, significant anxiety remains due to rising costs in government-regulated sectors like healthcare, housing, and education. This discontent leads to a search for scapegoats among the elite.1899

October 13, 2008: behind closed doors in Washington, the U.S. government forces Wall Street's biggest banks to take rescue money—no opt-outs, no stigma, no time for debate. What follows isn't just a bailout. It's a quiet rewrite of capitalism: stabilize the banks first, let homeowners and workers fight for air.Dimitrius Lynch traces how the TARP bailout, near-zero interest rates, and weak homeowner relief accelerated a new housing order—one where asset prices recover faster than wages, and where homes shift from shelter to portfolio. As the National Association of Realtors pushes demand-side subsidies like the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, foreclosure prevention tools like principal reduction are resisted—protecting values over people.Then comes the next extraction layer: Airbnb's normalization of housing as income strategy, followed by private equity and corporate landlords turning foreclosed homes into rentals at scale. Blackstone and Invitation Homes pioneer the machine—buy in bulk, rent to the displaced, then bundle single-family rentals into securities. Meanwhile, policy capture tightens: carried interest survives, lobbying culture “owns” offices, and Citizens United floods politics with corporate money—reshaping who writes the rules of housing, finance, and democracy itself.This episode is a documentary-style timeline of how the middle class gets eaten—not by accident, but by incentives, institutions, and a politics increasingly engineered for capital. The crash wasn't the end. It was a blueprint for a new future and purpose for housing.Episode Extras - Photos, videos, sources and links to additional content found during research.Episode Credits:Production in collaboration with Gābl MediaWritten & Executive Produced by Dimitrius LynchAudio Engineering and Sound Design by Jeff Alvarez

Links & ResourcesFollow us on social media for updates: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠Check out our recommended tool: ⁠⁠⁠Prop Stream⁠⁠⁠Thank you for listening!

Elon Musk and Geoffrey Hinton warn of an AI-driven job apocalypse.MIT's David Autor, one of the world's leading thinkers on how technology reshapes work, says the real danger lies somewhere else.The biggest risk of AI isn't mass unemployment - it's whether human skills and expertise will still matter.David explains how AI could expand middle-class opportunity by lowering barriers to high-value work, why past technologies created more new jobs than they destroyed, and what we need to get right to make this moment a hopeful one.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Wealthy Way podcast, co-host Brian Davila joins Ryan Pineda to discuss why so many people are quitting real estate, the collapse of wholesaling, government regulation, and whether investing in real estate is still a viable path in 2026.⁣⁣__________⁣⁣Join our private mastermind for elite business leaders who golf. https://www.mastermind19.com⁣⁣Want to scale your business? Attend our next Forge event! https://theforge.vip⁣⁣Join a free Bible study for Christian business leaders. https://www.tentmakers.us⁣__________⁣CHAPTERS: ⁣0:00 - Why Everyone is Quitting Real Estate⁣7:25 - The Real Estate Transaction Freeze⁣14:29 - The Future of Housing: Technology Will Disrupt Everything⁣27:57 - The Middle Class of Real Estate Is Dead⁣36:33 - Biggest Opportunities in 2026 (Beyond Real Estate)⁣49:11 - Realization: Killer Salespeople Are Worth MillionsLearn how to invest in real estate with the Cashflow 2.0 System! Your business in a box with 1:1 coaching, motivated seller leads, & softwares. https://www.wealthyinvestor.com/Want to work 1:1 with Ryan Pineda? Apply at ryanpineda.comJoin our FREE community, weekly calls, and bible studies for Christian entrepreneurs and business people. https://tentmakers.us/Want to grow your business and network with elite entrepreneurs on world-class golf courses? Apply now to join Mastermind19 – Ryan Pineda's private golf mastermind for high-level founders and dealmakers. www.mastermind19.com--- About Ryan Pineda: Ryan Pineda has been in the real estate industry since 2010 and has invested in over $100,000,000 of real estate. He has completed over 700 flips and wholesales, and he owns over 650 rental units. As an entrepreneur, he has founded seven different businesses that have generated 7-8 figures of revenue. Ryan has amassed over 2 million followers on social media and has generated over 1 billion views online. Starting as a minor league baseball player making less than $2,000 a month, Ryan is now worth over $100 million. He shares his experiences in building wealth and believes that anyone can change their life with real estate investing. ...

In this episode, Travis and his producer Eric break down what it really looks like to make money as a content creator when you're not pulling MrBeast numbers or signing eight‑figure brand deals. Instead, they focus on the realistic—and highly achievable—lane of “middle class creators”: people earning $1,000–$5,000 per month from content as a side income (or lean full‑time if you keep expenses low). They also share real revenue numbers from Eric's channel, plus examples of small brick‑and‑mortar businesses using short‑form content to turn marketing into a profit center instead of a pure expense. On this episode we talk about: Why most creators should aim for “middle class” money first instead of chasing MrBeast‑level outcomes How Eric built a niche show (Preacher Boys) into a $2.6k/month side income through ads, sponsors, and platform payouts The importance of loving your topic enough to talk about it for free for years How one Zoom interview episode on YouTube alone brought in over $1,500 in ad revenue Why you should spread income across YouTube, podcast ads, Facebook bonuses, sponsors, and Patreon Brick‑and‑mortar examples like the LED sign guy and the “pancake lady” turning simple videos into customers and creator checks Why every post is a “lottery ticket” for new opportunities, from documentaries to brand deals How business owners can get to the point where their marketing actually gets paid by platforms Top 3 Takeaways You don't need millions of followers to make meaningful money; a focused niche, consistent publishing, and multiple small revenue streams can add up to a solid side income that may evolve into full time. Content creation is front‑loaded work and back‑loaded payoff—expect years of low or no pay before the inflection point where old episodes start earning hundreds or thousands of dollars each. If you own a business, learning to create simple, personality‑driven content can turn your advertising from a cost center into a profit center—platforms and sponsors can effectively subsidize your marketing. Notable Quotes “If you're not excited about the first dollar you made, you're not going to be excited about the first thousand.” “Hourly, I used to be making maybe a dollar an hour—now a single Zoom interview can bring in over $1,500 on YouTube alone.” “Historically, every form of advertising cost you money; now your marketing can actually pay you." ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Comedian Chris Gethard sits down to talk about the collapse of the creator economy and what can individuals do about it to take back control. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob Luna is a prominent wealth and business strategist with over 25 years of experience in wealth management. Renowned as one of the nation's top financial advisors and consistently ranked by Forbes, he currently serves as CEO of Valtrion, founder of the Rob Luna Wealth Academy, and host of The American Capitalist Show. As an on-air contributor for Fox Business, Rob offers expert insights on investment strategies, market trends, and wealth building. Driven by a mission to help entrepreneurs and investors build, scale, and protect their wealth, he provides comprehensive services through Valtrion, including financial planning, asset management, tax strategies, insurance, and risk management—meeting clients where they are, from debt reduction to handling multimillion-dollar portfolios. Through the Rob Luna Wealth Academy, he mentors aspiring business owners with practical tools to achieve financial independence. A best-selling author, successful entrepreneur, and Ivy League alumnus with MBAs from Wharton and UCLA, Rob has built substantial wealth for himself and others while passionately advocating for accessible financial education and smart investing. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Receive 30% off your first subscription order at https://armra.com/SRS or enter code SRS at checkout. Get the Harry's Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/SRS. Rob Luna Links: X - https://x.com/realrobluna IG - https://www.instagram.com/realrobluna YT - https://www.youtube.com/@realrobluna Valtrion - https://valtrion.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the cost of health insurance continues to climb, politicians debate how to control those costs and expand coverage. But the truth is, there's already enough money in the system to cover everyone. It's just being siphoned off by insurance corporations for profits, lobbying, and stock buybacks. Rachel Madley, PhD exposes the details in Wendell Potter's recent Healthcare Uncovered substack.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WOMEN OF COMMERCE AND THE FRONTIER Colleague Emma Southon. We meet Julia Felix, a Pompeianentrepreneur who ran a luxury bath and dining complex, offering "bougie" experiences to the middle class before dying in the Vesuvius eruption. The discussion shifts to Vindolanda in Britain, where letters between Sulpicia Lepidina and Claudia Severa reveal a vibrant social life for women in military forts, including birthday parties and domestic luxuries like wild swan and imported wine. NUMBER 15

In this episode, Grant Cardone challenges one of the most accepted assumptions in society: that college is the safest path to success.  Drawing directly from his bestselling book "The Wealth Creation Formula", Grant exposes how higher education has become a financial trap. 4 Years out of the workforce, massive student debt, and no guarantee of meaningful income often lead graduates into low-wage jobs. Grant breaks down why the real cost of college isn't just tuition, but lost time, lost earning power, and delayed financial independence. He also reframes the idea of "targets," explaining why becoming a millionaire is not the real goal. The true objective is freedom, control over your time, income, and choices. Without that context, financial targets can be deceptive and leave people chasing numbers instead of outcomes. This episode serves as a practical guide to escaping the middle-class mentality, questioning conventional advice, and redirecting focus toward income creation, skill development, and real-world experience. Follow us on all social media platforms, visit GrantCardone.com, and listen on SiriusXM Business Radio for more from the Cardone Zone.