Podcasts about middlemen

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Best podcasts about middlemen

Latest podcast episodes about middlemen

CORE
Tim Schweiger

CORE

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2026 57:33


Tim Schweiger talks about his early days with Yesterday's Kids — how a homemade Everly Brothers pop-punk tape landed them a deal on Ben Weasel's Panic Button Records — and the lessons learned from years of grinding tours, before finding his footing as a solo artist and frequent collaborator with Tommy Stinson of The Replacements.Tim digs into the realities of the modern music industry, the rotating cast of musicians that make up the Middlemen, the joy of slipping covers (Madonna's "Borderline," The Beatles' "Hey Bulldog") into live sets, and talks about an unreleased track featuring Dan McMahon. He also opens up about raising a musically gifted daughter, his 75 voice memos worth of songs waiting to be recorded, upcoming shows in Milwaukee and Madison, and a summer run of dates back on the road with Tommy Stinson.Plus: the Fox Cities band Tim wishes would reunite and what he says makes a show — or a song — truly successful.https://timschweigerandthemiddlemen.bandcamp.com0:00 Introduction & Tim's Background1:11 Coming Out of Hibernation Post-COVID2:14 Yesterday's Kids & The Obsoletes: Are They Done?4:02 Panic Button Records & the Realities of Early Touring4:33 Has Touring Changed? Playing with Artists Who Have Hits5:19 Justin Perkins: Still in Touch?6:18 Early Songwriting with Justin — Learning from Records7:05 The Mission Statement: Ramones Meet the Everly Brothers8:04 How an Everly Brothers Tribute Tape Got Them Signed9:03 Throwing Covers into the Set — Madonna's "Borderline"10:02 Tribute to Dan McMahon10:27 Owning the Covers: "Hey Bulldog" & Slide Guitar11:06 Getting Ready for a Show — Vocal & Finger Warmups11:50 Can You Tell If a Show Will Be Good Before It Starts?12:36 Watching Other Bands (Or Not) & Musician Egos14:10 Daughter Beatrix — Saxophone State Competition15:15 Growing Up in the Fox Cities Music Scene16:48 Meeting Justin Perkins & Learning First Chords17:24 Collaborating with His Daughter & Horn Arrangements18:16 Analog vs. Digital Recording Through the Years20:28 The Upside of Being an Independent Musician on Bandcamp22:01 Tim Schweiger & the Middlemen — A Rotating Cast of Friends23:47 Recording at Smart Studios & the Blueheels24:43 Drumming for Walt Hamburger: Guitar vs. Drums26:13 The Year He Played 100+ Shows & Needed to Decompress27:23 Music His Daughter Introduced Him To — DJO & Mitski28:44 The Fox Cities Band Tim Wishes Would Reunite: Vesicular Basalt31:17 What Makes a Song Last? The Legacy of Good Art31:34 How Tim Writes a Power Pop Song — The Voice Memo Process33:37 How Long Should a Song Be? Hey Jude vs. Bohemian Rhapsody34:20 One Song to Nuke Forever: Mustang Sally34:51 Upcoming Shows in Milwaukee & Madison36:03 The June Tour with Tommy Stinson37:37 Merch Plans for the Tommy Tour — CDs, Shirts & Tote Bags45:24 Playing with Tommy — His Work Ethic & Calling Audibles47:01 Tommy Stinson's Fanatic Fans on the Road47:37 Were You a Replacements Fan Growing Up?48:45 Dream Collab: Tim Picks Jack Black50:20 Actors Who Make Music — Keanu Reeves, Kevin Bacon & Dave Grohl52:14 Reigniting the Creative Spark — 75 Voice Memos & New Music53:13 What Does Success Look Like to Tim?54:19 Will New Music Sound Different from the Power Pop Days?55:47 Where to Find Tim & the Tommy Stinson Tour Dates57:15 Final Words & Sign-Off

Life, Money & Love with Dylan Mullan
How Aussie Ecom Brands Can Learn From China: Live Selling, Product Sourcing & The Relentless Pursuit Of Excellence

Life, Money & Love with Dylan Mullan

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2026 92:23


In this episode, we sit down with Allen Fu, a global e-commerce strategist, product sourcing expert, and China insider who has spent years on the ground learning how the world's fastest-moving economy really works. Born in Australia with deep Chinese roots, Allen bridges East and West, helping entrepreneurs understand how billion-dollar platforms, factories, and supply chains actually operate behind the scenes. From live selling explosions to massive expos like the Canton Fair, Allen has seen what most business owners never will.Allen shares what it's really like doing business in China — not the polished version you see online, but the raw truth. We talk about how companies in China are making over $1 million per hour through live social selling, why the West is years behind, and what entrepreneurs must do to catch up. Allen explains how cities evolve faster than entire countries, how convenience and speed drive success, and why China's execution mindset leaves no room for excuses.This episode also dives into the dark side of sourcing. Allen breaks down real stories of people losing tens of thousands of dollars at the Canton Fair, the red flags to watch for with suppliers, and how to avoid scams on platforms like Alibaba and 1688. He explains when middlemen are dangerous — and when they're actually your secret weapon.We also explore the rise of platforms like Temu, how dead stock turned into billion-dollar empires, and the cultural differences that shape pricing, branding, and buying behaviour. This conversation will challenge how you think about business, risk, and opportunity.If you're interested in entrepreneurship, e-commerce, global business, or building something bigger than yourself, this episode will open your eyes and give you practical insights you can actually use.In this episode:China plans in decades, not election cycles: Unlike the West, China operates on long-term economic and infrastructure planning, which accelerates execution and innovation.Live social selling in China is years ahead of the West: Brands regularly generate millions in sales within hours through livestream commerce—long before it became a trend in the West.Convenience is China's greatest advantage: From drone-delivered bubble tea at the Great Wall to super-apps like WeChat and Alipay, daily life is hyper-optimized for speed and ease.Robotic assistive tech is already mainstream: Rentable robotic leg supports reduce knee pressure by up to 70%, making mountains accessible to the elderly and injured.The Canton Fair is NOT for beginners: If you don't have at least $10,000 USD per SKU, the Canton Fair is more educational than practical for sourcing.Middlemen (trading companies) aren't always bad: They play a crucial role by aggregating factory MOQs, handling customization, and enabling smaller brands to enter the market.Temu's rise was a strategic factory takeover: Temu reportedly bought massive volumes of factory dead stock upfront, enabling ultra-low pricing and explosive global expansion.A new era of commerce. Built by Dylan and his team. Add your name to the list here.

Progressive Voices
Code Wack - States Push Back Against Medicaid Managed Care

Progressive Voices

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2026 18:30


This time on CodeWACK! Today, most people on Medicaid get their care through private insurers called Managed Care Organizations, or MCOs—like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. Critics say these companies add layers of bureaucracy that make it harder for patients—most of them low-income—to get care. They discourage physicians from accepting Medicaid patients by making them jump through hoops to get treatment pre-authorizations, or even to get paid. Are Managed Care companies making health care more expensive, not less? How are some states reacting? Are legislators starting to wake up and see through the hype? Some are. All this and more is discussed in a recent report from Physicians for a National Health Program, Removing the Middlemen from Medicaid. To unpack it, we spoke with Dr. Alankrita Olson—a public health physician and PNHP board member who advocates for a single-payer healthcare system. This is the 2nd of a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

Code WACK!
States Push Back Against Medicaid Managed Care

Code WACK!

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 18:31


This time on CodeWACK! Today, most people on Medicaid get their care through private insurers called Managed Care Organizations, or MCOs—like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. Critics say these companies add layers of bureaucracy that make it harder for patients—most of them low-income—to get care. They discourage physicians from accepting Medicaid patients by making them jump through hoops to get treatment pre-authorizations, or even to get paid. Are Managed Care companies making health care more expensive, not less? How are some states reacting? Are legislators starting to wake up and see through the hype?  Some are. All this and more is discussed in a recent report from Physicians for a National Health Program, Removing the Middlemen from Medicaid. To unpack it, we spoke with Dr. Alankrita Olson—a public health physician and PNHP board member who advocates for a single-payer healthcare system. This is the 2nd of a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

Nurse Talk
New from CodeWACK! States Push Back Against Medicaid Managed Care

Nurse Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 18:30


This time on CodeWACK! Today, most people on Medicaid get their care through private insurers called Managed Care Organizations, or MCOs—like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. Critics say these companies add layers of bureaucracy that make it harder for patients—most of them low-income—to get care. They discourage physicians from accepting Medicaid patients by making them jump through hoops to get treatment pre-authorizations, or even to get paid. Are Managed Care companies making health care more expensive, not less? How are some states reacting? Are legislators starting to wake up and see through the hype? Some are. All this and more is discussed in a recent report from Physicians for a National Health Program, Removing the Middlemen from Medicaid. To unpack it, we spoke with Dr. Alankrita Olson, a public health physician and PNHP board member who advocates for a single-payer healthcare system. This is the 2nd of a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

Progressive Voices
Code Wack - The Middlemen Making Money Off Medicaid

Progressive Voices

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2026 16:45


This time on CodeWACK! Why are there middlemen in Medicaid—and what are they doing to our most vulnerable patients and physicians? How and why are private insurance intermediaries permitted to put profits ahead of patients? A recent report by Physicians for a National Health Program, titled Removing the Middlemen from Medicaid, pulls back the curtain on Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). To learn more, we spoke with Dr. Alankrita Olson, a public health physician and advocate for a universal single-payer system. She serves on the board of Physicians for a National Health Program and works to protect and expand healthcare access for all Americans. This is the first episode of a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

REVOLUTIONS PER MOVIE
ENCORE PRESENTATION: 'JAWBREAKER: DON'T BREAK DOWN' w/ Jim Gavin

REVOLUTIONS PER MOVIE

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 48:52


Welcome to our bi-monthly ENCORE PRESENTATION of classic REVOLUTIONS PER MOVIE episodes from the vault! One of my favorite authors/writers/directors of all time, Jim Gavin (Jim's AMC show Lodge 49 is still one of the greatest series that has ever landed on Earth and those who have lived in it know that it's the truth) brought me a music doc about a band that is located deep within his heart, Don't Break Down, a film about Jawbreaker.(Episode 36 originally aired on May 16th, 2024). ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES:My guest this week is Jim Gavin (the creator of AMC's incredible series Lodge 49 and author of Middle Men), who chose to discuss the Jawbreaker documentary Don't Break Down. We talk about the band's grip on their fans, the eventual backlash against Jawbreaker, lyrics that destroy you, the Masonic world and the genesis of Lodge 49, East Coast punk vs. West Coast punk, Lilies/Broadcast/Stereolab and other sonic rabbit holes, creating imaginary mentors, the legendary Jabberjaw/L.A. scene, creating your own mythology about a band, obsessing over Blake's lyrics, the nature of imploding bands, the concept of selling out and Nirvana's success, music as time travel, looking for a specific sound and hiring a private detective to find a specific song.So please don't turn your back towards the band on this week's Revolutions Per Movie!!!JIM GAVIN:https://www.vogue.com/article/lodge-49-ode-the-best-television-show-you-missedhttps://twitter.com/jimatdeltacohttps://www.tigervanbooks.com/REVOLUTIONS PER MOVIE:Host Chris Slusarenko (Eyelids, Guided By Voices, owner of Clinton Street Video rental store) is joined by actors, musicians, comedians, writers & directors who each week pick out their favorite music documentary, musical, music-themed fiction film or music videos to discuss. Fun, weird, and insightful, Revolutions Per Movie is your deep dive into our life-long obsessions where music and film collide.Revolutions Per Movie releases new episodes every Thursday on any podcast app, and additional, exclusive bonus episodes every Sunday on our Patreon. If you like the show, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing it on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!PATREON:The show is also a completely independent affair, so the best way to support it at patreon.com/revolutionspermovie. By joining, you can get weekly bonus episodes, physical goods such as Flexidiscs, and other exclusive goods that I send out to you. It helps the show to keep going and is greatly appreciated!TIP JAR:ko-fi.com/revolutionspermovieSOCIALS:@revolutionspermovieBlueSky: @revpermovieTHEME by Eyelids 'My Caved In Mind'www.musicofeyelids.bandcamp.com ARTWORK by Jeff T. Owenshttps://linktr.ee/mymetalhand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Code WACK!
The Middlemen Making Money Off Medicaid

Code WACK!

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 16:46


This time on CodeWACK! Why are there middlemen in Medicaid—and what are they doing to our most vulnerable patients and physicians? How and why are private insurance intermediaries permitted to put profits ahead of patients? A recent report by Physicians for a National Health Program, titled Removing the Middlemen from Medicaid, pulls back the curtain on Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). To learn more, we spoke with Dr. Alankrita Olson, a public health physician and advocate for a universal single-payer system. She serves on the board of Physicians for a National Health Program and works to protect and expand healthcare access for all Americans. This is the first episode of a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.   

Nurse Talk
This week from CodeWACK! The Middlemen Making Money Off Medicaid

Nurse Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 16:45


This time on CodeWACK! Why are there middlemen in Medicaid—and what are they doing to our most vulnerable patients and physicians? How and why are private insurance intermediaries permitted to put profits ahead of patients? A recent report by Physicians for a National Health Program, titled Removing the Middlemen from Medicaid, pulls back the curtain on Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). To learn more, we spoke with Dr. Alankrita Olson, a public health physician and advocate for a universal single-payer system. She serves on the board of Physicians for a National Health Program and works to protect and expand healthcare access for all Americans. This is the first episode of a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

FLF, LLC
Riff 79: Relocating Possums and Mole Parts Middlemen [The Comedian Next Door]

FLF, LLC

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 61:30


With Juan DeVevo, Luke, and John Branyan, we trade stories about moles, possums, and the other critters that turn a backyard into an ongoing problem. We compare practical ways people try to deal with them, from pest control ideas to half-serious plans for turning the animals themselves into products. Our examples move between real attempts at solving the problem and the strange logic that appears when nuisance animals meet entrepreneurial thinking.

John Branyan's Comedy Sojourn Podcast
Riff 79: Relocating Possums and Mole Parts Middlemen

John Branyan's Comedy Sojourn Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 61:30


With Juan DeVevo, Luke, and John Branyan, we trade stories about moles, possums, and the other critters that turn a backyard into an ongoing problem. We compare practical ways people try to deal with them, from pest control ideas to half-serious plans for turning the animals themselves into products. Our examples move between real attempts at solving the problem and the strange logic that appears when nuisance animals meet entrepreneurial thinking.

Fight Laugh Feast USA
Riff 79: Relocating Possums and Mole Parts Middlemen [The Comedian Next Door]

Fight Laugh Feast USA

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 61:30


With Juan DeVevo, Luke, and John Branyan, we trade stories about moles, possums, and the other critters that turn a backyard into an ongoing problem. We compare practical ways people try to deal with them, from pest control ideas to half-serious plans for turning the animals themselves into products. Our examples move between real attempts at solving the problem and the strange logic that appears when nuisance animals meet entrepreneurial thinking.

The Comedian Next Door
Riff 79: Relocating Possums and Mole Parts Middlemen

The Comedian Next Door

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 61:30


With Juan DeVevo, Luke, and John Branyan, we trade stories about moles, possums, and the other critters that turn a backyard into an ongoing problem. We compare practical ways people try to deal with them, from pest control ideas to half-serious plans for turning the animals themselves into products. Our examples move between real attempts at solving the problem and the strange logic that appears when nuisance animals meet entrepreneurial thinking.

Run The Numbers
The Economics of Marketplaces: Take Rates, Middlemen, and Power

Run The Numbers

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 50:33


In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ breaks down the 5,000-year history of marketplaces—from Mesopotamia to Amazon—and the economics behind take rates, trust layers, and vertical unbundling. We unpack Airbnb's fee backlash, Facebook Marketplace's hidden value, why inventory kills platforms, and how AI will reshape discovery—without eliminating the middleman.—SPONSORS:Rillet is an AI-native ERP built for modern finance teams that want to close faster without fighting legacy systems. Designed to support complex revenue recognition, multi-entity operations, and real-time reporting, Rillet helps teams achieve a true zero-day close—with some customers closing in hours, not days. If you're scaling on an ERP that wasn't built in the 90s, book a demo at https://www.rillet.com/cjTabs is an AI-native revenue platform that unifies billing, collections, and revenue recognition for companies running usage-based or complex contracts. By bringing together ERP, CRM, and real product usage data into a single system of record, Tabs eliminates manual reconciliations and speeds up close and cash collection. Companies like Cortex, Statsig, and Cursor trust Tabs to scale revenue efficiently. Learn more at https://www.tabs.com/runAbacum is a modern FP&A platform built by former CFOs to replace slow, consultant-heavy planning tools. With self-service integrations and AI-powered workflows for forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario modeling, Abacum helps finance teams scale without becoming software admins. Trusted by teams at Strava, Replit, and JG Wentworth—learn more at https://www.abacum.aiBrex is an intelligent finance platform that combines corporate cards, built-in expense management, and AI agents to eliminate manual finance work. By automating expense reviews and reconciliations, Brex gives CFOs more time for the high-impact work that drives growth. Join 35,000+ companies like Anthropic, Coinbase, and DoorDash at https://www.brex.com/metricsMetronome is real-time billing built for modern software companies. Metronome turns raw usage events into accurate invoices, gives customers bills they actually understand, and keeps finance, product, and engineering perfectly in sync. That's why category-defining companies like OpenAI and Anthropic trust Metronome to power usage-based pricing and enterprise contracts at scale. Focus on your product — not your billing. Learn more and get started at https://www.metronome.comRightRev is an automated revenue recognition platform built for modern pricing models like usage-based pricing, bundles, and mid-cycle upgrades. RightRev lets companies scale monetization without slowing down close or compliance. For RevRec that keeps growth moving, visit https://www.rightrev.com—LINKS: Mostly Talent: https://mostlymetrics.typeform.com/to/cLTxtAsNCJ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.comSlacker Stuff: https://www.slackerstuff.com/Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slackerstuff/—RELATED EPISODES:The Mindshare Advantage Marketplace Success With Boris Wertz of Version One Ventureshttps://youtu.be/kN61sAxw_ykThe Marketplace Plus Model Explained | Colin Gardiner of Yonder VChttps://youtu.be/VIWFVwCfyLEA CFO Explains the History of EBITDAhttps://youtu.be/JySZv_fSNqs—TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Preview1:34 Marketplace Origins2:48 The Digital Shift5:55 Unbundling of Craigslist9:56 Sponsors — Rillet | Tabs | Abacum13:21 Smart Phone Revolution17:33 Take Rate Calculations21:08 When the Marketplace Crosses the Line24:49 Sponsors — Brex | Metronome | RightRev28:09 When Fees Become Friction30:37 The Marketplace Plus Model33:26 The $100B Flea Market36:14 The Inventory Trap40:07 The Disintermediation Problem42:35 Convenience Beats Inspection45:09 AI Compresses the Marketplace47:56 You Can't Cut Out the Middleman50:03 Credits#RunTheNumbersPodcast #Marketplaces #PlatformEconomy #Middleman #TechStrategy

Factually! with Adam Conover
Tech Giants Are Nothing But Middlemen, with Tim Wu

Factually! with Adam Conover

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 88:00


The tech industry no longer serves human needs. According to legal scholar and writer Tim Wu, the tech industry has shifted away from providing services and now only exist to extract our money, data, and time. This week, Adam sits with Tim to talk about his new book, Age of Extraction. Together, they chart exactly how we came to find ourselves in this mess and what it might take for us to dig our way out of it. Find Tim's book at factuallypod.com/books--SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/factually-with-adam-conover/id1463460577» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fK8WJw4ffMc2NWydBlDyJAbout Headgum: Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/» FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum» Advertise on Factually! via Gumball.fmSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

News In Depth
News In Depth: On the Ground in Minneapolis and Street Roots Article "Oregon's medical interpreters say middlemen pocket public dollars for their high-stakes work"

News In Depth

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026


Sales For The Nigerian Wedding Industry
Managing Middlemen in Nigerian Business: Navigating the "Chief" and the "Connector"

Sales For The Nigerian Wedding Industry

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2026 45:34


In this podcast, Tavershima Ayede explains how to handle middlemen in Nigerian business. He notes that many intermediaries hide their clients because they are afraid of losing their commission or looking unimportant.This "gatekeeping" often leads to mistakes and poor communication on projects.To manage this, Tavershima suggests these three strategies: * Honesty & Safety: Talk openly about money and commissions early on. Explain that you need direct access to the client only to ensure the job is done perfectly—which actually protects the middleman's reputation. * Build Trust: Give the middleman constant updates so they don't feel ignored or "bypassed." * Know Your Limits: Always remain professional and try to negotiate in person. However, if a middleman's interference makes future jobs impossible or unprofitable, be ready to walk away.

Today's Tolkien Times
Week 107 - Third Age Thursday: Fierce Folk When Roused

Today's Tolkien Times

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 10:35


The Man of the West finishes his long look at the Men of Darkness with the Dunlendings, a group of Men that might be better called Middle Men gone wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CrossroadsET
NGO Middlemen Being Cut Out From US Aid Programs

CrossroadsET

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 53:16


Nongovernmental organizations (NGO's) are about to lose a great deal of federal government money. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that tax dollars meant for foreign aid have instead been heavily used to prop up NGOs. And many NGOs have gotten involved in programs that facilitate mass migration, in what's now being referred to as the “refugee industrial complex.”We'll discuss this topic and others in this episode of “Crossroads.”Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

China Manufacturing Decoded
Spotting Kickbacks In China Manufacturing: Middlemen Could Be Costing You

China Manufacturing Decoded

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 32:51 Transcription Available


Hidden commissions and kickbacks can still be found in China sourcing, and many importers are unaware that they're paying for them. In this episode, Adrian and Renaud unpack how these schemes work, how agents and trading companies quietly erode your margin, and what a more transparent, safer sourcing model looks like.   Episode Sections: 00:00 – Intro & today's topic: hidden commissions in China sourcing 01:32 – Agents vs trading companies: who are you really buying from? 03:01 – When a middleman does add value (and when they don't) 07:48 – Transparent trading companies acting as a factory's sales office 12:44 – Buyer-side agents, double commissions, and why it's so tempting 18:01 – How traders quietly erode your margin with small opaque factories 21:48 – Short-term thinking, “circles” of trust, and why you're outside of it 24:44 – Red flags with agents: pricing control, commission structure, and resistance to change 25:47 – Red flags with traders: factory visibility, visits, and compliance documents 26:56 – Moving to a safer model: when you may need a completely new supply chain 29:14 – Simple health-check: how well do you really know your supply chain? 31:00 – Why a lack of visibility puts your IP and business at risk 31:42 – Wrap-up, “health check your sourcing” call-to-action, and Sofeast support   Related content... Agent vs. trader vs. importer: what differences? Is My Supplier A Trading Company Pretending To Be A Manufacturer? Do you need a sourcing agent to buy from China? Chinese Suppliers: “Are you my factory?” Hidden commissions between China factories and sourcing agents Get in touch with us Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB

The John Batchelor Show
S8 Ep131: Sanctions Hit Russian Economy Hard as Middlemen Charge Massive Premiums for Imports and Demand Huge Energy Discounts — Michael Bernstam — Bernstam details how countries including China and Turkey exploit Russia's economic isolation through

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 8:49


Sanctions Hit Russian Economy Hard as Middlemen Charge Massive Premiums for Imports and Demand Huge Energy Discounts — Michael Bernstam — Bernstam details how countries including China and Turkey exploit Russia's economic isolation through sanctions. China demands oil discounts of up to $19 per barrel while simultaneously charging an 87% premium for manufactured goods exported to Russia. This arbitrage mechanism has contributed to a severe recession in Russia's civilian economy (5.4% contraction). Russia has increasingly relied on gold reserves to cover government budget deficits and sustain essential spendi32ng. 19

The Healthcare Policy Podcast ®  Produced by David Introcaso
Georgetown Professor Linda Blumberg Discusses Commercial Health Insurance "Middlemen"

The Healthcare Policy Podcast ® Produced by David Introcaso

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 43:09


Over roughly the past year Prof. Blumberg and her Georgetown Center for Health Insurance Reform (CHIR) colleagues have been researching healthcare providers and payers increasing use of third-party entities they collectively termed “middlemen” with whom providers and payers contract to provide various supportive administrative or financial services. For example, payers frequently use of Third Party Administrators/TPAs and providers of Revenue Cycle Managers/RCMs. The use of middlemen is a problem because these entities are “rent seeking,” meaning they profit without creating new or additional value, thereby reducing economic efficiency and competition and driving prices up. In CHIR's October report titled, The Complex Web of HC Fin Interests & Their Implication for Even Higher Spending,” Prof. Blumberg and her colleagues concluded relationships with middlemen have “resulted in a complex web of cost increasing incentives, money flows, and conflicts of interest. The complexity is so tremendous that it is virtually impossible to capture the entire picture of the existing financial relationships.” (Listeners may recall interviewed Leigh's Prof. Katz-Olson in March 2022 regarding her related work, “Ethically Challenged, PE Storms US Health Care.” CHIR writings discussed during this interview include:https://chir.georgetown.edu/events/why-health-care-costs-are-rising-the-role-of-corporatization-and-bipartisan-solutions-to-increase-affordability/https://chir.georgetown.edu/events/why-health-care-costs-are-rising-the-role-of-corporatization-and-bipartisan-solutions-to-increase-affordability/https://chir.georgetown.edu/evidence-on-private-equity-suggests-that-containing-costs-and-improving-outcomes-may-go-hand-in-hand/https://chir.georgetown.edu/third-party-administrators-the-middlemen-of-self-funded-health-insurance/https://chir.georgetown.edu/independent-dispute-resolution-process-2024-data-high-volume-more-provider-wins/CHIR's publication page is at: https://chir.georgetown.edu/search/?filter=publications This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thehealthcarepolicypodcast.com

prof health insurance chir blumberg middlemen georgetown center georgetown professor
Sarah's Book Shelves Live
State of the Publishing Industry in 2025 with Laura McGrath, Author of the textCrunch Substack (Ep. 210)

Sarah's Book Shelves Live

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2025 54:07


In Ep. 210, Laura McGrath, author of the popular Substack newsletter, textCrunch, joins Sarah to take a sharp look at the State of the Publishing Industry in 2025. This packed episode covers a high-level look at the top sales and book trends, as well as Laura's insights into the future of the book world for 2026. Also, Laura shares her favorite books of 2025! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Laura McGrath's book Middlemen (publishing April 28, 2026) is available for pre-order here: Amazon | Bookshop.org  Fiction's performance in the sales charts since 2019. The trend seen in nonfiction over the past few years and where it may be headed. The continued debate about whether 2025 has a "Book of the Year." Surprising sales trends in religious books and imprints. How self-publishing still brings us successful authors. What Laura sees in her research that she thinks publishers should be paying attention to. A bit about the current outlook for mid-list and debut authors. Laura's predictions for 2026 book trends. State of the Publishing Industry in 2025 HIGH-LEVEL OVERVIEW [2:45]  Onyx Storm (Empyrean, 3) by Rebecca Yarros (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:49] Fourth Wing (series, 1) by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:58]  The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:21] James by Percival Everett (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:59] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:02] Flashlight by Susan Choi (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:25] The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:58] The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:04] A Guardian and a Thief by Leela Tapryal (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:31] The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:19] Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:57] The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:59] 2025 BOOK SALES & TRENDS [14:41]   The Martian by Andy Weir (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:03]  The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:38]   The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:40]   Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:42]  BIG BOOK STORIES OF 2025 [30:18]  Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1961) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:30]  V by Thomas Pynchon (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:32]  Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth (1969) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:41]  The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead (1999) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:47]  The Mothers by Brit Bennett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:54]  2026 PUBLISHING PREDICTIONS [42:29]  Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:41] Pick a Color by Souvankham Thammavongsa (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:55]  Discipline by Larissa Pham (January 20, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:01]  Under Water by Tara Menon (March 17, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:07]  Laura's 3 Favorites Books of 2025 [45:31]  Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:17]  Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[47:59]  The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:38] Other Links The New York Times | The Dogged, Irrational Persistence of Literary Fictionby Gerald Howard The Walrus | Publishing Has a Gambling Problem by Tajja Isen Time | How Taylor Jenkins Reid Became a Publishing Powerhouse by Lucy Feldman Book Riot | How Much Does Genre Matter to Readers? (Podcast Episode) Public Books | Who Cares About Literary Prizes? by Alexander Manshel, Laura B. Mcgrath, & J. D. Porter

Tavern Tales Junior
Shakespeare

Tavern Tales Junior

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 40:07


The Middlemen move forward to find a way to the past at The Gorgon's Hut, but the situation in the…

How Books Work
Gatekeepers to Goldmines: Inside the World of Literary Agents

How Books Work

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 31:24 Transcription Available


Julie Satow and Alice Robb sit down with Laura McGrath, the author of Middlemen to tell the surprising story of how literary agents went from magazine brokers to the most powerful figures in American publishing. Through archival sleuthing, vivid fieldwork, and data that brings catalogs and auction-room drama to life, this episode traces pivotal moments — from the first auctions to the birth of the super agent — and the intimate, sometimes fraught relationships that shape what readers get to see on shelves. Listen as they weave anecdotes about deals, loyalty, and gatekeeping with sharp reporting on today's shifts: agents as editors, agents on Substack, and the ways technology and consolidation are rewriting old rules. It's a fast-moving, character-driven narrative that reveals not just how books get made, but who gets to decide.

Health Affairs This Week
PBM Laws & State Reforms: Are Big Changes Coming?

Health Affairs This Week

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 15:47 Transcription Available


Health Affairs' Jeff Byers welcomes Andrew Twinamatsiko of O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law back to the program to discuss pharmacy benefit managers, the laws around PBMs, the statutes in place from the Express Scripts Inc. v. Richmond case, and more.Next week, Health Affairs will be releasing a new theme issue focusing on insights from the opioids crisis. Subscribe to the journal to never miss out on an upcoming issue.Join us for these upcoming events:9/3: Theme Issue Briefing: Insights About The Opioid Crisis (FREE TO ALL)9/17: Lunch & Learn: The Current Opioids Policy Landscape & What's Ahead (FREE TO ALL)Related Articles:Arkansas PBM law could spur lookalike restrictions (Axios)Express Scripts Inc et al v. Richmond et al (Judicial Publications)PBM lobby sues Arkansas over law requiring drug middlemen to sell pharmacies (Healthcare Dive)

VoxDev Talks
S6 Ep33: The development bogeyman? Understanding the role of middlemen

VoxDev Talks

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 31:10


What happens from the moment goods are manufactured or harvested, until they are bought by consumers? As we know from experience, most of the things we consume reach us having been bought and sold, sometimes many times, by intermediaries – most of us don't order a phone from the factory. Many interventions designed to increase the welfare of consumers in developing economies are designed to shorten these supply chains by cutting out those traders in the middle. But what happens when you do that in the real world?  Meredith Startz of Dartmouth College tells Tim Phillips why the story of what intermediaries deliver, and even their effect on the prices consumers pay, is more nuanced than our economic models often suggest. 

Self-Funded With Spencer
Removing The Middlemen Is The Key To Lowering Healthcare Costs | with Josh Walker

Self-Funded With Spencer

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 66:09


"Nomi actually stands for 'no middleman'. Take out that invented complexity... Price comes way down, becomes more simple to administer, and there's plenty of dollars to go around for providers now making more money." - Josh WalkerMy guest this week, Josh Walker, Founder & COO of Nomi Health, is on a mission to rebuild healthcare by tackling its "invented complexity." He joined me on the show to explain why creating a direct relationship between the buyers and providers of care is the key to a better, more affordable system for everyone.How does Nomi do it? We break down their playbook, which focuses on three core strategies: standardizing data formats to improve efficiency, embracing price discovery to find the true cost of care, and simplifying payment dynamics to cut out the middlemen.This isn't just theory. Joshua shares the powerful, real-world results of their model, including how one client's benefits leader received a standing ovation from employees after switching to a plan that eliminated all financial barriers to care.Tune in this week to learn why it's so important to find the true cost of care, and why I'm so proud to have Nomi as a sponsor for the show!Chapters:(00:00:44) What Does NOMI Stand For? (00:11:36) Finding the "True Cost of Care" (00:23:27) Do We Even Need Networks Anymore? (00:35:14) What Churros Can Teach Us About Data Analytics (00:52:19) From Solution Taker to Solution Maker (00:55:59) The "Standing Ovation" Health PlanKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

Self-Funded With Spencer
Removing The Middlemen Is The Key To Lowering Healthcare Costs | with Josh Walker

Self-Funded With Spencer

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 66:09


"Nomi actually stands for 'no middleman'. Take out that invented complexity... Price comes way down, becomes more simple to administer, and there's plenty of dollars to go around for providers now making more money." - Josh WalkerMy guest this week, Josh Walker, Founder & COO of Nomi Health, is on a mission to rebuild healthcare by tackling its "invented complexity." He joined me on the show to explain why creating a direct relationship between the buyers and providers of care is the key to a better, more affordable system for everyone.How does Nomi do it? We break down their playbook, which focuses on three core strategies: standardizing data formats to improve efficiency, embracing price discovery to find the true cost of care, and simplifying payment dynamics to cut out the middlemen.This isn't just theory. Joshua shares the powerful, real-world results of their model, including how one client's benefits leader received a standing ovation from employees after switching to a plan that eliminated all financial barriers to care.Tune in this week to learn why it's so important to find the true cost of care, and why I'm so proud to have Nomi as a sponsor for the show!Chapters:(00:00:44) What Does NOMI Stand For? (00:11:36) Finding the "True Cost of Care" (00:23:27) Do We Even Need Networks Anymore? (00:35:14) What Churros Can Teach Us About Data Analytics (00:52:19) From Solution Taker to Solution Maker (00:55:59) The "Standing Ovation" Health PlanKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

Matt and Alex - All Day Breakfast
Matt's Mirror Middle Men

Matt and Alex - All Day Breakfast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 26:14


What type of person are you? Cup or Cone? MIND BLOWN! LINKS If you've got something to add to the show, slide into our DMs @matt.and.alex at https://bit.ly/mattandalex-ig CREDITSHosts: Matt Okine and Alex Dyson Executive Producer: James ParkinsonAudio Imager: Linc Kelly Find more great podcasts like this at www.listnr.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brandon Boxer
What is SB276, and how can it help lower Prescription Drug Prices?

Brandon Boxer

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 11:22 Transcription Available


Antonio Ciaccia, President of 3 Axis Advisors breaks down who the "Middlemen" are and why drug prices are so inflated!

The Answer Is Transaction Costs
The Engineers of Exchange: Middlemen, Part Deux

The Answer Is Transaction Costs

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 16:25 Transcription Available


Send us a textMiddlemen are not parasites but essential "engineers of exchange" who create value by connecting buyers and sellers who might never find each other otherwise.• The word "monger" (and Munger) comes from a Saxon root--Mancgere-- meaning trader or merchant• Middlemen historically seen as parasites for buying cheap and selling dear without improving products• 11th-century "mancgere" traders defended their value despite not changing the goods they sold• RA Radford's 1945 POW camp study shows how middlemen increase beneficial exchanges• The prison camp padre who traded his way to wealth, while making everyone else better off!!• Arbitrage improves market efficiency by exploiting price differences, and reducing differences in price so that people can rely on the price they are offered rather than having to bargain or comparison shop. • Middlemen only become problematic when they control exclusive information or "rents"The first "middleman" episode of TAITC:  May 2023....R.A. Radford, "The Economics of a POW Camp." M.C. Munger, "Market Makers or Parasites."Book'o'da'week: Country Music USA by Bill C. Malone, published by University of Texas Press.Bonus: a great example of a middleman, from a listener in Oz!If you have questions or comments, or want to suggest a future topic, email the show at taitc.email@gmail.com ! You can follow Mike Munger on Twitter at @mungowitz

The Capitol Pressroom
Drug middlemen asked to pay their 'fair share'

The Capitol Pressroom

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 13:59


June 18, 2025 - Assemblymember John McDonald, a Capital Region Democrat, makes the case for increasing costs on prescription drug middlemen in order to raise revenues to support independent pharmacies.

The Dr. Tyna Show
Exposing PBMs: How Pharmacy Middlemen Are Raising Your Drug Costs | Brad Hart

The Dr. Tyna Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 59:15


EP. 215: I sat down with Brad Hart, owner of Forest Park Pharmacy in Fort Worth, to expose the shocking truth behind pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and how they're driving up drug prices. What I learned about vertical integration in the healthcare system, where insurers own the PBMs and the pharmacies, honestly left me furious. Brad breaks it all down, from Medicare waste to the skyrocketing cost of specialty drugs, and we talk about real solutions like compounding pharmacies and direct-to-consumer options. This is a must-listen if you've ever wondered why your medications cost so much—and who's really profiting. Topics Discussed:  What are pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and how do they increase drug prices? How are health insurance companies profiting from vertical integration in the pharmacy system? Why are independent and rural pharmacies struggling to stay open? What impact do PBMs have on Medicare spending and prescription drug costs? How can consumers save money on medications without relying on insurance? Sponsored By: Qualia | Go to qualialife.com/DRTYNA for up to 50% off your purchase and use code DRTYNA for an additional 15% Maui Nui Venison | Head to mauinuivenison.com/DRTYNA to secure your access now.  LMNT | Get your free Sample Pack with any LMNT purchase at drinkLMNT.com/drtyna BIOptimizers | Go to bioptimizers.com/tyna and use promo code TYNA10 to order Masszymes now and get 10% off any order Sundays | Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to sundaysfordogs.com/DRTYNA and use code DRTYNA at checkout. Relax Tonic | Go to https://store.drtyna.com/products/relaxtonic and use code and use DRTYNASHOW to save 10% On This Episode We Cover:  00:00:00 - Introduction  00:04:34 - History of PBMs 00:09:02 - Insurance & Pharmacy Ties 00:12:17 - UnitedHealthcare's Role 00:15:59 - Pharmacy Kickbacks 00:18:01 - Emergency Med Access 00:23:11 - Rural Pharmacy Crisis 00:26:20 - How Insurance Works 00:30:05 - Compounding Pharmacies Explained 00:35:19 - How Pharmacies Save Money 00:37:14 - Arkansas PBM Bill 00:39:12 - Trump's Drug Pricing Executive Order 00:42:37 - Direct-to-Consumer Drugs 00:43:40 - Wegovy, Eli Lilly, & Changing Costs 00:46:27 - Medicare Waste 00:48:25 - Medicare Price Negotiation 00:49:58 - Specialty Drug Cost 00:54:18 - Brad's Pharmacy Model Further Listening:  The Fight For Affordable GLP1s & The Truth About Big Pharma | Dave Knapp  Check Out Brad:  https://www.forestparkpharmacy.com/ Instagram TikTok YouTube Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided in this blog/podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Tyna Moore. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.

Tavern Tales Junior
Sturbridge’s Past

Tavern Tales Junior

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 29:03


The Middlemen have managed to put off Raphael to go back in the past and confront the devastation there. I…

Unchained
The Chopping Block: Rugs, Incentives & Float Lies, Mosi Breaks It All Down - Ep. 836

Unchained

Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 57:25


Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Robert Leshner, and Tarun Chitra break down the biggest stories in crypto. This week, we're joined by one of the most iconic anons on Crypto Twitter: Mosi, aka @vanacharma. Known for calling out sketchy tokenomics and vaporware valuations, Mosi joins the crew for a ruthless teardown of market maker games, OTC dumps, and the “hallucination yield” driving this cycle's worst bets. From the $60M Movement Labs fiasco to OTC pump schemes and the collapse of community trust, the gang goes deep on why crypto's market structure is broken—and what it'll take to fix it. If you've ever wondered how the sausage gets made in crypto token launches, this one's for you. Show highlights

Cut To The Chase:
Big Pharma and the Middlemen Who Profit $$$ | Mass Torts with Mike Papantonio

Cut To The Chase:

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 30:13


Are billion-dollar secrets hiding in plain sight every time you pick up a prescription? While most of us trust the price tags and availability of life-saving medications, who's really pulling the strings—and why aren't these stories front-page news? In an era when legal battles against corporate giants can change lives and headlines, we need transparency and we need it now. This week on Cut to the Chase: Podcast, we're diving deep into the explosive world of pharmaceutical litigation with Mike Papantonio, legendary trial attorney, legal commentator, and acclaimed author. Mike's latest novel “The Middleman” pulls back the curtain on the mysterious—and disturbingly powerful—pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who are quietly shaping the cost and availability of vital medicines. The PBM industry is a $300 billion behemoth—raising medication costs across the board by up to 50%. Most Americans, including seasoned professionals, have no idea these gatekeepers exist. Tune in to hear how real courtroom drama translates into gripping fiction, what's really driving up drug prices, and what lawyers must know to make a transformative impact—financially and socially—through mass tort litigation. What you'll learn in this episode: The shocking influence and unchecked power of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—and how they're raising drug prices, taking kickbacks, and operating as a modern-day mob Insider details from landmark cases (tobacco, opioids, human trafficking, Wall Street scams) and how those stories shape Mike's writing The criminal-like conduct behind life-saving drug pricing, vertical integration, and extortion in the pharma industry How whistleblowers drive 40% of mass tort cases—why they matter and how law firms can support them Tips for trial lawyers and young attorneys on building a meaningful, profitable practice—the legacy case approach A sneak peek at Mike's upcoming book, “Death in Arcadia,” exposing corruption and abuse in America's reform schools Key Takeaways: Look Beyond the Headlines: Mainstream media often misses (or avoids) big stories; legal professionals must dig deeper and use insider knowledge to expose injustice. Leverage Whistleblower Potential: Proactively support and educate potential whistleblowers—40% of mass torts begin with insider revelations. Consider Legacy Cases: Don't just chase profits—choose cases that have lasting impact and can become the cornerstone of your reputation. Educate Through Storytelling: Use creative outlets—novels, blogs, podcasts—to inform and inspire both the public and fellow attorneys. Adapt to Changing Legal Landscapes: Stay alert to new threats—PBMs, antitrust schemes, white-collar criminality—that need legal champions willing to take action.   Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss our next deep dive on Cut to The Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!   Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast!   Resources: Buy “The Middleman: A Legal Thriller” by Mike Papantonio: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1648211054 Connect with Mike Papantonio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepapantonio  Visit his website - Ring of Fire: https://trofire.com Subscribe to his YouTube channel - America's Lawyer: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRingofFire  Follow Mike on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rofpap Learn more about Mike's legal career: https://levinlaw.com/our_team/mike-papantonio    This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

Long Story Short
Business in challenging markets: Viva Ona Bartkus on building businesses in fragile economies

Long Story Short

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 41:05


Summary Discover why "business as usual" fails in the world's toughest places. Viva Ona Bartkus sits down with Raj Kumar to reveal the counterintuitive tactics that unlock massive opportunities where others fear to tread. Learn why: The most successful security strategy isn't higher walls – it's community ownership How to turn "middlemen with guns" into business partners Why Chinese companies are winning while Western firms hesitate Plus: The radical partnership model that's transforming dangerous markets from Uganda to Colombia. Bartkus shares explosive insights from 15+ years working with multinationals, Special Forces, and local communities in conflict zones. – Chapters 00:00 Embedding Business in Local Communities 01:53 The Journey to Frontline Markets 07:02 Understanding Market Dynamics 11:18 The Role of Middlemen in Local Economies 12:45 Security Through Community Engagement 16:14 The Next Round of Globalization 20:02 The Competitive Landscape of Global Investment 23:42 Collaboration Between Security and Development 25:28 Bridging the Gap Between Business and Humanitarian Efforts 28:41 The Role of ESG in Business Strategies 31:17 Adapting Business Models for Extractive Industries 36:43 The Future of Development Finance – Want to stay updated on the latest news in global development? Subscribe to Devex's Newswire: https://www.devex.com/newsletters/newswire

The Devex Book Club
Business in challenging markets: Viva Ona Bartkus on building businesses in fragile economies

The Devex Book Club

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 41:06


SummaryDiscover why "business as usual" fails in the world's toughest places. Viva Ona Bartkus sits down with Raj Kumar to reveal the counterintuitive tactics that unlock massive opportunities where others fear to tread. Learn why:The most successful security strategy isn't higher walls – it's community ownershipHow to turn "middlemen with guns" into business partnersWhy Chinese companies are winning while Western firms hesitatePlus: The radical partnership model that's transforming dangerous markets from Uganda to Colombia. Bartkus shares explosive insights from 15+ years working with multinationals, Special Forces, and local communities in conflict zones.Chapters00:00 Embedding Business in Local Communities01:53 The Journey to Frontline Markets07:02 Understanding Market Dynamics11:18 The Role of Middlemen in Local Economies12:45 Security Through Community Engagement16:14 The Next Round of Globalization20:02 The Competitive Landscape of Global Investment23:42 Collaboration Between Security and Development25:28 Bridging the Gap Between Business and Humanitarian Efforts28:41 The Role of ESG in Business Strategies31:17 Adapting Business Models for Extractive Industries36:43 The Future of Development FinanceWant to stay updated on the latest news in global development? Subscribe to Devex's Newswire: https://www.devex.com/newsletters/newswire 

Cloud Accounting Podcast
Top 10 College Accounting Programs, PwC Israel Fined, Trump Names Crypto Reserve Coins

Cloud Accounting Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 72:01


What happens when the US government considers creating a cryptocurrency reserve? In this episode, Blake and David dive into Trump's surprising announcement about establishing a crypto strategic reserve and the immediate market reaction. They explore this proposal's potential consequences and skepticism, from security vulnerabilities to valuation challenges.You'll also hear about PwC Israel's $2.8 million fine for exam cheating, Connecticut's push to create alternative CPA licensure pathways, and how accounting firms are expanding into legal services. They also dissect the outcry over federal employees being asked to submit weekly accomplishment reports and break down Citigroup's jaw-dropping $81 trillion transfer error caused by poor software design.Whether you're tracking regulatory changes, interested in the evolution of professional services firms, or simply fascinated by the intersection of finance and technology, this episode delivers insights into the forces reshaping the accounting profession today.Sponsors Bluevine - http://accountingpodcast.promo/bluevine (Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking Services provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC.)  CPA.com - http://accountingpodcast.promo/cpaChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (00:29) - Crypto's Legitimacy and Trump's Announcement (01:44) - Crypto Market Reactions and Speculations (04:07) - Personal Updates and Hiking Adventure (05:36) - Crypto Reserve Concerns and Security Issues (08:00) - PWC Fined for Cheating Scandal (11:42) - Top Collegiate Accounting Programs (16:52) - FinCEN and Beneficial Ownership Reporting (17:59) - Fyre Festival 2 Announcement (20:46) - CPA Licensure Pathways and Reforms (25:33) - Accounting Firms Expanding into Legal Services (30:45) - Consulting Firms and Government Contracts (36:30) - Government Spending and Nonprofits (37:49) - Consulting Costs and Middlemen (40:18) - The Penny Debate (41:53) - Federal Employee Accountability (58:46) - Elon Musk's OpenAI Offer (01:03:50) - Citigroup's $81 Trillion Error (01:07:36) - Self-Driving Cars and AI (01:10:11) - Conclusion and CPE Message  Show NotesTrump names cryptocurrencies in strategic reserve, sending prices uphttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-cryptocurrency-strategic-reserve-includes-xrp-sol-ada-2025-03-02/ Crypto's biggest hacks and heists after $1.5 billion theft from Bybithttps://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/cryptos-biggest-hacks-heists-after-15-billion-theft-bybit-2025-02-24/ PCAOB Sanctions PwC Israel for Quality Control Violations Related to Widespread Improper Answer Sharinghttps://pcaobus.org/news-events/news-releases/news-release-detail/pcaob-sanctions-pwc-israel-for-quality-control-violations-related-to-widespread-improper-answer-sharing CPA Success Index: Ranking the top collegiate accounting programshttps://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/cpa-success-index-ranks-top-collegiate-accounting-programs FinCEN Not Issuing Fines or Penalties in Connection with Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Deadlineshttps://www.fincen.gov/news/news-releases/fincen-not-issuing-fines-or-penalties-connection-beneficial-ownership Fyre Festival 2 tickets are on sale for up to $1.1 million after founder served prison time for defrauding investors of the first eventhttps://fortune.com/2025/02/26/fyre-festival-2-tickets-billy-mcfarland-prometheus-pass-music-lineup/ Progress: Tracking the conversation in all licensing jurisdictionshttps://www.mncpa.org/involvement/legislative/broadening-pathways-to-cpa/national/ Aprio Aims to Enter Legal Industry by Combining with Law Firm in Arizonahttps://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/02/13/aprio-aims-to-enter-legal-industry-by-combining-with-law-firm-in-arizona/156043/ McKinsey Estimates Advisor Shortage of 100,000 by 2034https://www.wealthmanagement.com/wealth-management-industry-trends/mckinsey-estimates-advisor-shortage-of-100-000-by-2034 Saudi Wealth Fund Blocks PwC from Advisory Work for One Yearhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-28/saudi-wealth-fund-blocks-pwc-from-advisory-work-for-one-year A message from SecVA Doug Collinshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8Z_RkqSAzo Everyone Hates Pennies, Except This Guyhttps://www.wsj.com/business/mark-weller-penny-defender-trump-d543a9de?mod=business_lead_pos1 Federal workers get a new email demanding their accomplishmentshttps://www.npr.org/2025/03/01/g-s1-51490/federal-workers-new-email-accomplishments Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Proceeds with Tariffs on Imports from Canada and Mexicohttps://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-proceeds-with-tariffs-on-imports-from-canada-and-mexico/ Sam Altman Rejects Elon Musk's Offer To Buy OpenAI Control—And Mocks Xhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2025/02/10/sam-altman-rejects-elon-musks-offer-to-buy-openai-control-and-mocks-x/ Former U.S. Senator Robert Menendez Sentenced To 11 Years In Prison For Bribery, Foreign Agent, And Obstruction Offenses

Morning Cup Of Murder
Murder and The Middle Men - March 6 2025

Morning Cup Of Murder

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 8:39


March 6th: Carol Thompson Killed (1963) For some, money is worth more than a person's life. On March 6th 1963 a devoted wife and mother was killed in what appeared to be a random home invasion. A crime in which, when the truth came out, was motivated by a large payout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About Time | A Doctor Who Podcast
97. "Assets and Boobettes" (Miracle Day: The Categories of Life / The Middle Men)

About Time | A Doctor Who Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 34:49


We are a Kai Owen appreciation podcast this week (when aren't we?)! We discuss episodes 5 and 6 of Miracle Day.Just a quick content warning: it goes with the territory, but throughout our Miracle Day episodes we will obviously be discussing death and other potentially troubling themes.About Time: www.linktree.com/abouttimecast

assets middlemen miracle day
My Take On It with Your Angelic Karma®
Tradelines and Middlemen The Card Company - How Do I Benefit It Appears They Would Benefit More

My Take On It with Your Angelic Karma®

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 15:39


CrossroadsET
Health Insurer Stocks Fall, As Trump Pledges to Go After the 'Middlemen'

CrossroadsET

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 63:31


Description: The shares of major healthcare insurance companies took a fall after President-elect Donald Trump announced he intends to reform the industry and “knock out the middleman.” Among the companies that saw drops in their shares were UnitedHealth Group Inc., CVS Health Corp., and others. Trump's comments come at an important time, following the recent shooting death of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, which is an operating division of UnitedHealth Group, the largest single health carrier in the United States.Watch our special report 'CCP Targets Americans Using Disinformation and Lawfare' here: https://ept.ms/CCPPlotUncoveredCR

WSJ What’s News
Legislators Introduce Bipartisan Bills to Break Up Drug Middlemen

WSJ What’s News

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 13:44


P.M. Edition for Dec. 11. Bills introduced in the Senate and House seek to break up pharmacy-benefit managers, or PBMs. WSJ reporter Liz Essley White explains what that could mean for companies and for consumers. And U.S. inflation ticked up last month. Wall Street Journal economics reporter Harriet Torrey clues us in on what that might mean for the Fed when it meets next week. Plus, FBI Director Christopher Wray steps down before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Capitol Pressroom
State updates rules for pharmacy middlemen

The Capitol Pressroom

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 12:29


Dec. 2, 2024 - Assemblymember John McDonald, a Capital Region Democrat, discusses new regulations addressing the relationship between pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers and explains what they could mean for consumers.

Full Measure After Hours
After Hours: The Powerful, Unseen Middlemen Impacting Your Drug Prices (From the Archives)

Full Measure After Hours

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 24:55


Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are powerful, unseen middlemen impacting drug prices in a big way. The debate is over whether they're saving you money or costing you money— and possibly costing lives.Order Sharyl's new bestselling book: “Follow the $cience.” Subscribe to my two podcasts: “The Sharyl Attkisson Podcast” and “Full Measure After Hours.” Leave a review, subscribe and share with your friends! Support independent journalism by visiting the new Sharyl Attkisson store.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CNN News Briefing
6 PM ET: Harris campaigns in GA, FTC sues drug middlemen, nonalcoholic drinks debate & more

CNN News Briefing

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 6:30


Vice President Kamala Harris railed against former President Donald Trump over reproductive rights. The Federal Trade Commission is accusing three companies of artificially inflating insulin list prices. We have new developments on a deadly Israeli strike in Lebanon. The Food & Drug Administration approved the first flu vaccine that doesn't have to be administered by a health care provider. Plus, we'll explain why some experts want age restrictions in place to sell nonalcoholic drinks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The John Batchelor Show
#RUSSIA: The prosperous sanctions middlemen in Turkey and Hong Kong. Michael Bernstam, Hoover Institution

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 10:30


#RUSSIA: The prosperous sanctions middlemen in Turkey and Hong Kong. Michael Bernstam, Hoover Institution https://on.ft.com/46BJLA1 1870 Istanbul