Best Joel Kotkin Podcasts (2025)

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Joel Kotkin | Neo-Feudalism: Tech Oligarchs and the Secular “Clerisy” 1:03:30

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11d ago1:03:30

1:03:30

Joel Kotkin is a writer on urban affairs and a fellow in urban studies at Chapman University in Orange, California. He is a regular contributor to The Daily Beast and the conservative magazine The Spectator, as well as the author of several books. In 2020, he published The Coming of Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class, which is the …

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Steve Keen on the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-8 | A Teach-in for Class Unity 1:30:18

17h ago1:30:18

1:30:18

Prof. Steve Keen talks with Class Unity about the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-8, the problems with mainstream understandings of it, and the contemporary situation. He is the author of: The New Economics. A manifesto. Polity. (2021) Can We Avoid Another Financial Crisis? Polity. (2017) Developing an economics for the post-crisis world. World Eco…

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Why Iranian American Immigrants Excel: Grit, Education, and the Fight for a Free Iran 47:57

3d ago47:57

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What explains the outsized success of Iranian Americans—and can that same resolve help tilt the future of Iran? We bring together two sharp voices to unpack a story that spans kitchen-table sacrifice, elite migration, and a culture where A’s are expected and grit is non-negotiable. From early professional cohorts in medicine and engineering to foun…

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Walter Benn Michaels Talks Politics with Class Unity 1:40:10

8d ago1:40:10

1:40:10

Walter Benn Michaels talks about the present political moment with Class Unity. You can find one of our favorite essays by him here: https://nonsite.org/the-political-economy-of-anti-racism/ And you can find his most recent book with Adolph Reed Jr. here: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/no-politics-but-class-politics/9781912475575 Consider joining or…

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Costas Lapavitsas Talks to Class Unity About the 2007-9 Global Financial Crisis 1:24:19

15d ago1:24:19

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Costas Lapavitsas Joined Class Unity for a discussion about the 2007-9 Global Financial Crisis. We recently reviewed his works, which you can find here in our study group here: https://classunity.org/2024/04/25/the-2008-financial-crisis/ You can find him and his work here: https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/costas-lapavitsas And you can find us here: htt…

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How Cities Really Work 37:55

15d ago37:55

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Tired of big talk that falls apart when the trash doesn’t get picked up? We bring together two insiders who’ve lived the fight from the council chamber to the mayor’s office to map how cities actually move: coalitions, budgets, police staffing, and the messy business of making streets feel safe. Houston’s recent pivot toward a centrist, basics-firs…

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L. Randall Wray discusses the 2007-9 Global Financial Crisis and Politics with Class Unity 1:23:42

22d ago1:23:42

1:23:42

Prof. L. Randall Wray joined Class Unity to talk about the 2007-9 GFC and politics. Prof. Wray is a professor of Economics at Bard College and Senior Scholar at the Levy Economics Institute. Previously, he was a professor at the University of Missouri–Kansas City in Kansas City. You can find Prof. Wray’s papers on the Crisis: https://www.levyinstit…

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Kshama Sawant | Free Speech, Running for Congress, and the Working Class 1:39:48

25d ago1:39:48

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By Class Unity

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Vijay Prashad on Imperialism and the Contemporary Left | Q&A w/ Class Unity on “Washington Bullets” 1:29:39

1M ago1:29:39

1:29:39

Vijay Prashad talks with Class Unity about the politics and economics of imperialism as well as issues with the contemporary left. He is the author of many books, including: (2011) Marx’s Capital: An Introductory Reader. Contributed by Vijay Prashad, Venkatesh Athreya, Prasenjit Bose, Prabhat Patnaik, Jayati Ghosh, T. Jayaraman, R. Ramakumar. LeftW…

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Transmissions Ep. 18: Technofeudalism versus Total Capitalism (w/ Alex Hochuli) 1:33:30

1M ago1:33:30

1:33:30

In this episode, we’re joined by writer and political analyst Alex Hochuli to discuss his recent essay in American Affairs, “Technofeudalism Versus Total Capitalism.” The conversation explores the rising popularity of the “technofeudalist” thesis — associated with thinkers like Yanis Varoufakis, Cédric Durand, and Jodi Dean — and the claim that cap…

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The Future of Space Defense 45:16

1M ago45:16

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The landscape of American defense manufacturing has transformed dramatically since World War II—and not for the better. What happens when a nation with the world's most advanced military technology can't produce enough conventional artillery shells to supply Ukraine while maintaining its own reserves? This episode brings together three exceptional …

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Wolfgang Streeck | Ukraine, Gaza, and the Current Crisis of Capitalism 1:41:00

1M ago1:41:00

1:41:00

Members of Class Unity discuss the crises of capitalism, the political economy of war, and the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza with Professor Wolfgang Streeck. Wolfgang Streeck is Director Emeritus at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies. In addition to being director of that institute before his retirement, he was Professor of Sociolo…

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AI's Boardroom Revolution 49:19

1M ago49:19

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Support Our Work The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff. Students work with th…

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Immigration Crossroads 43:57

1M ago43:57

43:57

Is there a middle ground between open borders and immigration restriction? This thought-provoking discussion with GOP strategist Mike Madrid and Venezuelan immigrant Dr. Daniel DiMartino explores the complex realities of America's immigration debate beyond the partisan talking points. The experts delve into surprising data showing how education lev…

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Michael Hudson & Dirk Bezemer | Finance Parasites Versus the Real Economy

2M ago

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Michael Hudson is a professor of economics at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, a researcher at the Levy Economics Institute at Bard College, and the author of many books and papers on political economy, the history of economics, economic history, finance, and imperialism. Dirk Bezemer is a Dutch economist who is a professor at the Faculty of…

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Adolph Reed Jr. | No More Compromises

2M ago

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Adolph Reed Jr. is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, and is currently serving as Distinguished Visiting Professor of Politics at Mount Holyoke College. He is also an organizer with the Debs-Jones-Douglass Institute’s Medicare for All – South Carolina initiative. Reed is widely known for his writings on race,…

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AI and the Future of Governance 49:19

2M ago49:19

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The technological revolution of artificial intelligence isn't just changing how businesses operate—it's transforming how they're governed. In this riveting conversation, we're joined by Dean Yoost, former senior partner at PWC, and Ashwin Rangan, CEO of DoubleCheck, to explore their groundbreaking book "Governance in the Age of AI: A Director's Han…

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Non-Aligned Nations-Navigating a Multipolar World 47:01

2M ago47:01

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The global balance of power is undergoing a dramatic transformation that extends far beyond the US-China rivalry dominating Western headlines. This eye-opening conversation with experts from three continents reveals how developing nations are reshaping international relations through demographic advantages, economic growth, and strategic non-alignm…

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Jan Toporowski – Military Keynesianism, Kalecki, and the Current Crisis of International Politics

3M ago

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Members of Class Unity discuss the return of military Keynesianism, the work of the Polish Marxian economist Michał Kalecki, and the current crisis of international politics with Professor Jan Toporowski. Jan Toporowski is Visiting Professor of Economics in the department of International Development at King’s College London. He recently retired fr…

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The Gender Gap and its impact on the global future 36:54

3M ago36:54

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The widening gender gap is reshaping American society in profound and troubling ways. Join hosts Marshall Toplansky and Joel Kotkin as they dive deep into this growing divide with Christine Emba, author of "Rethinking Sex: A Provocation," and Aaron Renn, writer of "Life in the Negative World." Drawing from fresh research including focus groups cond…

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Class, Capitalism, and Higher Education w/ Mitch Hernandez and Adam Rensch 1:31:32

3M ago1:31:32

1:31:32

In our latest speaker series, Class Unity discusses class, capitalism and higher education with Mitch Hernandez and Adam Rensch. Mitch Hernandez is a doctoral candidate in the cultural studies and comparative literature department of the University of Minnesota. His general interests include the history of neoliberalism and the development of subje…

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Class Unity – The Great Realignment – Political and Geopolitical

3M ago

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Class Unity members discuss the realignment, Trump’s betrayal of his anti-establishment base, geopolitical developments, and the NYC mayoral election. For membership inquiries, political education courses, and speaker events please visit: http://www.classunity.org find us on YouTube @Class_UnityBy Class Unity

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Class Unity: Warren Mosler Discusses MMT, Banking, and Taxing the Rich

3M ago

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Class Unity speaks with Warren Mosler, a leading voice and theorist of Modern Monetary Theory. He spent much of his career in the business world as entrepreneur and investor, founding and operating a successful hedge fund. Later he became an author on economics and along with others founded a new school of economic thought that […]…

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Jewish Migration: The Southern Shift 48:22

4M ago48:22

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America's Jewish geography is undergoing a dramatic transformation, shifting from its historical concentration in the Northeast to flourishing communities across the South and West. This fascinating evolution reflects broader demographic patterns while revealing unique insights about Jewish identity, community formation, and cultural adaptation. De…

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AI Intentionality: Who’s Really in Control? 46:05

4M ago46:05

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What happens when we give machines the power to think without ensuring they share our values? This riveting conversation dives deep into one of humanity's most pressing challenges: controlling artificial intelligence as it grows increasingly powerful. Joined by Roni Abovitz, founder of groundbreaking companies Mako Surgical and Magic Leap, and neur…

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Marxism and “Woke” Ideology : A Conversation With Radika Desai and Paul Gottfried 1:56:07

4M ago1:56:07

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By Class Unity

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Debt, Demographics, and Diplomacy: Europe at the Crossroads 37:54

5M ago37:54

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The economic and political landscape between the United States and Europe is undergoing a seismic shift as Trump's tariff threats create ripples across the Atlantic. Our expert guests, Professor Veronica de Romanis from Rome and journalist Fraser Myers from London, provide fascinating insights into how European countries are responding to this new …

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Breaking Down the NYC Mayor's Race 48:29

5M ago48:29

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The battle for New York City's future is heating up as former Governor Andrew Cuomo faces off against progressive challenger Zoran Mamdani in what's shaping up to be an unpredictable mayoral race. With ranked-choice voting, multiple candidates, and current Mayor Eric Adams making a last-minute decision not to run in the Democratic primary, the city…

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Mattie C. Webb: The Politics of Labor, Race, and Sanctions in Apartheid South Africa. 1:13:44

5M ago1:13:44

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Mattie is a social and political historian of the United States and southern Africa in the twentieth century. She is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University’s Johnson Center for the Study of American Diplomacy at the Jackson School of Global Affairs. She earned her Ph.D. in History from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2023 and is an…

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Robert C. Hockett Discusses Money and How It Works pt.2 1:03:47

5M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

Robert C. Hockett, Professor of law at Cornell law school, joins Class Unity for part 2 of the discussion on money: how it works and how it relates to banking, capital, and investment. He makes the case for a new set of reforms designed to socialize investment. His research lies in the fields of organizational […]…

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The Five Years of Feudal Future 40:05

6M ago40:05

40:05

As the Feudal Future podcast marks its fifth anniversary, hosts Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky examine how dramatically our society has evolved since they first warned about the emergence of neo-feudalism—a concentration of wealth and power resembling historical feudal systems. The world has changed profoundly since they began. Political allian…

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Navigating US-Mexico Relations in Turbulent Times 39:55

6M ago39:55

39:55

The fault lines in US-Mexico relations have never been more visible. Our expert panel—featuring former CNN journalist Bruno Lopez and economist Alejandro Chaufen—brings decades of experience to unpacking one of North America's most crucial yet strained relationships. Recent polling reveals a shocking statistic: 80% of Mexicans now hold negative vie…

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Robert C. Hockett Discusses Money and How It Works pt.1 1:08:40

6M ago1:08:40

1:08:40

Robert C. Hockett, Professor of law at Cornell law school, joins Class Unity to discuss money: how it works and how it relates to banking, capital, and investment. He makes the case for a new set of reforms designed to socialize investment. His research lies in the fields of organizational financial, and monetary law, and […]…

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Crossroads: The Democratic Party in Transition 37:07

7M ago37:07

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America stands at a political crossroads where old alliances are shifting and economic realities are reshaping party loyalties. The Democratic Party faces a profound identity crisis - pragmatic at the local level where mayors tackle real problems head-on, yet seemingly detached at the national level where ideology often trumps practicality. Our fas…

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Trump's Tariffs and the Future of US-Canada Relations 40:10

7M ago40:10

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Trump's threatened tariffs against Canada have sparked more than just economic anxiety—they've triggered a profound identity crisis among our northern neighbors. Joining Joel Kotkin and Marshall Toplansky are John Kay (Quillette) and Rob Roberts (National Post), who offer razor-sharp insights into how this diplomatic tension is reshaping Canadian s…

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Transmissions Ep. 1 7 w/ Ben Thomason

7M ago

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In this episode, Jamal, Heph, Daniel, and Martin speak with Ben Thomason on USAID, the Middle East, the new Trump administration, tariffs and more. Ben Arthur Thomason is an expert on twentieth and twenty-first century US empire and international relations and completed his PhD in American Culture Studies at Bowling Green State University in 2024. …

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FTC Manning Talks to Class Unity about Rent, Land, Class, and Politics.

7M ago

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FTC Manning Talks to Class Unity about Rent, Land, Class, and Politics. Support Class Unity by making a donation today: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?h… You can find the essay we discussed at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/… You can find their work at: https://independent.academia.edu… https://academicworks.cuny.edu/c… You can find us at: https:…

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Barking Up the Right Tree: Can DOGE Fix Our Bloated Government? 40:53

8M ago40:53

40:53

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has become one of the most controversial initiatives of the Trump administration, but what does it actually represent? We're joined by Shawn Steel, National Committeeman for the Republican National Committee, and Professor Luke Nichter, historian at Chapman University, to explore the deeper meaning beh…

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El Futuro es Latino-Keeping the Dream Alive for the Next Generation 43:09

8M ago43:09

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The future of California's economy depends on Latino communities. This stark reality emerges vividly in our special town hall session recorded at the Cheech Collection for Chicano Art in Riverside, where experts gathered to discuss findings from "El Futuro es Latino," a groundbreaking research project from Chapman University. The numbers tell a com…

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Populism Unpacked: Voices from the Heartland 40:16

8M ago40:16

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Dive into the compelling world of populism in our latest podcast episode where we engage with thought leaders Ryan Streeter and Karl Zinsmeister. With multiple perspectives surrounding the rise of populism, this episode unpacks what it means for the future of American governance and society at large. Discussing the resurgence of populism, our guest…

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Challenges and Solutions for California's Economy 37:23

8M ago37:23

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Is California losing its status as a global innovation powerhouse? Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Ken Murphy as we explore the shifting dynamics of California's economic landscape. We question whether the iconic tech hub is maintaining its edge or if it's at risk of devolving into a neo-feudalist economy. While Silicon Valley contin…

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Energy Politics and Pathways to Progress 38:30

8M ago38:30

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Is the energy sector on the brink of a transformative era? Join us as we welcome energy expert Robert Bryce to share his insights on the current state of the industry and the potential influence of the Trump administration's policies. We delve into the differing perspectives within the oil and gas sector, contrasting the views of super majors with …

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Breaking Down Barriers in Housing Development 51:51

9M ago51:51

51:51

Discover why building a home in California now costs over $1.2 million per unit as we navigate the maze of the state's housing crisis with Gary London and Jennifer Hernandez. These experts shed light on the staggering decline in permits for single and multifamily homes and discuss why, despite numerous housing laws, the production needle remains st…

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The Changing Face of Education and the Power of Tech 41:23

10M ago41:23

41:23

What if AI could transform the way we learn, making education more engaging and impactful? Join us as we sit down with Ramit Varma, CEO and co-founder of Breakout Learning, to explore this provocative idea. Discover how his innovative approach is reshaping classroom discussions by addressing common issues like uneven participation and free-riding, …

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2024 in Review: Feudalism, Politics, and Global Shifts 31:46

11M ago31:46

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What if the future of global politics looks more like a return to feudalism than continuous progress? Discover the surprising dynamics of 2024 as Marshall Toplansky and Joel Kotkin discuss the unraveling of the liberal world order and the rise of pragmatic priorities among voters. We uncover how shifting societal trends, from the unexpected support…

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Exploring South Africa's Conservative Turn and Economic Outlook 50:07

11M ago50:07

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Dr. Franz Cronje and Bheki Mahlobo join us to unravel the unexpected conservative leanings within South Africa's electorate, a surprising twist given the nation's turbulent history. Together, we examine the African National Congress's promises and its transformative role since apartheid's end, leading to significant socioeconomic changes. Through h…

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Transmissions Ep. 16: Election Autopsy 2024 1:34:22

11M ago1:34:22

1:34:22

Class Unity members cover the reaction of the Democratic Party to Kamala Harris’ loss and discuss what we can expect in Donald Trump’s next presidency.By Class Unity

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From Boardrooms to Government: The Influence of Business Leaders on Politics 29:50

11M ago29:50

29:50

What happens when business leaders swap boardrooms for the halls of government? Tevi Troy joins us to unpack this fascinating transition with insights from his book, "The Power and the Money." Together, we navigate the evolving political alliances in the business world, especially the shift from traditional industrial powerhouses to tech giants and…

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Political Parties and Latino Economic Priorities 33:52

12M ago33:52

33:52

Discover how the Latino community is redefining America's democratic landscape with our fascinating guest, Mike Madrid, author of "The Latino Century." In our conversation, we promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of the seismic shift as Latinos transition from minority status to a central demographic force, particularly in California. This ep…

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Transmissions Ep. 15: Elections Special 2024 1:54:20

12M ago1:54:20

1:54:20

Class Unity members discuss the upcoming U.S. presidential elections, the state of the U.S. politics and the economy, and how they relate to global geopolitical developments.By Class Unity