12 chapters across the catalog
The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) currently farms out incarcerated people to work at private companies like McDonald's and Wendy's. While these individuals work in the "free world," the state garnishes 40% of their wages before taxes, leaving workers with as little as $200 for 80 hours of labor. The hosts characterize this as the modern continuation of the conditions that give the N-word its "weight."
Adam Curry and Mo Facts return on Labor Day 2022 after a brief hiatus. Mo explains the absence was due to securing foundational income during a personal transition to ensure the show's quality remains high. They discuss the current economic climate, including fluctuating gas prices, before spinning the "Wheel of Topics" to start the Pizza Potluck episode.
The hosts discuss the "shunning" of experienced software developers in Silicon Valley once they reach their 50s or 60s. They argue that while these workers have invaluable experience, companies view them as "cultural" misfits and liabilities due to higher healthcare costs. This systemic ageism is presented as another reason why individuals must prioritize finding a life partner for mutual support in old age.
Steve Bannon explains "carried interest" as a model where citizens have an economic stake in the country's growth without initial capital investment. The hosts discuss the devaluation of American citizenship through open borders and allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections. They argue that Black Americans are "original investors" in the nation through historical labor.
The hosts discuss the potential for civil unrest if retail stores are empty during the Black Friday shopping season. They argue that the government has encouraged people not to work, leading to a lack of staff to unload ships and stock shelves. They warn that the psychological impact of "ruining Christmas" for children could be a tipping point for the American public.
The bottleneck in the supply chain is identified as being on the American side, specifically at California ports. The hosts argue that strict climate regulations for trucks and a lack of workers are the primary causes. They also touch on the tension between labor unions and the push for port automation, suggesting that some of the slowdown may be an intentional exercise of power by workers.
The rule against wearing white after Labor Day was created in the late 19th century by old-money elites to exclude the "nouveau riche." Valerie Steele of the Fashion Institute of Technology notes that these subtle fashion manipulations were designed to identify outsiders who didn't know the rules. This demonstrates how fashion has historically been used as a tool for systemic social and racial exclusion.
The hosts introduce Paul Robeson, an NFL player, actor, and activist who was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his communist sympathies. In archival audio, Robeson explains that the "primary wealth of America" was built upon the backs of enslaved Black people. Mo Facts defines reparations not as a handout, but as "money paid for services rendered" to correct this historical theft of labor.
The discussion explores the tension between illegal immigration and the interests of Black Americans. The hosts argue that the political empathy shown for "kids in cages" was notably absent during the War on Drugs, which tore Black families apart, and they suggest that the two groups have competing interests that make a coalition impossible.
Peter Kirshenow, a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, testifies that illegal immigration has a devastating impact on the wages and employment levels of low-skilled Black men. He notes that despite providing this data to the Congressional Black Caucus and President Obama, his findings were met with "crickets."
The hosts discuss Donald Trump's potential strategy of encouraging a "negative vote" among Black Americans by highlighting the failures of the Democratic Party. They also note the lack of diversity in the construction industry, where language barriers and union structures often lock Black workers out of high-paying jobs.
Universal Basic Income (UBI) is criticized as a potential tool for social engineering that strips individuals of their purpose and leads to substance abuse. The hosts suggest that a pilot version of UBI already exists in the form of the disability system, where lawyers help people claim benefits for minor or psychological issues. They argue that the combination of isolated households, lack of work, and the influx of drugs creates a "perfect storm" for community destruction.
