Podcast / Jun 2, 2026

Monopoly v. Democracy—With Matt Stoller & Zephyr Teachout

Matt Stoller and Zephyr Teachout on how democracy is an economic issue.

The Nation Podcasts
The Nation Podcasts

Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.

Monopoly v. Democracy w/ Matt Stoller & Zephyr Teachout / Fighting Fascism
byThe Nation Magazine

We often think of democracy as a political issue, rather than an economic one. Matt Stoller and Zephyr Teachout, two leaders in the anti-monopoly movement, believe that’s a fundamentally false division. They joined us to explain why, as they see it, economic concentration is causing the loss of freedom we are experiencing across so many aspects of our lives, and why this country needs a great “re-illusionment” (or whatever word means the opposite of disillusionment) to fight back against the corporate monopolies ruining everything around us.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Demonstrators participate in a “March on Wall Street” to call for economic justice on August 28, 2025, in New York City.

(Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images)

We often think of democracy as a political issue, rather than an economic one. Matt Stoller and Zephyr Teachout, two leaders in the anti-monopoly movement, believe that’s a fundamentally false division. They joined us to explain why, as they see it, economic concentration is causing the loss of freedom we are experiencing across so many aspects of our lives, and why this country needs a great “re-illusionment” (or whatever word means the opposite of disillusionment) to fight back against the corporate monopolies ruining everything around us.

Subscribe to The Nation to support all of our podcasts: thenation.com/subscribe.

The Nation Podcasts
The Nation Podcasts

Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.

Unpacking Platner / Fighting Fascism
byThe Nation Magazine

We said we'd talk about Graham Platner someday, and that day has arrived. We were all super excited about Platner. That excitement turned out to be misplaced. So what are the lessons we should draw from this saga? We also reflect back on the broader primary season, debate Woke 1, talk data centers, and look toward November, in this first just-us-cohosts-episode.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Subscribe to The Nation to Support all of our podcasts

Jonathan Smucker

Jonathan Smucker is cofounder and executive director of Popular Comms, a cofounder of Pennsylvania Stands Up, and the author of Hegemony How-To: A Roadmap for Radicals. He has worked for over 25 years as a political organizer, campaigner, and strategist, and has trained thousands of organizers and social movement participants.

Aaron Regunberg

Aaron Regunberg is a climate lawyer, a contributing editor at The New Republic, and a former Rhode Island state representative.

Matt DaSilva

Matt DaSilva is a co-host of the Fighting Fascism podcast.

More from The Nation

The Amazing Movement Against Data Centers, plus How to Be a Dissident

The Amazing Movement Against Data Centers, plus How to Be a Dissident The Amazing Movement Against Data Centers, plus How to Be a Dissident

David Wallace-Wells examines the growing resistance to data centers, while Ami Fields-Meyer explores how dissident movements build courage and power in an age of fear.

Jon Wiener

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls on reporters after announcing a new set of sanctions against Iran on August 24, 2026, in Washington, DC.

The US Imposes New Sanctions on Iran, the Syrian Democratic Forces Dissolve, US-Canada Trade Talks Collapse The US Imposes New Sanctions on Iran, the Syrian Democratic Forces Dissolve, US-Canada Trade Talks Collapse

Danny and Derek unpack the week’s global news, from Iran, Syria, and the DRC to Saudi Arabia, Russia, US-Canada trade, and deep-sea mining.

Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison

An official mail ballot drop box during a 2026 primary election in New York.

The Supremes, Trump, and Voting—Plus Colson Whitehead’s Harlem The Supremes, Trump, and Voting—Plus Colson Whitehead’s Harlem

David Cole explains the latest court rulings on Trump’s efforts to undermine Democratic voting, and John Powers comments on the new novel “Cool Machine.”

Jon Wiener

Graham Platner on June 7, 2026, in Portland, Maine.

Unpacking Platner Unpacking Platner

On today’s episode of Fighting Fascism, reflections on Graham Platner, the lessons of primary season, debates over “wokeness,” data centers, and what lies ahead in November.

US President Donald Trump and Air Force Col. Christopher M. Robinson walking to board Air Force One on August 14, 2026.

Israel Strikes Syria, Trump Escalates the Economic War on Iran, the US Seems to Move Toward Diplomacy With North Korea Israel Strikes Syria, Trump Escalates the Economic War on Iran, the US Seems to Move Toward Diplomacy With North Korea

Danny and Derek unpack the week’s global news, from Israel, Syria, Gaza, and Iran to Sudan, Ukraine, Korea, US tariffs, and Trump’s military agenda.

Derek Davison and Daniel Bessner

Signage outside a polling location during a primary election in Miami, Florida, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Protecting the Midterms—at the Grassroots and in the Courts Protecting the Midterms—at the Grassroots and in the Courts

Leah Greenberg and Vanita Gupta join the show to discuss preparations to protect voting, ballot counting, and election certification in the midterms.

Jon Wiener

x