Profit, Power, and Policy | Business Ethics Insights

Christian Nationalism is running our government. It isn’t a fringe movement. It runs our military, has overturned Roe v Wade, and is putting religion back into our public schools. Backed by business, the movement has overtaken our politics and culture.  Tim Whitaker discusses how to stop this avalanche.  Let us know what you think

Hosts Bill Keep and Nancy Lasher examine the growing influence of Christian Nationalism in American business and politics — from the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby ruling and the secretive Ziklag network to the Seven Mountains Mandate and its blueprint for theocratic governance. Drawing on Colonial history, Constitutional law, and current events, they argue that implementing this agenda requires...

In this episode, we analyze inflation effects on fuel and housing, record consumer debts including credit cards and auto loans, and a historic drop in consumer confidence. Economic stress shows in underwater car loans, HELOCs used for consolidating debt, historic low savings, and more multigenerational households. The K-shaped economy fuels wealth concentration amid rising threats of job losses fr...

The 2026 election cycle is poised to be the most expensive yet, driven by powerful lobbying and corporate money. This episode uncovers how campaign costs, lobbying wins, and wealth concentration threaten democracy and ordinary voters. Let us know what you think

Explore the current crisis in higher education and why academic freedom remains essential. This episode dives deep into challenges facing universities, the impact on free speech, and the future of learning Let us know what you think

This episode explores the rapid growth of sports betting and prediction markets, highlighting risks such as gambling addiction and the impact of live betting. Learn how evolving regulations shape the industry and affect society. It offers insights for fans and policymakers alike. Let us know what you think

Explore how corporate layoffs boost Wall Street stock prices while impacting workers and communities. This episode examines financialization, executive incentives, and the growing influence of AI on the future of jobs.  Let us know what you think

This episode explores the troubling rise of racism, hate, and bigotry amplified by powerful business leaders and ultra-conservative movements. We trace historical roots, examine the role of billionaires like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, and discuss the impact on society, democracy, and civil rights. Let us know what you think

Afrocentrix founder Rachael Twumasi-Corson shares her entrepreneurial journey, focusing on ethical business practices, successful investor relations, and overcoming barriers in venture capital as part of today's economic landscape. Rachael provides insight into having successful customer, employee, and investor relations. Rachael also discusses balancing parenting and meeting the demands of a...

Increased tribalism and lower social mobility are not independent of each other. In the episode Nancy and Bill explore the connection between the two and the unfortunate implications if both continue in their current trajectories.  Let us know what you think

In this episode Nancy and Bill interview Donna Steslow, a professor, Grievance Co-Chair, and member of the union Executive Committee. Recent economic events have exposed both the positive role unions played in building the middle class and the current need for labor to be represented. Increased income inequality, a K-style economy that benefits a small percentage of households, and historic-levels...

In this episode Nancy and Bill explore the loss of trust across a number of industries and the integrity of the political process, often facilitated by changing business practices. Trust matters and has economic value. What will it take to get trust back? Let us know what you think

Multi-level marketing (MLM), sometimes called direct selling, has proved a money losing proposition for more than sixty years. From lingerie to household items to nutritional supplements to “education” programs, MLMs have screwed consumers hoping to make a little money. History shows that 95% or more of those who join an MLM in hopes of making money end up with a financial loss. In this episode we...

In this episode Nancy and I continue to talk with members of the GenZ generation. Nina and Aniket are both working as they prepare for graduate school. While optimistic about their chosen careers, they have concerns over the cost of education and an affordable lifestyle after they graduate. Let us know what you think

Affordability, or the lack there of, is neither a “hoax” nor a “con job.” In this episode we explore the real factors causing consumer confidence to drop. Affordability is not just about current prices; it is also about future expectations. But what do we hear from political leaders? Labels, name calling, and unsupported rhetoric. Let us know what you think

Bill and Nancy interview two Gen Z graduate students about their decision to go to graduate school, their outlook on jobs and careers, their thoughts on AI, and that for them the American Dream may be unachievable. Let us know what you think

For 150 years, American democracy has tried—and repeatedly failed—to rein in corporate power. In this episode, Bill and Nancy trace the original Gilded Age to today’s billionaire class to ask a troubling question: Why does business keep winning? Let us know what you think

Over the past few decades women have played a greater role in the workplace. Their increased involvement has not been without issues, for them and apparently for some men. In this episode I interview Nancy Lasher about her experiences as a professional, those of her peers, and what she has heard from the younger generation of women at work. Let us know what you think

In this episode we describe how technology and competition drove dramatic changes in in-home entertainment. Consumers gained access and choices never before available. Now, after the “creative destruction” phase we wonder if the industry will become more concentrated and less competitive. Let us know what you think

In this episode Nancy and Bill explore ultra-processed, supplements, and the marketing messages that sustain them. American foods have been supersized and it shows with 43% of adults classified as obese. What can be done? Let us know what you think

Recently the White House announced that the economy is “Back on Track.” Yet, numerous economist and even the CEO of JP Morgan Chase say stocks are over-valued, resembling an economic bubble. We examine the data. Let us know what you think

For decades conservative economists have railed against government intervention in business, actions that undercut a laissez-faire philosophy. Where are their complaints now? In this podcast we look at the current and apparently continuing intervention of the White House in business operations - taking ownership, demanding royalties, even halting or changing operational decisions. Is this new indu...

In this episode we have a thought provoking discussion with Isabel Koval. A recent graduate of the University of Cambridge with masters degree in the Ethics of AI, Isabel shares why the AI hype may be overblown. More importantly, she describes  multiple ethical concerns associated with this rapidly developing technology. Let us know what you think

In the episode we explore CEO Pay - misaligned from performance and multiples above CEO pay of comparable non-US companies. From 1978 to 2023, CEO pay increased by 1,085%. During that span of time average worker pay increased 24%. By 2023 the ratio of CEO pay to average worker pay reached 290:1. The increased in CEO pay corresponds with the increasing share of wealth of the top .1% of households a...

In this episode TCNJ and NYU alum Christian Balevski - working at the intersection. of software engineering, innovation and emerging technology in finance - discusses the use and future of AI in the workplace. Christian connects the dots between AI and project ROI and discusses how students may want to consider the role of AI in their careers. Let us know what you think