116 | Optimized Capitalism

In Episode 116 of The Economy of Nothing, Mike Allen and Mike Bedont explore how capitalism has learned to fail profitably. Starting with a broken washing machine and ending in Hollywood's AI assembly line, the conversation tracks how everything — from appliances to art — is now optimized for replacement. Topics include: Planned obsolescence and the "five-year washer" problem Netflix, Disney+, and the streaming arms race Warner Bros. Discovery's failed Paramount bid The rise of private-money studios like Skydance AI in Hollywood and the future of creative labor The debut of Mr. Green's Pilot School concept Oceans 14 and why every heist movie feels like propaganda Stocks, antitrust, and the illusion of infinite growth "It's not broken — it's optimized." 🎧 Listen on Libsyn, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Watch the Visual Radio cut on Patreon. 🔗 patreon.com/economyofnothing