The New Empire Strikes Hard—But Workers Strike Harder

In this episode, we pull no punches. First, we unpack the shocking firing of BLS chief Erika McEntarfer by President Trump—an unprecedented move that sends tremors through the foundations of data integrity and democracy itself. What happens when truth gets treated as sabotage? Then, we check in on the labor frontlines: 🚛 Teamsters Local 25 ramp up their month-long strike against Republic Services in Boston, with massive political support behind them. 🛩️ Boeing workers in St. Louis walk off the job, demanding not just raises but long-overdue respect. 🎰 The Las Vegas Strip is now fully unionized for the first time in 90 years, thanks to the unwavering efforts of the Culinary Workers Union. We also take a sharp turn into the gig economy, where ride-hail drivers in California and Massachusetts are pushing for collective bargaining rights, challenging the corporate grip of Uber and Lyft. Finally, we explore the unsettling insights of Dr. Luke Kemp from Cambridge University on the causes of societal collapse. From ancient Rome to modern capitalism, Kemp argues that collapse often liberates the people at the bottom—and asks if we’re living under the last Goliath. Along the way, we spotlight the cruelty of America’s health care system through a surreal (but real) story of a tourist, a bat, and a broken insurance structure. 💥 Topics Covered: Political interference at the Bureau of Labor Statistics Ongoing strikes at Republic Services and Boeing Historic labor victories on the Las Vegas Strip Gig worker organizing and the future of app-based labor Dr. Luke Kemp’s take on collapse, inequality, and what still might save us The harsh realities of our health insurance system 🛠️ Takeaways: Trust in data is essential for democracy and labor rights. Strikes are surging as workers push back against corporate intransigence. Union power is growing—even in unlikely places. Collapse isn’t always catastrophe—it can be a reset. Change starts with collective action—and personal responsibility.