EconWorks Podcast

In the first episode of the AI Critique in Antitrust series, we introduce a powerful new approach: letting AI rigorously analyze expert economic reports from major cases, then benchmarking those critiques against actual judicial decisions. Discover why market definition matters so much and how this series will stress-test modern antitrust thinking.Click here to read the whole article and see the full graphic analysis of this case: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Have you ever wondered if anything will actually change the way we buy concert tickets? In this episode, we break down the monumental shift in the fight against Live Nation-Ticketmaster.For over a decade, the debate around Ticketmaster relied on the constraints of a 2010 negotiated settlement with the DOJ, where core economic questions were never fully adjudicated. Now, the story has changed. We discuss the recent landmark case where a jury officially found that Live Nation-Ticketmaster possessed monopoly power, engaged in exclusionary conduct, and caused consumer harm.Tune in as we unpack the details of the “Antitrust Decision Funnel” and explain why determining liability is just the beginning. We explore the jury’s estimation of a $1.72 (or 1-3%) ticket overcharge and discuss how this magnitude of harm will influence the judge’s ultimate decision on remedies, which could range from damages to structural breakups. Finally, we compare the U.S. antitrust path—which seeks to restore competitive conditions—to alternative approaches, like Ontario’s direct price regulation that caps resale tickets at face value.If you want to understand the economics, the law, and what this verdict actually means for your next concert, this episode is for you!For a full article and graphic examination of this case, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Managing deeply integrated, complex systems requires a careful balance. When regulators pull out their toolkit, the results are rarely simple. Join us as we look at both sides of the modern competition debate and the practical realities of trying to “fix” global markets.Key Discussion Points:* The Case for Intervention: Breaking price chokeholds and preventing consumer “lock-in”.* The Risks of Regulation: Visualizing the compliance trap and system-wide performance degradation.* The “Rescued” Competitor: Why the DOJ’s win against the JetBlue/Spirit merger resulted in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy.* Global Competition: How blocking domestic mergers like Tapestry/Capri may handicap American brands against European conglomerates.Call to Action: This series is reader-supported. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber at EconWorks to support our work. What do you think—are regulators getting it right, or is the cure worse than the disease?For a full article and visual examination of this situation, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

A jury has officially found Live Nation-Ticketmaster guilty of having too much power and acting in a way that keeps people out of the market. But will this really lower the price of your concert tickets?In this episode, we talk about the recent state-led antitrust case against Ticketmaster and what the limits of state antitrust power are. We talk about the history of the 2010 DOJ settlement, what the jury's finding of a $1.72 overcharge means for the company's future, and why figuring out who is responsible is just the first step. Finally, we compare the US approach of restoring competition to international approaches, like Ontario's, restoring competition with international approaches, such as direct price caps on ticket resales.If you've ever been angry about buying concert tickets, you won't want to miss this explanation of the law, the money, and what comes next!For a comprehensive article and graphic study of this case, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Competition enforcement is currently at the forefront of economic policy. From digital tech platforms to aviation and healthcare, regulators are aggressively stepping in to reshape industries. But how do we ensure markets remain fair without triggering a disastrous chain reaction?In this episode, we dive into the “Remedies Toolkit” used by the DOJ and FTC. We analyze the three main pillars of intervention and their potential unintended consequences:* Behavioral Remedies: Can conduct rules turn agile tech firms into sluggish bureaucracies?* Structural Remedies: Does forcing a breakup lead to operational collapse and broken tools?* Interoperability Mandates: Are we creating security and stability nightmares in the name of open standards?We also examine real-world case studies beyond Big Tech, including the JetBlue/Spirit merger blockade and the Tapestry/Capri fashion deal.For a comprehensive article and visual examination of this situation, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Brazil isn't waiting for the courts. Their administrative approach to antitrust is providing a real-time test for interoperability remedies that the rest of the world is watching. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Today on EconWorks, we conclude our deep dive into the FAANG antitrust landscape by looking at the “invisible hands” of platform operators.Key Topics Discussed:* The Shift in Enforcement: Why U.S. antitrust complaints are focusing on user choice architecture and market access rather than just price.* The Five Pillars of Conduct: Default placement (Google), App Store rules (Apple), Marketplace ranking (Amazon), Feed curation (Meta), and OS integration (Microsoft).* Feedback Loop Dynamics: How data accumulation creates self-reinforcing cycles of usage and performance.* The Future of Policy: Assessing innovation, access, and interoperability in platform-mediated markets.Technical Deep Dive: For our paid subscribers, we have released a technical appendix featuring a simplified economic model that assesses how these governance choices affect new business entry and innovation incentives. To access the full report, visit This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Brazil has officially forced open the iOS ecosystem—but the battle is far from over. Following a landmark antitrust settlement, a massive legal and economic standoff is brewing over the iPhone’s NFC chip and Brazil’s instant payment system, Pix.In this video, we break down the core arguments: Is Apple protecting billions in proprietary hardware R&D, or is it acting as an illegal gatekeeper by taxing a public utility? We explore the new tiered commission structure, the “free rider” economic defense, and why Brazil’s administrative laws are moving much faster than U.S. judicial courts.For a full article and visual examination of this situation, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

In this episode, we move beyond traditional price-based analysis to explore how dominant digital platforms—Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft—shape competition through ecosystem governance.We break down the key mechanisms of platform power:* Default Placement & Behavior: How search and browser defaults steer user usage.* App Store & OS Governance: The impact of rules on developer entry and pricing.* Ranking & Feeds: How marketplace algorithms and feed curation allocate demand and attention.* Integration & Data: The feedback loops where usage generates data, improving performance and reinforcing dominance.Does platform conduct limit innovation and choice, or does it enhance security and product quality? We examine the competing claims and the evolving framework for digital competition policy.For a full article and graphic examination of this case, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) successfully challenged the merger between Ottobock and Freedom Innovations, two leading prosthetic manufacturers, in an uncommon antitrust lawsuit. The FTC asserted that the merger would impede market competition and technological progress in the high-end prosthetic knee sector, despite the 2017 acquisition being small enough to evade initial regulatory examination. The primary legal contention revolved around whether the companies were direct competitors within a specific industry or part of a broader, more diverse market. Ultimately, the court mandated a complete divestiture of assets to a third party, rejecting attempts to invoke a “failing firm” rationale. This case serves as an important reminder that government oversight and potential enforced dissolution may arise years after private, undisclosed transactions finalize.For a comprehensive article and graphic study of this case, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Competition in software markets may depend not only on product quality but also on how operating systems shape the accessibility and adoption of complementary applications. Join us as we examine how widely adopted applications receive more updates, greater developer attention, and broader ecosystem compatibility. We dive into why the future of competitive software markets matters.For a comprehensive article and visual examination of this situation, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Most mergers, once closed, are done deals. But this one wasn't. In 2017, Ottobock acquired rival Freedom Innovations in a deal that did not trigger pre-merger notification. Within months, the Federal Trade Commission stepped in. This video explores how the FTC successfully unwound the merger, ordering a divestiture three years later. We break down the timeline, from the quiet acquisition to the eventual sale of assets to Proteor in 2020For a comprehensive article and graphic study of this case, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

In this episode, we examine Microsoft and how operating system integration impacts competition in complementary software markets. We discuss how developing and preinstalling complementary products—like web browsers and productivity suites—within the OS environment affects user adoption. Discover how this early accessibility creates a feedback loop that influences compatibility investments and ecosystem support, potentially creating challenges for independent software developers.For a comprehensive article and graphic study of this case, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Is the government really looking out for consumers by stopping monopolies, or is it just looking out for corporate profits?In this episode, we talk about the high-stakes antitrust fight over one of the biggest media mergers in U.S. history. There is a very intriguing microeconomic chess game going on behind the scenes of the court case. It involves supply-chain leverage, two-sided markets, and the cord-cutting threshold, which is the highest price that consumers will pay.We look at why federal and state regulators don't agree on the threat at all, how higher wholesale prices are passed on to retail customers, and why big telecom companies are scared of a smaller profit pie.Topics Covered:* The Pass-Through Rate: How a broadcaster's increase in wholesale prices mathematically makes a cable company raise your monthly bill.* The Margin Squeeze: What happens when retail prices reach the "cord-cutting threshold" and distributors have to pay for the costs of their suppliers?For a full article and graphic examination of this case, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

In this installment, we turn our attention to Meta and how platforms connect users with content generated by influencers, media organizations, and competing platforms. We break down how prominent placement within curated feeds may influence user engagement, leading to more views, likes, and shares. We also examine the competitive outcomes for new entrants, exploring how limited initial visibility may make it difficult to generate the engagement needed for algorithmic promotion.Visit this link for a complete article and graphic analysis of this case: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Is the government actually protecting consumers from monopolies, or just protecting corporate profit margins?In this episode, we break down the high-stakes antitrust battle over one of the largest media mega-mergers in U.S. history. Behind the courtroom drama is a fascinating microeconomic chess match involving supply-chain leverage, two-sided markets, and the ultimate ceiling on consumer pricing: the cord-cutting threshold.We analyze why federal and state regulators entirely disagree on the threat, how wholesale cost increases are passed down to retail consumers, and why massive telecom distributors are terrified of a shrinking profit pie.Topics Covered:* The Pass-Through Rate: How a broadcaster’s wholesale price hike mathematically forces a cable company to raise your monthly bill.* The Margin Squeeze: What happens when retail prices hit the “cord-cutting threshold” and distributors are forced to absorb supplier costs?For a comprehensive article and graphic study of this case, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

This episode examines how algorithmic feed curation may shape competition by influencing which content users see. We investigate the criteria platforms use to determine the content that appears in a user's feed, its prominence, and its recommendation to new users. By looking at the relationship between feed placement and user engagement, we analyze the feedback loop where engagement outcomes influence future ranking decisions. Ultimately, we ask a critical question: should platform operators be permitted to influence how user attention is allocated among competing content providers?Visit this link for a complete article and graphic analysis of this case: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Antitrust isn't just about consumer prices anymore—it’s about worker leverage. In this episode of EconWorks, we unpack the DOJ's landmark challenge to UnitedHealth Group’s acquisition of Amedisys. We discuss how regulators used the new 2023 Merger Guidelines to prove that consolidating home health providers creates a "monopsony trap" that suppresses wages for frontline nurses. We also explore the "continuum of care" defense and why the courts ultimately forced a record-breaking 164-location divestiture.For the full technical breakdown, read the article at This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

How does Amazon decide which sellers appear at the top of your search results? In this episode, we examine the role of marketplace ranking systems and the "Buy Box" in shaping competition. We discuss how platform visibility acts as a form of conduct that can dictate sales outcomes, often creating a self-reinforcing loop that rewards established players while making it difficult for new entrants to compete on quality or price alone. We also look ahead to how these same dynamics might play out in social media feeds. If you’d like to see the diagrams we discussed or read the full text of this analysis, the complete post is live at This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

The U.S. Department of Justice just forced the largest outpatient healthcare divestiture in history. But this wasn’t just a standard monopoly case—it was a battle over “stealth consolidation” and the future of healthcare workers. Join Ecan as we break down the antitrust economics behind the $3.3 billion UnitedHealth/Amedisys merger, the 2023 Merger Guidelines, and how healthcare conglomerates are building closed platforms to steer patient referrals.Read the full economic analysis at This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

In the third episode of our series on FAANG antitrust, we dive into how Amazon's marketplace ranking systems influence which sellers consumers see first. Unlike traditional retail, digital platforms can determine search prominence and Buy Box eligibility, creating a powerful feedback loop where early visibility leads to more sales, reviews, and even higher future rankings. We’ll explore:* The “Visibility as Conduct” concept: How search placement affects demand allocation.* The Buy Box Effect: Why appearing in this featured spot is critical for sales.* Barriers for New Entrants: Why limited initial visibility makes it hard for new sellers to break through.* The Big Question: Should platform operators be allowed to influence how consumer attention is distributed?This video is based on our latest deep dive, 'Ranking the Marketplace.' You can read the full post and see all the diagrams at This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Can a group of states actually break up a national company? This episode dives into the ongoing litigation against Live Nation/Ticketmaster, exploring how states act as aggressive coalitions to pressure federal regulators. We discuss the reality of modern antitrust: where the DOJ provides nationwide clarity, the states provide the decentralized heat that changes the outcome.Visit this link for a complete article and graphic analysis of this case: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive deep into the economic implications of Apple’s platform governance. While traditional antitrust focuses on price hikes, the digital era introduces new complexities: how a platform operator can influence downstream competition by controlling access to users.What you’ll hear in this episode:* Governance as Conduct: We discuss why Apple isn’t just a competitor but a regulator that determines which developers gain access to the market and under what conditions.* The Conflict of Interest: Examining the tension that arises when Apple operates its services (like Music, Video, and Cloud storage) while simultaneously controlling the platform where its rivals must live.* Innovation vs. Control: Does current platform governance slow down innovation or reduce consumer alternatives?* The Bigger Picture: Why this litigation is relevant for the future of all digital ecosystems and the rules governing how competitors transact with users.Visit this link for a complete article and graphic analysis of this case: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

When the Department of Justice settled its case against Ticketmaster, something unusual happened: the states didn't follow. In this video, we break down why 30+ states rejected the federal deal to keep the litigation alive. Is this a sign that state attorneys general are as powerful as the feds, or does the Ticketmaster case actually expose the limits of state authority? We explore the "stress test" of national scale vs. local impact and why a company-wide breakup still requires a federal forum.Visit this link for a complete article and graphic analysis of this case:#Antitrust #Economics #Law #Ticketmaster #Business #Politics #Technology #Competition This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Does Apple simply provide a platform, or does it govern a digital territory? In this second episode of our FAANG Antitrust Series, we move from search defaults to the walled garden of the iOS App Store.Key topics covered in this video:* The Power of Review: Apple, as the sole gatekeeper for native iOS apps, sets the rules for all third-party developers.* Commissions and Competition: Analyzing how the “Apple Tax” and in-app payment requirements affect developer costs and final consumer pricing.* Steering & Communication: Why restrictions on how developers talk to their users about prices might limit consumer choice.* The Lock-In Effect: How interoperability limits can raise switching costs, making it harder for users to leave the ecosystem.For a comprehensive article and illustration of this case, go to:#Antitrust #Platform #AppEconomy #Apple #iOS #AppStore #Economics #EconWorks This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Independent supermarkets in New York City are facing a new competitive threat, but it isn’t coming from the “big box” stores—it’s coming from the supply chain.When manufacturers like Mondelēz International discontinue Direct-Store-Delivery (DSD), they don’t just change a shipping route; they change the economic viability of small retailers. In this episode, we break down how the loss of manufacturer-provided logistics increases the marginal costs for independent grocers, potentially leading to higher retail prices and fewer neighborhood options.We explore:* The economics of vertically integrated vs. independent supply chains.* How “price-free” service changes can weaken market competition.* The legal landscape surrounding the Robinson–Patman Act and its implications for discriminatory logistics.For a complete article and illustration of this case, go to:#Antitrust #SupplyChain #NYC #Mondelez #RobinsonPatman #Economics #GroceryNews #EconWorks This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

What factors are contributing to the rising costs at your local independent grocery store? The answer might not be “inflation,” but a quiet shift in how food gets to the shelf.In this episode of EconWorks, we examine Mondelēz International’s decision to end Direct-Store-Delivery (DSD) for independent NYC grocers. We move past the logistics to analyze the competitive fallout:* The DSD Advantage: Why manufacturer-provided merchandising is a “hidden” subsidy for small retailers.* Marginal Cost Shifting: How moving to third-party wholesalers creates an unlevel playing field between local shops and big chains.* The Robinson–Patman Act: Why unequal access to logistics services might actually be a violation of federal antitrust law.Visit this page for a detailed article and illustration of this case:#Antitrust #SupplyChain #NYC #Mondelez #RobinsonPatman #Economics #GroceryNews #EconWorks This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a landmark antitrust lawsuit against Google, alleging the company unlawfully maintained a monopoly in general search.But this isn’t your grandfather’s antitrust case. In the digital age, the battle isn’t over prices—since search is “free” for users—it’s over defaults.We explore how Google’s multi-billion dollar agreements with smartphone manufacturers and carriers created a “moat” that rivals couldn’t cross. Did Google secure its position as the default search engine on billions of devices through merit-based competition, or did it simply acquire market share?In this episode, we break down* The economic value of “default” status.* Why the “free” price tag doesn’t protect a company from antitrust scrutiny.* The empirical evidence behind the DOJ’s complaint.This podcast is part of the EconWorks series. Visit the blog to learn more about the economics and to view our graphic representation of digital distribution moats:Subscribe to EconWorks to learn about the economics of the tech giants. We give weekly updates on antitrust litigation and platform governance.#Antitrust #Google #DOJ #Economics #TechLaw #EconWorks #Monopoly #SearchEngine This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

If Google Search is free, how can it be a monopoly? We’re breaking down the DOJ’s landmark case against Google and the high-stakes economics of "default" settings.In 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) alleged that Google unlawfully maintained a monopoly not by charging users but by controlling how they access the internet. In this video, we move past the headlines to analyze the empirical data behind* The Power of Defaults: Why being the pre-set search engine on iPhones and Androids is worth billions.* The “Zero Price” Paradox: How antitrust law handles services that don’t cost the consumer a cent.* Exclusionary Agreements: Analyzing the contracts between Google, Apple, and wireless carriers.This video is part of the EconWorks series. Visit the blog to learn more about the economics and to view our graphic representation of digital distribution moats:Subscribe to EconWorks to learn about the economics of the tech giants. We give weekly updates on antitrust litigation and platform governance.#Antitrust #Google #DOJ #Economics #TechLaw #EconWorks #Monopoly #SearchEngine This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Independent supermarkets in New York City are facing a new competitive threat, but it isn’t coming from the "big box" stores—it’s coming from the supply chain.When manufacturers discontinue manufacturer-managed delivery, they don’t just change a shipping route; they change the economic viability of small retailers. In this episode, we break down how the loss of these services increases marginal costs for independent grocers, potentially leading to higher retail prices and fewer neighborhood options.We explore:* The Power of DSD: Why manufacturer-provided merchandising is a “hidden” support system for small shops.* Asymmetric Cost Shocks: How “price-free” service changes can weaken market competition by favoring large chains.* Welfare Analysis: Why a reduction in independent stores leads to less product variety and lower consumer surplus.To view the full economic technical details, click this link: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

Why is your local independent grocery store getting more expensive? The answer might not be wholesale prices, but a quiet shift in how food gets to the shelf.In this episode of EconWorks, we examine the competitive fallout when manufacturers like Mondelēz International discontinue Direct-Store-Delivery (DSD) for independent retailers. We move past the logistics to analyze the rigorous economic model behind* The Marginal Cost Shock: How moving to third-party wholesalers adds markups and inefficiencies that only affect independent stores.* Weakened Competition: Why higher costs for local shops allow large chains to raise their prices, even without a cost increase of their own.* The Robinson-Patman Act: Why unequal access to manufacturer-provided logistics may be a violation of federal antitrust law.Our most recent technical economic appendix served as the basis for this video. To view the complete specification, go to: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe

The Ticketmaster Settlement: What Happens Next?If you’ve faced long online queues, massive fees, or presale crashes, you’ve felt the impact of a market under pressure. In 2024, the U.S. DOJ filed an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment. While the case ended in a settlement, the structural questions remain: How did we get here, and what does the resolution actually mean for the industry?We break down the economic arguments and the DOJ’s strategy.Read the full analysis and see the visuals at: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.econworks.com/subscribe