What is “Muskism,” and why does it matter far beyond Elon Musk himself? In this episode of Deep Focus, guest host Matt Hoh sits down with authors Quinn Slobodian and Ben Tarnoff to discuss their new book, Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed. Together, they explore how Musk’s empire—from Tesla and SpaceX to X, xAI, Starlink, and Neuralink—represents more than a collection of companies. They argue it reflects a new model of capitalism built on AI, financial markets, government partnerships, digital networks, and unprecedented corporate power.The conversation examines Musk’s evolution from internet entrepreneur to tech-industrial magnate, the role of government support in building his businesses, the implications of SpaceX’s historic IPO, and the growing influence of AI and data infrastructure on society. They also discuss “state symbiosis,” the future of work, the social contract in the age of Big Tech, and whether Muskism can survive without Elon Musk himself.A thought-provoking discussion about technology, power, democracy, and the future of the global economy.01:14 Will SpaceX Make Elon Musk the First Trillionaire?03:05 What Is "Muskism"? The New Face of Capitalism08:00 From PayPal to Tesla: Musk’s Evolution Explained10:07 The Government’s Hidden Role in Building Musk’s Empire14:05 Tesla, SpaceX & The Internet Connection Nobody Talks About17:31 How X, xAI, Starlink & Neuralink Fit Together19:12 Neuralink and Musk’s Plan to Merge Humans with AI22:22 Why Musk Bought Twitter and Built xAI24:53 The Monopoly Strategy Behind Musk’s Companies26:15 Why Every Retirement Fund Could Soon Depend on SpaceX29:10 Orbital Data Centers: Musk’s Biggest AI Bet Yet33:47 What Is "State Symbiosis"? Musk and Government Power38:36 DOGE, Palantir & The Privatization of State Capacity40:49 The Missing Social Contract of Muskism43:20 Elon Musk, Politics & the New Right45:28 Can Muskism Survive Without Elon Musk?47:41 Is There a Backlash Against the Tech Oligarchy?50:23 Final Thoughts: The Future Beyond MuskismIf you enjoyed the conversation, please like, subscribe, and share to support more in-depth interviews and analysis. Thanks for tuning in!

On this episode of Deep Focus, guest host Richard Wolff sits down with financial crime expert and former regulator William K. Black to examine the world of cryptocurrency, financial fraud, and the growing influence of speculative finance. Black explains how crypto scams, rug pulls, stablecoins, and Ponzi-like schemes operate, drawing parallels to historic financial scandals from the Savings & Loan crisis to Bernie Madoff.The conversation also explores accounting fraud, “zombie” corporations, the role of credit rating agencies in the 2008 financial crisis, and concerns about the intersection of cryptocurrency, political power, and government policy. Drawing on decades of experience investigating financial crime, Black offers a critical look at the structures that allow fraud to persist within modern capitalism and the risks they may pose to the broader economy.00:00 Crypto and Crime: Why Criminals Love Cryptocurrency01:22 Rug Pulls Explained (Argentina Example)03:59 Why Crypto Keeps Growing Despite Fraud Concerns07:36 Bitcoin, NFTs, Celebrity Endorsements, and Gambling Culture11:29 Is Crypto Just Another Scam Cycle?12:36 Stablecoins, Yield Chasing, and Sam Bankman-Fried15:30 Ponzi Schemes, Madoff, and Financial Fraud History20:17 Trump's Family, Crypto, and Political Influence25:10 Could Crypto Be Used to Hide Government Financial Problems?26:56 Zombie Corporations and Accounting Fraud28:48 The Savings & Loan Crisis, Looting, and Control Fraud30:15 Liar's Loans, CDOs, and the 2008 Financial Crisis33:25 Why Financial Fraud Persists Today38:40 Is Modern Finance Out of Control?40:18 Jack Welch, GE Capital, and "Too Big to Fail"If you enjoyed the conversation, please like, subscribe, and share to support more in-depth interviews and analysis, thanks!

On this episode of Deep Focus, Richard Wolff speaks with historian and author Paul Street about the growing crisis of American capitalism, the rise of authoritarian politics, and the future of democracy in the United States. From the decline of U.S. global power to the emergence of what Street describes as a new form of American fascism, the conversation explores the economic and political forces driving today’s instability.Together, they discuss Trumpism beyond Trump, the erosion of democratic norms, capitalism in crisis, and why millions of Americans are losing faith in existing institutions. The episode also examines nationalism, inequality, imperialism, and the broader global consequences of America’s political transformation.#RichardWolff #PaulStreet #DeepFocus #Capitalism #Trump #Politics #Democracy #Fascism #Economics #USPolitics2:22 – Is Trump Causing the Fall of the American Empire?5:03 – The Violent History of U.S. Global Power9:05 – Is America Becoming Fascist?14:31 – Trump: Dictator, Symptom, or Figurehead?16:37 – How Many Americans Support Authoritarian Rule?18:29 – Can an Anti-Fascist Movement Stop Trumpism?22:19 – How Capitalism Fuels Fascism & Social Collapse27:01 – Extrajudicial Killings & the End of Rule of Law31:12 – Final Warning About America’s FutureIf you enjoyed the conversation, please like, subscribe, and share to support more in-depth interviews and analysis, thanks!