Master Plan
The Lever & David Sirota
SEASON TWO: THE KINGMAKERS IS HERE
Master Plan, the award-winning investigative podcast series from The Lever, reveals the hidden forces behind today’s biggest problems — and how small groups of powerful people engineered those problems to serve their own interests. We are exposing their schemes.
Narrated by David Sirota, an award-winning investigative journalist and Oscar nominee for his work on the film Don’t Look Up.
Master Plan has received the 2025 National Press Club Award for Audio Journalism, the New York Festivals Radio Award for Best Investigative Journalism Podcast, multiple Signal Awards for Best News & Politics Podcast and Best Writing. It was an Ambies finalist for Best Politics podcast and was named a Webby Awards Honoree.
Season 1: Legalizing Corruption. How did our democracy become a kleptocracy? The Lever unearthed never-before-reported documents revealing this 50-year plot as a coordinated effort by wealthy individuals and political ideologues. Across 11 episodes, the series traces this historic thread from the Watergate scandal in the 1970s to the Citizens United decision, current Supreme Court outrages, and the 2024 election. It’s a story of infamous figures like President Richard Nixon, Senator Mitch McConnell, and Fox News founder Roger Ailes—plus operatives and oligarchs you’ve never heard of.
For early access to future episodes and exclusive bonus content, click here to upgrade to a paid subscription to The Lever.
www.masterplanpodcast.com
Master Plan, the award-winning investigative podcast series from The Lever, reveals the hidden forces behind today’s biggest problems — and how small groups of powerful people engineered those problems to serve their own interests. We are exposing their schemes.
Narrated by David Sirota, an award-winning investigative journalist and Oscar nominee for his work on the film Don’t Look Up.
Master Plan has received the 2025 National Press Club Award for Audio Journalism, the New York Festivals Radio Award for Best Investigative Journalism Podcast, multiple Signal Awards for Best News & Politics Podcast and Best Writing. It was an Ambies finalist for Best Politics podcast and was named a Webby Awards Honoree.
Season 1: Legalizing Corruption. How did our democracy become a kleptocracy? The Lever unearthed never-before-reported documents revealing this 50-year plot as a coordinated effort by wealthy individuals and political ideologues. Across 11 episodes, the series traces this historic thread from the Watergate scandal in the 1970s to the Citizens United decision, current Supreme Court outrages, and the 2024 election. It’s a story of infamous figures like President Richard Nixon, Senator Mitch McConnell, and Fox News founder Roger Ailes—plus operatives and oligarchs you’ve never heard of.
For early access to future episodes and exclusive bonus content, click here to upgrade to a paid subscription to The Lever.
www.masterplanpodcast.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
15 snips
Mar 30, 2026 • 52min
Episode 2: Mandate for Power | The Kingmakers
A historical deep dive into how a 1,100-page conservative blueprint reshaped presidential power. The story tracks strategic legal moves, court packing, and regulatory control. It covers labor showdowns, secretive agency cuts, and bold foreign interventions. Listeners hear how political planners built the machinery to expand executive authority.
6 snips
Mar 16, 2026 • 43min
Episode 1: After The Fall | The Kingmakers
A deep dive into Nixon's power plays, from withholding congressional funds to imposing tariffs without approval. Secret bombings in Cambodia and Pentagon cover ups fuel nationwide protests and legal fights. The story traces congressional pushback, reforms and the later rebirth of an expansive executive. It previews debates over presidential immunity and the Vesting Clause.
Mar 2, 2026 • 2min
Season 2 Trailer: The Kingmakers
A new season of Master Plan debuts on March 16.
For early access to new episodes and exclusive bonus content, click here to upgrade to a paid subscription to The Lever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 17, 2025 • 5min
The Master Plan Book Is Here
We’ve got big news — Master Plan is now a book!Master Plan: The Hidden Plot to Legalize Corruption in America, co-authored by David Sirota and Jared Jacang Maher, is now available from all major booksellers. The 265-page book expands on the award-winning podcast with exclusive archival documents, new reporting, and never-before-seen photos. It tells the story of how corporate interests and political operatives spent decades reshaping American democracy — from Lewis Powell’s secret memo to Citizens United and the rise of dark money.In this short update, Jared shares why we turned the series into a book and what readers can expect — followed by the official Book trailer for Master Plan. (Watch on YouTube.)
Get your copy: levernews.com/book — paid subscribers get a discount.
Leave a quick review on Amazon or Goodreads to help others discover the project.
Ask your local bookstore or library to order Master Plan.
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Nov 4, 2024 • 55min
S1 BONUS: The Master Planners’ Election (With Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse)
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a United States Senator from Rhode Island and author of "The Scheme," joins David Sirota to discuss the overwhelming influence of money in politics, particularly post-Citizens United. They analyze how billionaires like Elon Musk affect electoral dynamics and the dark money's role in obscuring accountability. The conversation also sheds light on potential reforms for campaign finance and the implications of dark money on democracy, urging audience engagement in the fight for transparency.
4 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 8min
S1 E11: Hell Or High Water | Legalizing Corruption
Dive into the tumultuous political landscape leading up to the 2024 elections, marked by corruption and corporate influence. Discover how dark money shapes our democracy, with gripping tales from the Democratic National Convention and grassroots calls for economic equality. Explore the historical context of political financing, including reflections on past reforms and potential futures. The urgent need for campaign finance reform and civic engagement resonates throughout, highlighting the clash between wealth and accountability in American politics.
18 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 1h 8min
S1 E10: The Heist | Legalizing Corruption
Unleashed by the Citizens United ruling, the master planners launch a three-part heist to crack the vault protecting democracy itself. First, the schemers take out the security cameras monitoring dark money. Then, they disarm the last campaign finance cops on the beat. Finally, they pull off a getaway so prosecutors can’t charge them as they run off with the loot.
Get ad-free Master Plan episodes by becoming a paid subscriber. Enjoy bonus episodes, exclusive content, and support this show. Visit masterplanpodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 5min
S1 E9: Going Big | Legalizing Corruption
James Bopp Jr., the Indiana lawyer behind the Citizens United case, teams up with former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, known for his pivotal swing votes. They delve into the strategies that reshaped campaign finance law, exposing the intricate legal maneuvers and historic influences at play. The discussion highlights the profound effects of Citizens United on democratic processes and the rise of dark money in politics. With insights into the ongoing debate on transparency and corporate influence, this conversation uncovers the complexities of modern electoral dynamics.
14 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 53min
S1 E8: Shock and Awe | Legalizing Corruption
Explore how the Bush administration's Iraq War rhetoric intertwined with fierce judicial battles over Supreme Court nominations. Discover the internal conflicts that arose following Harriet Myers’ controversial nomination, igniting divisions within conservative factions. Witness the strategic maneuvering behind John Roberts' rise, framed against a backdrop of corporate influence and partisan politics. Delve into the implications of Sandra Day O'Connor's retirement and how judicial dynamics shifted leading to Samuel Alito's confirmation.
21 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 59min
S1 E7: Rise of the Machine | Legalizing Corruption
Dive into the intricate world of the U.S. Supreme Court and its shifting dynamics. Explore how conservative activists are reshaping judicial power through strategic nominations and campaign finance influences. Discover the gripping tales of past nominations like Bork and Thomas, and the impact of the controversial 2000 presidential election on judicial outcomes. Witness the behind-the-scenes political maneuvering that’s redefining the court’s landscape, all while grappling with the implications for democracy and judicial independence.
