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
6 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 3min
S1 E6: The Maverick | Legalizing Corruption
A tense meeting reveals how money drastically sways U.S. politics, especially during the Keating Five scandal. The podcast vividly highlights the intertwining of campaign finance and ethics, illustrating the challenges of reforming a system riddled with loopholes. As it narrates the efforts of figures like John McCain and grassroots advocates, the struggle against ingrained corruption comes alive. Certain events, like the Enron scandal, further complicate the landscape, underscoring the critical need for transparency and integrity in elections.
14 snips
Sep 17, 2024 • 53min
S1 E5: Corporations Are People | Legalizing Corruption
Explore the controversial idea that corporations have First Amendment rights and how this shaped U.S. politics. Delve into the historical context of campaign finance law and key rulings like Buckley v. Valeo. Discover the significant role of the Powell Memo and the rise of PACs. Uncover the legal battles over free speech and the impact of corporate influence in elections. Examine the tension between consumer rights and commercial speech in this riveting discussion on the intersection of law, money, and democracy.
14 snips
Sep 10, 2024 • 51min
S1 E4: The Secret Task Force | Legalizing Corruption
Dive into the intrigue behind Lewis Powell’s memo as it transforms from a simple document to a strategic master plan. Discover how corporate executives and politicians convened in secret to shape America's political landscape in the 1970s. Uncover the role of influential media figures and business leaders in crafting narratives that influence public perception. Explore the rise of conservative movements and their efforts to rebrand capitalism, all while examining the intertwining of corporate power and politics that altered the course of history.
33 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 56min
S1 E3: The Powell Memo | Legalizing Corruption
Discover the intriguing legacy of Lewis Powell Jr., a seemingly moderate Supreme Court Justice linked to corporate manipulation. Dive into the shocking Powell Memo, which reveals strategies for corporate dominance in politics. Explore how the tobacco industry's tactics shaped Powell's career and the dramatic marketing campaigns they employed. Uncover the political maneuvers behind Powell's confirmation and the ongoing implications of his judicial decisions that continue to influence American business practices today.
17 snips
Aug 27, 2024 • 47min
S1 E2: The Other Watergate | Legalizing Corruption
Dive into the fascinating untold story behind Watergate, where corporate bagmen and illegal cash flows ruled the scene. Discover how Nixon's efforts to cover corruption contradicted his own campaign finance laws. Learn about G. Gordon Liddy’s clever manipulation of campaign finances and how it shaped party practices. Uncover the role of Common Cause in fighting for transparency amidst secrecy and the significant document, 'Rosemary's Baby', revealing staggering undisclosed donations. Reflect on the aftermath that sparked a call for reform in political accountability.
15 snips
Aug 27, 2024 • 37min
S1 E1: Milk Money | Legalizing Corruption
Discover how corruption seeped into American politics starting in the vibrant 1970s. Hear about a secret mogul's influence on the judiciary and a puzzling campaign finance scheme linked to the dairy industry. Explore the disheartening contrast between U.S. and Canadian prescription drug prices and the advocates fighting for change. Delve into Nixon's controversial ties with the milk lobby and how fluctuating milk prices symbolize broader political corruption. Unravel the intricate web of money influencing democracy and eroding public trust.
Aug 5, 2024 • 5min
S1 Trailer | Legalizing Corruption
A secret plot. A public theft. A democracy corrupted.
Discover the truth. The first season of Master Plan, a new podcast from The Lever is avalable now wherever you get your podcasts.
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