There’s a growing conversation about how many foundational aspects of American life—finance, politics, even culture—may be built on elaborate schemes that benefit the few at the expense of the many. Beneath the surface of economic opportunity and national pride, layers of deception and manipulation become apparent, with everything from crony capitalism to social engineering contributing to a landscape that some liken to a nationwide Ponzi scheme. The powerful, aided by hidden hands and shadowy interests, construct systems designed to keep regular people striving for an ever-shifting promise, while those at the top orchestrate and profit from the cycle. The truth about who really pulls the strings and how deep the illusion goes is far more tangled than most suspect. To understand the magnitude of the game being played, and how everyday Americans are caught up in it, dive into these podcast episodes for a deeper look behind the curtain.