In this episode we discuss Lyft and Gamestop.

Ride-sharing company Lyft recently instituted a new policy for its drivers called "priority mode." If drivers opt-in to priority mode, Lyft's algorithms, which match drivers with customers wanting a ride, will give drivers priority over non-priority mode drivers, meaning priority mode drivers will be more likely to be given more work so they can, in theory, make more money. The catch? Priority mode drivers' hourly pay rate will be reduced by 10%.

This effectively means more work for less pay for many of the most vulnerable workers in our increasingly gig economy. That is entirely antithetical to the "logic" of the free market, where increased productivity and increased labor should equate to more pay, not less. People shouldn't be expected to do more work for less pay.

We also discuss Gamestop's meteoric stock rise thanks to r/WallStreetBets and how this is a great example showing the perverse, non-productive, and manipulative qualities of our financialized economy.

Thanks for joining us.