This week, Nick and Goldy are joined by Fordham Law professor Zephyr Teachout, who explains the urgent need for federal action on corporate price-gouging. Professor Teachout identifies misconceptions about price controls and highlights the failure of mainstream economists to recognize that price-gouging is a common practice, especially in light of skyrocketing corporate profit margins during the pandemic. Their conversation also unpacks the need for stronger antitrust enforcement, decreased market concentration, and more regulations aimed at protecting consumers in times of crisis.

Zephyr Teachout is a Professor of Law at Fordham Law School, where she focuses on the intersection of corporate and political power. She is also the author of multiple books, including Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin's Snuff Box to Citizens United and Break 'Em Up: Recovering Our Freedom from Big Ag, Big Tech, and Big Money.

Twitter: @ZephyrTeachout

Further reading:

The Atlantic - Sometimes You Just Have to Ignore the Economists

More Perfect Union - Why Are Diaper Prices Up 184 Percent? Two Corporations are Preying on Parents

The New Republic - A Very Good Sign: Kamala Harris Is Going Right at Corporate Greed

Find out if your state has a price gouging law here: NCSL Price Gouging State Statutes

Books By Professor Teachout: 

Break 'Em Up: Recovering Our Freedom from Big Ag, Big Tech, and Big Money

Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin's Snuff Box to Citizens United

Website: http://pitchforkeconomics.com

Twitter: @PitchforkEcon, @NickHanauer, @civicaction

Instagram: @pitchforkeconomics

Threads: pitchforkeconomics

YouTube: @pitchforkeconomics

Substack: The Pitch