What an Epstein recording reveals about how elites get jobs

February 25, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

🎙️ The Speakers & Context

The Format: Host-led narrative with audio clips and expert interview.
The Key Players:
- Hosts: Darian Woods and Adrian Ma (NPR Planet Money); investigative journalists unpacking elite economics through data and anecdotes.
- Expert: Matilda Bombardini, UC Berkeley economics professor; credible via empirical research on lobbying payments, analyzing Epstein-Bar Barak tapes for network value vs. expertise.
- Audio Subjects: Jeffrey Epstein (disgraced financier) and Ehud Barak (former Israeli PM); raw source of power-brokering dialogue.
The Vibe: Investigative and revelatory—skeptical exposé on elite favoritism, blending shock with academic rigor.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:00) **🎙️ Introduction: Matilda Bombardini**
2 (02:31) **The Revolving Door in Elite Networks**
3 (04:02) **Epstein's IOU Advice to Barak**
4 (05:34) **Barak's Value as a Door Opener**
5 (07:01) **Barak's Post-Politics Roles**
6 (08:45) **Epstein's Vast Network and Fallout**

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

What do the latest batch of documents tell us about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and elite networking? Quite a bit. Today on the show, we analyze one exchange between Epstein and a former world leader to find out how the revolving door works for the rich and powerful.

FYI, we are going on a book tour! Planet Money’s first ever book comes out in April. We’ll be celebrating in about a dozen cities. There’s a limited-edition tote bag included with your ticket, while supplies last. Details, dates and how to get your ticket at planetmoneybook.com.

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