In this episode, we delve into the tumultuous 20th century—the moment labor briefly triumphed, only to see its victories dismantled as corporate power roared back. From trust-busting and progressive reforms to the rise of unions and the birth of the middle class, we trace how shifting ideologies, automation, and soaring inequality set the stage for today’s precarious economy. And as we stand on the brink of an AI-driven era, we ask: did the 20th century’s unheeded lessons doom us all to repeat history?

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