Rephonic
Artwork for Master Plan
Campaign Finance Reform
Supreme Court
Citizens United
Corruption
Watergate
Richard Nixon
Dark Money
The Lever
Dairy Industry
Prescription Drug Prices
Common Cause
Campaign Finance Law
Political Lobbying
G. Gordon Liddy
Anti-Abortion Movement
James Bopp
John D. Ehrlichman
Archibald Cox
Fred Wertheimer
Louis F. Powell Jr.

SEASON TWO: THE KINGMAKERS IS HERE Master Plan, the award-winning investigative podcast series from The Lever, reveals the hidden forces behind today’s biggest problems — and how small groups of powerful people engineered those problems to serve their own interests. We are exposing their schemes. Narrated by David Sirota, an award-winning investigative journalist and Oscar nominee for his work on ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes24Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsHistoryPolitics

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Artwork for Master Plan

Latest Episodes

Before Trump, there was Nixon. His attempts to seize the power of the purse and secretly expand the Vietnam War forged a constitutional crisis, a backlash, and a template for an imperial presidency.

TRANSCRIPT & BONUS MATERIALS: Click here to read a... more

A new season of Master Plan debuts on March 16.

For early access to new episodes and exclusive bonus content, click here to upgrade to a paid subscription to The Lever.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

YouTube

An important message about the future of Master Plan, from our host, David Sirota.

• Become A Paid Subscriber To The Lever

• Become A Paid Subscriber On Apple Podcasts

• Make A One-Time Donation

• Order Our Companion Book

Learn more abou... more

We’ve got big news — Master Plan is now a book!

Master Plan: The Hidden Plot to Legalize Corruption in America, co-authored by David Sirota and Jared Jacang Maher, is now available from all major booksellers. The 265-page book expands on the award-w... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Howard Jarvis
Leader of California's Taxpayer Revolt, known for initiating Prop 13.
Episode: Introducing Tax Revolt: Where the Cult of Reaganomics Began
Michael Gratz
Expert on the life and times of Howard Jarvis and former member of Nixon's Treasury Department.
Yale and Columbia Law Schools
Episode: Introducing Tax Revolt: Where the Cult of Reaganomics Began
Art Laffer
Influential supply-side economist known for the Laffer curve.
Episode: Introducing Tax Revolt: Where the Cult of Reaganomics Began
Alec McGillis
Reporter for ProPublica
ProPublica
Episode: Decoding Project 2025 (via Lever Time)
Nancy McLean
Historian and professor at Duke University, author of 'Democracy in Chains'
Duke University
Episode: Decoding Project 2025 (via Lever Time)
James Bopp
Attorney known for his involvement in campaign finance litigation.
Episode: S1 E9: Going Big | Legalizing Corruption
John D. Ehrlichman
Top assistant to President Nixon for domestic affairs
Nixon Administration
Episode: S1 E2: The Other Watergate | Legalizing Corruption
Fred Wertheimer
Young legislative director for Common Cause
Common Cause
Episode: S1 E2: The Other Watergate | Legalizing Corruption
Archibald Cox
Special prosecutor overseeing the Watergate investigation
United States Department of Justice
Episode: S1 E2: The Other Watergate | Legalizing Corruption

Host

David Sirota
Host of Master Plan and former speechwriter for Bernie Sanders, known for his investigative reporting and narrative style.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1k ratings
  • Informative

    Podcast Addict
    5
    kokella
    2 months ago
  • Mandatory Listening

    This series is one of the most important I’ve ever come across informing a historically accurate chain of events leading to where we are today. And WHY we are where we are today.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cats. And word games.
    United States2 months ago
  • Excellent.

    FECA #fartnoise

    Podcast Addict
    5
    dirt mcgirt
    7 months ago
  • Timely, informative, concerning

    Learn why the US is slipping. Engaging reporting. Terrifying

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BobBuildsBackBetter
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • Excellent

    Great show.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kfixbwhdisa
    United States9 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The series is highly regarded as one of the most significant investigative journalism efforts in recent years, providing essential insights into political corruption.
While the content is praised for its depth and quality, there are some critiques regarding production choices, particularly the use of sound effects and comedic inserts.
Listeners appreciate the thorough research and engaging storytelling, making complex subjects accessible and enlightening.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#14
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#46
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#70
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#61
Germany/History
Apple Podcasts
#63
France/History
Apple Podcasts
#72
Australia/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S1 BONUS: The Master Planners’ Election (With Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse)
Q: What can be done within the context of the current paradigm of the Supreme Court?
Top things include passing the Disclose Act to ensure transparency about who is funding campaigns.
S1 BONUS: The Master Planners’ Election (With Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse)
Q: How concerned should people be that on the Democratic side there have been billionaire mega donors who seem to be making specific demands on the Democratic nominee?
Yes, it absolutely is bad, and that's why we've been trying to get rid of dark money, because it clouds the public perception of both parties.
S1 BONUS: The Master Planners’ Election (With Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse)
Q: I want to ask you, looking forward, clearly if Donald Trump wins the election, nothing is going to happen on this.
If Kamala Harris wins the election, my big ask would be that we take, first of all, the big ask really only works if we hit the trifecta.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Master Plan

What is Master Plan about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series offers an in-depth exploration of the systemic corruption and political maneuvering that have influenced American democracy over the past several decades. The narrative weaves together significant historical events, including the Watergate scandal, the Citizens United decision, and the implications of the upcoming 2024 elections. By delving into secret documents and featuring interviews with key figures, the show aims to illuminate the mechanisms by which wealth and power shape political landscapes, effectively making democracy a framework for oligarchy. It is particularly noteworthy for its investigative approach, combining hard-hitting journalism with a compelling storytelling format, making it essential listening for anyone i... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Master Plan?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Master Plan:

1. On the Media
2. Know Your Enemy
3. The Ezra Klein Show
4. Radio Atlantic
5. The New Yorker Radio Hour

How many episodes of Master Plan are there?

Master Plan launched 2 years ago and published 24 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Master Plan?

Recent guests on Master Plan include:

1. Howard Jarvis
2. Michael Gratz
3. Art Laffer
4. Alec McGillis
5. Nancy McLean
6. James Bopp
7. John D. Ehrlichman
8. Fred Wertheimer

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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