Change Oracle

This episode dives into what really happened at COP30 — the third straight UN climate summit derailed by fossil-fuel obstruction.From political infighting and infrastructure failures in Belém to the refusal to even name fossil fuels in the final agreement, we unpack why this conference fell so far short of the moment. With climate-driven disasters accelerating worldwide, COP30’s outcome raises a critical question: Is the global process meant to protect our future now incapable of rising to the challenge? Join us as we break down what went wrong, what little went right, and what it means for the shrinking window to secure a livable planet.

What happens when a single bill hits your wallet, your healthcare, your community—and your democracy—all at once? In this episode, we tear into Trump’s 1,100-page “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a mega-law experts say punishes 80% of Americans while showering the wealthy with massive gains. From gutting Medicaid and SNAP to pollution and Trump sweeping new powers, the OBBBA isn’t just a policy shift—it’s a seismic shock to everyday life. Join us as we expose how a bill branded as “beautiful” became one of the most damaging power plays in modern American history.

Short Term Gains, Long Term Pain is a hard-hitting economic deep dive that exposes what history really tells us about tariffs, who truly pays for them, and how they impact everyday Americans. From rising prices and inflation to retaliatory trade wars, we unravel whether tariffs actually boost domestic spending, reshore manufacturing, or simply grow federal debt and the trade deficit. This podcast reveals the hidden chain reaction of costs, economic vulnerability, and corruption behind protectionism—showing how tariffs threaten democracy, concentrate power, and quietly transfer wealth to political insiders. Are tariffs breaking the American economy, and is Trump’s tariff strategy really about economic security—or consolidating power for the elite? Tune in and decide.

Donald Trump didn’t come out of nowhere—he was engineered. In this episode, we trace how decades of Republican strategies built the perfect conditions for his rise, from Newt Gingrich’s cutthroat politics to fossil fuel alliances, voter suppression, and a relentless war on democratic institutions. Featuring insights from political figures, journalists, and strategists, we uncover how the GOP’s embrace of disinformation, wealth transfers to the elite, and climate denial created not just a president, but a political monster. This is the story of a party devoured by its own creation—and what it means for America’s future.

The latest Change Oracle Podcast episode is titled “Why Trump Won.” It confronts the deeply unsettling reality of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in 2024. Despite a legacy defined by corruption, lies, insurrection, and environmental degradation, Trump prevailed. Why? This episode explores the powerful mix of disinformation, fear, and psychological manipulation that enabled his comeback. From the GOP’s war on truth to Trump’s manipulation of economic anxiety and masculine identity, the podcast unpacks how a twice-impeached, convicted criminal convinced millions to ignore reality. Voters’ craving for security, nostalgia, and authoritarian certainty triumphed over evidence, character, and democratic norms. “Why Trump Won” is a sobering look at how populism, propaganda, and power warped the will of a nation — and what that means for the future of democracy.

Inequality is surging globally, concentrating wealth among a small elite while the majority struggle with stagnating wages, limited access to resources, and declining social mobility. The Inequality Surge is Increasing by Change Oracle's Richard Matthews explores how this growing divide fuels global instability, undermines democracy, and worsens health and well-being. With data from the IMF, World Bank, and Oxfam, the podcast highlights the massive wealth transfer from the bottom 90% to the top 1%, particularly in the U.S., and examines how financial crises and globalization accelerate the trend. Listen now for a deep dive into today's most urgent economic and social crisis.

Understanding Societal Inequality: History, Types, Causes & Effects: Dive into the deep roots and wide-reaching consequences of inequality in this powerful episode of Change Oracle. From prehistoric hierarchies to modern wealth gaps, explore how economic, social, and political disparities shape today’s global polycrisis. Discover the forces that sustain injustice—and what it will take to dismantle them. Essential listening for anyone seeking clarity in a world of compounding crises.

In this episode, we challenge the deeply ingrained belief in limitless economic growth and expose how the growth-at-all-costs mindset drives ecological collapse, social inequality, and political dysfunction. Featuring insights from renowned economists and researchers, we dismantle myths like the Environmental Kuznets Curve and explore the destructive ideology of "growthism." If you're ready to question conventional economic wisdom and confront the harsh truths about sustainability, this episode is a must-listen.