Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 14 hours ago
Why does America defend wealth inequality while celebrating democracy? Historian Kim Phillips-Fein traces the hidden American history of capitalism’s fight against equality.
In this episode, Kim and guest host Michael Kovnat discuss how American history has always contained a fight over wealth inequality, and who gets to rule in a democracy. Kim explains how thinkers from John Adams and Andrew Carnegie to Social Darwinists and today’s tech utopians defended hierarchy, capitalism, and concentrated wealth. She also explores why extreme inequality threatens democratic life, and what it would mean to renew America’s promise that all people are created equal.
Kim’s new book, Country of Lords, is out now: geni.us/pBrBB
About the guest:
Kim Phillips-Fein is the author of Country of Lords: Neo-Aristocrats, Social Darwinists, Tech Utopians, and the Long Fight Against Equality in America. As a historian and professor at Columbia University, Kim writes about American politics, capitalism, labor, inequality, and political economy. She is also the author of Invisible Hands and Fear City, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
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Why does America defend wealth inequality while celebrating democracy? Historian Kim Phillips-Fein traces the hidden American history of capitalism’s fight against equality.
In this episode, Kim and guest host Michael Kovnat discuss how American history has always contained a fight over wealth inequality, and who gets to rule in a democracy. Kim explains how thinkers from John Adams and Andrew Carnegie to Social Darwinists and today’s tech utopians defended hierarchy, capitalism, and concentrated wealth. She also explores why extreme inequality threatens democratic life, and what it would mean to renew America’s promise that all people are created equal.
Kim’s new book, Country of Lords, is out now: geni.us/pBrBB
About the guest:
Kim Phillips-Fein is the author of Country of Lords: Neo-Aristocrats, Social Darwinists, Tech Utopians, and the Long Fight Against Equality in America. As a historian and professor at Columbia University, Kim writes about American politics, capitalism, labor, inequality, and political economy. She is also the author of Invisible Hands and Fear City, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.
🔗 SPONSORED BY:
Momentous — If you want to try Momentous Signature Spec Creatine, head to livemomentous.com and use code IDEA for up to 35% off your entire first order
Northwest Registered Agent — Helping small business owners and entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses for nearly 30 years. Learn more at northwestregisteredagent.com/nbifree
Quince — Get free shipping and 365-day returns, now available in Canada and the UK too. Find your next fall favorites at quince.com/nbi
Upwork — Find freelancers for any project. Visit upwork.com right now and post your job for free
📩 Transform your day in 10 minutes. Enjoy daily, bite‑sized insights from breakthrough nonfiction books—audio or text—straight from the authors. Trusted by 90K+ learners, our editors choose only the books that matter.
🔗 bookoftheday.nextbigideaclub.com
💡Discover the books that matter with the Next Big Idea Club. Curated by Adam Grant, Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, and Daniel Pink. Beyond just reading, the Next Big Idea Club is a journey. It’s where thought leaders converge, where ideas transform into action, and where books become a gateway to a brighter future.
✨JOIN US✨
nextbigideaclub.com
🗣️FIND YOUR NEXT READ🗣️ – Listen to thousands of audio insights (by the authors) in the Next Big Idea App
Apple App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/next-big-idea-books-in-15min/id1502959151
Google Play: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heleo.nbic
OUR CURATORS
💡 Malcolm Gladwell: Renowned journalist, author, and speaker.
💡 Susan Cain: TED speaker, introvert advocate, bestselling author.
💡 Adam Grant: Noted psychologist, author, and Wharton School professor.
💡 Daniel Pink: Expert author on business, work, and behavior.
If you enjoy the content on our official YouTube channel, please like, subscribe, and thank you for watching!
CONNECT WITH US
Next Big Idea Podcast: pod.link/nextbigidea
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/10026818
Twitter: twitter.com/nextbigideaclub
Instagram: instagram.com/nextbigideaclub
Facebook: facebook.com/nextbigideaclub
Contact: info@nextbigideaclub.com
Subscribe for more insights:
youtube.com/NextBigIdeaClub?sub_confirmation=1
#NextBigIdeaClub
