Brian was highly recommended to me by my daughter who heard him speak at her university. I agree Brian is extremely informative and knows how to interview people in order to tell a great story. However his biases are so evident that he ruined it for me. Brian loves to bash Trump at any opportunity. I am NOT a huge fan of Trump either, but Klaas needs to show that the Left doesn’t always make impressive choices either. So disappointed. Not sure if I want to keep listening.
I have enjoyed your show when you avoid politics. The problem is, you criticize Donald Trump way too often. For example, the most recent episode I played about smuggling, you and your guest speaker mentioned border walls would have ZERO impact on drug smuggling and Trump was wasting billions of dollars on border walls would not stop drug smuggling. (I am mildly paraphrasing.) To suggest there are zero human beings crossing the open borders with drugs is not only misleading, but it’s wrong.
There are so many more examples of political bias, that you’re making it harder for me to keep listening to you.
The topics are all VERY interesting and informational enough that you could leave your bias out, and I’d imagine grow a larger fan base, or at least not turn listeners away.
Of course, anyone reading my review, would focus on my political bias and miss out on the fact that I think all of your topics are very interesting and informational, and I really, thoroughly, enjoyed all other aspects of the podcast. I listen to it at 1.75 speed and that helps with the slow tempo from time to time and doesn’t detract from your message.
This is such a phenomenal podcast! Brian Klaas has a thrilling way of telling real stories that are extremely important. I agree with a previous review, it is quite addicting.
Best podcast I’ve come across in the last few years! I loved that there weren’t ads, so I bought his book to support the platform, and now I’m completely sucked into the book AND the podcast. Heard about it originally on Armchair expert, and the guy is from Minnesota- so I knew he had to be fabulous!😜 loves hearing about Cottage Grove police!:)
I just found this podcast after hearing Dr. Klass on Dax & Monica’s show. WOW. The music-5 stars, and same with his voice, the editing, the topic choice…. And the guests/interviewees -OMIGOSH. Incredible!!! Keep it up and yes I am going to Patreon because the lack of commercial breaks is priceless!
I am completely hooked on this podcast! As a history/poly sci/sociology geek, it checks all boxes for me. I am also almost finished with the book…also fantastic! This program makes me want to go back to college at 60 and get a masters in sociology and then try to pick any one of the covered topics to explore further!
Learned of this podcast on the Deep State Radio cast (also recommended). Just thoroughly enjoyed my first “Power” cast on the unfortunate pacific island of Naru. Host Klass has brought a sensitive, jazzy and informative offering forward!
Fantastic structuring of stories and such interesting analyses. I always learn something. Further, It’s so enjoyable! Are his lectures this interesting? Listening to his new book Corruptible. It flows like the podcast. Loving it!
Brilliant research, incredible delivery and a rich tapestry of issues dealing with our own efforts at defeating the systems we design for own safety. The podcast is replete with jaw dropping stories that substantiate how far some of us can go to basically satisfy.
Received the book. Will start reading in 2-3 weeks.
Bless you my friend .
Jay
Don’t miss this. Ep 2x5 about the Godfather of Fake News just blew my mind. Oh Lord, what a horrible story. Sad, sad, sad. The damage he is contributing to our ignorant critical mass is beyond my comprehension.
Power Corrupts is one of those podcasts that shines a light on areas of history that we would be wise to pay attention to.
If you haven’t listened to episodes yet, add this to your library and get busy.
Always interesting topics discussed in an intelligent and engaging way. First-rate production. Couldn't recommended more highly. I listen to a lot of podcasts, and this is near the top of my list.
Came back to look at why anyone would give this podcast a negative review. I looked through a bunch of them, and every one I saw was objecting to Klass simply observing the objective fact that trump is a ludicrous carnival barker. Sorry, folks. Klass is right. And it's relevant. That you don't like it doesn't mean he shouldn't say it.
The host/author has done an exceptional job in creating an unbiased account of real history and engages with some great people who for each episode give their insight to their respective fields. I listened to all episodes during a long car ride, and I especially liked how the host included in corrections at the end of the podcast on “The Godfather of fake news”. He states how every podcast and show has to make decisions on what to edit out but gives the “godfather” his chance to clear the air with his reading of his email at the end which definitely helps with the credibility for himself as a producer/author of the show. Read the comments to also see what others thought and of course i see that most of the 1-2 star ratings are trump pyschophants (misspelled) who can’t ever hear any criticism of our very flawed leader. Absolutely do not let that get in the way of this amazing and educational podcast!!
Just found this about a week ago and already nearly through every episode. Great guests. Brian Klaas has a good way of voicing the story, and isn't corny or annoying to listen to.
If you're a an of Popular Front or It Could Happen Here or No Compromise or Suspicious Activity: Fincen Files, Forgotten: Women of Juarez, etc II would recommend this (and vice versa on all those pods).
Minor point: I like the podcast theme music well enough but some of the segment change music is IMO kinda wack. I heard one I think electric guitar solo type one yesterday and I cracked up. But overall this is a really great podcast that I highly recommend.
Klaas makes “Power Corrupts” informative and fascinating. The topics are important and the presentation very engaging. I love the way historical background is used to illuminate current issues.
Everything about this podcast is awesome, but especially the fact that it’s produced so well. No filler, amazing topics, and no personality circus. Just good stuff. Mad gratitude.
I really enjoy the topics covered in this podcasts about power and corruption. Although one of my favorite episodes didn't really have anything to do with corruption - it was the episode Letters of Last Resort about the use of nuclear weapons. Very fascinating. I recommend this podcast.
I really enjoy this podcast, they offer an informative narrative, and also offer practical solutions as opposed to ending on a bleak note. My only negative comment is that this podcast essentially focuses on how the richest in the world are responsible for many global issues, yet the episode focusing on conspiracy theories boils people who believe in them to holding a mannaquin world view (that other people control things)- which seems a) reductionist and b) contrary to the conclusions most of the other episodes point to. Not a conspiracy theorist myself, but one could say being skeptical of the government and media is “conspiratorial”, which is the point this entire podcast. Would be intrigued by a revisit of that concept. In the meantime, I’d encourage everyone to listen to this and share with friends and family.
Excellent podcast highlighting many aspects of corruption. Knowing how those in power use our systems for their personal gain is the first step towards fighting said corruption.
Recent episodes on stupid policy ideas in autocracies (e.g. Mao’s sparrow hunt and the Myanmar astrology), have nothing to do with corruption, if that word means anything. They are just stupid policies.
The podcast would actually have been great; but the not-so-subtle jabs at the President were ridiculous. The pandemic episode closes with a plea to be kinder to each other; after the host calls the sitting president a “carnival barker”. Unless the goal is to all credibility with half the country- half the potential audience, why are comments like this part of the show?
Knowlegde + informative information about various forms of corruption around the world. It’s really a must listen in the times we are in. We can no longer look away. And as Sarah Kendzior says time and again, an informed and educated public is a POWERFUL public.
Riveting, relevant, revelatory
Dr. Klaas is brilliant and brings in appropriate and fascinating primary source guests and experts on his episodes. The stories are captivating and are presented almost cinematically, thanks to great writing, production, and editing by Brian and his partner on the show George
The best episodes in my humble opinion are the Children of Monsters, guns for hire, and Narcopolitics.
And Mary from Rwanda was incredibly moving and her poise and bravery in presenting her story was awe inspiring.
I’m constantly listening to podcasts. Constantly
Love the format and am always looking for the next great listen
only On episode 2 but...I think I found it
Fantastic podcast - riveting episodes, well researched and delivered. Really fascinating. Power Corrupts is important - no, it is essential listening material as we make sense of this era in which we live. Do not miss this one!
Yoursubject is interesting,but you loose all credibility with obvious disdain for Trump. It’s sad. You should not let your hatred get in the way. No different than local news out let. You offer no thoughts on solutions. Simple minded,blame Trump
This is one of the best podcasts I have ever listened to. This podcast tackles interesting and important topics in the world and provides an entertaining and in-depth analysis of those topics. A great show for those who like history and current events, or if you just want something awesome to listen to. 10/10
A remarkable podcast with great detail, including an analysis of the issue from multiple views, along with a history of the topic. This podcast is my favorite!
Hello to Power Corrupts team. Thank you for your excellent and eye opening programs and podcasts. You really help seeing things differently. Thanks again.