The Powell House Press Podcast

Joshua Powell
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This is the audioversion of the Powell House Press www.thepowellhousepress.com

Episodes

  1. Mar 17

    Faith For Sale

    This piece argues that figures like Donald Trump and Jared Kushner didn’t just operate in politics and business—they exploited a broader cultural belief system often associated with the “prosperity gospel,” where wealth is framed as proof of virtue and legal scrutiny is recast as persecution. At the center is the case of Philip Esformes, who ran one of the largest healthcare fraud schemes in U.S. history. Despite defrauding Medicare and Medicaid and abusing vulnerable patients, he received clemency through a network of religious affiliation, charitable giving, and political access—particularly connections tied to Kushner and organizations like the Aleph Institute. The essay draws a parallel between this system and the tactics of televangelists like Jim Bakker and Joel Osteen—not in theology, but in structure: build trust through faith, convert that trust into money and influence, and then reframe accountability as an attack on belief itself. It then widens the lens to Kushner’s post-White House career, particularly his private equity firm Affinity Partners, which secured billions from foreign governments—most notably Saudi Arabia—despite having no track record. The argument is that these deals function less like traditional investments and more like rewards for political access and influence. Underlying all of this is a broader claim: religious identity, philanthropy, and political power are being fused into a system that shields elite actors from consequences. Whether it’s pardons, financial deals, or public narratives, the same pattern repeats—wealth is justified, scrutiny is deflected, and the language of faith is used as cover. The conclusion is blunt: this isn’t about religion or ideology. It’s about power and money—operating behind a moral shield that many people are reluctant to question. Why Your Subscription Matters Independent journalism answers to readers—not advertisers, corporations, or access-hungry editors. No story gets killed because it upsets a sponsor. No punch gets pulled because someone important made a phone call. Your support makes possible sharp commentary, fearless satire, and reporting that follows the story wherever it leads. In an era of manufactured narratives and algorithmic blandness, that independence isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Subscribe to The Powell House Press. Or settle for content that tells you what someone else wants you to hear. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thepowellhousepress.com/subscribe

    Faith For Sale
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This is the audioversion of the Powell House Press www.thepowellhousepress.com

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