OCTOMONSTER Geometric octopus logo

Explainers and deep dives on politics, policy, sports and surf — hosted by Marcus & Sofia.

Latest episodes

Starlink vs. The Carriers episode art
EP 6Oct 9, 2026 · 13:10

Starlink vs. The Carriers: Can Musk Actually Pull It Off?

A 30-minute deep dive on SpaceX's $8B spectrum gamble: the 10 strongest reasons Starlink can't become a phone carrier, the 10 strongest reasons it can, the money, the physics, the global chessboard — plus two fiery callers. Moderated by Alistair.

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Jersey Shred episode art
EP 5Oct 8, 2026 · 11:31

Jersey Shred: Surfing New Jersey

Marcus and Sofia break down fall surfing on the Jersey Shore: punchy beach breaks, how jetties shape the sandbars, Manasquan Inlet, Bay Head, the Bentley Inn, and how to plan the trip.

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NIL Bill episode art
EP 4Oct 8, 2026 · 20:01

The NIL Bill That Could Rewrite College Sports

Marcus and Sofia break down the Protect College Sports Act — what it does, the strongest arguments for and against it, and what real athletes and coaches are saying. Both sides, steelmanned.

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Rent Control episode art
EP 2Oct 5, 2026 · 11:38

Rent Control: The Feel-Good Policy That Backfires

Marcus and housing expert Sofia dig into fifty years of rent control research — the Stanford San Francisco study, Cambridge, St. Paul, Berlin, and Stockholm — and ask why capping rents keeps making housing scarcer. Plus a listener's wild idea: a rent control A/B test split by Geary Street.

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Brazil Election episode art
EP 1Oct 5, 2026 · 9:10

Brazil's Election Shocker: What Just Happened and Why It Matters

Marcus and Sofia break down Brazil's wild first-round vote — Flávio Bolsonaro's surprise lead over Lula, the October 25 runoff, and what's at stake for Brazil and the world.

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