Episodes

  • Americans don't trust each other and democracy hangs in the balance

    Americans don't trust each other and democracy hangs in the balance
    Mar 7 2022
    In this special episode of Mandatory, we look at how a pretty mandatory part of the political process -- working across the aisle -- has broken down. Plus, what we learned reporting on this and a few ideas for fixes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Bonus episode: Part 5

    Bonus episode: Part 5
    Aug 16 2021
    After our initial four-part series, we heard from more business owners, as well as former Michigan attorney general Mike Cox. Emily Lawler has the update in this special bonus episode of Mandatory. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • Part 4

    Part 4
    Aug 2 2021
    So, are the Fata Brothers good actors, or bad ones? Is this a deceptive business model, or a legitimate and innovative one?  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    16 mins
  • Part 3

    Part 3
    Jul 26 2021
    How did the Fata brothers first find themselves at odds with the Michigan attorney general? And why haven't they been deterred by persistent legal trouble? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    15 mins
  • Part 2

    Part 2
    Jul 19 2021
    Who are the Fata brothers? And what is it like to work for one of their companies? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • Part 1

    Part 1
    Jul 12 2021
    Thousands of people across the United States have been targeted with mailers from a series of companies owned by the Fata brothers. But what exactly are they trying to sell? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • Trailer: Mandatory: An MLive Podcast

    Trailer: Mandatory: An MLive Podcast
    Jul 8 2021
    For more than 20 years and in more than 20 states, benign-looking letters have solicited businesses for products and services they sometimes don't need. MLive traces them back to three Michigan brothers whose companies have kept up the mailings for decades, dodging complaints from consumers and attorneys general while making millions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    3 mins