Hijacked: How Power, Money, and Corruption Captured America — and How We Can Take It Back

In Episode 59 of the Common-X Podcast, we sit down with authors Peter Calfree and J. Kevin Dolan to unpack the urgent themes of their book Hijacked: Our Republic, Unless We Can Save It.

This conversation explores how America’s political system has been gradually overtaken by concentrated wealth, corporate influence, and institutional corruption—leaving everyday citizens increasingly disconnected from real representation. We discuss the erosion of democratic norms, the role of media and money in shaping public perception, and how polarization has become a feature, not a flaw, of modern politics.

Most importantly, we ask the hard question: Is it too late to fix the system,or is there still a path to reclaiming the republic? Calfree and Dolan outline what meaningful reform would actually require and what responsibility still rests with the public.

This episode is a sobering but necessary conversation for anyone concerned about democracy, accountability, and the future of American self-governance.

Check out our site:

www.commonxpodcast.com

Get the book:

https://www.amazon.com/HIJACKED-Our-REPUBLIC-Unless-SAVE/dp/B0FK6CC63B

#AmericanDemocracy #PoliticalCorruption #MoneyInPolitics #CorporateInfluence #SavingDemocracy #GovernmentAccountability #ConstitutionalCrisis #PoliticalReform #MediaManipulation #CivicResponsibility

The CommonX Podcast features long-form conversations with musicians, cultural voices, veterans, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers who bring lived experience to the table. Hosted by Jared Mayzak and Ian Primmer, CommonX explores music, culture, work, identity, resilience, and the systems that shape everyday life—without talking points or manufactured outrage.

From iconic artists and creative pioneers to everyday people with extraordinary stories, each episode prioritizes honesty, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue. This is a Gen-X–driven show for listeners who value depth over noise and conversation over clicks.

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