It’s the most watched business in the world. And the least understood. Streamed by millions every day, porn is everywhere. It shapes our culture, our relationships and even technology. Yet, nobody seems to know who really controls the business. The power brokers tend to lurk in the shadows, while their performers remain quite literally exposed.

In the new audiobook The Kink Machine: The Hidden Business of Adult Entertainment, from Pushkin Industries and the Financial Times, Financial Times journalists Patricia Nilsson and Alex Barker start digging into the porn industry and following where the money flows. Their reporting uncovers a shadowy power structure that includes billionaires, tech geniuses and the most powerful finance companies in the world.

A gripping exposé of how power operates behind the most taboo corner of the internet, Nilsson and Barker unravel a story about control, influence and an industry with staggering cultural reach that no one really wants to talk about — until now.

Here’s a preview of The Kink Machine. If you like what you hear, get The Kink Machine on Audible, Spotify, Pushkin.fm, or wherever you get audiobooks.

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The Trump administration plans to roll back some tariffs, Schroders agrees to a US takeover, and Americans paid 90 per cent of the cost of US President Trump’s tariffs last year. Plus, Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer will depart the company over Epstein ties, and how to buy a law firm when you’re not really allowed to.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Trump plans to roll back tariffs on metal and aluminium goods

Schroders boss reassured UK Treasury ahead of £9.9bn US takeover

Alphaville’s annotated thoughts on the Schroders takeover

US businesses and consumers pay 90% of tariff costs, New York Fed says

Top Goldman Sachs lawyer Kathy Ruemmler to resign over Epstein links

How to buy a law firm if you’re not allowed to buy a law firm

Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts

Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Fiona Symon and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann and David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s Global Head of Audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US economy added 130,000 jobs in January, beating market expectations, and documents appear to contradict testimony Jes Staley gave about his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, Bangladesh is holding its first elections since 2024's mass uprising.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Epstein trustee document contradicts Jes Staley testimony

US economy far outstrips expectations to add 130,000 jobs in January

After 17 years in exile, dynastic heir looks to lead Bangladesh

Find the latest season of Tech Tonic here: https://www.ft.com/tech-tonic

Note: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts

Today’s FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Fiona Symon, Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from David da Silva. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s Global Head of Audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.