Ep 4. Filthy Rich

This is Life with Lisa Ling season 1 episode 4, titled "Filthy Rich," is an exploration of the extremes of wealth in America. Lisa Ling takes viewers on a journey to meet the ultra-wealthy, a group that some claim is taking over the country. The episode examines the lure of money and the lifestyles of those who have more than they could ever spend.

The episode begins with Lisa Ling interviewing a high-end real estate agent who shows off some of the most expensive houses currently on the market. The properties are massive and have all the latest amenities, including indoor basketball courts, elevators, and rooftop infinity pools. The agent boasts that some of the houses come with their own private islands and helicopter pads.

Lisa Ling then travels to Silicon Valley to meet with tech entrepreneurs who have become billionaires overnight. She interviews a young man who created a successful app and sold it for millions of dollars. He now lives in a mansion, flies first class, and never thinks twice about dropping thousands of dollars on a dinner bill.

The next stop is Greenwich, Connecticut, an enclave for the ultra-wealthy. Lisa Ling meets with a group of women who belong to a "super-couples club." The members of the club are all millionaires, and they meet to talk about their lavish lifestyles and plan their next extravagant vacation. While they all live in mansions and drive luxury cars, they still find themselves wanting more.

The episode also explores how the wealthy are using their money to influence politics. Lisa Ling speaks with a lobbyist who works for the ultra-rich and explains how they use their wealth to get what they want. She also interviews a billionaire who is using his money to fund a political cause, which leads to a discussion about whether or not the wealthy have too much power.

Lisa Ling also talks to those who work for the ultra-rich, including nannies and housekeepers, to get a sense of what life is like for those who serve the wealthy. They describe their employers as being out of touch with the rest of the world and having no concept of how much things actually cost. They also reveal that they are often treated poorly by their employers and that working for the wealthy is not as glamorous as it may seem.

Throughout the episode, Lisa Ling raises the question of whether or not extreme wealth is good for society. She interviews experts who argue that income inequality is a major problem in America and that the wealth gap is only getting larger. Ling also speaks with those who argue that the ultra-wealthy are the engines of the economy and that their success benefits everyone.

Overall, "Filthy Rich" is a thought-provoking episode that examines the extremes of wealth in America. Through interviews with the ultra-rich, their employees, and experts, Lisa Ling offers a nuanced and balanced look at the pros and cons of extreme wealth. Ultimately, the episode encourages viewers to consider whether or not the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few is sustainable or desirable for society as a whole.