The podcast episodes provided demonstrate the broad and significant influence of the automobile industry, particularly in the areas of vehicle emissions regulations, the history and impact of jaywalking laws, and the industry's role in shaping public policy and urban infrastructure.

For example, episode Right of Way explores how the automobile industry pushed for jaywalking laws in the 1920s to prioritize cars over pedestrians, with disproportionate consequences for people of color. Episode Amid Record Heat, EPA Airs New Rules discusses the EPA's proposed regulations to reduce emissions from vehicles, highlighting the industry's role and the challenges it faces.

The episodes also touch on the industry's broader economic and international impacts, such as the declining profits of Chinese EV giant BYD (China's EV price war hits BYD profits) and the potential impact of regulations on the American preference for large vehicles (The Intelligence: Moscow massacre).