The podcast episodes provided touch on various aspects of ethics and corruption, exploring how these issues can manifest in different contexts, such as politics, law enforcement, and urban development.

For example, the Up First episode discusses alleged corruption and bribery charges against a U.S. Senator, highlighting the ethical challenges faced by those in positions of power. The 99% Invisible episode examines how Robert Moses, a powerful urban planner, disregarded ethical practices in order to achieve his vision for Long Island's parks. Similarly, the Smoke Screen episode delves into the unethical tactics used by a rogue DEA agent to assemble a corrupt task force.

These examples demonstrate how ethics and corruption can intersect with various aspects of society, and the importance of maintaining high ethical standards in both the public and private sectors.