The podcast episodes provided touch on the issue of special interests in various ways, highlighting their influence on the US political system and policy-making process.

In Episode 595 of Freakonomics Radio, the episode argues that the two major political parties in the US cater more to special interests and partisan bases than the average voter, creating an uncompetitive duopoly that erects barriers to third-party challengers.

Similarly, Episode 'It's Now Illegal To Criticize Israel!' of The Jimmy Dore Show criticizes the undue influence of special interests like the pro-Israel lobby on public policy, and how this can undermine free speech.

The influence of special interests and lobbyists on career politicians is also mentioned as a potential concern in Episode 'Term Limits Could Ruin Congress' of Hear Me Out, where the host and guest discuss whether term limits could help mitigate or exacerbate this issue.