Podcast Summary: Candace Ep 184 - Ian Carroll Unleashed! | Private Equity, Big Pharma, and The Diddy Trial

Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Candace Owens
Guest: Ian Carroll
Title: Ian Carroll Unleashed! | Private Equity, Big Pharma, and The Diddy Trial

1. Introduction

In this episode of Candace, host Candace Owens steps aside to allow Ian Carroll to take the reins. Carroll introduces the topics of the day, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on private equity's impact on franchises, recent accidents at Urban Air Adventure Parks, the Diddy trial, and updates on Candace's personal life.

2. Urban Air Adventure Park Scandal

Overview of the Incident

Ian Carroll opens the discussion with a distressing incident that occurred at Urban Air Adventure Park. A seven-year-old girl suffered severe injuries after an accident on the Sky Rider attraction.

• Timestamp 01:28
  "They were not expecting their day to go like this. Are you okay?"

Details of the Accident

The young girl experienced a punctured lung, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and permanent disabilities. Carroll emphasizes that this is not an isolated incident, highlighting a pattern of neglect and safety issues across multiple parks.

Background on Urban Air's Expansion

Urban Air's rapid expansion, fueled by private equity investments from MPK Partners, led to an increase in safety-related lawsuits. Michael Browning Jr., the founder, transitioned from a hands-on role to a more corporate approach, which Carroll suggests compromised safety standards.

• Timestamp 02:53
  "Nothing is being done about the way the rides are being set up, the ways they were being run."

3. The Rise and Fall of Tiffany Cianci

Introduction to Tiffany Cianci's Story

Tiffany Cianci, a franchisee of The Little Gym, becomes a central figure in the narrative against private equity practices.

• Timestamp 03:45
  "Tiffany Cianci bought into this franchise as a mom that was doing other business and wanted to spend more time with her kids."

Battle Against Unleashed Brands

After Unleashed Brands acquired The Little Gym franchise, Cianci encountered significant operational changes that negatively impacted her business and her ability to serve children with special needs.

• Timestamp 07:30
  "They disconnected the relationship between the teachers and the parents, making communication impersonal and ineffective."

Legal Struggles and Arbitration

Cianci, along with other franchisees, faced legal battles against Unleashed Brands, entering into secret arbitration that favored the corporation over individual business owners.

• Timestamp 14:52
  "This is not the case that we were all hoping for them to try. We got on this case."

4. Recent Accidents at Urban Air

Florida Family Lawsuit

A Florida family filed a lawsuit after their son fell from a zip line at Urban Air Adventure Park, citing negligence in harness security.

• Timestamp 14:52
  "The investigation found the boy's harness was not properly secured."

Mother's Near-Fatal Accident

Another alarming incident involved a mother nearly choking to death during her child's birthday party due to a malfunctioning zip line harness.

• Timestamp 15:24
  "She suffered rope burns and bruises around her neck."

5. The Dark Side of Franchising and Private Equity

Impact of Private Equity on Franchises

Carroll delves into how private equity firms like Unleashed Brands apply cost-cutting measures and centralized control that undermine the operational integrity and safety of franchise businesses.

• Timestamp 10:15
  "Private equity is a team, it's a club. And none of them really want the boat to be rocked."

Arbitration as a Tool for Suppression

The use of arbitration agreements in franchise contracts is highlighted as a means to silence and financially drain franchisees who challenge unfair practices.

• Timestamp 20:35
  "Arbitration is a secret court where the judges are all for sale."

6. Candace Owens' Personal Update

Birth of Baby Roman

Candace shares joyous news about the birth of her son, Roman, while also mentioning a minor incident with the Department of Child Services regarding hospital protocols.

• Timestamp 25:00
  "Candace gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby boy. Roman could not be happier for her."

7. Diddy's Trial Developments

Overview of the Trial

The trial of Diddy has commenced, marked by procedural controversies and unexpected developments, including the disappearance of a key witness, Victim Three.

• Timestamp 34:46
  "The jury got sworn in, opening statements were ready."

Witness Issues and Trial Delays

Victim Three, whose testimony was crucial, went missing just before the trial proceedings, leading to speculation and conspiracy theories about the case's integrity.

• Timestamp 35:21
  "Diddy's side is hoping for a mistrial just because they don't have one of their witnesses."

Prosecutorial and Legal Dynamics

Maureen Comey, participating as the lead prosecutor, brings a high-profile presence to the trial, further complicating the proceedings.

8. Executive Order Against Big Pharma

Trump's New Executive Order

Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting Big Pharma's pricing strategies, aiming to align U.S. drug prices with those of other developed nations.

• Timestamp 30:10
  "Communicate most favored nation price targets to pharmaceutical manufacturers."

Implications for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)

The order also seeks to dismantle the influence of PBMs, which have been criticized for their role in inflating drug prices through their management of prescription drug benefits.

• Timestamp 31:45
  "PBMs take a huge cut out from the middle, like an insanely huge cut."

9. Miscellaneous Topics

Emmanuel Macron's Scandal

Carroll briefly touches upon the controversy surrounding French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on his personal life and the public's reaction.

• Timestamp 34:00
  "The scandal is that he's married to a dude and that implies all sorts of other things that we want answers to."

Weight Loss Product Promotion

A segment promoting the weight loss supplement "Lean" is interspersed within the episode, highlighting testimonials and product claims.

• Timestamp 35:21
  "Lean has been lifesaver. I've been losing a couple pounds a week or more."

10. Conclusion

Ian Carroll wraps up the episode by reiterating the ongoing battles faced by franchisees like Tiffany Cianci and the broader implications of private equity's influence on small businesses. He emphasizes the importance of holding large corporations accountable to ensure the safety and well-being of communities and children.

• Timestamp 37:00
  "Because ultimately, you should stay away from our toddlers and you should stay away from our little gyms."

Notable Quotes:

• Tiffany Cianci on Arbitration Abuse (Timestamp 20:35):
  "I would say yes. Are you talking to the recent miscarriage where the parties worked with you to reschedule your deposition? Worked with me? You tried to depose me in labor pre-surgery... It was vulgar and inhuman."

• Ian Carroll on Private Equity Practices (Timestamp 10:15):
  "Private equity is a team, it's a club. And none of them really want the boat to be rocked."

• Candace Owens on Children's Safety (Timestamp 16:01):
  "She suffered rope burns and bruises around her neck."

This episode of Candace provides a comprehensive look into the challenges faced by small business owners under the influence of large private equity firms, the dangers plaguing children's adventure parks, and high-profile legal battles that echo these systemic issues. Ian Carroll's detailed narrative sheds light on the need for greater accountability and protection for franchisees and consumers alike.