Competent Man Podcast

In this podcast, Tom Bodrovics interviews Axel Merk, the founder, CEO, and CIO of Merk Investments, focusing on the current state and future prospects of gold mining investments. Merk expresses that while gold miners have had a remarkable run, they still present a bargain due to the higher price of precious metals not being fully reflected in miner valuations. He notes increased interest from generalist investors and speculators returning to the sector. Merk highlights that gold miners are currently experiencing better margin expansion, which could attract more capital. Merk discusses the logistical challenges and differences between gold and silver markets, noting that silver's industrial use makes it more volatile. He attributes gold's strength to factors like tariffs disrupting currency flows, the weaponization of the dollar, activist politics, and easing monetary policies. Merk also touches on the depreciation of fiat currencies and the potential for a revaluation of other assets, which could impact gold's performance. The conversation shifts to the independence of the Federal Reserve, with Merk arguing that maintaining independence is crucial to avoid reckless government spending and inflation. He criticizes the Fed's involvement in fiscal policy decisions and advocates for a return to basics. Merk also discusses the potential implications of geopolitical tensions and resource nationalism, suggesting that these factors could drive up the cost of doing business and benefit gold. Merk advises investors to focus on risk management and be prepared for volatile times ahead. He emphasizes the importance of investing in well-managed teams with proven track records in the mining sector. Looking forward, Merk sees opportunities in strategic minerals beyond gold and silver, given the right management and logistical considerations. He concludes by reminding investors to assess their risk tolerance and ensure they are comfortable with their portfolio's exposure to volatility.

During the podcast, Mike McGlone, Senior Commodity Strategist for Bloomberg Intelligence, shared his insights on various commodities, with a significant focus on silver and gold. McGlone expressed concern about silver's recent 210% gain over the past year, suggesting that it has entered a blowoff stage, a characteristic of the late phases of a bull market. He advised caution, indicating that the high price could incentivize supply and de-incentivize demand, potentially leading to a correction. McGlone also discussed the gold-silver ratio, noting that it has dropped significantly, and compared it to historical ratios, suggesting that silver might be overvalued relative to gold. McGlone highlighted the importance of considering the supply-demand dynamics and price elasticity of commodities. He pointed out that silver's price has increased rapidly, which could lead to increased supply and a subsequent price correction. He also mentioned that the current low volatility in the stock market and the high price of gold relative to the S&P 500 could indicate an overdue correction in the stock market. The discussion also touched on the geopolitical risks and their potential impact on commodities. McGlone mentioned the ongoing tensions with Iran and the potential for a significant geopolitical event to disrupt markets. He also discussed the role of China in the global commodity market, noting that China's export-driven economy could contribute to deflationary pressures. McGlone expressed a bearish view on cryptocurrencies, comparing them to the dot-com bubble and suggesting that the massive speculation in the crypto market could lead to a significant correction. He also mentioned that the launch of crypto ETFs and the support from former President Trump could have contributed to the peak in the crypto market. In conclusion, McGlone advised listeners to be cautious and to look for opportunities to lighten up on rapidly appreciating risk assets. He suggested that the current environment could be an ideal opportunity for traders to take advantage of volatility and to be underweight on risk assets.

Tom Bodrovics hosts Michael Oliver from Momentum Structural Analysis (MSA) and Vince Lanci, author of the Goldfix Substack, to discuss the dynamics of the silver market from short, medium, and long-term perspectives. Michael Oliver, a technical analyst, provided insights based on historical price patterns and momentum indicators, while Vince Lanci offered a trader’s perspective, focusing […]

Tom Bodrovics welcomes John Johnston to the show. John Johnston is a Veteran Commodities Trader & Substack Publisher. The discussion centers around the current state of the markets and the looming impact of AI technology. Johnston expresses concern over the rapid advancement of AI, warning that it may render many human activities and skills irrelevant. He believes AI could create a "super creature" that is smarter than humans, making traditional measures of wealth and value obsolete. Regarding the current market dynamics, Johnston explains that the high stock market and gold prices are not due to inflation, but rather a reflection of the declining value of fiat currencies. He notes that central banks are buying gold as a hedge against distrust in the financial system, while the general public in the US is not as compelled to own gold compared to other countries like China. Johnston also laments the declining standards of education and historical/cultural awareness among the general population, which he sees as a crisis of meaning and purpose. He contrasts this with his own upbringing, where he was exposed to a broad range of literature and knowledge by a young age. Ultimately, Johnston expresses deep uncertainty and trepidation about the future, as the rapid technological changes outpace human understanding. He advocates for buying gold as a hedge, while acknowledging the challenges and volatility of the silver market. Johnston's insights paint a sobering picture of the societal and existential challenges humanity may face in the years ahead.

In the podcast, Jaime Carrasco, a senior portfolio manager and senior investment advisor at Harbourfront Wealth Management, discusses the significant themes and market dynamics of 2025 with host Tom Bodrovics. Carrasco highlights the remarkable performance of gold and silver, which hit new all-time highs by December 22, 2025. He attributes this to the end of the petrodollar system and a massive power shift from credit to hard assets, with gold leading this transition. Carrasco emphasizes that the easy money made in the past three years of building positions is over, and the focus should now be on the next leg up for precious metals. Carrasco identifies several key indicators supporting this shift, including the unwinding of the Japanese carry trade, rising long-term interest rates, and geopolitical tensions. He argues that central banks are losing control and will resort to printing money, which will drive up the price of gold. Carrasco also notes that the value of fiat currencies is declining, making gold and silver more attractive as hedges against government policies and currency devaluation. The discussion touches on the importance of understanding the credit cycle and the role of gold as a hedge against bad government policies. Carrasco mentions that central banks are increasingly positioning themselves in gold, surpassing US treasuries in gold reserves. He predicts that the transition from credit to hard assets will continue, with gold and silver acting as lifeboats in a drowning monetary system. Carrasco also discusses the performance of his conservative portfolio, which beat the benchmark by over 40% in 2025. He attributes this to the strengthening of positions in precious metals and the revaluation of fiat currencies against gold. He advises investors to focus on allocation rather than price, suggesting that a 30% allocation to precious metals is a good starting point. The conversation also covers the role of silver, which Carrasco sees as having more room to grow due to a structural deficit in production. He highlights the importance of stock selection and the potential for significant gains in silver producers. Carrasco also touches on the energy sector, noting that while oil is necessary, the energy complex is changing, and nuclear power may play a bigger role in the future. In conclusion, Carrasco advises investors to position themselves for the coming chaos by focusing on gold and silver as monetary insurance. He believes that the current environment presents an opportunity for significant gains in precious metals and that investors should start building their allocations now.

In a recent podcast, Tom Bodrovics interviewed Lobo Tiggre, author and founder of the Independent Speculator, to reflect on the year's investment landscape and look ahead to 2026. Tiggre, known for his cautious approach to predictions, highlighted that he avoids the "prediction racket" and instead focuses on strategic speculation. He noted that while he didn't make money on certain metals like rare earths, antimony, or gallium, he successfully capitalized on copper, gold, silver, and uranium. Tiggre emphasized that his approach is about "hits and misses" rather than precise predictions, and he remains bullish on copper for 2026 due to structural imbalances and strong demand drivers, particularly from electric vehicles and AI infrastructure. Tiggre also discussed the risks associated with gold and silver, suggesting that while these metals have potential for significant gains, they also carry higher risk, especially if the market enters a consolidation phase. He cautioned against chasing all-time highs and advised taking profits to secure gains. Reflecting on the 2011 peak in gold and silver, Tiggre underscored the importance of learning from past market cycles and maintaining a disciplined approach to investing. He also touched on the potential impact of a dramatic fall in the gold-to-silver ratio, suggesting it could signal the end of the bull market, but he believes current supply constraints in silver are temporary. The conversation also delved into the broader economic context, with Tiggre discussing the influence of fiscal dominance and the Fed's policies on commodity markets. He expressed optimism about the long-term prospects for metals like gold and silver, citing the ongoing debasement of fiat currencies. Tiggre also shared his thoughts on the AI bubble, acknowledging the potential for a short-term market correction but viewing it as a buying opportunity for real assets like metals. Looking ahead to 2026, Tiggre is hopeful that the market will move towards a more rational allocation of capital, particularly in the AI sector, which he sees as bullish for his favorite commodities.

Jim Rogers, a renowned investor, author, and world traveler, shares his insights and experiences during a podcast interview. Rogers, known for his adventurous spirit, discussed his record-breaking journeys across the globe by motorcycle and car, highlighting the unique perspectives and economic lessons he gained from these experiences. He emphasized that traveling by motorcycle offers a more immersive and meditative experience, allowing him to be fully present in the environment, while traveling by car provides practical advantages such as the ability to rest and plan. Rogers' travels, which began after his early retirement at 37, provided him with valuable insights into global economics and cultures. He noted that governments often make mistakes in controlling supply and price of commodities and that personal responsibility and market feedback are crucial for investors. Rogers' observations in countries like China and Russia underscored the differences between capitalism and oppressive systems, with capitalism generally leading to greater success and opportunities. Throughout his journeys, Rogers learned that change and adaptability are key to successful investing. He advised investors to look for countries that are cheap and changing for the better, as these often present the best opportunities. Rogers also stressed the importance of infrastructure in driving economic growth and opportunities. He recounted his experiences in Japan during the stock market bubble, noting that people's attitudes and beliefs about prosperity can significantly impact their perception of risk and opportunity. Rogers emphasized the value of discipline, hard work, and preparation in achieving success. He shared that his upbringing in a poor environment taught him the importance of diligence and focus. Reflecting on his life, Rogers advised listeners to chase their dreams and not be afraid of failure, as the regret of not trying can be more profound than the failure itself. He closed the conversation by encouraging everyone to pursue their dreams, as it is the only way to truly know if they can be achieved.

The podcast episode, hosted by Tom Bodrovics, features a panel discussion with Eric Young and London Paul to delve into the current dynamics of the silver market. The conversation highlights several key developments, including significant contracts on exchanges, particularly the COMEX, where a large number of contracts are standing for physical delivery. This trend is attributed to projections of increased industrial demand, particularly from Asia, driven by the growing need for silver in electric vehicles (EVs) and semiconductors. The panel discusses the unusual timing of these contracts, typically seen in December, and the potential implications for the market. The discussion also touches on the recent outage experienced by the CME, which some panelists suggest was orchestrated to manage a large request for physical settlement. This incident is seen as a maneuver to control the price of silver, which has been rising despite attempts to suppress it. The panel notes that the physical demand for silver is outpacing supply, leading to a tight market and increased lease rates at the LBMA. London Paul emphasizes the global strain on physical silver, citing increased demand from China, Russia, and India. He notes that China's recent margin hikes on the Shanghai Futures Exchange are aimed at flushing out speculative paper positions, rather than addressing the underlying physical demand. The panel agrees that the market is increasingly driven by physical demand, with open interest in paper contracts remaining low despite rising silver prices. Eric Young highlights the potential for significant volatility in the silver market, particularly as the COMEX approaches its delivery month in March. He suggests that the market could see extreme price movements, including limit up and limit down days, as physical demand continues to outstrip supply. The panel also discusses the potential for more outages at exchanges and the importance of monitoring lease rates and backwardation in China as indicators of market stress. Overall, the discussion underscores the growing industrial demand for silver, the tightening of the physical market, and the potential for significant price movements as the market continues to navigate these challenges. The panelists advise listeners to approach silver investing with a long-term perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding the market and making informed decisions.

During the podcast, trader and editor of 'The Morning Navigator,' Tony Greer, shares his insights on the increasingly attractive commodities trade. Greer attributes this attractiveness to a combination of under-investment, regulatory changes, and a focus on rebuilding manufacturing and energy production. He highlights the significant performance of gold miners, up 141% year-to-date, and the broader commodities sector, which has seen a flywheel effect with various commodities taking off in sequence. Greer discusses the potential for commodities to rally for three to four years, driven by the Federal Reserve's balance sheet expansion and the resulting inflation. He also touches on the potential rebalancing of passive funds into outperforming sectors like commodities and energy. Greer's current positions include gold, gold miners, industrial miners, airlines, and Bitcoin, which he bought at $82K after a pullback. The conversation also covers the potential for a bubble in AI and the shift in Bitcoin sentiment following a large sell-off by a whale. Greer shares his approach to risk management, using trailing stop losses to avoid holding losing positions. He also discusses his preference for focusing on a few trusted sources of information and his upcoming conference in Nashville. Greer's outlook for the next year includes higher commodity prices, potential volatility in Bitcoin, and a significant move in gold miners. He also touches on the potential for stablecoins to help maintain the dollar's reserve currency status. The podcast concludes with Greer expressing his excitement for his upcoming conference and his appreciation for the host's new role.

In a podcast discussion following the FOMC meeting on November 10th, Michael Pento, President and Founder of Pento Portfolio Strategies, shared his views on the Federal Reserve's decisions and the broader economic landscape. Pento criticized the Fed's move to cut rates by 25 basis points and initiate $40 billion in U.S. Treasury purchases, arguing that these actions are unjustified given the current economic conditions, which include record-high asset bubbles and a prolonged miss of the inflation target. He characterized the Fed's actions as "monetary malfeasance" and expressed concern about the long-term impacts on the middle class, who have been struggling with affordability issues for years. Pento highlighted the dangers of the Fed's interventions, which he believes have exacerbated wealth disparities and created an unsustainable economic environment. He warned that the current economic setup, characterized by excessive debt and asset bubbles, could lead to a catastrophic event rather than a minor economic tremor. Pento also discussed the potential for a liquidity crunch, which could cause a significant market correction, and the possibility of a deflationary event or a credit crisis. Regarding Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, Pento expressed skepticism about their long-term value, viewing them as speculative assets with limited utility. However, he acknowledged that liquidity from the Fed's actions could support short-term price increases in cryptocurrencies. Pento also touched on the global trend of central banks accumulating gold reserves, viewing it as a sign of diminishing confidence in the U.S. dollar as the world's reserve currency. Pento's inflation-deflation economic cycle model indicated stress in liquidity markets, leading him to reduce his equity exposure. He emphasized the importance of being cautious and prepared for potential market disruptions, suggesting that investors should consider holding a core position in physical gold and be ready to adjust their portfolios based on economic conditions. He also warned about the risks of a chaotic bond market and the potential for a significant economic event in the near future.

Tom Bodrovics interviews Jesse Felder, the founder, editor, and publisher of The Felder Report, to discuss the current market dynamics and investment strategies. Felder highlights the unusual correlation between stocks and gold, noting that while they typically move inversely, they have been moving together recently. This is attributed to a transitional period where the market is shifting from favoring financial assets to favoring real assets like gold and commodities. Felder suggests that gold's performance indicates a potential struggle for financial assets in the future. The discussion also covers the potential impact of a market correction, comparing it to the dot-com crash. Felder argues that a significant correction could have a more profound negative wealth effect due to the larger size of the equity market relative to the economy. He also warns about the risks of a corporate earnings bubble, driven by massive deficit spending, which could lead to a prolonged period of stagnant earnings growth. Felder expresses concerns about the AI bubble, noting that the massive investment in AI technologies and data centers could lead to oversupply and underperformance. He believes that the energy sector, particularly oil and gas exploration and production, could be a good counterbalance to the tech-heavy market, as it is relatively uncorrelated with the broader market and has been starved of capital for years. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the Federal Reserve in managing inflation and supporting the economy. Felder argues that the Fed's focus on wealth effects and low-interest rates has created risks, and that a future recession could lead to a fiscal debt crisis. He also discusses the potential impact of a Trump-led Fed, suggesting that it could lead to a replay of the 1970s stagflation. Felder shares his investment approach, which involves looking at insider activity and using ETFs for diversification. He believes that insider selling has been a strong indicator of economic weakness and that investors should consider increasing their exposure to real assets to protect against potential market downturns.

During the podcast, host Tom Bodrovics interviews Martin Armstrong, CEO and Chairman of Armstrong Economics Ltd., to discuss the geopolitical and economic landscape, with a focus on the Ukraine conflict and broader global dynamics. Armstrong argues that the mainstream narrative around Ukraine is misleading, driven by propaganda rather than facts. He suggests that the West, particularly NATO, has been using Ukraine as a pawn to weaken Russia, a strategy reminiscent of Cold War tactics. Armstrong criticizes the portrayal of Russia as an aggressor, asserting that Russia has no interest in invading Europe and that the current conflict is more about weakening Russia than about Ukraine itself. He also highlights the internal political struggles within Russia, including the attempted coup against Yeltsin and the rise of Putin, who has been a target of Western neoconservative elements. Armstrong discusses the potential for a peace deal, emphasizing that the real enemy is the EU, not Russia, and that the EU's economic instability is a significant factor in the ongoing conflict. He also touches on the broader geopolitical implications, including the potential for increased civil unrest and international war, which he correlates with economic decline. Armstrong also addresses the role of the Federal Reserve, arguing that its original design was brilliant but has been corrupted over time, leading to policies that stimulate government spending rather than the domestic economy. He predicts more volatility, rising civil unrest, and increasing authoritarianism in the near future. Armstrong also discusses the implications of the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, suggesting that they may be unconstitutional and could damage Trump's credibility if found so by the Supreme Court. The conversation also touches on the potential for conflict in Venezuela, which Armstrong sees as more about energy reserves than drugs, and the broader geopolitical tactics at play.

During a podcast with Tom Bodrovics, Aaron Day, a prominent entrepreneur and advocate for financial freedom, discussed the implications of stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) on the U.S. financial system. Day argues that the recent legislative actions, such as the Stablecoin Transparency Act, are paving the way for increased financial surveillance and control, effectively creating a "backdoor CBDC." He explains that while stablecoins like Tether and USDC were initially popular for their efficiency in cross-border transactions, the new regulations force these stablecoins to be backed by U.S. treasuries, thereby increasing the government's control over digital transactions. Day also highlights the broader implications of technocracy, a movement that aims to replace democratic decision-making with technocratic control. He cites examples of influential figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, who are pushing for a system where scientists and engineers make decisions for the public. This technocratic agenda includes the use of energy credits as a form of currency and the implementation of AI-driven systems to manage resources and control behavior. Day warns that this shift towards technocracy is happening rapidly and with little resistance, leading to a potential loss of individual freedoms. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Bitcoin, which Day argues has been hijacked by nefarious actors to serve as a tool for central control rather than a decentralized currency. He discusses the role of figures like Jeffrey Epstein in funding Bitcoin developers and the subsequent manipulation of the currency's development to serve centralized interests. Day emphasizes the importance of understanding the true history of Bitcoin and the ongoing efforts to control and surveil digital transactions. Day concludes by advocating for individual empowerment and the creation of parallel systems that operate outside of the current technocratic framework. He encourages listeners to opt out of centralized systems, invest in their own education and skills, and build alternative healthcare and financial marketplaces. Ultimately, Day's message is one of hope and agency, urging individuals to take control of their lives and resist the encroachment of technocratic control.

Kevin Wadsworth and Patrick Karim from NorthStarBadCharts.com discussed the concept of a capital rotation event, a significant shift in capital movement between stock markets and precious metals, particularly gold. This event is characterized by a cyclical pattern where capital moves from risk-on assets like stocks to risk-off assets like precious metals during economic downturns. The hosts emphasized the importance of using a "weight of evidence" approach, considering multiple charts and indicators rather than relying on a single piece of data. They highlighted that gold's recent outperformance against various metrics, including the US dollar and money supply, suggests a significant capital rotation event may be underway. The discussion delved into historical examples, such as the 1970s and early 2000s, where stock markets experienced major downturns while precious metals surged. They compared current market conditions to these historical periods, noting similarities in the behavior of gold and silver versus the stock market. Patrick Karim presented a detailed chart analysis, showing how the Dow Jones Industrial Average has historically underperformed silver, indicating potential future movements. The hosts also addressed the role of Bitcoin in this context, noting that it has not correlated with gold and silver as expected. They advised listeners to be cautious about holding Bitcoin during a capital rotation event, as it may not provide the same safe-haven benefits as precious metals. Instead, they suggested focusing on precious metals and associated miners, which are currently outperforming. Kevin Wadsworth and Patrick Karim provided practical advice for investors, emphasizing the importance of identifying downside support levels and understanding one's investment strategy—whether as a trader, investor, or stacker. They also discussed the potential for corrections in gold and silver, suggesting that these corrections could present new entry points for investors. The conversation concluded with a reminder that opportunities in the market are cyclical, and patience is key to successful investing.

Tom Bodrovics interviews Gary Savage, a retired entrepreneur, investor, and president of Smart Money Tracker Premium, to discuss the current state of the markets, with a particular focus on gold, silver, and crypto. Savage believes that Bitcoin has completed the top of its four-year cycle and is now in a declining phase, which could last about a year. In contrast, gold is still in the advancing phase of its eight-year cycle and is expected to enter a parabolic bubble phase. Savage argues that the bull market for gold started in 1999 or 2001 and is now in its second phase, with the potential for significant gains in the next one and a half to two years. He suggests looking at the gold-silver ratio and the Dow-gold ratio to pick a top in the gold market, with a gold-silver ratio of $20 to $1 or $30 to $1 indicating a potential top. Savage also discusses the current consolidation period in the gold market, which he expects to end around the FOMC meeting in December, followed by a more aggressive bull move. He believes that the suppression of the silver market broke when it couldn't be held below $33, and that normal corrections will continue from here. Savage also shares his views on the stock market, which he does not see crashing but potentially entering a bubble phase. He expects inflation to continue, driven by factors such as housing and stock market inflation, but kept in check by the current administration's energy policies. Savage emphasizes the importance of controlling greed and not getting caught up in narratives at market tops. He recommends focusing on technical analysis and repeatable cycles to remove emotion from trading decisions. Savage also discusses his subscription service, Smart Money Tracker Premium, which focuses on trading metals with leverage during intermediate cycles. He encourages listeners to join now to position themselves for the next trending move in the metals market.

Tom welcomes Matthew Piepenburg, a partner at Von Greyerz Gold Switzerland and author of "Gold Matters" and "Rigged to Fail," discussed the complexities of modern financial systems and the role of gold and silver as safe havens. Piepenburg argued that the increasing complexity in financial markets, such as derivatives and central banking operations, is often used to obfuscate reality and hide risks. He cited historical examples, including the 2008 financial crisis, to illustrate how leveraged instruments and complex financial products can lead to systemic risks. Piepenburg criticized the Federal Reserve, describing it as a private corporation that creates money out of thin air, benefiting insiders and exacerbating wealth inequality. He also discussed the manipulation of gold and silver prices through futures markets and the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), suggesting that these manipulations are designed to control the perception of these metals' values. The conversation touched on the current state of the economy, including the impact of quantitative easing and the potential for a debt crisis. Piepenburg expressed skepticism about the sustainability of current economic policies and the effectiveness of measures like stablecoins in addressing these issues. He advocated for individuals to protect their wealth by investing in physical gold and silver, which he views as strategic assets in the face of fiat currency debasement. Piepenburg also discussed the volatility and potential of silver as an investment, comparing it to gold and highlighting its affordability and industrial uses. He cautioned listeners about the risks associated with equities, particularly in the tech sector, and the potential for a bubble in AI-related investments. Overall, Piepenburg emphasized the importance of critical thinking, independent research, and diversification in navigating the complexities of modern financial markets.

Your host Tom Bodrovics interviews Danielle DiMartino Booth, CEO and Chief Strategist for QI Research, to discuss the latest economic developments and the Federal Reserve's role. The conversation begins with the recent Fed Minutes, which reiterated a hawkish stance and coincided with the cancellation of the October payrolls report, providing the Fed with an excuse to delay rate cuts. DiMartino Booth suggests that the Trump administration's actions, such as proposing a $2000 tariff rebate, have been met with resistance from Congress due to concerns about inflation. She also highlights the recent surge in layoff announcements from major corporations, attributing it to a combination of overhiring during the pandemic and the current economic downturn. The discussion then shifts to the politicization of the Fed, with DiMartino Booth arguing that the institution has become more overtly political in its policymaking. She criticizes the Fed's use of data as a "weapon of mass destruction" to serve its needs and calls for more accountability. DiMartino Booth also expresses concern about the Fed's handling of liquidity issues, noting that the recent repo rate spike signals potential problems ahead. She suggests that the Fed may need to provide more liquidity to the system, but cautions that this could exacerbate existing bubbles in the equity markets. The conversation concludes with DiMartino Booth offering advice to Americans on how to protect their savings in the current economic climate, emphasizing the importance of hedging against tail events and being mindful of debt-to-equity ratios.

Graham Summers, President and Chief Market Strategist for Phoenix Capital Research, discusses the potential revaluation of gold by the U.S. government as a strategy to address the nation's significant debt problem. Summers argues that the U.S. has been living in an "everything bubble" since the abandonment of the gold standard in 1971, with debt levels rising exponentially while GDP growth has stagnated. This has led to a series of asset bubbles, with the most recent being in treasuries, which has allowed the U.S. to issue vast amounts of debt without facing spikes in interest rates. Summers believes that the Trump administration is considering revaluing gold to address the debt crisis. This move would involve revaluing the U.S. gold holdings from the current $42 per ounce to a much higher rate, potentially freeing up trillions of dollars in capital. This capital could be used to retire a significant portion of the national debt or finance other government initiatives, such as a strategic Bitcoin reserve. Summers compares this potential move to FDR's gold revaluation in 1934, which helped the U.S. navigate the Great Depression. The discussion also touches on the potential downstream consequences of such a move, including the strengthening of the dollar's standing and the reestablishment of an implicit link between the dollar and gold. However, Summers acknowledges that such a move would be controversial and politically charged, with Democrats likely attacking it as a devaluation of the dollar. Summers also discusses the broader economic landscape, including the potential for another round of quantitative easing (QE) and the impact of the AI theme on the stock market. He argues that the U.S. is in a "melt-up" phase, where capital is forced out of cash and into risk assets. However, he warns that if the AI trade disappoints, it could lead to a significant bear market. In conclusion, Summers advises investors to be heavily allocated to stocks during this melt-up phase but to have metrics in place to sidestep bear markets. He also emphasizes the importance of owning assets to maintain purchasing power in an inflationary environment.

Tom Bodrovics welcomes Keith Weiner, President of the Gold Standard Institute and CEO of Monetary Metals, to the show. Weiner discusses the current "everything bubble" and how new technologies like AI often lead to malinvestment and overinvestment. He argues that the valuation of AI companies is driven by "dumb money" chasing momentum rather than fundamental value. Weiner also explores the role of yield suppression by central banks, noting that falling interest rates have fueled asset bubbles by increasing the net present value of perpetual cash flows. He is critical of the concept of "yield curve control" used by the Bank of Japan, arguing that the downward trend in rates is driven by underlying economic forces rather than central bank manipulation. In discussing the rise of 50-year mortgages, Weiner sees this as a symptom of a broken monetary system, where easy credit and government guarantees allow borrowers to outbid more prudent buyers. He also criticizes "useless ingredients" like tariffs, which he views as disrupting supply chains and leading to higher consumer prices. Finally, Weiner provides an overview of the quantity theory of money, arguing that it is flawed. He contrasts this with gold, which he sees as having a stable, non-diminishing marginal utility that makes it a superior monetary standard compared to fiat currencies. Weiner believes this is driving the accumulation of gold by countries seeking an alternative to the US dollar.

In this podcast, Tom Bodrovics interviews Miles Harris, creator of the Miles Harris Macro Vigilance & Economic History YouTube channel, to discuss the increasing digitalization of the financial system, with a focus on stablecoins and their implications. Harris explains that stablecoins, particularly those backed by US short-term treasury bills, convert public debt into private revenue streams, with stablecoin providers earning the yield from these treasuries. This dynamic increases demand for US debt, helping to finance the growing US debt level. Harris also notes that regulated stablecoins do not offer yield to primary holders, incentivizing users to seek yields elsewhere, such as through tokenized treasuries, further boosting demand for US debt. The discussion also touches on the global shift towards digital currencies and the potential impacts on monetary sovereignty, particularly in countries like those in Africa and Latin America, where stablecoins could replace local currencies and reduce central banks' control over monetary policy. Harris highlights the profit incentives for private companies to promote stablecoins aggressively and the potential risks, including a "stablecoin supernova" scenario where high demand for stablecoins leads to a global rush for the exit, threatening the stablecoin peg and causing a crisis. The conversation delves into the differences between various stablecoins, such as Tether (USDT) and the UK's sterling stablecoin, and the role of tokenization in the financial system. Tokenization, the digital representation of assets, enables fractional ownership and interoperability but also introduces complexities and risks, such as increased surveillance and potential loss of sovereignty over monetary policy. Harris also discusses the role of gold in the financial system, noting that central banks, particularly in the East, are increasingly buying gold as a settlement option and a means to de-dollarize. He suggests that the ultimate goal of central banks is to capture and tokenize gold, making it more traceable and controllable. Harris advises listeners to hold physical gold and silver as a means of preserving wealth and understanding the broader economic trends at play. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the psychological aspects of navigating the current economic landscape, with Harris emphasizing the importance of understanding risks, taking action, and enjoying the present moment.