The Higher Standard

The red flags are flying high... and no, we’re not talking about your ex. In this episode, Chris and Saied take a brutally honest look at the economic signals that everyone seems determined to ignore. (The Fighting Fijian, Rajeil was on leave for this episode.) From inflation’s sneaky comeback to the quiet unraveling of corporate debt, they break down the numbers, the narratives, and the nonsense behind America’s “everything is fine” façade. If you think the Fed has this under control, buckle up... because history says otherwise.➡️ But this isn’t your average doomscroll session. The guys go beyond the headlines to unpack how these warning signs actually affect you: your job, your mortgage, your portfolio, and your peace of mind. Expect laughs, data, and the kind of truth bombs only The Higher Standard delivers. It’s real talk about the economy without the jargon, hype, or 'hopium'... just a clear-eyed look at the meltdown we might already be living through.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 📩 NEWSLETTER: https://tr.ee/O6FWkv👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Regional bank stocks are sliding again (EndGame Macro via X)The alleged ‘sweeping betrayal of trust’ that rocked Zions bank and spooked Wall Street (CNBC)More Americans are falling behind on their auto loan payments. Here's why. (CBS News)Percentage home price declines from their respective highs in prior years (Darth Powell via X)Gold climbs on rate-cut bets, broader uncertainty; investors eye US-China trade talks (Reuters)Disney Needs One Franchise To Return After Tron: Ares' Box Office Failure (Screen Rant)Why are many of the year’s buzziest films failing to make a profit at the box office? (Variety)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

When someone looks too good to be true online, they probably are! And we’re putting that theory to the test. In this episode, Chris, Saied, and Rajeil invite listeners to submit the Instagram handles of “professionals” who might just be full-time finessers in disguise. From fake real estate moguls to lifestyle coaches with mysteriously rented Lambos, the crew breaks down how to spot a scammer before your wallet does.➡️ But this isn’t just about calling out nonsense, it’s about teaching you how to separate the signal from the scam. The hosts dissect why so many people fall for polished frauds, the psychology of digital deception, and how clout has become the new currency of credibility. It’s part social experiment, part financial intervention, and fully hilarious.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 📩 NEWSLETTER: https://tr.ee/O6FWkv👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:We don't link to scammers.⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Artificial Intelligence has gone off the rails, private equity’s running out of cash, and venture capital’s throwing billions at anything with a “A.I.” in the name... welcome to Episode 304. Chris, Saied, and Rajeil unpack how Sora 2.0 just erased the line between real and fake, how 41 stocks now make up nearly half the S&P 500, and why every startup pitch sounds like a bad ChatGPT prompt. Sprinkle in a dash of market concentration risk, a splash of FOMO-fueled insanity, and you’ve got a recipe for the next great bubble.➡️ But the gang doesn’t stop there. They dig into the dark side of private equity: the vintage funds running on fumes, the liquidity crunch nobody wants to admit, and what happens when inflated A.I. valuations meet leveraged balance sheets. Mix in a little immature humor, a few uncomfortable truths, and the kind of laughter that comes right before the crash, and you’ve got the brutally honest breakdown only The Higher Standard can deliver.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 📩 NEWSLETTER: https://tr.ee/O6FWkv👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:How Much of the S&P 500 Is AI Related Stocks? (Jim Bianco via X)Venture capitalists have poured a record $192.7 billion into AI startups YTD (The Kobeissi Letter via X)Private equity in general is totally hosed (The All-In Podcast via X)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Everyone keeps talking about the “Great Wealth Transfer” like it’s some mythical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But here’s the reality: the rich aren’t exactly lining up to hand you their keys to the kingdom. Between tax loopholes, estate strategies, and the fact that most heirs are just as debt-happy as everyone else, the so-called wealth transfer looks more like a magician’s sleight of hand than a generational payday. Spoiler: if you’re waiting around for this miracle to hit your bank account, you’re going to be waiting a very long time.➡️ In this episode, Chris, Saied and Rajeil tear into the headlines, decode the market noise, and break down why the “great wealth transfer” narrative is just another shiny distraction. From volatility bets on Wall Street to the political circus surrounding a potential government shutdown, we cut through the hype with a mix of cold, hard facts and the occasional sarcasm that CNBC can’t deliver. 💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 📩 NEWSLETTER: https://tr.ee/O6FWkv👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:US households have massive exposure to equities (The Kobeissi Letter via X)Renting is no longer just a stepping stone for young 20-somethings (Amy Nixon via X)The bottom 50% of U.S. households have historically had little exposure to stocks (Stock Market News via X)Rise of the ‘Accidental Landlords’ Is Bad News for Investors Who Bet Big on Rentals (The Wall Street Journal)By the end of Q4 2025, there will be more 6% mortgages than sub-3% mortgages (Nick Gerli via X)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

The headlines are screaming “Housing Boom,” but we’re here to ask—boom for who? In episode 302 of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied cut through the CNBC hype, breaking down why those shiny new home sales numbers don’t tell the whole story. Spoiler: it’s not buyers suddenly feeling rich, it’s builders slashing prices and handing out incentives like Halloween candy. From Lennar’s margins getting crushed, to the wild affordability math that shows just how far we’ve drifted from reality, the housing market isn’t booming—it’s bargaining.➡️ But housing isn’t the only thing flashing red. Powell’s latest speech, a youth unemployment spike that should terrify policymakers, and the Buffett Indicator screaming “overvalued” louder than ever, all collide in one jam-packed week of economic chaos. Add in a record-breaking concentration of power in the Magnificent 7 stocks, and you’ve got a market that looks more like Vegas than Wall Street. No fluff, no sugarcoating—just the unfiltered breakdown you’ve come to expect from The Higher Standard.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 📩 NEWSLETTER: https://tr.ee/O6FWkv👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:New home sales soar 20% in August to a three-year high (CNBC)2024 Fannie Mae home price affordability (Lance Lambert via X)Lennar’s gross margin on home sales (Lance Lambert via X )Lennar is showing you what has to happen in the housing market to drive sales (Nick Gerli via X)The two largest residential real estate brokerage are combining (Lance Lambert via X)Shocking stat of the day (The Kobeissi Letter via X)Buffett Indicator (Current Market Valuation)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

The Fed finally pulled the trigger on its first rate cut of the year, but before you pop champagne, let’s ask the real question: who actually benefits? Wall Street’s partying like it’s 1999, the top 10% are still swiping cards like money grows on trees, and Jerome Powell is out here trying to convince everyone the house isn’t on fire. Meanwhile, middle-class families are staring down credit card bills, mortgages, and a job market that feels more like musical chairs with fewer chairs every month.➡️ We’re breaking down the “two-tier economy” McDonald’s CEO warned about, why mortgage refis just spiked harder than a college frat party, and how side hustles have gone from optional to survival gear for millions of Americans. This isn’t CNBC soundbites or sugar-coated headlines — it’s The Higher Standard, where we strip the spin, call out the nonsense, and give you the real story behind the Fed’s move.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 📩 NEWSLETTER: https://tr.ee/O6FWkv👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Federal Reserve cuts interest rates for the first time this year (NBC News) The top 10% of income earners in the US now account for nearly half of all consumer spending, a record high (Charlie Bilello via X)Mortgage refinance demand spikes nearly 60%, as interest rates drop sharply (CNBC)Recession risk remains uncomfortably high (Mark Zandi via X)38% of Americans have taken on jobs to cover debts — how the rise of the reluctant hustler is rewiring careers (Money Wise)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Three hundred episodes in and the Fed is still the main character. In this milestone episode, Chris, Saied, and Rajeil dissect Jerome Powell’s latest balancing act — walking the tightrope between cooling inflation and keeping the jobs market afloat. The crew pulls apart the latest employment data, digging into what the numbers really say versus the spin you’re being sold.➡️ And just when you thought Wall Street was enough of a circus, Robinhood steps back into the spotlight with its latest moves — proving once again that retail trading isn’t just about apps and charts, it’s about influence and psychology. Episode 300 delivers exactly what you’d expect from The Higher Standard: sharp analysis, sarcasm that stings, and the kind of perspective you won’t get from the talking heads on TV.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 📩 NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/hLykI1👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:US judge temporarily blocks Trump from removing Fed Governor Cook (Reuters)Job Revisions and the Trump Economy (Wall Street Journal)Stagflation jitters grow after steepest jobs downgrade in decades (Yahoo! Finance)Stagflation: 5 signs that economy's worst-case scenario is inching closer (Business Insider)Robinhood Aims Social Platform at Reddit’s WallStreetBets (Bloomberg via Yahoo! Finance)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

This episode of The Higher Standard is a cocktail of Fed-watching, real talk, and the kind of banter only we can pull off. Chris, Saied, and Rajeil rip into the upcoming FOMC meeting, breaking down why a rate cut is basically baked in and why the real drama is all about Powell’s spin at the mic. We cover everything from nonfarm payroll revisions to bond market chess moves, and even take a detour into real estate Twitter beefs that prove “demand without affordability is not demand.” If you’ve ever wanted to know how politics, Wall Street, and your mortgage payment all collide in one giant economic soap opera, this one’s for you.➡️ But don’t get it twisted. We still find time to roast bad reviews, gossip about Leonardo DiCaprio’s dating strategy, and debate whether OnlyFans has an app (spoiler: it doesn’t). There’s merch talk, newsletter hacks, and the occasional foot fetish confession. By the time we wrap, you’ll know why Powell’s ties matter, why housing prices feel like Lamborghinis, and why episode 300 might just involve port wine, air mattresses, and regrettable decisions. Welcome to the number one financial literacy podcast in the world where economics meets entertainment, and we somehow make both make sense.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:FedWatch (Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group)Higher 'core' inflation reading unlikely to knock Fed off course for rate cut in September (Yahoo! Finance)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

We open light... Amex perks, Saks talk, and Chris’ infamous “no flip-flops” code—then slam straight into the heavy stuff: a President publicly leaning on the Fed to cut rates and targeting Governor Lisa Cook over mortgage-fraud allegations. Can a President remove a Fed official “for cause”? We unpack the precedent, the legal gray, and why Fed independenceactually matters. Plus, Powell’s Jackson Hole comments and how a few words swung rate-cut odds—and markets—fast.➡️ Then we zoom out: what politicized monetary policy means for investors, borrowers, and the election-year economy. Finally, a sharp turn into tech: Apple’s puzzling strategy (a thinner iPhone—really?) versus the real arms race—AI. We debate foldables, whether Apple will plug in third-party AI (ChatGPT or Google), and why the next big leap has to be usefulness, not just sleekness. Keywords you’ll care about: Trump vs the Fed, Lisa Cook, rate cuts, Jerome Powell, Jackson Hole, Apple, iPhone, AI.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Money grows on the tree of persistence. —Japanese proverb⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

When Trump tells a Fed governor to resign over “mortgage fraud,” you know it’s not about the mortgage. In this episode, Chris, Saied, and Rajeil peel back the layers on political theater, headline manipulation, and the not-so-subtle art of bullying the Fed. From LBJ literally grabbing his Fed chair by the lapels to Nixon strong-arming rates before an election, the crew shows how history repeats itself — only now, the stage is Twitter and Truth Social instead of Texas ranches and secret tapes.➡️ But this isn’t just about politics. It’s about how perception drives markets more than policy — and why mortgage fraud isn’t always the Wall Street-sized scandal it sounds like. The guys break down what “occupancy fraud” really means, why banks often look the other way, and how weaponizing technicalities against political opponents cheapens the entire system. Add in some comedy about red-eye flights, cream-cheese pretzels, and fried chicken ice cream, and you’ve got classic THS: irreverent, unfiltered, and just educational enough to make you dangerous at your next dinner party.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Fed governor Cook responds after President Trump says she 'must resign' (Yahoo! Finance)Fed Found Over 22,000 Mortgages Like Those Pulte Is Flagging (Bloomberg)What Is Mortgage Occupancy Fraud, the Claim Wielded by the Trump Administration? (Wall Street Journal)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

This episode of The Higher Standard pulls back the curtain on the Fed’s $2 trillion “magic trick” that never makes the headlines. Chris, Saied, and Rajeil break down how the overnight reverse repo facility works like a no-risk money parking garage for banks—one so massive it once held enough cash to buy every home in New York City twice. Add in a little history lesson on the Fed literally locking away gold in the 1930s to keep money out of circulation, and you’ve got a playbook of hidden levers that shape the economy while the average person is left scratching their head. Spoiler: it’s less about Main Street and more about keeping Wall Street on life support.➡️ But this isn’t just charts and jargon—expect sushi horror stories, octopus debates, Hulk Hogan controversies, and even a detour into alien tech possibly cruising toward Earth (thanks, Harvard). The crew wrestles with the big question: are these financial maneuvers protecting consumers, or just quietly bailing out the system? Either way, the laughs hit as hard as the lessons. Welcome back to the only financial literacy podcast that can connect the Fed’s shadow moves to turtle mating rituals without missing a beat.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Comet 3I/ATLAS (Nasa)Hulk Hogan listening to Young Jeezy (YouTube)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris, Saied and Rajeil pull no punches in dissecting how the system is built to keep you running on a hamster wheel you didn’t even know you were on. From the wage stagnation that’s been silently robbing you for decades to the way debt culture is disguised as “financial freedom,” the guys lay out the unvarnished truth: the playbook you’ve been following was never designed for you to win. Expect sharp takes, brutal stats, and enough “wait, what?!” moments to make you question every money decision you’ve made since high school.➡️ But it’s not all doomscrolling for your wallet, there’s a way out, and this episode draws you the map. Chris and Saied break down how ownership, leverage, and developing high-value skills can flip the script, giving you the same advantages the wealthy have been exploiting for years. Think of it as financial red-pilling: once you see it, you can’t unsee it. And once you act on it, you’re done playing the role of economic background character - you’re in the driver’s seat.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:“The poor and the middle class work for money. The rich have money work for them.” -Robert Kiyosaki⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

What happens when a straight-shooting car guy with zero patience for bullshit takes on the loudest, most insecure bros on the internet? You get Curtis Lorincz — the viral voice calling out fake gurus, bro culture, and “number one car salesman” fantasies with nothing but a phone and the truth. In this episode, Curtis joins Chris and Rajeil to unpack how obedience gets monetized, why yelling at men isn’t motivation, and what really goes on behind those cringey sales events with VIP dinner upgrades and God-tier grifting.➡️ From $6,000 podcast invites to baptism-by-course-selling, this one pulls no punches. We talk Andy Elliott, Grant Cardone, Ryan Pineda, and the shady playbook behind monetized masculinity. If you’ve ever side-eyed a rented Lambo or rolled your eyes at “faith-based business coaching,” buckle up. Curtis is here to torch the cult — and he's bringing receipts.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Curtis Lorincz's Links:Personal InstagramH&S Motocars Website⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In this no-holds-barred episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied dissect the death of the American Dream through a lens only they can provide—one that blends biting humor with financial clarity. Picking up where episode 291 left off, they explore how corporate America broke the social contract: wages are down, debt is up, and company loyalty is officially dead. Chris opens up about his recent exit from corporate life, shedding light on how fear and financial insecurity trap most people in a cycle of compliance. From housing market madness to the real reason Jerome Powell wears purple ties, this one peels back the curtain on power, policy, and personal freedom.➡️ But it’s not all doom and gloom. The crew also dives deep into what actually builds wealth—ownership, autonomy, and making your money work for you. They dismantle the myth that hard work alone gets you ahead, spotlighting the tax code’s favoritism toward business owners and investors over W2 employees. You'll hear stories of immigrant grit, generational wisdom, and why even your lemonade-stand-running kid might have a brighter financial future than most adults. If you’ve ever traded time for money or questioned the rat race, this episode is your wake-up call.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:“If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.” -Warren Buffett⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

🎙️ From grinding in a Taiwanese music studio for 12-hour days to running operations at one of the hottest streetwear brands on the planet, Jason Lu has lived a story most people wouldn’t believe — and probably couldn’t survive. In this episode, Chris sits down with Jason to talk about the reality behind the hype: grueling work, brutal lessons, and how authenticity can cut through a crowded, noisy industry. ➡️ From the early days of SoundCloud rappers and “blood money” merch to collaborating with On Running and dressing NBA players, Jason pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make it in music, merch, and fashion.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Jason Lu's Links:Personal InstagramPleasures Website⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Most of us grew up believing school was our golden ticket — a noble path to knowledge, success, and the elusive American Dream. Turns out, that dream was engineered to keep you obedient, predictable, and poor. In this episode, Chris, Saied, and Rajeel peel back the curtain on the greatest con ever run on the masses: the education system. With wit, fire, and a touch of irreverence, they trace the origins of modern schooling to the Prussian model — a system deliberately designed to churn out soldiers, compliant workers, and docile consumers for industrialists like Rockefeller and Carnegie. It’s not a bug. It’s the feature.➡️ We break down how the very structure of school — from its bells and rows to its obsession with grades — trains you to tolerate boredom, obey authority, and measure your worth by someone else’s approval. If you’ve ever wondered why entrepreneurship feels foreign, risk feels scary, and freedom feels unattainable, this is your wake-up call. The machine that conditioned you doesn’t even exist anymore, yet it’s still teaching you to fit in and punishing you if you don’t. Tune in as we expose the scam, laugh through the pain, and (most importantly) show you how to unlearn the lies — for yourself and your kids.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:The Underground History of American Education, Volume I: An Intimate Investigation Into the Prison of Modern Schooling (Amazon)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Ever wonder how a kid rebuilding engines in his dad’s garage ends up shaping the off-road and Overland industries while dodging influencer clichés and crushing corporate glass ceilings? In this episode, Chris sits down with Matt Moghaddam — creative, entrepreneur, and all-around gearhead — to talk about his journey from customer service grunt to marketing director to magazine editor. From building Mustangs and Tacomas to navigating the Wild West of social media and brand deals, Matt reveals what it really takes to turn a passion into a career without losing your sanity (or your suspension).➡️ We unpack why nobody actually “has it all figured out,” why the Overland craze may have peaked (and how to score a rooftop tent on Facebook Marketplace), and why growing too fast can ruin even the best business. Plus: customer service horror stories, Nordstrom tales, influencer marketing gripes, and how Larry the Cockroach became a studio mascot. If you’ve ever thought about quitting your day job to chase a dream — or just wondered where all those Sprinter vans went — this one’s for you.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Parsa Vahid's Links:Personal Instagram⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

The U.S. economy is sending more mixed signals than a Gen Z relationship status. One minute, the S&P 500 is flirting with all-time highs, the next, the housing market's giving you whiplash with record prices and signs of a downturn. Is it a buyer’s market? Depends who you ask—and what city you’re in. Meanwhile, if you’ve been financing burritos with Buy Now, Pay Later, congratulations: it's now officially affecting your credit score. That’s right—your lunchtime debt just got real. ➡️ This episode is the financial equivalent of trying to read the tea leaves during a hurricane. The stock market’s partying like it’s 1999, Bitcoin is soaring on dollar weakness, and the Fed is quietly pretending they don’t see any of it. Plus, Jeff Bezos has a foam party on a yacht, and somehow that ties into prenups, choice-of-law clauses, and Chris being petty about FaceTime etiquette. Yeah, we went there.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Stunning turnaround: The stock market is on the precipice of an all-time record (CNN)The US Treasury posted a $316 billion budget deficit in May (The Kobeissi Letter via X)U.S. Home Prices Hit Record High (The Real Deal via Instagram)The housing downturn is broadening (Nick Gerli via X)Bitcoin Price Rises. These 2 Things Are Driving Crypto Higher (Barron’s)Nearly Two Million Student-Loan Borrowers Are at Risk of Docked Pay This Summer (The Wall Street Journal)Inside the Complex and Petty Prenups of the Superwealthy (The Wall Street Journal)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

What does it take to walk away from a stable career in engineering and build a boutique wealth advisory firm that manages hundreds of millions? In this episode, Chris and Saied sit down with Parsa Vahid, founder of Strand Life, to unpack that exact journey — from cold calls and 100% commission work to becoming the trusted financial strategist for high-net-worth families. Parsa shares how he navigated the pressure of legacy expectations, ditched a career that didn’t fit, and leaned into building a firm that handles everything from investments and tax planning to estate structures designed to protect families from, well… their own kids.➡️ This one goes deep into the real mechanics of building wealth — not just for yourself, but for generations. You’ll hear candid takes on how most advisors fall short, what red flags to watch out for, and why financial literacy gaps don’t magically disappear when you hit seven figures. Whether you're trying to decide when to hire an advisor, how to leave your safe job, or what happens when you leave a windfall to someone wildly unprepared, this episode will make you think — and maybe even rethink your whole plan.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Parsa Vahid's Links:Business WebsiteBusiness InstagramPersonal Instagram⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

The Fed held rates steady — again — and while that might not sound sexy, it triggered a deep dive into the uncomfortable parallels between today’s economy and some of history’s most turbulent wartime recessions. Chris and Saied unpack Powell’s post-FOMC “dot plot shuffle,” exposing how forward guidance has become a PR game instead of a reliable economic compass. Spoiler: if you think shelter inflation is cooling fast, you’re probably still using a 3G data plan.➡️ From Operation Iraqi Freedom to drone-led wars of tomorrow, the guys explore how conflict has become a recession trap — and not the kind that you wan to get stuck in. With unemployment lagging recession signals and AI creeping into defense strategy, the conversation gets heavy, insightful, and just the right amount of unhinged. Plus, if the U.S. government needs a Microsoft BI subscription to speed up their shelter data, Chris offers to cover it himself. That’s service.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Fed Holds Rates Steady and Keeps Door Open to Cuts (Wall Street Journal)Fed Chair Jerome Powell said that the central bank is beginning to see the price impacts of tariffs (CNBC via Instagram)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.