In this inaugural episode of the Independence by Design™ podcast, Ryan Tansom sits down with Joe Brown, founder of Heresy Financial, to dive deep into the intricacies of the economy and financial systems. Driven by personal experiences and a relentless curiosity, Joe explores the mainstream financial narratives and advocates for a deeper understanding of economic fundamentals. He underscores the importance of aligning financial decisions with personal values and addressing root causes of economic issues, rather than merely treating symptoms.   

The discussion spans critical topics like the effects of money printing, the escalating costs of education and healthcare, and the quest for financial freedom. Joe and Ryan also dissect the evolution of money as a debt system, the value of time, and strategies for managing wealth amid inflation and taxes. They provide practical insights into business ownership, portfolio diversification, and the challenges posed by government bond refinancing and its impact on regional banks. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on mastering your financial future and understanding the system that shapes it. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Aligning one's values with their financial decisions is crucial for personal fulfillment and moral integrity. 

• Understanding the root causes of economic problems is more important than focusing on symptoms. 

• Education and individual decision-making play a significant role in improving one's financial situation. 

• Money printing, rising costs of education and healthcare, and the erosion of financial freedom are key issues in the current economic landscape. Money has evolved over time from a debt system primarily. 

• Time is the most valuable resource for individuals, but it is also the most replaceable thing to others. 

• Starting a business allows individuals to provide value that is not denominated in their time and can lead to escaping the limitations of trading time for money. 

• Diversifying investments across savings, business, and income-producing assets can help protect wealth and provide stability. 


• Understanding how the financial system works and taking control of one's wealth is crucial in navigating the challenges and uncertainties of the future. 

In This Episode:  

• 00:00 Introduction and Background - Joe Brown of Heresy Financial 


• 04:45 Joe's Journey into Understanding the Economy 


• 10:00 The Curiosity to Understand the Economic Cycle 


• 13:13 Stepping Stones to Understanding the Economic Cycle 


• 18:00 Aligning Work with Your Values 


• 23:00 Questioning the Narrative and Seeking Understanding 


• 26:00 Starting the Conversation about the Economy, Silent QE by Commercial Banks 


• 29:30 The Historical Perspective on Money and Trust, What happened in 1971? 


• 33:15 Analyzing Economic Narratives and Policies 

<li