Explore every episode of the podcast The Competent Investor
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doomberg: The Late Stages of U.S. Supremacy | 22 May 2026 | 00:59:08 | |
Doomberg analyzes the accelerating convergence of global crises, framing the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East as battles within a broader World War III that began in 2014. He argues these conflicts are catalysts revealing the fragility of a late-stage US dollar-centric financial system, where Western sovereign debts have reached mathematically unsustainable levels. The recent strategic pact between Russia and China to advance a multi-polar framework is seen as a historic step toward de-dollarization, punishing the US for abusing its financial chokehold. Doomberg notes that paradoxically, heavily sanctioned nations like Iran and Russia have built resiliency that will serve them well when the current system collapses, as major Western currencies and bonds are all correlated proxies destined to fail together. Regarding the energy shock from the Strait of Hormuz closure, Doomberg admits his earlier prediction of $150 oil was wrong, attributing the muted price response to a massive inventory overhang and deceptive market practices in 2025 that are now being burned off at higher prices. The near-term threat remains a full-blown regional war that could cause an uninsulated global depression, though the long-run outlook for commodity prices is lower due to supply responses. The current ceasefire is viewed as a necessity for the US and Israel, given missile shortages and Iran's credible ability to devastate Gulf energy infrastructure that remains defenseless. Shifting to Canada, Doomberg expresses optimism that political roadblocks to energy exports are clearing, predicting Mark Carney will succeed in building a pipeline to unlock Alberta's vast resources, analogous to Nixon going to China. He dismisses Canadian insolvency fears given its immense per-capita resource base. Finally, he underscores his analytical method of deliberately seeking and grading a wide spectrum of global propaganda to construct a more predictive, holistic view of world events. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:52 - Sovereign Debt Crisis Catalyst 00:04:53 - Global Yields and Japan 00:07:30 - Sanctioned Countries Resiliency 00:08:57 - Energy Shock Impacts 00:10:30 - Medium-Term Optimism Outlook 00:16:44 - Religious War Undertones 00:19:20 - Congressional War Constraints 00:21:33 - Oil Price Predictions Reviewed 00:26:11 - Canada Energy & Resources 00:34:45 - News Flow & Information 00:40:32 - China & Trump's Claims 00:49:52 - Foreign Policy Whiplash 00:53:17 - Energy & Datacenters 00:57:19 - Wrap Up Guest: Doomberg — Head Writer For The Doomberg Team and Creator of the Doomberg Substack Doomberg is the anonymous publishing arm of a bespoke consulting firm providing advisory services to family offices and c-suite executives. Its principals apply their decades of experience across heavy industry, private equity, and finance to deliver innovative thinking and clarity to complex problems. Substack X Website 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Tony Greer: Buying Opportunity | Gold & Gold Miners Are Dirt Cheap | 21 May 2026 | 00:45:37 | |
Tony Greer, trader, editor of 'The Morning Navigator', and co-founder of 'The Macrodirt Podcast', joined Tom Bodrovics to share a trader’s perspective on navigating today’s chaotic markets. Greer emphasized a core philosophy: “Don’t worry about being right, worry about getting it right,” prioritizing P&L over ego and reacting flexibly to new information. He views the brewing energy crisis from the Strait of Hormuz closure as a significant, underappreciated risk, markets may only wake up when tangible shortages hit personal convenience, not through forward-looking pricing. While oil charts remain constructive and he expects high prices for longer, political distractions and Trump’s headlines create confusion, though many are noise to be canceled. Greer sees a potential replay of 2022 with headline inflation is re-emerging, as seen in recent CPI and PPI prints, which could pressure tech and growth stocks while benefiting hard assets and value. He is positioned long energy, oil services, gold, and miners, noting that gold miners’ sell-off defies their record margins and cheap valuations, making them compelling buys even if they shake out weak hands first. Technology’s AI bubble appears extended, and while he’d short a parabolic blow-off top, he remains nimble, as illustrated by his prepared exit from homebuilders when rates rose. The dollar and yields serve as guides, not trades unto themselves. Beyond markets, Greer reflected on his inaugural TG Macro conference, finding the deep human need for personal connection its greatest lesson. The event’s sentiment marker—broad consensus to own gold and miners—later proved a contrarian signal, a reminder of crowd psychology. He plans a second conference in Nashville for February 18–19, 2027, with a rotating mix of speakers. Greer stressed the restorative power of analog activities—cooking, guitar, family—and urged listeners to unplug, shake hands, and foster real connection, a balance essential in the digital age. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:12 - Trading Mindset and Flexibility 00:03:28 - Global Energy Crisis Concerns 00:06:40 - Trump Policies and Markets 00:10:10 - Oil Charts and Planning 00:14:20 - Gold Miners Outlook 00:18:24 - Energy Sector Positioning 00:27:30 - Trading & Positioning Shorts 00:30:15 - CPI, Fed, Dollar and Rates 00:35:00 - Morning Market Analysis Routine 00:38:20 - Conference Reflections 00:42:30 - AI & Wrap Up Guest: Tony Greer — Trader, Editor of 'The Morning Navigator', and Co-Founder of 'The Macrodirt Podcast' After graduating from Cornell University in 1990 Tony followed in his father’s footsteps to a Wall Street trading operation. He quickly learned his career path would be vastly different. He says, "I would not be sitting in the same seat on the same trading desk managing the same risk for the same firm for over 30 years." We have clearly entered a new era in financial markets. He began in the treasury department of Sumitomo Bank on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center downtown Manhattan. Tony was an FX trading assistant while the Quantum Fund was breaking the Bank of England in 1992. In 1993 he joined Union Bank of Switzerland as an FX and commodities trader, spending half a year as a Vice President in their Zurich treasury department. Then returned to New York City early in 1995 to join J. Aron & Company, the privately held commodity trading arm of Goldman Sachs. He managed risk for the Goldman Sachs Commodities Index, in precious and base metals trading, and futures and options trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. He started his first venture in 2000 – Machine Trading which happened right before the tech bubble burst. That decision was his first excruciating life lesson in market timing. It turned out to be an extremely valuable learning experience. He believes there is a massive opportunity with both the unprecedented situation in global markets and in the way financial news is consumed. In 2016, he started TG Macro, LLC. Conference Website X Substack YouTube 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Rory Johnston: 13 Million Barrels Per Day Missing, Why Aren’t Markets Reacting? | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:55:04 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes Rory Johnston, a commodity market researcher specializing in oil and gas, to discuss the current state of the global energy market. Johnston highlights the unprecedented situation where OPEC+ output reached an all-time low last month, and the significant impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on global oil supplies. Johnston notes that over 90 Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) are headed to the US Gulf Coast to pick up crude, a situation that has gained attention, including from former President Trump. This influx of tankers is due to the Middle East being functionally offline and China banning the export of refined products, making the US and Canada the most energy-secure areas. Watch this video on YouTube Johnston explains that the current market dynamics are driven by a significant backwardation in the futures market, where the price of oil for immediate delivery is much higher than for future delivery. This is due to the acute shortages in areas that previously relied on Middle Eastern fuel, leading to a scramble for available supplies. He emphasizes that the market is not creating new oil but rather shuffling existing supplies to areas willing to pay more. The discussion also touches on the potential for the US to supply the global shortfall and the implications of tapping into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Johnston believes that some of the SPR releases will likely be exported, given the high demand and the need to balance global supplies. He also notes the potential for resource nationalism and the political considerations that could influence oil trade policies. Johnston warns that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the global oil market could face severe shortages, leading to significant price increases and potential demand destruction. He highlights the importance of understanding the physical market dynamics versus the futures market, which often moves much faster. The interview concludes with Johnston emphasizing the need to follow the crisis closely, as the physical impact on the oil market will continue to worsen as long as Hormuz remains closed. Timestamps: Guest: Rory Johnston — Commodity Market Research - Specializing in Oil & Gas Rory Johnston is a Toronto-based oil market researcher, the founder of Commodity Context, a lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, host of the Oil Ground Up podcast, as well as a Fellow with both the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines. He is a leading voice on oil market analysis, advising institutional investors, global policy makers, and corporate decision makers. His views are regularly quoted in major international media including the Financial Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News, Reuters, BNN Bloomberg, CBC, and Financial Post, and he frequently appears on numerous market and industry podcasts (e.g., Bloomberg’s Odd Lots, Hidden Forces, etc.). Prior to founding Commodity Context, Rory led commodity economics research at Scotiabank where he set the bank’s energy and metals price forecasts, advised the bank’s executives and clients, and sat on the bank’s senior credit committee for commodity-exposed sectors. Substack X 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| London Paul: Energy Shocks, Silver Crisis, Food Shortages & Financial Collapse Ahead | 14 Apr 2026 | 01:16:05 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes back London Paul, publisher of ‘The Sirius Report,’ together they delve into the complexities and implications of the ongoing war, focusing on the missteps and strategic failures of the U.S. and its allies. Paul critiques the initial decision to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Kamehni, arguing that it was a strategic blunder that galvanized Iranian resistance rather than ending the conflict. He highlights the U.S.’s underestimation of Iran’s capabilities, both defensively and offensively, and the failure to achieve stated objectives such as regime change, destruction of nuclear facilities, and control over strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. Watch this video on YouTube The discussion touches on the U.S.’s desperate search for an “off-ramp” to exit the war without appearing defeated, particularly in light of upcoming midterm elections. Paul noted that the U.S. has failed to achieve any of its stated objectives and is now scrambling to find a way to declare victory. Paul also discusses the broader geopolitical implications, including the strengthening of the IRGC, Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, and the potential for a prolonged conflict that could have catastrophic global consequences. Economically, Paul warns of the potential for severe energy shortages and food disruptions, which could lead to hyperinflation and social unrest. He emphasizes the need for coordinated global action to mitigate these risks and prevent a prolonged conflict that could destabilize the entire Middle East and beyond. The conversation also touches on the potential for a silver shortage and the impact on precious metals markets, given silver’s critical role in industrial applications and its potential as a monetary metal. Paul advises listeners to be cautious of misinformation and to prepare for potential disruptions in energy and food supplies. He also highlights the broader geopolitical shifts, including the potential decline of U.S. influence in the Middle East and the strengthening of Iran’s regional power. Timestamps: Guest: London Paul — Publisher of 'The Sirius Report' The Sirius Report is an independent website providing analysis and an alternative perspective on current affairs and global events that we believe are shaping a new political, economic and social paradigm. We are fully self-funded and are not backed by any third-party corporation, organization, or individual. The site is run by ‘London Paul’ and his partner Lisa, who is the site administrator. ‘London Paul’ is a pseudonym that was first coined by long-time friend and fellow commentator Jim Willie. For privacy reasons, Paul prefers not to be known by his real name. He also feels that the primary focus should be on his work rather than on his identity. Paul has a long track record of accurate predictions and analyses on geopolitical and economic affairs. Originally a physicist, he was awarded a Ph.D. in biomolecular physics, after which he spent some time working in academia. He then went on to work in the financial services sector and worked in some major banks until the financial crisis of 2008, when he left the banking sector to work in the precious metals sector. In addition to his vast understanding of economics and precious metals (a friend of his once jokingly said that ‘Paul is the only person I know who really understands derivatives’), he has also always had a keen interest in geopolitics. Through years of diligent research and conversations with certain key insiders, he has been able to gain a unique understanding of a geopolitical shift towards a multipolar paradigm that is now shaping the world in the 21st century. Paul is not motivated by party politics and does not adhere to any particular political, religious or other movement. He likes a common-sense approach to everything and sees it as his responsibility to deliver completely objective, unbiased, and no-nonsense analysis, even if that means going against popular opinion. X Website YouTube 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Simon Hunt: This Peace Plan isn’t Acceptable to Trump and isn’t Durable | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:44:19 | |
Tom welcomes back Simon Hunt to the the show. Simon is a consultant on the global economy, China, and the copper industry. He discusses the geopolitical implications of a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, and its potential impact on the global economy. The ceasefire, Hunt argues, is unlikely to be durable due to the unacceptable terms proposed by Iran, which include control over the Strait of Hormuz and the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region. Hunt suggests that the U.S.’s motivation for the conflict is to support its donors and to control energy prices, thereby controlling the world. Watch this video on YouTube However, Iran’s resilience and backing from China and Russia make it a formidable opponent. The potential economic consequences of a durable ceasefire include rising inflation, increased ten-year yields, and market volatility. Hunt predicts that Europe is poised to enter a recession, while China and Russia may emerge stronger due to their strategic planning and resource reserves. The conflict also highlights the intensifying rivalry between the U.S. and China, with copper being a key battleground. Hunt suggests that the global economy is entering a period of uncertainty, with resource nationalism and geopolitical tensions likely to intensify. Hunt also discusses the potential for an inflation-led recovery or recession, the role of gold as a secure asset, and the importance of monitoring capital flows and political changes in the Gulf region. He notes that the conflict has exposed the U.S.’s lack of diplomatic skills and reliance on threats of brute force. Timestamps: Guest: Simon Hunt — Consultant on the Global Economy, China, and the Copper Industry Simon Hunt began his career in 1956 in Central Africa as a PA to the Chairman of Rhodesian Selection Trust, one of the two large copper companies in what was then Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia. In 1961, he came back to London and joined Anglo American Corporation of South Africa as a PA to one of the Board Directors, followed by being part of a small sales and marketing team for copper. From there, he helped start up a new copper development organization, CIDEC, financed by copper producers, which he then joined, focusing on conducting end-use studies of copper in Europe. He then went into the City to gain financial experience and founded Brook Hunt in 1975. He was instrumental in setting up the company's cost studies and end-use analyses. Simon appeared as material witness and consultant in two ITC anti-dumping cases in 1978 and 1984, winning both at the commission level. He has spent 2-4 months every year in China since 1993, and until a few years ago would be visiting some 80 wire and cable and brass mill factories across the country every year. He now restricts these factory visits to a smaller number, all of which he has known for many years. Simon also spends many weeks each year traveling around Asia. The focus of the company's services is on the global economy, including the changing geopolitical and financial structures, China's economy and its copper sector, and then the global copper industry as each part is interconnected. Simon is the author of the "Frontline China Report Service," which is marketed by the TIS Group. The Service provides regular reports on China's economy, politics, and financial outlook. Simon established this company in January 1996. E-Mail Website Report 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Jaime Carrasco: Gold Wins No Matter What in the Coming Monetary Reset | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:55:42 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes back Jaime Carrasco, Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Investment Advisor at Harbourfront Wealth Management, to discuss the geopolitical and economic landscape in light of the escalating tensions with Iran. Carrasco emphasizes the importance of being defensively positioned in the markets amidst such uncertainty. He highlights the long-term shift away from the US dollar as the global reserve currency, drawing parallels to historical events like the Russian Revolution. Carrasco argues that regardless of the outcome of the conflict, gold will be a winner due to the need for infrastructure rebuilding and the potential for inflationary pressures. Watch this video on YouTube Jaime stresses the significance of holding physical gold and investing in gold producers as a hedge against economic instability. He notes that the current geopolitical situation is redrawing the monetary map and signals a loss of trust in the US dollar. He advises clients to have a significant portion (up to 30%) of their net worth in physical gold and gold producers, citing the potential for a monetary reset and the destruction of fiat currencies. He also discusses the impact of rising interest rates and the potential for a credit derivative swap crisis, drawing parallels to the 2008 financial crisis. Carrasco expresses concern about the economic and human costs of the conflict but sees opportunities in sectors like energy, pipelines, and utilities. He believes that the current situation is accelerating a transition to a sound money system and that gold will be a key component of any future monetary reset. Carrasco also touches on the social and political implications of the conflict, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in rebuilding societies. Timestamps: Guest: Jaime Carrasco — Senior Portfolio Manager & Senior Investment Advisor at Harbourfront Wealth Management Jaime Carrasco is Senior Portfolio Manager & Senior Investment Advisor at Harbourfront Wealth Management. From 2014-2018 he worked as Director of Wealth Management and Associate Portfolio Manager for ScotiaMcLeod. Before this, he worked for Macquarie Group, CIBC Wood Gundy, BMO Nesbitt Burns, Gordon Capital, and Merrill Lynch. Jaime is a leading Canadian investment professional with 25 years of experience providing wealth management and investment counsel to affluent families, businesses, and institutions. He has garnered a reputation for questioning and challenging the status quo and exploring the most innovative investment strategies. Jaime, whose mother tongue is Spanish, also speaks Italian and French. He completed a BA in political science and economics at the University of Toronto in 1988. While a student, he worked for CS Yacht, a company that built luxury sailboats, thus spending his summers as a skipper for the Canadian establishment members. Jaime credits this experience and having survived sailing through Hurricane Bob in 1991. This experience taught him lessons that have become a metaphor for his financial investment strategies. "Like one's financial wealth, sailing is not about controlling the wind, but rather about adjusting the sails." X LinkedIn Website E-Mail 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Rick Rule: What I’m Buying When Commodities Go On Sale | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:57:17 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes Rick Rule to the show. Rick Rule is a legendary Investor, Speculator, Founder and CEO of Rule Investment Media. Rule discusses several critical economic and investment insights, focusing on potential risks and opportunities in the current global landscape. Rick emphasizes the potential for a liquidity squeeze and credit crisis, advising investors to maintain liquidity and be prepared for potential market downturns. He highlights the ongoing trend of resource nationalism and geopolitical tensions, which are reshaping global energy and commodity markets. Specifically, he sees significant opportunities in uranium and nuclear energy, noting that countries like Japan are rapidly reconsidering nuclear power as a reliable, low-carbon energy source. Watch this video on YouTube Regarding investment strategies, Rule critiques retail investors’ common mistakes, including insufficient research, following outdated recommendations, and lacking patience with long-term investment theses. He advocates for thorough due diligence, understanding company valuations, and being psychologically prepared for market volatility. Rule is particularly critical of proposed wealth taxes, arguing that such policies punish productivity and would not meaningfully address government debt. He points out that the top 1% of taxpayers already pay 42% of applicable taxes and that confiscating billionaires’ wealth would only fund government spending for a few years. In the resources sector, Rule sees potential for significant mergers and acquisitions in the next five years, particularly in gold equities. He recommends companies like Cameco in the nuclear sector and suggests investors focus on strategic, well-managed companies with clear investment theses. Rule also warns about risks in high-yield ETFs, describing potential credit contagion scenarios that could create significant market disruptions. Timestamps: Guest: Rick Rule — Investor, Speculator, Founder & CEO of Rule Investment Media Rick Rule has dedicated his entire adult life to many aspects of natural resources securities investing. Besides the knowledge and experience gained in a long and focused career, he has a global network of contacts in the natural resources and finance sectors. Mr. Rule is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and is regularly interviewed for radio, television, print, and online media outlets concerning natural resources investment and industry topics. Prominent natural resources-oriented newsletters and advisories frequently quote him. Mr. Rule and his team have expertise in many resource sectors, including agriculture, alternative energy, forestry, oil and gas, mining, and water. X Website YouTube Classroom Battle Bank 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Chase Taylor: Policy Disasters and Miscalculations – The Options for Ending the War? | 02 Apr 2026 | 01:05:19 | |
Chase Taylor, a Global Macro Strategist and Editor at Pinecone Macro, joined Tom Bodrovics to discuss the geopolitical implications of the ongoing war and its impact on global markets. Taylor, has a background in geospatial intelligence and a deep interest in history and geopolitics, emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions rather than seeking immediate answers in the midst of conflict. Taylor highlights the significant delta between public narratives and the reality on the ground, noting that many decision-makers underestimated Iran’s capabilities. He discusses the strategic miscalculations by the US and Israel, which have led to a situation where Iran holds considerable leverage, both operationally and economically. Watch this video on YouTube Taylor predicts that the US may have to accept unfavorable terms to exit the conflict, given Iran’s escalation dominance and economic leverage. They touch on the potential domestic risks in the US from Iran, with Taylor suggesting that while direct military attacks are unlikely, but there could be retaliatory actions against US assets in the region. He also delves into the downstream effects of the conflict, including disruptions in oil and gas supplies, particularly from Qatar, which supplies 20% of the world’s LNG. Taylor estimates that it could take up to six months for some LNG facilities to resume operations and up to three years for a full recovery. The discussion also covers the potential return to coal usage and the acceleration of green energy transitions in response to supply disruptions. Taylor notes that countries heavily invested in renewables, like solar, would be better positioned to weather the storm. He also highlights the potential for increased resource nationalism and the complexities of global interdependencies, using the example of pencil manufacturing complexities to illustrate how interconnected global supply chains are. Timestamps: Guest: Chase Taylor — Global Macro Strategist and Editor at Pinecone Macro Chase Taylor is a macro trader and the global macro strategist and editor at Pinecone Macro Research. He recently became Head of Research at Bullwark Capital Management. Chase launched PMR in 2018, where he provides unique macro insights and analysis in a weekly and monthly research product. Chase does not come from Wall Street or business school, but the military. He prides himself on being a self-taught macro thinker and practitioner. Chase started in the Air Force working on B-1 Bombers, but spent most of his career as a geospatial intelligence analyst, working on strategic and tactical intelligence problem sets. He has also worked in acquisitions at a research laboratory focused on rocket propulsion. Chase combines the analytical techniques he learned in the intelligence community with a unique focus on history and nature to create a distinctive macro framework. He combines technical analysis, fundamental changes, and the power of narratives and reflexivity to uncover asymmetric investments. Substack X Website Website iPencil 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Don Durrett: 2026 is the Last Year of American Greatness Which Brings a New Gold All-Time High | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:44:32 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes back Don Durrett, author, investor, and founder of Goldstockdata.com, to discuss the current state of the metals and mining markets, with a particular focus on gold and silver. Don emphasizes his strategy of buying during market dips, which he has applied successfully in recent months. He notes that gold experienced a significant correction, dropping from $5,600 to around $4,100, and has since rebounded to nearly $4,600. Durrett attributed this volatility to the geopolitical tensions and the U.S. economy’s struggles, including high debt levels and inflation. Watch this video on YouTube Durrett expresses his belief that the U.S. economy is on a declining trajectory, heavily reliant on foreign investment, and heading towards a recession. He predicts that gold and silver prices will rise significantly due to the U.S. government’s potential inability to service its debt and the fragility of the bond market. He set a target of $7,000 for gold and $200 for silver within the next 24 to 36 months, citing the unsustainable debt levels and economic management practices as key drivers. Don also touches on the potential impacts of an energy crisis, noting that while higher oil prices pose risks to gold mining operations, the industry has margins that can withstand increases up to a certain point. He also discusses the potential for a digital currency reset, which could devalue the U.S. dollar and lead to a quasi-default on U.S. debt. Durrett highlights the importance of monitoring the geopolitical situation, particularly the tensions in the Middle East, which could impact oil prices and global economies. He expressed pessimism about the likelihood of a swift resolution to the conflicts and the potential for Iran to gain leverage over oil prices. Despite these challenges, Durrett remains bullish on gold and silver, expecting new all-time highs by the end of June and viewing any corrections as buying opportunities. Timestamps: Guest: Don Durrett — Author, Investor, and Founder of Goldstockdata.com Don Durrett received an MBA from California State University Bakersfield in 1990. He has worked in IT-related positions for 20+ years. He has been a gold investor since 1991, with a focus on Junior Mining stocks since 2004. Realizing the value of investing in gold and silver and noticing the lack of available material for first-time investors, Don set out to provide information. First, he wrote a book, How to Invest in Gold & Silver: A Complete Guide with a Focus on Mining Stocks. He followed up the book with a website (www.goldstockdata.com) to provide data, tools, and analysis for gold and silver stock investors. His gold and silver mining stock newsletter is widely regarded as one of the best. He is a frequent guest on financial podcasts and a contributor to SeekingAlpha.com. X Website Substack Amazon Books Blog Posts YouTube 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Francis Hunt: Global Debt System is Crashing, Gold and Silver are the Only Assets to Own | 26 Mar 2026 | 01:03:08 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes back ‘The Market Sniper’ otherwise known as Francis Hunt. Francis a renowned trader and analyst, delves into the current economic landscape, focusing on the intersection of energy, inflation, and debt. Hunt emphasizes that the ongoing conflicts and disruptions in energy infrastructure, particularly in the Middle East and Russia, are driving a broader inflation story. He argues that the world is experiencing an extreme version of stagflation, characterized by economic stagnation and high inflation, which erodes household purchasing power. This scenario is exacerbated by excessive debt and the need for central banks to manage the debasement of fiat currencies. Hunt discusses the historical context of stagflation, comparing the current situation to the 1970s when OPEC’s actions pushed up oil prices, leading to a similar economic environment. He highlights the recent explosions and disruptions in energy infrastructure are not isolated incidents but part of a larger strategy to engineer inflation and manage debt. This strategy involves manipulating commodity prices, particularly oil, to control the cost of goods and services, ultimately affecting global economies. Watch this video on YouTube The conversation also touches on the role of digital price tags in supermarkets, which allow for real-time price adjustments, reflecting the immediate impact of inflation on consumer goods. Hunt warns that this technology could lead to sudden and significant price increases, further straining household budgets. He also mentions the potential for shortages in food and other essential commodities due to disruptions in global supply chains, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and energy price volatility. Hunt criticizes the mainstream media and financial institutions for misrepresenting economic data, such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and unemployment rates, to paint a rosier picture of the economy. He argues that these misleading narratives are part of a broader effort to control the narrative and maintain public trust in financial systems. He also highlights the potential for social unrest and economic instability as a result of the current economic policies, warning that the world is on the brink of a global depression. The conversation also covers the implications of the current economic environment for different countries, with a focus on Japan and the United States. Hunt argues that Japan, despite its high debt levels, is in a better position than the United States due to its lower energy dependence and more stable economic policies. Francis also discusses the potential for a reset of the global financial system, which could involve a shift away from fiat currencies towards more stable assets like gold. In conclusion, Hunt emphasized the importance of preserving wealth and maintaining a high standard of living in the face of economic uncertainty. He advises listeners to focus on self-reliance, community building, and personal freedom, while also being prepared for potential social unrest and economic instability. He ends the conversation on a positive note, encouraging listeners to live fulfilling lives and pursue their passions, regardless of the economic challenges they may face. Timestamps: Guest: Francis Hunt — Renegade Trader, Analyst, & Founder of The Market Sniper Francis is a trader, first and foremost. Unlike most educators in the trading space, Francis walks the walk and talks the talk, with 30 years of experience trading his personal capital on various markets and instruments. Through this passion for trading and his relentless study of markets and economic theory, he uses the Hunt Volatility Funnel trading methodology, a systemized approach, to answer the critical question: What is the next most profitable trade? He believes the actual price of an asset is the most accurate reflection of all the factors that influence it. Practical technical analysis, the study of price action over time, is needed to formulate profitable trade ideas. Indeed, with all the market manipulation and high-frequency trading operations currently in play, technical analysis is all that can be relied upon when it comes to formulating future price trends. A trained eye can often spot such manipulative practices, as is the case with HVF traders. Therefore, the HVF methodology is based purely on technical analysis. Francis is passionate about sharing his knowledge and understanding of markets by utilizing his HVF trading methodology. With entertaining anecdotes and the careful guidance of his students, he has already trained a large community of hundreds of traders and helped them transform from complete newbies to seasoned trading professionals. He genuinely loves sharing his knowledge and strategies with others who are committed to finding freedom through trading. Plus, teaching strengthens his trading abilities while helping to build a vibrant community of successful traders. X X Website YouTube 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Adrian Day: The Next Leg of the Gold Market Will be Explosive in the Miners | 19 Mar 2026 | 01:01:19 | |
Adrian Day, CEO of Adrian Day Asset Management and Manager of EuroPacific Gold Fund, shares his insights on the mining industry and gold market during this episode with your host Tom Bodrovics. Day recently attended the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference, noting an initial positive sentiment among investors, particularly junior companies, although this declined as gold did not respond as expected to geopolitical events like the bombing in Iran. Day explains that gold tends to move ahead of such events but then drops in the immediate aftermath due to various factors, including the strength of the U.S. dollar and interest rates. Watch this video on YouTube Day expresses a bullish outlook on gold for the next six to twelve months, citing persistent inflation, fiscal deficits, and central bank policies as driving factors. He also highlights the significant buying of gold by central banks and Tether, a stablecoin organization, which is price-agnostic and buys gold to back its stablecoin. Day notes that individual investors in the U.S. are largely absent from the gold market, and institutional capital has not yet significantly driven the market. Adrian discusses the U.S. stock market’s complacency and the role of 401(k) plans in maintaining a steady flow of money into the market. He also touches on the disconnect between global and regional gold and oil prices, attributing this to liquidity crunches and regional supply issues. Regarding the broader commodity market, Day sees value in other commodities like copper, oil, and agricultural products, which have lagged behind gold and silver. He also notes that foreign markets are likely to outperform the U.S. market in the coming years, with good valuations in the UK, Hong Kong, and Brazil. Day predicts a stagnationary environment for commodities, with gold and oil potentially being top performers. He also discusses the Fed’s likely response to current economic conditions, expecting rate cuts but not as dramatic as some anticipate, and a continuation of quantitative easing. Looking ahead, Day believes the gold market will remain strong and that the U.S. will lose its dominant reserve currency status within the next decade, transitioning into a bipolar world with different spheres of influence. Timestamps: Guest: Adrian Day — CEO of Adrian Day Asset Management & Manager of EuroPacific Gold Fund Adrian Day is considered a pioneer in promoting the benefits of global investing in the United Kingdom. A native of London, after graduating with honors from the London School of Economics, Mr. Day spent many years as a financial investment writer, where he gained a large following for his expertise in searching out unusual investment opportunities around the world. He has also authored two books on the subject of global investing: International Investment Opportunities: How and Where to Invest Overseas Successfully and Investing Without Borders. His latest book, widely praised by readers, is Investing in Resources: How to Profit from the Outsized Potential and Avoid the Risks (Wiley, 2010). Mr. Day is a recognized authority in both global and resource investing. He is frequently interviewed by the press, domestically and abroad. He is a popular speaker and is frequently invited to lecture at financial conferences and seminars around the world. His pleasures include fine dining, reading (especially history), and the opera. Website 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Lawrence Lepard: War Means Much Higher Inflation and $15,000 Gold | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:55:30 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes Lawrence Lepard, Founder and Managing Partner of Equity Management Associates to the show. The discussion centers on the increasingly complex economic and geopolitical landscape, the impact of the recent war and its potential consequences. Lepard highlighted several key indicators to monitor, including the U.S. 10-year yield, gold, Bitcoin, and the price of oil, which he believes are crucial for understanding market dynamics. Lepard expressed surprise that financial markets have held up relatively well despite significant risks, suggesting potential market manipulation by the federal government to maintain stability. He predicts the war could lead to a recession and a rollover in the stock market, although he believes the market might be artificially supported. Watch this video on YouTube Larry also discusses the potential for increased inflation due to higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions, particularly from the Strait of Hormuz, which could impact various commodities and goods. Lepard emphasized the importance of holding assets like gold, silver, and Bitcoin, which he views as safe havens in an environment of potential currency debasement. He argues that the current monetary system is unsustainable and that a return to a sound money standard is necessary to prevent further economic and social issues. Lepard also touches on the private credit bubble, comparing it to the housing crisis of 2008, and warned that the unwinding of this bubble could have significant repercussions for the financial system. Throughout the discussion, Larry stresses the need for investors to stay informed and adaptable, as the economic environment is likely to remain volatile. He predicts the next leg of the gold and silver bull market is imminent, with silver potentially offering more asymmetric upside due to its industrial uses and lower stock levels. Lepard also highlights the potential of Bitcoin, particularly in geopolitically unstable regions, as a portable and secure store of value. Timestamps: Guest: Lawrence Lepard — Founder and Managing Partner of Equity Management Associates Lawrence W. Lepard is the Founder and Managing Partner of Equity Management Associates. He has spent his entire 38-year career as an investor, principally focusing on venture capital opportunities. Before co-founding EMA, Mr. Lepard spent 13 years at Geocapital Partners, in Fort Lee, NJ. There he was one of two Managing General Partners and was responsible for several venture capital funds. Before Geocapital, Mr. Lepard spent seven years at Summit Partners in Boston and California, where he was a General Partner at Summit I and Summit II. Mr. Lepard received his BA in Economics from Colgate University, and he received an MBA with Academic Distinction from Harvard Business School. X Website Newsletter Amazon Book 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Chris MacIntosh: The Age of Consequences | Why No One Has Incentives to Stop This War | 14 May 2026 | 01:08:13 | |
In this episode, Tom Bodrovics speaks with the always forthright hedge fund manager Chris MacIntosh about the current state of markets and society, which MacIntosh characterizes as a historic “blow-off top” encompassing both financial excess and social absurdity. He argues that the system is breaking down due to unsustainable debt and geopolitical conflict that no major power has an incentive to end. MacIntosh frames the current situation as an “age of consequences” resulting from years of underinvestment in critical resources, particularly energy. He highlights a severe and complacent energy market, with over 12 million barrels per day offline due to conflict and supply chain disruption, far exceeding past crises. This reality is inflationary and contradicts deflationary predictions. MacIntosh stresses that energy is the feedstock for nearly everything, from plastics to fertilizer, and shortages will have profound second-order effects. From an investment perspective, he advocates rotating away from speculative, overvalued assets like AI hype stocks and toward tangible, essential commodities that satisfy Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: energy, precious metals, and agriculture. He notes gold is already in a bull market against most other assets. MacIntosh also emphasizes the importance of jurisdictional risk, pointing to Latin America, particularly Argentina, as a region with uncontested energy resources. He contrasts the “parasitic” Western economic system with a more prepared and productive Chinese system, which has strategically stockpiled resources. Ultimately, MacIntosh advises listeners to take personal agency, structure assets to be out of reach of governments, and develop productive skills rather than relying on politicians or passive consumption. The core message is to acknowledge the systemic risks, prepare for a world where net worth may be calculated in kilojoules rather than dollars, and take action to create solutions rather than bemoaning the state of affairs. Timestamps 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:14 – Rising Global Absurdity 00:04:32 – Asset Protection Strategies 00:06:02 – Incentives to Prolong Conflict 00:10:26 – Energy Supply Shortages 00:14:45 – Oil Market Realities 00:19:44 – Geographic Investment Risks 00:24:34 – China’s Strategic Preparations 00:26:25 – Clash of Economic Systems 00:33:29 – Debt Market Collapse Risks 00:38:21 – Capital Controls Emerging 00:48:52 – Age of Consequences 00:53:38 – Exiting Financial Casino 01:04:24 – Concluding Thoughts Guest: Chris MacIntosh — Hedge Fund Manager and Founder of Capitalist Exploits Raised in Southern Africa, Chris Macintosh has since lived and invested from sevent different countries. After a career at top-tier investment banks such as JP Morgan, Lehman, Robert Flemmings and Invesco, Chris became tired of corporate life, and has since built and sold multiple million dollar companies, overseen $35 million into venture capital, all the while investing full time, and managing his own and private client wealth. X Website 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Lyn Alden: The War & Sovereign Debt-Crisis Loop that the US has Now Entered | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:53:32 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes Lyn Alden, the founder of Lyn Alden Investment Strategy, to discuss the economic implications of recent geopolitical events, particularly the Iran war, and its impact on the U.S. economy and financial markets. Alden emphasizes that fiscal dominance and sovereign debt crises often coincide with periods of war, complicating the investment landscape. She maintains that her base case scenario for the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet growth remains a “gradual print,” where the Fed will end quantitative tightening and transition to a gradually rising balance sheet in line with normal GDP or bank deposit growth. Watch this video on YouTube Alden highlights that the war in Iran, while expensive, is not a game-changer for the U.S. economy in the short term. However, it adds variance and uncertainty to the gradual print scenario, pulling forward the risk of a more significant print if the conflict escalates. She notes that the Fed’s primary concerns are disruptions in the interbank lending market and the Treasury market, both of which have shown minor stress but remain stable. The discussion also touches on the impact of higher energy prices on the economy and the housing market. Alden believes that a prolonged energy price spike could affect housing affordability and market sentiment but does not expect a housing market collapse in the near term. She also discusses the role of liquidity in financial markets and how assets like Bitcoin and gold can serve as proxies for global liquidity. Alden concludes by advising investors to expect elevated shocks and headlines due to the current geopolitical and economic environment. Timestamps: Guest: Lyn Alden — Founder of Lyn Alden Investment Strategy Lyn Alden is editor and publisher of LynAlden.com, where she has both a subscription and a free financial newsletter. She says, "Her background lies at the intersection of engineering and finance." Her site provides investment research and strategy, covering stocks, precious metals, international equities, and alternative investments, with a specialization in asset allocation. Whether you're new to investing or experienced, there's a lot there for you. Lyn has a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a master's degree in engineering management, focusing on engineering economics and financial modeling. She oversees the finances and day-to-day operations of an engineering facility. She has been performing investment research for over fifteen years in various public and private capacities. Her work has been editorially featured or cited on Business Insider, Marketwatch, Time's Money Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Street, CNBC, US News and World Report, Kiplinger, and The Huffington Post. She has also appeared on Real Vision, The Investor's Podcast Network, The Rebel Capitalist Show, The Market Huddle, and many other podcasts. She is also a regular contributor to Seeking Alpha, FEDweek, and Elliot Wave Trader. X Website Amazon Book 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Bob Coleman: What Is Holding Back The Silver Market? | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:55:29 | |
Bob Coleman, Founder and President of Idaho Armored Vault, discusses the evolution of the gold and silver industry with your host Tom Bodrovics. Over the past five to six years, the industry has shifted from a focus on mining and monetary metals to a more casino-like atmosphere, driven by high-frequency trading and hedge funds. This shift has led to increased volatility and the dominance of paper markets over physical metals. Coleman highlights the role of ETFs like SLV and GLD, which are used for investment, hedging, and speculation, and how options and futures markets influence price movements. He notes that the physical metal remains the bedrock of the industry, but the price action is often driven by derivative strategies rather than physical demand. Watch this video on YouTube Bob also discusses the impact of high-frequency trading and algorithmic strategies on price movements, citing examples from October 2023 and January 2024. He explains how the dislocation of metal between exchanges and the tightening of borrowing rates can create volatility and affect the ability of market makers to create shares. Coleman raises concerns about the reliability of exchanges like the CME and LME, citing outages and the cancellation of trades, which can create uncertainty and reputational risk. He also discusses the role of margins in stabilizing or destabilizing markets and the potential for illiquidity to drive prices higher. Coleman advises investors to understand the fundamentals of the market, the market structure, and the risks associated with storing metals. He cautions against relying too heavily on AI and encourages critical thinking and diversification of knowledge sources. Coleman also touches on the potential impact of longer-dated calls on gold and the importance of understanding the strategies behind such trades. Timestamps: Guest: Bob Coleman — Founder and President of Idaho Armored Vault Bob Coleman is a Registered Investment Advisor since 1992. In 2001, he founded Profits Plus Capital Management, LLC (RIA) and Dollars and Sense Growth Fund. Recognizing the necessity for physical metal storage, he founded Idaho Armored Vaults and Gold Silver Vault in 2008. They are a distinguished and respected leader in the precious metals industry specializing in storage, transportation, shipping logistics, and security. X Website 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Edward Dowd: Three Risks The U.S. Can’t Stop – That Will Crash the Markets | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:32:28 | |
Edward Dowd, founding partner of Phinance Technologies and co-host of the Signal Vs. Noise Podcast, discusses several significant economic themes with Tom Bodrovics, including a potential housing crisis in the US, the bursting of the AI bubble, and China’s real estate and demographic challenges. Dowd highlights that a sustained oil price above $80 due to conflict with Iran could exacerbate the current economic situation, leading to deflationary pressures as consumers are already strained. Watch this video on YouTube The impending housing crisis, termed a “white swan” event, is driven by factors such as the post-COVID housing boom, increased property taxes, and rising interest rates. Dowd notes that the market is frozen due to unrealistic price expectations and affordability issues, with new home pending sales at an all-time low. This crisis could significantly impact the consumer economy, as housing constitutes about 20% of it. Dowd also addresses the AI bubble, suggesting that cracks are already appearing as credit markets question the growth rates and revenues of AI startups. He predicts that the AI bubble could burst this year, with credit markets playing a crucial role in this process. The discussion also touches on the differences between private credit and public credit cycles. Private credit, which has grown significantly post-2008, is more opaque and could lead to higher bid-ask spreads as the cycle unwinds. Dowd warns that this could create feedback loops, tightening credit and potentially freezing the market. Regarding the stock market, Dowd believes it has been stagnant since October 2022 and predicts a 30-50% drawdown. He advises having cash on hand to take advantage of opportunities during this deflationary scare. Dowd also discusses the potential for a new monetary system, suggesting that gold and silver will play a significant role and could reach much higher prices by 2030. Dowd sees the US dollar as a strong currency in the next 6-12 months and expects bonds to perform well due to declining growth expectations and deflationary pressures. He also highlights the potential contagion effects from China’s real estate and demographic crisis, which could impact its trading partners and, consequently, the global economy. Timestamps: Guest: Edward Dowd — Founding Partner - Phinance Technologies and Co-host of the Signal Vs. Noise Podcast Edward Dowd is a founding partner with Phinance Technologies. Edward worked on Wall Street the majority of his career most notably at Blackrock as a portfolio manager where he managed a $14 billion Growth equity portfolio for ten years. His book 'Cause Unknown: The Epidemic of Sudden Death in 2021 & 2022' propelled him as an alternative voice during the pandemic and the economic implications that continue to plague us today. Their unique alternative macroeconomic analysis of the global debt crisis and what may unfold has given many a deeper understanding of the global nature of our problems today. X GETTR LinkedIn Website 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Craig Tindale: Is AI Coming For Your Job? | 05 Mar 2026 | 01:00:35 | |
Craig Tindale, a private investor and writer of the CTindale Substack, joined your host Tom Bodrovics for an in-depth discussion on geopolitical dynamics, economic shifts, and the implications of artificial intelligence (AI). The conversation began with an analysis of the geopolitical situation in Iran, particularly focusing on the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Tindale emphasized that the strait is a critical choke point for global energy and trade, comparing it to the jugular vein of global commerce. He noted that while oil prices spiked during recent conflicts, the market’s initial lack of reaction to the 12-day war signaled a belief that oil shipping through the strait would not be significantly disrupted. Tindale delved into the concept of “titanium bolts”—small but crucial components that, if missing, can halt entire systems. He applied this analogy to the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that even if oil flow is maintained, the disruption of other critical supplies could have profound economic consequences.He highlighted the interdependence of global economies, using China as an example, noting that while China has significant oil reserves, it imports vast amounts of other essential goods, making it vulnerable to disruptions. The discussion then shifted to the role of AI in the global economy. Tindale argued that while AI is often portrayed as a job-killing technology, its impact is more nuanced. He pointed out that many jobs, particularly in white-collar sectors, have already been automated or outsourced. Tindale suggested that AI could fill gaps left by an aging workforce, particularly in sectors like aged care, where demand is expected to rise significantly.He also criticized the current marketing and implementation of AI, suggesting that companies are not effectively communicating the benefits and capabilities of the technology. Tindale and Bodrovics also explored the idea of decoupling between the U.S. and China, suggesting that while there is a political push for decoupling, the economic interdependence is too deep to be easily severed. They discussed the potential for a new geopolitical balance, where the U.S. and China might find a way to cooperate despite their differences. The conversation concluded with a reflection on the evolution of technology and society. Tindale emphasized the importance of understanding the physical and metabolic systems that underpin the economy, suggesting that the future will involve a rebalancing of global trade and a focus on sustainability and resilience. He advised listeners not to over-rely on predictions and to maintain a balanced perspective on the future.Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:39 – Iran Conflict and Oil Risks 00:07:30 – Strait of Hormuz Impacts 00:10:49 – China’s Energy Dependence 00:14:30 – US-China Strategic Balance 00:20:50 – Limits of Economic Decoupling 00:23:20 – State Capitalism and Industry 00:26:30 – Unrestricted Warfare Concepts 00:35:00 – AI Job Replacement Myths 00:45:00 – Demographics and AI Opportunities 00:56:10 – AI Marketing and Adoption 00:58:34 – Concluding Thoughts Guest: Craig Tindale — Private Investor and Publish of the CTindale Substack Craig Tindale is a private investor who has spent nearly four decades working in software development, business strategy, and infrastructure planning, including in leadership positions at Telstra, Oracle, and IBM. Additionally, he has direct experience working in east-to-west supply chains, including as the CEO and Asia Regional Director for DataDirect Technologies. He’s now pivoted to investing in groundbreaking ideas such as drone reforestation through Air Seed Technologies, and uses his knowledge of Chinese industrial strategy and Western tech demand to identify the choke points in Critical Metals markets. Most recently he released the white paper, Critical Materials: A Strategic Analysis, which offers a systems synthesis on how the race for rare earths and the return of material constraints is shaping geopolitical relationships. Substack X LinkedIn 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Peter Goodburn: Amid Iran Chaos 🚨 Gold & Silver Plunge – Rebound When? | 04 Mar 2026 | 01:03:06 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes Peter Goodburn, founding partner of WaveTrack International to the show. They discuss the impact of recent geopolitical events in the Middle East on financial markets, with a focus on commodities and metals. Goodburn, an advocate of Elliott Wave analysis, emphasized that this method discounts fundamental news, with price action preceding exogenous events. He cited the recent decline in precious metals, despite expectations of a safe-haven rally, as an example of this phenomenon. Goodburn also discussed the “shock pop drop” cycle, a concept he introduced in 2010 to explain the behavior of stock and commodity markets since the Great Depression. According to this framework, the financial crisis of 2008 was the “shock,” followed by a “pop” phase of commodity inflation, which is still ongoing and expected to last until the end of the decade. The subsequent “drop” phase will be characterized by a collapse in asset prices. Watch this video on YouTube Goodburn expects interest rates to rise significantly in the coming years, with the Fed funds rate potentially reaching 10%. He also discussed the implications of the US dollar’s bearish long-term outlook for commodities and the potential for a significant increase in oil prices in the future. Goodburn provided specific price targets for various commodities, including gold, silver, platinum, and uranium, based on Elliott Wave analysis. He also highlighted the importance of questioning mainstream narratives and conducting independent research in financial markets. Goodburn encouraged listeners to explore WaveTrack International’s reports and services for further insights. Timestamps: Guest: Peter Goodburn — Founding Partner of WaveTrack International Peter Goodburn is the founding partner of WaveTrack International. His trading experience spans back to the late 1970s working then in the commodities business for exchange members and their clients. In those earlier years of his career, he created the first OTC (over-the-counter) copper option product based upon the Comex (New York) contract around the mid-eighties, and in the same period, devised Opval, an option-evaluation software program that is currently used in many of the major market-making institutions of today. His fascination with price activity and how that related to the news flow within the markets captured his imagination early on. Peter's first annual diary of 1978 records his notes and remarks on how the interaction and relationship of fundamental news and price movement often contradicted themselves. Some years later, this was to ignite his interest in causal theory and naturally, the Elliott Wave Principle. He was first introduced to the Elliott Wave Principle in the mid-eighties listening to daily updates of financial commentary by Bob Beckman on LBC radio (London Broadcasting Company). This led him to the work of Frost/Prechter and their first re-publication of R.N.Elliott's (1871-1948) original treatise of 1938 (The Wave Principle) and 1946 (Nature’s Law – The Secret of the Universe), entitled "the Elliott Wave Principle" (1978). Peter’s a self-proclaimed purist of the Wave Principle but has developed a unique approach of geometric Ratio & Proportion that is instrumental in maintaining a dispassionate and objective view of the market. He has applied this analysis to every major asset class over the years, stocks, bonds, currencies & commodities, and promotes the importance of interdependency of the combined group. Peter has been a member of the U.K.’s Society of Technical Analysts (STA) for over twenty-five years and is a Certified Financial Technician recognized by the International Federation of Technical Analysts (IFTA). He has taught the Elliott Wave Principle to students at the London School of Economics as part of the STA’s diploma program and is a member of the Foundation for the Study of Cycles and the Society for Chaos Theory in Psychology and Life Sciences. He has published many of his forecasts in various journals over the last twenty years including Currency Confidential, Managed Derivatives, Investment Management, The Ringsider, Market Technician, and quoted by many others, including Metal Bulletin, The Speculator, Focus, Fund Investment, International Herald Tribune, and Reuters. It has brought him in contact with the many diverse fields of finance, delivering presentations for major industry governing bodies and many corporate clients. X Website 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Craig Tindale: The West is Sleepwalking into the Real War of a New Age | 26 Feb 2026 | 01:07:36 | |
Craig Tindale, a private investor and writer of the Craig Tindale Substack, discusses the “return of matter” with your host Tom Bodrovics, emphasizing the shift from a financialized economy to a material economy. Tindale argues that the West has outsourced manufacturing to countries like China, leading to a dependency on foreign supply chains for critical materials. This has created vulnerabilities, particularly in defense and technology sectors, where materials like gallium, tantalum, and rare earths are essential. Tindale highlights that China’s control over refining processes for these materials poses significant risks, as evidenced by shortages and strategic restrictions. He uses examples like silver and tantalum to illustrate how critical material deficiencies can disrupt industries and economies. Watch this video on YouTube Tindale criticizes the Western focus on optimizing for price, which has led to a stateless economic model that prioritizes lowest cost over sovereignty and security. He argues that this model has been exploited by state capitalist economies like China, which optimize for their own interests. Tindale suggests that the West needs to rebalance its economy by investing in domestic manufacturing and refining capabilities to ensure self-sufficiency and security. He references historical figures like Alexander Hamilton and contemporary issues like the F-35 fighter jet program to underscore the importance of maintaining industrial independence. Tindale also discusses the role of passive investing and the Federal Reserve in exacerbating economic imbalances, and he advocates for a more balanced approach that values the material economy alongside the financial one. He concludes by encouraging investment in innovative companies that are developing new technologies for refining and producing critical materials, suggesting that these companies will be the future leaders in a world increasingly aware of supply chain vulnerabilities. Timestamps: Guest: Craig Tindale — Private Investor and Publish of the CTindale Substack Craig Tindale is a private investor who has spent nearly four decades working in software development, business strategy, and infrastructure planning, including in leadership positions at Telstra, Oracle, and IBM. Additionally, he has direct experience working in east-to-west supply chains, including as the CEO and Asia Regional Director for DataDirect Technologies. He’s now pivoted to investing in groundbreaking ideas such as drone reforestation through Air Seed Technologies, and uses his knowledge of Chinese industrial strategy and Western tech demand to identify the choke points in Critical Metals markets. Most recently he released the white paper, Critical Materials: A Strategic Analysis, which offers a systems synthesis on how the race for rare earths and the return of material constraints is shaping geopolitical relationships. Substack X LinkedIn 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Louis-Vincent Gave: China Has a Crisis of Confidence | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:55:21 | |
Tom welcomes Louis-Vincent Gave to the show. Louis is Founding Partner & CEO of Gavekal Group, and he discusses his unique perspective on global economics, drawing from his extensive experience in Asia, particularly China. Gave argues that China has shifted from being a deflationary force to a reflationary one, a change driven by China’s strategic de-westernization of its supply chains, which initially led to a real estate bust and reduced domestic consumption. However, China’s newfound competitiveness in high-value industries has positioned it as a significant global economic force. Gave highlights that China’s policy shift towards stimulating domestic consumption and reducing reliance on exports will have global implications, potentially forcing Western policymakers to reassess their fiscal and monetary policies. Watch this video on YouTube Gave also delves into the complexities of China’s internal issues, such as youth unemployment, stagnant wage growth, and the impact of real estate market fluctuations on consumer confidence. He emphasizes that China’s challenges are not merely economic but also psychological, with confidence being a critical factor in reviving the economy. The discussion touches on the role of precious metals in China, noting that Asian investors, particularly from China, Japan, and South Korea, have been significant buyers of gold and silver, viewing them as a hedge against low interest rates rather than just inflation. The conversation also explores the potential geopolitical shifts, particularly the mending of relationships between China, India, and Russia. Gave speculates that this trilateral cooperation could lead to a significant economic boom, driven by the complementary strengths of these nations. He compares this potential shift to historical reconciliations, such as the rapprochement between France and Germany after centuries of conflict. Gave introduces the Gavekal asset allocation grid, which categorizes economic conditions into four quadrants: inflationary boom, inflationary bust, deflationary boom, and deflationary bust. He argues that the current global economic environment is characterized by an inflationary boom, driven by loose fiscal and monetary policies. This context makes bonds a less attractive asset class, while commodities and equities are more favorable. In conclusion, Gave shares his belief that China’s current economic situation mirrors the U.S. in 2009-2010, where weak growth and stimulus led to strong stock market performance. He suggests that this dynamic is often misunderstood, as many believe strong economic growth is necessary for a robust stock market. Gave’s insights provide a nuanced view of China’s economic trajectory and its global implications, offering valuable perspectives for investors and economists alike. Timestamps: Guest: Louis-Vincent Gave — Founding Partner & Chief Executive Officer of Gavekal Group After receiving his bachelor's degree from Duke University and studying Mandarin at Nanjing University, Louis joined the French Army where he served as a second lieutenant in a mountain infantry battalion. After a couple of years, Louis left the army and joined Paribas where he worked as a financial analyst—first in Paris, then in Hong Kong. Louis left Paribas in 1998 to launch Gavekal with his father Charles and Anatole Kaletsky. The idea at the time was that Asia was set to become an ever more important factor in global growth, and that consequently Gavekal needed to offer its clients more information, and more ideas, relating to Asia. Louis has written seven books, the latest being Avoiding the Punch: Investing in Uncertain Times which reviews how to build a portfolio at a time of rising geostrategic strife, and when very low interest rates and stretched valuations on most assets announce constrained returns on most assets over the next decade. Louis speaks English and French. He spent many hours studying Mandarin and Spanish, which he once spoke decently. He is married with two sons and two daughters. X Website 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Graham Summers: Why It’s Time for the Miners to Outpace Gold’s Gains | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:46:14 | |
Tom welcomes back Graham Summers, President and Chief Market Strategist for Phoenix Capital Research, to discuss the current state of the Federal Reserve under Jerome Powell, highlighting several controversies and strategic moves. Summers notes that the Powell Fed has been embroiled in scandals, including insider trading by senior officials, which went unpunished. He also criticizes the Fed’s shift in focus towards issues like climate change and racial discrimination, arguing that these topics are outside the Fed’s mandate of managing inflation and employment. Summers is particularly critical of Powell’s initial dismissal of inflation as transitory, which he sees as a politically motivated move to secure his reappointment. Watch this video on YouTube The discussion also touches on President Trump’s attempts to control the Fed, including pressuring it to cut rates and replace officials like Lisa Cook, who was accused of mortgage fraud. Summers suggests that Trump’s actions are strategic, aimed at securing more control over monetary policy, especially in light of potential political challenges in the midterms. He also discusses the appointment of Kevin Warsh as Fed chair, noting Warsh’s historical opposition to aggressive monetary easing, which seems at odds with Trump’s current stance. Summers further explores the economic implications of the Fed’s actions, arguing that the current strategy of running the economy hot and trying to lock in low-interest rates is a strategic move given the high levels of debt and spending. He expresses concern about the potential for inflation to rise again and the economic impact of an AI-induced depression. Summers believes that while AI will significantly shift the economy, it is not likely to cause a jobs apocalypse but rather a transformation in how people work with technology. The conversation also delves into the market’s reaction to AI, with Summers noting that AI stocks have been a significant driver of market gains but may be overvalued. He predicts a rotation away from the Magnificent 7 (Mag 7) tech stocks towards other sectors and hard assets like copper and lithium, which are essential for AI infrastructure. Summers sees this as a potential inflationary move and highlights the strategic importance of the AI arms race between the U.S. and China. He also discusses the role of gold as a safe haven asset, noting the recent tectonic shifts in gold’s market dynamics and its potential as an investment. Timestamps: Guest: Graham Summers — President and Chief Market Strategist for Phoenix Capital Research Graham Summers, MBA is a world-renowned expert in central bank policy and its impact on the financial markets. With over 20 years of experience in market analysis and investment strategy, Graham has personally analyzed over 1,000 businesses and countless investment opportunities. His investment strategies encompass six different asset classes ranging from emerging markets to currencies to real estate . Together, his work has translated to unparalleled capital gains, with his clients outperforming the markets during some of the most volatile periods in capitalism. A best-selling author and acclaimed communicator, Graham’s cutting-edge investment and economic insights have been featured in dozens of media outlets around the world including CNN Money, Fox Business, Rolling Stone Magazine, Crain’s New York Business, MoneyTalk Radio, and The Huffington Post among many others. Graham earned his MBA from the prestigious Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. X Website Book 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Keith Weiner: Avoiding the Beatings at the Hands of the Fed | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:49:19 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes back Keith Weiner, CEO and Founder of Monetary Metals, to discuss their 2026 Gold Outlook Report and the current state of the gold and silver markets. Weiner expresses that the gold market is in a bull phase, with prices exceeding his conservative targets. He attributes this to a global search for an alternative to the U.S. dollar, which, despite its flaws, is still widely desired. Weiner argues that gold is emerging as the ultimate settlement currency due to the failures of other candidates like the Indian rupee, Chinese yuan, and even crypto-currencies. Watch this video on YouTube Keith also discusses the role of silver, which he sees as a monetary metal rather than just an industrial commodity. He notes that as gold prices rise, more people, especially those in lower-income brackets, are turning to silver as a more affordable store of value. This substitution effect is driving up silver prices and increasing its monetary demand. Weiner also touches on the concept of backwardation in the silver market, where the cost of hedging makes it difficult for refiners to process silver, potentially leading to a shortage. The conversation also covers the volatility in gold and silver prices, which Weiner attributes to the dollar’s instability. He argues that this volatility is not conducive to the metals’ use as money and that the recent price swings have been driven by speculative trading rather than fundamental demand. Weiner also shares his views on Bitcoin, which he sees as more of a speculative asset than a store of value, and the future of the U.S. dollar, which he believes is inevitable but not imminent. Timestamps: Guest: Keith Weiner — CEO & Founder of Monetary Metals Keith Weiner is the founder and CEO of Monetary Metals, an investment firm that is unlocking the productivity of gold. Most people regard gold as a dry asset, to lock away in a vault, incurring storage fees. Many are waiting for it to rise in price. Keith and Monetary Metals are on a mission to change this. Gold should once again serve to finance productive enterprises and extinguish debts. The dollar performs one of these functions, but not the other. Bitcoin cannot finance anything, as no business can borrow a currency that’s expected to go up a hundred times. Gold is the one thing that fills both roles, par excellence. Keith writes and speaks extensively, based on his unique views of gold, the dollar, credit, the bond market, and interest rates. When he is not working on the business, he is developing his theory of monetary science, and an arbitrage theory of economics. Keith also serves as founder and President of the Gold Standard Institute USA. His work was instrumental in the passing of gold legal tender laws in the state of Arizona in 2017. He has met with central bankers, legislators, and government officials around the world. X Website Website Facebook 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Chris Rutherglen: The Rate Cutting Cycle Is Not Over, It Will Drive Metals to Far Higher Highs | 12 Feb 2026 | 01:06:09 | |
Tom welcomes back Chris Rutherglen, a PhD scientist, engineer, CFA, and publisher of ‘The Gold Investor Research’ Substack to discuss his gold and silver price targets and the data-driven, fundamental, and technical arguments behind them. Rutherglen predicts that gold will reach a target of around $6,500 to $6,700 by summer to October 2024, before the mid-term elections. For silver, he expects a target of approximately $175, also within the same timeframe. He bases these predictions on historical cycles, the Fed Funds rate, and other economic indicators. Watch this video on YouTube Rutherglen explains that gold prices tend to rise during the declining phase of the Fed Funds rate cycle and peak around the midway point of this cycle. He also notes that the S&P 500 and real yields are leading indicators for gold’s peak. Currently, neither indicator suggests that gold is at its peak. Rutherglen also discusses the money supply and its relationship with gold prices, arguing that the Fed’s actions often do not align with their stated narratives. He also highlights the importance of the 10-year real yield, which tends to decline as gold prices peak. Currently, the 10-year real yield is still above 2%, suggesting that gold prices still have room to rise. Rutherglen also mentions the potential for a significant drop in gold prices after the peak, followed by a QE period where gold prices could reach even higher levels. Rutherglen also discusses the volatility in gold and silver prices, noting that increased volatility near the end of a cycle is normal. He suggests that the current volatility is not a sign of an impending crash but rather a sign that the market is getting closer to its peak. He also discusses the commitment of traders reports, noting that a decline in managed money traders’ positions can be an early warning sign of a peak in gold prices. Finally, Rutherglen cautions against using simple price-to-earnings ratios for mining stocks, as they do not account for changes in production levels. He suggests using an instantaneous price-to-revenue ratio as a better metric. He also identifies B2 Gold as a potential investment opportunity due to its low production costs and upcoming changes in its production profile. Timestamps: Guest: Chris Rutherglen — PhD Scientist/Engineer, CFA, & Publisher 'The Gold Investor Research' Substack Chris Rutherglen is a private investor whose primary occupation is in science & engineering with a focus on novel semiconductor devices for microwave and mm-wave applications. He began investing in the precious metal space in 2003 and has done well following a value-oriented investment approach. Although he has never been employed in the finance/investment field professionally, he did complete level 3 of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program in 2011. Chris has a BS in physics from the California Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Electrical Computer Engineering from the University of California, Irvin Substack X 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Chris Vermeulen: The Hidden Signals That Could Predict the Next Market Crash | 13 May 2026 | 00:48:45 | |
In this episode of The Competent Investor, Chris Vermeulen, founder of The Technical Traders, discusses the current market environment with your host Tom. Vermeulen observes that the market is exhibiting signs of a potential blow-off top, driven by FOMO and a strong risk-on sentiment. Investors are piling into technology, AI, small caps, and speculative stocks, while defensive sectors like utilities and dividend-paying stocks lag. He emphasizes that extreme bullish sentiment is a contrarian indicator, warning that when the herd is all moving in one direction, it may signal a crowded trade. However, he cautions that this does not mean the market cannot go higher; bubbles can persist. Watch this video on YouTube Vermeulen explains his approach to market analysis, which integrates price, time, and sentiment. He uses money flow indicators to determine when to be long or short, rather than relying on news or geopolitical events. He recounts how many subscribers missed a recent rally due to fears over the Iran war, highlighting the importance of following a disciplined strategy and not cherry-picking trades based on emotion. Regarding precious metals, Vermeulen notes that silver has shown a strong breakout, but gold has not confirmed the move. He advises waiting for gold to signal a clear uptrend before committing to the sector. He also discusses the dollar’s indecision and its correlation with metals and equities. Vermeulen recommends that investors manage risk by raising cash and not adding to positions after a strong rally. For younger investors, he stresses the importance of accumulating assets like real estate, equities, and whole life insurance to build long-term wealth. He concludes that while the equity trend remains up, caution is warranted, and money may rotate into precious metals if the stock market stalls. Timestamps: Guest: Chris Vermeulen — Founder & Chief Investment Officer, The Technical Traders Chris Vermeulen is the Founder & Chief Investment Officer of The Technical Traders and the visionary mind behind Asset Revesting. In his book Asset Revesting – How to Exclusively Hold Assets Rising in Value, Profit During Bear Markets, and Continue Building Wealth in Retirement, he lays out this investment framework. Chris launched his financial career at 16, parlaying his knack for trading and risk management into funding his final year of college, where he earned a business diploma in operations management. By his twenties, he had achieved financial independence as a full-time entrepreneur and trader. After a setback—blowing up a trading account—Chris dedicated himself to treating trading as a business, completing the Trading Strategy Mastery and Trading Is Your Business courses. A technical analysis expert, he devises systematic methods to spot market opportunities and control portfolio risk, rejecting traditional buy-and-hold approaches that cling to depreciating assets. His efficient asset allocation models balance short- and long-term strategies to minimize drawdowns and consistently outperform benchmarks. Those seeking reliable capital preservation and growth turn to his proven techniques. Website X 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Doomberg: Passing the Turing Test of Authentic News vs Fake | 10 Feb 2026 | 01:04:32 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes back Doomberg for a discussion focusing on the future landscape of the world in the next decade, particularly from economic and geopolitical perspectives. Doomberg highlights the rapid advancement of AI, predicting significant changes in technology and society. He notes that AI tools are becoming increasingly accessible, democratizing technology and accelerating innovation, but also raising concerns about the lack of regulatory guardrails. Watch this video on YouTube Doomberg also discusses the impending shift in global power dynamics, moving from a US-dominated world to a multipolar system with competing powers like Russia and China. He argues that the US dollar’s status as a global reserve currency is under threat due to geopolitical tensions and the increasing use of sanctions, leading to a potential bifurcation of trading systems. He also points out the strategic importance of gold as a neutral asset, especially in light of the freezing of Russian foreign assets. The conversation touches on the aging leadership in the US and the potential for younger, more dynamic figures to emerge. Doomberg expresses concern about the suppression of political talent and the ethical challenges of ascending to power. He also discusses the potential for significant changes in Canada, particularly regarding its energy policies and political stability, with a focus on the role of Prime Minister Pierre Poilievre. Doomberg shares insights on the impact of AI on energy production, predicting that AI will drive down the real price of commodities and enable new energy developments. He also discusses the challenges of navigating information in the digital age, highlighting the role of social media in shaping narratives and the potential for AI to exacerbate misinformation. Timestamps: Guest: Doomberg — Head Writer For The Doomberg Team and Creator of the Doomberg Substack Doomberg is the anonymous publishing arm of a bespoke consulting firm providing advisory services to family offices and c-suite executives. Its principals apply their decades of experience across heavy industry, private equity, and finance to deliver innovative thinking and clarity to complex problems. Substack X Website 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| James Anderson: This Gold and Silver Volatility Should get Your Attention | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:55:34 | |
Tom welcomes James Anderson, author and Head of Research at SD Bullion, to discuss the current volatility in the silver market. Anderson attributes the volatility to a combination of physical premiums, especially in the Eastern markets, and leveraged derivatives. He explains that the price of silver is influenced by both physical demand and derivative trading, with recent significant sell-offs driven by options betting. Anderson advises investors to hold physical silver outside the system to avoid short-term market volatility and to keep allocations limited to single digits for swing trading due to the dominance of professional traders with more firepower and information. Watch this video on YouTube The conversation shifts to the impact of month-end and options expiry on volatility, with Anderson noting that options trading involves significant risk but can be profitable with a long-term view. He cautions about the influence of retail traders and meme stocks on the market, suggesting that the “call wall” around $100 SLB (Silver) was a significant level that influenced recent price movements. Anderson also discusses the differences between gold and silver markets, highlighting the role of leverage and gambling in both Western and Eastern markets, particularly in China. Anderson provides historical context for the current silver market, noting that the price of silver has re-rated significantly in the past five decades, with key rebalancing points occurring in 1974, 1980, 2006, 2008, and 2011. He predicts that the current rebalancing could lead to much higher prices, with silver potentially reaching four digits. Anderson also discusses the challenges of increasing metals market literacy, citing the prevalence of misinformation and the complexity of the silver market, which includes both industrial and investment demand. He advises investors to conduct thorough research and understand the market dynamics before making investment decisions. The discussion also touches on the supply deficits in the silver market, with Anderson noting that both the Western and Eastern markets are experiencing tightness in inventory levels. He predicts that industrial players, such as Samsung, may go directly to silver producers to secure metal for their processes. Anderson also discusses the role of short positions held by bullion banks and the potential for arbitrage plays in the market. Anderson concludes by discussing the potential for a multi-decade top in both gold and silver, predicting that silver could reach $400 an ounce or more in the long term. He advises investors to think in terms of ratios, such as gold versus the Dow Jones Industrial Average, to understand the relative value of precious metals. Anderson also notes that the current price of housing relative to gold is similar to the 1980 levels, suggesting that gold and silver could appreciate significantly in the coming years. He encourages listeners to stay informed and patient in navigating the volatile precious metals market. Timestamps: Guest: James Anderson — Author and Head of Research at SD Bullion A bullion buyer years before the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, James Anderson is a grounded precious metals researcher, content creator, and physical investment grade bullion professional. He has authored several Gold & Silver Guides and been featured on the History Channel, Zero Hedge, Gold-Eagle, Silver Seek, Value Walk, and many more. Given that repressed commodity values are now near 100-year low-level valuations versus large US stocks, investors and savers should buy and maintain a prudent physical bullion position. Continued stimulus and unfunded promises will only debase the dollar further. Website X YouTube Blog 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Peter Schiff: The Gold & Silver Sell-Off Was a Coordinated Raid by Trump Administration | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:30:20 | |
Tom welcomes Peter Schiff, CEO of Euro Pacific Asset Management and Chairman of Schiff Gold to discusses recent dramatic moves in the metals market, particularly the pullbacks in silver and gold. Schiff emphasizes that despite these declines, both metals have made significant progress, with silver still 50% above its previous highs and gold having its best January ever. He attributes the sell-off to a coordinated effort by the Trump administration to dampen the metals’ warning signals of an impending dollar and sovereign debt crisis. Schiff suggests that the nomination of Jerome Powell as Fed Chair was a strategic move to maintain the appearance of Fed independence while continuing to pursue inflationary policies. Watch this video on YouTube Peter also discusses the role of banks with large short positions in metals, noting that their troubles have been temporarily alleviated but not resolved. He expresses skepticism about Bitcoin, viewing it as a bubble that has benefitted from gold’s stagnation and political support, particularly from the Trump administration. He predicts that Bitcoin’s price would be much lower without significant investments, notably from Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy. Schiff also shares his observations from El Salvador, where Bitcoin adoption is not as widespread as often portrayed. He discusses the influence of the Fed Chair, comparing the roles of Greenspan and Powell, and highlights the importance of gold as an economic indicator. Schiff warns of an impending economic crisis characterized by high inflation, empty shelves, and significant unemployment, potentially worse than the Great Depression. He advises that the current sell-off in metals presents a buying opportunity for those understanding the fundamentals and the potential for further price increases. Schiff concludes that the next leg of the metals market could bring more mainstream investors into the space. Timestamps: Guest: Peter Schiff — CEO of Euro Pacific Asset Management, and Chairman of Schiff Gold Peter Schiff is an honorary chairman of SchiffGold, founder of Euro Pacific Asset Management, and host of The Peter Schiff Show. Peter is an economic forecaster and investment advisor influenced by the free-market Austrian School of economics. He is one of the few forecasters who accurately and publicly predicted the 2007 housing market collapse and subsequent 2008 financial crisis. His latest best-selling book, The Real Crash: America's Coming Bankruptcy - How to Save Yourself and Your Country, warns that the 2008 crisis was just the prelude to a larger sovereign debt crisis in the United States that may lead to a collapse of the US dollar. Peter recommends long-term investment in foreign markets with sound fiscal policies, as well as global commodities including buying gold, silver and other physical precious metals. Podcast Website Website X YouTube 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| David Hunter: 🚨 Intermediate Tops for Gold and Silver are Close ⚠ | 30 Jan 2026 | 01:08:00 | |
David Hunter, Chief Macro Strategist with Contrarian Macro Advisors, discusses his outlook on the equity markets and the broader economy. Hunter has consistently predicted a melt-up scenario, and he has recently raised his targets for the S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow, and Russell indices. He believes that the current bull market will continue to climb, driven by improving sentiment among institutional investors, who have been cautious but are now more bullish. However, he foresees a significant downturn, or “bust,” in the near future, characterized by a severe recession and a financial crisis. This bust is likely to be triggered by issues in Europe, China, or Japan, exacerbated by high levels of leverage and potential policy mistakes by central banks. Watch this video on YouTube Hunter expects the bust to be more severe than the 2008-2009 financial crisis, with a potential 80% decline in the equity markets. He anticipates a delayed and inadequate response from central banks, leading to a prolonged period of economic distress. Despite this grim outlook, Hunter sees opportunities in commodities and precious metals post-bust, as these assets are likely to appreciate significantly in the inflationary environment that follows. He advises investors to prepare for the bust by reducing debt and positioning themselves to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise during the recovery. Hunter also discusses the potential for a gold-backed bond and the future of the bond market, predicting that bond yields could drop significantly during the bust. Timestamps: Guest: David Hunter — Chief Macro Strategist with Contrarian Macro Advisors David is Chief Macro Strategist with Contrarian Macro Advisors. He is an investment professional with 25 years of investment management experience and 21 years as a sell-side strategist with robust macroeconomic analysis and portfolio management expertise. His strong macro capabilities, combined with a contrarian philosophy, have allowed him to forecast economic cycles and spot market trends well ahead of the consensus. Intellectually honest, independent thinker comfortable with charting a course apart from the crowd. X 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Chris MacIntosh: These Stocks are Too Cheap to Ignore in the Age of Uncertainty | 29 Jan 2026 | 01:11:51 | |
Chris MacIntosh, a hedge fund manager and founder of Capitalist Exploits, discusses the current economic and investment landscape with your host Tom Bodrovics. Tom describes the era from 2020 to 2025 as the “age of uncertainty,” characterized by a loss of faith in institutions and a shift away from accountability. Chris argues that this uncertainty is interrelated with accountability issues, creating a feedback loop where people are less inclined to take responsibility for understanding global events. MacIntosh emphasizes the importance of understanding broader macro trends and positioning investments accordingly. He cautions against the emotional and impulsive decision-making often driven by short-term market noise, advocating instead for a disciplined, long-term investment approach. This involves focusing on probability and managing risk through position sizing, rather than trying to predict specific outcomes. Watch this video on YouTube MacIntosh highlights the potential opportunities in precious metals, agriculture, and other hard assets, given the current debt levels and potential for currency debasement. He also discusses the importance of diversification and the need to be adaptable in an increasingly uncertain world. He mentions the potential for capital controls in Europe and the UK, which could drive capital flows to places like Argentina, where there are significant investment opportunities, particularly in the oil sector. Chris also touches on the importance of being a generalist in today’s rapidly changing world, as specialization can limit one’s ability to adapt to new challenges. He encourages listeners to build mental muscle by exposing themselves to a wide range of information and skills, making them more valuable and adaptable in an age of uncertainty. Timestamps: Guest: Chris MacIntosh — Hedge Fund Manager and Founder of Capitalist Exploits Raised in Southern Africa, Chris Macintosh has since lived and invested from sevent different countries. After a career at top-tier investment banks such as JP Morgan, Lehman, Robert Flemmings and Invesco, Chris became tired of corporate life, and has since built and sold multiple million dollar companies, overseen $35 million into venture capital, all the while investing full time, and managing his own and private client wealth. X Website 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Ronald Stein: Energy vs Electricity | Separating Energy Facts from Fiction | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:35:25 | |
Tom Bodrovics interviews Ronald Stein, an engineer, columnist, and advisor on energy literacy, to discuss the public’s misunderstanding of energy, particularly fossil fuels. Stein argues that the term “energy” is often misused, with people confusing it with electricity. He emphasizes that the world’s population growth and development over the past 200 years are due to the products derived from fossil fuels, not the energy itself. These products include materials for hospitals, airports, and other infrastructure that did not exist two centuries ago. Watch this video on YouTube Stein highlights the materialistic nature of society and the challenge of finding replacements for the thousands of products made from fossil fuels. He criticizes the focus on wind and solar power, noting that these sources only generate electricity and cannot produce the materials needed for modern life. He also discusses the double standard in the reclamation of wind and solar infrastructure compared to fossil fuel facilities. The conversation touches on the environmental impact of mining for materials used in green technologies and the ethical implications of exploiting workers in developing countries to extract resources like lithium and cobalt. Stein advocates for a more nuanced understanding of energy and the need for a sober analysis of how to transition to less dense and less reliable energy sources. Stein also discusses the potential of nuclear power as a viable option for electricity generation, citing its efficiency and reliability. He criticizes the regulatory hurdles and public perception issues that have hindered the growth of nuclear power in the United States. They also cover the challenges of modernizing the U.S. grid to handle increased electricity demand, particularly from electric vehicles, and the potential financial implications for states like California. Timestamps: Guest: Ronald Stein — Engineer, Columnist, Advisor on Energy Literacy and Accomplished Author Ronald Stein, P.E., is an engineer, columnist on energy literacy at America Out Loud NEWS, and advisor on energy literacy for the Heartland Institute and CFACT, and co-author of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated book “Clean Energy Exploitations.” He is also the recipient of an unsolicited Tribute to Ronald Stein from Stephen Heins Articles Website Book 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Chris Vermeulen: 2026 Could Spark a Global Market & Metals Reset | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:54:10 | |
Chris Vermeulen, founder and chief market strategist of TheTechnicalTraders.com, shares his insights on the current market conditions and future outlook with host Tom Bodrovics. Vermeulen highlighted several warning signs in the market, including record highs in gold, silver, home prices, copper, platinum, money market funds, US debt, deficit spending, and household debt. He emphasizes that the surge in precious metals indicates a lack of trust in the economy and financial systems, suggesting an impending correction or crisis. Vermeulen discusses the historical context of precious metal rallies, noting that similar patterns occurred before major financial events like the 2007 financial crisis and the tech bubble. He also points out the current AI bubble and the influx of venture capital into AI investments, comparing it to past bubbles that eventually burst. Watch this video on YouTube The discussion also touched on the record number of trillion-dollar IPOs, such as SpaceX and OpenAI, which Vermeulen sees as a warning sign of a market peak. Vermeulen’s trading strategy focuses on technical analysis.He avoids trying to pick bottoms or tops and instead looks for confirmed uptrends to enter positions. He also uses Fibonacci retracement levels to manage risk and identify potential pullbacks in precious metals. Vermeulen expects significant corrections in gold and silver, with gold potentially pulling back to $3,100-$3,600 and silver to $70-$60 before resuming their uptrends. The conversation also covered the impact of news-driven events on the market, with Vermeulen advising against trading based on news alone. He prefers to follow the charts, which reflect the collective psychology and actions of market participants. Chris also discusses the potential for a massive reset in oil prices, predicting a move down to the $45 per barrel range due to a glut of supply and decreasing demand. Vermeulen expresses concern about the potential for a significant financial reset in the near future, citing various warning signs and historical cycles. He advises listeners to have a game plan and be prepared for potential market downturns, as the current environment could be particularly challenging for those close to or in retirement. Despite his bearish outlook, Vermelez is still long equities and precious metals, expecting short-term upside before a potential correction. Timestamps: Guest: Chris Vermeulen — Founder & Chief Investment Officer, The Technical Traders Chris Vermeulen is the Founder & Chief Investment Officer of The Technical Traders and the visionary mind behind Asset Revesting. In his book Asset Revesting – How to Exclusively Hold Assets Rising in Value, Profit During Bear Markets, and Continue Building Wealth in Retirement, he lays out this investment framework. Chris launched his financial career at 16, parlaying his knack for trading and risk management into funding his final year of college, where he earned a business diploma in operations management. By his twenties, he had achieved financial independence as a full-time entrepreneur and trader. After a setback—blowing up a trading account—Chris dedicated himself to treating trading as a business, completing the Trading Strategy Mastery and Trading Is Your Business courses. A technical analysis expert, he devises systematic methods to spot market opportunities and control portfolio risk, rejecting traditional buy-and-hold approaches that cling to depreciating assets. His efficient asset allocation models balance short- and long-term strategies to minimize drawdowns and consistently outperform benchmarks. Those seeking reliable capital preservation and growth turn to his proven techniques. Website X 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Paul Musson: Paths to Prosperity | Understanding Money to Build Financial Freedom | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:56:53 | |
Tom Bodrovics interviews Paul Musson, author of “Capital Offense: Why Some Benefit at Your Expense,” to discuss the current state of the monetary system and its impact on individuals. Musson’s primary goal with the book is to educate and empower people, particularly those outside the investment industry, about the monetary system and the consequences of excessive deficit spending. He argues that the current system is unsustainable and that policymakers, while not malicious, are driven by incentives that lead to detrimental economic policies. Paul explains the evolution of the monetary system, from the classical gold standard to the current fiat currency system, and argues that the continuous increase in the money supply without a corresponding increase in goods leads to inflation. He emphasizes that the natural rate of interest, determined by market forces, is crucial for efficient capital allocation and economic growth, contrasting it with the neutral rate manipulated by central banks to stimulate economic activity. Watch this video on YouTube The discussion also covers the distinction between capital and money, with Musson highlighting that capital is created through production and exchange, while money is a medium of exchange. He argues that increasing the money supply without increasing capital leads to a redistribution of wealth from those who do not own assets to those who do, a process he refers to as “capital offense.” Musson advises listeners to be cautious in their investment strategies, given the current economic environment. He recommends investing in high-quality businesses with strong balance sheets and considers gold as a hedge against potential financial repression or economic turmoil. He also emphasizes the importance of financial education and seeking advice from reputable financial advisors. Throughout the interview, Musson stresses the need for a controlled implosion of the current system to avoid a catastrophic financial crisis, which could lead to a shift towards socialism. He encourages listeners to demand better policies from policymakers and to understand the true nature of money and capital to navigate the complex economic landscape effectively. Timestamps: Guest: Paul Musson — Author and Financial Consultant - Paddington Capital Management Paul was a professional investor for 25 years managing $10 billion in assets. Most of his time was spent with Mackenzie Investments in Toronto. Today, he runs his own investment consulting firm called Paddington Capital Management and has a free weekly blog called Paulitical Economy which discusses things that are going on in the world but in very easy to understand terms. His book, Capital Offence: Why Some Benefit at Your Expense was recently published and is also available on Audible. The goal in writing the book was to educate people with respect to how an economy really works and thus empower people to demand positive change from our policymakers. His hobbies/pastimes include birding, cycling and soccer. He's also a steam train enthusiast. X LinkedIn Website 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Axel Merk: Fed Independence Under Threat Means More Tailwinds for Gold | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:52:05 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes Axel Merk, the founder, CEO, and CIO of Merk Investments to the show. Together they focus 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. Watch this video on YouTube Merk notes that gold miners are currently experiencing better margin expansion, which could attract more capital. He 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. Axel 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. Timestamps: Guest: Axel Merk — Founder, CEO, and CIO of Merk Investments Axel Merk is the President and Chief Investment Officer of Merk Investments, manager of the Merk Funds. Founder of the firm bearing his name, Merk is an expert on macro trends. He is a sought-after speaker, contributor, and author; Axel Merk’s book, Sustainable Wealth, describes how the greater economic universe works, how it might affect your finances, and how to manage those finances to seek financial stability. Axel Merk holds a B.A. in Economics (magna cum laude) and an M.Sc. in Computer Science from Brown University. Axel Merk founded Merk Investments in Switzerland in 1994; in 2001, he relocated the business to California. He has grown Merk Investments into an investment advisory firm offering investment funds and advisory services on liquid global markets, including domestic and international equities, fixed income, commodities, and currencies. Axel lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and their four children. Furthermore, he is a marathon runner and a private pilot. X Website Website LinkedIn Book 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Mike McGlone: The Silver Top | Are We Truly Just Percentage Points from the Edge? | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:43:25 | |
Tom welcomes Mike McGlone, Senior Commodity Strategist for Bloomberg Intelligence, to share his insights on various commodities, with a significant focus on silver and gold. McGlone expresses concerns 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 advises caution, indicating that the high price could incentivize supply and de-incentivize demand, potentially leading to a correction. Watch this video on YouTube McGlone also discusses 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 highlights 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 touches 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 advises listeners to be cautious and to look for opportunities to lighten up on rapidly appreciating risk assets. He suggests the current environment could be an ideal opportunity for traders to take advantage of volatility and to be underweight on risk assets. Timestamps: Guest: Mike McGlone — Senior Commodity Strategist for Bloomberg Intelligence Mike McGlone is a senior commodity strategist for Bloomberg Intelligence, a unique research platform that provides context on industries, companies, and government policy, available on the Bloomberg Professional service at BI(GO). Mr. McGlone specializes in the broad investible commodity markets. Mr. McGlone joined Bloomberg in 2016 with over 25 years of futures and commodity trading and investing experience, beginning at the Chicago Board of Trade. Prior to joining Bloomberg, he was a head of US research at ETF Securities. Prior to ETF Securities, Mr. McGlone headed the commodity business at S&P Indices. His previous roles included head of futures research at ABN Amro and VP research, analyst, trader, sales at Aubrey G. Lanston / IBJ Futures. Mr. McGlone has an MBA from DePaul University in Chicago and bachelor's of science and arts degrees from Illinois State University. He is a CFA Charter holder and has earned a Financial Risk Manager designation. X LinkedIn 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Danielle DiMartino Booth: Warsh’s Fed Takeover | A Quiet Coup Brewing? | 07 May 2026 | 00:30:11 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes back Danielle DiMartino Booth, CEO and Chief Strategist for Quill Intelligence LLC, for a discussion on the economic landscape and the Federal Reserve’s role. DiMartino Booth highlights the complexities surrounding Jerome Powell’s potential departure from the Fed, noting that while Powell has faced criminal charges, he is likely to stay to protect his integrity and prevent a Trump-appointed successor. She draws a historical parallel to Mariner Eccles’ tenure, suggesting that Powell’s presence ensures a separation between the Treasury and the Fed’s monetary policy. Watch this video on YouTube The conversation also touches on the Fed’s communication strategies and the potential for a liquidity crisis, with DiMartino Booth advising incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh to prepare for such an event. Danielle emphasizes that the U.S. is already in a recession, evidenced by job losses and GDP revisions. She points out the impact of rising oil prices and the potential for a prolonged recession, noting that the oil shock could exacerbate existing economic issues. Danielle also explores the implications of high levels of household debt and the potential for a debt jubilee or other unconventional economic measures. Timestamps: Guest: Danielle DiMartino Booth — CEO & Chief Strategist for QI Research Danielle DiMartino Booth is CEO and Chief Strategist for Quill Intelligence LLC, a research and analytics firm. DiMartino Booth set out to launch a Research Revolution, redefining how market intelligence is conceived and delivered, with the goal of not only guiding portfolio managers but promoting financial literacy. To build QI, she brought together a core team of investing veterans in analyzing the trends and providing critical analysis of what drives the markets. Since its inception, commentary and data from DiMartino Booth's The Daily Feather have appeared in other financial sources such as Bloomberg, CNBC, Fox Business, Institutional Investor, Yahoo Finance, The Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, Seeking Alpha, TD Ameritrade, TheStreet.com, and more. A global thought leader on monetary policy, economics, and finance, DiMartino Booth founded Quill Intelligence in 2018. She is the author of FED UP: An Insider's Take on Why the Federal Reserve is Bad for America (Portfolio, Feb 2017), a full-time columnist for Bloomberg View, a business speaker, and a commentator frequently featured on CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox News, Fox Business News, BNN Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance and other major media outlets. Before Quill, DiMartino Booth spent nine years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, serving as Advisor to President Richard W. Fisher throughout the financial crisis until his retirement in 2015. Her work at the Fed focused on financial stability and the efficacy of unconventional monetary policy. DiMartino Booth began her career in New York at Credit Suisse and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, where she worked in the fixed income, public equity, and private equity markets. DiMartino Booth earned her BBA as a College of Business Scholar at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She holds an MBA in Finance and International Business from the University of Texas at Austin and an MS in Journalism from Columbia University. X Substack Website YouTube 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Michael Oliver and Vince Lanci: Institutionalization For Gold is Bringing Far Higher Targets | 08 Jan 2026 | 01:02:39 | |
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 on market sentiment and physical demand. Oliver highlighted that silver has been confined to a narrow price range for decades, similar to other commodities like copper and lead. He argued that the recent breakout above $50 suggests a potential for a significant upward move, possibly reaching $500 or more, based on historical ratios. He cited past instances where commodities like copper and lead experienced dramatic price increases after breaking out of long-term ranges. Oliver also discussed the significance of the silver-to-S&P 500 ratio, which has recently broken out of an 11-year base, indicating a strong bullish signal. Watch this video on YouTube Some Competent Links: Lanci, on the other hand, emphasized the role of physical demand and the decoupling of traditional financial correlations. He noted that the recent rebalancing of the Bloomberg Commodity Index, which includes silver, is a known event and unlikely to significantly impact the silver price in the short term. Lanci also discussed the potential for a shift in asset allocation from tech stocks to precious metals, driven by concerns over inflation and debt. The conversation also touches on the broader economic landscape, including the potential for a severe recession and the impact on precious metals. Oliver and Lanci agreed that a stock market collapse could lead to a significant shift in asset allocation, benefiting gold and silver. They also discussed the potential for institutional adoption of precious metals as a store of value, driven by a loss of trust in fiat currencies. In conclusion, both experts expressed bullish views on silver, with Oliver predicting a potential move to $500 or more in the coming months, and Lanci highlighting the role of physical demand and the potential for a shift in asset allocation. They also agreed that the broader economic landscape, including the potential for a recession, could further support the price of precious metals. Timestamps: Michael Oliver Guest: Michael Oliver — Momentum Structural Analysis MSA Email MSA above, and they will send you this week's report for free, which covers many of the topics from this interview. J. Michael Oliver entered the financial services industry in 1975 on the Futures side, joining E.F. Hutton's International Commodity Division, headquartered in New York City's Battery Park. He studied under David Johnston, head of Hutton's Commodity Division and Chairman of the COMEX. In the 1980s, Mike began to develop his proprietary momentum-based method of technical analysis. He learned early on that orthodox price chart technical analysis left many unanswered questions and too often deceived those who trusted in price chart breakouts, support/resistance, and so forth. In 1987 Mike technically anticipated and caught the Crash. It was then that he decided to develop his structural momentum tools into a full analytic methodology. In 1992, the Financial VP and head of Wachovia Bank's Trust Department asked Mike to provide soft dollar research to Wachovia. Within a year, Mike shifted from brokerage to full-time technical analysis. He is also the author of The New Libertarianism: Anarcho-Capitalism. Website X Amazon Book Email 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| John Johnston: Gold is Declaring a Crisis of Meaning for America | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:37:30 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes John Johnston to the show. John Johnston is a Veteran Commodities Trader & Substack Publisher. JJ discuess 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. Watch this video on YouTube 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. Timestamps: Guest: John Johnston — Veteran Commodities Trader & Substack Publisher John Johnston, known as JJ, is a veteran commodities trader with 48 years of experience. He began his career as a runner on Wall Street, became an account executive at Conti Commodities in 1976, and in 1977 purchased seats on the NYMEX and COMEX, trading from the pits for the next three decades. Over his career, he worked for firms including Drexel Burnham Lambert, Rudolf Wolff, REFCO, Mann Financial, The Standard Bank of South Africa, and ADM Investor Services. Through his Substack (jj745.substack.com), JJ shares a blend of old-school trading wisdom, selective technical analysis, market history, and lore. As he says, “I never try to be right. I try to be honest. I never want a reader to think what I think. I want the reader to know what I know.” Substack 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Jaime Carrasco: Monetary Insurance Premiums are Exploding as Risk Grows | 23 Dec 2025 | 01:01:40 | |
Tom welcomes back Jaime Carrasco, senior portfolio manager and senior investment advisor at Harbourfront Wealth Management, to discuss the significant themes and market dynamics of 2025. Carrasco highlights the remarkable performance of gold and silver, which is currently hitting all-time highs. 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. Watch this video on YouTube 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. Timestamps: Guest: Jaime Carrasco — Senior Portfolio Manager & Senior Investment Advisor at Harbourfront Wealth Management Jaime Carrasco is Senior Portfolio Manager & Senior Investment Advisor at Harbourfront Wealth Management. From 2014-2018 he worked as Director of Wealth Management and Associate Portfolio Manager for ScotiaMcLeod. Before this, he worked for Macquarie Group, CIBC Wood Gundy, BMO Nesbitt Burns, Gordon Capital, and Merrill Lynch. Jaime is a leading Canadian investment professional with 25 years of experience providing wealth management and investment counsel to affluent families, businesses, and institutions. He has garnered a reputation for questioning and challenging the status quo and exploring the most innovative investment strategies. Jaime, whose mother tongue is Spanish, also speaks Italian and French. He completed a BA in political science and economics at the University of Toronto in 1988. While a student, he worked for CS Yacht, a company that built luxury sailboats, thus spending his summers as a skipper for the Canadian establishment members. Jaime credits this experience and having survived sailing through Hurricane Bob in 1991. This experience taught him lessons that have become a metaphor for his financial investment strategies. "Like one's financial wealth, sailing is not about controlling the wind, but rather about adjusting the sails." X LinkedIn Website E-Mail 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Lobo Tiggre: He Who Wins this Race Wins the World | 22 Dec 2025 | 01:01:43 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes back Lobo Tiggre, author and founder of the Independent Speculator, to reflect on the year’s investment landscape and a look ahead to 2026. Tiggre, known for his cautious approach, highlights that he avoids the “prediction racket” and instead focuses on strategic speculation. He notes 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. Watch this video on YouTube Tiggre emphasizes 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 discusses 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 advises taking profits to secure gains. Reflecting on the 2011 peak in gold and silver, Tiggre underscores the importance of learning from past market cycles and maintaining a disciplined approach to investing. He also touches 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 delves into the broader economic context, with Tiggre discussing the influence of fiscal dominance and the Fed’s policies on commodity markets. He expresses optimism about the long-term prospects for metals like gold and silver, citing the ongoing debasement of fiat currencies. Tiggre also shares 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. Timestamps: Guest: Lobo Tiggre — Author & Founder of the Independent Speculator Lobo Tiggre, aka Louis James, is the founder and CEO of Louis James LLC, and the principal analyst and editor of IndependentSpeculator.com. He researched and recommended speculative opportunities in Casey Research publications from 2004 to 2018, writing under the name "Louis James." While with Casey Research, he learned the ins and outs of resource speculation from the legendary speculator Doug Casey. Although frequently mistaken for one, Mr. Tiggre is not a professional geologist. However, his long tutelage under world-class geologists, writers, and investors resulted in an exceptional track record. A fully transparent, documented, and verifiable track record is a central feature of the IndependentSpeculator. Mr. Tiggre will put his own money into the speculations he writes about, so his readers will always know he has "skin in the game" with them. Website X Facebook LinkedIn 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Jim Rogers: Lessons from a Life of Adventure, Investment, and Exploration | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:36:11 | |
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. Watch this video on YouTube 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. Guest: Jim Rogers — Investor, Author, World Traveler, Chairman Rogers Holdings & Co-Founder Quantum Fund Jim Rogers—a legend in finance whose story screams entrepreneurial grit and world-shaking decisions. Born James Beeland Rogers Jr. on October 19, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, Jim's family uprooted to Demopolis, Alabama, when he was just a kid. Even as a boy, his hustler spirit shone through. Picture this: young Jim scouring streets for empty bottles to cash in or hawking peanuts at packed baseball games. That early hustle? It foreshadowed a life of smart risks. A sharp mind led him to Yale University, where he earned a bachelor's in history in 1964. Not one to stop, he crossed the pond to Oxford University, nailing another bachelor's in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics by 1966. Talk about a powerhouse education for navigating life's big leagues. Fresh out of Oxford, Jim hit Wall Street, starting at Dominick & Dominick. By 1970, he jumped to Arnhold and S. Bleichroder, an elite investment bank. There, fate intervened: he met George Soros. Sparks flew—not romantically, but professionally. In 1973, they launched the Quantum Fund, a hedge fund that redefined investing. It exploded in success, turning heads and fortunes. By 1980, Jim cashed in, stepping away to explore the world on his terms. Today, Jim remains a savvy investor, globe-trotting adventurer, and author, sharing wisdom on markets, travel, and living fully. From Alabama fields to billionaire status, his journey reminds us: start small, dream global, and seize the day. Website X 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| London Paul, Eric Yeung, and Just Dario: 2026 Could be the Most Explosive Year for Silver in History | 16 Dec 2025 | 01:12:24 | |
This episode, hosted by Tom Bodrovics, (Recorded morning of Dec 16) features a panel discussion with Eric Yeung, Just Dario, 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. Watch this video on YouTube 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 Yeung 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. Timestamps: Eric Yeung Guests: Eric Yeung — Investor and Former Contract Manufacturer In China X London Paul — Publisher of 'The Sirius Report' The Sirius Report is an independent website providing analysis and an alternative perspective on current affairs and global events that we believe are shaping a new political, economic and social paradigm. We are fully self-funded and are not backed by any third-party corporation, organization, or individual. The site is run by ‘London Paul’ and his partner Lisa, who is the site administrator. ‘London Paul’ is a pseudonym that was first coined by long-time friend and fellow commentator Jim Willie. For privacy reasons, Paul prefers not to be known by his real name. He also feels that the primary focus should be on his work rather than on his identity. Paul has a long track record of accurate predictions and analyses on geopolitical and economic affairs. Originally a physicist, he was awarded a Ph.D. in biomolecular physics, after which he spent some time working in academia. He then went on to work in the financial services sector and worked in some major banks until the financial crisis of 2008, when he left the banking sector to work in the precious metals sector. In addition to his vast understanding of economics and precious metals (a friend of his once jokingly said that ‘Paul is the only person I know who really understands derivatives’), he has also always had a keen interest in geopolitics. Through years of diligent research and conversations with certain key insiders, he has been able to gain a unique understanding of a geopolitical shift towards a multipolar paradigm that is now shaping the world in the 21st century. Paul is not motivated by party politics and does not adhere to any particular political, religious or other movement. He likes a common-sense approach to everything and sees it as his responsibility to deliver completely objective, unbiased, and no-nonsense analysis, even if that means going against popular opinion. X Website YouTube 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Tony Greer: The Mother of All Rotations is Coming to Gold and Gold Miners | 12 Dec 2025 | 00:42:30 | |
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. Watch this video on YouTube 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. Timestamps: Guest: Tony Greer — Trader, Editor of 'The Morning Navigator', and Co-Founder of 'The Macrodirt Podcast' After graduating from Cornell University in 1990 Tony followed in his father’s footsteps to a Wall Street trading operation. He quickly learned his career path would be vastly different. He says, "I would not be sitting in the same seat on the same trading desk managing the same risk for the same firm for over 30 years." We have clearly entered a new era in financial markets. He began in the treasury department of Sumitomo Bank on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center downtown Manhattan. Tony was an FX trading assistant while the Quantum Fund was breaking the Bank of England in 1992. In 1993 he joined Union Bank of Switzerland as an FX and commodities trader, spending half a year as a Vice President in their Zurich treasury department. Then returned to New York City early in 1995 to join J. Aron & Company, the privately held commodity trading arm of Goldman Sachs. He managed risk for the Goldman Sachs Commodities Index, in precious and base metals trading, and futures and options trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. He started his first venture in 2000 – Machine Trading which happened right before the tech bubble burst. That decision was his first excruciating life lesson in market timing. It turned out to be an extremely valuable learning experience. He believes there is a massive opportunity with both the unprecedented situation in global markets and in the way financial news is consumed. In 2016, he started TG Macro, LLC. Conference Website X Substack YouTube 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Michael Pento: Fed Turns the Liquidity Taps Back On and Cuts Rates Despite Soaring Markets | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:32:55 | |
Tom welcomes Michael Pento to the show, following the FOMC meeting on November 10th. Michael shares his views on the Federal Reserve’s decisions and the broader economic landscape. Pento criticizes 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 characterizes the Fed’s actions as “monetary malfeasance” and expresses concern about the long-term impacts on the middle class, who have been struggling with affordability issues for years. Watch this video on YouTube Pento highlights 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 discusses 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 expresses skepticism about their long-term value, viewing them as speculative assets with limited utility. However, he acknowledges that liquidity from the Fed’s actions could support short-term price increases in cryptocurrencies. Pento also touches 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 indicates stress in liquidity markets, leading him to reduce his equity exposure. He emphasizes 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 warns about the risks of a chaotic bond market and the potential for a significant economic event in the near future. Timestamps: Guest: Michael Pento — President and Founder of Pento Portfolio Strategies Michael Pento is the President and Founder of Pento Portfolio Strategies with more than 30 years of professional investment experience. He worked on the floor of the NYSE during the mid-90s. Pento served as an economist for both Delta Global and EuroPacific Capital. He was also the portfolio creator and consultant to Delta/Claymore's commodity portfolios, which were distributed through Claymore/Guggenheim's sales network. Website E-Mail X 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Jesse Felder: The Frankenstein of Financial Bubbles | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:52:12 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes Jesse Felder, the founder, editor, and publisher of The Felder Report, to The Competent Investor. 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. Watch this video on YouTube 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 implications of a Trump-led Fed, suggesting that it could lead to a replay of the 1970s stagflation. Timestamps: Guest: Jesse Felder — Founder, Editor, and Publisher of The Felder Report Jesse Felder is the Founder, Editor, and Publisher of The Felder Report. He began his professional career at Bear, Stearns & Co. and later co-founded a multi-billion-dollar hedge fund firm headquartered in Santa Monica, California. Since moving to Bend, Oregon in 2000 and founding The Felder Report shortly thereafter his writing and research have been featured in major publications and websites like The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Yahoo!Finance, Business Insider, RealVision, Investing.com, and more. Jesse also hosts and produces the Superinvestors and the Art of Worldly Wisdom podcast. X Website Articles 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Martin Armstrong: Europe isn’t Going to Survive | 05 Dec 2025 | 01:12:59 | |
Your host Tom Bodrovics welcomes 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. Watch this video on YouTube 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. Timestamps: Guest: Martin Armstrong — CEO & Chairman of Armstrong Economics Ltd. Martin Armstrong is the Owner and Researcher for the website Armstrong Economics. He is the former chairman of Princeton Economics International Ltd. He is best known for his economic predictions based on the Economic Confidence Model, which he developed. At age 13, Armstrong began working at a coin and stamp dealership in Pennsauken, New Jersey. After buying a bag of rare Canadian pennies, he became a millionaire in 1965 at the age of 15. He continued to work on weekends through high school, finding the real-world exciting, for this was the beginning of the collapse of the gold standard. Martin became captivated by this shocking revelation that there were not just booms and busts, but also peaks and valleys that would last centuries. Armstrong progressed from gold coin investments to following commodity prices for precious metals. In 1973, he began publishing commodity market predictions as a hobby, and in 1983 Armstrong began accepting paid subscriptions for a forecast newsletter. "In Armstrong's view of the world where boom-bust cycles occur like clockwork every 8.6 years, what matters is his record as a forecaster. He called Russia's financial collapse in 1998, using a model that also pointed to a peak just before the Japanese stock market crashed in 1989. These days, as the European sovereign-debt crisis roils markets worldwide, he reminds readers of his October 1997 prediction that the creation of the euro "will merely transform currency speculation into bond speculation," leading to the system's eventual collapse." His Website Armstrong Economics offers a unique perspective intended to educate the public and organizations on the global economic and political environment's underlying trends. Their mission is to research historical cyclical trends. Website X Facebook Amazon Book 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Josh Young: $200 Oil | Latest Iran Peace Deal Won’t Stop It | 06 May 2026 | 01:09:59 | |
Tom welcomes Josh Young, CIO of Bison Interests, to discuss the potential for a prolonged and sticky energy shock stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iranian conflict. He emphasizes the profound uncertainty surrounding the conflict’s duration, noting that neither military participants nor analysts can predict its timeline, which explains recent oil price volatility. Young challenges the prevailing view that global oil inventories of roughly 8.4 billion barrels are insufficient, arguing that the system can absorb a much larger drawdown—potentially another billion barrels or more—before facing severe physical shortages. He warns that as inventories deplete, the relationship between supply and price becomes nonlinear, with prices potentially accelerating from $125 to $200 or $250 per barrel if the strait remains closed for several more months. Watch this video on YouTube Young also addresses the resilience of energy infrastructure, observing that refineries and export facilities often return to operation faster than expected due to spare equipment and skilled labor, though LNG facilities face unique supply chain constraints. He notes that general equity markets have largely ignored the crisis, partly because energy stocks represent only about 4% of the S&P 500, but also due to institutional underallocation and a persistent belief that oil is a declining industry. This creates a favorable environment for energy investors, as companies buy back stock at discounts and pay high dividends. Finally, Young highlights the risk of AI-generated misinformation, particularly in financial markets, and stresses the growing value of original, critical analysis over algorithmically produced content. He concludes that while high oil prices could devastate emerging economies, the current moderate prices suggest significant upside potential remains. Timestamps: Guest: Josh Young — Chief Investment Officer & Founder, Bison Interests Joshua Young has been professionally investing in publicly traded oil and gas securities for nearly two decades, achieving benchmark outperformance as Bison’s CIO. Josh possesses a deep understanding of the E&P business model and operating environment, with notable experience as Chairman of Canadian E&P company RMP Energy (rebranded as Ironbridge Resources). Under Josh’s leadership, the company achieved a successful turnaround, outperforming peers and ultimately being acquired at a 78% premium. Josh is the author of numerous articles on oil & gas investments and is a frequent guest speaker at various energy industry conferences. Prior to Bison, Josh began his career as a management consultant for Fortune 500 companies and private equity firms. He later worked as an investment analyst for a private equity fund and served as an energy investment analyst at a multi-billion-dollar single-family office, which was nominated as Institutional Investor’s Single Family Office of the Year in 2008. Josh holds a B.S. in Economics with honors from the University of Chicago. Substack X Website 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Aaron Day: The Rise of Technocracy and Debt Enslavement | 04 Dec 2025 | 01:17:26 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes Aaron Day, a prominent entrepreneur and advocate for financial freedom, to discuss 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. Watch this video on YouTube 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. Timestamps: Guest: Aaron Day — Founder & CEO • Freedom Activist • Author • Fellow at Brownstone Institute • Serial Entrepreneur With nearly three decades in e-commerce, healthcare, blockchain/cryptocurrency, AI, and clean technology, Aaron is a serial entrepreneur and pioneer in NFTs since 2018—highlighted by his 2019 breakthrough in tokenized silver. His political activism ignited in 2008 when regulations crippled his healthcare venture. As a Brownstone Institute Fellow, he advocates for liberty via think tanks, the Crony Awards, and leadership in the Free State Project and Republican Liberty Caucus—bridging business innovation with policy reform. At 48, Aaron balances his trailblazing career with family life as a father of four and grandfather. His studies at the Indiana Academy, Duke University, and Harvard Extension School were eclipsed by his drive to innovate and lead. Website Podcast Website X 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Kevin Wadsworth and Patrick Karim: Silver’s Bull Era and Why Bitcoiners are Wrong | 03 Dec 2025 | 01:10:05 | |
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. They 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. Watch this video on YouTube 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. Timestamps: Patrick Karim is a proprietary capital manager and chart trader since 2006. Patrick’s background in commerce, psychology, and an ongoing career in systems engineering has allowed him to evaluate trading scenarios systematically. His psychology background helps him understand the human factor: overcoming stress, which is mostly responsible for maintaining a successful career. Guests: Kevin Wadsworth and Patrick Karim — North Star Bad Charts Patrick Karim is a proprietary capital manager and chart trader since 2006. Patrick's background in commerce, psychology, and an ongoing career in systems engineering has allowed him to evaluate trading scenarios systematically. His psychology background helps him understand the human factor: overcoming stress, which is mostly responsible for maintaining a successful career. Kevin Wadsworth is a seasoned chart trader with over 15 years of experience and a strong following on social media. With a background in meteorology spanning over 30 years, he has worked in various professional roles, including military and civilian weather forecasting. Currently serving as a Civil Contingency Advisor, Kevin provides advanced warning and guidance for life-threatening weather events and collaborates with emergency response teams. His interest in the financial world was sparked by a colleague in the early 2000s, and he became particularly fascinated after the 2008 financial crash. Drawing parallels between weather forecasting and predicting market movements, Kevin emphasizes the importance of gathering evidence from various sources, much like assessing multiple weather models. His approach focuses on presenting clear, unbiased charts based on the weight of evidence, rather than personal bias. Kevin's expertise lies in distilling complex information into actionable insights, whether it's forecasting weather patterns or market trends. X Website YouTube Patrick Karim — Co-Founder North Star Bad Charts, Proprietary Capital Manager & Chart Trader Patrick Karim is a proprietary capital manager and chart trader since 2006. Patrick's background in commerce, psychology, and an ongoing career in systems engineering has allowed him to evaluate trading scenarios systematically. His psychology background helps him understand the human factor: overcoming stress, which is mostly responsible for maintaining a successful career. X Website YouTube 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Gary Savage: Bigger Moves and Profits for Gold Coming in 2026 | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:44:31 | |
Tom Bodrovics welcomes 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. Watch this video on YouTube Gary 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 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. Timestamps: Guest: Gary Savage — Retired Entrepreneur, Investor, and President of Smart Money Tracker Premium Gary Savage is a retired entrepreneur living in Las Vegas. He has been investing in stocks and commodities for 15+ years. Gary is a self-made multi-millionaire and attributes his financial success to savvy investments made in owning/selling several businesses, real estate, and, more recently, the stock market. He is also a national Judo, powerlifting, and Olympic weightlifting champion and world record holder. Gary holds national titles in 3 different sports and continues to challenge himself as an avid rock climber, and recently his newest endeavor bowling (two perfect 300 games so far). Gary's renown as a recognized trading/investment expert in the areas of precious metals, stock market, oil, and currency markets is demonstrated by his numerous internationally published articles in these market areas: Kitco, 24hGold, Gold-Eagle, Investing, 321Gold, Keyport, SilverSeek, TFMetalsReport, FuturesMag, ResourceInvestor, Silver-Phoenix, BayStreetBlog, BeforeItsNews, ETFDailyNews, TalkMarkets, JuniorMiningAnalyst, MarketOracle.UK, SafeHaven, GoldSeek, Mining, CommodityOnline, SilverMarketNewsOnline, StreetWiseReports, and InvestingNews. Gary publishes the Smart Money Tracker, a daily and weekend market newsletter available online by subscription only, at a very modest price. This subscription-only site provides Gary's in-depth daily commentary and chart analysis of numerous markets, including the stock, precious metals, oil, and currency markets. X Blog YouTube Website 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||
| Matthew Piepenburg: Dishonesty Behind Power – Complex Markets are Set to Crash | 24 Nov 2025 | 01:06:38 | |
Tom welcomes Matthew Piepenburg, a partner at Von Greyerz Gold Switzerland and author of “Gold Matters” and “Rigged to Fail,” to discuss 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 criticizes the Federal Reserve, describing it as a private corporation that creates money out of thin air, benefiting insiders and exacerbating wealth inequality. Watch this video on YouTube Matthew also discusses 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 touches on the current state of the economy, including the impact of quantitative easing and the potential for a debt crisis. Piepenburg expresses 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 discusses the volatility and potential of silver as an investment, comparing it to gold and highlighting its affordability and industrial uses. He cautions listeners about the risks associated with equities, particularly in the tech sector, and the potential for a bubble in AI-related investments. Timestamps: Guest: Matthew Piepenburg — Partner - Von Greyerz Gold Switzerland, Author - Gold Matters & Rigged To Fail Matthew Piepenburg is a Partner of Von Greyerz and the author of the popular book, "Rigged to Fail". Matt is fluent in French, German, and English. He is a graduate of Brown (BA), Harvard (MA), and the University of Michigan (JD). His widely-respected reports on macro conditions and the changing behavior of risk assets are published regularly at SignalsMatter.c X Website Articles Book (Amazon) 📈 The Competent Investor Markets, macro, and the minds that move money. Website — Full episodes, charts, heatmaps, and guest profiles. RSS Feed — Subscribe in any podcast app. Substack — Exclusive deep dives and newsletter. X / Twitter — Real-time market commentary. YouTube — Full video episodes. | |||