As the sun sets, the video quality improves, and Tom Bodrovics once again engages in a thoughtful conversation with the legendary Rick Rule. The discussion revolves around Rick's busy post-retirement life, the current gold and silver investment environment, and investing strategies in the metals industry. Rick admits his retirement was unsuccessful as he continues to be engrossed in work, but he appreciates the reduced regulatory engagement since leaving Sprott. He enjoys sharing knowledge of past mentors through interviews and events like the Rule Investment Symposium, which offers a money-back guarantee for attendees. Rick believes that attending conferences for informal conversations and connections is essential. They discuss the macroeconomic factors influencing gold and silver investments, such as increasing costs affecting mining companies' profitability and the potential $135 trillion debt in the US economy leading to inflation and boosting metal prices. The conversation delves into investing strategies for retail investors, from owning physical gold first to building a portfolio based on beta. Rick shares his experiences with political risk and success stories in countries like Chile, Congo, and South Sudan, emphasizing the importance of understanding political and jurisdictional risks. He discusses investment opportunities in natural resource sectors like gold and silver, as well as contrarian picks such as North American natural gas and the lithium market. Rick also expresses interest in investing in private placements that can significantly enhance a company's value. Throughout the conversation, they touch upon topics such as patience, long-term vision, competency, and corporate strategy. They also discuss the importance of having an opinion on value and being able to endure market volatility. Rick shares key lessons from his career as an investor, stressing the significance of contrarianism, understanding market dynamics, and patience. Time Stamp References:0:00 - Introduction0:48 - Failing at Retirement3:00 - Conference & Guarantee5:36 - State of Resource Sector8:54 - Fed Cuts & Politics17:07 - A Triumph of Politics18:35 - Shelton & Gold Treasuries?20:18 - First Gold Bull Moves25:30 - Investor Risk Appetites27:02 - Global Demand & Bullion?30:36 - Investor Types & Gold35:32 - Studying Miners & Risks39:30 - New Investor Advice42:25 - Common Sense Rules45:33 - A Contrarian Approach?49:26 - Timeframe & Questions54:04 - M&A Deals & Newmont57:26 - Management & Mine Cycles59:57 - Exploration Cap-Ex1:04:10 - Other Mkt. Sectors1:10:29 - Private Placements1:12:44 - Lessons Learned1:17:33 - Offers & Wrap Up 12:20 - Highlight Clip Talking Points From This Episode Rick Rule emphasizes the importance of attending conferences for knowledge and connections. Now failing at retirement, Mr. Rule continues to engage in work due to his passion for the industry. Macroeconomic factors, such as inflation and debt, could positively impact gold and silver prices. Guest Links:Twitter: https://twitter.com/realrickruleTwitter: https://twitter.com/realinvestmentmediaWebsite: https://ruleinvestmentmedia.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuleInvestmentMediaClassroom: https://ruleclassroom.comBank Site: https://battlebank.com 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,