The Covered Call Podcast Podcast

In this conversation, Lovis Kauf and Jason engage with Stephan Kinsella, a prominent libertarian theorist, to explore the principles of libertarianism and anarcho-capitalism. They discuss the implications of intellectual property laws, the nature of the state, and the concept of aggression in relation to property rights. Kinsella argues that the state inherently commits aggression and that true freedom is rooted in individual rights and the pursuit of happiness. The discussion also touches on the future of liberty in the context of technological advancements and the potential for a post-scarcity society. Kinsella emphasizes the importance of empathy and cooperation in achieving a harmonious society, while also critiquing the inefficiencies and corruption associated with state power. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcast.thecoveredcallpod.com

Eric Yeung (@KingKong9888) discusses the shifting dynamics between the East and West, particularly in the context of precious metals like gold and silver. He highlights the growing trend of de-dollarization among nations, the increasing importance of physical gold as collateral, and the implications of stablecoins in the global financial system. Eric also delves into the paper versus physical gold market, emphasizing the discrepancies and potential risks involved. The discussion culminates in a forward-looking perspective on the future landscape of global finance, particularly regarding the role of digital currencies and the evolving economic strategies of nations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcast.thecoveredcallpod.com

In this episode of The Covered Call, we sit down again with Jayant Bhandari — one of the most provocative and intellectually fearless thinkers we’ve had on the show.In our first conversation, Jayant challenged us to rethink freedom, truth, and the cultural foundations of civilization. Since then, we’ve joined him in Vancouver at his Capitalism & Morality conference — where voices like Rick Rule, Maxime Bernier, Stephan Kinsella, and Amy Wax pushed the boundaries of honest debate.In this new episode, Jayant expands on those ideas — warning that the West is moving toward instability and civil conflict, not because of external enemies, but because of a thousand small compromises eroding trust, discipline, and cultural coherence.We discuss:* Why homogeneity — not diversity — underpins stable, high-trust societies.* How political correctness turned schools into propaganda machines.* Why China’s rise is cultural as much as economic.* What India’s decline reveals about leadership and social philosophy.* And why truth-seeking demands both financial freedom and moral courage.Jayant’s insights are controversial, sharp, and difficult to ignore. Whether you agree or not, this conversation forces you to confront uncomfortable realities about the world we’re living in — and the civilizations we may yet lose.Watch or listen now wherever you get your podcasts.Best,Lovis & JasonPS.: This episode was released with about 2 months of time delay. Since a certain important character is mentioned several times, we thought it prudent to let the heat of the discussion die down. This is self-censorship, make no mistake about it - and we are not proud to do it! But rather than editing it out, we thought this was a way to have our cake and eat it too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcast.thecoveredcallpod.com

Dive into a riveting discussion on the war in Ukraine and the implications of sanctions. Explore China's strategic moves, including its control of rare earths and its impact on global supply chains. Hear about the potential collapse of the European Union and what a multipolar future might look like. Discover how energy could shape international relations and why resilience is key. Finally, get introduced to a cultural initiative designed to reinvigorate classic literature.

In this conversation, Deborah Lehr shares her extensive experience in US-China relations, trade negotiations, and her insights on green finance and biodiversity. She discusses the evolution of the WTO, the geopolitical shifts affecting global power dynamics, and the importance of cultural heritage and environmental preservation. Deborah emphasizes the emerging opportunities in the Middle East and the role of individuals in making a significant impact in global affairs. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage preservation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcast.thecoveredcallpod.com

In this episode of The Covered Call, we sit down with Maxime Bernier — former Canadian cabinet minister, founder of the People’s Party of Canada, and one of the few politicians who’s actually walked away from power to defend principle.Maxime spent over a decade inside Canada’s political machine before saying enough was enough. In this conversation, he breaks down why the West is in decline — not just economically, but morally and philosophically — and why liberty, not bureaucracy, is the only real cure.We talk about:* The coming monetary reset and why gold will reprice the entire system* How mass welfare and mass immigration are eroding the social fabric* Why comfort is killing our freedom* And what it takes to leave behind a life of political privilege to stand for convictionA note about this episode:This isn’t a policy debate — it’s a look at the deeper civilizational struggle between freedom and control, responsibility and dependency. Maxime is banging the drum for mass deportations pretty hard, and this rhetoric rubs us, as the hosts of the show, a bit wrong. We are both guests in the countries we choose to live in, and believe in small, efficient government and cannot earnestly reconcile that a small government would engage in actions such as mass deportations. In our own opinion, a small government would rather address the underlying incentives to curb and reverse the kind of immigration that would bring a society over its “carrying capacity”. Please listen to the end, where Jason and Lovis recap and share more of our personal view on the subject.Stay free,Lovis & Jason This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcast.thecoveredcallpod.com

We’re back with one of our favorite guests — Rick Rule — just as gold crosses $4,000 an ounce.Last time Rick joined The Covered Call, Bitcoin had hit $100,000. This time, he’s back to explain why the arithmetic of America no longer adds up - and why that’s great news for people with real skills.Rick argues that what’s coming isn’t an honest default, but a dishonest one - a slow erosion of purchasing power disguised as stability.But instead of despair, he offers a blueprint for thriving in chaos:“People who deliver real utility in a free market will do extraordinarily well.”In this conversation, we cover:* Why inflation isn’t an accident, it’s policy.* How to use volatility and liquidity to your advantage.* Why the next decade will punish the entitled and reward the capable.* Why Rick is “celebrating retirement by starting a bank.”* What true freedom means in an age of dishonest money.Rick’s message is timeless - and timely: crisis is the sorting mechanism that separates the useful from the dependent.If you enjoy it, share it with someone who’s preparing for the next decade rather than hiding from it.See you inside,Jason & Lovis This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcast.thecoveredcallpod.com

What does energy have to do with freedom? More than you might think.We sat down with David Fishman, an American who is a longtime China resident, energy consultant, and writer of Crossing the River by Feeling the Stones. David has spent over a decade inside China’s transformation, advising multinationals on nuclear, renewables, and grid economics - while also telling the stories of ordinary people navigating those changes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcast.thecoveredcallpod.com

In this conversation, Lovis and Jason engage with Rahim Taghizadegan, a true Austrian economist, to explore the concept of praxeology, the complexity of human action, and the relevance of Austrian economics in today's society. They discuss the importance of realism in economics, the role of community in learning, and the challenges posed by uncertainty in economic systems. The conversation also touches on the decline of trust in institutions, cultural perspectives on freedom, and the impact of technology on economic change. Throughout, they emphasize the need for resilience, critical thinking, and adaptability in navigating the future of economic systems. In this conversation, the speakers explore the drivers of change in Europe, the complexities of democracy, and the emerging role of Bitcoin as a wealth asset. They discuss the limitations of gold compared to Bitcoin, the future of Bitcoin adoption, and the implications of state involvement in wealth redistribution. The conversation highlights the dynamic nature of political and economic systems, emphasizing the need for adaptability and critical thinking in understanding these changes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcast.thecoveredcallpod.com

We just got back from 12 days on the ground in China—what we’re calling the Middle Kingdom Expedition—and sat down while the jet lag was still fresh to capture our impressions.This wasn’t a sightseeing tour. It was a boots-on-the-ground, trains-and-taxis, cigars-and-coffee kind of trip—ten cities in twelve days—meeting people, building connections, and getting a firsthand feel for life and business in modern China.We went in with plenty of questions and a few preconceived notions. Some were confirmed, many were flipped upside down.From Shenzhen’s whisper-quiet electric streets to unexpected home-cooked dinners with near-strangers, the warmth and openness we encountered caught us off guard—in the best possible way.In this episode, we talk about:* The surprising beauty and style of Chinese cities* Cultural nuances that unlock deeper connections* Why politics rarely came up (and why that matters)* The vanishing expat scene—and the opportunities that might create* Our biggest takeaways for anyone curious about working with China todayWhether you’re China-curious, a fellow freedom seeker, or just here for the travel stories, this one’s packed with moments that made us stop and say, “Wait, this isn’t what I expected.”See you inside,Lovis & Jason This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcast.thecoveredcallpod.com