The Higher Standard

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

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

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

The U.S. economy is a rollercoaster of mixed signals, with the stock market soaring and the housing market fluctuating wildly. Consumers are now feeling the pinch of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' impacting their credit scores. Dive into the surprising resilience of real estate prices in cities like Miami, even amid uncertainty. Plus, explore the quirky world of prenups and how modern communication is shifting generationally. It's a wild ride through economic recovery and consumer behavior!

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

The Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates sparks an exploration of past wartime recessions and economic predictions. The discussion highlights how geopolitical tensions, like those involving Iran, could signal upcoming challenges. With inflation and employment metrics lagging, the hosts humorously contrast military actions with market behaviors. Insights into the Fed's communication strategies reveal a complex interplay between economics and foreign policy. Listeners are left questioning the impact of conflict on consumer confidence and economic stability.

Farshad Dehbozorgi, the "Club-to-Courtroom Closer," transitioned from viral TikTok sensation to a savvy personal injury lawyer. He shares hilarious anecdotes about his unexpected career path, including the grind of content creation and the absurdities of studying for the bar exam. The conversation dives into how roasting his wife online brought him unexpected fame and how he navigated the challenges of merging social media with law. With a mix of humor and heartfelt stories, Farshad captivates with his journey from nightlife to negotiating lawsuits.

The podcast dives into the drama surrounding Jerome Powell, Trump, and Jamie Dimon's economic warnings. Discover the implications of the political theater on monetary policy and brand reputation, with a touch of sarcasm. The hosts tackle the struggling housing market, discussing the stark reality of affordability and the increasing gap between buyers and sellers. They also reflect on the evolving concept of the American dream, where a hefty salary and a therapist seem essential. Expect humor, insights, and hard truths about today's economic challenges!

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris welcomes longtime friend and digital strategist Jeff Fargo into the freshly minted Black Crown Studios—and it’s not just a tour, it’s a masterclass in podcasting authenticity. The two chop it up over everything from DIY sound treatment and the obsessive details of studio design to how podcasting unexpectedly hijacked both their lives. But don’t let the good vibes fool you. Jeff comes with receipts—calling out fake engagement, bought followers, and the darker side of podcasting’s growth hacks. If you’ve ever wondered how to spot a real digital presence from a rented Lambo flex, this one’s for you.➡️ But this isn’t just a roast session—it’s a revealing look into the heart of real content creators. Chris and Jeff break down everything from fatherhood and financial freedom to algorithm secrets and viral hits, like Jeff’s 8.3 million–view clip on Vegas strip clubs. You'll hear Jeff drop gems on how to use Social Blade, why brand trust is everything, and why he believes podcast growth is like compound interest. Add in Saied’s silent sniper contributions and a whole lot of witty one-liners, and you’ve got yourself a high-value hangout with two guys who give a damn—and aren’t afraid to say it.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Jeff Fargo's Links:Jeff's InstagramFargo Talks InstagramJeff's TikTokJeff's LinkedInJeff's FacebookFargo Talks X (formerly Twitter)Fargo Talks WebsiteFargo Talks on SpotifyFargo Talks on Apple PodcastsFargo Talks YouTube Channel⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

The crew tackles the recent U.S. credit downgrade, revealing how it signals rising debt and chaotic interest rates. With mortgage rates soaring above 7%, they caution listeners about housing affordability, emphasizing that homes are utilities, not investments. Humor blends with hard truths as they discuss why today's market may be the worst for buyers in history. Plus, there's a playful exploration of AI's impact on jobs and a look at how tariffs shape inflation. Their witty banter keeps the financial realities engaging!