The Higher Standard

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!

What happens when you bring Pejman Ghadimi, the man who turned hacking exotic cars into a six-figure side hustle for thousands, onto The Higher Standard? You get a masterclass in how society has sold us a broken narrative about wealth, success, and “playing it safe.” With Saied riding shotgun at the production desk, Chris pulls back the curtain on Pejman’s wildly polarizing—but undeniably effective—philosophy that challenges everything you thought you knew about finance, personal growth, and chasing your dreams without going broke. From flipping Ferraris for profit to dismantling the myth of the American Dream, nothing was off-limits in this unfiltered conversation.➡️ Pejman takes us on a journey through his evolution—from broke immigrant to corporate banker, and ultimately to building his own empire teaching everyday people how to turn luxury assets like watches and cars into investment vehicles. Along the way, the guys dive deep into why most people are addicted to being told what to do, why external validation is a prison, and why true freedom comes from taking uncomfortable, messy action. This is the episode that will either make you curious enough to level up—or angry enough to stay exactly where you are. Either way, you’ve been warned.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Pejman Ghadimi's Links:Pejman's InstagramPejman's WebsitePejman's BooksExotic Car HacksExotic Car Hacks InstagramExotic Car Hacks YouTubeWatch Trading AcademyWatch Trading Academy InstagramWatch Trading Academy YouTube⚠️ 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.

You’ve heard the headlines, but we’re here to break down what they really mean for your wallet. In this episode, Warren Buffett officially announces his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Jerome Powell leaves rates untouched (again), and America’s GDP takes a nose dive into negative territory. Meanwhile, the media spins, Wall Street panics, and your buddy on Instagram who just discovered ETFs is suddenly an "economic expert." Don’t worry, we’ve got the real story—served fresh, with a side of wit and sarcasm.➡️ But that’s not all. We’re diving into the housing market that still refuses to correct, student loan garnishments that are coming for your paycheck, and why UPS is laying off 20,000 people after parting ways with Amazon. Oh, and AI is officially eating white-collar jobs for breakfast—so there’s that. Grab your favorite overpriced latte, sit back, and let Chris and Saied help you navigate the chaos with facts, jokes, and just enough cynicism to keep it fun. Welcome to The Higher Standard.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Q1 GDP Goes Negative On Imports Surge (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)Existing homes sales are at multi-decade low (Nick Gerli via X)Trump administration restarts student loan collections for millions in default after years-long pause (CNBC)UPS to Cut 20,000 Jobs After Amazon Breakup (Wall Street Journal)Warren Buffett is not retiring for good as Berkshire board votes to keep him as chairman (CNBC)⚠️ 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.

Welcome to a milestone episode of The Higher Standard — our final recording in the studio that saw it all: hot takes, financial rants, emotional confessions, and at least one broken mic stand. In this sendoff, Chris and Saied wax poetic (and sarcastic) about the evolution of the show, what it took to build the brand from a neon-lit cave to a next-gen recording fortress, and why growth — both personal and professional — sometimes requires saying goodbye to comfort. If these walls could talk, they’d probably file for workers’ comp.➡️ But this isn’t just a trip down memory lane. We tackle the uncomfortable realities of volatility in today’s markets, the rise of AI’s takeover of traditional labor, and how to stay grounded when the ground keeps shifting. It’s a mix of tough love, real talk, and a little nostalgia — delivered in our signature style: punchy, unfiltered, and mildly inappropriate. Buckle up. The future is now, and it’s got better lighting.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:We aren't crying, you're crying...⚠️ 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.

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied take a wrecking ball to the myths of modern homeownership—armed with caffeine, sarcasm, and a well-earned chip on their shoulder. From the Fed’s tightrope act to the slow-motion implosion of consumer confidence, they unpack the real estate market’s latest mood swings, including a 5.9% drop in existing home sales and why homebuilder incentives might not be the golden ticket they appear to be. Whether it’s mortgage points, ARMs, or the lock-in effect, the guys explain how debt, equity, and psychology are shaping a volatile new paradigm for aspiring homeowners.➡️ But wait—this isn’t just economic therapy. It’s also gym confessions, cold plunges, burrito-based diet plans, and a hard truth: you’re probably not timing the market better than Warren Buffett. The duo dives into the dangers of being house poor, why your credit score isn’t as accurate as you think, and why buying a home should be more about life fit than market timing. If you’ve ever wondered whether intermittent fasting, lifting routines, and homeownership prep could be discussed in the same breath, buckle up. This is The Higher Standard—where financial literacy meets real-life chaos and a lot of unsolicited fitness advice.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🧊 Get 12% off any purchase at Ice Barrel (Excludes chillers)🔗 Resources:March home sales drop to their slowest pace since 2009 (CNBC)⚠️ 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.

Jerome Powell might be the only man in America who can tank the stock market and calm it down—all in the same sentence. In this episode, Chris and Saied break down Powell’s most recent cryptic speech (complete with purple tie and Fed-speak flair) and explain why the central bank is stalling like your friend who won’t define the relationship. With tariffs looming like a bad sequel and markets reacting like it’s a rollercoaster sponsored by Dramamine, the guys dive into the real question: Is this a dip… or just indigestion?➡️ Meanwhile, Nvidia is catching strays, Netflix is crushing it in a recession (because apparently we all just want to binge and cry), and retail sales are peaking like everyone rushed to buy a car before the tariff guillotine drops. Throw in a McLaren parked in general population, some spicy banter about floppy-wrist jump shots, and a side of Zaddy Zandi recession forecasts, and you’ve got an episode that’s equal parts economic insight and comedy gold. Pull up, pour a cold brew, and don’t forget your gooseneck.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Powell sees 'challenging scenario' for Fed if Trump tariffs stoke inflation and slow growth (Yahoo! Finance)Stock market today: Dow slides as UnitedHealth plunges, Nasdaq, S&P 500 sputter to end down week (Yahoo! Finance)Netflix stock rises after earnings, outlook top Wall Street forecasts (Yahoo! Finance)Recession 'more likely than not' if trade war keeps escalating (Yahoo! Finance)⚠️ 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.

With the market in full-blown tantrum mode—thanks to headline whiplash over tariffs, Fed drama, and bond sell-offs—we decided it was time to do the unthinkable: relax. That’s right. This week, your favorite duo dials back the financial fear porn to take a breather from the endless stream of doomsday news. Don’t worry, we still dissect what happened in the markets, how Treasury yields spiked like your heart rate reading economic headlines, and why even Jerome Powell might be asking for a mental health day. But we also peel back the curtain a bit on how we cope with it all, why taking a step back can be the smartest move you make, and how to avoid becoming another casualty of financial anxiety.➡️ This one isn’t about panic—it’s about perspective. We break down what’s real, what’s performative, and why everyone suddenly thinks they’re an expert on the VIX. Plus, Chris has a few spicy thoughts on media overreach and Saied waxes poetic about cortisol (again). If you’re looking for a much-needed reset with just enough macro to keep your edge—this episode is your serotonin shot with a side of smarts.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🧊 Get 12% off any purchase at Ice Barrel (Excludes chillers)🔗 Resources:Nah. This time, we’re skipping the citations and giving you permission to stop doom-scrolling and just vibe. Not every episode needs a thesis and footnotes—sometimes, it’s okay to laugh, breathe, and admit we’re all just trying to figure it out.⚠️ 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.

Chris Naghibi and Saied Omar toss aside their planned topics faster than a politician dodging a question to tackle the economic grenade President Trump just lobbed: tariffs. And not just any tariffs—reciprocal tariffs with the subtlety of a wrecking ball. With import taxes soaring as high as 49%, countries like China, India, and the EU are basically being told, “Nice try, but America first.” As global markets went into panic mode, futures took a nosedive, and investors clutched their portfolios like toddlers clinging to their blankies.➡️ But fear not—Chris and Saied break it all down with historical flair (hello, Smoot-Hawley), modern spice, and a side of "WTF just happened to the stock market?" They explore the ripple effects on jobs, car prices (RIP affordable Jeeps), and even what this might mean for that imported espresso machine you were eyeing. If you’ve ever wondered how tariffs could impact your wallet, your 401(k), and your stress levels all at once, this episode delivers answers with wit, wisdom, and the economic sass you never knew you needed.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:President Trump’s Economic Plan Breakdown (NBC News)Stock Market Reacts to Trump’s Tariff Announcement (CNN)Trump Announces Higher Reciprocal Tariff Rates (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)Trump Unveils Sweeping Global Tariffs (The New York Times)These Cars May Be More Expensive As Trump’s Auto Tariffs Take Effect (Forbes)⚠️ 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.

What do a $500 billion Apple flex, Trump’s economic record, and your second job all have in common? They’re all part of the weird, wild economic moment we’re living in—and the guys are breaking it down. Chris and Saied take a sharp, funny, and occasionally savage look at how big companies are hedging political bets, what Trump actually did for the economy, and why more Americans are clocking in after hours just to keep up.➡️ From Elon stirring the pot to AI’s role in job-hopping, we unpack what’s real, what’s media spin, and what it all means for your wallet. And if you're wondering whether taking on a side hustle makes you part of a larger economic trend or just a burnout statistic—yeah, we’ve got thoughts on that too. This is The Higher Standard, and we're not pulling punches.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:President Trump's Economic Plan Breakdown (Elon Musk via X)Apple boosts U.S. investment plans with $500 billion pledge (NBC News)More Americans are holding down multiple jobs (WSJ via Instagram)The Week Ahead (Yahoo! Finance)Auto loan delinquencies & repossessions reached concerning levels (Intels via Instagram)Consumer confidence hits lowest level in more than 4 years (Yahoo! Finance via 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.