The Higher Standard

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.

If the CEO of Dollar General starts talking like Jerome Powell, it might be time to check your emergency fund. In this episode, Chris and Saied dive headfirst into the weird intersection of retail earnings calls and central bank policy. Spoiler alert: both are saying the same thing — the consumer is tapped out. From February's disappointing 0.2% bump in retail sales to Walmart's CFO basically whispering, "We're screwed", the guys break down why Americans are spending less, stressing more, and maybe reconsidering that $7 oat milk latte.➡️ We also unpack a haunting chart from Bravos Research that only shows up before market crashes (yay!) and revisit the growing wealth gap with Kathryn Anne Edwards' spicy reminder that 154,000 households now earn more than the bottom 77 million. Oh, and mortgage applications? At 30-year lows. But sure, the economy’s totally fine. With their signature blend of brutal honesty and sarcastic charm, Chris and Saied connect the dots between inflation fatigue, consumer psychology, and why this might just be the moment to stop pretending everything's “resilient.”💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:The Fed makes multiple revisions to their 2025 economic data projections (The Kobeissi Letter via X)This signal has flashed only 2 times since 1960 (Bravos Research via X)Retail sales came in weaker than expected (CNN)Mortgage rejections at the highest level since GFC (Darth Powell via X)Existing home sales came in at 4.26 million annualized in Feb 2025 (Nick Gerli via X)Court records show how many federal workers were fired & rehired (CBS News)The top 0.1% went from earning 8.1% of all taxable income to... (Kathryn Anne Edwards 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.

🚨 Disclosure: Due to an unexpected technical plot twist, the show's cameras stopped recording at the 27-minute mark. But instead of leaving you hanging, we got creative—real MacGyver vibes. If you're watching on YouTube or Spotify, enjoy the unconventional but still brilliant presentation. Hey, sometimes the universe forces you to innovate!This episode of The Higher Standard is a wild ride through the economic turbulence gripping America. Chris and Saied tackle the hottest financial headlines, from the staggering reality of consumer debt to the relentless grind of inflation. If you think your credit card balance is bad, wait until you hear the numbers on a national scale. The guys break down the absurdity of rising car prices, how big banks are cashing in on your financial struggles, and why the dream of homeownership feels like a distant fever dream for many Americans. Oh, and if you’re wondering whether the Fed will swoop in to save the day—well, let’s just say, don’t hold your breath.➡️ But it’s not all doom and gloom—there’s strategy in the chaos. With their signature wit and no-BS approach, the trio explores how to navigate these economic headwinds without losing your sanity (or your savings). From interest rate hacks to the real way to build wealth, they break it down in a way that makes sense. And if you’re looking for an excuse to stop scrolling Zillow at 2 AM, this episode might be it. Buckle up, because The Higher Standard is bringing the hard truths—plus a few good laughs along the way.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🧊 Get 12% off any purchase at Ice Barrel (Excludes chillers)🔗 Resources:$6 eggs and other inflation pain points: Here's where prices are rising (Yahoo! Finance)Millions in US juggle several jobs (LinkedIn)US Mortgage Rates Drop for a Sixth Week to Lowest Since December (Yahoo! Finance)Redfin Spikes After Rocket Announces $1.75 Billion Deal To Buy The Company (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.

Brace yourselves—this episode is a rollercoaster of wit, wisdom, and a little bit of economic doom. Chris and Saied break down the most contentious topic in finance right now: tariffs. Are they a necessary economic weapon or a sneaky tax on the everyday American? The guys cut through the noise with a no-nonsense breakdown of how these new tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico are set to shake up prices on everything from your morning avocado toast to the car you (maybe) planned to buy next year. They also take a moment to reflect on their own economic genius—because when you call stagflation a year and a half ahead of time, you deserve some flowers. ➡️ But it’s not just economic policy that gets roasted today—Best Buy, Target, and even fresh produce take a hit as the hosts connect the dots between trade wars, inflation, and your dwindling savings account. From the absurdity of avocado pricing to the hidden costs of an iPhone made in China, this episode peels back the layers of financial jargon to show you how these decisions will hit your wallet, your weekend grocery run, and possibly even your job. Oh, and if you thought guacamole was overpriced before, just wait.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Free Trade (Wikipedia)How Uncertainty From Trump’s Tariffs Is Rippling Through the Economy (Wall Street Journal)How scared should you be about tariffs? (VOX)Here's how Trump's tariffs could cost you and your wallet (NPR)Will Trump’s tariffs push the U.S. economy into recession? Many economists think so. (Market Watch)⚠️ 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 wild ride through financial headlines, questionable government efficiency, and the enigma that is Warren Buffett’s ever-growing cash pile. From the SEC’s scathing dismissal of meme coins to Elon Musk demanding his employees justify their existence via email, no topic is safe from their razor-sharp commentary. The duo unpacks why the housing market remains stuck in limbo despite lower mortgage rates, and they throw in a little existential dread about government overspending just to keep things interesting. And if you’ve ever wondered why your health insurance costs an arm and a leg despite your tax dollars funding it, this episode might leave you with more questions than answers.➡️ But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom—Chris and Saied keep the laughs coming, whether it's dissecting the latest crypto meltdown, debating whether a $5 million "gold card" green card is the ultimate immigration hustle, or reminiscing about their younger, broker days. Plus, they drop a hint about the new studio space and the long-awaited return of guest interviews. If you love unfiltered financial takes, economic deep dives, and a little bit of chaos, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Fed cuts rates by quarter point, scales back cuts for 2025 (Yahoo! Finance)Summary of Economic Projections (Q4 2024) (The Federal Reserve)The $VIX spiked 74% higher today (Charlie Bilello via X)Where inflation is and isn't (Q4 2024) (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)Jerome Powell doesn't see the stag or the flation (The Kobeissi Letter via X)⚠️ 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 and Saied break down the ever-misleading jobs report, exposing its flaws as a lagging indicator that fuels misguided Fed decisions. They reveal why unemployment figures don’t tell the full story—especially when they ignore discouraged workers and the rise of multiple job holders struggling to keep up. And if you’re a government worker in D.C., brace yourself—layoffs are coming. The duo also tackles housing market hysteria, debunking the doomsday headlines with hard data. ➡️ Then, Uncle Jamie (Dimon, that is) drops some *spicy* leaked audio, slamming remote work as an efficiency killer. Is this about productivity, or just a clever way to push employees out? Chris and Saied weigh in. And in classic Higher Standard style, they wrap up with a deep dive into workplace dissatisfaction, hybrid work struggles, and why your mindset might be the biggest factor in your job satisfaction.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Unemployment spikes in Washington, D.C. (Chart of the Day via Instagram)Washington, D.C.’s economy looks like 2008 (The Kobeissi Letter via X)Active inventory for sale in the DC-VA-MD-WV metros (Lance Lambert via X)U.S. home prices, as measured by the Zillow Home Value Index (Lance Lambert via X)Since World War II, there have been many recessions, but only one housing crash (Logan Mohtashami via X)JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon goes ham on remote work (Barron’s via LinkedIn)Declines in remote work (Washington Post Opinions via TikTok)RTO or remote, where you work doesn’t change how happy you are in your job (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.

This week, Chris and Saied tackle the latest inflation print that came in hotter than a tiger del fuego—and yes, that’s the official economic term now. With prices climbing for consumer staples like eggs (who knew you should’ve invested in chickens?), we dissect what this means for rate cuts, the Fed’s next move, and whether we’ll all just resort to eating cardboard to save money. And if you thought the government was on top of things, think again—because even regulators are scratching their heads over the latest CFPB drama. A federal agency created to protect consumers is basically getting ghosted by Washington, and let’s just say… crypto bros are very excited about this development.➡️ But wait, there’s more! We break down the absurdity of credit card interest rates, why Home Alone 2’s Plaza Hotel suite now costs more than a used car, and the potential impact of Elon Musk’s secret Visa deal. Plus, Saied relives a scandalous youth basketball championship game that involved bad reffing, technical fouls, and one very dramatic post-game car ride. Oh, and Chris is still bleeding money on his studio construction—send thoughts, prayers, and five-star reviews. 🚀🔥💰💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🧊 Get 12% off any purchase at Ice Barrel (Excludes chillers)🔗 Resources:Here’s the inflation breakdown for January 2025 - in one chart (CNBC)Inflation over 4 years (Charlie Bilello via X)Trump's consumer watchdog freezes CFPB activity on first day of job (Reuters)Russell Vought, CFPB's new acting head, issues directives to halt parts of bureau activity (NBC News)Trump names Jonathan McKernan director of gutted CFPB (Housingwire)Warren: Only Congress — not Trump or Musk — can 'get rid of the CFPB' (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.

In this mind-expanding episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied take a detour from their usual financial deep dives to expose the sinister underbelly of human decision-making. Turns out, the economy isn’t broken—our brains are. From Robert Shiller’s Narrative Economics to Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, the duo unpacks how financial markets, political ideologies, and your everyday spending habits are more influenced by viral stories and social media hysteria than by any rational thought process. Long story, short: You’re probably not making financial decisions—you’re reacting to the subconscious cues planted in your head by algorithms, dopamine hits, and good old-fashioned tribalism.➡️ And just when you thought you were in control, they hit you with The Chaos Machine by Max Fisher, a book that details how social media isn’t just ruining dinner-table conversations—it’s actively rewiring your brain for extremism and anxiety. From doomscrolling mortgage rate headlines to being emotionally blackmailed into buying gold, Chris and Saied reveal that the only way to escape the manipulation matrix is to step back, slow down, and—dare we say—think. But hey, no pressure! If you’d rather stay plugged into the fear factory, there’s always another viral headline waiting to tell you the economy is collapsing.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🧊 Get 12% off any purchase at Ice Barrel (Excludes chillers)🔗 Resources:The Mortgage Rate Reality Sets In (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates Amid Economic Slowdown (The Guardian)US Imposes New Tariffs, Prompting Global Trade Tensions (CNN Politics)US Job Growth Slows in January (Associated Press )⚠️ 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.

Strap in, folks! This episode of The Higher Standard dives into the mind-bending world of quantum computing, where traditional computers look like toddlers trying to do calculus compared to these futuristic behemoths. Chris and Saied break down how these machines are poised to change finance, security, and possibly the way your toaster thinks about bread. They also take a moment to discuss actual science before spiraling into side rants about social media trolls, the American dream, and why nobody really understands what venture capitalists do. Spoiler alert: It involves a lot of money and just the right amount of arrogance.➡️ Of course, it wouldn’t be The Higher Standard without a healthy dose of banter. Saied gets existential about how much control private equity really has over the economy, while Chris exposes his deep-seated frustration with home prices and tax loopholes. They also take a moment to roast each other over everything from past financial missteps to the secret lives of CEOs who think they’re rich but are actually just playing in the minor leagues. Oh, and if you've ever wondered whether a broom by the front door is just "decorative" or a sign that witchcraft is officially taking over the household—Saied has some thoughts. Tune in for a hilarious, informative deep dive into the future of computing and the financial chaos of today.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🧊 Get 12% off any purchase at Ice Barrel (Excludes chillers)🔗 Resources:Fed Stands Pat on Rates, Entering New Wait-and-See Phase (Wall Street Journal)⚠️ 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.

Join two charismatic hosts as they explore the financial hamster wheel of the average American. Wage stagnation bites, while home prices soar, leaving many feeling lost in a sea of inflation. With humor and relatable anecdotes, they encourage listeners to view financial growth as a fitness journey. Discover the crucial need for mindset shifts, investing in index funds, and proactive wealth strategies. They also delve into the economic disparities separating the average individual from the ultra-wealthy, all while keeping the conversation light and engaging.