Dive into a lively discussion about what makes a great U.S. president. The conversation explores presidential characteristics like transparency and courage, while tracing historical legacies. Abraham Lincoln's pivotal leadership during the Civil War is examined alongside the complex decisions faced by George Washington. The ranking of past presidents sparks debate, challenging traditional views and offering fresh insights. Who do you think deserves a top spot? This dialogue encourages listeners to reflect on the true impact of these leaders.

Brad Meltzer, a best-selling thriller writer known for his meticulous historical research, dives into the shocking untold story of JFK’s first assassination attempt. He reveals how Richard Pavlik, a disgruntled postal worker, almost succeeded in his plot before JFK even took office. Meltzer shares details about the hero who thwarted the attack and discusses the cultural impact of JFK and Jackie Kennedy on America. The conversation also touches on the political climate of the 1960s, making connections to today's divisive landscape.

Roger Reaves, a former drug smuggler who spent 33 years in prison, shares his wild journey from rural life to the underworld. He reveals his extraordinary experiences working with infamous figures like Pablo Escobar and Barry Seal. The conversation dives into harrowing escapes from law enforcement, brutal realities of prison life, and deep reflections on betrayal and redemption. Roger also discusses government involvement in drug trafficking, the societal perceptions of cocaine, and advocates for reforms in the justice system.

Former President Donald Trump's interest in purchasing Greenland surfaces again, sparking debates about its strategic importance. The podcast dives into the island’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals and their implications for U.S. national security amid tensions with China. There’s an exploration of past U.S. interests in Greenland and the complex relationship with the island's Inuit people. The humor of crowdfunding attempts highlights how absurd yet strategic this proposal may seem.

Micha Kaufman, the visionary founder and CEO of Fiverr, shares how his platform revolutionized the gig economy, making freelancing more accessible. He discusses the evolution of work from traditional employment to flexible side hustles, highlighting the role of AI in creating new opportunities for freelancers. Kaufman reveals strategies that helped Fiverr connect millions of businesses to talent globally while emphasizing adaptability in today’s workforce. Tune in for insights that could reshape your career approach!

In this engaging discussion, Eric Jorgenson, CEO of Scribe Media and author of 'The Almanack of Naval Ravikant,' shares his inspiring journey of resurrecting a once-bankrupt publishing company. He delves into the pivotal lessons learned from Scribe’s downfall and the vital role of self-publishing in today's literary landscape. Eric highlights the significance of maintaining creative control and rebuilding trust within the author community while navigating modern challenges in publishing. Listeners gain valuable insights into resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.

Jim Rickards, bestselling author of Money GPT, shares a thought-provoking perspective on AI's impact on the economy. He highlights AI's dual nature, showcasing its vast potential while cautioning against risks like increased market volatility. Rickards draws parallels between AI and nuclear decision-making, stressing the need for human intuition in crisis management. The discussion reveals how over-reliance on AI in finance might lead to systemic risks and stifle creativity, urging listeners to rethink their optimism towards technological advancements.

A Note from James: If my kids asked me, "What is the one podcast we should listen to to create financial security, wealth, whatever?"—this is the one I’d recommend. Codie Sanchez is so smart, thoughtful about business, and open about her journey to success, including the failures she's overcome. Her book, Main Street Millionaire, highlights how the most boring businesses—laundromats, car washes, and other everyday enterprises—are the true wealth creators. Codie shares her strategies for buying these businesses for little to no money down and scaling them for massive success. This episode is packed with actionable insights, so take notes, and if you have questions, hit me up on Twitter. Here’s Codie Sanchez. Episode Description: James sits down with Main Street Millionaire author Codie Sanchez to explore the art of building wealth through "boring" businesses. Codie explains why chasing trendy industries like AI and crypto might not be the best path to financial freedom, and instead focuses on buying, scaling, and profiting from existing small businesses. They discuss why these overlooked enterprises can be goldmines and how to find, evaluate, and acquire them—even with minimal upfront capital. This episode is a roadmap for anyone dreaming of stepping off the corporate treadmill and building sustainable wealth. What You’ll Learn: The Power of "Boring" Businesses: Why laundromats, car washes, and other Main Street enterprises consistently generate wealth. How to Find the Right Business to Buy: Codie’s framework for identifying ideal opportunities, from seller motivations to business profitability. Creative Financing Strategies: Learn how to buy a business with little to no money down using seller financing. Scaling Simplified: Actionable tips to grow a small business by increasing visibility, average order value, and customer engagement. Overcoming the Fear of Entrepreneurship: How to shift your mindset and take calculated risks, even if you're starting as an employee. Timestamped Chapters: [01:30] Introduction to Codie Sanchez and her wealth-building philosophy. [02:29] Why "boring" businesses create lasting wealth. [03:01] Interview begins: Codie and James discuss Belgian Malinois dogs. [04:29] Following your own advice as an entrepreneur. [06:46] The power of a good book title and its lasting impression. [09:33] The evolution of business self-help books. [11:31] The Lindy Effect: Predicting a business’s future longevity. [13:49] The decline of small business ownership in America. [14:59] Tax benefits of owning a business versus being an employee. [16:18] Seller financing explained: Buying with minimal upfront capital. [19:32] The Lindy Effect and why older businesses are safer investments. [22:27] Scaling strategies: Raising prices and increasing average order value. [29:45] Codie’s journey: From corporate employee to serial entrepreneur. [36:23] First business acquisition: Lessons from Codie’s laundromat. [38:55] Overcoming fear and ego risk in entrepreneurship. [44:18] Structuring deals: The balance between upfront payment and seller financing. [50:37] Real-life example: A flooring restoration business deal. [56:14] How to connect with retiring entrepreneurs for off-market deals. Additional Resources: Codie Sanchez’s book: Main Street Millionaire  Follow Codie Sanchez on Twitter:

A Note from James:"Over a billion people play chess. Even if you're not into it, think about this: two armies on a board, going to war. It's the game of kings, and back in the day, kings played chess to strategize without any bloodshed. Although, if you've ever lost a chess game, you might feel like someone just wiped you off the board. I've been there-sitting for hours, putting your whole brain into it, and then losing. It feels like death. People cry. I've cried.But here's the thing: it's also the safest way to practice losing and bouncing back in life. That's why chess is part of our culture-from TV shows like The Queen's Gambit to the background of every smart character in movies. Chess has helped me in ways I can't even measure. It got me into college, helped me land jobs, and taught me how to deal with failure.In this episode, I sat down with Peter Doggers, an incredible chess journalist and author of The Chess Revolution. We talked about how chess is taking the world by storm, why it matters so much today, and what makes it more than just a game. If you play chess, know someone who does, or even just want to understand the cultural and intellectual explosion of chess right now, this conversation is for you. Let's get into it."Episode Description:Chess isn't just a game-it's a cultural revolution. In this episode, James talks with Peter Doggers, chess journalist and author of The Chess Revolution, about the global chess boom, AI's role in shaping modern chess, and why the game has captivated everyone from kids to CEOs. They discuss everything from the addictive nature of chess to its impact on careers, mental resilience, and even Hollywood. Whether you're a grandmaster or a beginner, this conversation uncovers why chess is more relevant than ever.What You'll Learn:How The Queen's Gambit and the pandemic reignited global interest in chess.The role of AI in transforming the way chess is played and understood.Why losing in chess feels so personal-and what it teaches about resilience.The ongoing battle against cheating in chess and the challenges of AI-driven deception.How chess can boost your career and cultural standing.Timestamped Chapters:[01:30] The cultural explosion of chess.[03:08] The addictive nature of the game.[05:47] Meeting Peter Doggers: From journalist to chess master.[10:20] AI and the future of chess.[17:28] The drama and history of chess rivalries.[22:15] Why chess players keep coming back for more.[30:50] Can adults still improve at chess?[40:47] The impact of streamers on chess popularity.Additional Resources:Peter Doggers' book: The Chess Revolution: Understanding the Power of an Ancient Game in the Digital AgePeter Doggers' Web Site ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsiHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on social media:YouTubeTwitterFacebookLinkedIn

A Note from James:"Oh my gosh, so many things going on with Bitcoin. Let me just summarize it. Obviously, Gary Gensler resigning is huge for Bitcoin. He was the head of the SEC, and this is the end of a regulatory cloud over crypto. Another major development is the proposal for Bitcoin to be included in U.S. strategic reserves. If the U.S. starts buying Bitcoin, which Senator Carol Loomis has proposed in a bill, Bitcoin could hit a million. I'm not even being too hyperbolic here. Plus, companies are beginning to adopt crypto, and tokenization is taking off.Today's guest is Omid Malekan, an expert in crypto who used to run crypto at Citibank. He's written extensively on the subject, and I love catching up with him to get his unique perspective on where crypto is heading. If you're curious about Bitcoin's future, the meme coin phenomenon, or the catalysts that might reshape the world of finance, Omid has a lot of insights to share. And trust me, you'll want to stick around for this one."Episode Description:In this episode, James sits down with Omid Malekan, crypto expert and author, to discuss the seismic shifts happening in the world of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. With Gary Gensler stepping down as SEC chair, what does this mean for the future of crypto? Omid shares his perspective on Bitcoin's potential to become a strategic reserve asset for the U.S. government and dives into the fascinating, if controversial, world of meme coins.From understanding why tokenization is more than just a buzzword to exploring how stablecoins and decentralized finance are disrupting traditional banking, this episode provides a clear, actionable roadmap for anyone interested in the future of money and blockchain technology.What You'll Learn:Why Gary Gensler's resignation matters for Bitcoin's future - and what it means for the regulatory environment.How tokenization could reshape financial markets - from real estate to gold and beyond.The role of meme coins in crypto's evolution - as both protest and possibility.The promise and potential pitfalls of stablecoins - and why they're more than just digital dollars.Omid's predictions for Bitcoin and Ethereum in a post-regulatory world - and which other coins might take off.Timestamped Chapters:[01:30] Bitcoin's Big News: Why Gensler's resignation is a game-changer[02:52] Omid Malekan's take on Bitcoin as a U.S. strategic reserve[05:25] The meme coin phenomenon: From joke to serious business[10:09] What's next for crypto banking and decentralized finance[20:07] Stablecoins: The next big thing for the U.S. dollar[36:17] Ethereum vs. Solana: The battle for blockchain supremacy[50:07] Tokenization and the future of asset ownershipAdditional Resources:Follow Omid Malekan on TwitterLearn more about stablecoins and decentralized finance at CoinDesk. ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsiHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on social media:YouTubeTwitterFacebookLinkedIn