The Jacob Shapiro Podcast

Emmanuel Daniel, founder of TAB Global and a fintech author, delves into the evolving landscape of finance where personalization takes center stage. He argues that the true disruption in finance stems from individuals rather than technology, reshaping trust and power dynamics globally. Daniel explores the impact of financialization, the role of cryptocurrencies, and the tension between personal ownership and intermediaries. He emphasizes the importance of data sovereignty in navigating this new monetary architecture, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

In this discussion, market and geopolitical analyst Rob Larrity shares his insights on the impact of tariffs on demand and prices, challenging conventional narratives with complex economic realities. They explore the widening gap between political platitudes and material truths, highlighting the risks of economic fragility in the U.S. Amidst these discussions, Chile's evolving political landscape and its potential advantages in a shifting global economy are also examined. Larrity emphasizes the importance of understanding market signals over political spin.

Join Kaiser Kuo, a commentator on Chinese affairs and host of the Sinica Podcast, as he dives into pivotal discussions about China's rise and its lessons for the West. He explores the intriguing parallels between America's Gilded Age and China's current trajectory. They analyze the unique role of the state in China's growth, challenge stereotypes about innovation, and debate whether China aims for global hegemony. Kuo also sheds light on China's environmental strategies and public perceptions of the U.S., making the conversation a thought-provoking reflection on progress and modernity.

Dylan Livingston, founder of the Alliance for Longevity Initiatives (A4LI), discusses the transformative potential of longevity science. He delves into how treating aging as a solvable issue could reshape economies, global power dynamics, and healthcare. The conversation covers the historical quest for immortality and how modern medicine aims to extend not just life, but healthy life. Livingston also shares insights on bipartisan policy advocacy, fundraising for research, and the economic impact of longer, healthier lives.

Jerry Neuman, an investor and former engineer, dives into the complexities of technological revolutions. He challenges the notion that AI will be a profound change, likening it to containerization, which improves efficiency but keeps systems intact. They discuss how job roles will evolve rather than vanish, the geopolitical aspects of innovation, and the critical need for nurturing creativity. Neuman also weighs in on the skepticism surrounding cryptocurrencies and suggests that the next big leap could be in nanotechnology, rather than digital advancements.

This chat features Peter Harrell, a Yale-trained lawyer and former Biden administration official with deep insights into trade policy. They dive into the Supreme Court's pivotal hearing on tariff legality, discussing the 1977 emergency powers statute that underpins Trump’s tariffs. Peter explains the implications of the IEPA case, the potential economic fallout, and how small businesses might be affected. They also explore the future of U.S. trade relations, particularly with Canada and implications for global power dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Jeffrey Robertson, an associate professor of diplomacy at Yonsei University and expert on North Asia, illuminates South Korea's geopolitical dance among major powers. He explores South Korea's pragmatic approaches to US relations, keeping the alliance transactional. Robertson discusses the nation's unique stance on nuclear weapons and provides insights on the complex dynamics with North Korea. He also highlights the economic potential of unification, while addressing South Korea's demographic challenges and evolving policy adaptations.

Joining the discussion is Elohim Monard, a seasoned Latin America analyst and podcaster specializing in Venezuelan affairs. They dive into the implications of U.S. military movements near Venezuela, exploring how internal U.S. politics shape foreign policy decisions. Elohim highlights the growing influence of hard-right movements in Latin America, drawing parallels to U.S. actions and strategies. The conversation also touches on China's geopolitical role, regional security models, and a potential shift toward a right-wing international reshaping the Americas.

The discussion dives into Brazil's PIX payment system and its potential threat to U.S. credit card profits. They explore the geopolitical tension arising from the U.S.'s investigation into PIX and its implications for U.S.-Brazil relations. Privacy concerns linked to central bank control are also examined. As U.S. tariffs take a toll, Brazilian nationalism surges, complicating the political landscape. Among other topics, they analyze the effects of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and how rising cocaine production influences regional dynamics.

In this discussion, Tobias Harris, an analyst of Japanese politics and author, dives into Japan's recent surprising election, marking the rise of the country's first female prime minister, Takahichi. They explore political fragmentation, coalition dynamics, and significant policy challenges ahead, such as national security and economic strategies. Harris emphasizes the implications of high public approval amid Japan's pressing economic issues, and the delicate balancing act required in foreign relations with China and South Korea.