The Jacob Shapiro Podcast

With the U.S. election just around the corner, predictions and scenarios take center stage. The discussion dives into economic implications of potential Trump or Harris wins, including their impact on markets and inflation. Cultural sentiment plays a pivotal role in voter behavior, while insights on illegal gold mining expose unsettling truths about global supply. Cautious investment strategies are emphasized amidst shifting dynamics in equities and alternative assets like Bitcoin. Historical perspectives provide a broader context for navigating this turbulent election year.

Jacob welcomes Adam Mastroianni onto the show to discuss his 2023 article in Nature about how it is human nature to assume that the world is always getting worse. This is that rare bit of content that is entirely optimistic – it invites you to consider that our perception of the world is grounded not in what is actually happening in the world but in how we are programmed to think about it. --Timestamps:00:01 - Introduction to Adam Mastriani00:15 - The Illusion of Moral Decline00:31 - Human Psychology and Moral Perception04:38 - Survey Findings on Morality02:03 - Understanding Cooperation and Negativity Bias14:03 - Exploring Political Polarization11:28 - The Role of Social Media in Perception42:26 - Conclusion: Optimism in a Complex World--Referenced in the Show:Link to article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06137-x--Jacob Shapiro Site: jacobshapiro.comJacob Twitter: x.com/JacobShapCI Site: cognitive.investmentsSubscribe to the Newsletter: bit.ly/weekly-sitrep--Cognitive Investments is an investment advisory firm, founded in 2019 that provides clients with a nuanced array of financial planning, investment advisory and wealth management services. We aim to grow both our clients’ material wealth (i.e. their existing financial assets) and their human wealth (i.e. their ability to make good strategic decisions for their business, family, and career).--

Join a dynamic conversation about the evolution at Cognitive Investments and the exciting launch of Club CI. Discover how this new community aims to enhance understanding of geopolitics and personal growth. Explore the dual membership tiers designed for both seasoned professionals and emerging talents. Learn about productivity tools crafted to improve personal effectiveness and foster creativity. Delve into the importance of building genuine connections in today's digital landscape and how you can be part of this innovative initiative!

The discussion kicks off with reflections on the October 7th Hamas attack and its implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They explore unexpected agricultural innovation in Iraq amid climate challenges. The role of government support in fostering economic growth in countries like Chile and Ireland comes under scrutiny. Key trends in U.S.-China relations highlight shifting economic dynamics. The podcast wraps up by addressing Pakistan's political turmoil while spotting emerging opportunities amid adversity.

Discussing the historic port strikes in the U.S., the hosts explore their potential to disrupt supply chains and elevate inflation. They delve into the impact of automation on labor demands and protectionist policies in battery manufacturing, contrasting it with China's strategic energy investments. The inadequacies of insurance coverage in the wake of flooding in North Carolina reveal deep socioeconomic divides. Lastly, they analyze Brazil's recent credit rating upgrade and its implications, while highlighting the public's increasing concerns about crime.

Hamidreza Azizi, a Visiting Fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, shares deep insights into Iran's precarious regional dynamics. He discusses Iran's recent missile strikes on Israel, revealing them as acts of desperation. The conversation also covers the country's internal political challenges, including leadership transitions and public sentiment towards foreign policy. Azizi emphasizes Iran's lack of reliable allies, exploring its 'strategic loneliness' and the looming potential for heightened conflicts.

Cousin Marko, a keen analyst of current geopolitical affairs, joins the discussion to dissect the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and their implications for regional stability. They delve into China's economic stimulus measures, questioning their effectiveness amid challenges. The conversation turns to potential election scenarios between Trump and Harris, exploring the possible economic impacts. Finally, Marko shares insightful NBA predictions, highlighting the intertwined dynamics of sports and politics in today’s turbulent landscape.

Elo, an insightful commentator on Latin American geopolitics, delves into the tumultuous legacy of Alberto Fujimori, Peru’s controversial former president. They discuss Fujimori’s dual legacy of economic reforms paired with authoritarianism, reflecting on his rise during political instability and the complex dynamics of his governance. They also explore Fujimori's Japanese heritage and its influence on his identity, as well as his profound impact on contemporary politics in Peru, making for a compelling examination of leadership amidst moral ambiguity.

Jacob Shapiro, a specialist in geopolitical analysis and economic trends, joins the discussion with Rob to explore the microgeopolitics of Los Angeles. They draw intriguing parallels between the city’s evolution and themes in 'Blade Runner.' The conversation pivots to China's economic stimulus strategies, weighing the bullish and bearish perspectives on their potential impact. They also delve into cultural changes reflected in 'Blade Runner' and compare the investment habits of Chinese and American investors amid current economic fluctuations.

Jacob hosts PauloMacro, a macroeconomic analysis expert specializing in commodities and emerging markets. They dissect the current oil landscape and its intricate ties to the U.S. elections and geopolitical tensions, especially regarding China. The conversation shifts to the grain market, highlighting farmers' struggles. Paulo emphasizes Brazil's potential economic revival through advancements in digital payments and evolving commodity prices, urging cautious optimism for investors eyeing Brazilian markets.