Hidden Forces

In Episode 217 of Hidden Forces, Demetri Kofinas speaks with New York Times Op-Ed columnist Ross Douthat about his five-year struggle with a disease that in his own words, officially, doesn't exist. It's a story about personal suffering but also about what happens when we become terribly ill only to realize that even the doctors who are willing to treat us can only do so much. Demetri and Ross spend the first half of their conversation discussing the book and its lessons for not only those dealing with chronic illnesses like Lyme disease, which has afflicted Ross, but for anyone who feels the need to challenge or circumvent the medical establishment in order to treat an illness or cure a serious disease. Unsurprisingly, this leads directly into a conversation about Covid-19, a disease which has inspired its own set of alternative treatment modalities and which has afflicted tens of millions of people with symptoms that the medical establishment is still struggling to understand. In the second hour, Demetri has a chance to ask Ross about a number of political and social issues and questions surrounding the upcoming elections, the enduring popularity of Donald Trump, the ongoing transformation of the news media, the Biden presidency, and much more. You can access the second part of this episode, as well as the transcript and rundown to this week's conversation through the Hidden Forces Patreon Page. All subscribers gain access to our premium feed, which can be easily added to your favorite podcast application. If you enjoyed listening to today's episode of Hidden Forces you can help support the show by doing the following: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | SoundCloud | YouTube | CastBox | RSS Feed Write us a review on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to our mailing list through the Hidden Forces Website Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe & Support the Podcast at https://patreon.com/hiddenforces Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 11/02/2021

Robin Wigglesworth, a Financial Times global finance correspondent and author of "Trillions," dives deep into the transformative history of index funds. He discusses how passive investing has reshaped the market, but at a cost of efficiency and increased power concentration among fund managers. The conversation also explores inflation, central banks' responses, and the implications of trading scandals on public trust in financial institutions. Wigglesworth sheds light on the speculative nature of today's markets, influenced by meme stocks and cryptocurrencies.

Andrew Yang, the 2020 presidential candidate and founder of the Forward Party, discusses his journey through politics and the motivations behind his innovative proposals like universal basic income. He highlights the need to reform America's two-party system, advocating for ranked-choice voting and campaign finance changes. Yang shares lessons learned on the campaign trail about public dissatisfaction and media influence. The conversation delves into how these reforms could foster a more inclusive democracy and align political incentives with representation.

Scott Gottlieb, former FDA head and current board member at Pfizer, shares insights from his book, "Uncontrolled Spread." He discusses the systemic failures that worsened the COVID-19 crisis and the economic fallout from initial lockdowns. Gottlieb explains the virus's mechanics and vaccine effectiveness, addressing risks and the importance of informed choices. He dives into the debate on alternative treatments like Ivermectin and emphasizes the need for enhanced pandemic preparedness through a national security lens.

David Wessel, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, unveils the controversial truth behind Opportunity Zones—tax breaks marketed as social justice but seemingly benefiting the wealthy instead. He dives into the political machinations that allowed such provisions to slip through with little scrutiny, revealing the underlying dynamics of power in Washington. Wessel also discusses current issues like infrastructure bills and the landscape of upcoming elections, shedding light on the intricate relationship between wealth, policy, and democracy.

Telecom industry veteran Jon Pelson, author of "Wireless Wars," sheds light on the turbulent journey of 5G technology. He reveals how American innovation inadvertently fueled China's telecom rise, particularly through companies like Huawei. Pelson shares gripping tales of industry leaders and highlights the intricate dance between U.S. businesses and the Chinese Communist Party. He emphasizes the urgent need for the U.S. to harness its culture of innovation to reclaim its leadership in global telecommunications and counteract China's strategic moves.

Bradford McArthur, host of the documentary series "The Empire's New Clothes," dives into the cyclical forces shaping empires and societies. He discusses financial nihilism as a contemporary investment philosophy, addressing the complexities of market speculation. The conversation also navigates the post-truth landscape, emphasizing the need for unified societal truths. McArthur examines the interplay between leadership, media influence, and the importance of personal growth amidst financial struggles, highlighting the relevance of active participation in both politics and investing.

Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of Sinovation Ventures and former president of Google China, shares his insights on our AI-driven future. He discusses the pivotal technologies, like deep learning and quantum computing, that will shape the next two decades. Kai-Fu delves into the ethical dilemmas facing autonomous vehicles and the societal challenges posed by job displacement. He also explores the unsettling potential of AI and digital currency within a post-scarcity world, emphasizing the need for transparency and ethical considerations in technology.

Simon Mikhailovich, founder and Managing Partner of The Bullion Reserve, shares his profound insights as an émigré from the Soviet Union. He reflects on the harsh lessons learned from his upbringing in Leningrad and the complexities of Soviet life, linking them to today's socio-political challenges in the West. The discussion shifts to the waning faith in traditional safe havens like U.S. treasuries, highlighting gold's enduring value as a reliable investment amidst systemic risks. Mikhailovich emphasizes the importance of strategic relationships to ensure liquidity during uncertain times.

Adam Tooze, Professor of History at Columbia University and author of "Shutdown: How COVID Shook the World Economy," unpacks the tumultuous first year of the pandemic. He analyzes the interplay between power and knowledge, examining how trust in authorities was fractured. Tooze also critiques the fragility of the neoliberal order and discusses challenges posed by rising powers like China. The conversation delves into the future of U.S. leadership, the role of central banks, and the pressing need for innovative solutions to climate change and societal division.