Hidden Forces

Bob Kerrey, former Nebraska governor and U.S. senator, discusses shocking new revelations about Saudi Arabia's involvement with the 9/11 hijackers and troubling CIA actions leading up to the attacks. He emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency in governmental operations while examining the political fallout from intelligence failures. The conversation dives into the implications of recently uncovered evidence and calls for further investigation, shining a light on persistent secrecy and the need for democratic oversight.

In this discussion with Patrick Boyle, a finance professor and co-founder of a quantitative hedge fund, the complexities of modern capitalism are laid bare. They tackle the tumultuous market shifts of August and ponder the looming inflationary versus deflationary forces in the West. Patrick questions the need for a new industrial policy and its potential pitfalls. The conversation also dives into pressing issues like social media regulations, deteriorating business ethics, and the backlash against immigration, offering a deep look at today’s economic landscape.

Jeffrey Sachs, a world-renowned economist and bestselling author, dives deep into U.S. foreign policy and the escalating tensions with Russia. He explores NATO expansion's role in deteriorating relations and contrasts U.S. approaches to Russia and China. The conversation reveals how America’s confrontational strategies may have exacerbated conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. Sachs also discusses the historical context post-9/11, questioning if different diplomatic choices could have changed the trajectory of global tensions.

Nate Silver, renowned political forecaster and founder of FiveThirtyEight, discusses the emerging battle between Silicon Valley elites and the D.C. establishment ahead of the 2024 elections. He examines how movements like effective altruism impact voter preferences and the dynamics of political trust. The conversation delves into the tight presidential race, debates around Kamala Harris's VP pick, and strategies for swing states. Silver shares insights on the evolving nature of risk-taking and how cultural tensions between tech and tradition shape modern political landscapes.

J. Doyne Farmer, a pioneer in chaos theory and complexity science, shares his insights on navigating the chaotic landscape of today’s economy. He discusses the limitations of traditional economic models and how agent-based simulations can enhance our predictive capabilities. Farmer illustrates the unpredictable nature of complex systems using anecdotes from roulette and technological forecasting. He emphasizes the need for innovative economic frameworks to address volatility and the emergent challenges of automation and digitization in our interconnected world.

Jim Grant, founder of Grant's Interest Rate Observer, dives into America’s economic future through the lens of the 'America First' agenda. He compares the current political landscape to past eras, especially in light of the upcoming elections. Grant discusses the implications of ongoing wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, emphasizing overlooked risks. He further analyzes Trump's proposed policies including spending, tariffs, and energy strategy, offering insights into what a potential second term might entail for the U.S. economy.

Exploring the failed Trump assassination attempt, the podcast discusses conspiracy theories, dominance hierarchies, and the implications for the election. It delves into shooter profiles, narrative aesthetics, and potential future attacks. Additionally, it analyzes poll data, Biden's health condition, and the impact of Trump's policies on the economy and geopolitics.

Henry Olsen, author of 'Working Class Republican', and Demetri Kofinas discuss the speculation around Joe Biden's health, potential replacements, and Donald Trump's chances in the 2024 election. They delve into Biden's debate performance, rumors of health issues, and the impact on Democratic nominees. The conversation also covers immigration, U.S. withdrawal from NATO, and Trump's evolving foreign policy.

Global Chief Economist at BCG, Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, discusses assessing macroeconomic risk in a changing environment, emphasizing the need for a flexible approach. They explore failed predictions, media influence, the 'good macro operating system,' business cycle length, and economic decision-making challenges.

World-renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs discusses his career in public policy and critiques of US foreign policy, touching on the 'deep state,' CIA history, and US interventions in other countries. Topics include American exceptionalism, covert operations to overthrow leaders, conspiracy theories, and constructive engagement in politics.