Jared Dillian Podcasts

Back from a short hiatus, Jared and Cameron discuss a range of political, economic, and creative topics, including Joe Biden's recent cancer diagnosis and the scrutiny he is facing, Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” and Moody's US credit downgrade, gold versus Bitcoin for the remainder of 2025, whether companies such as Walmart will eat Trump's tariffs, Jared's recent writing retreat, and his upcoming DJ gig in Las Vegas. If nothing else, you should get some good book recommendations here—i.e., check out Barry Hannah, Raymond Carver, et al.

In episode 416 of the BE SMART podcast, Jared and Cameron discuss the recent DirtCon conference (for Daily Dirtnap subscribers), upcoming changes to the event, and key market headlines, including Warren Buffett's retirement and the implications for Berkshire Hathaway. They explore the effectiveness of DOGE in economic policy, Trump's controversial tariff proposals, and the shifting economic landscape in Latin America. The conversation wraps up with investment strategies in emerging markets and predictions for the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting.

In episode 415 of the BE SMART podcast, Jared and Cameron discuss how The Economist's covers often signal market turning points, economic predictions, and the impact of tariffs on the US economy. They also dive into Tesla's recent performance, Trump's frustrating tax proposals, and the potential for a recession before touching on the systemic risks that private equity is facing. To wrap it up, they go through 10 of the most popular finance movies and the upcoming economic data that will be crucial for market direction.

In episode 415 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss the impact of the Trump effect on Big Tech, the clash between Trump and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, and the significance of gold in the current economic climate. They also share personal updates and predictions for the market, emphasizing the importance of understanding economic trends and making informed financial decisions.

In episode 413 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss the current state of the market, the implications of tariffs, and strategies for investing during volatile times. They explore the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates, the potential for recession, and the importance of maintaining cash reserves in a portfolio. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of trading and the need for discipline in a rapidly changing market environment.

In episode 412 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss the implications of recent market movements, including tariffs, GameStop's foray into Bitcoin, and how gold looks to be going parabolic. They also break down the declining dollar, labor market pessimism, and the impact of AI on job opportunities for younger generations. The conversation wraps up with insights on Jared's Options Masterclass (now available!) and upcoming economic reports.

In episode 411 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss the Federal Reserve's policy direction, misconceptions about stagflation, and investment strategies in gold and options. They emphasize the importance of risk management in investing and clarify the “set it and forget it” approach. The conversation also touches on a spicy viewer comment (re: tariffs as a deflationary force) and upcoming economic indicators. Coming soon: Jared's Options Masterclass!

In episode 410 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss various market trends, economic outlooks, and investment strategies. They examine the implications of tariffs, the potential for a recession, the current state of the stock market, and Monday's rough day for Magnificent 7 stocks. The conversation also touches on inflation rates and the likelihood of future rate cuts.

In episode 409 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared break down the implications of a proposed US crypto reserve, the recent suspension of anti-money laundering laws by the Treasury Department, and the challenges facing US agriculture. They also discuss the US economic slowdown, the performance of Treasury bonds, and the controversial private credit ETF, PRIV.

In episode 408 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss market trends, consumer sentiment, wealth disparity, and how the US economy is increasingly reliant on the top 10% of earners, as well as the implications of US-China relations on international investments. They also explore the current state of the gold market, rising costs of staples like coffee and eggs, and the pressures of holiday spending on consumer debt. The conversation emphasizes the importance of sound money management and the need for consumers to be realistic about their financial decisions. (Don't be an idiot with your money!)

In episode 407 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss Donald Trump's latest round of tariffs (25% on steel and aluminum) and whether a full-scale US trade war against the world will deliver a “stagflationary shock” to the US economy. Plus, predictions for stocks and gold, the tax code's controversial treatment of the profits of private equity, venture capital, and hedge fund managers, and personal finance advice for listeners experiencing financial anxiety.

In episode 406 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss a whirlwind of recent headlines, including the impact of tariffs on global markets, the response of the US dollar and gold, Elon Musk's cost-cutting initiatives, trends in private equity, Robinhood's new sports betting feature, the importance of real estate in investment portfolios, and what's on deck for the Fed. They also share personal experiences from a recent trip to the Real Vision Crypto Gathering in Miami.

In episode 405, Cameron and Jared discuss Trump's first week in office; the rise of China's AI model DeepSeek and the implications for Nvidia and other tech stocks; investors flocking to the safety of US government bonds; the impact of tariffs on global markets; inflation and food insecurity in America; and this week's economic indicators, including thoughts on the Fed's next moves.

In this episode of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss a variety of topics ranging from the college football championship to the inauguration of Donald Trump to the implications of TikTok's national security concerns and Trump's declaration to “not let TikTok stay dark.” They also discuss the recent debut of Trump's meme coin and its effects on the crypto market, as well as insights from Scott Bessent's Senate confirmation hearing regarding economic policies.

To kick off the new year, Cameron and Jared discuss a variety of topics ranging from the joy of Barry Hannah to the intricacies of the current job market and economic trends. They dive into Jared's upcoming writing projects—including The Awesome Portfolio, a novel to rival The Hunger Games, and an essay collection due out this summer—while also analyzing market dynamics, with an emphasis on tech stocks such as Nvidia and Apple. The discussion extends to the implications of Trump's economic policies and the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, as well as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's recent resignation and whether now is the time to accumulate a position in Canadian assets.

Josh Jalinski, founder and CEO of Jalinski Advisory Group and Wealth Quarterback LLC, joins the podcast to discuss the current state of financial advisors, the significance of diversification in investment strategies, and the behavioral aspects of finance. The discussion also dives into the role of Bitcoin in modern portfolios and the implications of mainstream financial institutions entering the cryptocurrency space, as well as the future of the dollar amid economic changes, the need for a shift in retirement planning strategies, the role of bonds in modern portfolios, the importance of international investments, and the implications of inflation on financial strategies.

In episode 401 of the BE SMART podcast: a friendly wager on Bitcoin, market analysis focusing on the US dollar and private equity trends, how the US stock market as a percentage of global market cap is an enormous bubble, and why the US in 2024 resembles Japan in 1990. Plus, a look into the mailbag from Jared's readers and listeners, including questions about Epsilon Theory, swearing in writing, and gold sentiment.

In this milestone 400th episode of the BE SMART podcast, hosts Cameron and Jared discuss a range of topics including post-election market reactions, implications of capping credit card interest rates, the AI frenzy in private equity, predictions for Bitcoin, and the impact of new government efficiency initiatives. They also dive into key cabinet picks, economic implications of potential layoffs, and answer questions from Jared Dillian Money readers about real estate and the dollar's status.

In episode 399 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss the aftermath of the recent US presidential election, as well as economic initiatives in West Virginia, market reactions including Bitcoin and bank stocks, the Federal Reserve's future under Trump, and the implications for private equity.

In episode 398, Cameron and Jared discuss the 2024 election and its implications for the market, including predictions and trading strategies. They dig into inflation and the cost of living, exploring how these factors affect consumer sentiment, before shifting to popular topics on the personal finance subreddit, offering advice on car and home ownership, investment strategies, and retirement. The conversation concludes with a look ahead to the Federal Reserve meeting and future plans.

Elon Musk says he plans to award $1 million a day to a randomly chosen voter… this year's furious rally in US stocks is poised to extend into the final stretch of 2024, even as the US presidential election looms as a major wild card… gold reaches a record high on Monday… and Bitcoin does Bitcoin things, flirting with $70,000 before pulling back. In episode 397 of the BE SMART podcast, Jared and Cameron discuss these major headlines, earnings, and more.

Private equity pours millions into HVAC and plumbing trades, worldwide efforts to reverse the baby shortage fall flat, and prices ease for used cars and some grocery items as the inflation cooldown continues. In episode 396, Jared discusses how his new site, ShortPrivateEquity.com, complements his Big Short 2.0 idea on the brewing collapse of the private equity market; the push to incentivize people to have children by dangling tax exemptions in front of them; and how 2025 could bring a big resurgence to inflation numbers.

In episode 395, Jared and Cameron cover topics ranging from his short story collection NIGHT MOVES to insights on the bond market and how strong jobs data impacts rate cuts moving forward, oil prices, and the dualities present in the current economic landscape. Jared emphasizes the importance of having cash on hand for emergencies and shares his thoughts on navigating risks in equities.

Jared and Cameron explore various market trends, including the surprising performance of stocks in September when you look at past performance throughout the years, insights into the energy sector, and the challenges facing the housing market. They discuss the implications of insurance costs in real estate, the political landscape's impact on the economy, and reflect on the first six short stories in Jared's new short story collection, NIGHT MOVES. Grab your copy of NIGHT MOVES here!

In episode 383 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss the release of Jared's new book, NIGHT MOVES, market trends, the bullish momentum of gold, Trump's proposal on credit card interest rates, insights into the job market, and upcoming economic data. They also explore the implications of Fed rate cuts and the current economic environment. Grab your copy of NIGHT MOVES here!

In this episode of the BE SMART podcast, Jared and Cameron discuss a range of topics, including the upcoming launch of Jared's book NIGHT MOVES, the implications of political violence on economic conditions, the relationship between commodities and human progress, market trends and potential interest rate cuts, and strategies for investing in bonds. They touch on the current state of the economy, the importance of understanding market dynamics, and the need for investors to stay informed about upcoming data releases and Fed decisions.

In the first trading week of September, the S&P 500 fell 4.2%, the monthly jobs report showed the labor market added fewer jobs than expected, and weak manufacturing data led stocks to their worst day since early August. In episode 391, Jared discusses market volatility and economic data, as well as topics such as Apple's AI selling point for its new generation of iPhones, Donald Trump's proposed government efficiency commission headed by Elon Musk, and Kamala Harris's idea to introduce a 25% minimum tax on total income (including unrealized capital gains) for individuals with wealth over $100 million.

Jared and Cameron discuss Jared's upcoming short story collection, NIGHT MOVES, before diving into commodities and skepticism toward Goldman Sachs' copper forecast. They also discuss the recent decline in Nvidia's stock price and its implications, the outlook for stocks in September, the use of puts as an alternative to short selling, and the allocation of new investments in the Awesome Portfolio.

In this episode of the BE SMART podcast, Jared and Cameron discuss various topics, including key market headlines, such as the upcoming Jackson Hole Symposium in Wyoming, the VIX's unprecedented turnaround, and Kamala Harris's plan to stop price gouging. They also discuss the importance of teaching personal finance in schools before diving into the mailbag to answer a question about the Awesome Portfolio.

The collapse of the real estate market in 2008 nearly brought the global economy to its knees, but a few saw it as an opportunity to change their lives. Today, we're facing a similar moment—this time in private equity. While we might not sink as low as the near-depression levels of 2008, a downturn in private equity could still turn a recession into something much worse… but there's still an opportunity to get ahead of it. In this special edition of the BE SMART podcast, Jared and his co-host Cameron cover the problems surrounding private equity and the actionable, step-by-step moves needed to trade something of this magnitude.

On Monday, the Dow dropped 2.6%, the Nasdaq lost 3.43%, and the S&P 500 slid 3%. The Dow and S&P 500 registered their biggest daily losses since September 2022. On top of that, cryptocurrencies sank; the VIX skyrocketed; investors piled into Treasury bonds; and Japan's stock market posted its worst drop since Wall Street's Black Monday in 1987, contributing to fears of global turmoil in the markets. In episode 387, Jared discusses recession fears, the importance of having short positions in a stock-based portfolio, and how traders can insure their portfolios against an extreme market crash. Plus, mortgage rates and the one thing younger generations should focus on when looking to buy a new home.

In episode 386, Jared breaks down various topics including market volatility, McDonald's earnings and consumer spending, Bitcoin, mortgage rates, personal finance questions from Reddit, and upcoming events such as the Federal Reserve meeting and the July jobs report. He addresses Reddit users' concerns such as how to prepare for your parents' golden years when they haven't, emergency funds, what to do with your savings, and investment strategies.

In episode 385, Jared discusses recent political developments, their impact on markets, and whether the Trump trade is still in play. He also follows up from last week's episode on the potential for a rotation into small caps… plus, company-specific headlines surrounding Verizon (VZ) and Delta (DAL), uncertainty and volatility in the market, and why his Strategic Portfolio makes sense as a “safe money” investing solution.

Following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, Jared discusses the idea of the “Trump trade” gaining momentum as the US nears its 2024 election, how black swan events tend to cluster, and the mispricing of volatility. He also addresses declining inflation, the potential for the Fed to cut rates, and how small caps are showing signs of a comeback.

In today's episode, fresh off an interview at the Schwab Network in NYC, Jared reveals the weirdness of the New York Stock Exchange, as well as topics such as Nvidia's recent 10-for-1 stock split, California's bump in minimum wages, greedflation and rising fast food prices, and why it's a bad idea to finance used cars. He also addresses readers' questions, including his thoughts on the FDIC's $250K insurance limits and people's irrational fear that the US dollar will lose its status as the reserve currency.

In episode 382, Jared discusses why he thinks private equity is one of the biggest bubbles of all time, as well as Roaring Kitty's blatant market manipulation with GameStop, Donald Trump, where to begin your investment journey, and an outlet for market junkies. He also dives into the mailbag to tackle concerns such as cash positions, money market funds, and paying taxes on gains before addressing the week ahead, including payrolls and the upcoming Fed meeting. Time stamps: 1:12 — Market headlines 5:01 — Investing: beginner to market junkie 7:52 — Private equity and gold 13:45 — The week ahead

People pour their hearts out on Reddit. In episode 381, Jared and Cameron tap into personal finance subreddits, addressing questions about payday loan apps, when to repair your vehicle versus buying a new one, mortgages and retirement, negotiating for a higher salary, steps to achieving financial comfort, and… clogged cats?

Anytime a new technology is developed, there's an initial hype phase where money pours into the space, which leads to overinvestment and malinvestment. Then you enter the Valley of Despair before getting a second bull market years down the line. In episode 380, Jared clarifies why we may be close to completing the first runup in AI, why crypto has no place in the Awesome Portfolio, why he's so bearish on Google, the 2024 election, and more.

Would you have more money if you didn't buy coffee? Perhaps marginally more, but it's a rounding error in the grand scheme of things. Stop focusing on the little things that don't matter. Buying coffee is peewee stuff that just does not matter, and you have these so-called financial “experts” focused on this kind of stuff, alienating everyone in the process. There are so many other things you should be focusing on to improve your financial well-being.

Having money in stocks and mutual funds that perform well doesn't mean you're creating wealth. In that case, you're just a passenger along for the ride on the back of someone else. Creating wealth could mean starting a business or showing up to work and producing value that exceeds what you are paid. In episode 378, Jared discusses the difference between creating and destroying wealth, as well as the president's impact on the US economy.

No, it's not choosing the right mutual fund to invest in or opting for a 15-year mortgage instead of a 30-year one. Not even paying off all your credit cards cracks the top three. The three biggest financial decisions you will ever make include choosing the right person to marry, your career, and where to live. In episode 377, Jared breaks down why these choices are so crucial to get right—because getting them wrong can do serious damage in the long run.

Mutual funds let you pool your money with other investors to buy stocks, bonds, and other securities. They're run by professional money managers who decide which securities to buy (stocks, bonds, etc.) and when to sell them. Here's the thing, though: Mutual funds are not free. That said, they're inexpensive, but that doesn't stop people from getting worked up over fees. In episode 376, Jared explains why we should stop complaining about fees… especially when they're near zero already.

In episode 375, Jared maps his evolution from “class warrior” as a kid in Connecticut to his college years when he dabbled in objectivism to his present-day views on the likes of Jeff Bezos. He breaks down the philosophical basis for the revolution that swept through the world in the 1970s and '80s (influenced by prominent figures such as Ayn Rand, Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, Friedrich Hayek, and Milton Friedman) and discusses how people's thinking on economics is totally backward these days.

In episode 374 of the BE SMART podcast, Jared demystifies the key to deal negotiation for a home and why, as a buyer, you should be making a series of negative comments to your realtor to bring the price of a house down. Everything in real estate is negotiable, and it's a bit like playing cards—meaning it's helpful to know which cards a seller is holding. You don't want to be a “people pleaser” when negotiating for a house. It never hurts to ask for something you want included, whether it be the drapes or a piece of furniture.

There are points in time when producers have pricing power, and there are other times when they don't. This concept is known as demand elasticity. If something has elastic demand, companies can't raise prices much or else demand will go down. On the flip side, if something has inelastic demand, it doesn't matter how much prices increase because people will still pay for it. In this episode of the BE SMART podcast, Jared discusses how demand elasticity impacts consumer spending habits, people's perception of value, and whether you should ditch a company like Netflix when it jacks up its monthly subscription price.

Catastrophic thinking is when you believe that something terrible is always going to happen, like a divorce, a fatal illness, or devastating financial hardship. A lot of people suffer from it and are susceptible to this mindset, which can cripple your relationships and personal goals. What it boils down to is fear, but the possibility that something earth-shattering will happen to you is lower than you think. Bad things happen, of course, but there is one key solution to overcoming a negative mindset and putting yourself in a healthier frame of mind to succeed.

No stock is “safe,” but blue-chip stocks tend to be the safest. That's why, if you go to a financial advisor, they're likely to load you up on stocks found in the Dow Jones Industrial Average—the Boeings and Microsofts of the world—because it's a strategy that's much harder to screw up than others. In this episode, Jared discusses risk, growth, the sad reality of the brokerage industry, and the key to financial success as an investor.

Fun fact: Most people in the finance business believe in crazy, ridiculous conspiracy theories. It's astounding the type of stuff people believe in—like, for instance, that a shadowy government organization buys large quantities of stocks or futures to bleed short sellers and turn a profit. In this episode of the Be Smart podcast, Jared discusses why so many people perpetuate conspiracy theories and how their mentality seeps into everyday situations.

Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) is a movement defined by frugality and extreme savings and investment. It's also a dumb philosophy. Why? Because it is a perfectly normal human desire to accumulate material positions. Consumption is not immoral, and depriving yourself for several years only to continue living in deprivation doesn't make any sense. The FIRE followers have it backwards: You don't gain self-esteem and happiness from no stress. You get these things from overcoming stress through work and achievement.

Not having a lot of debt, minimizing your exposure to risk, and having financial security are all ways to deal from a position of strength. Sure, having more money often helps, but not always. There's more to it than that, which we'll dive into, along with six key things you must do to eliminate financial stress and put yourself in a position of strength.

There's a lot of money out there. We have printed trillions of dollars. Let's put it this way: There is no shortage of money. Really, there's a surplus, and it's not that hard to come by. You don't need to starve yourself or keep the thermostat at 60 degrees in the winter to save money. What it comes down to is a change in attitude. Instead of thinking that money is hard to come by, you need to embrace the idea that it's easy to get… you just need to know how to do it.