World Business Academy

Recorded on May 13, 2021 It’s been ten months since we dropped an episode, and the world looks very different than the last time we sat down with Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Founding President & CEO of the World Business Academy to hear his take on the politics, society, and the economy.  Many of our long-time listeners have expressed their sadness over our break, and so we are bringing you all this special edition of New Business Paradigms!    On this episode of New Business Paradigms, we focus exclusively on the changing economy as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Rinaldo and the Academy’s Executive Director, Kristy Jansen discuss the real economy, interrogate inflation fears and examine the adjusted April jobs report, which is actually not bad when you dig into the numbers. Also in consideration: the labor shortage affecting the hospitality industry; the value of women’s labor, and why this moment is not serving women very well; some policy changes needed to get America back to work. Hint, think about a living wage for all! Be sure to let us know you are listening!  Email: info@worldbusiness.org!  Support us at www.worldbusiness.org/donate. (Credits: Produced and edited by Benjamin Schwartz and Kristy Jansen.  Theme Music by Alejandro Del Pozo)

Recorded July 18, 2020 On the final episode of New Business Paradigms, Academy Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen and President Rinaldo Brutoco discuss: What Congressman John Lewis stood for, and why his passing represents the end of an era.The danger of Trump acting like a proto-dictator by sending unmarked federal troops to arrest protestors in Portland, Oregon and the administration’s shocking lack of urgency about the rising number of COVID-19 deaths in the United States.The recent hacking of twitter and Russian hacking of elections and companies making COVID-19 vaccines.Predictions about what we might see between now and the election in November related to the rise of gold, a stock market that will go sideways or down, the US Jewish community beginning to criticize Netanyahu, trouble in the UK, and the rise of the European Union as a more cohesive unit. Listen now to learn more! Love what you hear? Be sure to let us know if you have been in our listening audience by emailing us at info@worldbusness.org. While we are suspending this podcast, we’re always looking for ways to engage with our audience and will continue creating informative, essential content through our other channels… If there’s a topic you’d like us to discuss, please let us know, and as always, donations help us keep the world informed and inspiring business to move towards a more inclusive, just and sustainable business culture! Donate at worldbusiness.org/donate.  Edited and produced by Benjamin Schwartz and Kristy Jansen Theme music by Alejandro Del Pozo  

Recorded July 11, 2020 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Academy Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen and President Rinaldo Brutoco discuss: How to make the post office cash-flow positive in three not-so-massive steps.Global signposts focusing on Israeli annexation plans, recent explosions that caused major setbacks to the Iranian nuclear program, future failed states in Africa due to COVID-19, China’s leap backward with the new Hong Kong security law, a new crop-picking program in Britain, and Putin’s latest act in his quest to become “king” in Russia.The reason that the American stock market just had its two best quarters in the last decade. Listen now to learn more! Love what you hear? Be sure to let us know if you are listening by emailing us at info@worldbusness.org. We’re always looking for ways to improve our show… If there’s a topic you’d like us to discuss, please let us know, and as always, donations help us keep the show running at the highest quality possible! Donate at worldbusiness.org/donate.  Edited and produced by Benjamin Schwartz and Kristy Jansen Theme music by Alejandro Del Pozo

Recorded on July 4, 2020 In this episode of New Business Paradigms, Producer Benjamin Schwartz and President Rinaldo Brutoco discuss the positive actions the business community has gotten behind lately via the recent announcement from the Business Roundtable on the urgency of police reform and the widespread boycott of advertising on Facebook. Rinaldo contrasts these positive examples of businesses being responsive to the shifting mores in society to the old-school story of Bayer paying billions to settle Roundup lawsuits. The show concludes with some economic indicators, global signposts, and a discussion on the danger of a president who is being held hostage by a foreign leader. Listen now to learn more! Love what you hear? Be sure to let us know if you are listening by emailing us at info@worldbusness.org. We’re always looking for ways to improve our show… If there’s a topic you’d like us to discuss, please let us know, and as always, donations help us keep the show running at the highest quality possible! Donate at worldbusiness.org/donate.  Edited and produced by Benjamin Schwartz Theme music by Alejandro Del Pozo

Recorded on June 27, 2020 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Academy Chief of Staff, Kristy Jansen, and Academy President, Rinaldo Brutoco discuss how an effective federal government ideally would offer economic support to help states get back on their feet. Rinaldo touches off his discussion of how we might dig ourselves out of this economic collapse by comparing his perspective to one recently expressed by Paul Krugman.  Rinaldo notes that he agrees with Krugman about the absolute necessity of getting the pandemic under control before we can heal this economy but disagrees with Krugman over direct stimulus to individuals.  While Krugman argues it’s too expensive to keep funding additional unemployment insurance payments or to do ongoing direct payments to all adults, Rinaldo argues that we can’t afford NOT to keep American households solvent.  More direct payments, a transition to single-payer health insurance, and more investment in regular people are key for minimizing this downturn.  We reject these approaches at our peril. In addition, we address economic indicators, focusing on when gold might reach its true price – answer some listeners' questions – and spend a bit of time on Global Signposts. The show concludes with a discussion about the state of the Affordable Care Act and Rinaldo lambasts Governor Newsom for a failed reopening in California. Be sure to let us know you are listening!  Email: info@worldbusiness.org!  Support us at www.worldbusiness.org/donate. (Credits: Produced and edited by Benjamin Schwartz and Kristy Jansen.  Theme Music by Alejandro Del Pozo)

Recorded June 20, 2020 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen and Academy President and Founder, Rinaldo Brutoco, discuss the state of the economy, and Rinaldo’s long-term predictions about increasing gold prices, even in the midst of “a depression wrapped in a pandemic, which is all compounded by the effects climate change.” When, “Oops,” and “He was just joking,” are the standard response of a federal administration to try to explain away overtly racist actions, historical ignorance, dog-whistle terminology, procedural blunders, and the blatant hollowing out of competence in government, the upcoming election has taken on new meaning. The combination of racism, anti-Semitism, cronyism, greed, and a complete lack of morals or compassion surrounding the president has made it clear that the 2020 election is about more than the president for the next four years, it is about the soul of the United States and the future of this nation. Rinaldo discusses the judicial wins this week and explains why a semi-competent third branch of government is essential, though it currently barely enough to keep law and order in a country so close to devolving into chaos. The show ends with remarks on a California decision to end for-profit prisons and the continuation of the new Global Signposts segment. Be sure to let us know you are listening!  Email: info@worldbusiness.org!  Support us at www.worldbusiness.org/donate. (Credits: Produced and edited by Benjamin Schwartz and Kristy Jansen.  Theme Music by Alejandro Del Pozo)

Recorded on June 14, 2020 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen and Academy President and founder, Rinaldo Brutoco, discuss the fast-paced nature of the news that has resulted in New Business Paradigms shifting from once a month, to bi-weekly, and most recently to every week during the COVID-19 crisis.  The show begins with predictions of how certain industries – such as the airline industry – must get leaner to survive following the end of the government bailout in August. In addition to jobs being cut for workers who cannot work remotely, it is also worth considering that the next wave of jobs to be cut will be white-collar jobs; management is not necessary when workers are either being furloughed or working from home. Rinaldo and Kristy discuss the increase of infections that is part of the first wave of the pandemic and what it means that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has begun making bulletin advisories, even if they are done in a quiet, almost secretive manner. In the second half of the show, Rinaldo quickly breezes through economic indicators before focusing on failures in mainstream journalism.  This concerning trend transitions into a new segment on NBP, called Global Signposts, in which Rinaldo offers short snippets of some of the most important stories happening across the globe. Articles: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/10/upshot/dentists-coronavirus-economic-indicator.html   (Credits: Produced and Edited by Kristy Jansen & Benjamin Schwartz, Theme Music by Alejandro Del Pozo)

Recorded on June 6, 2020 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, World Business Academy Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen and Academy President Rinaldo Brutoco discuss how proud they are of the peaceful protests occurring around the United States as well as their incredulity that the POTUS would continue to fan the flames of violence so callously.  Rinaldo makes the important point that these protests may finally have taught Mr. Trump that he is not above the law.  The show then turns towards economic indicators, beginning with the incomplete unemployment numbers and the shifting to the imbalance between the stock market and the real economy. On the second half of the podcast, the conversation shifts to address recent fluctuations in gold as major economies are moving in bulk, and the decision multiple countries are making to invest in a blockchain-based currency.  The end of the show is surprisingly positive, given the uncertain times; Rinaldo mentions his letter to the graduates as a jumping-off point to urge the class of 2020 to create the world they want to see, rather than accepting the flawed world as it is. Articles Plastics, Benjamin: https://worldbusiness.org/perspectives-plastics-benjamin-a-letter-to-the-class-of-2020/

Recorded on May 30, 2020 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, World Business Academy President and President Rinaldo Brutoco is joined again by Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen to discuss the roadmap to get America healthy and functioning again.  The conversation kicks off with an analysis of critical shortcomings of the current health care industry that make it imperative that the country transition to Universal Healthcare.  Both Rinaldo and Kristy lambast the lack of leadership in the present administration, Rinaldo even going as far to make the claim that while a new administration might be able to repair the damage over the course of many years, another four years of the Trump Administration would devastate America’s position in the world forever and inflict even more havoc on the tattered fabric of American society. In the latter half of the show, Rinaldo explains his theory that the United States cannot truly go back to any old sense of normal, or even create a new normal, without addressing its two Original Sins (slavery and the genocide of Native Americans).  Also, in this segment, Rinaldo muses on the world that the Class of 2020 is graduating into and analyzes the most important policy move in European Union history. (Credits: Produced and Edited by Kristy Jansen & Benjamin Schwartz, Theme Music by Alejandro Del Pozo)

Recorded May 23, 2020 On this Episode of New Business Paradigms, Podcast Producer Benjamin Schwartz and Academy President Rinaldo Brutoco discuss options for healing an economy despite an incorporate federal administration and an increased number of infections as states reopen too early.  Rinaldo makes it clear, that between a failing economy and the COVID-19 pandemic, the strain from climate change will be even less manageable than in prior years. The second half of the show covers the COVID-19/economic situations in individual states, starting with the success that California has had at stopping the spread of the virus as well as while considering just what will be needed in the state’s budget.  Rinaldo finishes with an update on the UC System; they have achieved a pledge (made in September 2019) to remove all fossil fuel-investments from its $126-billion investment portfolio. (Credits: Produced and Edited by Kristy Jansen & Benjamin Schwartz, Theme Music by Alejandro Del Pozo)

Recorded on May 16, 2020 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Academy Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen and Academy President Rinaldo Brutoco discuss the ways in which the failing airline and hotel industries are a facet of the changes that are part of the new reality we are living in.  Rinaldo considers prominent retailers that have gone bankrupt in the past two weeks as untenable levels of debt have become crippling in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic (think JC Penny and Neiman Marcus) and extends his arguments to the broader entertainment industries.  He uses examples of some bars or restaurants making packaged deals with nearby movie theaters or example. The larger point this episode considers is that much of the economy as we know it is collapsing and more than ever, previously radical ideas like basic income and universal healthcare are sounding more and more like mainstream solutions to help real people remain solvent as the gig economy plummets and debt everywhere is rising at astounding levels.  The latter half of the show focuses on economic indicators, the artificially high price of oil, and reasons not to invest in hotels, as well as solutions to homelessness in the United States.  Who’d have thought the two could be connected?!? (Credits: Produced and Edited by Kristy Jansen & Benjamin Schwartz, Theme Music by Alejandro Del Pozo)

Recorded on May 9, 2020 “We are going to keep doing this until we either fix it or the system collapses.” – Rinaldo S. Brutoco On this episode of New Business Paradigms Academy President Rinaldo Brutoco and Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen focus on underlying economic problems that were bandaged, but left untreated after the Great Recession in 2008, and are now being exposed anew by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The disconnect between the buoyant stock market and the historic and outrageous unemployment numbers reveals the ongoing erosion of Main street, while K- Street and Wall Street continue to profit.  Rinaldo explains that concentrated wealth that is locked up in the stock market could be part of the solution if the government implements a one mil transaction tax, immediately connecting the stock market with the real economy.  This is one of the multiple ideas Rinaldo considered in a piece he wrote in 2008 about his theory on “Trickle Up Economics” that seems more prescient now than ever. (Credits: Produced and Edited by Kristy Jansen & Benjamin Schwartz, Theme Music by Alejandro Del Pozo) Saving the U.S. economy with “trickle-up” economics by Rinaldo S. Brutoco Heather Cox Richardson’s Letters from an American Newsletter: May 8, 2020

Recorded on May 2, 2020 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, World Business Academy and Founder Rinaldo Brutoco and Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen discuss the latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic devastation in the United States.  Despite rising infection rates, ongoing shortages of adequate testing and personal protective gear, and consistent failure of coordinated response at a federal level, some states and smaller jurisdictions are pushing to reopen economic activity in misguided effort to get back to “business as usual”.  The fear is that by putting the economic cart before the public health horse, the end result will be even more devastation.  Other topics addressed include an ongoing discussion of real estate in this time of Coronavirus.  Tune in to hear more!  To support this podcast, go to www.worldbusiness.org/donate.

Recorded April 25, 2020 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen, and Academy President and Founder Rinaldo Brutoco pick apart a couple of laughable moments from the past week: the President’s questionable suggestion that injecting disinfectants into humans might cure them of COVID-19 and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell suggesting it’s a good idea to allow the states to go bankrupt.  Digging into other unbelievable ideas, Rinaldo also explains why another Trump White House policy proposal – defunding the U.S. postal service – is similarly disastrous.  This move would destroy yet another essential legacy of America’s communication infrastructure, and hides some sinister intent that might surprise our listeners.  The show concludes with a discussion of economic indicators - including oil prices plummeting to below zero, potential real estate investments, and frightening unemployment numbers.

Recorded on April 18, 2020 On the episode of New Business Paradigms, World Business Academy president and founder Rinaldo Brutoco and Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen discuss the state of the US economy in the shadow of the Coronavirus pandemic... Links referred to on the show:  Worldometer - https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ Gold ETFs:    1. State St. Gold Mini Shares - https://www.ssga.com/us/en/individual/etfs/funds/spdr-gold-minisharessm-trust-gldm 2. Granite Shares Gold Trust - https://www.graniteshares.com/bar/6 Memo to Governor Newsom re Antibody Testing: https://worldbusiness.org/proposed-covid-19-economic-solution/ Perspectives Column - New Federalism Series - Part 1: https://worldbusiness.org/perspectives-a-new-federalism-awaits-us-in-a-post-covid-19-america/  

Recorded April 11, 2020 On this Holiday episode of New Business Paradigms, World Business Academy President and Founder Rinaldo Brutoco and Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen discuss the state of the U.S. economy, as well as addressing questions from interested listeners (keep them coming!).  Rinaldo begins by challenging a New York Times article that discusses the stock market’s recent rise – questioning the claim that institutional optimism boosts the market artificially.  Whatever lifted the markets last week, it’s still a frightening roller coaster that most regular investors would be smart to avoid.  Without a view of where the bottom of the stock market decline might end, Rinaldo wouldn’t recommend going back into the market.  Currently, there’s no end in sight.  Getting further into the ideas around an “immunity card” program, Rinaldo also riffs on how the Federal government’s botched leadership will have lasting consequences.  Among other things, it’s leading State Governors to adopt stronger leadership roles, which may have implications for mitigating climate change as well.   We end the show touching on the state of the Agriculture industry.

Recorded on April 4, 2020 On this weekly edition of New Business Paradigms, World Business Academy President Rinaldo Brutoco and Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen discuss the rapidly growing economic impacts of the public health shutdowns.  The show addresses questions that the team have been fielding about how to stay a smart investor in this volatile economic climate.  We also discuss the Small Business Administration loan program that launched last week as a part of the CARES act, review economic indicators and consider what a new federalism might look like. Rinaldo riffs on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s remarkable presence in the past few weeks, taking a powerful leadership role in the midst of the coronavirus epicenter.  Governor Cuomo may become a leader of a state-based coordinated centralized purchasing program in the absence of federal leadership. 

Recorded on March 28, 2020 In this episode of New Business Paradigms, World Busines Academy President and Founder Rinaldo Brutoco and Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen discuss why the United States Government would be better off creating a long-term strategy to get COVID-19 under control than prematurely restarting the economy.  Flattening the curve by slowing the number of people getting sick is essential, and the best way to get Americans back to work starts with better testing. The United States has tested fewer people per capita than nearly every other developed country, despite having knowledge that could have been deployed strategically from the start, but tragically were not.  The business community is developing more tests, that offer faster results to determine if a person has the coronavirus, but that isn’t the most important testing priority.  Rinaldo explains the difference between DNA/RNA testing and blood testing (for antibodies of people who already had the virus) and advocates for mass antibody testing.  In combination with his proposal for a National Health Identification Card, the economy would be up and running in a comparatively short time.  The second half of the show focuses on the economic implications of the “new federalism” that is developing due to a lack of strategic leadership from the Trump Administration.   Links:  Everyone is tested in San Miguel County Icahn School of Medicine Test  

Recorded on March 18, 2020 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen and Academy President and Founder Rinaldo Brutoco discuss the global fallout from the Covid-19 (novel coronavirus) and the downside of the sluggish response by the U.S. government.  Rinaldo discusses how the United States is more closely following the frightening trajectory of countries like Italy – which has now become the country with the highest death count from the Coivd-19 disease, largely due to the rapid increase in cases which slammed the hospital system there.  In comparison, several other countries that have done better at preventing the spread of the virus, such as South Korea, have been able to roll-out massive testing for the disease.  In the absence of a concentrated government response individuals and smaller jurisdictions are taking their health in their own hands – by following Public Health guidelines, self-isolating as much as possible by staying at home, washing hands, and practicing social distancing.  Rinaldo gives his thoughts on how the federal government can respond more effectively, including mobilizing the business world to help with shortages of medical supplies like ventilators. The second half of the show focuses on steps that can help revitalize the stalled economy.  A short discussion about the state of the economy and economic indicators leads to Rinaldo’s analysis of the stimulus package passed by the Senate and some other steps to help businesses adapt.   Here’s one: bail out small businesses and consumers, not the corporations – the big hotel chains don’t need the money – but their housekeepers and serving staff certainly do.  Watch to learn about more and as always… buy gold!

Recorded on February 26, 2020 Join us for the World Business Academy's monthly podcast featuring Academy President Rinaldo S. Brutoco in conversation with Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen. Our monthly podcast covers the latest macro-economic trends as well as in-depth analysis of politics, business, and society.  On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Kristy and Rinaldo paint another bleak picture of the Trump Reality Show and the broader global economy.  As the noted reality TV star and US President Donald Trump shouts about how unfairly he’s been treated, the truth is that this man has gone bankrupt six times and now he is doing his best to bankrupt America. In the face of external reality, the practice of plutocratic attempts to forestall an economic downturn by printing money and fudging the numbers is starting to wear thin. The World Business Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit charity. Our views and analysis are given without any motivation other than helping to ensure our listeners know how to protect their savings in an unpredictable and chaotic economic climate. 

Recorded on February 11, 2020 Join us for the World Business Academy's podcast featuring Academy President Rinaldo S. Brutoco in conversation with Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen. On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Rinaldo and Kristy discuss worrisome signs of a lagging economy that is ill-prepared to lift itself back up when it inevitably stumbles.  The GOP’s so-called “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017” gave away as much as possible to the top 1% and Wall Street corporations to the detriment of many homeowners, main street business owners and others who depend on a weekly paycheck and other social benefits to survive.  The show then turns towards other economic indicators.  Due in part to the new coronavirus, now officially named covid-19, global markets are becomingly increasingly volatile, and this is just the beginning. The World Business Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit charity. Our views and analysis are given without any motivation other than helping to ensure our listeners know how to protect their savings in an unpredictable and chaotic economic climate.  Podcast links: ·       Listen to past podcast episodes ·       Sign up for our newsletter which includes reminders of upcoming podcasts ·       Subscribe to this podcast via iTunes

In this episode of New Business Paradigms, World Business Academy President and Founder Rinaldo Brutoco sits down with Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen to review the first month of the new decade, and muse on some of the biggest headlines of the day. It's off to a rocky start with the economic fallout of the 2018 tax cuts becoming evident, along with the uncertainty infecting the markets around the coronavirus that threatens global health, and other tenuous situations around the globe.  Rinaldo reviews the top-line economic indicators, riffs on Trump's "war on the poor", fumes over the new Supreme Court ruling allowing a wealth requirement to gain citizenship, and highlights some of the best ideas coming out of the latest World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.  

Recorded December 9, 2019 On the final episode of New Business Paradigms of 2019, Academy Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen and Academy President Rinaldo Brutoco discuss why the economy went sideways after a week of nonstop positive economic news. Rinaldo makes the comment that the fundamentals of the economy are wrong – much like air leaking from a tire that tears a bigger and bigger hole over time. We mourn for Paul Volcker who passed on December 8th, 2019, and discuss his contributions to monetary theory as the “father of the modern proactive Fed.” The U.S. has seen a lot, from civil wars to world wars to depressions… and over that time has solidified its place as a global leader. Environmental regulation has weakened, our democracy is under threat, and the Federal Reserve is also now being challenged by President Donald Trump’s constant attacks and ridicule. With all this, will the U.S. continue being the dominant influence in the global economy and monetary field? Are we now slipping in that role due to newly protectionist sentiments and lack coherent of leadership?  Throughout his life, Volcker thought that America ought to have a leading role to play in influencing the world, but the current state of affairs seems likely to disappoint. You can read more on Volcker’s final warning here. Other topics include: how the US is killing the World Trade Organization (WTO) through calculated inaction; current economic indicators, with a focus on why the future is bleak for oil companies; and a discussion on political instability across the world.  We wind down with a few positive notes - a study about the power of giving cash to the poor, why we should repeal the Jones Act, and the unofficial U.S. delegation (led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi) for the COP25 summit in Madrid.

Recorded November 20, 2019 What happens when you put up barriers of entry in a “free” market?     On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen and Academy President and Founder, Rinaldo Brutoco, discuss the lack of economic mobility in the modern United States before a quick riff on impeachment.  After the first public impeachment hearings, Rinaldo’s take away is simple – the process has put the chaos of the Trump White House (i.e. the emperor has been caught with no clothes) into clear focus and makes it evident that Trump is involved in every part of his organization. The second half of the show is an examination of how the economic “walls are closing in on us”, starting with the death of retail and the increasing number of farm bankruptcies.  Rinaldo likens this to trouble oil wildcatters in the Permian Basin are having, suggesting that the lack of adaptation and too little focus on fundamentals are the reason why both are failing.  In the last segment of the show, Rinaldo uses an article of the Atlantic as a jumping-off point to address monopolies in the US; compared to the rest of the world, a failure of US trust-busting has led to an economy with inflated prices and not enough competition. Articles: The U.S. Only Pretends to Have Free Markets (The Atlantic on October 29, 2019)

Recorded on November 25, 2019 FDR’s Economic Bill of Rights & Heaven on Earth… Can we fix capitalism without first tearing it down? On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen and Academy President and Founder, Rinaldo Brutoco, discuss why capitalism must be reformed in order to avoid a future of chaos and violence. The show begins with a conversation about Bernie Sanders provoked by a listener question (Thanks John!) and expands into a broader discussion about the candidate field, including the billionaires and other new additions to the Democratic presidential primary. The show then pivots to the topic of reforming capitalism, centering around articles written by the co-CEO of Salesforce, Marc Benioff, on the excess and greed in the current economic system.  Rinaldo compares the problems outlined by Benioff to Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Economic Bill of Rights and the World Business Academy’s idea, Heaven on Earth.  The show concludes with the realization that if we treat each other like Ohana, the Hawaiian word for family, the world would be a much better place than it currently is. Articles: Marc Benioff: We Need a New Capitalism (NY Times from October 14, 2019) Tech’s woke CEO takes the stage (Politico from November 20, 2019 How America’s Elites Lost Their Grip (Time Magazine from November 21, 2019)

Recorded on October 30, 2019 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, World Business Academy President, Rinaldo Brutoco and Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen discuss some of the latest economic reporting on Elizabeth Warren’s plans to re-make American capitalism.  The Economist and the Week both featured Senator Warren on their covers during the last week, and while both publications trend towards economically conservative values, Rinaldo was surprised by how much they seem to agree with Warren’s position that capitalism needs to be fundamentally reformed to work for all Americans. Other topics discussed on the show include the latest indicators - a recent rate drop by the Fed, a small upturn in the stock market, a continuing rally of gold prices, the latest economic growth numbers, and more.  Tune in and learn!   

Recorded on October 5, 2019 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Academy President and Founder Rinaldo Brutoco and Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen talk oil.  Rinaldo riffs on why, following the bombing of oil refineries in Saudi Arabia, the global oil markets appeared unfazed by the loss of 5% of the world’s refined oil.  In combination with the fact that we are using less oil on a per capita basis and renewables are overtaking fossil fuels – especially when considering carbon pricing – oil prices have stayed around $53 per barrel rather than jumping to $105 per barrel (as some anticipated).  Rinaldo and Kristy then discuss other economic indicators – consumer confidence, jobs numbers, and gold - before moving on to global economics related to tariffs, the African Free Trade Agreement, and the future of flood insurance. The podcast concludes with a discussion of what government services Rinaldo wants to have in his ideal neighborhood.  California has been leading the passage of progressive legislation recently, including notably, a bill legalizing public banking for municipalities across the state.  He and Kristy argue that while the state does have a much higher tax rate than other states like Texas or Nevada, the environmental, economic, and community benefits that accrue make California a desirable place to live. 

Recorded on Sep 23, 2019 On this Episode of New Business Paradigms, Rinaldo Brutoco (World Business Academy President and Founder) and Kristy Jansen (Chief of Staff) discuss just what the “repo” (repurchasing) market is, and just what led the Fed to begin injecting billions of dollars into it to stabilize the market last week.  It turns out that the perfect storm was brewing, in part because the Chair of the Fed continues to bow to political pressure – Rinaldo describes Fed Chair Jay Powell as having “the spine of a worm” – and thanks to the lack of predictive power of the current Fed leadership. Rinaldo ties this market disruption to the volatility of oil markets and US jobs numbers that are constantly being revised downwards.  All are recessive indicators, though the jobs numbers are a sign of government manipulation of the facts.  The show ends with a discussion of big environmental news in California.  The UC system has decided to divest from all fossil fuels and California is suing the federal government (California v Chao) to keep its ability to set strict tailpipe emissions standards. Link to referenced Al Gore article

Recorded on September 1, 2019 Welcome to our new format of New Business Paradigms: 30 minutes on the intersection of politics, society, and the economy.  On this episode, Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen, and the World Business Academy’s President and Founder, Rinaldo Brutoco, discuss recent events and how to interpret the latest from the “Trade Wars”, shooting sprees, and other chilling headlines.  Rinaldo speaks passionately on how the recent spate of mass shootings belie a deeper culture of violence in America that is slowly choking the economy.  He asks what’s happening in our world when our children are learning to “drop and cover” in case of a shooter in first-grade classrooms? Rinaldo also discusses the danger of the fires in the Amazon, Indonesia, the Arctic, and even in Europe.  While some are caused by humans and others are spontaneous, all are destroying the lungs of the planet and making the world a little less livable for humanity.  The show concludes as Rinaldo highlights the sorry state of the European economy – even with standouts like Portugal – and gives some more detailed advice about where to invest.  The answer: gold ETCs.  Listen to find out more specifics!  

Recorded on August 10, 2019 On this new, shorter version of New Business Paradigms, Assistant Producer Benjamin Schwartz and the World Business Academy’s President and Founder, Rinaldo Brutoco, discuss the ways that the trade war has completely knocked the US economy off any normal yo-yo rhythm it usually follows. Currency values, revised jobs number, monetary policy, oil prices, and other indicators all continue to suggest tough times are ahead of us, so make sure to keep your investments safe (and invest in gold)! Unfortunately, the bad signs are not limited to the United States; Germany and Italy are leading the plunge as Europe slides into recession and political decisions related to Brexit continue to tank the British economy. Rinaldo finishes the podcast with an explanation of exactly why the Chinese are not currency manipulators and underscores the importance of keeping optimism in your life.

Recorded on July 30, 2019 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Rinaldo Brutoco (World Business Academy President and Founder) and Kristy Jansen (World Business Academy Chief of Staff) discuss US economic indicators, share news out of the UK, offer updates on gold, oil, currency, and trade, and give a final riff on how income inequality ought to be declared a National Emergency.  Rinaldo ponders the downward adjustment of US economic growth, the questionable spin of some of the data points contained in the latest GDP report, and wonders aloud if someone is fiddling the numbers.   We also debate how our sensationalized media culture is allowing Trump to control the narrative, rhetorically invent and then magically fix his own problems, using racism, slander, and outright deceit to keep the attention of the American people fixed on his shenanigans. Meanwhile, Speaker Pelosi describes herself as a weaver.  But will she be caught in her own web while the rest of the country stays enthralled by the hit reality TV show “the American President”?  Throughout the hour, one theme emerges; our politics and economy need a major overhaul in a very short period of time.  Rinaldo discusses opinions from top investors - Ray Dalio, Warren Buffet, and Paul Tudor Jones – calling on leaders to urgently address the underlying problems with rampant consumer capitalism and the consensus that there is a high probability that a future where nothing changes might actually lead to violence.

Recorded on June 27, 2019 One year after he discussed family separation for the first time on New Business Paradigms, Rinaldo Brutoco (World Business Academy President and Founder) and Kristy Jansen (World Business Academy Chief of Staff) discuss the embarrassing state of US immigration policies.  Rinaldo poses a simple, but clever solution to the pressures of immigration and asylum seekers at our southern border that would create a safe and humane system that benefits the US economy. The show then addresses exactly why Rinaldo believes the economy needs that kind of stimulus by analyzing monthly economic indicators.  The good news is – gold is doing great, so keep buying it! The other main focus this month is on currencies; Facebook creates the cryptocurrency, Libra, and Rinaldo discusses the imminent end of the US greenback with the rise of new purchase systems like INSTEX.  The show ends on the subject of corruption after the largest bankruptcy in Latin American history reaffirms the need for Just Capital.

On this episode of New Business Paradigms, World Business Academy Founder & President Rinaldo Brutoco and Chief of Staff Kristy Jansen speak on a litany of topics, all following the common theme that both political and economic factors are increasing the opportunity for a financial crisis.  Through a discussion of climate related weather patterns, outrageously high prescription drug prices, increased tariffs, and relaxed financial regulations, they paint a picture of an economy that no longer has the safeguards it had after the 2008 Recession or a fast responding government.  Instead, there now is an inept administration in place who is not capable of fighting through a recession and is most certainly driving us closer to that point. The second part of the show goes international, with comments on the European Parliament elections, the Indian election and recent events in the Middle East.  The show concludes with a discussion of 5-G technology and Rinaldo makes a passionate call to action. The World Business Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit think tank. Our monthly podcast covers the latest macro-economic trends as well as in-depth analysis of politics, business, and society.  Our views and analysis are given without any motivation other than helping to ensure our listeners know how to protect their savings in an unpredictable and chaotic economic climate.

In the wake of the Muller Report, political calculations are missing the point. The chaos, incompetence, and criminality that plague the current White House are trashing our economy and will have a lasting negative effect on American society and beyond. On this episode of New Business Paradigms, recorded on April 22, 2019, Rinaldo discusses the state of the economy based on key economic indicators, explains the importance of the census to American politics, how tariffs are hurting consumers far more than helping US manufacturers, and dives into 5G - and how the current approach to building out this new infrastructure in the US will only leave us further behind.   We also ask our listeners to write in letting us know if they would like us to do more shows each month. Please let us know your preferences!

Join us for the World Business Academy's monthly podcast featuring Academy President Rinaldo S. Brutoco in conversation with Chief of Staff, Kristy Jansen. On this episode, recorded on March 23, 2019, Rinaldo and Kristy discuss major domestic and international news including the implications of an inverted yield curve, the US Fed lowering economic growth expectations and continuing European economic dysfunction. We also turn a spotlight on the US and global auto manufacturers and their continuing and expanding investment in the electrification of transportation. Other topics: Brexit, India, EU's new role in safeguarding competition and privacy thru massive fines and oversight on global tech companies, and infrastructure investment needs in Midwest flood control.  Finishing up: a look at gold in India. The World Business Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit charity. Our monthly podcast covers the latest macro-economic trends as well as in-depth analysis of politics, business and society.  Our views and analysis are given without any motivation other than helping to ensure our listeners know how to protect their savings in an unpredictable and chaotic economic climate.  Podcast links:  Listen to past podcast episodes Sign up for our newsletter which includes reminders of upcoming podcasts Subscribe to this podcast via iTunes

Recorded on February 23, 2019 On this episode of New Business Paradigms Rinaldo and Kristy focus on improving literacy in finance, politics, and climate change.  The American economy appears to be booming, but it isn’t supported by numbers of classic economic indicators and more importantly, consumers are beginning to feel consequences of tightening markets and an inequal economy.  Rinaldo explains this apparent paradox by analyzing Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder letter and the concept of a stock buyback.  Then the show shifts focus towards a conversation about political ‘isms’ and so called “social programs” in the United States.  This transitions to a concluding discussion about the importance of the Green New Deal and repercussions from the increasing rate of climate change.   Amazon’s departure from New York in search of a new location for a second headquarters is also mentioned briefly.

Recorded on January 25, 2019 On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Rinaldo discusses the economic impacts of the longest government shutdown in history, outlines why it’s been a disaster for the US federal workforce, for the middle class more broadly, and has weakened confidence in the US Government.  While the shutdown ended as Rinaldo and Kristy were wrapping up the show, the detrimental effects of this ill-conceived buffoonery will reverberate for years to come.  The conversation also explores some of the other hidden costs of the US political turmoil then expands out to discuss unrest in Venezuela, Chinese growth numbers, Brexit and the contracting British economy, instability in Europe, and other economic woes on the horizon.   On the flip side, Rinaldo and Kristy also announce details of the new weekly radio show “Solutions News”, live Fridays from 5-6PM PST, with recorded replays over the weekend, and podcasts posted on Mondays.  E-mail them at info@worldbusiness.org for more ways to listen.

What is exceptional and what makes America exceptional? Recorded on December 7, 2018 On this special episode of New Business Paradigms, Rinaldo and Kristy announce the new weekly radio show starting in January.  The show begins with a reflection on the 77th anniversary of Pearl Harbor and the parallels that it has with the modern political climate.  Rinaldo checks in with economic indicators at the end of the year and makes predictions about the impending recession (hint – it’s still much sooner than most people think). There has also been a large amount of climate change news at the end of the year, from the US climate report and the IPCC report in November, to the COP24 summit in December.  Rinaldo comments on the imminent danger of climate change as well as some of what can be done to prevent it.  Finally, he connects this with the gas tax protests of the Yellow Vest protests in France and explains the true causes of the movement.

Due to a strong showing in the midterm elections, the Democratic Party was able to take big steps towards stabilizing the government, by winning many governors races and retaking the majority in the House of Representatives.  On this episode of New Business paradigms, Rinaldo and Kristy focus on exactly why this was such a historic night for the country and how it affected our economic outlook. After a short discussion on politics, Rinaldo focuses on current global economic indicators and recent catastrophes in California.  While taking the unfortunate position that climate change will only make it worse, Rinaldo ends the show with some predictions and an unexpectedly optimistic spin on the problems we face.   Recorded November 9th, 2018

The week of October 13th, both the Economist and Rolling Stone magazines ran articles highlighting the recession lurking around the corner.  Both articles also point to the lack of remedies available to Central Banks to ease the downturn.  On this month’s New Business Paradigms, Rinaldo focuses on the “titanic miscalculations” inherent in today’s chaotic mismanagement of the U.S. economy.  He and Kristy also discuss the discouraging trends regarding wealth and power inequality in the United States.  Other topics we address include the effects of climate change on our future world, the dangers of a toxic political environment, legal marijuana, and the urgent need for Americans to vote this November.  Rebalancing our government in order to end ‘titanic miscalculations” will create opportunities to restore our nation’s international economic and political footing.  Vote: your economic life depends on it.

“Every day is more collateral damage…” Recorded on September 5, 2018 The US economy looks to be growing steadily, but economists including Rinaldo continue to forecast a large recession in the near future. How do these two realities line up? On the show this month we discuss economic indicators and the effects that current events have on the economy, consumer confidence, and personal spending power. We discuss the effects of the charged political climate, the consequences of targeting immigrants, and the lack of reason behind a prolonged war in Afghanistan. We also focus on the role of the U.S. in the global system and ways everyday Americans might feel the fallout from politically driven economic decisions. As the U.S. backs out of leading the international order and fights a trade war that will have no winners, other countries’ experience can provide insight into how economics and politics are intertwined. By reflecting on how other economies have weathered their sometimes self-inflicted problems, we might get some ideas on how to fix the problems plaguing our society – or what the outcomes might be if we don’t. We discuss trends in Venezuela, Turkey, China, and Argentina and examine the spectrum of actions the US can take and their outcomes. Even in the face of increasing challenges, it may still possible to be optimistic about the future. Please email us with any comments or questions at info@worldbusiness.org.

Lately, global free trade has been under attack both rhetorically and politically, and some may ask why we should care. Every day we hear more and more about tariff policies and the trade war building between the United States and China. Meanwhile, the President pushes away other allies like the European Union, Canada, and Japan. Economists continue to forecast a looming global recession and the interconnectedness of the world economy is a reality that's hard to deny. On this episode of New Business Paradigms, Kristy Jansen and Rinaldo Brutoco discuss the history of trade, and what makes free trade in the globalized world. We discuss multi-lateral trade agreements, notably Brexit and NAFTA, and highlight some key economic indicators – in particular, currency fluctuations in the developing world, global capital flows, and the danger posed by current US economic policies. At the end of show, Rinaldo dishes advice on how to weather the impending economic storm, spends some time on reliable investment practices, and guides us on how to stay optimistic. Please email us with any comments or questions at info@worldbusiness.org.

Who wins in a trade war? The short answer is no one. As the United States takes an increasingly narrow and punitive view of economics, we find ourselves on the edge of economic recession. Not unlike the Smoot-Hawley era during the Great Depression, tariffs are creating a rift with the international community and threatening the existing global order. On this episode of New Business Paradigms, featuring Kristy Jansen and Rinaldo Brutoco, we dive into the US trade war, protectionist policies, and their impacts on the global economy. Rinaldo helps explain how the United States influenced the creation of a favorable economic system in the post World War II era and the changes occurring as the US begins to back out of the globalized world. Specifically, the episode focuses on the changing status of currency and the evolving role of cryptocurrency. The show begins and ends with talk about climate change; the danger of record heat waves and trying to slow the global coral die-off. Please email us with any comments or questions at info@worldbusiness.org.  

On this show, we will check in on key economic indicators and project the impacts of various policies of the Trump administration, including the tax cuts and tariffs on imported goods. A key issue we will address is the ongoing crisis at the US-Mexico border, where children are being separated from their parents and held in detention facilities with little transparency. The policy, enforced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, has been denounced by the high commissioner for human rights for the United Nations as ‘unconscionable.’ How will these zero-tolerance policies impact the economy? Lastly, we discuss the latest news on our rapidly warming climate and the impacts this will have on our civilization.  

Welcome back to our monthly take on economic trends and their interconnection with society. On this show, we will discuss some signs of an impending recession and explore how Rinaldo is balancing his portfolio to protect against it. Rinaldo and Matt explain the inverted yield curve, treasury bills, and their importance in identifying short term and long term inflation. We will discuss the first truly global impact of climate change, the slowing of the Gulf Stream. It isn't quite like that dramatized film The Day After Tomorrow (2004), but it is a troubling indication of the mounting impacts of climate change that can and will have global implications. The United States birth rates have sunk once again, dipping further below its replacement rate -- what does that mean for a nation looking to curb immigration? Our nation is reliant on immigration for population growth, but with the restrictive new policies and immigrant-negative attitudes of the latest administrations, we may lose the cushion necessary to grow our nation. Did you miss our April podcast on shifting markets?

Ping-ponging markets and loose talk of military conflict are the latest manifestation of an increasingly uncertain global situation rife with risk and opportunity. While the latest tax bill has lightened the load on the upper echelons of corporate America, the burden has been passed off to the middle and lower classes. The blatant corporate kleptocracy and the ever-growing economic disparity in the US has sparked a recent rise in class consciousness. Rinaldo and Matt cover the instability and volatility within the US economy, and how investing in the lower and middle classes could change the ‘trickle-down’ mindset and rebuild our economy. Tune in as we run through some of the biggest socioeconomic issues and end with thoughts on how individuals can protect themselves in these times.

This month we continue our discussion about the market and the Federal Reserve’s wishful attempt to separate the discord in society from the current economy, with predictions of continued turmoil and a major market correction yet to come.  Cryptocurrencies continue to be a very hot topic – Rinaldo explains some of the key differences between the different “coins,” clarifying which ones have a real purpose.  Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) has gone mainstream – what is the next frontier for this important effort to align investments with values? We discuss BlackRock CEO Larry Fink’s letter to the business community on the importance of purpose in business.

This is the question on everyone’s mind as the stock market swings wildly and the partisan gridlock in Washington D.C. has continued to decline into political warfare. The market is in serious trouble for one main reason: it’s impossible to separate the economy from society at large — the dysfunction and disruption in society will eventually drive the economics. Listen to find out what investments are relatively safe and to hear thoughts on ways we can get back on track. This is an important show and one that is not to be missed.

In our year in review we discuss the prediction for a market correction in 2017 that has not yet occurred. Why is Wall Street so happy? What are the consequences of the rampant corporate and individual greed that appear to be dominating the US economy and government? And what will the reaction to all of this be in 2018? Listen in to find out.

Our pre-Thanksgiving show is dedicated to two major topics: the effort to slash taxes for the richest Americans and the unfolding regional struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Both of these ongoing political events are potentially game-changing in their impact and are worth your attention. In the discussion, Rinaldo mentions an article published by the Academy in 2007 titled “Iraq” – Exit from a quagmire. Later in the show he also mentions an article on the fallacy of so-called “Trickle-down Economics,” which is titled Saving the U.S. economy with “trickle-up” economics. Consider bringing an article from The Optimist Daily to your Thanksgiving dinner – its the perfect way to get people talking about what is possible and real progress.

If you’re a regular listener, you’ll know that this show has been predicting a significant drop in stocks. The question for today’s show is: it time to get out of stocks now? Listen to the end to find out. There are many winds blowing – some economic, some political, and some actually literal. Extreme storms and fire will have an impact; are these climate impacts going to influence the economy substantially in the short term? Will the unprecedented political instability begin to show up in the markets, and how? And will the macroeconomic impacts of the Federal Reserve and fiscal policy hit markets or help to stabilize them? We attempt to address these questions in a broad hour-long discussion. Please take a listen and let us know your thoughts. Get in touch at info@worldbusiness.org