Podcasts about higher standards

Thursday 6/11/26

Wednesday 6/10/26

The economy is not crashing. It is freezing. In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied break down the Fed's Beige Book, a bifurcated consumer, sticky inflation, margin-squeezed businesses, and a labor market that has become low-hire, low-fire. Then the conversation turns to the real insanity: Treasury buybacks, Bitcoin liquidations, Ethereum weakness, gold replacing U.S. Treasuries as the world's top reserve asset, and SpaceX preparing for a historic IPO at a $1.77 trillion valuation. The question is simple: are we watching the next great technological leap forward, or the biggest liquidity-driven rug pull of all time?

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied dive headfirst into the wildest S-1 filing Wall Street may have ever seen: SpaceX, Starlink, XAI, Mars colonies, asteroid mining, lunar economies, data centers in space, and Elon Musk casually trying to justify a $28.5 trillion total addressable market like he's ordering lunch. The guys break down whether this is a visionary master plan to make humanity multi-planetary or a beautifully packaged liquidity event with rockets, buzzwords, and enough “AI” mentions to make Nvidia blush. From the insane valuation math to the XAI gamble, the class structure, the retail investor risk, and the very real question of whether investors are buying a business or a sci-fi trilogy, this episode is classic THS: smart finance, sharp skepticism, and just enough chaos to make the moon feel underwritten.

Most universities facing enrollment challenges have responded the same way: lower the bar and hope the numbers improve. Dr. Bill Hardgrave chose a different path.As President of the University of Memphis, Hardgrave made a controversial decision to significantly raise admissions standards, knowing it would come with short-term pain. In year one, freshman enrollment dropped 25%. Headlines followed, and critics questioned the move. But Hardgrave believed stronger outcomes mattered more than larger numbers.Now, the university is seeing quality rise, enrollment rebound and a bold vision begin to take shape.In this episode of Driven By, Sam sits down with Dr. Hardgrave to discuss the future of higher education, leadership in difficult moments and what it means to make decisions with the long game in mind. They also dive into Hardgrave's own story from growing up in rural Arkansas as a first-generation high school graduate to leading one of Memphis' most important institutions.In this episode you'll learn:• Why higher education is approaching an “enrollment cliff” • The “bathtub effect” and making unpopular decisions • How the University of Memphis doubled annual fundraising in one year • Why athletics matter beyond the field or court • Leadership lessons from hard choices and long-term thinking • Why education remains one of the strongest drivers of opportunityThis conversation is about much more than higher education. It's about leadership, vision and having the discipline to make hard decisions when the easy path is right in front of you.

AI is no longer just helping you write emails or clean up spreadsheets; it is watching, learning and preparing to do the job itself. In this episode, Chris and Saied break down Zuckerberg's stunning explanation of employee-trained AI, the corporate obsession with cutting headcount in the name of “efficiency,” Elon Musk's robot economy and the trillions in wages suddenly sitting in the crosshairs. Add a labor market nobody fully trusts and a bond market flashing warnings, and one question remains: when productivity explodes, who still gets a paycheck?

What if the life you were always meant to live was hiding inside the one you were already living? In episode 262 of Joy Found Here, Katie DeBonville — writer, musician, and first-time memoirist at 53 — shares how a pandemic-era MFA, a lifelong love of music, and the quiet courage to finally call herself a writer converged into her debut memoir, Grace Notes: A Musical Memoir. For Katie, the story wasn't about starting over — it was about finally letting every part of herself show up on the page at once.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(04:54) How a blank book from her dad sparked a lifelong love of writing — and why flute nearly won(07:17) The crisis of confidence that redirected Katie from music to arts fundraising(10:01) Why the pandemic and a low-residency MFA at Lesley University changed everything(11:28) The friend's book launch that led her to Sibylline Press — and an acceptance email in three days(12:27) Getting the life-changing news on a bus in Scotland(14:33) The three mentors who transformed a seven-page draft into a full memoir chapter(24:38) Why she resisted the "memoir" label — and what finally made her embrace it(36:50) Why the world's shrinking expectations became her greatest creative freedomKatie DeBonville is a writer, musician, and arts fundraising professional whose debut memoir, Grace Notes: A Musical Memoir, is published by Sibylline Press — a house dedicated to women 50 and over. A lifelong flutist who once dreamed of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, she spent 30 years in arts development before the pandemic gave her the push she needed to pursue her MFA in creative writing at Lesley University, where her thesis became the memoir she was always meant to write.In this episode, Katie DeBonville shares the winding road from childhood writer and aspiring musician to first-time published memoirist at 53 — a journey shaped by crises of confidence, a pandemic-era MFA, and mentors who refused to let her call a seven-page draft "done." She opens up about the writing community she found at Lesley, her composer grandfather whose work appears on a Nina Simone record, and why it took another woman calling her a writer before she could claim the title herself. She also drops a line Stephanie immediately flagged for a mug: "The world has fewer expectations of me, so I can have more expectations of myself."Connect with Katie DeBonville:FacebookInstagramLinkedInSubstackBook: Katie DeBonville - Grace NotesLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Higher Standard, we break down hotter inflation, Warsh's awkward Fed handoff, housing cracks, rising delinquencies, and why “resilient economy” may be the new “transitory.” Then we get into the big one: AI may be destroying the moat that terminal valuations are built on. If innovation moves so fast that no company can confidently project cash flows five to ten years out, venture capital math starts looking less like investing and more like praying with a spreadsheet. Also, apologies in advance: we had to silence the Big Boi interview with Kid Cudi due to a copyright restriction, which is tragic because Big Boi talking Pokémon deserved its own emergency Fed meeting.

This week on The Higher Standard, Rajeil was out, Slim was “furloughed,” and Chris and Saied accidentally stumbled into one of the biggest questions nobody in Washington wants to answer: what happens when the government is funded by workers, but the future is built to need fewer of them? Using Chamath's Joe Rogan appearance as the spark, the guys break down why W-2 income gets treated like an ATM for the federal government while corporations, capital gains, lobbyists, and the ownership class keep playing by a very different rulebook. From AI replacing entry-level white-collar jobs to corporate profits hitting record levels, from broken trust in government spending to the disappearing middle class, this episode connects the dots between taxes, labor, capital, AI, and the uncomfortable reality that the “system” may not be broken at all — it may be working exactly as designed. As always, THS brings the data, the sarcasm, the side quests, and just enough moral outrage to make you want to start a business before your paycheck gets taxed into a hostage situation.

Send us Fan MailThis episode of Sirens, Slammers and Service goes straight into the intensity of critical care with Brittany Foy—a STARS Air Ambulance flight nurse and Pediatric ICU pro from the Stollery Children's Hospital.

In Episode 334 of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied give Jerome “Transitory” Powell the only farewell THS knows how: part tribute, part roast, part macro autopsy. From his final FOMC press conference and the fight over Fed independence to inflation, oil shocks, AI job losses, recession-level consumer pain, credit card delinquencies, and an overcooked stock market, this episode breaks down why the economy feels broken even while the suits keep calling it “resilient.” Powell may be leaving the mic, but the money printer's legacy is still sitting on America's balance sheet.

Most people spend their lives chasing the wrong things: money, status, validation, and the approval of others. But what if there was a better way?   In this episode, we pull back the curtain on our exciting rebrand and introduce The Higher Standard Series, a podcast dedicated to helping you be more purpose driven and invite God into every area of your life, make Him your true business partner, and build a life of real meaning and purpose.   3 Key Takeaways: This is not about becoming more religious, it's about becoming more aligned. Aligned with your purpose, your values, and who God created you to be. Real success is deeply meaningful, not just financially impressive. Learn how to build serious income and impact without selling your soul to do it. Life is dynamic. You can pivot, grow, heal, and raise your standards but it starts with refusing to settle for less than what you were made for.   Make sure your notepad is ready. This one hits differently.   Keep taking action, pursuing personal excellence, and impacting lives!   In This Episode, We Discuss: The Vision Behind The Higher Standard Series The Higher Standard is about inviting God into every area of life and business and learning how to make Him your true business partner. This series will cover how to build income and impact without compromise, include God in your decisions and leadership, walk away from the flesh-driven side of entrepreneurship pride, greed, comparison, and selfish ambition and discover, develop, and deploy your God-given gifts and potential.   What Does It Mean To Live A Higher Standard & Dynamic Lifestyle? It means refusing to settle. Choosing not to live complacent, comfortable, or mediocre. It means being a giver, choosing growth over comfort, taking full ownership of your life, and building a life and business aligned with your values. Because life is not static you can pivot, adapt, grow, reinvent yourself, and dream bigger.   The 5 Pillars of Living a Higher Standard & Dynamic Lifestyle: Faith: Your relationship with God, your values, and the foundation that guides every area of your life. Love: Your marriage, family, friendships, and the people who matter most. Health (Temple): Your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Wealth (Treasure): Financial freedom, stewardship, and the ability to provide and make an impact. Happiness (Fruit of the Spirit & Talents): Living with joy, gratitude, peace, passion, and doing work and life you genuinely love.   Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisandericmartinez/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Dynamicduotraining Website: https://www.liveadynamiclifestyle.com/     Attention Nutrition & Fitness Coaches: "Join our Free Dynamic Fit Pros Community Skool Group Where we help you Discover, Develop, & Deploy your skills, gifts, and greatness to help others."  See HERE   Attention Nutrition & Fitness Coaches: "Enrollment is Open for our Accelerator Mentorship to build a 6-Figure Online Fitness Coaching Business"  See HERE   "We are here to help you Live A Higher Standard & A Dynamic Lifestyle!"     See the full Show Notes to this episode here: https://www.liveadynamiclifestyle.com/podcast/the-higher-standard-5-shifts-to-stop-settling-start-living-with-real-purpose/

Series: LIving for the King (2026)Service: Sun AMType: SermonSpeaker: Bob McPherson

Chris, Saied and Rajeil dive headfirst into the weirdest corner of the modern economy, where the next Fed chair sounds like a political hostage negotiation, AI is either the greatest productivity boom in history or the most expensive layoff machine ever built, private credit is quietly turning banks into shadow-bank Uber drivers, and crypto keeps pretending it's financial freedom while throwing money at Washington. From Kevin Warsh and Fed independence to AI hype, corporate cost-cutting, Bitcoin mythology, Epstein-adjacent crypto lore, and the political machine behind digital assets, this episode asks the question nobody in power wants to answer: are we innovating our way into the future, or just putting better software on the same old greed machine?

Jason is joined by Tracy Perlman for her weekly visit where they talk everything from the Wild's game 1 tonight, to the controversy swirling around a football coach and a reporter, to how often should you wash your pants?

The fellowship of the Traveling Turtle Tavern must pay their way onto Leprechaun Island, and contend with the strange cast of characters that call it home. --- Escape the Dungeon is now available to watch as video on YouTube, at youtube.com/@EscapeTheDungeonPod

This week on The Higher Standard, Chris, Saied and Rajeel do what the internet refuses to do: have a real conversation without immediately joining a cult. From political tribalism and social media brain rot to stagflation, AI pivots and the absolute insanity of a dead shoe company becoming an “AI infrastructure” play, this episode is a masterclass in spotting the hustle before it spots you. Along the way, the guys unpack why everything feels fake, why people feel stuck, and why modern life somehow includes paying for attention, hype and digital nonsense dressed up as opportunity. Equal parts sharp, funny and slightly unhinged, this one has a little bit of everything.

Higher standards drive your wealth mindset more than affirmations, and in this episode of The Manifested Podcast, KCB shows how upgrading your identity, energy, and daily choices unlocks true abundance and manifestation.   Your expansion starts here: https://hubs.ly/Q03NXHlV0 I built a $50M business and you can too → https://kathleencameronofficial.com/liveevent Manifest your first MILLION now → https://kathleencameronofficial.com/millionaire/     Subscribe To The Manifested Podcast With Kathleen Cameron: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With The Kathleen Cameron: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube | TikTok | Kathleencameronofficial.com   Unlock Your Dreams with House of ManifestationA community where you take control of your destiny, manifest your desires, and create a life filled with abundance and purpose? Look no further than the House of Manifestation, where your transformation begins: https://houseofmanifestation.com/ About Kathleen Cameron: Kathleen Cameron, Chief Wealth Creator, 8-figure entrepreneur, and record-breaking author. In just 2 years, she built a 10 Million dollar business and continues to share her knowledge and expertise with all of whom she connects with.    With her determination, unwavering faith, and powers of manifestation, she has helped over 100,000 people attract more love, money, and success into their lives. Her innovative approaches to Manifestation and utilizing the Laws of Attraction have led to the creation of one of the top global success networks, Diamond Academy Coaching, thousands of students have been able to experience quantum growth. The force behind her magnetic field has catapulted many students into a life beyond their wildest dreams and she is just getting started. Kathleen helps others step into their true potential and become the best version of themselves with their goals met. Kathleen graduated with two undergraduate degrees from the University of Windsor and the University of Toronto with a master's degree in nursing leadership. Her book, "Becoming The One", published by Hasmark Publishing, launched in August 2021 became an International Best Seller in five countries on the first day.    This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By: Simplified Impact

Episode 331 is classic The Higher Standard chaos with a purpose: Chris, Saied and Rajeil take a world that feels like it is being held together by ceasefire headlines, oil volatility and pure market delusion, then translate it into plain English for the people actually paying the price. They unpack the Fed getting boxed in by sticky inflation, war driven energy shocks and a market still partying like rate cuts are around the corner, while housing stays brutally unaffordable and AI quietly starts showing up in real job losses. It is equal parts macro reality check and group chat energy, with enough jokes, side quests and liquid natural gas immaturity to make the medicine go down easy.

In this solo episode, Alissa explores the difference between people who tell you what you want to hear and the ones who love you enough to tell you the truth. Because validation feels good, but it can also keep you stuck.Alissa makes the case for honest, loving challenge as one of the most underrated forms of care, and reflects on what changes when you finally have people in your corner who won't let you stay small.In this episode, you'll learn:Why saying what someone wants to hear isn't kindness. It's just comfort in disguise.How a blunt comment from her husband stung, landed, and lit a fire that changed everything.Relating to your struggle and helping you actually move through it are two very different things.What it looks like to hold space AND hold people to a higher standard at the same time.The relationship audit: do you actually have people in your life who will lovingly call you out?Uncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

In this heavy but incredibly important episode, we are joined by Will Martin of Gateway Church. Will shares the raw reality of navigating one of the most publicized church crises in recent history. We discuss the immediate emotional toll on the production team, how to lead volunteers through the shock, and the harsh realities of staff turnover and attendance drops following a major scandal.In this episode you'll hear:0:00 Intro: False Miracles6:14 Will Martin (Gateway Church) Joins10:45 The Fallout: Navigating a Pastor's Moral Failure18:00 Leading a Tech Team Through a Church Crisis27:30 The Reality of Staff Turnover After a Scandal32:30 How Moral Failures Impact Church Attendance35:00 Should Lead Pastors Be Held to a Higher Standard?47:30 Supporting Church Leadership During a Crisis52:30 Gateway Church's Transition to a New Pastor57:00 Keep Sundays Running: Knowing Your "Why"Get expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here.  Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here.  Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here.  Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review! 

Simone Halpin, Kelly Brady, John Vandervelde, and Matt Marron respond to questions from John's sermon from April 12, 2026

In the Executive Perspective episode 59, Ron and Rob delve into the controversy surrounding New York State Attorney General Tish James's prosecution of an NYPD officer for an off-duty fatal accident. The officer is accused of being under the influence of alcohol. The state has the authority to investigate and prosecute any law enforcement officer for offenses committed on or off duty, regardless of whether they are related to their police duties. The episode raises the question of why law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard of accountability compared to non-law enforcement officers. Furthermore, they discuss recent instances where officers and executives have faced consequences for their private text messages and social media posts. The episode explores whether these actions infringe upon individuals' rights to privacy when they are not in official capacity. Additionally, the episode addresses another instance where reality has contradicted campaign promises. They discuss NYC Mayor Mamdani's recent announcement that he is reversing his decision to eliminate the NYPD gang database. Join the interactive chat for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion. With a combined 65 years of service in the NYPD, over 40 of which were in the executive ranks, retired Deputy Chief Rob Lukach and retired Inspector Ron Leyson offer an unparalleled analysis of policy, procedure, and leadership in the NYPD and law enforcement in general. On their podcast, Ron and Rob engage in a lively discussion, debate, and dissection of current high-profile incidents and topics of concern to rank-and-file members from their unique "Executive Perspective." Link to NYS AG announcement of officers indictment: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-announces-indictment-and-arraignment-former-nypd-officer Link to the NY Daily News article: https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/04/06/mayor-mamdani-steps-back-from-pledge-on-total-elimination-of-nypd-gang-database Find prior episodes of the Executive Perspective at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_YGTl92zUEtavc4-pl83mX4fjhVfv5xr Contact Ron and Rob: On X - @ExecPerspective email - theexecutiveperspective@gmail.com ️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5689366474915840 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sheriff Chad Bianco pulled up and did not waste a second pretending California's problems are mysterious. In this special edition of The Higher Standard, we get into crime, chaos, Sacramento dysfunction, runaway regulation, affordability getting absolutely body slammed, and why so many Californians feel like the state they loved is slipping through their fingers. Sheriff Bianco breaks down how public safety got kneecapped, why the cost of living feels like legalized assault, and what it actually takes to turn around a state that somehow has perfect weather and terrible management. It is part policy, part reality check, and part reminder that when government keeps spending like it found your Amex in the couch cushions, somebody eventually pays for it.

This episode of The Higher Standard goes full chaos mode in the best way possible, as Chris, Saied, and Rajeil unpack the terrifyingly exciting reality that AI is no longer just a productivity tool, it is a full blown money printer for the bold, the curious, and occasionally the morally flexible. From two man companies generating hundreds of millions in revenue to the rise of AI powered business models that could completely rewrite how wealth is built, the guys explore where the opportunity is real, where the ethics get murky, and why this technology is starting to feel less like a trend and more like a once in a generation land grab. It is equal parts business insight, existential dread, and three friends realizing in real time that the future is already here and it does not care if you are ready.

The Pharisees followed every rule — and Jesus said it still wasn't enough. In this episode, we sit with Matthew 5:17–20 and ask the honest question: Am I more focused on looking righteous, or on actually becoming more like Jesus?

What good are higher yoga standards if teachers can't pay their bills? That's the question that sparked this conversation with researcher and yoga therapist Steffany Moonaz. Together we dig into what the data actually says about yoga training, student safety, and whether the industry's push for updated standards from Yoga Alliance and IAYT can coexist with building real economic viability for yoga professionals. We also get into the anatomy curriculum problem, the difference between a licensed healthcare provider who "knows a few poses" and an actual yoga professional, and whether higher education is the direction we're all heading—or just some of us.RESOURCESWorking In Yoga WebsiteWorking In Yoga NewsletterThe Back RoomInside Yoga MagazineGUEST LINKSSteffany's Website

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris, Saied and Rajeil break down a market that feels more like a casino than a pricing mechanism, from Trump-driven headline volatility and bond market warning signs to rising oil risks, shaky Fed cut expectations, and why the stock market may be ignoring the bigger problem entirely. They dig into the growing disconnect between equities and Treasuries, the real inflation threat hiding in energy, the possibility that the Fed may be forced to hike instead of cut, and why housing, flipping, and rate-sensitive assets are all flashing caution signs. Along the way, they also go off on AI addiction, productivity pressure, geopolitical chaos, and the uncomfortable reality that in a world run by algorithms, hype, and revisions, staying “plugged in” is no longer optional. This one is part macro breakdown, part group therapy, and fully THS.

Kendall Cotton, Founder and CEO of Montana's Frontier Institute, joins Kevin Frazier, the AI Innovation and Law Fellow at the University of Texas School of Law and a Senior Editor at Lawfare, to discuss Montana's groundbreaking Right to Compute Act and how Montana hopes to protect access to AI and related technologies. We will discuss the history and reach of this Act and why other states may want to follow Montana's lead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Discipline Creates Freedom (Not Restriction) The truth most women misunderstand about structure, routine, and results Welcome back to The Rachel Rampton Show — where faith meets fire and women rise through grit, grace, and God-led discipline. In this episode, Rachel breaks down one of the most common beliefs holding women back from real transformation: the idea that discipline is restrictive. So many women avoid structure because they think it will limit their freedom. They resist tracking, routines, and consistency in an attempt to feel more “balanced” or in control. But what they often experience instead is the opposite — inconsistency, overwhelm, and frustration. Rachel unpacks the truth: discipline doesn't create restriction — it creates freedom. When structure is in place, decisions are already made. You don't waste energy negotiating with yourself or relying on how you feel in the moment. Instead, you move through your day with clarity, direction, and peace. This episode walks through how discipline reduces decision fatigue, how routine actually lowers stress, and why the most successful women build their lives around systems — not emotions. Rachel also shares the identity shift required to stop resisting structure and start seeing it as support. The woman who experiences freedom through discipline is the one who understands that her habits are not controlling her — they are carrying her. Faith is woven throughout this conversation as well, reminding us that discipline is a form of obedience. Just like spiritual growth, physical transformation requires consistency, trust, and patience before the results are visible. If you've ever felt like structure is too rigid or restrictive, this episode will challenge that belief and give you a new perspective on what true freedom actually looks like. In This Episode, Rachel Talks About: • The belief that discipline is restrictive — and why it's false • How lack of structure actually creates chaos, not freedom • Why decision fatigue disappears when you live by a plan • How routine simplifies your life and reduces stress • The connection between discipline, identity, and consistency • How structure creates more space for your family, faith, and priorities • The standard of discipline inside Rachel's coaching programs Key Takeaways Structure creates clarity. When decisions are made ahead of time, your day becomes simpler and more focused. Discipline reduces stress. Having a plan eliminates constant overthinking and second-guessing. Routine builds freedom. Automated habits allow you to focus on what matters most in your life. Identity drives consistency. When you become a woman who values structure, discipline stops feeling restrictive. Ready for a Higher Standard? If you're ready to step into a life of structure, discipline, and intentional transformation, Rachel's coaching programs are designed to help you build a strong body and a strong identity. Learn more about Grit & Grace through the link in Rachel's Instagram bio. Connect with Rachel Instagram: @rachelrampton_ If this episode encouraged you, like, share, or comment, and screenshot share it to Instagram with #rachelrampton or tag Rachel so she can celebrate you. Sharing the show also helps this message reach more faith-driven women pursuing strength, discipline, and purpose.

Jerome Powell hit pause, but the economy definitely didn't. In Episode 327, Chris and Saied break down a Fed that still looks stubbornly out of step with reality, a private credit market flashing louder warning signs than most of Wall Street wants to admit, and fresh housing data that makes the affordability crisis impossible to spin away. From rising default rates and redemption freezes in private credit to oil shock risk, sticky inflation, AI-driven job disruption, and a market still clinging to rate-cut fantasies, this episode is a sharp, funny, and brutally honest look at an economy being propped up by debt, narrative, and hope. It sounds grim because it is grim, but as always, THS is less about panic and more about spotting where the next real opportunity gets created in the wreckage.

This episode is what happens when the economy shows up looking polished, but the mascara is running. Chris, Saied, and Rajeel break down the slow-motion mess unfolding across jobs, housing, private credit, and the Fed, while war, oil, and rate pressure lurk in the background like a tab nobody wants to pick up. It's part macro breakdown, part group therapy, part comedy special... and somehow still one of the clearest explanations of why everything feels like it's breaking at once.

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Episode 325 is what happens when a jobs report, crypto's glow-up, Fed-chair musical chairs, and a live geopolitical powder keg all walk into the same podcast and nobody leaves with lower blood pressure. Chris and Saied tear into the bizarre disconnect between war headlines and market optimism, question whether Wall Street has confused “priced in” with “blindfolded,” break down oil, rates, and why replacing Powell with Warsh is a lot messier when inflation and recession risk are both lurking in the room, and still find time to laugh their way through the chaos like only THS can. In other words: a little macro, a little mayhem, and a strong reminder that just because the market is acting calm does not mean the world is.

AI isn't coming “eventually.” It's coming this year... and the biggest scam is that you're training the model that replaces you every time you use it. We break down Nvidia's blowout quarter and why the market still shrugged, then zoom out to the darker part: the circular financing and “investment” theater where Big Tech writes checks to OpenAI… and OpenAI hands it right back as infrastructure spend. We talk the real endgame (jobs → AGI → UBI → asset owners win), and we close with the only sane answer: own assets, learn agentic AI, and build yourself into the part of the system that can't be commoditized.

In this powerful Season 8 opener of More Than The Bag Podcast, Dr. Kerrie Carter-Walker shares a timely message about how God is calling His people to a higher standard.This episode is a call to lay down sin, compromise, and fleshly patterns — and to step into holiness, obedience, and spiritual maturity.Dr. Kerrie walks through:• David sparing Saul in 1 Samuel 24 — choosing honor over revenge• Joseph forgiving his brothers — choosing purpose over pain• 1 Peter 1:13–25 — the call to live holy as God is holyWhen you belong to God, the standard shifts.When you are called, refinement is required.When you are chosen, compromise is no longer an option.This episode will challenge you to examine what you need to lay down so you can fully walk in what God is building through you.There is a higher standard — and it's an invitation, not a punishment.Welcome to Season 8.

In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into ancestry, fatherhood, marriage, leadership, depression, and raising strong young men in a modern world. From guiding your kids with better standards, to rebuilding intimacy in marriage, to understanding what real vulnerability looks like, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. They also discuss how men often become their own biggest obstacle - and what to do about it.  Plus, a conversation about movies that shape boys into men. If you're navigating fatherhood, marriage, or personal growth, this one hits home. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Ironman Training & Weekend Plans 09:05 - Family Ancestry & Legacy 15:51 - Raising Kids with Higher Standards 25:03 - What Women Mean by "Vulnerability" 28:47 - Are Movies a Good Way to Teach Boys? 40:35 - Marriage Struggles & Depression 53:02 - The Power of Brotherhood Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

Inflation “cooled” to a 2.4% headline print and yields eased, so the market tried to act like everything's fine. Then you pay your utility bill, buy groceries, or look at a mortgage payment and remember we're living in a post 2020 price reset economy. In this episode, we break down why CPI can look “better” while real life stays expensive, why housing is still stuck even with slightly lower rates, and how incentives are doing the heavy lifting for builders while affordability remains the real problem. We also hit the reality check in autos with record 1.67T in debt and subprime delinquencies at an all time high. And because the timeline can't just be normal, we wrap with the AI ladder, from narrow tools to agentic systems, and what it means when the robots go from talking to doing.

Most agents won't survive 2026. And it won't be because of AI or the market. It'll be because they never actually learned how to build real trust with their clients.In this episode, I break down the ONE thing that will determine whether you succeed in real estate in 2026 — and it has nothing to do with your CRM, brokerage, or marketing.The real estate industry is changing fast. AI is everywhere. Automation is normal. Consumers are smarter than ever. Commission pressure is real.When information becomes free and marketing becomes commoditized, the only thing that separates agents is character.In this episode, we break down: • Why transactional agents will struggle in 2026 • The difference between selling and advising • How caring actually becomes a competitive advantage • The CARE framework for building long-term trust • How to turn relationships into predictable incomeIf you're serious about building a real estate business that compounds — not just chasing the next deal — this is for you.⏱ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Most Agents Won't Survive 2026 0:19 – The One Adjustment That Changes Everything 0:52 – The One Thing You Need in 2026: Care 1:13 – Will AI Replace Agents? (Real Talk) 1:54 – The Expert Isn't the Solution — Care Is 2:31 – My Listing Appointment “No CMA” Approach 3:16 – AI Has No Empathy (Why That Matters) 3:28 – What Caring Actually Means (Real Example) 6:12 – 2026: Higher Standards, Less Transactional 9:49 – The CARE Framework (Consult, Advise, Relationships, Extend) 15:42 – 2026 Rewards Trust (Not Noise) 16:03 – Next Video: CRM That Supports This 16:12 – Final Recap + Outro

This episode is a full-on “the headline is the least important part” takedown. We break down how the U.S. manufacturing side of the jobs data is quietly screaming recession (32 straight months of declines… yeah, that's a thing), while the media does victory laps on top-line numbers like we're not all watching the revisions come in later with a chair and popcorn. Then we get into the weirdest plot twist of the labor market: retirees are re-entering and grabbing new roles at rising rates, while under-25 workers are fading from the “new job” pipeline—because apparently the American Dream is now a part-time shift… after you already retired. Add in the usual THS spice: AI hype, crypto whiplash, and the “sensational headlines vs. reality” problem that keeps everyone emotional and nobody informed.

In this message, Pastor Mike teaches from First Epistle to the Corinthians 13:13 and Gospel of Matthew 5:43, challenging us to raise our standard of love. Instead of loving only those who love us back, we're called to pray for others, ask God to open their eyes to the truth, and trust that His will be done. The question we must ask ourselves is simple but powerful: What is your standard of love?

Markets had a little “AI anxiety attack” this week and Wall Street responded the only way it knows how: smash the sell button and ask questions later. We break down the $285B Anthropic-fueled rout, why the “automation boom” is starting to look like an entry-level job extinction event, and how Big Tech's data-center dreams are already colliding with tighter financing and very real layoff math (looking at you, Oracle). Then we zoom out to the part nobody wants to talk about at cocktail parties: job cuts flashing red, wages getting blamed for everything, and a housing market that's still wildly unaffordable because the underlying problem never left — it just changed outfits. Add a little bitcoin weakness for spice, and you've got Episode 321: the reality check Wall Street didn't order, but absolutely needs.

This week on Lick it Like a Lollipop, Rampaige is giving all the solo vibes as she dives deep into pivoting away from the illusions as Neptune leaves pisces. This episode goes further into clearing away the clutter and the major changes coming in her spiritual practice and community. Currently, What is happening on the collective stage is the final steps of the Year of the Snake as we  shed layers to usher in the year of the Horse on 2/17/26.

Episode 320 is a reminder that inflation isn't a mystery and it definitely isn't caused by your paycheck going up. This one cuts straight through the noise: tariffs aren't “tough policy,” they're a hidden tax, war risk isn't some abstract headline, it's an inflation accelerant, and the Fed is stuck trying to clean up a fiscal mess it didn't create. While markets pretend everything is fine, corporate margins sit at historic highs, consumers keep spending, homeowners are insulated, and the cost quietly gets passed down the line. Wages get blamed, voters get distracted, and the money printer stays off-camera. Calm on the surface, pressure underneath... and a tariff time bomb sitting right in the middle of it all.

Davos felt like a global ideas conference with elite vibes and thin solutions. AI talk shifted from fear to acceptance, while housing fixes turned into political theater full of carveouts and long-shot proposals. We break down why none of it moves the needle for real affordability, then zoom out to the real story: money, confidence, and a monetary system under pressure. As Ray Dalio warns and gold keeps signaling stress, Treasury yields do the real talking, because when the 10 year moves, everything follows.

Markets are doing that thing where everything looks fine until you zoom out and realize risk is quietly pooling in all the wrong places. In this episode of The Higher Standard, we break down why green screens don't mean healthy markets, how capital is hiding in mega-cap tech, and what our new U.S. Markets Risk Profile and Synthetic Volatility Index reveal about fragility beneath the surface. We unpack the Trump–Fed showdown, why central bank independence actually matters, and how Jamie Dimon's warning fits into a growing confidence problem. Then we hit housing, where sales are up, prices are easing, rates are moving — and affordability is still broken — before closing on rising consumer stress. This isn't a market in free fall; it's a market quietly mispriced on risk.

Markets sprinted to record highs, stumbled, and carried on like nothing happened, with the S&P 500 and Dow briefly touching new peaks before financials and energy lost momentum. Oil slid as President Donald Trump floated Venezuelan barrels coming to the U.S., a reminder that geopolitics never stays offstage for long, while stocks rising alongside a climbing VIX signaled positioning, not panic. At the same time, Washington rattled Wall Street landlords with talk of banning institutional buyers from single-family homes, media deal drama flared as Warner Bros. Discovery again swatted away Paramount in favor of Netflix certainty, and the through-line became clear: confidence is still driving the party.

Wall Street has apparently reached a group chat consensus: 2026 only goes up. Every major strategist, from big banks to boutique shops, is lined up predicting another year of gains... because after a 90% rally off the 2022 lows, skepticism has officially been benched. Even lifelong bulls are starting to feel uneasy about the total absence of dissent, which historically isn't exactly when you want everyone pounding the table at once. When pessimism disappears, risk doesn't... it just gets 'mispriced.'➡️ Meanwhile, the macro backdrop looks oddly “perfect” on paper and deeply questionable underneath. GDP prints strong, inflation magically cools, housing costs flatline… except a government shutdown quietly forced the data to assume reality took a month off. Add in tariff distortions, election-year volatility, AI bubble anxiety, and a looming funding deadline in Washington, and suddenly the bullish narrative starts to wobble.

2025 didn't hand out cheat codes... it handed out invoices. High interest rates stopped being an abstract headline and started showing up in monthly payments. Cash flow mattered more than net worth screenshots. Emergency funds went from “nice to have” to “you better have one.” And the illusion that buying a home, chasing trends, or riding hype automatically meant progress finally cracked. This wasn't a year for predictions or gurus. It was a year that quietly punished bad assumptions and rewarded patience, discipline, and realism.➡️ In our final episode of the year, we strip the noise away and talk honestly about what actually worked, what didn't, and why financial literacy is no longer optional if you want peace of mind. No forecasts, no sugarcoating, just hard-earned lessons about money, work, investing, and navigating a system that changed faster than most people were ready for. If 2025 taught us anything, it's this: the rules didn't disappear. They just stopped being forgiving.