Best Smart Prosperity Institute Podcasts (2025)

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495: Strong Rental Market Demand, The Age of Bitcoin and the Coming Ai Disruptions with Mark Moss 37:41

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1M ago37:41

37:41

Jason welcomes Mark Moss, an expert in monetary policy, cryptocurrency, and investments. They primarily center on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology on the economy and society. Moss argues that while AI offers immense potential for increased efficiency and wealth creation, it also exacerbates the wealth gap due…

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494: The US Economic Ponzi Scheme: Avoiding Collapse and the Path to Stability with Les Rubin 17:56

2M ago17:56

17:56

Jason and Les Rubin discuss the critical issues of entitlements, government size, and the tax code in relation to US economic stability. They explore the potential of converting Social Security to private accounts and the challenges of reforming the current entitlement programs, acknowledging the need for public education and a shift in attitude. L…

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493: Halal Investing Unlocked: Smart Strategies for Ethical Wealth Growth 23:43

3M ago23:43

23:43

Jason welcomes Dilshod Jumaniyazov as they discuss the concept of halal investing, which aligns with Islamic rules and laws, and its potential appeal to non-Muslims interested in social, responsible, and ethical investing. They also explore the rules and principles of Islamic finance, including the concept of ‘halal’ or permissible sources of reven…

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Trade and UK Productivity: From Global Markets to Local Gains 53:16

3M ago53:16

53:16

This episode explores the vital link between international trade and the UK's productivity challenges. Host Bart van Ark is joined by three experts as they discuss why trade matters for productivity, the current state of UK trade post-Brexit and COVID and the structural issues impacting trade and productivity. The conversation also looks at potenti…

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Books Festival: Diane Coyle & Jan Mischke 57:21

4M ago57:21

57:21

This episode explores new insights into the productivity puzzle from two fresh pieces of work. First, Diane Coyle discusses her book The Measure of Progress, explaining why what we measure is profoundly important but increasingly difficult. Then, Jan Mischke from the McKinsey Global Institute shares a striking finding from their report The Power of…

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492: Fractional Real Estate Investing for Only $250 with Alex Blackwood 38:01

4M ago38:01

38:01

Jason and Alex Blackwood discuss the current state of the DC housing market, focusing on the impact of low mortgage rates, the challenges of housing affordability, and the potential for a widening wealth gap between homeowners and renters. They also explored the impact of the pandemic on the real estate market, the potential benefits of Trump's pol…

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491: Trump 2.0, Trade Wars, and the Future of the Dollar with Charles Goyette 37:25

5M ago37:25

37:25

Jason and Charles Goyette discuss the current political climate, the implications of tariffs and trade wars, and the potential for significant changes in government spending and taxation. They also explored the impact of technology on the economy, the concept of currency competition, and the potential for a global financial crisis due to increasing…

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A Regional Productivity Agenda for England 58:18

6M ago58:18

58:18

Regional growth is a key component for improving productivity growth in the UK. The gaps in productivity between English regions are unusually large compared to other countries. Why is that? What can be done about it? Host Professor Bart van Ark is joined by: Andy Westwood, Professor in Public Policy, Government and Business at The University of Ma…

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490: The Humble Alpha/ Finding Your True Identity & Redefining Leadership with Steven Kuhn 27:15

6M ago27:15

27:15

This interview delves into Steven Kuhn's "Humble Alpha" concept, focusing on internal strength and authenticity. Kuhn emphasizes discovering one's true identity through self-reflection and external feedback, culminating in a two-word moniker. He champions certainty and "HIT" principles (honesty, integrity, transparency) as foundations for leadershi…

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How new is the new world order, Margaret MacMillan? 39:21

6M ago39:21

39:21

We are witnessing changes in the world order which many thought we would never live to see. The US, long a bedrock of democracy, appears to go heading down an anti-democratic path. Traditional alliances are falling apart, while longtime enemies are drawing closer together. Meanwhile Europe, long a central player in geopolitics, seems increasingly s…

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Are the tech bros taking over the White House, Eoin Higgins? 31:02

7M ago31:02

31:02

Tech billionaires are exerting an enormous influence on the current Trump administration. It is not just Elon Musk and DOGE who are reshaping the American state. Behind the scenes, figures like Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, and David Sacks are pushing an anti-regulation agenda and an anti-democratic entrepreneurial vision of politics. In this conve…

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What can we learn from the Peasants' War of 1525, Lyndal Roper? 45:30

7M ago45:30

45:30

We are living through a time of immense upheaval, with geopolitical, social, and economic shifts reshaping our world every day. However, this is not the first time humanity has faced such dramatic changes. In this episode, Misha Glenny and Eva Konzett are joined by historian Lyndal Roper to take us back 500 years to the Peasants' War of 1524–25 – t…

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Is Trump preparing a constitutional coup, Mark Medish? 41:12

7M ago41:12

41:12

In this episode of Future Discontinuous, we dive deep into the political turmoil following Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 46th President of the United States. From overhauls in US domestic policy to disruptions in global diplomacy, this episode breaks down Trump‘s dramatic reshaping of the world order. Together with Mark Medish, policy consulta…

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489: Immigration and Trump Policies- Securing America's Future with Richard Duncan 1:16:44

7M ago1:16:44

1:16:44

Richard Duncan @RichardDuncanEconomics explores the potential benefits of a U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund, advocating for increased government investment in key industries like AI and biotechnology. Duncan argues this strategy could significantly boost economic growth, enhance national security by countering China's technological dominance, and genera…

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Are Ultra-Processed Foods the New Silent Killers, Rosie Boycott? 41:06

7M ago41:06

41:06

Ultra-Processed Foods lie at the heart of a global increase in a variety of chronic and fatal diseases from cancer to Type 2 Diabetes. The food industry has been pouring billions into convincing governments not to regulate these additives which make everything from baby food to burgers addictive, persuading customers to return for more. Rosie Boyco…

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Who has a plan for peace in the Middle East, Dahlia Scheindlin? 49:12

8M ago49:12

49:12

The flood of headlines about the war in Israel and Gaza can feel overwhelming. Season two of Future Discontinuous kicks off with an episode examining the current state of the conflict, highlighting geopolitical dynamics and influential players. In conversation with Dahlia Scheindlin, hosts Eva Konzett and Misha Glenny explore Israeli public opinion…

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A Productivity Agenda for the Devolved Nations 1:01:37

8M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

In this episode of Productivity Puzzles, we examine the productivity performance of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. How do the three devolved nations perform on productivity? What are the differences and the similarities between them? How do they compare to England? The discussion features insights from Melanie Jones, John Turner, and Graeme …

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488: You Won't Believe How Trump's Policy Affects Your Wallet with Prof. David Collum 49:26

8M ago49:26

49:26

Is Trump's America First policy the solution to the rising inflation in the US? Today, we dive into the details of Trump's economic approach and examine whether his America First policy is effective in combating inflation. From tariffs on foreign goods to tax cuts, we analyze the impact of Trump's policies on the US economy and explore whether they…

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Strategic Productivity: Unlocking the UK’s Productivity Potential 54:59

8M ago54:59

54:59

How do different leaders within a firm think about productivity? This can vary significantly between the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Human Resources Officer, and the Chief Information Officer. How do they work with their teams on productivity-related issues? What are the opportunities and barriers they face? Host Professor Bart van Ark is jo…

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487: Why Debt is my Favorite 4 Letter Word- Mortgage Matters with Housing Expert Josh Mettle 45:30

9M ago45:30

45:30

Jason welcomes Josh Mettle, an expert in mortgages markets. According to Josh, the recent decline in mortgage purchase applications, despite rising home prices, is not indicative of a looming housing crash. This is because the current demographic trends favor homeownership, with millennials and Gen Z representing a large cohort of potential buyers.…

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Do we have to destroy the environment to save it, Julie Klinger? 41:18

10M ago41:18

41:18

It is no news that humanity will have to extract enormous amounts of rare earths and other critical raw materials to move away from carbon-based economies. In episode four of Future Discontinuous, hosts Misha and Eva invite Julie Klinger, who studies the geopolitics of resource usage, to discuss the pitfalls of the green energy transition, whether …

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Wrapping Up 2024: Is there a productive growth path forward? 50:07

10M ago50:07

50:07

2024 has been quite a year. A new government, big plans, but a growth and productivity revival isn’t visible yet. These things take time. Is the UK still on track for a reset of policy to boost growth and productivity? Or is there something fundamentally wrong with how we're thinking about these subjects? Host Professor Bart van Ark is joined by: D…

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What does the fall of Assad mean for Russia, Mark Galeotti? 41:44

10M ago41:44

41:44

Making sense of the current geopolitical moment is no easy undertaking. In the third episode of Future Discontinuous, hosts Misha Glenny and Eva Konzett invite prolific author, historian, and Russia expert Mark Galeotti on the podcast. Together with their guest, they try to illuminate the murky waters of Russia’s foreign policy, the repercussions o…

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Why do we need a world government, Nils Gilman? 41:31

10M ago41:31

41:31

In the second episode of Future Discontinuous, hosts Misha Glenny and Eva Konzett are joined by historian Nils Gilman, COO of the Berggruen Institute in Los Angeles. Together with their guest, they take a deep dive into the national, the global, and the planetary, and discuss how the outbreak of the Black Death in the 1300s differed from COVID-19, …

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What does another Trump presidency mean for global politics, Stephen Walt? 46:52

10M ago46:52

46:52

In the first episode of Future Discontinuous, hosts Misha Glenny (IWM) and Eva Konzett (FALTER) welcome international relations scholar and Harvard Professor Stephen Walt. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss the US elections and their implications for the international stage. Against the backdrop of heightened global tensions, what does th…

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Trailer: What to expect from Future Discontinuous 1:07

10M ago1:07

1:07

Feeling lost in a crumbling world? In Future Discontinuous, hosts Misha Glenny and Eva Konzett explore global challenges with top thinkers. From climate tech to geopolitics, they seek answers to whether humanity can reverse decline or face conflict. Join them to navigate uncharted waters with hope. Our hosts Misha Glenny is the Rector of the Instit…

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486: The Next Crash is Upon Us|Harry Dent Warns of the Coming Economic Collapse 52:01

10M ago52:01

52:01

Jason welcomes Harry Dent, a renowned economic forecaster, discussed the prolonged economic bubble. He emphasized that the current bubble, driven by massive government stimulus and money printing, is unprecedented in its longevity—three times longer than historical bubbles. Dent believes the bubble, which should have burst by 2021, has been artific…

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485: Transitioning from Communism to Privatization: A Client Case Study with Elena Clark 32:03

11M ago32:03

32:03

Jason welcomes Elena Clark as they discuss Elena’s experiences during the privatization phase in Russia, including her role as an attorney in Samara City and Moscow, and the economic transition from the Soviet Union to a free market economy. They also explored the land use system in Soviet times, the privatization of land, and the process of exchan…

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Industrial Strategy: What To Do and What Not To Do? 53:07

12M ago53:07

53:07

With a new government in town, industrial strategy is back. Why now? How will it help growth and productivity? How do we get it right? And, perhaps equally important, how do we make sure we don’t get it wrong this time? Host Professor Bart van Ark is joined by: Dame Kate Barker, Chair of the Universities Superannuation Scheme and Chair of The Produ…

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484: Let's Talk Money: Real-World Financial Advice with Megan Gorman, Author of All the Presidents' Money: How the Men Who Governed America Governed Their Money 56:47

1y ago56:47

56:47

Megan Gorman, author of "All the President's Money," explores the financial habits of US presidents throughout history. Gorman, a financial advisor, tax attorney, and wealth manager, discusses the presidents' varying approaches to money management, from frugal to extravagant. She also explores the historical context of each president's financial de…

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483: Navigating the Housing Market: Rising Interest Rates, Refinancing, Emerging Markets and Institutional Investors with Robert Helms 25:51

1y ago25:51

25:51

Jason and Robert Helms discuss the recent increase in mortgage refinancing activity and the ongoing housing shortage, its impact on the real estate market, and potential solutions for affordable housing. They also explore emerging real estate opportunities, such as investing in high-demand, low-supply markets and the potential of parking lots as an…

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482: Leadership and Real Estate: Creating a Successful Business and Life with Trey Taylor 23:20

1y ago23:20

23:20

Real estate investor Trey Taylor advocates for single-family homes as a stable, long-term investment. He emphasizes financial prudence, focusing on properties generating rental income that exceeds expenses. While acknowledging economic challenges like rising interest rates, Taylor remains optimistic about the housing market's resilience. His leader…

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481: The Collapse of the Dollar's Empire and @MilkshakesPod with Brent Johnson 25:19

1y ago25:19

25:19

The Dollar Milkshake Theory, proposed by Brent Johnson of Santiago Capital, predicts a surge in the US dollar's value compared to other currencies. This is due to the US's strong financial system, deep markets, and the dominance of the dollar in global transactions, like oil purchases. When a global debt crisis strikes, countries will scramble for …

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Business model innovation and strategic productivity 52:18

1y ago52:18

52:18

Why is business model innovation the key to an organisation’s productivity? What does it take to do it right? New technologies and new business practices don’t just come out of the blue. They happen because firms embed them in their processes so they can create a valuable proposition for their customers. This episode explores the challenges and opp…

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480: American Fascism, Corporatism & Elite Oppression- on a Global Scale @IvorCumminsScience @wef 49:01

1y ago49:01

49:01

Jason welcomes Ivor Cummins, author of "Eat Rich, Live Long!", who transitioned from corporate problem-solving to investigating food supply corruption. He shared a conference stage with Jason Hartman, discussing elite class agendas. Cummins, a biochemical engineer, criticized the handling of COVID-19, comparing it to a severe flu. He believes media…

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479: Sound Money Revolution: Protecting Wealth in Unstable Times with Lynette Zang 34:28

1+ y ago34:28

34:28

Jason welcomes back Lynette Zang from Zang Enterprises, highlighting her expertise in the economy, sound money, and precious metals. They discuss the recent surge in gold prices, attributed to global central banks' increased gold purchases, despite market manipulation efforts to suppress it. Zang explains that rising gold prices indicate failing cu…

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UK Election 2024: A Productivity Plan 52:20

1+ y ago52:20

52:20

The election manifestos published in the second week of June 2024 sparsely recognise the importance of productivity. This is perhaps because it's not the most glamorous topic for voters to be excited about being canvassed on their doorstep. But for any incoming government, productivity will need to run through the core of the policy agenda in the c…

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478: Digital Currencies & Gov't Control: Navigating Privacy in a Cashless World & Building Resilient Financial Strategies with Catherine Austin Fitts 49:09

1+ y ago49:09

49:09

Jason welcomes Catherine Austin Fitts, of the Solari Report back to his show after nearly eight years. Catherine, served as Assistant Secretary of Housing under George H.W. Bush. They discuss the disappearance of trillions of dollars from federal budgets, starting in the mid-90s and escalating over the years. By 2001, $4 trillion was unaccounted fo…

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477: Market Dynamics: Inventory, Interest Rates, and Buyer Behavior with Sean O'Toole of Property Radar 40:50

1+ y ago40:50

40:50

Jason and Sean O'Toole of PropertyRadar.com discuss the current state of the real estate market, focusing on inventory trends, the impact of high interest rates, and the value of real estate over price. They also explore the potential for price drops, the influence of technological advancements on prices, and the challenges of rising housing costs.…

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476: Navigating the Dollar Hegemony: Understanding Global Finance Today with with Saleha Mohsin 26:50

1+ y ago26:50

26:50

Jason introduces Sahala Moshsin and her book "Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order" and discusses the impact of economic sanctions, particularly those imposed on Russia. They also explore the challenges faced by countries trying to work around the US dollar's global dominance, the mounting debt and its implica…

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507: Unlocking Business Succession: The Power of ESOPs with Keith Butcher 24:48

1+ y ago24:48

24:48

In an interview with Jason Hartman, Keith Butcher, founder of Butcher Joseph, discusses business succession and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). With many business owners approaching retirement, ESOPs offer a tax-efficient way to transition ownership to employees. This model enhances employee retention and loyalty, providing long-term retire…

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How do business leaders think about productivity? 53:33

1+ y ago53:33

53:33

Why should firms care about productivity? How does it add to the bottom line? What exactly drives productivity? And how can you get better at it? This episode is a conversation with three current and former business leaders talking about how they think about productivity, what it means to them, and what practical productivity measures their firms u…

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475: Behind the Numbers: Insights from Institutional Players on Real Estate Trends with Lance Lambert Part 2 23:20

1+ y ago23:20

23:20

Jason and Lance Lambert finish their discussion as they explore the "lock-in effect" caused by historically low mortgage rates. They highlight the significant impact on home sales and turnover rates in the real estate market, with a 57% reduction in home sales due to fixed-rate mortgage holders unwilling to give up their low-interest loans. They al…

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474: Navigating the Tight Resale Market: Lance Lambert's Expert Analysis on Housing Supply Dynamics Part 1 27:16

1+ y ago27:16

27:16

Lance Lambert, co-founder of Resi Club, discusses the real estate market's nuances with host Jason Hartman. Lambert highlights the tight resale market, down 30-35% from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, noting that despite this, 2019 wasn't a buyer's market. Affordability strains persist, especially in areas like Connecticut, impacted by the "donut effe…

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473: Housing Affordability Crisis and the Impact of the NAR Lawsuit on Real Estate with Rick Sharga 47:10

1+ y ago47:10

47:10

Jason welcomes real estate analyst Rick Sharga. Rick discusses the housing market and economic trends. Despite concerns of a crash, he suggests a slow period with modest price increases rather than a downturn. He dismisses crash predictions, highlighting historical data showing home prices generally rise during recessions. Sharga addresses factors …

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472: Unlocking Opportunity: Investing in the Changing Landscape of Commercial Real Estate with Paul Moore 31:18

1+ y ago31:18

31:18

Jason and Paul Moore delve into the current state of commercial real estate, focusing on multifamily, office, RV and mobile home markets. They discuss the rise of rescue capital, which assists struggling deals, particularly in multifamily, where many properties are overpriced. They explore how office markets may never fully recover due to remote wo…

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Government policy and business productivity: does it help or harm? 59:31

1+ y ago59:31

59:31

What is the best thing government can do to help improve business productivity? Provide more business support? Create better conditions for doing business? Or simply, get out of the way. In other words, can government policy and business growth ever become a happy marriage? Host Professor Bart van Ark is joined by a co-host: Stephen Roper, Professo…

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471: From Boom to Bust- Understanding Market Cycles and Investment Opportunities with Mark Moss 35:56

1+ y ago35:56

35:56

Jason and Mark Moss delve into the media landscape’s sensationalism and fear-mongering, particularly in financial spaces. Moss criticizes analysts like Harry Dent, noting their linear thinking and failure to account for the changing dynamics post-2008 crisis. Moss predicts continued government intervention to prop up markets, leading to prolonged d…

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470: Speed of Trust- Transforming Transactions into Relationships with Stephen M.R. Covey 27:53

1+ y ago27:53

27:53

Jason welcomes Stephen M.R. Covey as they discuss his book "The Speed of Trust." In business, cultivating trust is key for successful deals and relationships. The principle of "win-win or no deal" emphasizes fair collaboration, where both parties benefit. Trust fosters enduring relationships, enabling faster, more efficient cooperation. Smart trust…

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Business Dynamism: is turbulence good for productivity? 53:23

1+ y ago53:23

53:23

What is business dynamism? Do we need a bit more turbulence in business creation, growth and change to get productivity up again? This episode, the first of three on the productivity of firms, looks at the mechanism between productivity and business dynamism, whether there are big differences between countries, and whether and how we can get a bit …