Tom Bilyeu's Impact Theory

Welcome back to another powerhouse episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In this special “Best Of IT 2025” edition, Tom Bilyeu sits down with a remarkable panel of thinkers, investigators, and insiders, including Whitney Webb, Scott Galloway, Andrew Bustamante, and Mo Gawdat. Today’s conversation dives headlong into the intersections of politics, national security, technology, and the human condition. Whitney Webb unpacks the shadowy networks behind political and business power, giving us a candid look at Donald Trump’s motivations, the AI arms race, and the rise of a modern technocracy. She draws bold connections from backroom deals to the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, questioning who truly benefits from these seismic shifts. Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA operative, pulls back the curtain on intelligence operations, the Epstein scandal, and explains how global gamesmanship actually unfolds—reminding us that the truth often lies somewhere between conspiracy and incompetence. He explores the ongoing “shadow conflict” with China, the realities of modern military strategy, and what’s really happening behind the headlines in hotspots like Venezuela and the Caribbean. Mo Gawdat challenges us to rethink the broader implications of global power plays—asking whether America’s aggressive stance towards China may actually be hurting itself, and positing that economic diplomacy and humility could be the keys to a more peaceful future. And Scott Galloway offers his trademark candid analysis on the Trump presidency, economic malaise, masculinity in crisis, and what it will take for America’s young people—especially young men—to thrive again. If you’re looking for a conversation that pulls no punches and explores the uncomfortable truths behind world events, government, technology, and society, you’re in the right place. Buckle up for a deep-dive into the power plays shaping our future, right here on Impact Theory. Quince: Go to https://quince.com/IMPACTPOD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Linkedin: Post your job free at https://linkedin.com/impacttheory HomeServe: Help protect your home systems – and your wallet – with HomeServe against covered repairs. Plans start at just $4.99 a month at https://homeserve.com Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact True Classic: Upgrade your wardrobe at https://trueclassic.com/impact CashApp: Download Cash App Today - https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/v6nymgjl #CashAppPod Connectteam: 14 day free trial at https://connecteam.cc/46GxoTF Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code IMPACT at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/impact AquaTru: 20% off your purifier with code IMPACT https://aquatru.com What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER:  https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.:  https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In today's episode, Tom Bilyeu dives deep into the recent Federal Reserve rate cut and its far-reaching consequences on the U.S. economy and your personal finances. With the Fed lowering interest rates in a rare, divided decision, we're entering what Tom Bilyeu calls the era of "fiscal dominance"—where monetary policy is less about managing growth and more about keeping the system from collapsing under the weight of government debt. He breaks down how these moves are inflating asset prices, punishing savers, and creating volatility that’s reminiscent of past bubbles and crashes. From Warren Buffett fleeing to Japan to politicians kicking the can down the road, Tom Bilyeu explores the hard-hitting realities behind America’s deficit spending and shares actionable strategies to protect yourself in this inflationary, debt-driven market. On this episode, you’ll learn why saving money alone won’t cut it, why owning productive assets is critical, and how diversification and emotional discipline can help you weather the economic storm ahead. If you want to understand what's really happening beneath the headlines and position yourself to thrive no matter what comes next, this is an absolute must-listen. Quince: Go to https://quince.com/IMPACTPOD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Linkedin: Post your job free at https://linkedin.com/impacttheory HomeServe: Help protect your home systems – and your wallet – with HomeServe against covered repairs. Plans start at just $4.99 a month at https://homeserve.com Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact Huel: 15% off with this exclusive offer for New Customers only with code impact at https://huel.com/impact (Minimum $75 purchase). What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER:  https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.:  https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a fan fav episode. You are living through exciting and strange times. There are so many technological advances with AI, space travel, NFTs, and a rapidly changing culture with social media, it’s near impossible to just turn ‘off’. Let’s admit it, FOMO is real and it keeps a lot of people connected when they’re not even sure why they’re connected. When was the last time you unplugged and took on a challenge you weren’t sure you’d complete? How long has it been since you’ve sat with yourself in total silence or allowed yourself to just be bored out of your mind? Author and journalist, Michael Easter, joins me today to discuss his journey and share the lessons and insights he’s gained from spending a month in the Arctic surviving. Hunting his own food, carrying heavy loads, and sitting with absolute boredom are just part of his story. As you listen to his story, it is my hope you will consider ways you step out of your comfort zone. There is something very freeing about being able to shake things up and break your routines and habits to improve the quality of your life in unconventional ways. This episode is about facing discomfort and finding new ways to challenge yourself for the better. Order Michael Easter’s new book, The Comfort Crisis - ⁠https://amzn.to/3ihebjB⁠  Original air date: 8-5-2021 SHOW NOTES: 0:00 | Introduction to Michael Easter 1:05 | The Comfort Crisis Explained 3:02 | Journey to the Arctic 5:03 | Recovering from Alcohol 7:40 | Outside the Comfort Zone 8:55 | Helicopter Parenting Losing Challenges 12:16 | Touching Controversial Topics 14:53 | Challenges Surviving the Arctic 20:11 | Problem Creep 28:05 | Need for Rite of Passage 35:12 | Metaphorical Lions for Passage 41:19 | Comfort Creep & Habits 44:22 | Breaking Routine to be Present 47:45 | Discomfort and Boredom 50:00 | Benefits of Boredom 57:12 | Daily Routine 1:02:11 | Rucking & Human Design 1:14:05 | Killing His 1st Caribou 1:17:16 | Life Cycle & Mortality 1:27:16 | “This Too Shall Pass” 1:30:31 | Want to Live Forever? 1:39:12 | Assigning Meaning to Life 1:42:20 | Rites of Passage Transformation 1:46:12 | Problem Creep Comparison 1:50:34 | Finding Gratitude  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu! In this episode, Tom Bilyeu and Drew dive deep into the chaotic waters of today’s economy, exploring everything from the looming realities of inflation and skyrocketing debt to the complexities of market bubbles—and what it all means for the everyday person. Joined by Mason on the community soundboard and Eric handling the tech, the team brings sharp insights and practical advice, peppered with audience questions, super chats, and some unforgettable pop culture moments. The conversation kicks off with a candid take on market timing and the psychological traps that even the most seasoned investors fall into. Tom Bilyeu explores the “hype cycle” and why understanding the distinction between a one-time price increase and true inflation is crucial to keeping your financial sanity. Together with Drew, they break down current events—from shocking headlines and political controversies to the future of AI and energy innovation—stressing the importance of diversified assets and emotional discipline in your investment strategy. Get ready for a fast-paced, perspective-shifting journey that not only unpacks today’s market turbulence but arms you with the mental frameworks to navigate an uncertain future. Whether you’re chasing financial freedom, curious about the psychology of wealth, or just want to make sense of the noise, this episode delivers clarity with candor, wit, and a whole lot of Impact Theory. Business Wars: Follow Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Quince: Go to https://quince.com/IMPACTPOD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Linkedin: Post your job free at https://linkedin.com/impacttheory HomeServe: Help protect your home systems – and your wallet – with HomeServe against covered repairs. Plans start at just $4.99 a month at https://homeserve.com Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact Sintra AI: 72% off with code IMPACT at https://sintra.ai/impact True Classic: Upgrade your wardrobe at https://trueclassic.com/impact CashApp: Download Cash App Today - https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/v6nymgjl #CashAppPod Connectteam: 14 day free trial at https://connecteam.cc/46GxoTF What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER:  https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.:  https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In today's episode, Tom Bilyeu and co-host Drew dive headfirst into the latest political and economic firestorms dominating the news cycle. They break down President Trump's controversial blockade of Venezuela, exploring what it means for U.S. foreign policy, the global oil market, and America's ongoing chess match with China. Tom Bilyeu brings his analytical lens to questions about economic bubbles, including why the Schiller PE ratio just hit a historic high—and what that might mean for investors and everyday Americans alike. You’ll also hear thoughtful conversation around the recent Bandai beach massacre, troubling ties to ISIS, and the rise of Islamist extremism—with Tom Bilyeu and Drew taking care to unpack the media narratives and the importance of differentiating between extremism and broader religious communities. Plus, the episode covers the Vanity Fair piece on Susie Wiles and its fallout within Trump’s inner circle, exploring the role of media framing, spin, and the power dynamics behind the headlines. Throughout, Tom Bilyeu and Drew peel back the layers on what’s really driving global events, why historical patterns of anti-Semitism and economic uncertainty matter today, and how to navigate turbulent times with clear vision—and a healthy dose of skepticism. Grab your headphones and settle in, because it’s time to separate fact from spin and get perspective you won’t find anywhere else. Business Wars: Follow Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Quince: Go to https://quince.com/IMPACTPOD for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Linkedin: Post your job free at https://linkedin.com/impacttheory HomeServe: Help protect your home systems – and your wallet – with HomeServe against covered repairs. Plans start at just $4.99 a month at https://homeserve.com Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact Sintra AI: 72% off with code IMPACT at https://sintra.ai/impact True Classic: Upgrade your wardrobe at https://trueclassic.com/impact CashApp: Download Cash App Today - https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/v6nymgjl #CashAppPod Connectteam: 14 day free trial at https://connecteam.cc/46GxoTF What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER:  https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.:  https://tombilyeu.com/call Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.: https://tombilyeu.com/ ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices