Buckle up for another riveting episode. Host Ira S Wolfe along with co-hosts Mat Van Alstyne, and John Aidan Byrne plunge into the 2024 Election with Muhlenberg College pollster and political scientist Dr. Chris Borick. Listen as the conversation weaves an intricate dance between Main Street and Wall Street, revealing insights ahead of the 2024 election. Here are just some of the compelling lessons You’ll take away:

1. Favorability Isn't Everything Chris Borick pointed out that likability polls don't always translate to votes. It’s fascinating how perception versus reality plays out at the voting booth.

2. House and Senate Races Matter More Than You Think John Aidan Byrne broke down how slim majorities and competitive districts like the 7th in Pennsylvania could tip the scales significantly in the coming elections.

3. Polling Puzzles and Innacuracies The crew dissected how 2016 and 2020's shocking results threw pollsters into a frenzy, sparking innovations like a blend of cold calling and online surveys to get closer to the mark.

4. Poll Accuracy Efforts Improving polling methods was a hot topic, with Borick explaining the balancing act to correct past errors without overcompensating.

5. Voter Perceptions and Demographic Divides Political preferences are distinctly split by educational attainment. Voters with 4-year degrees often swing differently than those without, a critical insight for campaign strategies.

6. Early Voting Complications The slow counting of mail-in ballots can create early election night uncertainty, particularly in battlegrounds like Pennsylvania, adding suspense and complexity to the race.

7. Strategic Figures Josh Shapiro's prominent role and enviable approval ratings make him a political player to watch, especially given his nuanced appeal in a deeply divided state.

8. Polls as Snapshots, Not Predictions :Chris Borick wisely cautions us that polls should be snapshots of the current landscape rather than definitive predictions, keeping the suspense alive in the lead-up to Election Day.

Chris Borick humorously noted, "Polling discrepancies are like rebellious teenagers – often unpredictable but certainly noticeable!"

Mat Van Alstyne: Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Odeon Capital Group, a leading full service boutique broker dealer to institutional clients. Many of you know Mat from his commentary and outlook on the highly rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast,

John Aidan Byrne: Veteran Wall Street business journalist, editor, filmmaker, and successful podcast host of Odeon Capital Conversations and Dig Life Deep! John/s newest ventures are two movie projects, one on the legendary life of a Wall Street CEO and scholar and the other on Norman Rockwell.  

Special Guest: Christopher Borick, professor of political science and director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO), is a nationally recognized public opinion researcher who has conducted more than 300 large-scale public opinion surveys over the past two decades. He founded MCIPO, which measures the public’s views on electoral and public policy issues with a concentration on environmental and health matters.  According to Nate Silver’s 538 polling, Muhlenberg College is ranked near the top with an A+ ruling.

While tech is the fastest-growing sector in the US and the world, it mostly skipped the Midwest. But the shift didn’t just impact jobs but educational attainment and politics too. This episode explores the fascinating junction of Main Street and Wall Street where we bring together insights from Gad Levanon, Chief Economist at Burning Glass Institute, along with our esteemed co-hosts, Ira S Wolfe, Mat Van Alystyne, and John Aidan Byrne. We delve into the perplexing political realignment in the Midwest, the likelihood of a recession, the influence of AI on traditional jobs, concerns about public debt, and even the future of democracy.

Episode Highlights:

The Midwestern Struggle: The decline in manufacturing has hit the Midwest hardest, undercutting economic stability and leading to a political shift towards the Republican Party. Gad's research highlights a dramatic drop in educational attainment, population, and economic development in the region. This decline has contributed to the shifting voter preferences we see today. It's a complex story with no straightforward solution, but localized efforts and proactive leadership might offer glimmers of hope.

Recession Talks: Premature or Impending? Gad maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook despite fears of an impending recession. While economic indicators show some negative trends, he believes that a recession requires a clear shock, which he hasn't seen yet. Mat Van Alystne adds that recessions often come as surprises, challenging us to stay prepared and vigilant.

Tech and the Workforce: Winners and Losers Our discussion brought light to the tectonic shifts in the tech industry. AI and automation are transforming job landscapes, creating winners (owners, executives) and losers (rank-and-file programmers). These changes remind us that adaptability is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity.

Public Debt: A Growing Concern Gad Levanon raises the alarm on the mounting public debt in the United States. Unlike personal debt, public debt lacks a clear connection to daily life, making it easier to spiral out of control. Both Gad and Mat criticize the lack of balanced budgets and fiscal responsibility. With a shift towards populism, the need for sustainable economic policies is more urgent than ever.

We hope this episode equips you with the insights to navigate through the corner of Main Street & Wall Street. Stay tuned; we’ve lined up future episodes that promise to keep you on the edge of your seat!

About the Speakers

Mat Van Alstyne: Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Odeon Capital Group, a leading full-service boutique broker-dealer to institutional clients. Many of you know Mat from his commentary and outlook on the highly-rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast,

John Aidan Byrne: Veteran Wall Street business journalist, editor, filmmaker, and successful podcast host of Odeon Capital Conversations and Dig Life Deep! John/s newest ventures are two movie projects, one on the legendary life of a Wall Street CEO and scholar and the other on Norman Rockwell.  

Special Guest: Gad Levanon is the Chief Economist of The Burning Glass Institute. Previously, Gad was with The Conference Board where he was founder of the Labor Market Institute. His research focuses on trends in US and global labor markets, the US economy, and their impact on employers. He is a regular contributor to Forbes and also often contributes opinion pieces to other national media outlets.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Gad Levanon

Gad's Newsletter referenced in the episode 

Ready for a Soft Landing (Statista)

resHave you ever felt like you hit rock bottom and wondered how you'd ever bounce back? Well, just wait until you hear this engaging and heartfelt episode of The Whole You! This is the 2nd and concluding episode with host Joe Serio along with the resilient Kevin and Steph Mason, who share their rollercoaster journey of overcoming life's darkest moments. Their secret: a stupidity sponsor! Oh yeah, focusing on the next step and leaning on faith helped keep their lives in check. Listen in as Joe, Kevin, and Steph dive into the nitty-gritty of battling fears, multiple bouts of cancers,  embracing the messiness of life, and finding hope in the most unexpected places. This episode isn't just about survival—it's about thriving through the tough times and coming out stronger on the other side.

**Here are just a few of the takeaways:**

1.  **One Step at a Time**: Learn the importance of focusing on the next step rather than being overwhelmed by the entire journey.

2. **The Power of Positivity**: Hear how keeping a positive mindset and speaking life into your situation can transform your outlook.

3. **Faith Over Fear**: Discover how anchoring yourself in faith can provide unwavering strength during life's biggest challenges.

4. **Find Your Support System**: Whether it's a spouse, friend, or a "stupidity sponsor," having someone to lean on is crucial for resilience.

5. **Celebrate the Little Wins**: Embrace the idea of having a celebration partner to share your successes, no matter how small they may seem.

Tune in, get inspired, and find out why you're just one step away from turning your setbacks into a powerful comeback!

**Did you miss Part 1 of this conversation? Search for the episode “Heart-Stopping Moments, Unbelievable Resilience: What Would You Do in Their Shoes?”

************

More about Kevin and Steph: https://kevinandsteph.com/about-us/ 

 Buy “You Met Her Where?”: https://kevinandsteph.com/book/

Connect with Joe Serio.: https://joeserio.com

Feel like you’re trying to overcome the impossible? This episode will bring you to tears, laughter, and hope.

On Part 1 of this 2-part episode of The Whole You, Kevin and Steph Mason share their incredible journey of resilience and courage. Together they have faced unimaginable challenges, from surviving electrocution and battling multiple cancers to overcoming fears of infertility and birth defects. And yet While their story is nothing short of awe-inspiring and personal, it’s entertaining and at times, downright hilarious.  

Here are **3 Key Takeaways** from their story: 

**Focus on the Next Step**: Life's adversities can overwhelm us, but Kevin and Steph emphasize breaking down challenges into manageable next steps. This approach helped them navigate through extreme difficulties one step at a time, that would have devastated most people and broken, not strengthened, a marriage.  

**Power of Positive Self-Talk**: Negative thoughts can consume us, especially during tough times. The Masons consistently replaced negative thoughts with positive affirmations and words, showing the immense power of mindset in overcoming hardships.  

**Resilience is Built, Not Born**: Resilience isn't about bouncing back to the old normal; it's about stepping forward and creating a new path. Kevin and Steph's story exemplifies how resilience can be cultivated through persistence, faith, and support.  Their journey is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and thrive, regardless of the obstacles.

Don't miss out on the conclusion (Part 2) of Kevin and Steph’s deeply moving and motivational episode. Subscribe to the podcast and be the first to be notified.

More about Kevin and Steph: https://kevinandsteph.com/about-us/ 

 Buy “You Met Her Where?”: https://kevinandsteph.com/book/

Connect with Joe Serio.: https://joeserio.com

What happens when you mix Main St perception with Wall St economic and policy discussion? You get a rollercoaster episode that's as gripping as it is enlightening!

In our latest “At the Corner of Main St and Wall St” episode, I dive deep into the compelling and vexing Shrinking Middle Class Crisis. Alongside recurring guests John Aidan Byrne and Mat Van Alystne and special guest, Jeff Webb, we tackle the perplexing disconnect between a rosy national economic picture and the less positive perceptions of the middle class and lower income Americans. From the challenges faced by working families living paycheck to paycheck to aspiring entrepreneurs attempting to navigate the bureaucracy of business, this episode is packed with insights that you won't want to miss.

Here are just a few of the compelling takeaways:

**Inflation's Invisible Punch:** Inflation might seem like an abstract concept, but it’s hitting hard. Many Americans find themselves living paycheck to paycheck, a stark contrast to the booming stock market.

**Navigating the Wealth Gap:** The wealth gap’s widening, escalating social tensions and potentially destabilizing the middle class. It’s about more than money—it’s affecting the very fabric of society.

**Interest Rates Hit Home:** The middle class is feeling the squeeze more than ever. Those rising interest rates? They don't just affect loans—they ripple through everything from rent to groceries.

 **Red Tape Roadblocks:** Aspiring entrepreneurs, brace yourselves—it’s not just about your great idea. Navigating the sea of regulations can be the real beast, especially if you're scaling up.

**Generational Wealth Transfer and Gaps:** Millennials and Gen Z often feel like they're playing an unwinnable game. Is this the first time in modern history that the transfer of wealth is from younger to older generations or will today’s youth be the recipients of massive generational wealth.

 **Tariffs: Double-Edged Sword:** The strategic use of tariffs can protect domestic businesses. But watch out—mishandling them could backfire, leading to economic headaches.

**Big Government vs. Small Business:** The cozy relationship between big business and big government? It doesn't exactly help the little guys. Small businesses need a more level playing field to thrive.

** Fun Fact from the Episode:**

Did you know? Cheerleading may soon have a shot at making an Olympic debut, thanks to dynamic advocates like Jeff Webb who are pushing boundaries beyond just pom-poms and spirit chants!

Ready to dive deeper? Be Part of the Conversation. Tune in now!

And … don't forget to check out Jeff Webb's book, "American Restoration: How to Unshackle The Great Middle Class," for more stimulating perspectives! Click Here.

Additional Resources:

How Ameica’s Middle Class is Shrinking

State of the American Middle Class

About this month's guests:

Mat Van Alstyne: Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Odeon Capital Group, a leading full service boutique broker dealer to institutional clients. Many of you know Mat from his commentary and outlook on the highly rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast, which will return soon for another season. 

John Aidan Byrne: Veteran Wall Street business journalist, editor, filmmaker, and successful podcast host of Odeon Capital Conversations and Dig Life Deep! John/s newest ventures are two movie projects, one on the legendary life of a Wall Street CEO and scholar and the other on Norman Rockwell.  

Jeff Webb: Acclaimed business entrepreneur, CEO of Human Events Media Group, which includes digital platforms The Post Millennial and Human Events, Founder of Varsity Spirit, and President of the International Cheer Union. Widely recognized as the father of modern cheerleading, Webb revolutionized the sport by establishing Varsity Spirit, which has become a global leader in cheerleading. He is also the author of the Amazon bestselling book American Restoration: How to Unshackle the Great Middle Class.

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What if all those office wellness perks aren't actually helping? Is your office wellness program just a series of gimmicks? In this episode Tanya Tarr, Senior Contributor, Forbes, and Behavioral Scientist, and host Joe Serio dissect the myths of workplace wellness. You might rethink those yoga sessions! Tune in now!

Tanya and Joe dig into the nuanced world of well-being, whether at home or in the workplace. In this riveting episode, they switch gears from the comforts of home to the often chaotic terrain of the office. Ever wondered why pizza parties and gimmicky workplace wellness programs just don't cut it? This episode is for you.

Who should listen? If you're an employee feeling stuck in a toxic work environment, a manager looking to foster a healthier workplace, or an HR professional striving for impactful wellness initiatives, this episode is your blueprint for creating a thriving work culture. 

Here are a few thought-provoking takeaways about workplace well-being, toxic bosses, and the crucial aspects of creating a sense of belonging:

1. Balancing home and work well-being is crucial. Sometimes work is a sanctuary, other times it’s home—either way, one impacts the other significantly.

2. Simply offering gym memberships or pizza parties isn’t cutting it when it comes to workplace wellness. Real workplace well-being needs to be part of strategic planning and management.

3. Critical well-being factors to assess at work include physical comfort, solving interesting problems, professional development support, psychological safety, and feeling part of a supportive culture.

4. Meaningful workplace connections are key. If employees have genuine friendships at work, it’s a strong indicator of an organization’s health.

5. If you're stuck with an unsupportive boss, focus on what you can control. Seek intrinsic rewards like meaningfulness, choice, competence, and progress in your tasks.

Missed the first or second segment? 

Part #1: "Unleashing Your Potential: The How and Why of Personal Well-Being" Click here.

Part #2: "Unleashing Your Potential: The How  and Why of Personal Well-Being" Click here.

AI dominance, energy trade-offs, and election jitters. Those were the topics this month’s esteemed Wall St panel explored on At the Corner of Main St. and Wall St. The juxtaposition of Main Street and Wall Street may seem worlds apart, yet they are becoming increasingly intertwined. Join us as we unpack the implications of the rising cost of living, the potential shift in political administration, and the transformative power of AI in our economy. Whether you’re an investor, a tech enthusiast, or simply someone curious about future trends, this episode has something for you.

Here are nine illuminating takeaways about the economy, markets, AI, and the upcoming 2024 election.

1. **Feeling the Squeeze:** Inflation's tightening grip isn’t just a headline—whether it's grocery bills, car insurance, or trash pick-up costs, everyone's wallet is taking a hit, especially those in the middle and lower-income brackets. Is this what might determine who resides in the White House for the next 4 years?

2. **Stocks vs. Wallets:** You might hear the stock market's roaring, but don't be fooled; it doesn’t always reflect Main Street’s struggle with daily expenses. It’s like living in two different economies!

3. **Election Anxiety:** With the 2024 election heating up, there's cautious optimism. According to guest Mat Van Alstyne, the market is attempting to price in a potential Trump win, but the mix of political chaos and proposed tax changes could make for a wild ride.

4. **AI and Power Play:** NVIDIA's tech lead shows that dominating the AI scene isn't just about cool gadgets—it's fueling a surge in data demand, transforming power usage, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

5. **Green Energy's Reality Check:** While green energy is the future, current tech like wind and solar need more energy to produce than they give back over their lifetimes. It's an efficiency puzzle that still needs solving.

7. **Data Center Giants:** Fun fact: The biggest data center, only second to the world’s largest, is right here in the US and it's part of our growing need for data—think AI, electric vehicles, and cryptocurrency.

8. **AI Bubble Fears:** The panel's mixed takes on the AI market bubble, especially with NVIDIA, reveal a cautious yet curious approach as tech valuation and future earnings raise eyebrows.

9. **Living at the Intersection:** The convergence of economy, politics, and technology demands we stay adaptive. It’s crucial to keep learning and navigating the uncharted waters without getting bogged down by the past.

About this month's guests:

Mat Van Alstyne: Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Odeon Capital Group, a leading full service boutique broker dealer to institutional clients. Many of you know Mat from his commentary and outlook on the highly rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast, which will return soon for another season. 

John Aidan Byrne: Veteran Wall Street business journalist, editor, filmmaker, and successful podcast host of Odeon Capital Conversations and Dig Life Deep! John/s newest ventures are two movie projects, one on the legendary life of a Wall Street CEO and scholar and the other on Norman Rockwell.  

Special Guest: Jim Toes is President and CEO of the Security Traders Association (STA), a grassroots trade organization that serves individuals employed in the financial services industry. He also was a candidate in New York’s third Congressional district to replace ousted Rep. George Santos.

Flexibility in the workplace is a hot topic, but 2024 Everywhere Work reports show a stark reality: only 25% of workers feel their work environment is highly flexible. We need to bridge this gap for a truly adaptable workforce.

In this episode host Ira S Wolfe and Ivanti’s CMO Melissa Puls peel back the layers of IT and security, and trust us, it’s more challenging than you’d ever expect. We tackle the crippling silo effect, dig into the exponential growth of security vulnerabilities, and explore the intricate dance between CIOs, CISOs, and HR. It can feel like you’re trying to thread a needle with one hand tied behind your back. 

Here are seven insightful nuggets about IT, security, workplace flexibility, and employee experience in the future of work:

1. When IT and security team up, magic happens. Collaboration is key. Silos? Not so much. Keeping data and systems separate hampers both productivity and security.

2. Discovering and securing every connected device is like looking for a needle in a haystack. But boy, is it necessary! CIOs and CSOs need to collaborate, not compete.

3. Think of workplace security like a well-locked door; it must be secure but easy to use. Balancing strict security measures with practicality can save your company from headaches.

4. Employee experience isn’t just a fluffy HR term. It translates directly to customer experience, and ultimately, your company’s success. And surprise, surprise: IT and security have a huge impact on it.

5. Do you think digital employee experience doesn’t matter? Many employees would rather leave a company with a lousy digital setup than stay—even if they love everything else.

6. Flexibility in the workplace is still a work in progress. Only 25% of workers feel their environment is highly flexible.

7. The future of work is here and now, and it’s all about flexibility, security, and connection. This episode drives home the point that thriving in today’s fast-paced world means embracing flexibility, working smarter, and fostering strong connections and cultures within our workplaces. So, stay agile, stay secure, and stay connected!

Plus: The top 5 Things every small and medium business manager should know:

1. The Future of Work is here now . Everywhere Work is here to stay

2. Flexibility is key for the Employee Experience and Engagement. Everywhere work is about flexibility, not the place.

3. Security is critical to make sure employees and customers are safe. Education and training is essential.

4. Connection and Culture are more challenging in a hybrid environment but not impossible

5. Employee Experience translates to Customer Experience --  and it is all about Customers and the Customer Journey.

About Melissa Puls

Melissa is Ivanti’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Senior Vice President Customer Success and responsible for all aspects of the Ivanti customer journey, from initial awareness to purchase, adoption, expansion and renewal – ensuring organizations maximize the value of Ivanti’s solutions for greater outcomes.

Melissa is passionate about all phases of the customer experience and brings decades of experience to Ivanti with a strong track record of fueling growth through a customer-centric approach and integrated marketing strategies for acquired companies. She was most recently senior vice president and CMO at Avid. Prior to this role, Melissa also held CMO and marketing leadership positions with Optanix, Progress, Iron Mountain and Infor.

Resources:

Connect with Melissa Puls here.

Visit Ivanti website and watch keynotes from ISS2024.

Download 2024 Everywhere Work report here.

The Whole You: Work, Home Life host Joe Serio and Senior Contributor, Forbes, and Behavioral Scientist Tanya Tarr continue their dynamic conversation about the how and why of personal well-being.  Together they delve into the intriguing concept of a "House of Well-Being" and a "Workplace of Well-Being." This transformative discussion will leave you inspired to redesign your life for success. 

 Here are just a few of the mind-opening lessons learned that can truly reshape the way we approach our health and work environment.

1. The concept of your "house of well-being" encourages exploring the different rooms of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health for a well-rounded life journey.

2. Simplify your well-being check-ins by focusing on 3-4 key areas instead of overwhelming yourself with endless objectives – it's all about keeping it nimble.

3. Pay attention to the rooms you neglect in your well-being house; they often hold the keys to unlocking your true balance.

4. Community connections are essential for emotional and cultural health - find your 'church energy' in unexpected places like kickboxing clubs or adult kickball leagues.

5. By breaking down your environments into different spaces, such as bedroom, office, or car environments, you can effectively pinpoint areas that need immediate attention and those that can wait.

6. The power of intentional transitions lies in helping your nervous system and overall well-being find a sense of closure and rejuvenation.

7. Approach your workplace of well-being with the same mindfulness as your house of well-being; navigating office dynamics, policies, and relationships play a vital role in your overall wellness journey.

Why Listen:  If you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, seeking ways to enhance your overall well-being, or looking to foster a healthier work environment, this episode is a must-listen. Joe and Tanya's practical advice, deep insights, and relatable anecdotes will inspire you to make small, impactful changes that lead to significant transformations in your physical, mental, emotional, and cultural health. Tune in for actionable strategies, expert tips, and a fresh perspective on living your best life, both at home and in the workplace.

You’re going to want to turn up the volume for this episode. Are you yearning to break through your comfort zone, ramp up your accountability game, and master the art of effective communication?

In this epic leadership smackdown between the importance of accountability and adaptability, there is only one winner: you. Learn why accountability and adaptability are like peanut butter and jelly - each great on its own, but the magic combo when applied together. Entrepreneurship and former music exec Jeff Matlow reveals how failure to adapt and accept accountability in the music industry should be a wake-up call for every organization, business, and worker.

Here are just a few of the insightful takeaways:

1. Jeff reveals the shocking secret about accountability. Wait until you hear this one! Jeff's four simple secrets of accountability can transform how you lead and work in profound ways.

2. Accountability isn't about non-stop work; it’s about strong decision-making. Leaders must set priorities and maintain focus to guide their teams to success. 

3. Effective communication isn't just about the words—it's about creating a safe space where people feel comfortable taking risks and voicing their ideas.

4. Fear of conflict often stymies growth. Embrace healthy disagreements and diverse perspectives to make better decisions.

5. Adaptability is a top-tier skill in today’s fast-paced world, but without clear and consistent communication, even the best plans can fall apart.

6. Personal and professional growth thrives on adaptability and accountability; you can't have one without the other.

7. Become a storytelling maestro and elevate your communication game.

8. Fear of failure holds many people back, but stepping out of your comfort zone leads to significant growth and control.

9. The misconception that we only use 10% of our brain - and even our body potential - underestimates our true potential.

10. Society struggles with comparing inner fears to others’ outward confidence. Don't be a red light complainer or a yellow light doubter. Be a green-light action-taker!

Who is Jeff Matlow?

Jeff Matlow is a relentless entrepreneur, leadership coach, business leader, author,  Ironman, and Top Leadership Voices on LinkedIn. His latest challenge - He champions accountability. Jeff stands firm on the belief that integrity, responsibility, and reliability are the bedrock of true leadership. He’s here to argue that without accountability, success is just a flash in the pan.

He is a 3x entrepreneur. He built a product, service, and SaaS business, each of which was acquired by large media conglomerates. 

He now focuses his time on coaching female executives and entrepreneurs to be more inspirational leaders. 

He is the author of The Best Leadership Newsletter Ever, which creatively looks at your daily behaviors to transform your life.  What I’m most impressed with is how quickly he attracted over 11k subscribers. His podcast, The Best Leadership Podcast Ever has short lessons on how to improve leadership. 

Jeff began his career in the music industry where he worked with such artists as James Brown, Everclear, and the Black Eyed Peas. He founded the record label, crank! which was subsequently acquired by the Universal Music Group.

This premiere episode of “At the Corner of Main St. & Wall St. episode is a gripping reminder that when it comes to the economy, inflation, personal finances, and politics, we are in virgin territory. Staying informed and flexible is key and hosts Ira S Wolfe, Mat Van Alstyne, and John Aidan Byrne share a few game-changing insights on where we may be headed next. They are joined by this month’s special guest Nathan Lewis, co-author of “Inflation.”

Here are a few must-know takeaways about our economy, inflation, debt, and where we might be headed next:

1. **The Inflation Impact**: Inflation is hitting hard, and Americans are feeling it. Everything from your groceries to your gas tank is affected, and it’s a top concern for everyone from Main Street to Wall Street.

2. **Debt Overload**: The American consumer is swimming in over $1 trillion of credit card debt—yikes! Combine that with the housing gridlock and border crisis, and you get a potent financial cocktail that's hard to swallow.

3. **Deficits Without Fixes**: Nathan Lewis points out that governments, including ours, are running bigger deficits but fixing zilch. It’s like putting more holes in a sinking ship and wondering why we’re taking on water.

4. **Treasury Troubles**: Rising treasury yields could spell trouble. There’s chatter about fiscal dominance and even the looming specter of the US Treasury defaulting if no one's buying those bonds. 

5. **Inflation and Politics**: Inflation is shaping up to be a big player in the next election cycle. Whether it’s Trump’s tariffs or Biden’s relief acts, these policies are influencing everything from the value of the dollar to the cost of living.

6. **Gold as a Safety Net?**: With currency values wobbling, some experts are looking back at gold. Remember, it’s been a fallback since ancient civilizations and could be the safe harbor we need amid the storm.

7. **Monetary Mayhem**: Leaving the gold standard in 1971 might’ve been the root of our currency’s instability. It’s like pulling the rug out from under the dollar, as Nathan Lewis reminds us.

8. **International Shifts**: The global scene is shifting with countries like China and Russia questioning the US dollar’s dominance. 

9. **The Future's Uncertain**: High levels of unpredictability surround what the Fed and central banks will do next. Navigating this complex maze requires keen insight and adaptability.

Mat Van Alstyne: Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Odeon Capital Group, brings insights from the heart of Wall Street. Odeon Capital Group is a leading full service boutique broker dealer to institutional clients.Many of you know Mat from his commentary and outlook on the highly rated Odeon Capital Conversations Podcast, the number one podcast on Capital Markets in the US and top ranked across the globe. Odeon Capital Conversations will return soon for another season. 

John Aidan Byrne: Veteran Wall Street business journalist, editor, filmmaker, and successful podcast host of Odeon Capital Conversations and Dig Life Deep! I want to wish Good luck to John on his two movie projects, one on the legendary life of a Wall Street CEO and scholar and the other on Norman Rockwell.  Hopefully we’ll be walking the red carpet soon at their premiere!

Special Guest: Nathan Lewis: Renowned monetary policy and economic history expert, Discovery Institute Fellow, co-author of The Magic Formula: The Timeless Secret to Economic Health and Prosperity; and Inflation: What It Is, Why It's Bad, and How to Fix It, and author of several other highly-acclaimed economic tomes.

You can order “Inflation” here.

More about Nathan Lewis.

***This episode was sponsored by Security Traders Association (STA). 

STA is a grassroots organization with 20 Affiliates across the U.S. and Canada, representing financial services professionals. 

STA educates its members on market structure issues and advocates for their interests with legislators and regulators, promoting goodwill and integrity with the principle "my word is my bond."

You can join STA at their flagship event: The 91st Annual Market Structure Conference . This year's theme is "Shifting the Landscape," and is scheduled for September 18-20 at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes Orlando. You can learn more about STA and the conference at the STA website:  www.securitytraders.org