Capitalism, Socialism, or Chaos? Your Guide to Navigating Economic Downturns | The Tom Bilyeu Show
Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu! In today’s special Q&A deep dive, Tom and co-host Drew respond directly to your hottest takes and burning questions inspired by their recent viral video, “The Things That Happened Right Before Collapse.” Together, they tackle wide-ranging topics—exploring America’s mounting debt crisis, inflation, the struggle of average people to get ahead, and the growing wealth gap that’s fueling frustration across the country.
Tom delivers his famously unfiltered perspective on why the U.S. economy is in far deeper trouble than many people realize, challenging conventional wisdom about reserve currencies, military might, and the government's ability to ‘soft default’ through inflation. He breaks down how these forces squeeze the middle class and details the predictable historical cycles—referencing everything from the fall of past empires to today’s socioeconomic malaise.
The conversation also dives into passionate debates from the comment section, from capitalism versus socialism to debt forgiveness, and practical advice for protecting yourself in uncertain times. Tom and Drew address critics head-on, unpack common misconceptions about asset ownership, and even discuss the emotional side of wealth and purpose.
SHOWNOTES
00:00 Debt Growth and Wealth Disparity
08:45 "Discovering Inflation's True Origins"
14:45 "End of the American Dream"
20:18 Middle Class vs. Socialism Debate
34:38 Treaty of Versailles' Consequences
49:58 Lynn Alden's All-Weather Strategy
58:03 Quest University: Teaching Success Rules
01:00:51 "Leveraging Audience for Success"
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1:03:49
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1:03:49
How to Go From Homeless to Millionaire with Zero Connections or Capital | Jay Samit (Fan Fav)
This is a fan fav episode. In this episode, Jay Samit reveals his latest book, Future Proofing You, and the experiment he ran with a young kid from the UK. He mentored this kid once a week and watched him go from nearly homeless to millionaire in his experiment to show this is possible for anyone regardless of your resources. In this interview, Jay uncovers his belief that you don’t need degrees, capital and major connections to become a successful millionaire. Starting your business by looking for the void to fill in a very specific area that allows you to be the best in the world with no competition is a possibility that is accessible to you right now. This episode provides a tactical look at what you can do to start crafting the right situation and the right deal structure you need to succeed. Order the new book from Jay Samit: https://www.amazon.com/Future-Proofing-You-Opportunity-Controlling/dp/1119772060/ref
Original air date: 3-30-21
SHOW NOTES:
The Experiment | Jay mentors a disadvantaged person from homeless to millionaire [2:28]
2 Things for Success | Jay shares the two things he believes you’ll need for success [6:11]
Competition | Jay explains how to be the best in the world with no competition [10:03]
Fill a Void | Jay shares how Vin created a case study and niched a void [10:57]
Pygmalion effect | How Jay’s case study started with a lie to prove a point [13:38]
Insight | Why your insight to solve a problem leads to joy [17:26]
Appearance | Jay on why you need to look like your customer [21:20]
1st Customer | Jay shares tip for getting your first customer [24:32]
Breaking Plateaus | Jay talks about the hardships and difficulties to push through [31:20]
Deal Structure | Jay explains why a solid foundation can rebuild business [35:38]
CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS
Allio Capital: Macro investing for people who want to understand the big picture. Download their app in the App Store or at Google Play, or text my name “TOM” to 511511.
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What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here:
If you want my help...
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55:47
Ex-Navy SEAL on Grit, Leadership & Becoming the Most Dangerous Version of Yourself | Rich Diviney (Fan Fav)
This is a fan fav episode. Are you stumbling through life, finding it difficult to push back when needed or take control of situations? If so, it may be time for you to strengthen your mental fortitude, begin developing leadership attributes, and start living life with a badass attitude. On this episode of Impact Theory, Tom Bilyeu is joined by author, leadership expert, and former Navy SEAL Officer Rich Diviney to discuss such matters and more as they explore what you need to focus on to develop the core attributes that make up a truly badass leader. They discuss the driving force behind wanting to become a badass, the importance of putting yourself in challenging situations, why having grit is crucial, the key attributes you need, how to start developing yourself, the importance of values and who you surround yourself with, why you need to know your lane, and much more. Order Rich’s newest book, ‘The Attributes’: theattributes.com/buy/
Original air date: 2-9-21
SHOW NOTES:
Badass | Rich reveals the driving force behind wanting to become a badass. [0:17]
Challenge | Rich discusses the importance of being challenged and challenging yourself. [5:17]
Grit | Rich reveals how many develop grit through challenging life situations. [11:39]
Process | Rich reveals the power of resting and reflecting while developing grit. [13:22]
Attributes | Rich reveals how he helps teams and individuals develop strong attributes. [16:18]
PTSD | Rich reveals how reframing past situations helps heal PTSD. [19:56]
Development | Rich reveals the key attributes needed to becoming a badass with grit. [24:23]
Values | Rich reveals the power of surrounding yourself with people better than you. [28:03] Y
our Lane | Rich reveals the most important attributes to becoming successful. [32:02]
Connect | Rich shares how you can continue to follow him to learn more. [37:28]
FOLLOW RICH:
Website: theattributes.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richdiviney
Facebook: facebook.com/theattributes
Instagram: instagram.com/rich_diviney
CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS
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What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here:
If you want my help...
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**********************************************************************
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.
**********************************************************************
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43:02
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43:02
Why Emotional Weakness Destroys Men—and How to Take Power Back | Robert Greene (Fan Fav)
This is a fan fav episode. On this episode of Conversations with Tom, Tom Bilyeu is joined by New York Times and international bestselling author Robert Greene to discuss such matters and more as they explore why today, more than ever, we need to be sharply aware of the political and cultural environments that seek to condition our minds and force us to think irrationally. They discuss why so many behave irrationally today, the power of analyzing your emotions, how today’s environment has conditioned our minds, how we can utilize awareness to empower us, how to use anger as a motivator, the dangers of today’s culture, the constant need for change, the difference between yesterday’s and today’s generations, the story of Athena, why life must have both pain and pleasure, and much more.
Original air date: 2-4-21
SHOW NOTES:
Being Irrational | Robert reveals how our emotional brain actually dictates our decisions. [0:21]
Practices | Robert reveals how to stop letting your emotional mind control your life. [11:10]
Awareness | Robert reveals how to stop letting the world condition you. [21:09]
Shadow Side | Robert reveals how your inner aggressive side influences you. [32:13]
Today’s Culture | Robert reveals how today’s PC culture is part of a historical cycle. [49:06]
Generations | Robert reveals how older generations should interact with today’s youth. [56:22]
Anarchy | Robert reveals the surprising positive elements of anarchy and change. [1:16:16]
Cultural Direction | Robert reveals the dangers of where PC culture may be leading us. [1:23:53]
Limitations | Robert reveals how he makes the absolute most out of bad situations. [1:34:44]
CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS
Allio Capital: Macro investing for people who want to understand the big picture. Download their app in the App Store or at Google Play, or text my name “TOM” to 511511.
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Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code IMPACT at check out
What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here:
If you want my help...
STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER:
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**********************************************************************
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.
**********************************************************************
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1:43:17
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1:43:17
What No One Wants to Admit About Boys, Gender Roles & Fatherhood | Warren Farrell (Fan Fav)
This is a fan fav episode. We are living through interesting times where gender roles are an ongoing heated discussion. Tempers and passion flare from all sides, but what we cannot ignore is the damage being done to both boys and girls. There have been intense movements that even though they are noble they have caused damage along the way socially in the psyche of young boys and girls. If you follow Tom you’ve heard him say time and time again, we are all having a biological experience. What does this biological experience become when society and doctrine contradict and suppress the nature of our biological experiences?
Dr. Warren Farrell joins Tom to discuss his latest book, The Boy Crisis, Why Our Boys Are Struggling and What We Can Do About It. The resolution as Dr. Warren states begins with understanding different sides of the argument. Learning how to steel man the opposing sides' argument will help create a foundation where the real problem, lack of father involvement and fatherless homes, can be addressed for the sake of our boys (and girls).
ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 1-6-22
Check out Warren Farrell’s new book, The Boy Crisis: https://amzn.to/3JMfjHR
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 | Introduction to Warren Farrel
1:25 | Hear Opposing Perspectives
9:04 | Steel Man Arguments
22:47 | Disposability of Men
28:55 | Missing Fathers & The Boy Crisis
31:27 | Checks & Balances Parenting
45:11 | Catch 22 of Work & Family
49:17 | Be Your Partner’s Hero
56:02 | Falling In Love With Superman
59:29 | Learned Gender Roles
1:10:39 | The Myth of Male Power
1:23:08 | Lack of Father Involvement
CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS
Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code IMPACT at check out
Allio Capital: Macro investing for people who want to understand the big picture. Download their app in the App Store or at Google Play, or text my name “TOM” to 511511.
SleepMe: Visit https://sleep.me/impact to get your Chilipad and save 20% with code IMPACT. Try it risk-free with their 30-night sleep trial and free shipping.
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What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here:
If you want my help...
STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER
SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.
Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.
**********************************************************************
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.
**********************************************************************
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Mondays: Tom Deep Dives. Tuesday and Wednesdays: In Depth Interviews. Thursdays: The Tom Bilyeu show. Fridays: Tom Bilyeu Live!
Uncover the truth behind the headlines and memes in an unbiased pursuit of what’s real.
From interviews and reactions to debates on the most important topics of the day, this podcast will challenge everything you know about current events, the economy, culture, and more. Tom Bilyeu’s Impact Theory helps you thrive in our complex world.
Hosted by Tom Bilyeu, a prominent entrepreneur and co-founder of the billion-dollar company Quest Nutrition, Impact Theory covers what matters today. From geopolitics and economics to AI, science, future tech, and beyond, Tom breaks down complex topics into their fundamental elements. Learn how to see the world clearly so you can navigate even the most disruptive era.
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