Elevated Thoughts

China's critical mineral supply chains, rare earths, cobalt, tariffs, US reliance—our latest episode unpacks how exposed America has become with our guest, Mahnaz Khan, VP of Policy for Critical Minerals at the Silverado Policy Accelerator.

We dig into where we get the tiny magnets inside your AirPods, the subsidies that warp “free trade,” and the high‑stakes game of critical minerals exports and imports. From China’s early acquisition of DRC cobalt mines to the 95% U.S. dependence on Chinese rare earths, this conversation reveals exactly why critical minerals have become the centerpiece of global competition.

You’ll hear Mahnaz explain the “Great, mineral hope” for domestic production, the urgency behind a proposed Trade Defense Pack, and the real costs of letting Beijing steam‑roll ahead. Whether you’re curious about the politics, the economics, or the tech under your fingertips, this episode delivers both insider insight and actionable takeaways.

💎 Follow Mahnaz on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahnaz-khan

🇺🇸 Follow Silverado Policy Accelerator on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/silverado-accelerator?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company

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💬 What do you think? Comment below!

#supplychain #chinaeconomy #minerals

00:00 Introduction

03:02 Understanding Critical Minerals

06:04 The Role of U.S. Trade Agencies

09:05 China's Influence on Critical Minerals

12:08 The Rare Earths Story

15:00 Cobalt and Global Supply Dynamics

18:12 U.S. Domestic Production Challenges

20:48 China's Belt and Road Initiative

24:10 Strategies for Ethical Supply Chains

28:05 Navigating Parenthood and Professional Life

28:56 Understanding Bilateral Relations and Trade Policies

30:07 Critical Minerals and Trade Agreements

33:05 China's Influence in Global Supply Chains

35:54 Challenges of Product Dumping and Tariffs

38:56 Addressing Labor Issues in Mining

41:59 The U.S. Perception in Global Markets

44:04 The Role of the U.S. in Global Supply Chains

46:02 Circular Economy and Recycling Initiatives

50:00 Future Directions for U.S. Trade Policy

Trump tariffs, the looming global trade war, supply chain disruption, and trade deficits are all at the forefront in this episode of Elevated Thoughts.

Our guest, Adam Cochran, lays out how Trump’s new tariff tactics are shaking global markets, impacting everything from U.S. manufacturing to international trade relationships with China, Vietnam, and the EU. This discussion offers a comprehensive look at volatile policy shifts and the evolving dynamics of modern economic strategy.

We break down the ripple effects of these tariffs on supply chains, market stability, and global economic competitiveness. If you’re looking to understand the profound impact of U.S. trade policy in today’s interconnected world, hit subscribe and stay tuned for more expert insights on Elevated Thoughts.

𝕏 Follow Adam on X and YouTube:

https://x.com/adamscochran

https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@AdamOnFinance⁩

https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@AdamSCochran⁩

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🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.com

We are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!

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🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535

💬 What do you think? Comment below!

#tariffs #trumpnews #economy

00:00 Introduction to Economic Discourse

02:56 Understanding Tariffs and Trade Deficits

06:02 The Impact of Tariffs on Global Relations

09:11 Historical Context of Tariffs

11:53 The Complexity of Supply Chains

14:58 Market Reactions and Economic Predictions

18:02 The Role of Debt in Economic Stability

20:58 The Future of Trade Relations with China

27:43 Closing the Competition Gap with China

29:44 The Power of Trade Blocks Against US Tariffs

31:51 The Impact of US Foreign Policy on Global Relations

32:43 Trust in Expertise and the Influence of Social Media

36:33 The Dangers of Overreliance on Experts

39:05 Soft Power and the Success of USAID Programs

42:03 Government Inefficiencies and Budget Auditing

43:21 Understanding NFTs and the Pudgy Penguins

45:51 The Future of Stable Coins and Cryptocurrency Regulation

49:10 The Impossibility of Returning to a Gold Standard

In this episode of Elevated Thoughts, guests Ben A. Vagle (Treasury policy analyst) and Stephen G. Brooks (Dartmouth professor) challenge the conventional narrative about China’s economic prowess. #china #economy #policy Based on their upcoming book, Command of Commerce: America’s Enduring Economic Power Advantage Over China, they reveal why China’s rise may be more overhyped than it appears. Discover how traditional metrics like GDP fail to capture true economic power, why multinational corporations and high-tech innovation keep America ahead, and how tariffs, global alliances, and overcapacity play into this complex rivalry.📖 Preorder our guest's book → CommandofCommerce.com🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!00:00 Introduction to the US-China Economic War02:26 Understanding the Treasury's Role in Economic Strategy04:54 The Genesis of the Book: Research and Insights07:32 Challenging Conventional Wisdom on US-China Relations09:38 Economic Metrics: Profits vs. GDP12:37 The Complexity of Global Supply Chains15:41 The Semiconductor Industry: A Critical Choke Point18:38 The Importance of Multilateral Alliances20:52 Leveraging Economic Relationships with China23:38 The Risks of Unilateral Actions26:55 The Future of US-China Relations: A Balanced Perspective29:39 China's Economic Perception vs. Reality31:03 The Dynamics of U.S.-China Relations33:00 Understanding China's Overcapacity Crisis37:00 The Impact of Tariffs on Global Trade41:08 The Role of Allies in Constraining China44:57 The Future of Manufacturing in the U.S.49:06 Strategic Use of Tariffs and Economic Policy

Eric Olander, Editor-in-Chief of the China Global South Project, exposes a seismic global shift reshaping our world. From America’s crumbling social contract to China’s rapid innovation, he argues that the traditional West has lost its grip.In this explosive episode, Eric unpacks bold insights into a new global order where old alliances are breaking down and emerging powers are rewriting the rules. Tune in to discover why “there is no more West” and what that means for our future.📖 Check out the China-Global South Project → https://chinaglobalsouth.com/🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 Spotify → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!

Aviation journalist Jeff Wise breaks down the perplexing mystery of MH370.

We explore his theory that suggests cyber sabotage may have altered the plane’s signals—linking drifting buoy data, NOAA research, and sophisticated electronic warfare to a global conspiracy.

Join this discussion on the missing Malaysia Flight MH370, emerging technologies, geopolitical maneuvers, and how a polluted information environment could be rewriting the narrative of one of aviation’s greatest enigmas.

📖 Get our guest's book → https://a.co/d/8ttykFL

𝕏 Follow our guest on X → https://x.com/ManvBrain

#mh370 #mystery #cybersecurity

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💬 What do you think? Comment below!

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00:00 – Introduction to MH370 and Recent Developments

01:40 – The Complexity of MH370 and Community Involvement

04:39 – NOAA Data and Barnacle Research

07:36 – Ocean Infinity's Search Efforts

10:22 – Theories on the Plane's Disappearance

13:31 – Challenges in the Information Environment

16:35 – Public Perception and Scientific Process

19:32 – The Political Landscape Surrounding MH370

22:28 – Conclusion and Future Directions

28:20 – The Disappearance of MH370: A New Perspective

34:21 – Cybersecurity and Aviation: A Growing Concern

38:10 – The Complexity of Modern Threats

43:27 – Geopolitical Implications: Russia vs. China

51:13 – Misinformation and Democracy: A Call to Action

55:54 – The Slippery Slope of Free Speech

00:58:46 – Democracy and the Exchange of Ideas

01:00:24 – The Dilemma of Expertise in Modern Society

01:03:36 – The Challenge of Misinformation

01:07:30 – Distinguishing Between Theories and Notions

01:11:21 – The Virality of Ideas and Misinformation

01:15:38 – Conclusion and Reflections on the Conversation

Have Elon Musk's actions pushed USAID budget cuts beyond the breaking point? In this episode, we dive deep into how drastic reductions in U.S. foreign aid are reshaping American global influence. We explore whether these cuts are a necessary reform or a dangerous retreat that could hand power to rivals like China.We break down the real-world impact of cutting critical outreach programs—from Arabic Sesame Street to humanitarian initiatives in the Middle East. We analyze the economic and diplomatic fallout, discussing trade imbalances, tariff policies, and the unintended consequences of a shrinking aid budget.Join us as we question the transparency behind these cuts and debate whether the U.S. is sacrificing long-term influence for short-term political wins. If you care about America's future on the global stage, this episode is a must-watch.🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think—are these budget cuts a bold reform or a reckless mistake? Drop a comment below!--#elonmusk #usaid #trump 00:00 The Gutting of US Aid03:54 Elon Musk's Role and Government Transparency11:41 Tariffs and Trade Relationships21:48 Cultural Impact of Aid Programs27:17 The Rise of Partisan Punditry

Are the lessons from our classrooms accurate? Dr. Wilfred Reilly, political scientist and author of Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me, delves into how academia may distort historical and political truths. From re-examining McCarthyism and slavery to uncovering data manipulation in modern institutions, this discussion challenges widely accepted narratives.

Dr. Reilly discusses:

- The misuse of statistics

- Overlooked aspects of colonialism

- The promotion of anti-Western revisionism

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🧠 Find more from us at: http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.com

We explore how topics like race and economics are often framed to fit specific agendas and the resistance faced when questioning these perspectives. Is this a result of intentional misinformation or widespread ignorance?

𝕏 Follow Wilfred on X: https://x.com/wil_da_beast630

This episode is essential viewing for those prioritizing truth over ideology. Join us as we navigate narratives, misinformation, and the authentic history behind today's prominent debates.

We are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod

Apple Pods: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535

💬 Which historical narratives do you believe need re-examination? Comment below!

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00:00 Introduction to Wilfred Reilly and His Work

02:54 The Impact of Hate Crime Hoaxes

06:07 Academic Background and Research Focus

08:47 Challenging Historical Narratives

11:53 Statistical Analysis and Misinterpretations

14:49 The Role of Malice vs. Ignorance in Academia

18:05 Moral Perspectives on Historical Events

20:52 The Complexity of World War II Justifications

24:02 Critique of Modern Moral Standards

26:57 Controversial Perspectives on Hitler and World War II

27:53 The Complexity of Historical Analysis

30:30 Revisiting World War II: A Critical Perspective

36:18 Colonialism: A Nuanced Discussion

41:08 The Role of Inquiry in Historical Narratives

48:53 Breaking Echo Chambers: A Path to Understanding

52:14 Thomas Sowell: A Voice of Reason in Economics

The Ukraine War isn’t what you’ve been told. Western media has crafted a one-sided narrative, but UK journalist Jonny Miller, who has spent years in Russia and Russian-controlled Ukraine, reveals a starkly different reality.

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From the failures of Ukraine’s counter-offensive to the hidden suffering in Donbass, Miller exposes what mainstream outlets refuse to cover. Could peace talks have ended this war earlier—and is Donald Trump the only leader who might broker a ceasefire?

𝕏 Follow Johnny on X: https://x.com/johnnyjmils

What if the biggest losers in this war aren’t Russia or Ukraine—but Europe and the West? Miller details how sanctions against Russia backfired, why Ukraine’s military strategy collapsed, and how NATO’s involvement has prolonged the conflict. He shares firsthand accounts from the front lines, exposing the true conditions in Donetsk, Mariupol, and Crimea. As global tensions rise and U.S. support for Ukraine weakens, could this war be leading to an even larger crisis?

This conversation challenges everything you think you know about the Russia-Ukraine war. From the censorship of independent journalists to the real motives behind U.S. foreign policy, we uncover the hidden power players controlling the narrative. Whether you support Ukraine, Russia, or just want the truth, this episode delivers critical insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Should Ukraine negotiate peace or keep fighting?

We are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod

Apple Pods: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535

💬 Does Ukraine have any hope left to win this war? Let us know in the comments.

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00:00 - Intro: Why This War Isn’t What You’ve Been Told

02:10 - Who is Jonny Miller? War Journalist with Firsthand Experience

06:25 - The Donbass Reality: Pro-Russian or Ukrainian?

10:45 - Why Ukraine’s Counter-Offensive Failed

16:30 - Sanctions Backfired: How Europe is Losing More Than Russia

22:15 - Media Censorship and the War Narrative

29:40 - Who Actually Benefits From This War?

35:55 - Trump, NATO & The Future of Peace Talks

44:10 - How Jonny Miller Became a Target for Speaking Out

52:45 - Final Thoughts: What Comes Next for Ukraine?

Is China already winning Cold War II? Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder of CrowdStrike and author of World on the Brink, joins Elevated Thoughts to expose China’s cyber warfare, artificial intelligence strategy, and military ambitions—and what the U.S. must do to stop its rise.

🚨 China’s strategy is clear: control cyber, dominate AI and chip development, and outpace the U.S. in global influence.

In this episode, we break down:

🔹 Cold War II – Are we already in a geopolitical battle for global supremacy?

🔹 China’s cyber warfare tactics – The real threat behind Beijing’s hacking operations

🔹 Artificial intelligence & military dominance – How China is using AI to outmaneuver the U.S.

🔹 Taiwan & U.S. policy failures – What happens if China moves on Taiwan?

🔹 The global semiconductor war – Why control of microchips will decide the future

🔹 China’s economic warfare – How Beijing is using trade, debt traps, and influence to weaken the West

🔹 TikTok, digital propaganda & U.S. national security – Is China controlling the flow of information?

China’s A.I. advancements, intellectual property theft, and cyber attacks are already reshaping global power dynamics. The U.S. is at a crossroads—what happens next?

Dmitri Alperovitch’s expertise gives us the answers:

🔸 Why the U.S. is losing ground in tech, trade, and defense

🔸 How China’s "Unrestricted Warfare" strategy is playing out in real time

🔸 What the U.S. must do now to prevent China’s total dominance

📖 Get Dmitri’s book, World on the Brink → https://worldonthebrink.com/

𝕏 Follow him on X: https://x.com/DAlperovitch

🦋 Follow him on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/dmitri.silverado.org

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🧠 Find more from us at: http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.com

We are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod

Apple Pods: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535

💬 Is China winning Cold War II? Let us know in the comments.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Dmitri Alperovitch

02:10 - China’s cyber warfare: The real global threat

06:45 - Why China steals U.S. intellectual property

12:20 - Economic espionage: The largest wealth transfer in history

18:05 - Are we in Cold War 2? How it compares to Cold War 1

24:50 - China’s plan for Taiwan—what happens next?

32:30 - The battle for semiconductors & AI dominance

40:15 - TikTok & Chinese influence: The hidden risks

47:00 - The U.S.’s biggest foreign policy mistakes

53:30 - Final thoughts: Can America still win?

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In Episode 44 of Elevated Thoughts, we’re joined by Steven A. Cook, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of The End of Ambition: America's Past, Present, and Future in the Middle East. With decades of expertise in U.S. foreign policy and Middle Eastern affairs, Cook provides a deep dive into the challenges and missteps of America’s strategy in the region.

We explore how energy politics shaped foreign relations, the complexities of U.S.-Israel ties, and the shifting dynamics of global power competition. Cook breaks down the historical evolution of American involvement, revealing why its ambitious policies have often led to unintended consequences and what lessons can guide the future of U.S. engagement in this pivotal region.

Steven A. Cook is a leading expert on Arab and Turkish politics and U.S.-Middle East relations. His analysis offers critical insights into why America’s role in the Middle East remains as relevant as ever. Whether you’re a policy expert or simply curious about geopolitics, this episode delivers invaluable perspectives.

Find more from Steven A. Cook at: https://www.cfr.org/expert/steven-cook

Connect with Steven on X: https://x.com/stevenacook

Find more from us at: http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.com

We are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod

Apple Pods: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

02:15 – Steven A. Cook’s background and expertise

05:30 – Historical overview of U.S. Middle East policy

15:45 – Energy politics and its influence on foreign policy

25:20 – The U.S.-Israel relationship: strategic interests and challenges

35:10 – Great power competition and its impact on the Middle East

45:00 – Reflections on past interventions and future outlook

55:30 – Conclusion and closing thoughts