Join us for a fascinating conversation with Bill Shufelt, founder of Athletic Brewing, who left a successful career in finance to revolutionize the beverage industry by creating premium non-alcoholic craft beer. What started as a personal lifestyle choice led to one of the fastest-growing beverage companies in America, now commanding 20% of the non-alcoholic beer market, but 37% of category growth. Bill shares how his commitment to quality, innovation, and community has transformed Athletic from a small Connecticut brewery to a national brand that's changing how people think about social drinking and healthy living.

Thank you to our sponsor Truflation. Learn more at www.truflation.com.

Chapters:

00:00 Highlight

1 00:26 Highlight

2 00:55 The Birth of Athletic Brewing

11:51 Innovating Non-Alcoholic Beer

14:48 The Role of Support in Entrepreneurship

15:38 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Sacrifices and Learning

18:49 The Power of Complementary Co-Founders

22:43 Innovative Marketing Strategies for Growth

25:41 Rapid Expansion and Market Demand

31:16 Navigating Competition in a Growing Market

35:33 Innovation and Product Diversity

39:13 The Impact of Athletic Brewing on Lives

43:07 Challenges Ahead: Staying True to Roots

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In this episode, Rohan Doctor, CEO and Founder of Louisa.ai, shares his vision for revolutionizing business networking through AI. Doctor explains how Louisa.ai "systematizes serendipity" by connecting people at the right time with the right information, potentially transforming deal-making and collaboration across industries and communities. The conversation touches on the power of human connections, the limitations of current networking platforms, and the exciting possibilities when AI is used to bring people together proactively; and Louisa.ai's potential to significantly impact business and society.

Thank you to our sponsor Truflation. Learn more at https://truflation.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

02:12 The Origin of Louisa.ai

04:11 Systematizing Serendipity with AI

07:36 The Challenge of Enterprise Sales

11:53 Building Relationships through Data

14:54 This AI Connects People, It Does Not Replace Them

15:36 Expanding Beyond Corporate Solutions

18:19 Implementation Process of Louisa.ai

21:49 Leveraging Existing Networks

26:03 The Role of LinkedIn in Networking

27:44 The Evolution of LinkedIn and Recruitment

29:28 Cultural Heritage and Personal Connections

31:49 The Role of AI in Human Connection

33:52 Creating Win-Win Scenarios through Networking

35:56 The Importance of Time and Engagement

37:54 The Power of Reciprocity in Problem Solving

40:12 Collective Problem Solving and Global Challenges

41:12 Exploring Business Connections and Opportunities

41:37 The Impact of Data-Driven Connectivity

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertdewey3.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Darius Dale, founder of 42 Macro, reveals why currency debasement in developed economies is inevitable and how to navigate the challenging transition ahead. Through examining term premia, central bank actions, and shifting global trade patterns, Dale builds a compelling case for why financial repression is already underway. But rather than just warning of trouble, he provides a systematic framework for protecting and growing wealth through this period of monetary upheaval. While many focus solely on risks, Dale explains why America's economic dynamism and technological innovation offer unique advantages in weathering these storms. From the role of Bitcoin and gold to the importance of understanding market regimes, this discussion provides crucial insights for anyone concerned about preserving wealth in an era of unprecedented monetary change.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertdewey3.substack.com/subscribe

In this clip of my recent interview with Lyn Alden, we discuss the significance of the US dollar as the world's reserve currency, exploring the factors that have contributed to its enduring status and the potential challenges it faces in the future. She highlights the network effects that reinforce the dollar's dominance, the implications of rising debt, and the emerging multipolarity in global reserve assets.

Takeaways

* The US dollar is the primary reserve currency due to network effects and more.

* Reserve currencies rely on deep capital markets and liquidity.

* The dollar's status is likely to wane over time but not in the near-medium term.

* Historical reserve currencies have lasted around 80-90 years.

* The dollar is the first true reserve currency not tied to gold.

* Debt creates inflexible demand for the dollar globally.

* The dollar's value is propped up by its reserve currency status.

* Rising debt and deficits challenge the sustainability of the dollar.

* Censorship issues may lead countries to diversify away from the dollar.

* The world is shifting towards a multipolar reserve asset system.

* The US dollar’s reserve status is NOT likely to wane in the near to medium term.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the US Dollar's Dominance

00:47 The Future of the Dollar: Risks and Challenges

03:20 Comparative Analysis: US vs Japan's Debt Dynamics

06:30 The Impact of Populism on Currency Policy

08:56 Introduction to the Conversation

08:57 Exploring American Pessimism

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertdewey3.substack.com/subscribe

In this clip from our interview with Dr. Jared Rubin, co-author of "How the World Became Rich," we explore the profound impact of the printing press on economic development. Dr. Rubin explains how differing responses to this technology in Western Europe and the Islamic world created a 250-year "natural experiment" in progress. Learn how religious authority, literacy rates, and political power intertwined to shape the economic trajectories of these regions, offering valuable insights into the broader question of how global economic prosperity evolved.

Takeaways:

* Western Europe and the Middle East reacted differently to the printing press. - Political legitimacy played a crucial role in maintaining power.

* The printing press empowered individuals

* Religious authorities benefited from controlling knowledge.

* The spread of literacy had long-term implications for society.

* The Protestant Reformation was enabled by the printing press.

* Economic elites gained power as a result of the Reformation.

* The Ottoman Empire's fear of printing stemmed from its impact on religious authority.

* Knowledge transmission was historically monopolized by religious clerics.

* The divergence in economic development can be traced back to these historical events.

Chapters

00:00 The Printing Press: A Catalyst for Change

02:48 Political Legitimacy and Economic Divergence

06:46 The Impact of Literacy and the Reformation

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertdewey3.substack.com/subscribe

In our latest episode of Exploring Prosperity, we dive deep into the world of regenerative medicine with Dr. Chris Breuer, director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Dr. Breuer and his team are pioneering the use of tissue-engineered blood vessels in infants with congenital heart defects, potentially transforming pediatric cardiac care. His work was highlighted in a WSJ article Oct 16, 2024 here: https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/humacyte-lab-grown-arteries-c68fac39?mod=Searchresults_pos1&page=1#comments_sector

🕒 Timestamps:

00:00 - Highlights and Introduction

05:28 - The Evolution of Tissue Engineering

14:10 - Pioneering Experiments and Discoveries

20:27 - Navigating Regulatory Challenges

31:22 - Advancements in Surgical Procedures

47:57 - Healthcare System Inefficiencies

53:07 - Future of Congenital Heart Disease Treatment

56:34 - The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Surgery

Thank you to our sponsor Truflation. Learn more at https://truflation.com/

🔑 Key Takeaways:

* Learn how tissue-engineered blood vessels can grow with a child, potentially reducing the need for multiple surgeries

* Discover the unexpected ways the human body contributes to tissue regeneration

* Understand the challenges and triumphs of bringing innovative medical technologies from the lab to the clinic

* Explore the potential for prenatal treatments that could revolutionize congenital heart defect care

* Gain insights into the future of healthcare and the role of artificial intelligence in medicine Dr. Breuer's work is a testament to the power of innovation in solving complex medical challenges.

This interview offers a glimpse into a future where previously incurable conditions become manageable, even curable. Whether you're a medical professional, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of healthcare, this episode has something for you. Join us as we explore the cutting edge of medical science and discover reasons for optimism in the face of daunting health challenges. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if you found this content valuable!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertdewey3.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Jared Rubin, co-author of "How the World Became Rich," traces the beginning of economic prosperity to Britain in the mid-1700s. In this illuminating clip, he explains three of the key factors that set the stage for unprecedented growth and innovation. From political shifts to cultural transformations and western economic expansion, Dr. Rubin unravels the complex tapestry of elements that allowed Britain to launch the age of progress. Discover how these intertwining factors created the perfect storm for sustained economic growth, forever changing the course of human history.

Thank you to our sponsor Truflation: Learn more at https://truflation.com/

0:00 Introduction to Britain's economic takeoff

0:58 None of the factors was unique to Britain

1:30 Factor 1: Political institutions and constraints on monarchy

3:15 Factor 2: Cultural shift and the high rate of innovation

4:42 Factor 3: Easy access to western economic expansion

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertdewey3.substack.com/subscribe

The rise of State Capitalism represents a seismic shift in the global economic landscape. This phenomenon, characterized by increasing government ownership and influence over the private sector, has grown rapidly since 2000. Professor Adam Dixon, co-author of 'The Spectre of State Capitalism,' provides insights into this trend and its potential impact on human prosperity.

Thank you to our sponsor Truflation. Learn more about the real inflation rate at www.truflation.com.

State Capitalism has expanded dramatically across three key areas: - Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) have grown sixfold, from 30 to 176, with assets increasing from $1 trillion to $12 trillion. - State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the global top 500 companies have quadrupled, with assets growing 11X to $145 trillion. - Government intervention through industrial policies and tariffs has notably increased.

Dixon identifies four state capitalist impulses: productivist, absorptive, stabilizing, and disciplinary. While the immediate impact of State Capitalism seems limited, the long-term implications could be profound. Potential risks include market distortions, reduced innovation, and geopolitical implications. However, the impact varies across different forms of State Capitalism. SWFs typically pose lower risks, often focusing on returns and managed like traditional investors. SOEs present higher risks due to potential direct state influence. Industrial policies directly intervene in free market behavior for political objectives.

Get a free copy of The Spectre of State Capitalism here: https://academic.oup.com/book/57552

State Capitalism isn't inherently negative. It has played crucial roles in stabilizing economies during crises and fostering development. However, excessive state involvement could stifle the dynamism and efficiency of free markets. The manifestation of State Capitalism varies globally. Authoritarian countries like China have more direct and extensive state involvement, while democratic countries tend towards indirect forms.

The U.S., traditionally a free-market champion, is seeing increased state involvement and discussions about a national sovereign wealth fund. Looking ahead, State Capitalism's trajectory seems set to continue, driven by economic challenges, geopolitical competition, crisis responses, and technological change. However, its impact on human prosperity remains uncertain. Historically, economic prosperity has been marked by limited direct government intervention.

To safeguard prosperity, we must remain vigilant against excessive state intervention while recognizing its potential benefits. The key lies in striking a delicate balance between harnessing the potential of State Capitalism and preserving the core strengths of free markets that have driven human progress.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertdewey3.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of "Exploring Prosperity," we dive deep into the transformative work of Douglas Ellenoff, a pioneering attorney who has revolutionized small business funding over the past three decades. Ellenoff's efforts in shaping legislation for crowdfunding and Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) have democratized access to capital markets, unleashing the power of Adam Smith's "invisible hand" in unprecedented ways.

Thank you to our sponsor Truflation- learn more at www.truflation.com. Douglas Ellenoff's journey began with a focus on entrepreneurship and small companies, areas often overlooked by larger law firms.

His work on SPACs dates back to the early 2000s, long before they became headline news. Ellenoff played a crucial role in developing the regulatory framework for SPACs, balancing investor protection with the need for capital formation. Despite recent scrutiny, Ellenoff believes SPACs will settle into a valuable niche in the capital markets, providing opportunities for both companies and investors.

Perhaps Ellenoff's most significant contribution has been his work on crowdfunding legislation. The JOBS Act of 2012, which Ellenoff helped shape through numerous visits to Washington and testimonies before Congress, created a framework for equity crowdfunding. This revolutionary change allowed small businesses to raise capital from a broad base of individual investors, rather than relying solely on accredited investors or traditional financial institutions.

The impact of Ellenoff's work extends far beyond the immediate effects on small businesses and individual investors. By creating new pathways for capital formation and investment, he has helped enhance the overall resilience and dynamism of the American economy. These innovations have led to increased innovation, economic diversification, new wealth creation opportunities, and improved market efficiency.

Throughout the interview, Ellenoff provides valuable insights into the evolution of financial regulation, the challenges of balancing innovation with investor protection, and his vision for the future of capital formation. He emphasizes the iterative nature of financial regulation and the importance of persistent advocacy in creating effective regulatory frameworks.

Ellenoff's journey underscores the power of persistence in effecting change in financial regulations. His experiences reveal how regulators, often viewed as obstacles to progress, are primarily concerned with preventing retail investors from losing money. Understanding this perspective can help entrepreneurs and innovators better navigate the regulatory landscape and design compliant yet innovative financial products.

Looking to the future, Ellenoff sees great potential in the continued evolution of crowdfunding, SPACs, and other alternative capital formation methods. He envisions a future where these tools become mainstream, providing robust competition to traditional venture capital and investment banking models.

Douglas Ellenoff's work over the past three decades embodies the spirit of Adam Smith's invisible hand. By creating new pathways for capital to flow between investors and entrepreneurs, he has helped unleash the collective power of millions of individual economic actors. This democratization of capital markets strengthens the foundational resilience of the American economy, fostering innovation, creating jobs, and opening up new opportunities for wealth creation.

In an era often dominated by pessimism about economic prospects, Ellenoff's work serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength and adaptability of the American economic system when the invisible hand is given the freedom to work its magic. Join us for this illuminating conversation with Douglas Ellenoff and gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping modern capital markets and the future of finance.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertdewey3.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities surrounding the US dollar's role as the global reserve currency. Drawing from a fascinating conversation with macroeconomist and investment strategist Lyn Alden, we explore the factors that have contributed to the dollar's long-standing dominance and the potential risks that could threaten its status.

Thank you to our sponsor Truflation. Learn more at www.truflation.com

We begin by examining the characteristics that define a reserve currency and trace the historical development of the US dollar's ascent to this position. The discussion then turns to the long-term effects of reserve currency status, including its impact on domestic manufacturing and persistent trade imbalances. We also analyze how policy decisions, such as financial censorship and monetary actions, can significantly influence a currency's reserve status.

The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we consider the growing challenges to US dollar dominance. We explore the rise of alternative reserve currencies, the increasing use of digital currencies, and the geopolitical shifts that are reshaping global trade patterns. Particular attention is given to the potential of Bitcoin as a long-term solution to the inherent problems of traditional reserve currencies.

Finally, we confront the paradox facing the United States: while its growing national debt poses significant long-term risks, the dollar's reserve status remains resilient due to its entrenched position in global trade and unmatched liquidity. As we look to the future, we consider how the balance between these competing forces will shape the landscape of global finance and the role of the US dollar within it.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertdewey3.substack.com/subscribe