In this episode of The Free Thought Project Podcast, Jason and Matt are joined once again by the always insightful Tony Arterburn — a U.S. Army combat veteran, gold and silver expert, and host of the Arterburn Radio Transmission. As the owner of Wise Wolf Gold & Silver Exchange, Tony brings a rare blend of historical perspective, economic literacy, and common sense to every conversation.

We kick things off by examining the recent bait-and-switch surrounding Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). While Trump made headlines for “banning” CBDCs, we unpack how stablecoins — now receiving bipartisan support — may serve as their stealth replacement. Tony offers a sober look at how digital assets backed by the state could still usher in a new era of financial surveillance and control under the guise of innovation and safety.

From there, we pivot to a deep dive on tariffs and their misunderstood role in American economic policy. Tony breaks down their origins, the mythology surrounding Trump’s trade war strategies, and how tariffs often serve political ends while further destabilizing the dollar and punishing consumers.

We also get into the larger picture: America’s unsustainable debt spiral — now increasing by $1 trillion every 90 days — and what that means for anyone trying to preserve wealth and autonomy. Tony makes the case for why decentralized alternatives like crypto, and sound money assets like gold and silver, are more important than ever as tools of resistance against global economic manipulation.

With his signature clarity and depth, Tony helps us navigate the chaos with historical context, practical insights, and a healthy dose of skepticism. He leaves us with a white pill — an optimistic path forward — and some much-needed guidance in uncertain times. (Length: 1:03:21)