Are we witnessing the end of college as the default path? In this conversation, Michael Thompson and Brady Knowlton break down the seismic changes reshaping America’s future of work, education, and opportunity—from AI predicted to automate 85% of jobs, to the stunning comeback of skilled trades like welding and HVAC, and the true toll of student debt and wage stagnation.You’ll learn:- Why many kids may skip college for blue-collar prosperity- The real numbers behind AI-driven job loss and economic transformation- How policy, regulation, and global competition (especially with China) are accelerating change- What parents and young people need to do now to prepare for the next decade- Success stories and cautionary tales from the trenches of tech, investing, and re-industrialization- The iconic “133-to-2” nuclear stat that explains America’s stalled progress- Why hands-on skills and “AI-native” learning could be the new golden ticket- The surprising future for education, apprenticeships, and practical skillsThis is a grounded, data-backed look at the crossroads facing families, workers, and investors as automation, regulation, and global competition rewrite the rules.00:00 - Introduction: The Future of Work and Education00:13 - The Value of Blue-Collar Careers00:23 - How Technology Shifts Impact Jobs and Prosperity00:42 - Private vs. Public Markets: The Role of Regulation01:13 - Unpacking the Regulatory Burdens on Public Companies02:36 - The Need for Productive Regulation03:14 - ESG's Impact on the Oil and Gas Industry03:46 - A Critical Look at ESG and DEI Policies05:01 - A Vision for a New Era of American Innovation05:59 - Preparing Children for the New World06:50 - Rethinking the Necessity of a College Degree07:41 - Two Educational Paths for the Future: AI vs. Trades09:13 - The Future of Learning: AI, Tutors, and Social Development10:14 - The Resurgence of Apprenticeships and Trade Schools11:31 - How to Value Pre-Revenue, World-Changing Companies12:25 - Inside the Underwriting Process for Innovative Tech14:41 - Financial Modeling for the Future: Tesla as a Case Study16:53 - Investing Strategy: Why Picking the "Best" Company Matters18:10 - An Alternative Investment Framework: Finding the "Best Situations"19:31 - A Deep Dive into Bankruptcy Investing: The Six Flags Story21:38 - Personal Motivation and the Dawn of a "Golden Age"22:59 - Defining the "Golden Age": Overcoming Decades of Stagnation24:25 - The Inspiration of Working with Visionary Engineers25:15 - Will Automation Lead to Prosperity or Peril?25:39 - A Historical Perspective on Automation and Job Creation27:16 - How AI Will Transform the Nature of Work28:14 - The Competitive Imperative: Why We Must Embrace New Technology28:44 - Conclusion