The economic costs of political excitement are often overlooked, especially when idealism masks the realities of policy. In this episode, we speak with Germinal Van, Economist, Scholar, and two-time Best Indie Book Award-winning author of “Thomas Sowell: A Misunderstood Economist” and “The Economic Condition of Black America in the Twentieth Century: A Historical and Empirical Analysis.” 

He is also the founder of GGV Publishing Company, an independent publishing house dedicated to enhancing scholarship and high-quality writing that helps authors leave their indelible marks on the world. We explore the persistent tension between good politics and sound economics, and what the founding fathers foresaw about the dangers of centralized power.

Key Takeaways:

(01:30) Zoran Ani’s appeal masks socialist policies that have repeatedly failed.

(03:18) Minimum wage hikes fuel inflation and hurt small businesses.

(05:22) Easy student loans drive tuition hikes and mask true costs.

(09:28) Failed policies drive up government spending and operational costs.

(12:56) Trump’s spending bill breaks promises, grows the deficit and fuels inflation.

(15:05) Ron Paul couldn’t win because he was too honest about necessary reforms.

(22:50) The Westward Expansion was necessary, though carried out harshly.

(24:17) In today’s digital economy, wealth comes from owning and processing data.

Resources Mentioned:

Germinal Van

https://www.linkedin.com/in/germinal-van-3888201b3/

GGV Publishing Company | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ggv-publishing-company/

GGV Publishing Company | Website

https://www.ggvpublishingcompany.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop8LUtoDZmA1yFXbtMBs6BHaxveESoq_YdsHI_hKQixO7tGQrto

“Thomas Sowell: A Misunderstood Economist”

https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Sowell-Misunderstood-Germinal-Van-ebook/dp/B0D38DMXD1

“The Economic Condition of Black America in the Twentieth Century”

https://www.amazon.com/Economic-Condition-America-Twentieth-Century/dp/B08C49FNRD

Cantillon Effect

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantillon_effect

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#Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

Welcome to Season 2 of “Orwellian Optics”! 

A razor-thin House vote on a trillion-dollar bill sends ripples across Washington — and the economy. As we wait to see how the Senate reshapes it, we break down what’s at stake. Co-hosts Joseph Gradante, Tyler Goering and Emil Sadofsky unpack the macroeconomic implications, the legislative chaos and the political theater playing out in real time. From the role of deregulation in sparking growth to the philosophical divide within the GOP, they dissect how fiscal clarity, or the lack of it, will impact markets, portfolios and America’s global standing.

Key Takeaways: 

00:00 Introduction.

00:56 The reconciliation bill may boost growth through tax cuts and deregulation.

04:39 The Senate will amend the reconciliation bill to meet the July 4th goal.

10:01 Pro-business policies may outweigh spending concerns for foreign investors.

15:08 Lower taxes and freer markets could boost GOP chances in the next election.

20:37 Military strength deters threats like the Taiwan invasion and protects US hegemony.

25:32 Rand Paul’s theatrics overlook practical solutions and risk GOP credibility.

29:37 The 6% across-the-board cut sounds bold but fails the test of practicality.

31:45 Fiscal clarity may boost crypto and AI, but rising debt keeps gold in play.

Resources Mentioned:

Joseph Gradante

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/

Tyler Goering

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-goering-cfa/

Emil Sadofsky

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emil-sadofsky/

CNBC Interview with Senator Markwayne Mullin

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/06/02/sen-markwayne-mullin-overall-structure-of-the-house-reconciliation-bill-will-stay-intact.html

CNBC Interview with Senator Rand Paul

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/06/03/sen-rand-paul-on-reconciliation-bill-i-will-not-vote-to-raise-the-debt-ceiling-by-5-trillion.html

Thanks for listening to “Orwellian Optics.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on new releases.

#Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

A razor-thin House vote on a trillion-dollar bill sends ripples across Washington — and the economy. As we wait to see how the Senate reshapes it, we break down what’s at stake. Co-hosts Joseph Gradante, Tyler Goering and Emil Sadofsky unpack the macroeconomic implications, the legislative chaos and the political theater playing out in real time. From the role of deregulation in sparking growth to the philosophical divide within the GOP, they dissect how fiscal clarity, or the lack of it, will impact markets, portfolios and America’s global standing.

Key Takeaways: 

(00:56) The reconciliation bill may boost growth through tax cuts and deregulation.

(04:39) The Senate will amend the reconciliation bill to meet the July 4th goal.

(10:01) Pro-business policies may outweigh spending concerns for foreign investors.

(15:08) Lower taxes and freer markets could boost GOP chances in the next election.

(20:37) Military strength deters threats like the Taiwan invasion and protects US hegemony.

(25:32) Rand Paul’s theatrics overlook practical solutions and risk GOP credibility.

(29:37) The 6% across-the-board cut sounds bold but fails the test of practicality.

(31:45) Fiscal clarity may boost crypto and AI, but rising debt keeps gold in play.

Resources Mentioned:

Joseph Gradante -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/

Tyler Goering -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-goering-cfa/

Emil Sadofsky -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emil-sadofsky/

CNBC Interview with Senator Markwayne Mullin -

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/06/02/sen-markwayne-mullin-overall-structure-of-the-house-reconciliation-bill-will-stay-intact.html

CNBC Interview with Senator Rand Paul -

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/06/03/sen-rand-paul-on-reconciliation-bill-i-will-not-vote-to-raise-the-debt-ceiling-by-5-trillion.html

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#Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

Mainstream narratives don’t always reflect economic reality — and that gap has never been more important to understand. Co-hosts Joseph Gradante, AJ Giannone and Emil Sadofsky unpack why key wins on the economic and geopolitical front are getting buried, and what investors should really be paying attention to. From media distortion to fiscal policy shifts and market responses, we trace how economic literacy is becoming essential for long-term success.



Key Takeaways:

(01:14) Trump logs major wins in trade, foreign policy and hostage negotiations.

(05:19) Inflation drops, markets rise and optimism grows ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

(10:32) Media bias erodes trust but economic-focused leadership restores balance.

(16:26) Tax cuts and deregulation will create 4.2M jobs and raise wages by up to $11K.

(18:28) Anticipation of the reconciliation bill sparks massive capital inflows and US job creation.

(20:00) Innovation in AI and infrastructure needs long-term capital and clear policy.

(24:00) As de-dollarization grows, gold rises and investors must think independently.

(26:33) Trump’s bold tariff threats lead to modest, reciprocal trade deals.

Resources Mentioned:

Joseph Gradante

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/

AJ Giannone

https://www.linkedin.com/in/agiannone-cfa/

Emil Sadofsky

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emil-sadofsky/

Office of Management and Budget

https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/

SoftBank’s Stargate project

https://group.softbank/en/news/press/20250522

Eli Lilly

https://www.lilly.com/

Bristol Myers Squibb

https://www.bms.com/

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#Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

A 30-year-old speech on trade resurfaces — and it could’ve been delivered yesterday. Co-hosts Joseph Gradante, AJ Giannone, and Tyler Goering react in real time to a vintage clip of Nancy Pelosi criticizing US-China trade relations and unpack how little has changed. We explore the persistent economic asymmetry between China and the United States, from trade deficits to technology transfers. We also break down Trump’s trade strategy, why it may be the right medicine at the right time, and how sudden macroeconomic policy shifts ripple through the markets, even as we are recording.

Key Takeaways:

(01:27) Nancy Pelosi’s 1990s stance on China’s MFN status feels eerily relevant today.

(07:10) Trump’s trade policy mirrors Pelosi’s old position, suggesting bipartisan concern.

(08:32) The parties have flipped roles in trade policy, but billionaires always win.

(15:20) America’s consumer base remains its biggest bargaining chip.

(17:21) The political class benefits while the people fight each other.

(20:43) Policy — not ideology — is the path to equitable economic outcomes.

(24:00) Staying invested is key; pulling out during volatility means missing rallies.

(25:52) Smart investing means buying low, not chasing highs.

Resources Mentioned:

Joseph Gradante

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/

AJ Giannone

https://www.linkedin.com/in/agiannone-cfa/

Tyler Goering

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-goering-cfa/

Nancy Pelosi Speech on China Trade

https://usinfo.org/wf-archive/2000/000217/epf406.htm

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#Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

As America stands at an economic crossroads, we explore whether a new industrial renaissance is within reach. Co-hosts Joseph Gradante, AJ Giannone and Tyler Goering break down the economic forces shaping America’s future, the strategic shift in investor behavior and the potential turning point in market valuations. From JD Vance’s rallying cry to repatriate innovation, to an urgent critique of globalization’s impact on the middle class, we explore what a sustainable economic revival could look like — and how Allio fits into the bigger picture.

Key Takeaways:

(01:19) JD Vance’s belief that cheap labor undermines innovation and national prosperity.

(04:55) America’s mid-20th-century strength stemmed from domestic production and tariffs.

(09:56) Explaining how short-term profit motives eroded long-term economic stability.

(13:30) Unions once helped ensure prosperity was shared fairly.

(21:45) DOGE is often misunderstood but plays a serious role in economic policy.

(26:02) Progressive taxation has a role in upholding basic rights and stability.

(27:48) Breaking down where valuations look attractive amid uncertainty.

(30:32) Now may be the time for buying into high-growth companies again.

Resources Mentioned:

Joseph Gradante

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/

AJ Giannone

https://www.linkedin.com/in/agiannone-cfa/

Tyler Goering

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-goering-cfa/

Ray Dalio – Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order

https://www.amazon.com/Changing-World-Order-Nations-Succeed/dp/1982160276

Tesla

https://www.tesla.com/

Nvidia

https://www.nvidia.com/

Apple

https://www.apple.com/

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#Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

From market corrections to tariff rollouts, recent developments are reshaping Americans’ view of the economy and their financial future. But what does it really mean for investors, businesses, and everyday citizens? 



Co-hosts Joseph Gradante, AJ Giannone and Tyler Goering unpack Scott Bessent’s recent interview and explore the broader implications of current economic policy, market movements and political dynamics. They reflect on the forces reshaping America’s economy and what needs to change for Main Street to thrive.

Key Takeaways:

(03:23) Scott Bessent echoes Warren Buffett’s message on short-term fear versus long-term fundamentals.

(10:02) Massive government spending can be as risky as market corrections if left unchecked.

(17:47) Tariffs get the spotlight, but energy independence and deregulation drive real disinflation.

(21:04) Innovation thrives when risk-taking is rewarded and capital is accessible.

(28:49) The VIX shows early signs of market stabilization.

(31:50) Returns across asset classes are now more evenly balanced.

(35:13) Mild economic cooling could reopen opportunities for risk-taking.

(36:40) Falling energy costs, deregulation and potential rate cuts signal a positive economic outlook.

Resources Mentioned:

Joseph Gradante

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/

AJ Giannone

https://www.linkedin.com/in/agiannone-cfa/

Tyler Goering

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-goering-cfa/

Scott Bessent

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Bessent

J.P. Morgan

https://www.jpmorgan.com/

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#Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

Market uncertainty and portfolio optimization take center stage in this discussion with Adam Damko, Chief Data Scientist at Allio Capital. With over a decade of experience applying machine learning in finance, Adam has worked on everything from spread forecasting to recession prediction in the fixed-income space. He is also the creator of Allio’s ALTITUDE AI, a systematic investment framework designed to optimize portfolios in real-time.



In this conversation with AJ Giannone and Joseph Gradante, Adam explains how predictive AI and macro investing intersect, why traditional portfolio models fall short, and what investors should focus on in a shifting economic landscape.

Key Takeaways:

(05:31) Parallels exist between the Reagan and Biden eras, but real economic change takes time.

(10:08) Government inflation metrics lag — Trueflation shows a sharper decline.

(13:29) The Magnificent Seven’s dominance is fading — diversification is key.

(18:06) Market uncertainty normalizes over time — adjusting strategies is crucial.

(20:32) Growth is coming but the administration remains cautious.

(22:50) Adaptive AI-driven portfolios offer better diversification and stability.

(25:51) Portfolio optimization is misunderstood — ignoring risk leaves value on the table.

(29:22) Sector positioning outweighs fundamentals in today’s market.

Resources Mentioned:

Adam Damko

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-damko-cfa/

AJ Giannone

https://www.linkedin.com/in/agiannone-cfa/

Joseph Gradante

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/

Truflation Index

https://truflation.com/marketplace/us-inflation-rate

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#Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

Government efficiency, fiscal reform and market volatility are the focus of today’s economic discussions. 

Co-hosts Joseph Gradante, AJ Giannone, and Tyler Goering analyze the latest policy shifts, including the potential of a US sovereign wealth fund, the DOGE dividend and the role of tariffs in global trade.

They discuss whether fiscal responsibility can drive long-term economic growth, how tax and trade policies affect markets and why gold and hard assets are gaining traction.

Key Takeaways:

(02:06) Would people notice if the federal government disappeared?

(09:00) Where taxpayer money really goes and why cutting waste matters.

(10:30) The DOGE dividend — helpful or inflationary?

(12:54) Why a US sovereign wealth fund could be a game-changer.

(15:47) Tariffs as a tool for fair trade.

(19:49) Sovereign wealth funds as an economic defense.

(26:38) Market volatility is rising — gold and hard assets gain appeal.

(29:22) 50% of US spending comes from the top 10% — what if they pull back?

Resources Mentioned:

Joseph Gradante -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/

AJ Giannone -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/agiannone-cfa/

Tyler Goering -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-goering-cfa/

US Sovereign Wealth Funds -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sovereign_wealth_fund

DOGE Dividend Proposal -

https://nypost.com/2025/02/27/us-news/proposed-doge-dividend-could-become-law/

Tariff Policy -

https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11030

Market Volatility -

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/volatility.asp

Thanks for listening to “Orwellian Optics.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on new releases.

#Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

Tariffs, economic policy and market reactions continue to dominate discussions, shaping both short-term volatility and long-term investment strategies. Understanding the broader implications of these policies is essential to making informed decisions. Co-hosts Joseph Gradante, AJ Giannone, and Tyler Goering break down the current landscape, discussing the impact of tariffs, the importance of historical context in economic cycles, and what investors should focus on amid market noise.

Key Takeaways:

(01:13) Tariffs spark debate, but the broader economic impact depends on long-term trade negotiations.

(03:02) Market fluctuations often overreact to policy shifts — fundamentals matter more.

(09:00) Short-term market noise creates opportunities for those who take a long-term perspective.

(09:29) Economic cycles repeat — understanding history provides an advantage in navigating uncertainty.

(12:31) Rising interest rates will make debt refinancing more challenging for the economy.

(14:32) Long-term investing is about building sustainable wealth to secure financial stability for future generations.

(14:57) The growing US fiscal deficit is a risk that needs urgent policy attention.

(18:08) Sustainable economic growth requires balancing deregulation, fiscal discipline and investment.

Resources Mentioned:

Joseph Gradante -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/

AJ Giannone -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/agiannone-cfa/

Tyler Goering -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-goering-cfa/

Federated Hermes -

https://www.federatedhermes.com/us/home.do

NVIDIA -

https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/

US Treasury Market -

https://www.sifma.org/explore-issues/treasury-market-structure/

Thanks for listening to “Orwellian Optics.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on new releases.

#Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch