In this episode of the John Wayne’s Surge Protector Podcast, Eric Halsey and Alex Midway break down what’s really going on in today’s unpredictable markets. First, Alex gives a clear, memorable primer on short selling — using a simple $1,100 / 100-share example to show potential gains, margin risk, and why timing matters. Then the hosts dig into recent moves in Tesla (a pop to $426, closing around $391) and whether AI/tech excitement — with Nvidia in the headlines — is being rationally priced or just speculative hype. They close with political context: how comments and proposals around Russia–Ukraine can ripple through market sentiment, and why geopolitics matters to anyone with money invested. Practical, irreverent, and useful — this episode helps listeners spot risk and opportunity in a chaotic market. 

Show notes: 

 0:20 — Episode overview: what we’ll cover
 1:15 — Short selling explained — Alex’s $1,100 / 100-share example
 6:30 — Risk and margin calls — what can go wrong
 10:10 — Tesla deep dive: recent price action and what it means
 15:45 — Broader market context: Nvidia, AI hype, and valuation questions
 22:00 — Politics affecting markets: Russia–Ukraine commentary & implications
 28:30 — Key takeaways & actionable advice