Is the U.S. economy heading for a major downturn? Are we already in the early stages of collapse?In this episode of Discourse with Christian, host Christian White sits down with Michael Pento, founder of Pento Portfolio Strategies and a seasoned money manager with 35 years of experience in financial markets. Pento pulls no punches as he breaks down why stagflation is here, why the wealth effect is reversing, and why three major asset bubbles—stocks, real estate, and credit—are on the verge of implosion.From the Fed’s prolonged failure to control inflation, to the dangers of a manipulated interest rate environment, to rising geopolitical tensions across Ukraine, China, and the Middle East—this conversation unpacks the financial realities the mainstream won’t touch.

1:01 – State of the Global Economy
"What's your current take on the global economy and financial markets?"

2:52 – The Economic Cycle & Stagflation
"Could you share where we are in the current economic cycle?"

5:04 – Geopolitical Risks & Market Volatility
"Given current geopolitical tensions... what is most concerning to you?"

7:41 – Middle East, Hamas, and Israel
"Massive protests in Gaza... could this lead to change?"

8:41 – China, Trade, and National Security
"Trump’s tariffs, China’s role, and potential Taiwan escalation."

9:59 – Global Tariffs and Policy Shifts
"Could policy shifts like tariffs trigger structural financial changes?"

13:24 – Inflation, Fiat Currency, and the Fed
"Where does inflation really come from?"

14:39 – Asset Classes and Market Valuation
"Your current thoughts on the stock market, commodities, and more."

17:00 – Next Big Market Dislocation
"Where do you think the next big opportunity or crisis lies?"

18:30 – Strategic Positioning in a Volatile Market
"What core strategies would help someone thrive over the next five years?"

20:12 – Fed Policies and the Housing Market
"How Fed policy distorted interest rates and housing affordability."

24:39 – The Middle Class & Homeownership Crisis
"Challenges younger generations face trying to afford homes."

26:45 – Free Markets, Fed Manipulation & Economic Distortion
"Has the Fed destroyed true market dynamics?"

27:57 – Final Thoughts & Resources
"Anything else people should be paying attention to?"