In this mind-expanding episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied take a detour from their usual financial deep dives to expose the sinister underbelly of human decision-making. Turns out, the economy isn’t broken—our brains are. From Robert Shiller’s Narrative Economics to Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, the duo unpacks how financial markets, political ideologies, and your everyday spending habits are more influenced by viral stories and social media hysteria than by any rational thought process. Long story, short: You’re probably not making financial decisions—you’re reacting to the subconscious cues planted in your head by algorithms, dopamine hits, and good old-fashioned tribalism.

➡️ And just when you thought you were in control, they hit you with The Chaos Machine by Max Fisher, a book that details how social media isn’t just ruining dinner-table conversations—it’s actively rewiring your brain for extremism and anxiety. From doomscrolling mortgage rate headlines to being emotionally blackmailed into buying gold, Chris and Saied reveal that the only way to escape the manipulation matrix is to step back, slow down, and—dare we say—think. But hey, no pressure! If you’d rather stay plugged into the fear factory, there’s always another viral headline waiting to tell you the economy is collapsing.

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🔗 Resources:

The Mortgage Rate Reality Sets In (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)

Bank of England Cuts Interest Rates Amid Economic Slowdown (The Guardian)

US Imposes New Tariffs, Prompting Global Trade Tensions (CNN Politics)

US Job Growth Slows in January (Associated Press )

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Strap in, folks! This episode of The Higher Standard dives into the mind-bending world of quantum computing, where traditional computers look like toddlers trying to do calculus compared to these futuristic behemoths. Chris and Saied break down how these machines are poised to change finance, security, and possibly the way your toaster thinks about bread. They also take a moment to discuss actual science before spiraling into side rants about social media trolls, the American dream, and why nobody really understands what venture capitalists do. Spoiler alert: It involves a lot of money and just the right amount of arrogance.

➡️ Of course, it wouldn’t be The Higher Standard without a healthy dose of banter. Saied gets existential about how much control private equity really has over the economy, while Chris exposes his deep-seated frustration with home prices and tax loopholes. They also take a moment to roast each other over everything from past financial missteps to the secret lives of CEOs who think they’re rich but are actually just playing in the minor leagues. Oh, and if you've ever wondered whether a broom by the front door is just "decorative" or a sign that witchcraft is officially taking over the household—Saied has some thoughts. Tune in for a hilarious, informative deep dive into the future of computing and the financial chaos of today.

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🔗 Resources:

Fed Stands Pat on Rates, Entering New Wait-and-See Phase (Wall Street Journal)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

The Jeff Goldbum of podcasting, Chris Naghibi, and the Louie Anderson of podcasting, Saied Omar, are back, and this time they're tackling the economy with unfocused and unstructured charm. Starting with a light-hearted critique of Chris' newfound love for wearing green—a strategy he swears is to win favor at home but admits has been a complete flop. From there, the duo launches into the harsh realities of wage stagnation and rising home prices, painting a vivid picture of how even modest salary increases are devoured by the ever-growing beast of inflation. They break down why the average American is essentially on a financial hamster wheel, running faster but getting nowhere.

➡️ Amid the numbers and economic analysis, Chris and Saied keep it relatable with personal anecdotes, like Chris recounting his transition from being overly sensitive to criticism to leaning into the jokes—a move that’s made life a lot more enjoyable (even if Saied insists he still hasn’t fully let go). The conversation turns to actionable advice, encouraging listeners to take charge of their financial futures by stepping out of their comfort zones and treating financial growth like fitness: intimidating at first, but life-changing with consistency. If you’ve ever wanted a masterclass in turning financial stress into a strategy, this episode is your comedic and educational golden ticket.

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🔗 Resources:

These boys went so off script, there are no links. Amateur hour right?

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied embark on a laugh-out-loud journey into the brave new world of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and why you might want to rethink your TikTok algorithm. From discussing how AI is turning banks into crystal ball-wielding financial wizards to debating whether robots will steal your job (spoiler: they’re coming for the lawyers first), it’s a rollercoaster of insight and hilarity. Oh, and if you think your browsing history is private, think again. AI is watching, and it knows you binge-watched that prison cooking channel.

➡️ But wait, there’s more! Dive into the existential crises caused by quantum computing tapping into other dimensions (yes, really) and the terrifying potential of AI deciding which car accident is “best” for your family. If that doesn’t keep you up at night, maybe the realization that your digital assistant knows your buying habits better than you do will. Tune in for all this, plus shocking revelations about how AI is creating, saving, and possibly obliterating jobs across industries. And remember, your data is the product, folks—don’t let the chatbots tell you otherwise!

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🔗 Resources:

Sizing the prize: What’s the real value of AI for your business and how can you capitalize? (PWC)

AI in Banking – An Analysis of America’s 7 Top Banks (Emerj)

The Scientist vs. the Machine (The Atlantic)

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work: Mapping the Ethical Issues (Springer: The Journal of Ethics)

AI is already taking video game illustrators’ jobs in China (Rest of World)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied tackle the growing emotional toll of money management and the chaos of California’s insurance market. Against the backdrop of the devastating Los Angeles fires, they unpack how insurers are fleeing high-risk areas, leaving homeowners with overpriced, bare-bones policies like the California Fair Plan. With homes underinsured and rebuilding costs skyrocketing, the financial stress for affected residents is a wildfire of its own.

➡️ But it’s not all doom and gloom! Chris and Saied bring their signature wit to dissect the psychology of money stress, sharing practical strategies to stop freaking out about your finances and start taking control. From reevaluating your beliefs about money to understanding how your childhood shaped your spending habits, they keep it real and relatable. Whether you're overwhelmed by rising costs or just tired of flex culture on social media, this episode offers a roadmap to finding clarity and a little peace of mind.

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🧊 Get 12% off any purchase at Ice Barrel (Excludes chillers)

🔗 Resources:

California Was Already in Home-Insurance Crisis Before Los Angeles Infernos (Wall Street Journal)

California Reverse Jim Cramer (Not Jerome Powell via X)

Fed's Bowman said December rate cut was 'last step' in 'policy recalibration' (Yahoo! Finance)

Unemployment is above its 36-month moving average (Bravos Research via X)

December jobs report shows unemployment fell to 4.1% (Yahoo! Finance)

The Stress Less Guide To Managing Money (Men's Health)

Classic Money Scripts (Your Mental Wealth Advisors)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

🎧 What happens when a whole generation hits pause on adulthood? Chris and Saied are here to unpack the Wall Street Journal’s claim that millennials and Gen Z are stuck in “arrested development.” Spoiler: it’s not TikTok’s fault—try student loans, absurd housing costs, and a financial system that makes The Hunger Games look like a utopia.

➡️ From child-free lifestyles to 38-year-old first-time homebuyers, the guys tackle the systemic issues behind these trends with their trademark mix of wit and wisdom. Plus, a little shade for everyone’s favorite buzzwords (“soft maxing,” anyone?) and a hilarious tale of Chris’s recent tech splurge. If adulting feels impossible, don’t worry—you’re not alone. 🏡📉💸

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🧊 Get 12% off any purchase at Ice Barrel (Excludes chillers)

🔗 Resources:

What Happens When a Whole Generation Never Grows Up? (Wall Street Journal)

Current loan-to-value data in housing is 46.6% (Logan Mohtashami via X)

The value of a home in America since 1924 (Nick Gerli via X)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Happy New Year! In this special year-end episode, Chris and Saied dive deep into the wild ride that was 2024, recapping the economy quarter by quarter with their signature mix of insight and banter. From the "pensive" start of the year where the Fed played cat-and-mouse with rate cuts to the real estate market's affordability crisis and the Magnificent Seven’s domination of Wall Street, this episode is packed with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster at an abandoned theme park. Whether it's debating AI's transformative potential, lamenting high mortgage rates, or pointing out the "Jersey Shore" dynamics of the Federal Reserve, Chris and Saied break it all down with wit, wisdom, and the occasional mocktail reference.

➡️ As they toast to a new year (mocktail in hand), the duo doesn't shy away from discussing the highs and lows of 2024, from soaring office vacancies to spiraling service costs. And as tradition dictates, they leave you with a little financial humor to ring in 2025: "Remember, folks, economic resolutions are like gym memberships—great in theory, but it’s the follow-through that counts! Stay sharp, stay savvy, and don’t let inflation shrink your New Year’s champagne budget." Here's to another year of keeping it real, financial nerds. Cheers! 🥂💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review?

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🔗 Resources:

No links this week kids! The Higher Standard loves you.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In this episode, Chris and Saied break down the Federal Reserve’s latest rate cut, and let’s just say, it’s got everyone—from Wall Street to your wallet—feeling some kind of way. With a 25 basis point cut to the Fed Funds rate, inflation still refusing to play nice, and the bond market throwing a full-on tantrum, it’s clear: the Fed’s decisions are anything but boring. Oh, and don’t miss Chris’s hot take on how housing affordability has officially hit “you-can’t-make-this-up” levels of absurdity. Spoiler alert: the 10-year Treasury and your dreams of a lower mortgage rate aren’t on speaking terms.

➡️ From the VIX spiking a jaw-dropping 74% to why shrinkflation has you paying more for less Doritos, the duo dives into why markets have gone wild. Is the Fed’s “data dependency” just another way of saying “we’re winging it”? And what does this all mean for you, dear listener? Whether you’re a seasoned investor or someone just trying to figure out why eggs are still so damn expensive, Chris and Saied deliver insights with their signature blend of smarts and sass. Tune in for all the juicy details, and remember, it’s not the size of the rate cut—it’s how you use it!

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🧊 Get 12% off any purchase at Ice Barrel (Excludes chillers)

🔗 Resources:

Fed cuts rates by quarter point, scales back cuts for 2025 (Yahoo! Finance)

Summary of Economic Projections (Q4 2024) (The Federal Reserve)

The $VIX spiked 74% higher today (Charlie Bilello via X)

Where inflation is and isn't (Q4 2024) (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)

Jerome Powell doesn't see the stag or the flation (The Kobeissi Letter via X)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

You know what they say – the first $100,000 is the hardest, and it feels like scaling Mount Everest in flip-flops. In this episode of *The Higher Standard*, Chris and Saied unpack why breaking that six-figure milestone is such a struggle and how even Charlie Munger (RIP) called it a "b*tch." But once you hit that $100K, things start compounding faster than your excuses for skipping leg day. It’s like flipping a switch to rocket toward $1 million – or so we tell ourselves between sweet cream nitros and existential dread.

➡️ The boys also explore childhood money habits that might be sabotaging your wallet and dive into the *Case Shiller Index* to understand the warning signs of recessionary bubbles. From historical asset crashes to the 2008 housing crisis, they highlight why economic indicators are more than just fancy graphs. Saied’s expressions are priceless – equal parts shock, dread, and "I need a drink." So buckle up, hit play, and see if you’re on a path to wealth or just another bubble waiting to burst. Smash that like button, ring the bell, and remember: the road to wealth is paved with memes, mindset shifts, and maybe a little less avocado toast. 🥑💸

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🔗 Resources:

Robert Shiller and His CAPE Ratio (Gary Stone via X)

Can the S&P 500’s CAPE Ratio Predict a Market Crash? (Charts)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Buckle up, folks—it's a wild week for the economy, and The Higher Standard crew is here to navigate the chaos so you don’t have to. Chris and Saied tackle the avalanche of data from the ISM, JOLTS, and the much - anticipated Jobs Report. (Haroon is still out on paternity leave.) Will these numbers flex harder than a bodybuilder at the beach, or are cracks starting to show? And don’t worry, Fed Chair Powell made sure to sprinkle some cryptic wisdom into the mix, like a monetary-policy Gandalf reminding us that "You shall not politicize!"

➡️ Meanwhile, the housing market predictions for 2025 are wilder than a Florida hurricane forecast. With Sun Belt cities building apartments like they're going out of style, rents are dropping faster than your self-esteem at an open mic night. And the predictions? They range from Apollo's optimistic “We’re all gonna be rich!” +10.8% to Moody’s pessimistic “Yeah, no” at -0.4%. Which regions will boom, and where will your real estate dreams get a reality check? Tune in to get the laughs, the insights, and maybe a crystal ball for 2025!

💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review?

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🔗 Resources:

Fed Chair Powell Defends Fed Independence (Investopedia)

Rents in Southern and Sun Belt Cities Are Falling (Business Insider)

Realtor.com Predicts Modest Rise in Home Sales and Prices for 2025 (Business Insider)

Housing Price Predictions Across Major Markets (Lance Lambert via X)

Will Home Prices Crash in 2025? (Market Watch)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.