The James Altucher Show

"Over a billion people play chess. Even if you’re not into it, think about this: two armies on a board, going to war. It’s the game of kings, and back in the day, kings played chess to strategize without any bloodshed. Although, if you’ve ever lost a chess game, you might feel like someone just wiped you off the board. I’ve been there—sitting for hours, putting your whole brain into it, and then losing. It feels like death. People cry. I’ve cried.

But here’s the thing: it’s also the safest way to practice losing and bouncing back in life. That’s why chess is part of our culture—from TV shows like The Queen’s Gambit to the background of every smart character in movies. Chess has helped me in ways I can’t even measure. It got me into college, helped me land jobs, and taught me how to deal with failure.

In this episode, I sat down with Peter Doggers, an incredible chess journalist and author of The Chess Revolution. We talked about how chess is taking the world by storm, why it matters so much today, and what makes it more than just a game. If you play chess, know someone who does, or even just want to understand the cultural and intellectual explosion of chess right now, this conversation is for you. Let’s get into it."

Chess isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural revolution. In this episode, James talks with Peter Doggers, chess journalist and author of The Chess Revolution, about the global chess boom, AI’s role in shaping modern chess, and why the game has captivated everyone from kids to CEOs. They discuss everything from the addictive nature of chess to its impact on careers, mental resilience, and even Hollywood. Whether you’re a grandmaster or a beginner, this conversation uncovers why chess is more relevant than ever.

• How The Queen’s Gambit and the pandemic reignited global interest in chess.
• The role of AI in transforming the way chess is played and understood.
• Why losing in chess feels so personal—and what it teaches about resilience.
• The ongoing battle against cheating in chess and the challenges of AI-driven deception.
• How chess can boost your career and cultural standing.

• [01:30] The cultural explosion of chess.
• [03:08] The addictive nature of the game.
• [05:47] Meeting Peter Doggers: From journalist to chess master.
• [10:20] AI and the future of chess.
• [17:28] The drama and history of chess rivalries.
• [22:15] Why chess players keep coming back for more.
• [30:50] Can adults still improve at chess?
• [40:47] The impact of streamers on chess popularity.

• Peter Doggers' book: The Chess Revolution: Understanding the Power of an Ancient Game in the Digital Age
• Peter Doggers' Web Site

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• I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com

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A Note from James:
"Oh my gosh, so many things going on with Bitcoin. Let me just summarize it. Obviously, Gary Gensler resigning is huge for Bitcoin. He was the head of the SEC, and this is the end of a regulatory cloud over crypto. Another major development is the proposal for Bitcoin to be included in U.S. strategic reserves. If the U.S. starts buying Bitcoin, which Senator Carol Loomis has proposed in a bill, Bitcoin could hit a million. I'm not even being too hyperbolic here. Plus, companies are beginning to adopt crypto, and tokenization is taking off.

Today's guest is Omid Malekan, an expert in crypto who used to run crypto at Citibank. He's written extensively on the subject, and I love catching up with him to get his unique perspective on where crypto is heading. If you’re curious about Bitcoin’s future, the meme coin phenomenon, or the catalysts that might reshape the world of finance, Omid has a lot of insights to share. And trust me, you’ll want to stick around for this one.”

In this episode, James sits down with Omid Malekan, crypto expert and author, to discuss the seismic shifts happening in the world of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency. With Gary Gensler stepping down as SEC chair, what does this mean for the future of crypto? Omid shares his perspective on Bitcoin’s potential to become a strategic reserve asset for the U.S. government and dives into the fascinating, if controversial, world of meme coins.

From understanding why tokenization is more than just a buzzword to exploring how stablecoins and decentralized finance are disrupting traditional banking, this episode provides a clear, actionable roadmap for anyone interested in the future of money and blockchain technology.

1. Why Gary Gensler’s resignation matters for Bitcoin’s future – and what it means for the regulatory environment.
2. How tokenization could reshape financial markets – from real estate to gold and beyond.
3. The role of meme coins in crypto’s evolution – as both protest and possibility.
4. The promise and potential pitfalls of stablecoins – and why they’re more than just digital dollars.
5. Omid’s predictions for Bitcoin and Ethereum in a post-regulatory world – and which other coins might take off.

• [01:30] Bitcoin’s Big News: Why Gensler’s resignation is a game-changer
• [02:52] Omid Malekan’s take on Bitcoin as a U.S. strategic reserve
• [05:25] The meme coin phenomenon: From joke to serious business
• [10:09] What’s next for crypto banking and decentralized finance
• [20:07] Stablecoins: The next big thing for the U.S. dollar
• [36:17] Ethereum vs. Solana: The battle for blockchain supremacy
• [50:07] Tokenization and the future of asset ownership

• Follow Omid Malekan on Twitter
• Learn more about stablecoins and decentralized finance at CoinDesk.

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• What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!
• Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!

------------

• Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!
• My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!
• Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.
• I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com

------------

Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to “The James Altucher Show” wherever you get your podcasts: 

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This week, there’s a lot happening with Iran. Some strategies the U.S. has tried with them are just mind-boggling. My guest, Ken Timmerman, says it best: Iran is the biggest issue we face right now, and the closest we’ve been to World War III. What went wrong? What could go wrong next?

Ken has been covering Iran and terrorism for 40 years. In this episode, we unpack his early days as a hostage of terrorists, the state of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and some downright shocking conclusions. I challenge Ken on some of his points, but his insights are hard to ignore. His new book, The Iran House, is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the history and future of this volatile situation. Here's Ken Timmerman, terrorism expert and author of The Iran House.

James sits down with investigative journalist and war correspondent Ken Timmerman to discuss the ongoing threat posed by Iran and its nuclear ambitions. From being held captive by terrorists to winning a $6 billion court judgment against Iran for their involvement in 9/11, Ken’s experiences provide unparalleled insights into Middle Eastern politics. The episode explores why Iran’s regime remains a global threat, the role of U.S. policy in shaping the region, and what’s needed to empower the Iranian people toward meaningful change.

1. Why Iran’s leadership is considered the most significant threat to global security today.
2. Ken’s personal story of surviving 24 days as a terrorist hostage and how faith shaped his outlook.
3. How Iran funds terrorist organizations across Sunni and Shia divides to destabilize the region.
4. The real impact of U.S. policies, from Obama’s nuclear deal to Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign.
5. How empowering the Iranian people can lead to regime change without military intervention.

• [01:30] James’ introduction: Why Iran matters now more than ever.
• [02:58] Ken’s harrowing experience as a hostage in Beirut.
• [12:27] How Iran’s funding spans both Sunni and Shia terrorist groups.
• [18:00] The controversy of U.S. policies toward Iran: Obama vs. Trump.
• [39:54] Non-violent warfare: Empowering Iranians for change.
• [55:16] Iran’s nuclear capabilities and global implications.
• [01:07:23] Final thoughts: A hopeful path forward for peace.

• Ken Timmerman’s latest book: The Iran House: Tales of Revolution, Persecution, War, and Intrigue.
• Ken’s memoir: And the Rest is History: Tales of Hostages, Arms Dealers, Dirty Tricks, and Spie
• U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund information
• A history of Iran’s nuclear ambitions from the International Atomic Energy Agency

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• What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!
• Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!

------------

• Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!
• My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!
• Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.
• I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com

------------

Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to “The James Altucher Show” wherever you get your podcasts: 

• Apple Podcasts
• iHeart Radio
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Follow me on social media:

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Oh my gosh. I always feel like my IQ goes up when I talk to Jim Rickards. He has so much knowledge about so many things, but particularly, he's been there, done that when it comes to all things in the economy. Some of his stories about what he's personally seen and done are tied to some of the most famous events in the economy over the past 50 years.

Anyway, he wrote a new book, Money GPT, which is about the financial aspects of AI and how it could affect the economy. But we started off with the basics. I just wanted to ask him: What do you think is going to happen in this economy? And we go deep. So, we divided this into two parts.

Part one covers everything you need to know about the current state of the U.S. economy. This was a real education for me, and I read a lot about this stuff. So, I’m excited to share it with you. The second part, which will come out later, is all about AI and its effects on the economy.

Here's my friend Jim Rickards. I'm sure you're going to enjoy this as much as I did. And, as always, if you have any comments or questions, let me know. And, please, subscribe to the podcast if you haven't already.

In this episode, James Altucher sits down with renowned economist and author Jim Rickards to break down the complexities of today’s economy. With decades of experience and a front-row seat to some of history’s most pivotal financial events, Jim delivers sharp insights into the forces driving economic cycles. This discussion dives into historical parallels, the impact of policy decisions, and what lies ahead for the U.S. economy under potential future administrations.

Jim also shares his take on how recession cycles play out, the legacy of interest rate hikes, and why both borrower and lender psychology matter more than Federal Reserve actions. Packed with valuable lessons, this episode offers a rare look at economic trends from a perspective few can match.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oh my gosh. I always feel like my IQ goes up when I talk to Jim Rickards. He has so much knowledge about so many things, but particularly, he's been there, done that when it comes to all things in the economy. Some of his stories about what he's personally seen and done are tied to some of the most famous events in the economy over the past 50 years.

Anyway, he wrote a new book, Money GPT, which is about the financial aspects of AI and how it could affect the economy. But we started off with the basics. I just wanted to ask him: What do you think is going to happen in this economy? And we go deep. So, we divided this into two parts.

Part one covers everything you need to know about the current state of the U.S. economy. This was a real education for me, and I read a lot about this stuff. So, I’m excited to share it with you. The second part, which will come out later, is all about AI and its effects on the economy.

Here's my friend Jim Rickards. I'm sure you're going to enjoy this as much as I did. And, as always, if you have any comments or questions, let me know. And, please, subscribe to the podcast if you haven't already.

In this episode, James Altucher sits down with renowned economist and author Jim Rickards to break down the complexities of today’s economy. With decades of experience and a front-row seat to some of history’s most pivotal financial events, Jim delivers sharp insights into the forces driving economic cycles. This discussion dives into historical parallels, the impact of policy decisions, and what lies ahead for the U.S. economy under potential future administrations.

Jim also shares his take on how recession cycles play out, the legacy of interest rate hikes, and why both borrower and lender psychology matter more than Federal Reserve actions. Packed with valuable lessons, this episode offers a rare look at economic trends from a perspective few can match.

1. The historical parallels between Reagan-era recessions and today’s economic landscape.
2. Why low interest rates aren’t necessarily a stimulus and the real drivers of economic growth.
3. How borrower and lender behavior impact recessions more than Federal Reserve policies.
4. The role of government and corporate partnerships in shaping modern economies.
5. What could catalyze a shift from stagnation to growth in today’s economic climate.

• [00:01:30] Introduction to Jim Rickards and his new book, Money GPT
• [00:02:17] Overview of the U.S. economy’s current state
• [00:03:16] Historical parallels: Lessons from Reagan-era recessions
• [00:07:02] Interest rates: Stimulus or symptom of deeper issues?
• [00:10:14] Depression vs. recession: How the definitions shape our understanding
• [00:18:33] The psychology of lending and borrowing in recessions
• [00:27:20] Modern banking, bail-ins, and the Silicon Valley Bank collapse
• [00:34:21] The Fed’s limits: What really moves the economy
• [00:45:21] Government-corporate partnerships: Are we living in a new era of fascism?
• [00:58:22] Can Trump’s policies truly drain the swamp and drive economic growth?

• Jim Rickards’ book: Money GPT
• Jim Rickards’ previous works: The Death of Money, Aftermath

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• What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!
• Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!

------------

• Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!
• My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!
• Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.
• I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com

------------

Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to “The James Altucher Show” wherever you get your podcasts: 

• Apple Podcasts
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Follow me on social media:

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A Note from James:

"So in a few hours, as I am saying this. The election of 2024 will begin. I'm doing this podcast on Monday evening, and I wanted to address a couple of important issues that people don't seem to know about in terms of how a presidential election in the United States works. And in particular, there are a couple of loopholes where I think it is possible to legally cheat in this election, and I'm not talking about either candidate but the big question that has been on my mind and on many people's minds, is it possible to quote-unquote, legally cheat in an election?"

Episode Description:

In this episode, recorded on the eve of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, I dive deep into the complexities of the U.S. electoral system and explore potential legal loopholes that might allow for what I call 'legal cheating' in an election. I clarify that this discussion is unbiased, focusing neither on Democrats nor Republicans specifically. I explain how the U.S. Constitution and state legislatures play key roles in the election process, the distinctions between a popular vote and the electoral college, and historical precedents that could impact the integrity of the election. We also explore scenarios where state legislatures could manipulate the process, the implications of Trump's impeachment for insurrection, and how these factors play out in a tightly contested election. While shedding light on these potential loopholes, I emphasize their improbability but underscore the importance of understanding them. Tune in to get informed about the intricacies and safeguards within the U.S. election system.

00:00 Introduction to the 2024 Election

00:05 Understanding Legal Cheating in Elections

02:34 The Electoral College vs. Popular Vote

05:39 Historical Examples of Electoral College Outcomes

09:28 Mechanics of the Electoral College

18:54 Potential Loopholes and Legal Cheating

33:22 Impeachment and the 14th Amendment

39:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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• What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!
• Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!

------------

• Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!
• My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!
• Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.
• I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com

------------

Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to “The James Altucher Show” wherever you get your podcasts: 

• Apple Podcasts
• iHeart Radio
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Follow me on social media:

• YouTube
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• Facebook
• LinkedIn