Are Americans carving out their own “mini-societies” and economies—completely separate from mainstream systems? In this episode, we dig into the concept of a parallel economy: what it is, who’s driving it, and why more people are looking for ways to opt out of the status quo. We’ll explore how local currencies, alternative payment platforms, community-based trade, and new technologies like cryptocurrency all play a role in quietly reshaping American commerce. Tune in to learn how everyday citizens are seeking greater freedom, resilience, and independence in a rapidly changing world.

Key Topics

Mistrust of central institutions and Big Tech

The growth of local self-reliance, from bartering networks to co-ops

Cultural, political, and ideological motivations driving parallel economies 

Potential benefits (resilience, autonomy, community) and drawbacks (scale, legalities, polarization)