W. David Prescott and Michael Ashley bring together science, business, and storytelling to challenge today’s biggest debates on sustainability and capitalism. Prescott is a licensed professional geologist with over 30 years of experience in groundwater protection, remediation, and regulatory compliance, holding advanced degrees in Environmental Science and Business and pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science. Ashley, a former Disney story consultant and Chapman University professor, is the author of 20+ books—including four bestsellers—and a Forbes and Entrepreneur columnist. Together, they coauthored Creative Destruction: How ESG Mandates Are Destroying Capitalism, Costing You Money, and Wrecking America, blending hard science and sharp storytelling to spark bold conversations about the future of business and society.

In this episode, Dante, David, and Ashley discuss:

• What ESG really means and how it impacts businesses and investors
• Why ESG mandates may undermine retirement savings and fiduciary responsibility
• How ESG policies are reshaping America’s energy independence and global competitiveness
• The intersection of artificial intelligence and ESG scoring systems
• Practical steps individuals and businesses can take to push back and protect capitalism

Key Takeaways: 

• ESG is often framed as an ethical business, but it can trap companies in rigid compliance that stifles innovation. Instead of growing, businesses spend time meeting arbitrary standards.
• Most Americans don’t realize how ESG rules impact their retirement savings. Many unknowingly accept lower returns in the name of “sustainability.”
• Restricting U.S. oil, gas, and energy production harms more than the economy. It weakens national security and empowers rivals like China, Russia, and Venezuela.
• AI now drives many ESG scores, tracking everything from diversity to carbon use. This technology can block businesses from accessing capital and enable financial control.
• The best defense against harmful ESG mandates is knowledge and courage. Open discussion and education can help protect free-market capitalism.

“The last few years have shown us that it's very easy to make people fearful, and fear can be contagious. But on the other hand, so can bravery. And if just one business owner says, ‘You know what, I'm not going to do this, and my people aren't going to do this,’ that bravery can spread. And our hope is that people will read this book and say, ‘You know what, this is a joke. This is un-American, and I'm going to be brave. I'm not going to let this stand.’ That is how we begin to combat ESG and take back America.” - Michael Ashley

Connect with David and Michael:

Website: https://creativedestruction.gr-site.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-david-prescott-p-g-b1600714/ 

               https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelashleywriter/ 

Amazon link for the book: https://a.co/d/0nXXz7B 

Connect with Dante Royster:

Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/

Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086

Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086

Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/

“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: [email protected]

Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.