The Real Investment Show Podcast

In this wide-ranging and candid conversation, Lance Roberts is joined by longtime friend and veteran television reporter Tom Zizka to discuss how media, markets, and economic reality have fundamentally changed over the past two decades. The discussion begins with the evolution of modern media—from the rise of social platforms and the "small screen" revolution to the growing pressures of monetization, speed, and narrative framing. Lance and Tom explore how storytelling has shifted from context-driven reporting to image-driven headlines, and what that means for public perception, trust, and accountability. From there, the conversation moves into markets and policy. Topics include the economic implications of Trump's re-election, why falling oil prices were driven more by markets than politics, and the disconnect between calls for expanded drilling and the reality of global oil gluts. The episode also examines farm subsidies, the critical role of farming and trucking in the U.S. economy, and why inflation—while unpopular—is often necessary for economic growth. The discussion extends to immigration, contrasting legal versus undocumented impacts on the economy, the power of imagery and narrative in shaping public opinion, and the widening wealth gap that continues to distort economic expectations. Lance and Tom also touch on cultural shifts, including the growing debate over college versus skilled trades, the rise of short-form video, and the increasingly complex checklist required for modern publication and media compliance. Blending humor, real-world reporting experience, and market insight, this episode offers a grounded look at how media narratives influence economic understanding—and why reality often looks very different once the headlines fade. 0:00 - INTRO 0:19 - The Tables are Turned 2:22 - Changes in the Media - the necessary evolution 4:30 - Media Monetization and The News 8:29 - The Advent of the Small Screen - Facebook 2010 11:12 - Dead People in Houston Bayous - the Bayou Butcher? 13:40 - Lance is a Cereal Killer 14:46- The Trump Re-election - What Did it Mean? 15:17 - Bringing Down Oil Prices - Markets Did That; Ending Restrictions on Drilling vs the Glut of Oil 19:50 - Texas Beef Production & Cow Tipping 21:46 - Immigration Methodology - Pictures & Narrative on Social Media, 24:13 - Immigration Impact on Economy - Legal vs Undocumented 29:45 - The Big Beautiful Bill or Big and Ugly 31:11 - Farm Aid Package - Farm Subsidies 35:07 - The Criticality of Farming & Trucking to the Economy 36:33 - Economic Reality & The Wealth Gap 41:30 - People Expect Prices to Go Down 42:35 - Why We Want Inflation - Economic Growth 45:27 - The Cycling Story - Criterion Racing - Lucas Bourgoyne 48:22 - Social Media Videos & In-Laws 50:09 - College vs Trades 52:58 - The Ever-growing Checklist for Publication Watch the Video of this interview on our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/tsurGgQO88w #MediaAndMarkets #EconomicReality #FinancialMedia #OilPrices #WealthGap

The holidays bring families together—but they also create a rare opportunity to talk about something that truly matters: legacy. Richard Rosso & Sarah Buenger explore how thoughtful, well-framed conversations about money, wishes, and values can become one of the greatest gifts you give your family. Research shows that nearly 70% of parents have never discussed inheritance with their children, often leaving confusion, conflict, or unresolved questions behind. Questions lead to stories. Stories lead to understanding. And understanding builds a legacy that lasts beyond the holidays. 0:00 - INTRO 0:20 Santa's Elves & Christmas Ornaments 2:15 - parents who don't tell children about their inheritance. 3:21 - Holiday Legacy Guide 5:41 -Thoughtful conversations: Talking about Money is the greatest gift 9:33 - Conversation starters are tough - use an independent third party to help (friends, clergy, financial advisors, etc.) 12:52 - Care in framing the questions - no dead-end questions 14:46 - Long-lost money 17:34 - Ask about the pets - who gets it? 19:35 - Ask about he "final arrangements:" What do you want? - do it for the ones you love 24:19 - What would you do if you had a month to live? 26:51 - The strategy for learning what your family wants 29:59 - The Christmas Ornament 33:17 - The Tool: www.agingwithdignity.org - Five wishes Questions lead to stories, stories lead to conversations Hosted by RIA Advisors Director of Financial Planning, Richard Rosso, CFP, w Senior Financial Advisor, Sara Buenger, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/8_W5XkBMmF4?feature=share ------- REGISTER for our 2026 Economic Summit, "The Future of Digital Assets, Artificial Intelligence, and Investing:" https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-ria-economic-summit-tickets-1765951641899?aff=oddtdtcreator ------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestm entadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #LegacyPlanning #FamilyFinance #EstatePlanning #HolidayConversations #FinancialWellbeing

Our Christmas Day Best-Of episode revisits some of the most important investing and financial planning discussions of the year. Lance Roberts, Danny Ratliff, & Jonathan Penn examine whether the traditional 60/40 portfolio still serves its original purpose of reducing volatility, and what the three legs of investing mean in today's market environment; whether the Federal Reserve has shifted away from its inflation mandate, how to interpret 2- and 3-standard-deviation market moves using tools like Bollinger Bands, and which economic data truly matters for investors—and where to find it. We close by addressing common misconceptions around inflation, including the real impact of tariffs and why sustainable economic growth requires some level of inflation, along with a thoughtful discussion on when marriage can be a sound financial decision—and when it may not be. A reflective, evergreen episode focused on perspective, risk management, and better decision-making heading into the new year. 0:00 - INTRO 0:17 - Live Q&A: Is the 60-40 Rule still viable - the goal is reducing volatility (three legs of investing) 8:52 - Has the Fed given up on their inflation mandate? 12:04 - Explain 2x, 3x standard deviations from average (Bollinger Band articles) 15:40 - What data to watch (and where can you find it)? 18:48 - Inflation: true impact of tariffs? True sources of Inflation: No inflation, no economic growth 23:20 - When is marriage a good investment (and when is it not)? Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Investment Advisor, Danny Ratliff, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi-a7CySU1g&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Market Pause Before the Fed: Time to Trim Risk?," is here: https://youtu.be/watJ1Jqsf-4 ------- Articles Mentioned in Today's Show: "Bullish Case Or Bearish Backdrop" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/bullish-case-or-bearish-backdrop/ -------- REGISTER for our 2026 Economic Summit, "The Future of Digital Assets, Artificial Intelligence, and Investing:" https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-ria-economic-summit-tickets-1765951641899?aff=oddtdtcreator ------- Watch our previous show, "Dealing with Debt & Smart Money Moves" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iPM7ef0BKg&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 -------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestm entadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #InvestingEducation #MarketRisk #FederalReserve #Inflation #FinancialPlanning

The Federal Reserve is entering a pivotal phase, and the decisions it makes now will define the next era of monetary policy. Lance Roberts and The Fed Guy, Joseph Wang, examine the structural forces putting the Fed at a crossroads—from rate cuts and shifting labor-market dynamics to the long-term impact of AI, tariff-driven inflation, and changes in the Fed's balance-sheet strategy. We explore why markets appear bullish on economic growth despite weakening employment data, how tariff inflation may be a one-time impulse, and what a redesigned policy framework could look like as banks, regulators, and political leaders debate the Fed's future role. If you want a grounded assessment of where monetary policy is heading and how structural changes could reshape markets, this episode provides the context investors need. 0:00 - INTRO 1:07 - Fed Rate Cuts & Commentary 5:37 - Markets Are Bullish About Economic Growth vs Employment Data; Tariff Inflation? One-Time Impact 7:59 - Labor Market Commentary 8:56 - Impact of AI? Double-checking the bot; building data centers; 11:25 - How will the Fed respond to AI impact on labor market? 12:47 - The Shift in Fed Policy - Ben Bernanke: Boosting asset prices to improve consumer mood 15:28 - The Fed is at a crossroads in its role - a smaller Fed balance sheet? 18:00 - Fed to de-regulate commercial banks (supplementary leverage ratio) so they can take over Fed's role? 20:16 - Is the Fox in the henhouse? 21:42 - How to unwind Fed balance sheet? 23:27 - Fed to Purchase $40-B in Bonds - not QE? 24:55 - QE vs Reserve Management Purchase 27:13 - Never Going back to Zero Interest Rates? 28:48 - Government Bond Rollover coming - will banks manage? 31:54 - Administrative make up of the future Fed - Kevin Hassett? - How Low will Rates Go; would low rates help with affordability; will the Fed Become more Trump-dominated? 38:34 - What is the risk from lower rates? 41:09 - Changes in the way we operate - the past is not the future. Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Joseph Wang, CIO, The Fed Guy Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/uv88L9zT4Ok?feature=share ------- Our Previous show, "Dollar Power, AI, & The New Financial Order," is here: https://youtube.com/live/QYUME1I-SDg?feature=share ------- REGISTER for our 2026 Economic Summit, "The Future of Digital Assets, Artificial Intelligence, and Investing:" https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-ria-economic-summit-tickets-1765951641899?aff=oddtdtcreator ------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestm entadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #FederalReserve #MonetaryPolicy #InterestRates #MarketOutlook #AIEconomy #JosephWang #TheFedGuy

In this episode, Lance Roberts sits down with Brent Johnson, CEO of Santiago Capital, to break down what's really happening with the U.S. dollar, the global monetary system, and why AI is accelerating a geopolitical and economic power shift. If you're looking for big-picture insights on the future of the dollar, geopolitics, AI-driven capital flows, and where long-term investing tailwinds are forming—this is a must-watch. 0:00 - INTRO 0:56 - Dollar Pessimism is Everywhere 3:32 - Why the Dollar Loses Purchasing Power: Inflation 5:08 - How Reserve Currencies Work - Why the Dollar is the Global Reserve Currency 6:30 - Why Oil is Priced in Dollars 9:07 - Reserve Currency Storage - Rule of Law & Liquidity Stability; effects of Euro Conversion on Reserves 11:10 - Ronald Regan clip, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall" 13:00 - Why the Dollar needs not be too strong or too weak (Chart - US Dollar Index) 16:00 - The Debt based monetary system 16:42 - The Carry Trade 19:59 - The Dollar Milkshake Theory - 21:00 - What a Falling Dollar would indicate 22:00 - The Impact of Where Money is Being Spent for AI Buildout - the multiplier effect; will this attract more foreign capital into the US? 25:11 - AI is transformational - Separation of East from West is happening; outcome is existential to the US 26:22 - The Office of Strategic Capital - 27:07 - The Race to Win AI - leadership in the global economy 28:53 - Two hang ups - Power generation/transmission grid 29:46 - Looking for the investing tailwinds 31:23 - The Fed's Return to QE 35:08 - Stablecoin vs Bitcoin - Digital Token, linked to a specific asset or commodity; Bitcoin which suffers from volatility 38:14 - The Genius Act - official blessing of Stablecoin; geopolitical implications 39:24 - The potential to become a new Eurodollar market - the importance of sovereignty for a nation 42:58 - Using Money as a weapon 44:46 - Stablecoin Implications for Investors - impact on Treasuries 47:14 - Currency Manipulation - China vs U.S. 50:30 - AI is overpriced - Looking ahead: short term cautious; buy the dip; Energy assets, including nuclear; critical minerals are national security implications 52:08 - Precious Metals outlook: If you own them, don't sell them; 53:40 - Opportunity in Energy Sector; Will VanLowe/Quantum - Energy Demand vs available supply imbalance 54:34 - The LNG supply gap solution 56:25 - How to Find Brent Johnson Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Brent Johnson, CEO, Santiago Capital, Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYUME1I-SDg&list=PLVT8LcWPeAug2oeXwuQUeSf8Hd6AFR5O9&index=4 ------- Our Previous show, "Bear Markets Are a Good Thing," is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdlhQgMthW4&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 ------- REGISTER for our 2026 Economic Summit, "The Future of Digital Assets, Artificial Intelligence, and Investing:" https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-ria-economic-summit-tickets-1765951641899?aff=oddtdtcreator ------- Articles Mentioned in Today's Show: "QE Is Coming: The 2008 Roots Of Fed Dominance" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/qe-is-coming-the-2008-roots-of-fed-dominance/ -------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestm entadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #BrentJohnson #USDollar #AIInvesting #GlobalMacro #FinancialMarkets