Kontrarian Korner

Yesterday I had Colonel Towner-Watkins on for part 9 of the CIA Files. We talked about Albania, Poland, and the rest of Eastern Europe, and how the seeds of the Cold War were planted by the CIA. We also talked a little bit about how the Cold War was a psyop and the people involved with one of the major operations in Eastern Europe. We wrapped up by covering some of the ties between culture and politics and how things have changed in recent years. You can find the Colonel on Twitter, Rumble, YouTube, and Substack.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Jesse Felder back on the podcast. We covered his outlook for AI and data centers, including a couple stories that are similar to the old shoeshine boy story. He also laid out some of the problems he sees in private equity and private credit, along with real estate. We wrapped things up by talking about what is going on in the commodities space, and why he favors energy right now despite the recent price action. If you’re looking for a conversation that covers the different asset classes across financial markets, this one’s for you. You can find Jesse at his website, The Felder Report, and on Twitter and Bluesky.Podcast Summary* The AI and data center frenzy that has built up and the shoeshine boy stories from recent weeks.* Why the AI models are going to be commodities, and the potential changes to locally hosted models.* The cockroaches in private equity and private credit, and why he thinks we could be seeing the beginning of the credit cycle.* The layers of leverage in the system, including leveraged ETFs and increases in margin debt. * The potential policy response from the Fed and the Treasury, and what it means for interest rates.* Why the inflation story is baked into the cake and related to more than just energy costs.* The issues in the real estate market, and why he doesn’t think it’s as frothy as other asset classes.* The relationship between capital and labor, and why he thinks that will change in the next crisis.* Why there are opportunities in the energy sector despite the recent selloff in oil.* Other opportunities in the commodities space, including precious metals.* Book Recommendations: The Great Demographic Reversal and The Unanchored Central Banker by Charles Goodheart and Manoj Pradhan. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Colonel Towner-Watkins for part 8 of the CIA Files. This week we were talking about the Korean War, and why the unit we got in high school history class was so short. We covered the transition from a Japanese colony before WWII, to the split country that we have today. As you can imagine, there was a false flag to start the Korean War, US involvement and political interference, and the story we were taught is nowhere close to the actual events. We also talked a little bit about the parallels between the Korean War and the conflict between Ukraine and Russia today, and the changing media strategy that more and more people are waking up to. You can find the Colonel on Twitter, Rumble, YouTube, and Substack.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Trader Ferg back on the podcast to talk about different opportunities he sees in the market today. We got into the disruptions in the Middle East and which areas of the market might benefit, but we also talked about precious metals, the circular AI spending, and agricultural commodities. You can find Ferg’s Substack below. Podcast Summary* Why he favors oil services names with exposure to offshore equipment.* The circular nature of AI spending and the competition with China on AI.* Why exchanges are a great way to get exposure to other markets outside of the US.* His thoughts on inflation and what it means for the dollar.* Why he is partial to platinum group metals in the precious metals complex.* Almonds as an interesting place to look inside the agricultural complex.* The rest of the agricultural commodities, and why it is difficult to play with direct exposure to the commodities. * Book Recommendation: The Entropy Trap by Mickey Maini. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

On Friday I had Cameron Macgregor on the podcast for the first time. We had a great conversation about recent events in the Middle East, the genesis of the conflict, and the system of influence over foreign policy that is breaking down. We also talked about Europe, financial markets, and the various problems facing Western society. We will be doing a follow up conversation soon, and I’m already looking forward to it. You can find Cameron on YouTube, Substack, and Instagram. Podcast Summary* The genesis of the conflict in the Middle East, and the influence of the Zionist lobby on US foreign policy.* A shifting Overton Window among the broader population and how it contrasts with the Zionist influence on our political class.* Why he sees a succession to the current system on the horizon, and why the new sovereign will look different.* The cultural rot in the system and why it doesn’t work anymore.* His view on inflation, the Fed and the Treasury, and the future for gold and bitcoin.* The changes in the market over the last several decades and the divergence between paper markets and physical markets. * Why he doesn’t think a CBDC would be successful in the US.* His thoughts on Europe, and why they are in dire straits politically and economically.* How group identity and ethnos shapes a culture and the social contract.* Why he sees a mass movement coming soon, and the costs of the demographic changes.* How the lack of elite turnover has prevented Trump from implementing pieces of his agenda, including remigration.* Why the lack of unique sovereignty makes the social contract invalid. * Book Recommendations: The Rise and Fall of American Growth by Robert Gordon, End Times by Peter Turchin, The Crowd by Gustav Le Bon & Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.kontrariankorner.comYesterday I had Rob Connors from The Crude Chronicles back on the podcast. We talked about how recent events have pulled forward the bull cycle for oil. He doesn’t see a large price spike coming from the supply chain disruptions, but he does think oil prices will go higher as the marginal cost of supply increases over time. We also talked about which sectors he prefers and why, and how the changes to executive compensation incentives have changed the spending priorities of energy companies across the energy space. You can find Rob’s Substack below, and you can also find him on Twitter.Podcast Summary

Yesterday I had Mike Farris back on the podcast to talk about everything going on these days. We talked about the nuances of podcasting, what’s going on in markets and the economy, the state of the US, and a bunch of other topics. Mike has one of the best podcasts out there, so you should definitely go check his stuff out. You can find him on Twitter, YouTube, and all of the main podcast apps. If you want to get his podcasts early and ad-free, you can follow him on his Substack. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had the Colonel back on for part 7 of our CIA Files series. This week we covered the Philippines, and how we see the same patterns in this part of the world that we have talked about recently in Greece and Italy. We talked about how the American intelligence community paved the way for corporations and their land grab, the election interference, and the involvement of the US trained Philippine soldiers that were involved in Korea, and later in Vietnam and Indonesia. You might be noticing a pattern at this point, but this week’s show will help set the the table for later events in Southeast Asia. You can find Colonel Towner-Watkins on Twitter and Rumble.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

On Thursday I had Matt Warder of The Coal Trader back on the podcast to give us an update on everything going on with coal. We also talked about the Strait of Hormuz, the various ripples in supply chains and the general macro environment, and the impacts of AI on small business and other parts of the corporate world. For anyone interested in commodities and coal specifically, it’s a must listen. You can find The Coal Trader Substack below, but he’s also on Twitter.Podcast Summary* An overview of thermal and met coal markets, and how recent events put a floor under the different price benchmarks. * The inflationary setup that is in the pipeline for the back half of 2026. * China’s steel market, US tariffs, and how it ties in with coal prices.* The different opportunities in the coal sector, and the Australian royalty regime that differentiates US producers from Australian producers. * Fed policy and what Warsh might do as the new chair.* Why he expects rates to head higher on a long-term basis.* The impact of AI on small business, and the strengths and weaknesses of the technology.* Book Recommendation: The Fourth Turning Is Here by Neil Howe.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Scott Osheroff back on the podcast to talk about what’s going on in financial markets and where he sees opportunities. We covered the complacency in financial markets and the complicated macro setup with the Strait of Hormuz and the tech IPOs in the pipeline. We also talked about rates heading higher, the commodities complex, and where he sees opportunities today. You can find Scott on Twitter and on Telegram.Podcast Summary* The complacency in broader financial markets with a complicated macro backdrop.* How the global SPR releases have temporarily covered the Strait of Hormuz problem.* The high profile IPOs in the pipeline, and how his Mongolian stock broker called him asking about the SpaceX IPO.* The hyperfinancialization of markets and the economy, and why financial markets are just responding to the incentives and regulations in place.* Why rates will continue to go higher until we get to yield curve control.* How advances in crypto, stablecoins, and tokenization will change financial flows and potentially lead to T+0 settlement.* His view on the different commodities, and why he’s expecting a better buying opportunity in the future.* Why the cannabis sector is an interesting pond to fish in for value investors.* Book Recommendation: Lords of Finance by Liaquat Ahamed.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Dave Collum and John Polomny on the podcast for a great three way conversation about financial markets, the economy, and the future of the US. If you want to hear us rant about the SpaceX bagholders that will be created, or the asset stripping that has been going on in America, or the various problems in the medical and food systems, you will enjoy this one. It was a great combination and one that I hope to do again in the future. You can find Dave on Twitter, or under his desk. You can find John’s Substack below, but you can also find him on Twitter, and his weekly market updates on YouTube are a must watch.Podcast Summary* The insanity in financial markets, future SpaceX bagholders, and what Warsh means for the Federal Reserve.* The asset stripping and rent seeking design of our economy, and how we have moved away from an economy that produces real goods and services. * How many investors don’t know what they own, and what it means that many investors are now in a position where they can sell their entire portfolio with one click. * Why college is going out of favor, and some examples of jobs that will be more important in coming years. * How a secular society led to religious movements around climate change and DEI.* Why the Strait of Hormuz is going to lead to significant supply chain disruptions after we burn through the inventories.* The COVID psyop, how it damaged people, and led to an acceleration of the asset stripping of small businesses and the middle class.* How all vaccines are a scam. * Why the only way the elites get punished is through frontier justice, outside of the legal system.* How to survive an American system that could be in the process of breaking apart. * The data center buildout and if AI is an investable technology.* Why they are both defensive in this current market environment.* Book Recommendations: Vaccines, Amen: The Religion of Vaccines by Aaron Siri & The Moth in the Iron Lung: A Biography of Polio by Forrest Maready.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Dan Herrin back on the podcast to talk about the insanity going on in financial markets and the insanity going on here in the US. He explained why he is bullish on energy and the pattern recognition on broader markets and the comparisons to 2000. We also covered some of the different problems facing the US and the changes that have happened since COVID. You can find Dan on Twitter, where he’s a very entertaining follow.Podcast Summary* Why he’s expecting issues in the oil market and why he’s very bullish on energy for the second half of the year.* The insider trading, fake headlines, and market manipulation that has become more obvious in recent months.* Trump’s path out of this mess, and the possibility of an export ban. * Why the broader stock market reminds him of 2000. * People acting different since COVID lockdowns here in the US, and how we seem to be fine with memory holing the entire series of events around COVID.* What Americans actually want from the Federal Government: no more forever wars and dropping the hammer on immigration.* The corrosive effects of the Kalergi plan and feminism on Western society.* Book Recommendation: Stranger to the Game by Bob Gibson.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had the Colonel back on for part 6 of our CIA Files series. This week we talked about Greece, and the British and American intelligence operations there in the wake of WWII. The primary motivation was to get Greece into NATO, but they had to deal with the native ELAS resistance force first. We also talked a little bit about Ivanka Trump’s and Jared Kushner’s plan to turn the island of Sazan, a former Soviet base, into a luxury resort. It’s just another example of current events tying into regional events of past generations, but this was a good conversation on Greece and a couple topics from things going on today. You can find Colonel Towner-Watkins on Twitter and Rumble.Podcast Summary* How the British & the Americans teamed up with Germans to fight the Greek resistance force, ELAS. * The regime change forced on Greece by the US and Britain, and how the native population responded.* How the Greek government and intelligence agencies teamed up to build a black site prison on one of the Greek islands.* The massive amount of money the US poured into Greece in the post WWII period, in the form of weapons, planes, communication equipment, and portable docks.* The driving motivation to get Greece into NATO.* How the media coverage of events in Greece show the intelligence influence over all of the mainstream media outlets, even at that time. * The limited hangouts that happen when we get “investigations” into intelligence agency activities. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday Will Tanner of The American Tribune returned to the podcast to discuss Noblesse Oblige, which is a topic I have been thinking about a lot recently. We talked about the insanity of some of the different policies here in the US, the administration’s focus on foreign affairs over domestic issues, and how to fix some of the most important problems facing the country. Will’s a must follow for anyone interested in history, and it was a great conversation on questions that need to be answered. You can find Will on Twitter, as well as on The American Tribune Substack.Podcast Summary* How the early tobacco economy in Virginia is one example of Noblesse Oblige in America.* The various policies that are breaking down in America.* What the difference in TFR between liberals and conservatives means for the future of the US.* Why support for democracy is declining among younger generations.* The impact of immigration, and why he’s hoping the administration can accelerate things on that front. * Why he has been reading about the booms and busts of the railroad industry and the comparisons to data centers.* The idiotic policy the country has on managing resources like water, and how subsidies and economic incentives create distortions in the agricultural economy.* The advancements in AI and what it can actually be useful for. * The media slop environment and its secondary effects.* How to fix the legal system with one simple step. * Why the biggest problem the system faces is the question of legitimacy. * Book Recommendation: Cadillac Desert by Mark Reisner. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Aaron Clarey on the podcast for the first time. He has a very interesting background in finance and has written several books that are definitely worth a read. We talked about how the gender divide between men and women impacts the economy, the various parasitic influences in the economy and financial markets, and some potential solutions on how he would fix it. For anyone that wants an unfiltered look at the state of society and the economy, you will enjoy this one. You can find Aaron on YouTube and you can find his books on Amazon. Podcast Summary* His background in banking as an analyst and economist and his development of A*****e Consulting.* How relations between men and women impact the economy, and why the mainstream financial institutions and media can’t address the underlying problems there.* The political correctness that creates an inability to address the problems directly.* College as an American birthright and why it’s not worth it for most Americans today.* HR as a source for problems in the economy.* Private equity’s role in the asset stripping of different industries and the enshittification of customer service.* Why there would need to be a complete collapse to get rid of the different parasitic influences on the economy.* The solutions that will be required to fix relations between men and women as well as fixing the economy.* How colleges and institutions create artificial barriers on certain professions.* His view on markets, inflation, and why having skills is the best way to be insulated from continued inflation. * The Way of Monkey by Turd Flinging Monkey.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Today I had Colonel Towner-Watkins back on the podcast for part 5 of our CIA Files series. We followed up last week’s episode on Italy with a deep dive on Operation Gladio and how it is the ancestor of the intelligence programs you see in today’s society. The history of these operations and their purpose is important to understand if you want to understand what is going on today. You can find Colonel Towner-Watkins on Twitter and Rumble.“It’s an orchestrated terror campaign to manipulate the people in your country.”Podcast Summary* The stay behind units across Europe and the early history of the A-Team.* The secret agreement to have a stay behind network in all countries that joined NATO. * The ties between Gladio, Italian political officials, and the Vatican. * How Gladio is the paramilitary operation under the umbrella of the CIA, and how these operations aren’t just isolated to a specific country.* The Bologna train bombing in 1980 as the most deadly example of Gladio’s handiwork. * What happened when Gladio was revealed in Italy and how long it took to deal with it. * Why operations like Gladio are an orchestrated terror campaign to manipulate the people of a country. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Roberto Rios (aka The Peruvian Bull) on the podcast to talk about everything going on with financial markets, commodities, and Japan. We started with the ongoing meltup in the S&P, Warsh’s appointment at the Fed, but we also covered the AI buildout and Japan’s financial market situation. You can Roberto on Twitter and YouTube, as well as his Substack below.Podcast Summary* The meltup in the S&P and the difficult situation that Warsh inherits at the Fed.* Supply chain disruptions and rising inflation.* Rewiring global trade flows in the Middle East. * Onshoring of manufacturing in the US and the ongoing reindustrialization of the country. * The situation in Japan’s financial markets and the different crosscurrents in the Japanese economy that will likely be felt by global investors.* How new military technologies and strategies contribute to asymmetric warfare.* The problems with AI and the data center buildout, and what AI is actually useful for. * Why every developed country is on the path towards more inflation. * Book Recommendation: The Storm Before The Storm by Mike Duncan. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had E.M. Burlingame and Veles from Rogue News back on the podcast for our first three way conversation, and hopefully the first of many. We talked about a bunch of topics, but we spent most of our time on the complex layers of the AI and data center boom, and how that ties into the complex layers of the elites. You can find E.M.’s Substack below, but he’s also worth a follow on Twitter. You can find Veles on Rogue News when he makes his appearances over there. Podcast Summary* How the data center buildout is a resource grab for land and water rights. * The parallels this current investment cycle has to the dotcom bubble and other CAPEX booms of the past. * The CIA and intelligence ties to large tech companies including Google and Meta.* How the AI and data center buildout is masking underlying economic issues. * How the data center push might be a disguise to improve America’s crumbling infrastructure. * The hyperfinancialization of the economy and markets, and why private equity should be outlawed. * The possibility of muddling through without crashing the economic and financial system.* How immigration has distorted the system, and the number of people that need to be removed from the country. * Why noblesse oblige is missing from our elite class, and how the US was setup as a self-ruling feudal system. * The different layers of the elite class, and why they are fighting today. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Kevin Dolan on the podcast for the first time. He is the founder of the EXIT Group (which he founded after getting doxxed), and has built an impressive network of guys across the United States. We talked about different problems facing the US, the side effects of the Civil Rights Act, the impacts of AI and the changing online environment, and the gender divide between men and women. You can find Kevin at EXIT Group, as well as on Twitter and on the EXIT Substack. Podcast Summary* How EXIT Group got started, and what they are focused on now. * The impacts of the Civil Rights Act and how it has transformed cities and suburbs and created malinvestment. * How Bukele in El Salvador provides an example of how some of these problems can be solved.* Why Trump is not the Caesar figure that some have been looking for.* The divide between men and women, what it means for society, and some ideas on how to fix it.* AI, offshoring, and the disappearance of adult day care jobs. * How the regulatory environment has strangled growth of the atoms economy and incentivized growth in the bits economy. * How common private property has become illegal in America and the incentives that led to this outcome. * The enshittification of the internet and social media. * Book Recommendation: Out Of The Mountains by David Kilcullen. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Dale Comstock on the podcast for the first time. He has a very interesting background and has Special Forces experience operating all over the world. We talked about why he’s pessimistic on the future of the US, problems in the health, food, and education systems, and the changes that need to happen in the relations between men and women. This was a fun conversation with plenty of twists and turns, and I’m already excited to have him on the podcast again in the future. You can find Dale on his website. Podcast Summary* The state of the US, the graft going on inside the system, and his frustration about the direction we are headed. * How the influence of the elites over the health system and the education system has shaped things for over a century and led to where we are today. * The problems with the food system, seed oils, and why listeners should consider the carnivore diet. * The digital panopticon and why the elites are pushing for total control. * The relationship between men and women, why the 19th Amendment should be repealed, and the changes that have to happen to return to normal.* Why he’s pessimistic on the future, including the potential for human extinction. * Book Recommendations: American Badass & Running The Razor’s Edge by Dale Comstock. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Colonel Towner-Watkins back on the podcast for part 4 of our series. We got into Italy and how the CIA spent a fortune influencing the elections in 1948. This episode with set the table for getting into Operation Gladio, and you will see that the CIA playbook hasn’t changed much. We also tied things in a bit with what has been going on today with election interference, CIA operations on US soil, and other topics. You can find Colonel Towner-Watkins on Twitter and Rumble.Podcast Summary* The push from the CIA to get the Fabian socialists elected in Italy (aka Christian Democrats). * How they spent $50M (in 1948 dollars) to get the Christian Democrats elected in 1948.* The news outlets involvement in shaping the narrative here in the US, and the messaging about Soviet influence even though they had no presence there after WWII.* The various methods the CIA used to influence the election.* How they set up the Italian American Committee for Free Elections.* The differences between parapolitical warfare, paraeconomic warfare, and paramilitary warfare. * Using tax dollars as corporate welfare for large projects outside of the US. * The consistency of the CIA playbook over time, and the tendency towards becoming a cog in the machine in large bureaucracies. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Brandon Weichert on the podcast for the first time to discuss everything going on in the world. We started with Trump’s recent visit to China and the implications for the Middle East, summer supply chain disruptions, and the various problems facing the US here at home. It was a fun conversation that will definitely give listeners a couple things to think about. You can find Brandon’s books on Amazon, but you can also find him at 19fortyfive.com and NatSecTalk, as well as on Twitter. Podcast Summary* What Trump’s trip to China means for the Middle East, different trade deals, and various supply chains. * How the disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz are going to be felt this summer around the world. * Why the recent chaos is not part of some 5D chess plan, and Trump’s tendencies to react and improvise to current events. * How things could be setting up for stagflation depending on what the Fed does.* The generational divide in the recent Massie’s primary. * How the data center buildout is about building a digital control grid.* The hyperfinancialization of the US and how it leads to cultural and economic issues. * The biggest issues facing the US at home and what it means for the future of the country.* Book Recommendation: Everyone Is Wrong About China by Brendan O’Reilly.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Mike Ariza back on the podcast, and we were joined by California Assemblyman Stan Ellis. We got an update on California’s coming oil crisis, and the problems that are fast approaching with no imports on the way. It might provide Trump with an opportunity to come in and fix things, but they believe it would be a temporary fix. If you want a breakdown of what is happening and what is on the horizon for California and other surrounding states as far as energy supply chains, you will enjoy this one. You can find Mike on Twitter, but he has also been contributing to Gas Crisis, where you can find his work and reach out to get in touch with Stan. Podcast Summary* How California could face serious problems with oil supply chains in the next couple months.* How CARB has reached the point of diminishing returns.* The problems that California faces with no more imports of crude and products on the way. * What all this means for the military and the bases in California, Nevada, and Arizona. * How the average legislator is disconnected from the reality of supply chains and the real world. * The potential solutions to the problem, and how quickly they could be implemented.* How Trump has an opportunity to come in and fix things, and why it might only be a temporary fix. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Colonel Towner-Watkins back on the podcast for part 3 of our series on the OSS and the CIA. We talked in detail about Operation Paperclip, which is one of the most interesting operations in the post World War II period. She covered a list of the notable scientists that were moved out of Germany, where they ended up, and the programs they were working on. This is an area I have been interested in for a while, but you can see the foundation of many of the military and intelligence programs of the late 20th Century in Operation Paperclip. You can find Colonel Towner-Watkins on Twitter and Rumble.Podcast Summary* The projects in Argentina and other parts of South America that helped them develop military technologies. * The missile project in Egypt, and how Israel responded. * How scientists from Germany contributed to the U-2 and SR-71 programs. * The number of German scientists that ended up in the Soviet Union. * Where these scientists ended up in the US, and the biological, chemical, and aerospace programs they worked on. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Dylan Marrello (Raging Bull Investments) back on the podcast. We talked about a bunch of different things, and listeners will either come away with food for thought on the path of the US and markets or some new investment ideas to dig into. We talked about several individual ideas, but my favorite part was the philosophical discussion about the actual purpose of financial markets and how far we have deviated from that. You can find Dylan at Marrello Capital and on Twitter.Podcast Summary* The S&P continuing to run, and how narratives, vibes, and other short term drivers move markets. * The increasing volatility based on short term investors, leverage in the system, and the lack of fundamental investors. * Why he doesn’t prioritize macro over the individual ideas in his investing process.* How Miami International $MIAX benefits from increased trading volumes and volatility. * The hyperfinancialization of markets, and the nihilism involved with sports betting and prediction markets.* How the function of markets has deviated from the original purpose, and where that might lead in the coming years.* The incentives (or lack thereof) for new businesses to go public. * How recent moves in Playboy $PLBY show the short term thinking from investors.* Recent developments with Turning Point Brands $TPB , and why nicotine is one of the greatest businesses of all time. * How investors that don’t have experience operating a business or the ability to understand the complexities of running a business often miss the big picture when it comes to stocks.* How AI and the data center buildout interacts with the commodities cycle, and why he still likes offshore oil services. * Book Recommendation: The Fourth Turning by Neil Howe. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had both halves of Gold Goats n’ Guns on the podcast, and it was a great follow up to our one on one conversations in April. Tom Luongo and Dexter White returned to discuss the situation in the Middle East with Schrodinger’s Strait, the messaging problems that the Trump administration has here at home, and how Trump’s meeting with Xi in China could play out. This was a great conversation that bounced around several of the most important topics playing out in the world today. You can find Tom on Twitter and his podcast at Gold, Goats n’ Guns. You can also find Dexter on Twitter.Podcast Summary* The messaging problem that the Trump administration has on the domestic front. * How the redistricting push changes things for the midterms. * How recent events in the Middle East will change global trade flows, and the potential supply chain problems that could echo through the economic system. * The UAE leaving OPEC, and why Venezuela could be next. * Kevin Warsh’s role at the Fed, and how things might change in coming months.* California’s looming energy supply chain crisis, and how it could present a golden opportunity for the Trump administration. * How Europe is setting up to be a powder keg this summer, and why they are looking like the odd man out on the geopolitical chessboard.* How Schrodinger’s Strait of Hormuz has led to a polluted media environment around recent events.* Why Trump needs to string together some domestic wins over the next several months. * Why Susie Wiles needs to go.* What phase 2 of the Iran War might look like, and how that gives Trump leverage for his meeting with Xi in China. * How the discussions in China could lead to significant changes in US-China relations, and why it will take several years to rebalance things.* Russia’s role in what comes next, and how their relationship with China could present problems for the West.* Why investors should take a look at the globe and understand the bottlenecks and distances between countries.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I have Vince Lanci back on the podcast for an update on precious metals, but we also took a detour into current events, geopolitics, and the future of the US. We talked about why copper is leading metals higher, why Europe is the odd man out, and how Chaos Americana is shaking up the geopolitical chessboard. You can find Vince on Twitter and his work at GoldFix. Podcast Summary* Why silver is perking up, and why copper is leading the charge lately.* Why gold is setting up to follow silver higher.* How oil, the FIFA World Cup, and the 250th Anniversary are setting up a stagflationary environment. * Platinum also following the path of silver.* The continued bifurcation of financial markets. * Why the UAE leaving OPEC is the first domino to fall in the beginning of the end of OPEC, and what it means for the petrodollar.* Why the status quo is going to change in the next month with China.* Europe as the odd man out, the problems they need to address, and the changes that need to happen with their welfare spending.* South America’s role in the in the reshuffling of the global trade system.* Why things are going to change and deals will be renegotiated after Trump is done in 2028. * How the left captured the bureaucracy over the last couple decades.* Why the US is trending towards an authoritarian system.* How equities and bonds will react over the next several years. * Book Recommendation: Andrew Jackson by H.W. Brands.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Colonel Towner-Watkins back on the pod for Part 2 of our series on the OSS and the CIA. This week we talked about the post WWII CIA operations in China. Today’s situation with Taiwan can trace its roots back to these operations with Formosa and Chiang Kai-Shek’s conflict with Mao and mainland China. We also talked about Unit 731 and how the drug trade is always operating in the background. You can find Colonel Towner-Watkins on Twitter and Rumble.Podcast Summary* The conflict between Chairman Mao, Chiang Kai-Shek, and Japan near the end of WWII. * How the US had 100,000 troops in China in 1946. * Unit 731, how the US shielded some of the top Japanese scientists involved, and how they even brought several to the US.* The origins of the Flying Tigers, and how that led to the Civil Air Transport and eventually Air America.* How the drug trade is always operating in the background as the funding mechanism for some of these operations.* The different CIA operations that were based out of Tibet.* The various prominent figures that will eventually play a role in other operations in the future, and the connections between the CIA and the State Department. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Joaquin Flores on the podcast for the first time. Our conversation bounced all over the place, but he connected some of the dots between what is going on the Middle East and the ripple effects we could see in Europe and China in coming months. If you’re interested in the countries and topics to keep an eye on into the summer, you will enjoy this one. You can find Joaquin on Telegram, and he’s a must follow for geopolitics and current events.Podcast Summary* How maritime trade developed over the last couple centuries, and why we will see rail logistics become a larger piece of the global trade pie. * The supply chain disruptions that are baked into the cake, and how it will impact Europe and Germany in particular.* How Greenland is an important puzzle piece to watch.* Why the US is better positioned to weather the coming supply chain problems.* How most news today has an agenda.* The crypto connections with the oil trade in Iran.* China’s role in the global power competition and the competition between factions of their elites. * The accelerating bifurcation of financial markets. * Book Recommendation: The Great Reset by Klaus Schwab.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Tim Duggan of The Oil Report on the podcast for the first time. We talked about what is going on the Middle East, and how the disruptions that are now baked into the cake will lead to higher oil prices for longer. We also covered the ripple effects that we will see in Asia and Europe, and the political issues in Ireland that could be exacerbated by supply chain disruptions. It was a great conversation not just on oil but also some of the big picture topics facing the West, and what could happen this summer as we start to see some of the consequences of closing the Strait of Hormuz. You can find Tim on Twitter and his Substack below.Podcast Summary* The level of disruption in the oil market, and why that will lead to higher prices for longer.* The timeline for things to get back to normal as far as trade flows (roughly 100 days), and why too many things have been damaged to just go back to the previous status quo.* The ripple effects we will see in Asia and Europe from energy supply disruptions. * How the disruptions create opportunities in fertilizers and certain agricultural commodities. * The UAE leaving OPEC.* Flight cancellations and why we are probably going to see COVID level disruptions in the next three months. * How Ireland has been impacted, how the government has reacted, and the unrest that has come from various government policies.* Europe dealing with several self-inflicted problems, and the disconnect between what the average citizen wants and the policy of the bureaucrats. * How you can see one aspect of the great power competition between the US and China in the oil market, and his view on the future of the petrodollar. * Book Recommendations: Unsung Hero by Michael Smith and Gods of Money by William Engdahl. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Colonel Towner Watkins back on the podcast for the first part of our series on the OSS and the CIA. This episode should lay the foundation for the rest of the series where we get into more detail on the specific operations and other historical details. We covered the international syndicate and the involvement of secret societies and royal families, the different covert funding mechanisms, and the different fronts of the influence operations. We’re planning to do one episode a week, but I’m excited to see where this goes as we get deeper into what has happened in the post-WWII era. You can find Colonel Towner-Watkins on Twitter and Rumble. Podcast Summary* The beginnings of the international syndicate and the different power players on the international scene before WWII. * How economic, political, paramilitary, and cultural warfare are the four fronts of operations.* The plan to take out hereditary monarchies in pursuit of a one world government. * How opium was the covert funding mechanism for these different covert operations, and how that was a part of the Boxer Rebellion in China. * How the Boer Wars in South Africa created the idea for stay behind units.* The secret societies like the Fabian Society and the Pilgrims Society, and how they were involved in the different globalist agendas.* The involvement of powerful industrial titans, politicians, and royal families in these secret societies. Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday I had Peter R. Quiñones back on the podcast, and we got into a bunch of different topics regarding the future of the US. We covered immigration, the NGO complex, the GOP Samson option and the midterms, and the trend towards authoritarianism. If you’re frustrated about the state of the US and some of the recent events, this one’s for you. You can find Pete on Twitter, and his Substack is below. Podcast Summary* Why the managerial state needs to be destroyed and why Trump needs to put some wins on the board for the midterms. * Immigration problems and what happens when you bring in special interest groups. * Why we are trending towards authoritarianism and why Singapore is an example of a functional multicultural society. * How political correctness is dying, and how important topics are shifting cultural conversations.* The GOP Samson option, and why it’s a dead party walking.* The NGO complex, the SPLC, and other organizations that work against the American people.* Why mainstream media networks are increasingly irrelevant.* The similarities between events in the US today and events in the Soviet Union and the Weimar Republic. * Book Recommendation: Reflections on Violence by Georges Sorel.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe

Yesterday morning I had retired Brigadier General Blaine Holt on the podcast for the first time. I’m still getting used to Zoom, so this one was audio only. We talked about the competition for routes and resources among the elite factions, the incoming supply chain problems, and why the Trump administration needs some big wins in the next couple months. You can find Blaine at Dangerous Intellectuals, as well as on Substack and Twitter, and his article yesterday for Newsmax is definitely worth a read. Podcast Summary* How the supply chain disruptions in the Middle East will impact Africa, Europe, and the US. * The potential ripple effects for the US coming from California oil and gas supply chains.* Why we are seeing a fifth generation war play out, and the battlefields in the information space, supply chains, and financial and economic warfare.* Why the Trump administration is in the 9th inning as far as the legal and judicial situation in the US.* How the political establishment on both sides is trying to block Trump at every turn.* The potential for military involvement and tribunals.* The King of England’s recent visit to the US and what it signals.* Why Europe is in deep trouble and the future of NATO and the EU.* Why everyone should prepare for potential disruptions in the food supply chain, even here in the US.* Book Recommendation: Escape From Freedom by Erich Fromm.Kontrarian Korner is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kontrariankorner.com/subscribe