PBD chats with Ron Paul, a former U.S. Representative and libertarian advocate. Paul presents the pressing issues of government overreach and economic collapse. He critiques the Federal Reserve's policies and discusses America’s future amidst chaos. The conversation touches on the philosophical clash between interventionism and individual liberty, emphasizing the need for reforms. Paul also shares insights on historical influences, the importance of fiscal responsibility, and the evolving engagement of younger generations with principles of freedom.

We haven’t listened to good ‘ole Doctor Paul in some time. He didn’t disappoint, nor has he changed.

Libertarian Philosophy and Non-Interventionism as a Core Principle:

In this discussion Paul emphasizes libertarianism and non-interventionism as the cornerstone of a free society. He argues that all human interactions—social, economic, or international—should be voluntary, with both parties agreeing without coercion. Paul critiques the obscene interventionism of both Republicans and Democrats over the years, whom he sees as beholden to the administrative state since JFK’s murder. They are guilty of perpetuating government overreach through policies like undeclared wars, monetary manipulation, and social programs. He specifically targets the Federal Reserve, calling it an immoral institution that devalues currency, effectively taxing the middle class and poor through inflation. Paul’s disdain for intervention extends to international dealings, such as Trump’s expansionist ideas about acquiring Greenland or controlling the Panama Canal, which he views as anti-libertarian uses of force. For Paul, true liberty means minimizing government to its most essential functions, like national defense, while rejecting the use of force to dictate how people live or spend their money.

Moral and Financial Bankruptcy as the Root of America’s Crisis:

A recurring issue in Paul’s view is the intertwined moral and financial bankruptcy of the U.S. He asserts that the nation’s $36 trillion debt and the Federal Reserve’s ability to print money to sustain it reflect a deeper moral failing—a willingness to use force and fraud to maintain power. Paul highlights the government’s hypocrisy: while individuals face consequences for lying, cheating, or stealing, the government engages in these acts through monetary policy and unconstitutional wars without accountability. He warns that this system, built on malinvestment and debt, creates economic bubbles that must eventually burst, potentially leading to chaos or even civil war. Paul contrasts this with historical examples like the 1921 economic crisis, where minimal government intervention allowed a swift recovery, unlike the prolonged Great Depression exacerbated by FDR’s programs.

Skepticism of Government Reform and the Inevitability of Collapse:

Paul expresses deep skepticism about the ability to shrink government through incremental reforms, such as Trump and Musk’s DOGE initiative (which he does support). While he appreciates their efforts to highlight government waste—particularly Musk’s exposure of USAID’s misuse of funds—he doubts the budget deficit will decrease in 2025 or 2026 due to widespread dependency on government programs. He argues that the damage is already done, with decades of bad philosophy, monetary abuse, and empire-building leading to an inevitable liquidation of debt. Paul rejects gradualism, noting that even small cuts endorse the principle of intervention, allowing the system to regrow. He predicts that external crises, like an epidemic or fabricated threats, will be used to justify more spending, perpetuating the cycle of dependency and debt. For Paul, meaningful change requires a philosophical shift, not just policy tweaks, and he believes the current system will collapse under its own weight before reform can take hold.

Education and Cultural Resistance as Barriers to Liberty:

Paul identifies the education system, particularly universities, as a significant barrier to constitutional adherance. He slams the influence of progressive and socialist ideologies in academia, which he sees as brainwashing generations against the principles of liberty (a word he uses throughout the discussion). He contrasts this with the self-education of the Founding Fathers, who were well-versed in Greek and Roman history and natural law, untainted by modern government schools. Paul notes that universities perpetuate ideas like cultural Marxism, which he believes fuels chaos and undermines natural law principles such as prohibitions against lying, cheating, and stealing. However, he finds hope in alternative education movements, like homeschooling, which grew during the COVID-19 pandemic as parents rejected government overreach in schools. Paul sees young people as more open to libertarian ideas, citing their enthusiasm on college campuses during his campaigns.

Optimism Through Ideas and the Power of Liberty:

Despite his grim outlook on immediate reform, Paul remains optimistic about the long-term prospects for liberty, rooted in his belief that “an idea whose time has come cannot be stopped by armies”. He views his role as an educator, changing minds one at a time, and finds encouragement in the growing awareness of libertarian principles, particularly among the young (0:47:20–0:47:26). Paul points to the resurgence of Austrian economics and institutions like the Mises Institute as evidence of progress. He also highlights the public’s increasing distrust of government narratives, such as the official account of the JFK assassination, noting that 80% of Americans no longer believe the lone gunman theory—a sign of healthy skepticism. His optimism is tempered by realism; he acknowledges the resistance from those dependent on government and the cultural Marxists seeking chaos, but he believes liberty can prevail if enough people embrace its philosophy.

The JFK Assassination and Government Conspiracy:

Paul firmly rejects the official narrative that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, asserting that the 1960s marked a “coup” by the FBI, CIA, and other entities. He cites the assassinations of JFK, Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and other civil rights leaders as evidence of a broader conspiracy. While he doesn’t delve into the newly released documents in detail, Paul suggests they reinforce his view, aligning with public sentiment that the government’s account is untrustworthy. He speculates that Kennedy’s desire to end the Federal Reserve and shift away from war policies may have contributed to his death, though he acknowledges differing theories. We had no doubt that Dr. Paul wouldn’t believe the lone gunman theory; he didn’t disappoint.

Conclusion:

Paul’s unwavering commitment to non-interventionism, his critique of moral and financial bankruptcy, and his skepticism of government reform paint a sobering picture of a nation on the brink of collapse. So, while Paul can sound like a mad-man doomsday prophet, he makes you think, he makes you believe…if only we could government out of the way and go back to what the founders wanted.

Ron Paul espouses the libertarian philosophy as well as anyone…as long as you get over his quirks and squeaky (sorry Dr. Paul) voice. Like we said, it had been a while since we heard Paul, he hasn’t changed…maybe we (and the government) all need to get back to first principles because we are sure aren’t there now.

THE PODSCORE: 3 (out of 5).

PBD chats with Gary Brecka, an expert in predicting life expectancy, shares his transformative insights on health optimization, having helped individuals like UFC's Dana White. He discusses the significant impact of nutrient deficiencies on health and critiques common pharmaceutical approaches to cholesterol. Brecka emphasizes the importance of diet, sleep, and social connections for mental well-being. He introduces hydrogen therapy as a promising anti-aging solution and reflects on ethical concerns in the health industry, urging listeners to prioritize genuine health over corporate greed.

Life Insurance Background:

Brecka's journey began in the life insurance sector, where his role involved assessing life expectancies, a process that revealed to him the significant impact of modifiable risk factors on health outcomes. He gave some great examples of how actuarials are able to estimate life expectancy in a fluid manner that takes into account consequences from medication or operations that accelerate other diseases or death. He claims many lab readings are simply correlated incorrectly like LDL and death, when in fact LDL it can predict longevity. This insight, led him to focus on health and wellness, particularly the role of nutrient deficiencies in chronic diseases. He talks about this transition and his rise to prominence after working with UFC President Dana White.

Flaws in the Healthcare System:

Brecka argues often misdiagnoses conditions due to a lack of understanding of nutrient deficiencies. He explains that many patients are overmedicated to treat secondary conditions and not the root nutrient deficiencies, leading to further health complications. He cites examples where vitamin D3 deficiency is mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in unnecessary corticosteroid treatments that can accelerate joint erosion. This is supported by his reference to a 2016 Harvard study, which identified medical error as the third leading cause of death in America, underscoring the systemic issues at play.

The discussion also touches on the potential of artificial intelligence and big data to circumvent these problems. Brecka suggests that large data sets can determine the best outcomes for treatments, moving away from randomized clinical trials conducted by pharmaceutical companies. This technological advancement is seen as a imminent change for more accurate and personalized healthcare in the next 5-10 years or so.

“The Third Leading Cause of Death in America is Medical Error!”

Practical Strategies for Health Improvement:

Brecka provides actionable advice , focusing on practical strategies to optimize health. Sleep hygiene is highlighted as a critical factor, with Brecka noting that poor sleep can lead to brain toxicity due to the lack of waste elimination during deep sleep. He recommends a consistent bedtime, contrast showers to reduce stress hormones (catacolamines), and magnesium supplementation to quiet the mind, particularly for those who ruminate at night.

Dietary recommendations include maintaining a low-glycemic profile to support cognitive function, with Brecka linking high sugar intake to Alzheimer's, referred to as Type 3 diabetes. He also advocates adamantly for hydrogen water, detailing its anti-inflammatory properties and citing studies, such as one from the Journal of Experimental Gerontology published in November 2021, which showed benefits like telomere lengthening in older adults. This is supported by his personal endorsement, including its use by athletes like Jon Jones, and practical advice on affordability, suggesting tablets available at retailers like GNC for less than a dollar a day. They also talk the value of sun light, feet to earth, proper testosterone levels and a bit more.

The Role of Community and Social Interaction:

Another significant theme is the importance of community and social interaction for health and longevity. Brecka references blue zones, areas with high concentrations of centenarians, where strong community ties and a sense of purpose contribute to longer life expectancies. He contrasts this with the isolating effects of modern technology and social distancing measures, particularly during the pandemic, which he argues have increased mortality rates related to loneliness. This is illustrated by his discussion of "broken heart syndrome," where the loss of a spouse can dramatically reduce life expectancy, and his personal anecdote about his father's longevity linked to family community.

Policy and Movement for Change:

They also addresses broader systemic changes, with Brecka mentioning the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. Brecka notes concerns about subsidized genetically modified crops sprayed with chemicals like glyphosate, which he argues contribute to chronic diseases. He expresses support for MAHA's efforts to prioritize health, liberty, and environmental integrity, as seen in its mission to address root causes like poor diets and environmental toxins. He discussed the issues with folic acid (enriched or fortified is code for this) and how it should be eliminate from the diet as a part of MAHA.

In Conclusion:

This was a good discussion overall, Brecka advocated strongly for hydrogen water to reduce inflammation, but just so you know, he also sells hydrogen tablets. He spent a lot of time on this topic and admits to having his own brand, but we just wanted to reinforce this, so you know. In summary, Brecka makes a seemingly credible case for nutrients and supplementation. Do you own research.

The PODSCORE: 4 (out of 5) MICS

In a tabloidish-type talk with Patrick Bet-David, Lindy Li, former Mid-Atlantic Regional Chair of the DNC turned conservative commentator, spills the beans on the inner workings of the Democratic Party. She shares her candid observations on Biden's cognitive decline, Kamala Harris's impulsive decisions, and the hidden influencers steering political narratives. Li discusses her transition from liberal to conservative, the shocking truths about campaign financing, and exposes alleged corruption in Philadelphia politics. Lindy dishes the dirt.

“Jill Biden was, essentially, the President for the past four years!”

Disillusionment with the Democratic Party

Lindy Li’s departure from the Democratic Party stems from a profound disillusionment with its direction and values. She describes the party’s leftward shift over recent years, embracing progressive ideologies like woke culture and DEI which she finds disconnected from the historic values of workers-rights and the social safety net that she initially supported. Personal experiences amplified her shift: being mugged in Philadelphia—a city governed by progressive policies—made her question their efficacy. Additionally, she told a story about being prescribed birth-control for various reasons, other than suppressing pregnancy, as a factor in her switch(this part got a bit lost on us). She also claims to be extremely uncomfortable with the economic policies of the far left (Bernie Sanders and socialism) which are broadly believed in within the party. Li asserts that these cumulative experiences, rather than a single incident, eroded her faith in the party, leading her to believe conservatives were right about many issues all along.

Power Dynamics and Leadership

Li exposes the concentrated power within the Democratic Party, naming Steve Ricchetti, Mike Donilon, and Anita Dunn as the trio who effectively ran the Biden administration behind the scenes, with Joe Biden as a mere figurehead. She says that there is no question Biden was impaired during long periods of his presidency. She highlights Jill Biden and Hunter Biden’s significant influence, particularly in keeping Joe in the 2024 race—Jill for power and Hunter for his legal protection. This revelation paints a picture of a party driven by loyalists and nepotism rather than by merit, where decisions were shaped by personal agendas. Li’s insights suggest a leadership structure more focused on maintaining control than addressing national needs, contributing to her exit as well.

Interactions with Political Figures

We found this to be the most interesting part of an interview devoid of any real policy insights. That intrigue was rooted in her alleged inside information on the personalities at the top of the Democratic party when the cameras were off. The interview really does reveal Li’s varied inside experiences with prominent Democrats. First off, she speaks warmly of Joe Biden’s personal kindness, recalling his compassion toward her and her family, yet critiques his catastrophic decision to stay in the race amid cognitive decline. In contrast, she describes Doug Emhoff as nice but tainted by ignored allegations of misconduct, and Pete Buttigieg and his team as rude and self-important, leaving her deeply offended. Kamala Harris earns mixed reviews—sweet personally but unqualified for leadership. She had NOTHING positive to say about Hillary Clinton. Admittedly, she doesn’t know the Clintons as well as the Biden and Harris people, but from what she has observed and seen, Hillary is every bit the "“robot” people perceive her to be. She talked about Hillary’s well-known quest for power and how the loss in 2016 effectively ended her career. These interactions underscore a disconnect between public personas and private realities, partially fueling Li’s disenchantment.

Fundraising and Financial Mismanagement

As a volunteer fundraiser who raised millions without compensation (which she told us several times), Li questions the Democratic Party’s handling of $2.5 billion in 2024 campaign funds. She points to lavish spending on celebrities like Beyoncé and Oprah, who were reimbursed for appearances, contrasting this with her unpaid efforts. Li also alludes to corrupt practices like Philadelphia’s “street money,” where ward leaders received cash with little accountability. This financial recklessness and lack of transparency, exemplified by DNC Chair Jaime Harrison’s (who she really doesn’t like) refusal to address her queries, deepened her frustration with the party’s priorities.

The 2020 Election and Information Suppression

Li offers a nuanced take on the 2020 election, denying outright cheating but arguing it was “rigged” through information suppression. She (and now many others) cites the media and intelligence community’s burial of Hunter Biden’s laptop story—later proven authentic—as a type of cheating in that she believes that had that come out before the election in a truthful way, Biden would have never won the election. This manipulation, coupled with Biden’s low-profile “basement campaign,” reinforced her belief that the party prioritized winning over integrity, further alienating her.

Reactions to Major Events

Li recounts the Democratic donors’ despair following the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The stark contrast—Trump’s resilience versus Biden’s frailty with COVID—led donors to concede the election was lost, with remarks like “Trump Just Won” echoing through her network. This pivotal moment underscored Biden’s weakness and Trump’s strength, solidifying her view of the party’s inability to adapt or compete effectively.

Let’s be clear, this chat resembled more of tabloid magazine cover story than any sort of pseudo-intellectual or political discussion, but there was some entertainment to be had. We just don’t know how long Lindy can keep the gravy train going, or that the GOP will ever embrace her the way the left did. None-the-less, assuming the majority of what she says is true, kuddos to her for stepping forward. For us, though, not a lot new or stimulating ground covered here.

THE PODSCORE: 2.5 (out of) 5 MICS

PBD interviews Dr. Steven Greer, a leading figure in the UFO disclosure movement, reveals shocking insights about classified projects and technologies. He discusses whistleblowing challenges and the deep connections between government secrecy and UFO phenomena. The conversation dives into advanced technologies, including anti-gravity innovations and the implications of underwater UFOs. Greer also questions the true power dynamics within the U.S. government, suggesting a 'deep state' influence that clouds accountability. This compelling dialogue prompts a reevaluation of our understanding of UFOs and energy technologies.

"I believe that this is what got JFK killed!"

The Good:  Greer, who has been this UFO game for decades, joins PBD for the third time and its timely given the new administration's seeming interest in revealing certain secrets (JFK, RFK, MLK). Additionally, the recent drones, Rep Burchett clamoring about UAPs, and the ongoing drumbeat of UAPs broadly, all make Greer's visit further timely.

Greer repeatedly claims that the US government and other international entities have technology that is much more advanced than we know (including anti-gravity). He also claims there plenty of alien craft and various "Black sites". All of this started in 1945 and was what Eisenhower was really talking about when he mentioned "Beware the Military Industrial Complex". He claims that JFK was killed because he was trying to get to the bottom of this clandestine work and Greer believes that maybe RFK was too. Further, he warns so many people in government are not briefed that this puts us in a dangerous situation.

Greer claims a group of whistleblowers are planning to come forward in the next year or so. Yet, if these revelations aren't handled right, we will spiral into some dystopian nightmare. He talks about some of the technologies that will be released as a part of this disclosure related to energy and propulsion that are mind-blowing. This technology will be disruptive to various industries, including oil. So, there will be powerful forces aligned to stopping the release of this information. All intriguing…BUT…(read below)

The Bad: It's so hard to believe much of what Greer says. You can tell he's organized, has anecdotes going back to the '90s, and is well - spoken, but...come on. You have all this information, were offered to get bought off for 2 BILLION dollars, unknown threats have been made against you and on and on, and yet you persevere. It seems so unlikely that you would be alive if all you say is true and brazenly disclosing it publicly. Our biggest issue with PBD is that he didn't push back...much at all. That lowers the grade, but we give Greer credit for coming with a “story” that kept us listening and wondering…”what if”

THE POD SCORE:  3  Mics (of 5)

PBD interviews Ian Bremmer, a renowned geopolitical scientist and founder of Eurasia Group, dives deep into pressing global issues. He discusses the influence of figures like Trump and Musk on democracy and the World Economic Forum's role in shaping global agendas. Bremmer also shares insights on the top anticipated risks for 2025, including geopolitical tensions and economic instability linked to U.S.-China relations. The talk delves into the complexities of globalization, political accountability, and the shifting dynamics of public perception toward global leaders.

"I'm a little sad that the we have not lived up to the promise of 1989 in 2025."

The Good:  Bremmer understands where countries on the map are.  We are obviously being sarcastic, but no he really does!  Early on he did some accurate assessments of certain issues like abortion, identity politics, mainstream media bias and special political interest influence. However, you didn't need his International political consulting firm to figure that out.

The Bad:  About 21 minutes in to the podcast you realize that Bremmer is either a liar or out of touch when he says that the Europeans have settled the immigration / illegal immiegration questions.  Has he seen non of the protests in Britain or Germany or Italy or elsewhere.  The guy goes on to spend the next two hours telling us about how great America used to be when they were fighting the Soviets and how bad things are now because were are actually parlaying that victory into paying attention to our own people (finally) after wasting the first three decades of the post cold-war era.  Theen about 15 minutes leader the myopic and archaic Brenner goes on to say that social media is not a solution for media bias.  Now, we'll assume podcasts, hosts and influencers are categorized under social media...THAT IS NEWS.  The guy had completely misread the facts and the temperature of this country by 35 minutes in.    From there he then made the resolute point that 2024 was really just about incumbents around the world losing as a trend, but not their policies.  The conversation then devolved into Bremmer's typical enthusiasm for globalism, with some nuance to try and separate himself from what the Globalists have done. To be clear, PBD did a decent job.

THE POD SCORE:  2.5  Mics (of 5)