The Fragile Mirage of Economic Recovery

The U.S. economy is sending more mixed signals than a Gen Z relationship status. One minute, the S&P 500 is flirting with all-time highs, the next, the housing market's giving you whiplash with record prices and signs of a downturn. Is it a buyer’s market? Depends who you ask—and what city you’re in. Meanwhile, if you’ve been financing burritos with Buy Now, Pay Later, congratulations: it's now officially affecting your credit score. That’s right—your lunchtime debt just got real. ➡️ This episode is the financial equivalent of trying to read the tea leaves during a hurricane. The stock market’s partying like it’s 1999, Bitcoin is soaring on dollar weakness, and the Fed is quietly pretending they don’t see any of it. Plus, Jeff Bezos has a foam party on a yacht, and somehow that ties into prenups, choice-of-law clauses, and Chris being petty about FaceTime etiquette. Yeah, we went there.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Stunning turnaround: The stock market is on the precipice of an all-time record (CNN)The US Treasury posted a $316 billion budget deficit in May (The Kobeissi Letter via X)U.S. Home Prices Hit Record High (The Real Deal via Instagram)The housing downturn is broadening (Nick Gerli via X)Bitcoin Price Rises. These 2 Things Are Driving Crypto Higher (Barron’s)Nearly Two Million Student-Loan Borrowers Are at Risk of Docked Pay This Summer (The Wall Street Journal)Inside the Complex and Petty Prenups of the Superwealthy (The Wall Street Journal)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

What does it take to walk away from a stable career in engineering and build a boutique wealth advisory firm that manages hundreds of millions? In this episode, Chris and Saied sit down with Parsa Vahid, founder of Strand Life, to unpack that exact journey — from cold calls and 100% commission work to becoming the trusted financial strategist for high-net-worth families. Parsa shares how he navigated the pressure of legacy expectations, ditched a career that didn’t fit, and leaned into building a firm that handles everything from investments and tax planning to estate structures designed to protect families from, well… their own kids.➡️ This one goes deep into the real mechanics of building wealth — not just for yourself, but for generations. You’ll hear candid takes on how most advisors fall short, what red flags to watch out for, and why financial literacy gaps don’t magically disappear when you hit seven figures. Whether you're trying to decide when to hire an advisor, how to leave your safe job, or what happens when you leave a windfall to someone wildly unprepared, this episode will make you think — and maybe even rethink your whole plan.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Parsa Vahid's Links:Business WebsiteBusiness InstagramPersonal Instagram⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

The Fed held rates steady — again — and while that might not sound sexy, it triggered a deep dive into the uncomfortable parallels between today’s economy and some of history’s most turbulent wartime recessions. Chris and Saied unpack Powell’s post-FOMC “dot plot shuffle,” exposing how forward guidance has become a PR game instead of a reliable economic compass. Spoiler: if you think shelter inflation is cooling fast, you’re probably still using a 3G data plan.➡️ From Operation Iraqi Freedom to drone-led wars of tomorrow, the guys explore how conflict has become a recession trap — and not the kind that you wan to get stuck in. With unemployment lagging recession signals and AI creeping into defense strategy, the conversation gets heavy, insightful, and just the right amount of unhinged. Plus, if the U.S. government needs a Microsoft BI subscription to speed up their shelter data, Chris offers to cover it himself. That’s service.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Fed Holds Rates Steady and Keeps Door Open to Cuts (Wall Street Journal)Fed Chair Jerome Powell said that the central bank is beginning to see the price impacts of tariffs (CNBC via Instagram)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In this episode of The Higher Standard, we’re joined by viral sensation turned courtroom assassin, Farshad Dehbozorgi, Esq. — or as we like to call him, “The Club-to-Courtroom Closer.” We dig into his unlikely journey from viral TikToks and bottle service to bar prep and building a boutique law firm. If you’ve ever wondered how roasting your wife online could land you a law license, this one’s for you.➡️ Chris, Saied, Rajeil and Farshad get real about the grind of content creation, the misconceptions around being a creator, and how law, social media, and outrageous honesty can collide in one man’s career. From being mistaken for a nightclub promoter to now negotiating with insurance companies and personal injury clients, Farshad proves that you really can go from “likes” to litigation — if you’re bold (and delusional) enough.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Farshad Dehbozorgi's Links:Personal InstagramBusiness InstagramTikTokLinkedInE5QUIRE Law Website⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Jerome met Trump, Trump yelled "Cut Rates," and Powell clutched his “Data Dependent” sign like a life raft. In this episode, Chris, Saied and Rajeil dissect the political theater behind a rare Oval Office showdown between the Fed Chair and the former President. Spoiler: Jamie Dimon’s lurking in the background muttering “I told you so,” and Uncle Elon’s possibly staging a PR divorce from Trump just to win back California Tesla buyers. The guys break it all down — from media optics to real economic implications — with sarcasm, stats, and side-eyes.➡️ Plus, the housing market's got more cracks than your uncle’s drywall job. A record-breaking gap between sellers and buyers has the guys asking if affordability is even real anymore, or just something we say to feel better. Sprinkle in some hard truths about wage stagnation, a cameo from Saied’s son Adam (who steals the show), and a breakdown of why “the American dream” now requires a \$300K salary and a therapist. This one hits hard — and hits funny.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Trump meets with Powell, tells him it's a 'mistake' not to lower rates (Yahoo! Finance)‘It Is Going to Happen’: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Warns of Crack in the Bond Market (Barron's)Home Sellers Now Outnumber Buyers in Record Numbers. Here's What It Means for Home Prices (Entrepreneur)This is why Jamie Dimon is always so gloomy on the economy (CNBC)Inflation rate slipped to 2.1% in April, lower than expected, Fed’s preferred gauge shows (CNBC)The No. 1 skill to teach your kid ‘as early as possible,’ says psychology expert—they’ll be successful at ‘pretty much everything’ (CNBC Make It)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris welcomes longtime friend and digital strategist Jeff Fargo into the freshly minted Black Crown Studios—and it’s not just a tour, it’s a masterclass in podcasting authenticity. The two chop it up over everything from DIY sound treatment and the obsessive details of studio design to how podcasting unexpectedly hijacked both their lives. But don’t let the good vibes fool you. Jeff comes with receipts—calling out fake engagement, bought followers, and the darker side of podcasting’s growth hacks. If you’ve ever wondered how to spot a real digital presence from a rented Lambo flex, this one’s for you.➡️ But this isn’t just a roast session—it’s a revealing look into the heart of real content creators. Chris and Jeff break down everything from fatherhood and financial freedom to algorithm secrets and viral hits, like Jeff’s 8.3 million–view clip on Vegas strip clubs. You'll hear Jeff drop gems on how to use Social Blade, why brand trust is everything, and why he believes podcast growth is like compound interest. Add in Saied’s silent sniper contributions and a whole lot of witty one-liners, and you’ve got yourself a high-value hangout with two guys who give a damn—and aren’t afraid to say it.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Jeff Fargo's Links:Jeff's InstagramFargo Talks InstagramJeff's TikTokJeff's LinkedInJeff's FacebookFargo Talks X (formerly Twitter)Fargo Talks WebsiteFargo Talks on SpotifyFargo Talks on Apple PodcastsFargo Talks YouTube Channel⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

In this high-octane episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied officially welcome Rajeil to the show—and initiate him with a healthy dose of sarcasm and button-pushing. They hop right in to Moody’s U.S. credit downgrade. What does it mean when Uncle Sam takes a hit to his credit score? It’s not just a bad look—it signals rising debt, inflation, and interest payments spiraling out of control. With 30-year mortgage rates back above 7%, the crew dives into why your rate acts more like a moody teenager than a constant, and how the 10-year Treasury is the true puppet master behind housing affordability.➡️ But wait—there’s more. Chris explains why your home isn’t an investment, it's a utility (no, you can’t charge rent to your shower), and why “marry the house, date the rate” is advice best left in 2019. The guys talk taxes and why today’s housing market may be the most unaffordable in U.S. history—yes, even worse than 2006. Whether you’re scraping by on Top Ramen or flexing your broker’s license, this episode delivers a reality check wrapped in a warm tortilla of wit and wisdom.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Moody's downgraded US credit rating: What does that mean? (Fox Business)Mortgage rates climb back above 7% after Moody's U.S. debt downgrade (CBS News)The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate today: 7.08% (Lance Lambert via X)The housing market has never been this unaffordable in U.S. history. (Nick Gerli via X)Consumer Sentiment Hits Second Lowest Level On Record (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)U.S. Tariff Revenue Soars To Record High In April (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)Inflation Was Stubborn Ahead Of Tariffs (Investopedia via Instagram)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

What happens when you bring Pejman Ghadimi, the man who turned hacking exotic cars into a six-figure side hustle for thousands, onto The Higher Standard? You get a masterclass in how society has sold us a broken narrative about wealth, success, and “playing it safe.” With Saied riding shotgun at the production desk, Chris pulls back the curtain on Pejman’s wildly polarizing—but undeniably effective—philosophy that challenges everything you thought you knew about finance, personal growth, and chasing your dreams without going broke. From flipping Ferraris for profit to dismantling the myth of the American Dream, nothing was off-limits in this unfiltered conversation.➡️ Pejman takes us on a journey through his evolution—from broke immigrant to corporate banker, and ultimately to building his own empire teaching everyday people how to turn luxury assets like watches and cars into investment vehicles. Along the way, the guys dive deep into why most people are addicted to being told what to do, why external validation is a prison, and why true freedom comes from taking uncomfortable, messy action. This is the episode that will either make you curious enough to level up—or angry enough to stay exactly where you are. Either way, you’ve been warned.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Pejman Ghadimi's Links:Pejman's InstagramPejman's WebsitePejman's BooksExotic Car HacksExotic Car Hacks InstagramExotic Car Hacks YouTubeWatch Trading AcademyWatch Trading Academy InstagramWatch Trading Academy YouTube⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

You’ve heard the headlines, but we’re here to break down what they really mean for your wallet. In this episode, Warren Buffett officially announces his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Jerome Powell leaves rates untouched (again), and America’s GDP takes a nose dive into negative territory. Meanwhile, the media spins, Wall Street panics, and your buddy on Instagram who just discovered ETFs is suddenly an "economic expert." Don’t worry, we’ve got the real story—served fresh, with a side of wit and sarcasm.➡️ But that’s not all. We’re diving into the housing market that still refuses to correct, student loan garnishments that are coming for your paycheck, and why UPS is laying off 20,000 people after parting ways with Amazon. Oh, and AI is officially eating white-collar jobs for breakfast—so there’s that. Grab your favorite overpriced latte, sit back, and let Chris and Saied help you navigate the chaos with facts, jokes, and just enough cynicism to keep it fun. Welcome to The Higher Standard.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:Q1 GDP Goes Negative On Imports Surge (Yahoo! Finance via Instagram)Existing homes sales are at multi-decade low (Nick Gerli via X)Trump administration restarts student loan collections for millions in default after years-long pause (CNBC)UPS to Cut 20,000 Jobs After Amazon Breakup (Wall Street Journal)Warren Buffett is not retiring for good as Berkshire board votes to keep him as chairman (CNBC)⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

Welcome to a milestone episode of The Higher Standard — our final recording in the studio that saw it all: hot takes, financial rants, emotional confessions, and at least one broken mic stand. In this sendoff, Chris and Saied wax poetic (and sarcastic) about the evolution of the show, what it took to build the brand from a neon-lit cave to a next-gen recording fortress, and why growth — both personal and professional — sometimes requires saying goodbye to comfort. If these walls could talk, they’d probably file for workers’ comp.➡️ But this isn’t just a trip down memory lane. We tackle the uncomfortable realities of volatility in today’s markets, the rise of AI’s takeover of traditional labor, and how to stay grounded when the ground keeps shifting. It’s a mix of tough love, real talk, and a little nostalgia — delivered in our signature style: punchy, unfiltered, and mildly inappropriate. Buckle up. The future is now, and it’s got better lighting.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 👕 THS MERCH: http://www.thspod.com🔗 Resources:We aren't crying, you're crying...⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.