Episodes

  • This Is Why Empires Fall: Tom Bilyeu Breaks Down Realpolitik, Why History Will Repeat & the Brutal Truth About War | Deep Dive

    This Is Why Empires Fall: Tom Bilyeu Breaks Down Realpolitik, Why History Will Repeat & the Brutal Truth About War | Deep Dive
    Jun 30 2025
    In today’s episode, Tom pulls back the curtain on the hard truths that shape our world, diving into the bloody history and cold calculations that drive geopolitics. Using the concept of “realpolitik” as his lens, Tom explores why nations act not according to ideals, but ruthless self-interest, and how this approach accurately predicts the cycles of conflict, power struggles, and shifting borders that have marked human history. From Genghis Khan to today’s nuclear standoffs, Tom examines why humanity’s dual capacity for both devastating violence and breathtaking kindness continues to shape the fate of nations. You’ll learn the nine core tenets of realpolitik, see how power and survival instincts play out on the global stage, and discover why understanding the unvarnished reality of how nations operate is essential—not just for world leaders, but for anyone who wants to protect and thrive in today’s chaotic world. But this isn’t just a journey through the darkness of history and politics. Tom also shows how culture, empathy, and pragmatism temper our most savage impulses, offering hope even amidst turmoil. By the end, you’ll have a clear-eyed framework for understanding global events, decoding market movements, and safeguarding your freedom in uncertain times. Get ready to challenge your assumptions and build a worldview that actually works. This episode will change the way you see the world—and your role in it. 00:00 Intro 05:09 Understanding Realpolitik: Power Over Ideals 08:20 Realism: Survival in Global Anarchy 12:10 Realpolitik and Brutal History 15:54 Realpolitik and Historical Ruthlessness 18:45 "Truth Over Idealism" 22:57 "Group Bias from Random Assignment" 25:16 Dual Nature of Humanity 29:57 "Human Nature and Realpolitik" 30:44 "Burnham's Elite-Mass Division Insight" 34:35 NATO Expansion Provokes Russian Response 38:58 US-Iran Relations: Realist Perspective 40:02 U.S.-Iran Conflict: Power Over Ideology 45:47 Power, Freedom, and Realpolitik 46:46 "Predicting Politics Beyond Morality" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • Tai Lopez on Why Hustling Isn’t Enough for Real Success (Fan Fav)

    Tai Lopez on Why Hustling Isn’t Enough for Real Success (Fan Fav)
    Jun 28 2025
    Tai Lopez is living proof that the rich and famous entrepreneurial lifestyle is possible for the Millennial generation. Over the course of his career, he’s founded, invested in, advised, or mentored more than 20 multi-million dollar companies, and his book club and podcast reaches 1.4 million people across 40 countries. But don’t be blinded by the glitz and glam of his current lifestyle. In the beginning, Tai was a college dropout living on his mother’s couch. With only $47 in his bank account, and an insatiable desire to learn, he sought out mentorship to take him to the next level. Continually optimizing his life for adventure, he sheared sheep in New Zealand, lived with the Amish, worked in a leper colony in India, and helped pioneer grass-fed sustainable agriculture. Meet the new media mogul, social media pioneer and serial entrepreneur in this insightful episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 11-21-17 SHOW NOTES Tai walks through why he chose to live with the Amish and how he optimizes his life for adventure. [3:23] Tai explains the notion of the four pillars of happiness and his definition of the good life. [7:33] Tai talks about postponing pleasure for the future.[10:11] Tom and Tai go deep into the four layers of conscientiousness. [12:39] Tai offers practical steps on how to find your true north. [18:04] Tai gives advice on dealing with haters and how you can learn from anybody. [22:23] Tom and Tai discuss how pain builds discipline and how trauma helps you learn. [29:51] Tai reveals the symptoms of narcissism.[35:00] Tom and Tai discuss the importance of learning. [40:02] Tai emphasizes the power of in-person networking and attending conferences. [45:33] Tai spells out how dopamine drives us and the problem of being too ambitious.[48:27] Tai defines the impact that he wants to have on the world. [52:52] BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Amish Society -http://amzn.to/2zUTDIo [4:01 The Happiness Hypothesis -http://amzn.to/2zWP8Nb[9:18] The Selfish Gene -http://amzn.to/2B8m3fO[28:13] Total Recall -http://amzn.to/2zUauek[43:24] Tai’s booklist -http://bit.ly/2i9pquX What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER SCALING a business: see if you qualify here. Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here. ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** Join me live on my Twitch stream. I'm live daily from 6:30 to 8:30 am PT at www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu ********************************************************************** LISTEN TO IMPACT THEORY AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Israel vs. Iran, NYC Goes Full Socialist & How the Fed Is Destroying the Middle Class | The Tom Bilyeu Show LIVE

    Israel vs. Iran, NYC Goes Full Socialist & How the Fed Is Destroying the Middle Class | The Tom Bilyeu Show LIVE
    Jun 27 2025
    In this special live episode, Tom dives headfirst into the chaos of current world events, unpacking everything from the explosive end of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran to the dramatic political shifts in New York. Alongside lively audience questions and his co-host Drew, Tom tackles some of the most hotly debated issues of our time: socialism versus capitalism, the role of government in innovation, and the challenge of creating a thriving middle class. Get ready for candid, no-nonsense takes on economic policy, wage stagnation, and the future of work in an age of AI and automation. Tom doesn’t shy away from tough questions, whether he’s breaking down why high taxes might drive innovators away or explaining how debt and inflation impact everyday wages. Plus, he shares his philosophies on work ethic, responsibility, and building a life of purpose. If you’re looking for a dose of thought-provoking discussion, practical advice, and even a few rapid-fire tips on launching your own video game with the help of AI, you won’t want to miss this episode! SHOWNOTES 00:00 Crazy Times Discussing Politics 03:20 Innovation Gap in Norway 08:11 "Personal Responsibility Over Government Reliance" 12:21 "Abolish the Fed for Middle Class" 15:37 Entrepreneurial Sacrifices and Misunderstood Profits 20:03 Debate on Wages and Inflation 21:06 Maximizing Profits vs. Fair Wages 24:35 Incentives, AI, and Market Dynamics 28:17 "Seeking Extraordinary, Mars-bound Careers" 32:52 Key Game Development Insights 33:48 Objective Feedback from Unbiased Sources CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠ and entering promo code IMPACT at check out Allio Capital: Macro investing for people who want to understand the big picture. Download their app in the App Store or at Google Play, or text my name “TOM” to 511511. iTrust Capital: Use code IMPACTGO when you sign up and fund your account to get a $100 bonus at ⁠https://www.itrustcapital.com/tombilyeu⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠https://shopify.com/impact⁠ SKIMS: Shop SKIMS Mens at ⁠https://www.skims.com/impact⁠ #skimspartner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Ceasefires, Socialism, and Fake Memories: Why This Week Changed Everything | The Tom Bilyeu Show

    Ceasefires, Socialism, and Fake Memories: Why This Week Changed Everything | The Tom Bilyeu Show
    Jun 26 2025
    What’s up, guys? Today I’m bringing you one of the most timely and thought-provoking episodes we’ve ever done. There’s no guest joining me in the traditional sense, but we are diving deep, breaking down the wild week on the global stage: the end of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, Trump shaking up world politics and being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, all the way to the rise of socialism in New York, the Supreme Court rewriting deportation rules, and the explosion of AI tech that can literally create memories with your loved ones. You’re going to hear my real-time analysis and deep dive into realpolitik – what actually drives world order, how power really plays out behind the headlines, and why ideology is rarely the main force moving the pieces. Producer Drew is right here with me, challenging the takes, asking the questions you’re already thinking, and making sure we don’t shy away from the tough conversations. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Preventing Nuclear Threats from Adversaries 07:58 Middle East Tactical Diplomacy 13:18 Casual Presidency Shift 18:15 Political Loyalty and Experimental Strategy 25:46 Corn Subsidies and Market Distortion 30:55 "Challenges of Entrepreneurship" 32:22 Price Controls Inefficiency Impact 40:29 Rent Freeze Leads to Decline 46:53 "Misconceptions About Government Spending" 50:55 Deportation Tactics Under Scrutiny 56:11 "Mirrored Therapy for Phantom Pain" 01:01:21 Marriage Dynamics and Respect 01:05:36 Rethinking Relationship Dynamics 01:11:54 Game Development Milestone Reflections CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠ and entering promo code IMPACT at check out Allio Capital: Macro investing for people who want to understand the big picture. Download their app in the App Store or at Google Play, or text my name “TOM” to 511511. iTrust Capital: Use code IMPACTGO when you sign up and fund your account to get a $100 bonus at ⁠https://www.itrustcapital.com/tombilyeu⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠https://shopify.com/impact⁠ SKIMS: Shop SKIMS Mens at ⁠https://www.skims.com/impact⁠ #skimspartner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Rise of the Machines & the New Normal: Robotic Heart Surgery, AI Takeover, and What Happens Next | The Tom Bilyeu Show

    Rise of the Machines & the New Normal: Robotic Heart Surgery, AI Takeover, and What Happens Next | The Tom Bilyeu Show
    Jun 25 2025
    tackles some of the most urgent and controversial issues shaping our world today—from the cutting edge of medical technology and the AI revolution to gender policy, cultural change, and the debate over reparations. Kicking off with a wild breakthrough in robotic heart transplants, the conversation quickly expands into the rapid-fire disruption of artificial intelligence, how deepfakes and digital mimicry are challenging reality, and why no one should expect the pace of change to slow down. The episode dives headlong into the Supreme Court’s ruling on gender-affirming care, questions about the true legacy of feminism, and whether modern societies are undervaluing parenthood and family. With candid commentary on Chicago’s reparations plan, the immigrant mindset, and the pitfalls of race-based policy, this episode asks the hard questions, highlights what’s at stake, and offers a blueprint for thriving amid chaos and change. If you want to stay ahead of the curve—and challenge your own assumptions—don’t miss this one. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Super Chat: Israel, Iran, and Nuclear Proliferation03:15 Robotic Heart Transplant Breakthrough in Texas07:58 The Future of Robotic Surgery & Tesla Optimus10:41 The Coming AI Tsunami—How Fast Is Too Fast?15:22 AI Mimicry: Deepfakes and AAVE18:47 Can We Train Out Dangerous AI Behaviors?21:36 Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Kids26:10 Social Contagion & The Malleability of Sexuality29:55 How Pride Flags & Social Signals Influence Identity32:12 Is Feminism Helping or Hurting Society?35:39 The Decline of Traditional Roles & Birth Rates38:50 Should We Financially Incentivize Parenthood?42:17 Chicago’s Reparations Plan: Debate & Dissent45:28 Race-Blind vs. Race-Based Policy: What Works?48:00 Immigrant Mindset: From Gangs to Millionaire51:05 The Power of Individual Effort & Skill Development54:15 Trump’s Juneteenth Comments: Political Fallout56:30 Final Thoughts & Action Items CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠ and entering promo code IMPACT at check out Allio Capital: Macro investing for people who want to understand the big picture. Download their app in the App Store or at Google Play, or text my name “TOM” to 511511. iTrust Capital: Use code IMPACTGO when you sign up and fund your account to get a $100 bonus at ⁠https://www.itrustcapital.com/tombilyeu⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠https://shopify.com/impact⁠ SKIMS: Shop SKIMS Mens at ⁠https://www.skims.com/impact⁠ #skimspartner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Riots, Corruption, and Culture War: How LA Became America’s Most Dangerous City | Rick Caruso

    Riots, Corruption, and Culture War: How LA Became America’s Most Dangerous City | Rick Caruso
    Jun 24 2025
    On this episode of Impact Theory, Tom Bilyeu sits down with real estate developer and civic leader Rick Caruso for a powerful conversation about leadership, crisis management, and the future of Los Angeles. As political divisiveness and public safety concerns grip the city, Rick brings his firsthand experience tackling LA’s toughest challenges—from the riots and police reform to wildfire recovery and urban renewal. Rick shares candid insights on what it takes to drive culture change, hold government accountable, and inspire real action in both the public and private sectors. With stories from rebuilding after devastating fires to navigating City Hall bureaucracy, you’ll hear why Rick believes leadership, vision, and a commitment to competence are the keys to restoring pride and safety in our communities. Whether you’re passionate about civic change or looking for inspiration on effective leadership, this episode delivers a masterclass in getting things done—even when the odds are stacked against you. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Los Angeles Culture Change Needed 05:24 Pathway to Citizenship Advocacy 08:01 Trump's Methods Critiqued 10:42 "Critique of Radical City Policies" 14:34 Effective Leadership: Inspire and Collaborate 19:33 "Leadership Critique of LA Mayors" 21:23 "Prioritizing Competence Over Ideology" 26:04 Fire Response Strategy Development 27:53 Preparedness Prevents Disaster in LA 31:26 Steadfast's Progress Amid Challenges 34:05 Elon Musk Podcast Speculation 37:05 Leadership Paralysis and Decision-Making 41:16 LA County Crime Policy Dynamics 44:17 "Action Over Words: Progress Focus" 48:11 "National Economic Divide" 49:45 "Subscribe and Be Legendary" CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code IMPACT at check out Allio Capital: Macro investing for people who want to understand the big picture. Download their app in the App Store or at Google Play, or text my name “TOM” to 511511. iTrust Capital: Use code IMPACTGO when you sign up and fund your account to get a $100 bonus at https://www.itrustcapital.com/tombilyeu Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact SKIMS: Shop SKIMS Mens at https://www.skims.com/impact #skimspartner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • You’re Living in Phase 5 of Collapse — And Most Americans Have No Idea What’s Coming | Tom Bilyeu Deep Dive

    You’re Living in Phase 5 of Collapse — And Most Americans Have No Idea What’s Coming | Tom Bilyeu Deep Dive
    Jun 23 2025
    In this intensely eye-opening episode of "Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu," Tom launches a deep dive into the alarming patterns of national economic failure, using the infamous collapse of Argentina in 2001 as his starting point. With the precision of an investigative storyteller, Tom brings you face-to-face with the stark reality behind global financial crises—not as distant tragedies but as urgent, mathematical inevitabilities now encroaching on the United States. Drawing on the research and insights of Ray Dalio, the legendary hedge fund manager, Tom unpacks "The Big Debt Cycle," explaining in clear terms the six phases every collapsing nation inevitably traverses. For those searching for solutions, Tom presents Ray Dalio’s concept of "beautiful deleveraging" as a rare, hopeful path. He walks through the gritty details of what it takes to bring a runaway debt-strangled nation back from the brink—explaining the painful, necessary balance between austerity, debt restructuring, redistribution, and well-calibrated money creation. Using historical case studies, modern economic policy debates, and concrete steps, Tom explores how America can navigate this perilous moment—and why collective literacy and moral discipline are the keys to building a sustainable future. If you want to be part of the vital 2% who choose awareness, action, and resilience, this episode is your manual. SHOWNOTES 08:58 Debt-Fueled Economic Bubbles 11:04 Debt, Deficits, and Government Games 20:26 Modern Monetary Theory basics 30:53 Global Unrest and Authoritarian Trends 40:31 "Impending U.S. Collapse and Solutions" 55:13 Ray Dalio's Deleveraging Strategy CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code IMPACT at check out Allio Capital: Macro investing for people who want to understand the big picture. Download their app in the App Store or at Google Play, or text my name “TOM” to 511511. iTrust Capital: Use code IMPACTGO when you sign up and fund your account to get a $100 bonus at https://www.itrustcapital.com/tombilyeu Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact SKIMS: Shop SKIMS Mens at https://www.skims.com/impact #skimspartner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Why the World Is Changing Faster Than You Think & How to Stop Feeling Left Behind | Mel Robbins (Fan Fav)

    Why the World Is Changing Faster Than You Think & How to Stop Feeling Left Behind | Mel Robbins (Fan Fav)
    Jun 21 2025
    Fan Favorite: This episode originally aired on September 28, 2021. The truth about life, success, and failure is everything depends on you. The problem is that you, and nearly every other person around, defaults to being at the mercy of the people, the environments, and unfortunate situations that mark the course of life. Mel Robbins is the personification of motivation on steroids packed with a high potency of raw truth. You could say she’s joining Tom to discuss her newest book, The High 5 Habit, but it’s more fitting to say she’s back to give you the kick in the ass you’ve been waiting for. Mel is not only talking about why high fiving yourself is powerful, she’s reminding you that you have a responsibility to heal yourself and do the work. While you’re chasing your dreams, understand that what the world sees as failure may just be a massive success in the timeline of your life, as has been the case for Mel Robbins. Order Mel’s new book, The High 5 Habit: https://www.amazon.com/High-Habit-Take-Control-Simple-ebook/dp/B096JQSWQ6 SHOW NOTES: 0:00 Introduction Mel Robbins 1:42 | A-Ha Moments In Life 7:20 | Why High 5 Yourself 19:54 | Feel Worth Celebrating 25:15 | R.A.S. Looking for Hearts 34:59 | Powerful of Jealousy 37:44 | Life Is Your Responsibility 47:38 | Interrupting Destructive Worry 51:37 | Mel’s Vermont Painting Follow Mel Robbins: Website: https://melrobbins.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/melrobbins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/ CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to ⁠https://www.vitalproteins.com⁠ and entering promo code IMPACT at check out Allio Capital: Macro investing for people who want to understand the big picture. Download their app in the App Store or at Google Play, or text my name “TOM” to 511511. iTrust Capital: Use code IMPACTGO when you sign up and fund your account to get a $100 bonus at ⁠https://www.itrustcapital.com/tombilyeu⁠ Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠https://shopify.com/impact⁠ SKIMS: Shop SKIMS Mens at ⁠https://www.skims.com/impact⁠ #skimspartner ********************************************************************** Do you need my help? STARTING a business: Join me inside ZERO TO FOUNDER here SCALING a business: Click here to see if you qualify Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here. ********************************************************************** If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. ********************************************************************** Join me live on my Twitch stream. I'm live daily from 6:30 to 8:30 am PT at www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu ********************************************************************** LISTEN TO IMPACT THEORY AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins