Forged in America

What really happened inside Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)? And did its effort to overhaul Washington actually work?

This week on Forged in America, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein sit down with Tyler Hassen, former Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget at the U.S. Department of the Interior and author of Inside DOGE: The Real Story from a Senior Insider.

After building and leading businesses in the private sector, Tyler entered Washington in 2025 and found himself overseeing billions in federal spending. What he discovered challenged his assumptions about how government operates—and how difficult it is to change.

In this candid conversation, we explore:

• The $830 million contract: Why Tyler canceled an enormous government contract for customer-service surveys that he says nobody was reading.

• Inside DOGE: What it was actually like working alongside Elon Musk and the unconventional team assembled to disrupt Washington.

• Fraud vs. waste: The difference between illegal government spending and perfectly legal spending that makes absolutely no sense.

• DOGE's biggest mistakes: What Tyler believes the initiative got wrong, including the challenges of communicating change.

• The human cost: Death threats, personal sacrifices, and the strain of spending so little time with his young daughter.

• Washington vs. Wall Street: Why running a government agency is fundamentally different from running a business.

• America's fiscal future: The risks of mounting federal debt and whether meaningful reform is politically possible.

• DOGE's legacy: What actually changed, what didn't, and whether the effort was worth it.

Whether you believe DOGE was a long-overdue reckoning or a reckless experiment, this conversation offers a rare firsthand perspective from someone who was actually inside the operation.

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Jason Wilk has lived through one of the wildest round trips in public-market history.

He co-founded Dave to take on the big banks and give everyday Americans a better alternative to overdraft fees and traditional short-term credit. The company went public at roughly a $4 billion valuation—then saw its market cap collapse by about 98%, at one point falling below $60 million.

Jason didn't quit.

He kept his team together, rebuilt the business around profitability, used AI to dramatically improve underwriting, and watched Dave stage an extraordinary comeback—roughly 100x from its bottom.

In this episode of Forged in America, Jason joins Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein to talk candidly about what it feels like to watch nearly your entire net worth disappear, why he received bad advice at the bottom, how he kept employees from leaving, and why he still believes going public was the right decision.

Jason also tells the surreal story of meeting Sam Bankman-Fried before FTX collapsed—including visiting the Bahamas, seeing the FTX penthouse, and having SBF cook him dinner. He explains how FTX ended up financing Dave and how Dave later bought back the debt at a discount.

We also get into Mark Cuban backing Jason across multiple companies, the advantages and dangers of venture capital, AI replacing FICO-style underwriting, Bitcoin and crypto, founder stoicism, raising kids, and why Jason believes entrepreneurs should think very carefully before diversifying away from—or remaining completely exposed to—their own companies.

One of the most revealing moments comes near the end: Jason explains that at Dave's lowest point, his stake in the company was worth less than his house—and that the collapse even cost him longtime friendships.

In this episode:

• Dave's journey from ~$4 billion to under $60 million—and back into the billions

• The 100x rebound from Dave's bottom

• The bad advice Jason received when Dave's stock collapsed

• How he kept his team together through a 98% drawdown

• Mark Cuban's early bet on Jason

• Why Jason would try to avoid venture capital if starting again

• Why he prefers being a public-company CEO

• How AI helped Dave dramatically improve its underwriting

• Why Jason believes cash-flow data can outperform traditional FICO scores

• The criticism of fintech companies serving lower-income consumers

• Jason's firsthand experience with Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX

• Dinner with SBF inside the Bahamas penthouse

• How Dave bought back its FTX debt at a discount

• Golf, grit, stoicism, and the psychology of entrepreneurship

• Jason's surprising take on Bitcoin

• Losing 99% of your net worth—and getting it back

• The friendships that didn't survive Dave's collapse

• Why Jason wishes he'd taken some money off the table at the IPO

• The advice he'd give his 20-year-old self

• His perspective on Elon Musk and founder-led companies

Jason's story is ultimately about something much bigger than fintech: What happens when the market tells you you're wrong, nearly everything you've built appears to disappear, and you have to decide whether you still believe in yourself.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Michele Tafoya spent decades on the biggest stages in sports, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in football as an Emmy-winning sideline reporter for NBC’s Sunday Night Football and covering five Super Bowls.

Then she walked away.

Now, Tafoya is the Republican nominee for Minnesota’s open U.S. Senate seat — and she joins Forged in America to explain why she traded the NFL sidelines for one of the most contentious arenas in America: politics.

Michele talks about the Minnesota fraud scandals that have become central to her campaign, why she believes it took independent voices like Nick Shirley to force national attention onto the issue, and what she thinks the episode reveals about government accountability and the changing media landscape.

The conversation expands into the growing appeal of socialism among young Americans, the cost-of-living pressures fueling that movement, the role of education and culture, immigration, voter ID, government spending, political polarization, and whether the American Dream still works for the next generation.

Michele also discusses navigating politics as a Latina Republican, her relationship with Donald Trump and the Republican Party, what she learned from decades inside the NFL, and why she says she would enter the Senate determined to work with people on both sides of the aisle.

Plus: Brady vs. Montana, Caitlin Clark, the Watt brothers for the White House, the most intimidating NFL players she covered, and the biggest surprise she’s encountered since entering politics.

In this episode:

• Why Michele Tafoya left sports and entered politics

• Minnesota’s fraud scandals and the Nick Shirley effect

• Can a Republican win statewide in Minnesota?

• Why younger Americans are increasingly questioning capitalism

• Socialism, government spending and the national debt

• Immigration, ICE and voter ID

• Race, identity politics and being a Latina Republican

• Merit, education and the American Dream

• What the NFL taught Michele about competition and leadership

• Whether Washington can still produce bipartisan solutions

• Michele’s NFL lightning round

• The cultural and economic forces shaping America’s next decade

Michele Tafoya joins Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein on Forged in America.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

What separates the venture investments that look insane from the ones that become generational companies?

Shane Neman is a serial entrepreneur and investor who has backed some of the most ambitious companies in technology, including SpaceX, Figure AI, Anthropic, Neuralink, and Liquid Death. In this episode, Shane joins Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein to talk about how he evaluates founders, why the best deep-tech investments can initially look impossible, and what he learned from watching one of his early investments go from a multi-billion-dollar valuation all the way to zero.

Shane explains why he invested in Figure when its robot was little more than a partially working arm, why a private tour of SpaceX convinced him to invest regardless of valuation, and why he believes great founders need more than intelligence—they need obsession, emotional fortitude, timing, and the ability to make investors believe in a future that doesn't exist yet.

The conversation also gets personal. Shane discusses losing his father at 13, how that changed his relationship with risk and ambition, the surprising emptiness he felt after his first major financial success, and what he's trying to teach his own children about work, gratitude, and mortality.

Along the way, they debate Bitcoin vs. gold, SpaceX vs. Figure AI, founder vs. idea, the opportunities AI creates for traditional businesses, why VCs and nightclub promoters may have more in common than anyone wants to admit, and whether the journey ultimately matters more than the exit.

In this episode:

• How Shane went from entrepreneur to investor
• What Shane saw in Figure AI before humanoid robots became a major investment theme
• Why expert skepticism can actually be a signal in deep tech
• The “magic” Shane experienced inside SpaceX
• Why great founders have to be great storytellers
• What losing a multi-billion-dollar investment taught Shane about regret
• Deep tech, quantum computing, AI, and “forever businesses”
• SpaceX vs. Figure AI and Bitcoin vs. gold
• Why the founder can matter more than the original idea
• Raising ambitious kids after achieving financial success
• How losing his father at 13 shaped Shane's appetite for risk
• Why money, success, and even billion-dollar outcomes aren't the destination
• Mortality, gratitude, and making the most of your “Four Thousand Weeks”

If you're interested in venture capital, entrepreneurship, AI, robotics, founder psychology, or what it actually takes to make—and survive—high-risk bets, this conversation is for you.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

What if the biggest lie we tell young Americans is that a college degree is automatically worth the price?

Andreas Stamatakis is one of the country’s leading Ivy League admissions advisors—and his advice is surprisingly contrarian: “Go Ivy or go free.”

In this episode of Forged in America, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein sit down with Andreas for a provocative conversation about what elite colleges actually select for, whether the admissions game rewards real talent or manufactured résumés, and why paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for the wrong degree may be a terrible investment.

Andreas explains why he believes students should optimize for talent rather than passion, why math and technical competence are becoming increasingly valuable in an AI-driven economy, and why combining hard skills with social intelligence may be the ultimate career advantage.

The conversation then expands far beyond college.

Are Gen Z kids really entitled—or are they inheriting an economic system stacked against them? Will AI create a new class of extraordinary winners while eliminating millions of traditional white-collar jobs? Is entrepreneurship becoming a necessity rather than a choice? And could large parts of the traditional college system eventually disappear?

They also debate disability accommodations and standardized testing, the value of Ivy League prestige, vocational careers, UBI, wealth inequality, philanthropy, parenting, and what young people should actually be doing to prepare for the next 20 years.

Andreas also faces the Forged in America lightning round: Stanford vs. Harvard, valedictorian vs. class president, varsity athlete vs. Model UN, perfect grades vs. one insane extracurricular, Goldman Sachs internship vs. McDonald’s, and the ultimate choice—Harvard admission, $10 million at age 30, or a happy marriage.

Topics include: Ivy League admissions • “Go Ivy or Go Free” • the $400,000 college problem • SATs and test prep • manufactured extracurriculars • math vs. passion • AI and the future of work • technical skills + EQ • Gen Z economics • entrepreneurship • wealth inequality • UBI • parenting • vocational careers • the future of universities • happiness and success

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

United States District Judge Roy K. Altman joins Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein for a wide-ranging conversation about immigration, American exceptionalism, the legal system, Israel, antisemitism, and why he remains extraordinarily optimistic about America.

Born in Venezuela, Altman came to the United States as a child speaking Spanish and Hebrew but no English. Decades later, after becoming a U.S. citizen, a Division I athlete at Columbia, a Yale Law School graduate, a decorated federal prosecutor, and one of the youngest federal judges in the country, he now has the privilege of swearing in new American citizens himself.

Altman explains why playing high-level sports helped prepare him for the pressure of the courtroom, why juries of ordinary Americans can be remarkably good at finding the truth, and why lifetime tenure for federal judges may actually protect judicial independence rather than undermine it. He also explains a principle of judging that many Americans misunderstand: a judge's job isn't necessarily to reach the outcome he thinks is morally "right"—it's to follow the law.
The conversation then turns to Altman's new book, Israel on Trial, in which he applies the tools of a courtroom—evidence, history, standards of proof, and logic—to some of the most serious accusations made against Israel. Altman discusses the genocide allegation, the distinction between criticism of Israeli government policy and anti-Zionism, and why he believes facts can still change people's minds.
Altman also explains why he is bullish on the emerging relationship between Israel and India and why, despite the pessimism dominating much of American culture, he believes the American Dream remains very much alive.
Finally, Ravin and Al try unsuccessfully to convince Judge Altman that his future belongs in elected office.

In this episode:

• Why Altman's immigrant parents took their children to Civil War battlefields
• Going from speaking no English to becoming a federal judge
• What Division I football teaches that elite schools can't
• Why 12 ordinary jurors can be better at finding truth than experts
• The case for lifetime judicial appointments
• Whether America's legal system encourages too many lawsuits
• Why judges sometimes must enforce laws they personally disagree with
• Putting Israel "on trial" using evidence rather than ideology
• Altman's argument against the genocide accusation
• Criticism of Israel vs. antisemitism and anti-Zionism
• Why the India–Israel relationship could become increasingly important
• Why Altman remains optimistic about young Americans
• Is the American Dream still alive?
• And: Will Judge Roy Altman ever run for office?

This is a conversation about what America asks of its citizens—and what can happen when immigrants embrace the opportunity to contribute, compete, serve, and give something back to the country that gave them a chance.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

What if everything you’ve been taught about happiness is wrong?

Tal Tsfany is the President and CEO of the Ayn Rand Institute, a former technology entrepreneur and executive, and the author of Secrets of a Passionate Life. In this episode, Tal joins Ravin and Al for a provocative conversation about Ayn Rand, Objectivism, ambition, parenting, capitalism—and why so many successful people are still deeply unhappy.

Tal argues that money, status, and achievement are poor substitutes for knowing who you actually are and what you value. He explains why many business leaders become “janitors” of their own lives rather than CEOs, why he believes rational self-interest is moral, and how his concept of “value density”—the amount of meaning packed into your time—offers a different way to measure a successful life.

The conversation turns to America’s growing unhappiness, particularly among young people. Tal challenges conventional thinking about education, equality, altruism, welfare, and universal basic income, while Ravin and Al push him on whether Objectivism can adequately account for empathy, people with limited abilities, and those who simply cannot compete economically.

They also debate Elon Musk and Steve Jobs as potential real-world Howard Roarks, whether billionaires have a moral obligation to give their money away, whether Americans have a right to healthcare, whether taxation is theft, and what Ayn Rand would make of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

Finally, Tal explains why he is optimistic about AI, how parents can help children develop their own identities rather than imposing their values on them, and why the ultimate scarce resource isn't money—it's time.

In this episode:

• Why extraordinarily successful people can still be miserable
• The difference between achievement and genuine happiness
• What Ayn Rand actually meant by “selfishness”
• Why Tal believes altruism can be destructive
• The “rich uncle” test for discovering what you really value
• Elon Musk vs. Steve Jobs through an Objectivist lens
• Why American teenagers are increasingly unhappy
• Parenting without turning your children into versions of yourself
• Why equality isn't necessarily the proper objective
• Tal’s concept of “value density”
• The case against universal basic income
• Do billionaires owe society charity?
• Is taxation theft?
• Is healthcare a human right?
• Can religion and Objectivism coexist?
• What Ayn Rand would think of Trump—and Kamala Harris
• Why AI should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat
• The one resource even billionaires can't buy more of

Tal's central challenge is simple: stop measuring your life by somebody else's scoreboard. Figure out what you genuinely value, organize your life around it, and maximize the amount of meaning you extract from the limited time you have.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Is the American Dream dead—or are we looking at it the wrong way?

In this episode of Forged in America, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein compare two radically different paths to success.

Al was a top student and athlete who turned one seemingly ordinary opportunity into an internship after discovering he was the only person who actually made the call. That relationship ultimately helped launch an entrepreneurial career that produced multiple billion-dollar companies.

Ravin's path looked nothing like it. He reveals his actual high-school report cards—filled with C's, D's and F's—and explains what it felt like to grow up being viewed as a chronic underachiever. Then, at 17, after another mediocre semester at the University of Illinois, one brutally honest realization changed the trajectory of his life.

Together, they examine what their stories have in common: small decisions that compound, intellectual curiosity, internal motivation, resilience, relationships, proximity to talented people, and the willingness to keep learning and building.

But they also confront the harder question: What does any of this mean to a 24-year-old struggling with housing costs, inflation, AI disruption and a sense that previous generations had it easier? Ravin and Al distinguish between America's legitimate structural problems and the actions individuals can still control.

Ravin also shares how he's using AI to navigate his father's serious health challenges—and why his 86-year-old father's optimism, resilience and entrepreneurial journey may be the best example of the American Dream.

The central question: America isn't perfect, and success is never guaranteed. But if opportunity still exists, knowledge is more accessible than ever, and individual decisions still compound—how much of your future remains in your own hands?

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Investor Tom Hayes, founder of Great Hill Capital and better known as “Turnaround Tom,” joins Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein to explain why some of the best investments are hiding in the companies everyone else has already written off.

Tom breaks down the framework behind his contrarian investing strategy: finding high-quality businesses trading at distressed prices, identifying catalysts for a turnaround, and having the conviction to buy when everyone else is running for the exits. He walks through past bets on ExxonMobil, Wells Fargo, Amazon, Alphabet, Intel and Range Resources—and explains why PayPal is one of his highest-conviction ideas today.

The conversation then turns to the other side of the market. Tom explains why he believes parts of the AI, semiconductor and private-market boom are priced for perfection, why the companies spending the most on AI infrastructure may not ultimately capture the greatest economic value, and why even extraordinary companies like SpaceX can still be bad investments at the wrong valuation.

Tom also makes some provocative market calls: China and international equities could outperform the U.S.; small caps and value could beat large-cap growth; retail investors should be extremely careful with options; and the biggest winner from AI may be a company most investors haven't even heard of yet.

And perhaps his boldest prediction: Berkshire Hathaway will not outperform the S&P 500 over the next decade. Tom explains why Buffett's eventual absence, Berkshire's enormous scale and its capital-allocation challenge fundamentally change the investment case.

Beyond markets, Tom discusses raising high-performing kids, why sports teach lessons that translate into adulthood, how he accidentally built a billion-dollar investment firm from a podcast, and why Warren Buffett's philosophy of getting rich slowly remains one of the most important lessons for young investors.

Tom's central message: The market rewards independent thinking, patience and discipline. The biggest opportunities often appear precisely when conventional wisdom says there is nothing worth buying.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Tom Gimbel is back on Forged in America for a wide-ranging conversation about work, parenting, politics, AI, and why so many young Americans feel like they can’t get ahead.

Tom founded LaSalle Network, grew it to more than $100 million in revenue, employed hundreds of people, helped place thousands into jobs, and ultimately exited to private equity. As a longtime recruiter, entrepreneur, and father of three twenty-somethings, he brings a unique perspective to the debate over what’s happening with Gen Z.

We start with a remarkable statistic: Gen Z says it takes $588,000 a year to be financially successful. Is that evidence that the American Dream has become unaffordable—or that a generation raised during unprecedented prosperity has developed unrealistic expectations?

From there, the conversation expands into the changing job market, whether parents have made life too easy for their kids, why young people are increasingly attracted to socialism, and what AI will mean for the next generation of workers.

The discussion then turns political. Tom—an outspoken Trump critic—explains why he nevertheless believes the southern border had become a serious problem, why he gives Trump credit for addressing it, and why he would choose the political right if the alternative were socialism. Ravin and Al push Tom on whether the threats emerging from the far left and far right are really equivalent.

The guys also debate government spending and America's growing debt, immigration and ICE, the rise of the DSA, the failures of the primary system, and whether America's political incentives increasingly reward the extremes.

Finally, the conversation comes back to where it started: parenting. Are kids actually the problem—or did their parents create the entitlement culture they're now complaining about? And how do we prepare our children for a world that isn't always going to accommodate them?

• Why Gen Z thinks it takes $588K a year to be successful
• Whether young Americans really have it harder today
• Tom's "sliced watermelon theory" of entitlement
• Why every teenager should be learning to use AI
• The relationship between parenting and entitlement
• Why socialism is gaining support among younger Americans
• Tom's critique of both Trump and the Democratic left
• Immigration, ICE, and Trump's border policies
• Why political extremes increasingly dominate both parties
• America's $40+ trillion debt problem
• Whether AI is today's equivalent of the railroad boom
• Why leverage—not AI—was the real lesson from the Leopold Aschenbrenner collapse
• What entrepreneurs understand about the economy that politicians don't
• Why parents need to prepare kids for a world that won't always be fair
• Anthony Fauci, COVID-era decision-making, and the lessons that remain

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

In this episode of Forged in America, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein sit down with Stuart Anderson, Executive Director of the National Foundation for American Policy, former INS official, longtime immigration policy expert, Forbes contributor, and author of Immigration.

Rather than debating talking points, this conversation explores the data behind one of America's most polarizing issues. Stuart explains why immigrants have played such an outsized role in building America's economy, why nearly 60% of U.S. unicorn startups have at least one immigrant founder, and how legal immigration differs from the political battles dominating today's headlines.

Ravin and Al challenge Stuart on difficult questions surrounding border security, ICE enforcement, sanctuary cities, welfare, assimilation, H-1B visas, crime, and whether America can simultaneously maintain a secure border while remaining the world's premier destination for talent.

The discussion also explores why immigrant communities—particularly Indian and Israeli entrepreneurs—have been so successful, whether America's innovation ecosystem is truly unique, and what immigration reform could realistically look like in the years ahead.

Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in the middle, this episode offers a thoughtful, data-driven discussion about one of the defining issues facing America today.

• Why 59% of America's unicorn companies have immigrant founders
• The economic impact of legal immigration
• Border security versus legal immigration
• ICE, deportations, and public perception
• Sanctuary cities and federal immigration enforcement
• Illegal immigration versus skilled immigration
• Welfare fraud and immigrant communities
• Why Indian entrepreneurs have become America's highest-performing immigrant group
• Israel's extraordinary startup ecosystem
• H-1B visas and skilled immigration reform
• International students as future founders
• Why America creates more entrepreneurial success than any other country
• Assimilation, patriotism, and American identity
• Immigration and crime: what the data actually says
• Elon Musk, immigration, and the future of U.S. talent policy
• Practical immigration reforms both parties could support

Stuart Anderson is the Executive Director of the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), a nonpartisan public policy research organization focused on immigration, trade, and innovation. He previously served as Counselor to the Commissioner of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), worked on the Senate Immigration Subcommittee, has testified before Congress under both Republican and Democratic administrations, is a Senior Contributor at Forbes, and is the author of Immigration.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

In this episode of Forged in America, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein sit down with Dr. JJ Desai—Stanford-trained physician, entrepreneur, and CEO of Lotus Neuro—to explore one of the most exciting frontiers in medicine: focused ultrasound and the future of brain science.

The conversation begins with an emotional story of a Parkinson's patient whose life changed within minutes of treatment before expanding into the future of treating brain cancer, Alzheimer's disease, addiction, depression, and longevity.

The discussion also tackles controversial topics including psychedelics, neuroplasticity, meditation, full-body MRI screening, IQ versus EQ, and whether precision medicine will fundamentally reshape healthcare over the next twenty years.

• How focused ultrasound works—and why it may replace certain brain surgeries
• The breakthrough treatment already helping Parkinson's patients
• Why glioblastoma remains one of medicine's greatest challenges
• Opening the blood-brain barrier without surgery
• The future of treating Alzheimer's and dementia
• How ultrasound may help fight addiction by interrupting brain circuitry
• The latest science behind psychedelics, neuroplasticity, and mental health
• Meditation, placebo effects, and emerging research on brain function
• Why "doing hard things" may be one of the best longevity interventions
• The importance of boredom, sleep, and nature for brain health
• Yamanaka factors and the race to reverse aging
• VO₂ Max, inflammation, and what actually extends lifespan
• The debate over full-body MRI screening
• IQ vs. EQ in the age of artificial intelligence
• Books everyone should read on resilience and personal growth
• The biggest opportunities—and biggest risks—in the future of healthcare
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Dr. JJ Desai is a Stanford-trained physician, entrepreneur, and CEO of Lotus Neuro. Throughout his career he has founded and led multiple healthcare companies that have collectively raised more than $1 billion in capital. His current work focuses on developing non-invasive focused ultrasound technologies designed to precisely target diseases of the brain without open surgery.

Books referenced in this episode:

• The Comfort Crisis — Michael Easter
• The Hard Thing About Hard Things — Ben Horowitz
• The Boys in the Boat — Daniel James Brown
• Changing Your Mind — Michael Pollan
• Grit — Angela Duckworth

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Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Dan Crenshaw is back on Forged In America—and this time, he has nothing to lose.

After a stunning primary defeat that will bring his four terms in Congress to an end, the former Navy SEAL joins us for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about what happened, what he learned, and what comes next.

Dan opens up about the misinformation and conspiracy theories he believes helped cost him his election, including allegations about his stock trading and personal conduct. We discuss whether politicians should be banned from trading individual stocks, why he surprisingly pushes back on some of the accusations against Nancy Pelosi, and whether serving in Congress is financially worth it.

From there, we get into the biggest political and geopolitical questions facing America: the rise of democratic socialism, AOC and the future of the Democratic Party, the filibuster, the SAVE Act and proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting.

Dan also weighs in on the changing politics surrounding Israel and antisemitism before giving his assessment of the escalating conflict with Iran. He explains why he believes America should respond disproportionately to Iranian aggression, whether Iran could ever become a functioning democracy, and the circumstances under which he could potentially support American boots on the ground.

Then the conversation turns to Tucker Carlson.

Dan doesn't hold back about Tucker's relationship with Qatar and Russia, the rise of conspiracy culture on the right, and why he believes the "woke right" and "woke left" are more similar than either side wants to admit.

Finally, Dan reflects on losing an election, leaving Congress, making money in the private sector, and the stoic philosophy that allows him to move forward without bitterness.

Dan Crenshaw served as a U.S. Navy SEAL before being elected to Congress in 2018, where he represents Texas and serves on committees focused on intelligence, energy and commerce. As his time in Washington approaches its end, this is Dan Crenshaw with fewer political constraints—and plenty to say.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Pete Kadens is back for Round 2.

After his first appearance on Forged in America sparked such a strong response, we brought Pete back to continue the debate—and this time, we go even deeper.

Pete lays out his vision for what the Democratic Party should become: builders over bureaucrats, stakeholder capitalism over socialism, children over politics, and expanded opportunity without punishing success. Ravin's response? Pete might actually be a Republican.

From there, the conversation gets heated as Ravin, Pete, and Al debate whether socialism is gaining real power inside the Democratic Party, whether MAGA has fundamentally transformed the Republican Party, and whether either side can still claim the moral high ground.

They also tackle education, personal responsibility, broken families, policing, criminal justice, media bias, censorship, and why Americans increasingly disagree not just about solutions—but about the basic facts themselves.

Then the conversation turns to business and the future: Pete explains why he's still bullish on cannabis, why he believes the stock market could be headed for a prolonged period of pain, and why he fears AI could create a dangerous combination of massive job displacement, abundant idle time, and a shortage of money.

Ravin and Al push back, arguing that technological disruption has historically created more prosperity and opportunity—and that AI may prove to be an enhancer of human productivity rather than a replacement for human beings.

Pete came back because the first conversation wasn't long enough.

This one picks up right where we left off.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Orthopedic surgeon and entrepreneur Dr. Ben Domb joins Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of medicine, AI, longevity, GLP-1s, robotics, healthcare innovation, and the psychology behind healing.

The discussion explores where artificial intelligence will—and won't—replace physicians, why personalized medicine may finally become reality, and why one of America's leading surgeons believes the single biggest public health intervention isn't another drug... it's eliminating refined sugar.

Along the way, the conversation dives into placebo effects, statins, cancer treatment, parenting, resilience, medical research, and what separates great doctors from merely good ones. Books every physician—and entrepreneur—should read:

• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
• The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
• Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
• Healing Back Pain by John E. Sarno
• Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier
• Range by David Epstein
• The Sports Gene
• Unbroken
• Steve Jobs
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Quotes:

"I'd bet Elon Musk one trillion dollars that robots won't replace surgeons in three years."

"The placebo worked. Maybe we should learn how to harness it."

"The biggest public health intervention I can imagine? Make refined sugar illegal."

"Focus on what's in your power to improve your outcome."

"Healthcare is still delivered to individuals—not populations."

Dr. Ben Domb is one of the world's leading orthopedic surgeons and the founder of the American Hip Institute. A graduate of Princeton University and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, he has published more than 500 scientific papers, pioneered advances in hip arthroscopy, and performed the first outpatient robotic hip replacement in the United States. He has treated elite athletes from the NBA, NFL, and around the world while remaining at the forefront of surgical innovation.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Pete Kadens joins Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein for one of the most candid political conversations we've had. A lifelong Democrat, Pete doesn't shy away from criticizing his own party, while also challenging conservatives on issues ranging from democracy and immigration to education, meritocracy, and the future of America.

This isn't a shouting match—it's three longtime friends debating difficult issues with honesty, data, and mutual respect.

Pete Kadens is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.

He co-founded Green Thumb Industries, one of the largest publicly traded cannabis companies in the United States, and previously co-founded SoCore Energy, a leading commercial solar developer.

Through Hope Chicago, Pete has helped thousands of students and families pursue higher education by funding college tuition and wraparound support services. The organization has committed more than $100 million toward expanding educational opportunity in Chicago.

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Is socialism taking over the Democratic Party?

08:30 The biggest threats facing American democracy

12:00 Personal responsibility vs. victimhood culture

18:45 Can education fix America's biggest problems?

25:00 What broke public education?

33:00 Why college is losing its value

41:30 Meritocracy, DEI, and affirmative action

49:30 Immigration and America's border debate

58:30 The Supreme Court and the future of conservatism

1:02:00 Lightning Round

1:07:00 Pete predicts the 2028 election

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

In this episode of Forged in America, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein sit down with Rob Skinner, Founder and Managing Partner of IEQ Capital, a wealth management firm overseeing more than $50 billion in assets.

Rob has spent decades advising founders, entrepreneurs, and some of the most successful families in America. The conversation ranges from AI and SpaceX to wealth psychology, raising motivated children, and the biggest mistakes people make after a liquidity event.

Some quotes from Rob:

"Stock prices follow earnings."

"Concentration builds wealth. Diversification protects it."

"The game changes from offense to defense."

"If inheritance accelerates purpose instead of replacing purpose, it can be a tremendous force for good."

"You get one chance at being great."

Rob Skinner is the Founder and Managing Partner of IEQ Capital, one of the fastest-growing independent wealth management firms in the United States. Prior to founding IEQ, he co-founded Luminous Capital, which was later acquired by First Republic Bank. He has spent his career advising entrepreneurs, founders, executives, and multi-generational families on investing, wealth preservation, tax strategy, and family legacy.

NOTE: Rob Skinner, a co-founder of IEQ, appeared as a guest on this podcast, which is hosted by a client of IEQ, giving rise to an inherent conflict of interest by virtue of that client relationship. Neither Mr. Skinner nor IEQ provided or received any compensation or other consideration in connection with the appearance, which was made on a voluntary basis. The views expressed by Mr. Skinner are his own and those of IEQ and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host or its affiliates. Nothing in this appearance should be construed as investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice, or as any recommendation, offer, or solicitation.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

In this episode of Forged in America, Victor Ciardelli tells Ravin and Al didn't grow up looking like a future CEO.

He describes himself as an angry kid with a chip on his shoulder, a problem with authority, and an unshakable belief that he was destined for something bigger. That mindset helped him survive near-bankruptcy, the dot-com crash, the 2008 financial crisis, COVID, and every challenge in between.

Today, Victor is the founder and CEO of Rate, the third-largest mortgage lender in America. Over the last five years alone, the company has funded more than $500 billion in mortgages while remaining privately held.

In this episode, Victor shares the mindset, mistakes, and principles that helped him build one of the largest financial services companies in the country.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

How does a kid with ADD, average grades, and an obsession with persistence build one of the world's most unique growth equity firms?

In Episode 40 of Forged in America, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein sit down with Mitchell Green, founder of Lead Edge Capital, a $9B growth equity firm built on an unconventional idea: world-class entrepreneurs and executives can be more valuable than institutions.

Mitchell explains how cold calling 10,000 companies shaped his philosophy, why persistence beats intelligence, why AI may reward EQ more than IQ, and why America still remains the greatest place in the world to build something meaningful.

This episode explores entrepreneurship, AI, education, wealth inequality, persistence, investing, and what young people should do if they want to succeed in the next twenty years.

00:00 Introduction to Mitchell Green and Lead Edge Capital
03:15 Building a $9B firm with entrepreneurs instead of institutions
08:45 Why persistence became Lead Edge's superpower
14:10 The cold-calling lessons that shaped Mitchell's career
19:45 What young people should do if they want to get rich
22:00 Why trades, entrepreneurship, and sales skills matter more than ever
24:30 Why AI may make EQ more valuable than IQ
30:10 Wealth inequality, manufacturing, and why many Americans feel left behind
36:20 Politics, opportunity, and preserving the American dream
41:00 Lightning round: leverage, founder optimism, AI bubbles, and investing
47:30 Why reading still matters in an AI world
51:00 Cars, skiing, persistence, and living life fully

• Persistence may be the single most underrated competitive advantage
• AI will likely reward communication, sales, and EQ more than raw intellect
• Building networks creates enormous compounding advantages
• Entrepreneurship remains one of the best paths to opportunity
• Many economic frustrations in America are real—but solutions are complicated
• You do not need the perfect background to build something extraordinary

Mitchell Green is the founder and managing partner of Lead Edge Capital, a growth equity firm with over $9 billion under management. Lead Edge has invested across software, internet, fintech, and consumer businesses using a unique network-driven investment model powered by hundreds of executives, founders, and operators.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

This week Ravin and Al tackle one of the most important—and uncomfortable—concepts shaping modern society: the idea of the Overton Window.

Why do certain topics suddenly become impossible to discuss? Why do cultural norms seem to shift overnight? And what happens when institutions stop rewarding curiosity and start rewarding conformity?

The conversation spans AI, economics, politics, media, culture, and technological disruption as Ravin and Al debate whether we are living through one of the fastest societal shifts in modern history.

Topics include:

• Why some AI leaders believe massive white-collar job destruction is coming—and why others think the future is far more optimistic
• The OpenAI math breakthrough and what happens when machines start solving problems humans cannot solve themselves
• Are companies genuinely replacing workers with AI—or simply blaming AI for overhiring?
• Why productivity explosions historically create more opportunity rather than less
• The rise of socialism, changing political coalitions, and whether America’s cultural center is moving
• Media incentives, institutional trust, and why some stories dominate headlines while others disappear
• The debate around “weaponized empathy” and whether good intentions can create bad outcomes
• Affirmative action, meritocracy, and why younger generations increasingly disagree on basic facts
• Why both hosts remain optimistic despite technological, political, and cultural volatility

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

On this episode of Forged in America, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein sit down with venture capitalist, author, and entrepreneur Michael Eisenberg for a wide-ranging conversation spanning venture capital, geopolitics, entrepreneurship, parenting, and the future of America and Israel.

Michael shares his remarkable path from growing up in New York to moving to Israel and building Aleph into one of the country’s leading venture firms with over 1B in AUM. He explains why he believes traditional venture capital may be entering a period of major disruption, why liquidity has changed the game, and how the rise of giant funds and AI spending could reshape the industry permanently.

The conversation expands far beyond venture. Michael discusses why America and Israel have historically produced outsized numbers of entrepreneurs, introducing his concept of “agency at scale” — the idea that societies thrive when individuals are taught responsibility and encouraged to solve problems rather than wait for institutions to act.

Ravin and Al also explore patriotism, immigration, education, parenting, national service, and why Michael believes modern society risks losing some of the grit that built previous generations.

The episode closes with a lightning round on AI, Elon Musk, robotics, Mars, and advice for young people entering adulthood.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Jenny Just and Matt Hulsizer built Peak6 from a $1.5 million trading bet in 1997 into a multi-billion-dollar fintech empire spanning trading, clearing, insurance, venture investing, esports, and AI. But this episode goes far beyond markets and money. It’s a masterclass in probabilistic thinking, founder psychology, marriage under pressure, and adapting during technological disruption.

Jenny and Matt explain to Ravin and Al how a visit to Wendy’s inspired the operational architecture behind Peak6’s trading systems, why they believe AI is the greatest opportunity of our era, and how “working yourself out of a job” became a core cultural principle inside their companies. They discuss the evolution from floor trading to AI-driven markets, how poker shaped their decision-making frameworks, and why self-awareness—not certainty—has been their biggest edge as investors and operators.

The discussion also dives into how they evaluate founders, what they learned from wins like Robinhood and CoreWeave, mistakes they made deploying capital outside their circle of competence, and how they navigate disagreements while running a business together as husband and wife. Along the way, they share candid insights on raising children around wealth, why they nearly took Peak6 public, what they think about today’s political and economic environment, and why they remain aggressively optimistic about the future despite widespread fear surrounding AI and markets.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

On this episode of Forged in America, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein tackle politics and culture using this lens: the conflict between “kind lies” and “unkind truths.”

The conversation spans the economy, AI, tariffs, immigration, media bias, socialism, crime, race, education, and the coming midterms. They debate whether America’s institutions, media, and political parties are increasingly rewarding comforting narratives over difficult realities — and what that means for the future of the country.

They discuss why markets continue to surge despite predictions of collapse, the manufacturing revival underway in America, the growing divide between progressive and conservative worldviews, and the rise of socialism inside the Democratic Party.

The episode also explores topics ranging from the Spirit Airlines collapse and California politics to voter ID laws, mental health trends among young Americans, and why capitalism has lifted more people out of poverty than any system in history.

Throughout the discussion, the hosts argue that resilience, personal responsibility, free enterprise, and honest debate — even when uncomfortable — remain essential to the long-term success of both America and the next generation.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

In this episode, David Blumberg shares his wisdom about agentic AI, venture capital, and being politically discriminated not for sexual orientation in SF, but for being a conservative.

The power of America, and capititalism is discussed along with breakthroughs in medical science and productivity due to artificial intelligence.

Peter Thiel, Jordan Peterson, and many other luminaries are also discussed along with the power of religion and the Bible.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

This episode features El Salvador's cabinet members, Peter Dumas and Maria Luisa Hayem, discussing the country's remarkable transformation under President Bukele with Ravin and Al.

Topics include crime reduction, economic reforms, Bitcoin adoption, and regional geopolitics. The entire geopolitical situation is discussed, and how wokism is seeping into many other major countries. The philosophy of getting crime "99 percent versus 100 percent right" is debated.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Dave Ripley, co-CEO of Kraken joins Ravin and Al to discuss all things crypto. From BTC to ETH to SOL to Coinbase and beyond, Dave believes that adoption of digital assets is at an all time high. He believes we will see 10M/bitcoin at some point in the future (mirroring Michael Saylor from MSTR), and is highly opimistic about the stablecoin adoption rate.

He shares the pain of the 2022 crypto winter, and how that experience girded him for the current dip we have seen in the markets.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Poker legend Phil Hellmuth shares his poker, life and political musings with Ravin and Al. The state of the Democratic and Republican parties are discussed, along with handicapping both sides from JB Pritzker to Ted Cruz.

The destructive power of ego and narcissism is discussed, with Phil sharing vulnerable stories about his personal journey and business ventures. The runaway success of the All-In Pod is discussed, with Phil sharing inside stories of the power of podcasting, and the difficulty of adjusting to fame. From Tiger Woods to A-Rod to Michael Jordan, Phil's legendary social network is revealed in it's glory and hilarity, and his status as a superconnector without peer.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Ravin and Al welcome Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder of CrowdStrike and cybersecurity expert, to discuss geopolitics, US-China relations, the Iran conflict, and the future of technology and defense.

The values of strategic deterrence, supply chain resilience, and the implications of AI advancements are debated. From the implications of low-quality chips in AI development to the political landscape, this episode offers a comprehensive look at critical issues shaping our world.

Dmitri also shares the vision behind founding Crowdstrike (CRWD), the $100B cybersecurity juggernaut.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Alex Krys shares his inspirational journey with Ravin and Al from touring with the Rolling Stones, to managing Evander Holyfield, to doing over $10B in Real Estate.

The impact of serendipity and grit are themes of this episode, showing how it is impossible to predict where seemingly random connections will lead. You just can't give up.

Alex also opines on the state of Argentina and Milei - to his undying passion for the USA and our capitalistic system which is the envy of the world.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Jeff Aronin shares his origin journey with Ravin and Al of becoming passionate about biotech after one of his epilepsy drugs stopped a little girl from an unnecessary surgery.

His path to creating many multi-billion dollar drugs is analyzed, as well as the problems with FDA approvals and risk/reward of biotech. Also the future of medicine with potential solutions for cancer and many other conditions. The amazing future of AI and drugs is talked about.

The Iran war and the 2028 presidential race is discussed in depth.

Parenting, values, and work ethic strategies are also shared.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Sam Yagan shares his inspiring origin story with Al and Ravin, from founding SparkNotes as a senior at Harvard to selling it for 50M just 9 months later. His 8-year journey at OKCupid culminating with a sale to Match Group/IAC is discussed, with the runaway success af Tinder. At peak, the market cap of his company was 50B.

Sam also shares his thoughts on immigration, the venture market, and spotting the next big thing - even when it doesn't sound like it in the VC world. The value of elite colleges is debated, and also how to maintain harmony in business partnerships.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

ALPHA SCHOOL's Mackenzie Price joins Ravin and Al to discuss the future of education, and how their unique school uses AI to teach K-12 tudents. Kids work with screens and guides for 2 hours, and then transition to projects in the afternoon to foment financial literacy, public speaking, and grit.

They also discuss the broken model in modern America for education, and how AI might help the underserved in the USA. Mackenzie shares her journey founding Alpha School after growing frustrated, and securing $1B from entrpreneur Joe Liemandt.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Jackie Reses shares her inspiring story with Ravin and Al, from attending boarding school at age 14 to get away from an unstable home to starting businesses at the University of Pennsylvania. From Goldman Sachs to sitting on the Alibaba board, to starting a bank at Square to finally creating Lead Bank.

She is candid about dealing with impostor syndrome, and the challenges of being an alpha woman who still struggles to be heard by "the country club." Jackie discusses how she builds team and culture, and the playbook to closing the best names in Silicon Valley as investors. Jackie also discusses her brother, who is Chief of Staff to VP Vance.

She closes with thoughts on parenting, and stories of her successful children.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Brent Beshore of Permanent Equity shares his unique approach to investing with Ravin and Al, including using no debt, 30 year holdtime, and eschewing the traditional 2/20 PE fund structure. He emphasizes the flexibility that his approach has given him to make long term discussions.

The conversation then turns into Brent's deep Christian faith, as he shares his journey from existential dread and nihilism to finding meaning in life and happiness through faith. His previous struggles with pornography and alcohol are laid bare as he recounts the power of love and belief, and why he considers himself "the Forrest Gump of PE."

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

In this episode, investor Steven Taslitz takes Ravin and Al through key deals in his storied career including Black Rifle Coffee, Sylvan Learning, and School of Rock, and discovering Navy SEAL Jocko Willink.

He emphasizes the value of the human relationships that are formed under pressure, whether on a competitive sports team or as co-founders.

Steven discusses why he never wanted to raise a typical 2 and 20 PE fund, and how he has had success after success in a myriad of industries and through 150+ deals.

The value of "straight talk" is discussed, and knowing what level of wealth you want to accumulate is.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Al and Ravin reflect on why they continue doing this podcast, and the lessons gleaned from the stellar roster of guests thus far.

They discuss the value of learning to communicate in the "YouTube Era" using podcasting, and how sharing public opinions changes your thinking in interesting and unexpected ways.

The value of reading, and lifelong learning is emphasized. As always, a few war stories about painful deals are shared.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Tony Davis shares his origin story with Ravin and Al, from being fired at age 33 to building the worlds largest dedicated healthcare private equity fund LINDEN PARTNERS. He shares the key to being a stellar fundraiser, along with the biggest challenges he faced.

The American healthcare system is discussed in depth, from high quality to bad incentives to insurance fraud. RFK's polarizing policies are discussed.

Also the value of setting high expectations for raising kids, and Tony's amazing effort to start a Jewish day school in Chicago.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Sam Nazarian shares his journey with Al and Ravin from immigrant roots to building a global hospitality empire. He discusses the importance of brand building, ecosystem creation, and navigating the challenges of the nightlife and hotel industries.

He discusses his ventures in luxury hotels, restaurants, and his latest focus on longevity and healthcare, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Also, he discusses Iran, immigration, and his health journey.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Tom Gimbel joins Al and Ravin to converse and debate the current job market, and the impact of AI on employment. Political dynamics, particularly regarding military actions in Iran and Venezuela, are discussed, alongside the implications for the future of the Middle East.

They explore the complexities of political corruption, healthcare fraud, and the challenges faced by moderate Democrats. The conversation also touches on immigration, voter ID laws, and the importance of reading in education, while addressing systemic issues related to race and family structure. Ultimately, the hosts express a hopeful outlook for America's future despite the challenges it faces.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

In this engaging conversation, Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi sit down with Ali Hamed, founder and CEO of Traville Capital Management. They explore Ali's unique journey from aspiring baseball player to successful entrepreneur, discussing the importance of networking, building credibility, and the evolution of his investment firm.

Ali shares insights on navigating the private credit landscape and the interplay between venture capital and credit strategies, emphasizing the need for creativity and rigor in business.

In this conversation, Ali Hamed also drills down on the evolution of media and the creator economy, and the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship. He shares insights on identifying talent, overcoming early career challenges, and navigating ageism in the workplace. Hamed also reflects on the importance of growth for investment firms, the impact of political climates on business, and market predictions. He emphasizes the future of private markets and the significance of technology in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Rylan Hamilton, the founder of BLUE WATER AUTONOMY, shares his gritty story with Ravin and Al. Rylan started off in the Navy, then went to Harvard Business School, and founded 6 River Systems which he sold to Shopify for $450M. He went on to raise $65M for Blue Water Autonomy with Google Ventures as the lead. The episode drills into the future of war, the effort to curb spending, the use of AI in the military, and how the military helps build character.

NOTE: Al and Ravin want to thanks Alex Goldstein for his technical assistance with processing this episode!

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Lior Div, who raised over $1B in founding Cybereason and 7AI, shares his insights with Ravin and Al on the intersection of cybersecurity and AI, emphasizing the importance of innovation in the face of evolving cyber threats.

He discusses his background in the elite 8200 unit of the IDF and how it has shaped his entrepreneurial journey in the tech industry. The discussion also highlights Israel's unique position as a leader in cybersecurity innovation and the challenges that lie ahead for companies in this rapidly changing landscape.

They delve into Israel's high rate of startup founders, including the role of military training and cultural differences in talent selection. They discuss the evolution of the cybersecurity landscape, the integration of AI into business models, and the implications of dyslexia on personal success. The conversation touches on the future of education, the impact of crypto on cybersecurity, and the recent intelligence failures in Israel.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

In E16, Ravin and Al interview Edward Woodford, founder and CEO of ZeroHash, discussing his journey from the UK to the US, the founding of ZeroHash, and the evolution of the crypto landscape.

Edward shares insights on the importance of stablecoins, the infrastructure behind crypto transactions, and the future of digital assets. He emphasizes the need for usability in the crypto space and the potential for stablecoins to revolutionize financial transactions globally.

Woodford also shares insights on self-custody versus custodial solutions, the significance of hashrate in the Bitcoin ecosystem, and highlights influential figures in the crypto industry.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Ravin and Al discuss the current state of the economy, exploring conflicting narratives around inflation, affordability, and consumer behavior. They reflect on insights gained from recent guests on their podcast and consider the impact of AI on future economic opportunities.

They discuss perceptions of grift and favoritism in politics, the impact of populism on economic prosperity, and the complexities of racism and accountability in political discourse. The conversation also touches on immigration policies, voter ID laws, and the implications of global political shifts, culminating in a discussion about the Epstein scandal and its fallout.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Al and Ravin speak with Don Edwards, founder and chairman of FlexPoint, about his journey from being a college athlete at the University of Illinois to a renowned career in private equity.

They discuss the challenges along the way, including the importance of networking, the transition from investment banking to private equity, and the role of philanthropy in shaping one's identity.

Don shares insights on the competitive nature of golf and how it parallels the business world, as well as the significance of mentorship and having a chip on one's shoulder in achieving success.

Edwards also reflects on what makes a great private equity associate, his leadership role in higher education, and the challenges faced during the encampments at the University of Illinois. He emphasizes the disconnect within academia and the need for a reassessment of higher education's role in society.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

In this episode, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Rahm Emanuel, discussing the balance of political perspectives, the importance of education and accountability, the shifting demographics in America, and the implications of voter ID laws.

They explore the impact of family structure on society, the complexities of immigration, and the current state of public safety. Emanuel emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to immigration reform and the importance of addressing societal issues through effective public policy. The discussion culminates in reflections on the future of American politics and the necessity for centrist voices in a polarized environment.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Austin Berg is Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center, and the Illinois Policy Institute. Austin is an award winning author, and has written a book called The New Chicago Way. He also made a documentary about Chicago Teachers Union called "Local One."

Austin discusses with Ravin and Al the challenges facing Chicago, including its governance issues, economic decline, public safety concerns, and the failing education system. He emphasizes the need for reform in these areas, particularly the influence of the Chicago Teachers Union and the importance of school choice.

The discussion also touches on the political dynamics in the city and the necessity for community engagement to drive change. Berg advocates for a more accountable and effective governance structure to revitalize Chicago and improve the lives of its residents.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

In this conversation with Ravin and Al, tech investor extraordinaire Rich Heise shares his journey from founding Magnitude Networks in 1995 to navigating the dot-com boom and beyond with Groupon.

He discusses the importance of timing in business, the challenges of family dynamics, and the lessons learned from his experiences with Starbelly and Inner Workings.

Rich emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the impact of education on personal development, discussing the evolution of several companies including Echo, Media Bank, and Groupon.

They explore the challenges and triumphs of navigating IPOs, the dynamics of partnerships, and the role of luck in business success. The discussion also touches on personal motivations, community building through sports, and reflections on political issues and media bias.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

NOTE: A few clarifications from E11 regarding points mentioned in this episode, brought to our attention after publication:

Rich was not a co-founder of InnerWorkings (INWK), Echo Global Logistics (ECHO), or Groupon (GRPN). He was an early investor and board member in each company. Public filings for all three companies (including S-1s) list their respective co-founders.

Andrew did not reach out to Rich, which Rich clarified during the conversation. Groupon’s peak market capitalization was approximately $18–19 billion, not $28 billion.

Ravin and Al discuss entrepreneurship, market dynamics, and personal journeys with Vishal Garg, the founder of Better.com.

The discussion covers Vishal's early life, his experiences in the fintech industry, and the challenges he faced while building his company. The conversation emphasizes the importance of risk management, the value of meritocracy, and the impact of cultural identity on personal and professional growth.

He reflects on the challenges faced during the financial crisis, the resilience built through partnerships, and the invaluable lessons learned from family and mentorship. The discussion also covers the inception of Better.com, the impact of COVID-19 on the business, and the strategic decisions made during market fluctuations which created public blowback. Vishal's vision for the future highlights the role of technology and innovation in transforming the financial industry.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.