Between the Lies Podcast
Providing Positivity & Balance For An Uncertain World
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Trump's Tariffs Ruled Illegal: The Truth About Who Really Pays in Trade Wars | Between The Lies 006
09/12/2025
Trump's Tariffs Ruled Illegal: The Truth About Who Really Pays in Trade Wars | Between The Lies 006
Welcome back to Between The Lies, where we cut through government propaganda to give you the real story on policies that affect your wallet. I'm Nicky P, and I'm joined by the money truth-tellers at Perfect Spiral Capital - Luke Tatum and Rob Brayton. This week's bombshell: A US court just ruled most of Trump's tariffs illegal. But here's what nobody's talking about - these "negotiation tools" have been nothing but hidden taxes on American consumers from day one. What We Cover: • How Trump's tariffs were set to affect 69% of US goods imports (now down to 16%) • The $8 trillion tariff revenue claim that defies basic math • Why tariffs are just another tax that consumers always end up paying • How the government's spending addiction makes tariff revenue meaningless • The real scope of federal deficit spending: $1 trillion in just two months • Why "negotiation strategy" rhetoric doesn't change who writes the check Key Takeaways: Luke breaks down how $33 billion in monthly tariff revenue sounds impressive until you realize the government burns through that in 2-3 days. Rob explains why we have a spending problem, not a revenue problem - cutting government by half would solve more than any tariff scheme. And I call out the hypocrisy of calling taxes "negotiation tools" when regular people are the ones paying the price. We also tackle the bigger picture: Trump claims tariffs will replace income taxes, but the math doesn't work. When you're running trillion-dollar deficits every few months, tariff revenue is a drop in an ocean of government waste. The Reality Check: Whether tariffs are legal or illegal, constitutional or unconstitutional, you're still paying them. The court ruling might provide temporary relief, but the underlying problem remains - a government addicted to spending your money in every way possible. Perfect Spiral Capital Insight: As always, Luke and Rob emphasize what you can actually control. You can't set tariff policy, but you can position yourself to benefit from policy chaos. Having liquid capital, real assets, and multiple income streams matters more than whatever Washington decides this week. Ready to build wealth that survives government incompetence? Visit for their free toolkit on taking control of your financial future.
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Trump Takes 10% of Intel: When America Officially Crosses Into Fascism | Between The Lies 005
09/05/2025
Trump Takes 10% of Intel: When America Officially Crosses Into Fascism | Between The Lies 005
Welcome back to Between The Lies, where we call out the lies that both sides tell and give you the real story on America's slide into authoritarianism. I'm Nicky P, and I'm joined by the freedom-loving money brains at Perfect Spiral Capital - Luke Tatum and Corey Sinz. This week's bombshell: Trump just took a 10% stake in Intel on behalf of the United States government. And guess who's cheering from the sidelines? Bernie Sanders. When socialists and supposed capitalists agree on government ownership of private companies, you know we've officially crossed a line. What We Cover: • How Trump's Intel takeover checks every box for fascist government control • Why Bernie Sanders is celebrating state ownership of American business • The dangerous precedent this sets for Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and other defense contractors • How government stock ownership creates permanent war incentives • Why this isn't actually new - just the latest evolution of picking winners and losers • How the "national security" excuse justifies any government overreach • The moral hazard of privatizing profits while socializing losses Key Takeaways: Luke breaks down how this follows the same pattern we've seen since 2008 - bail out companies, then buy ownership stakes to justify future interventions. Corey explains why Intel themselves said this is bad news, especially for their overseas revenue. And I call out the hypocrisy of claiming this protects taxpayers when we have zero say in how our stolen money gets invested. We also tackle the bigger picture: This isn't about improving American manufacturing or national security. It's about creating a permanent fusion of government and corporate power that would make Mussolini proud. When your government owns stock in weapons manufacturers, guess what happens to peace negotiations? The Reality Check: Other countries are getting rid of their sovereign wealth funds while we're just starting one. Welcome to the party 100 years late, America. But here's the thing - while politicians steal your money to play stock market, you can build real wealth through systems they can't touch. Perfect Spiral Capital Insight: As always, Luke and Corey emphasize the power of infinite banking to shield your wealth from government predation. When you control your own capital through properly structured policies, you don't need politicians managing your investments. You become your own sovereign wealth fund - without the theft. Ready to build real sovereignty that starts at home instead of trusting politicians with your financial future? Visit for their free toolkit on taking control of your money.
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Jerome Powell's Embattled Legacy: Is the Fed's Dual Mandate Failing America | Between The Lies 004
08/29/2025
Jerome Powell's Embattled Legacy: Is the Fed's Dual Mandate Failing America | Between The Lies 004
Welcome back to Between The Lies, where we rip apart the financial fairy tales and give you the real story behind economic manipulation. I'm Nicky P, and I'm joined by the money truth-tellers at Perfect Spiral Capital - Luke Tatum and Rob Brayton. This week, we're diving deep into Jerome Powell's embattled legacy at the Federal Reserve. With Trump breathing down his neck and demanding different numbers, at least they're finally admitting the data means nothing. If you don't like the numbers you get, just find somebody who'll give you the ones you want. What We Cover: The Fed's impossible dual mandate: managing inflation AND unemployment Why 2% inflation is government-sanctioned wealth theft How Powell compares to Paul Volcker's 20% interest rates in the 1980s Trump's pressure campaign and the politics of economic data Why we've had artificially low rates since the 1990s (and what that really costs) The jobs numbers nobody talks about and what they actually mean How tariffs plus income tax creates the worst of both worlds Key Takeaways: Rob breaks down why the Fed's dual mandate is fundamentally flawed - you can't control inflation and unemployment simultaneously without creating perverse incentives. Luke exposes how we went from Volcker's 20% rates to basically free money under Bernanke and Yellen. And I call out the 2% inflation target for what it is: a plan to steal 2% of your wealth every single year. We also tackle the uncomfortable truth about our economy: it looks terrible until you compare it to every other country. We're the kid with a broken arm while everyone else has two broken legs. But that doesn't mean we should accept the jalopy when we know the economy could be a Ferrari. The Silver Lining: Economic downturns create opportunities for people with capital. While others panic about jobs numbers and inflation, smart money positions itself to buy assets on the cheap. The key is having your own "banking system" - capital that's always ready to deploy when opportunities appear. Perfect Spiral Capital Insight: Luke and Rob reveal why higher interest rates have actually been great for them. When you're not dependent on traditional financing, you play by different rules. Life insurance companies had their most profitable years during 2008 while everyone else was panicking. Ready to build your own economic foundation that thrives regardless of Fed policy? Visit for their free toolkit on the future of your money.
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Inflation Falls Everywhere But America: When Money Becomes Worthless: Between The Lies Podcast Episode 003
08/22/2025
Inflation Falls Everywhere But America: When Money Becomes Worthless: Between The Lies Podcast Episode 003
Welcome back to Between The Lies, where we strip away the financial BS and give you the tools to thrive in an uncertain world. I'm Nicky P, and I'm joined by the complete money brain trust at Perfect Spiral Capital - Luke Tatum, Rob Brayton, and Corey Sinz. This week's headline hit different: inflation is falling globally, but here in America? It just keeps climbing. So when exactly should I expect to hand over a truck full of singles for a roll of toilet paper? What We Cover: Why the IMF's inflation numbers are complete fiction (CPI vs. real inflation explained) How 110 ounces of gold bought the same house in 1913 and today Why China's gold hoarding strategy is beating our money printer approach Harvard's embarrassing Bitcoin flip-flop: from "$0 more likely than $100" to buying at $118k The real difference between saving and investing (spoiler: your 401k isn't investing) Why Bitcoin can't solve your daily spending needs (yet) How infinite banking creates real wealth in an inflating world Key Takeaways: Luke breaks down why inflation and rising prices aren't the same thing - one's about money supply, the other's about effects. Rob explains how the pre-1913 gold standard proves nothing's really changed except our money got worthless. Corey reveals why infinite banking isn't anti-crypto - it's your launching pad for everything else. We also tackle the elephant in the room: Sure, Bitcoin looks great on a chart, but can you pay your Arkansas grocery bill with it? When the real estate opportunity of a lifetime appears, are you calling your 401k company for weeks of paperwork, or writing a check tomorrow? The Reality Check: Other countries are beating inflation by backing their currencies with real assets. Meanwhile, we're printing dollars faster than a teenager with their first credit card. But here's the thing - if you understand how money really works, this creates opportunities. Perfect Spiral Capital Insight: The guys reveal their "dry powder" strategy - how to accumulate capital that's always available for the next big opportunity, whether that's real estate, Bitcoin, or your neighbor's house. It's not about being anti-crypto or anti-anything. It's about having a firm foundation that lets you move fast when others are stuck in bureaucracy. Ready to build real wealth while others argue about digital gold vs. real gold? Visit PerfectSpiralCapital.com/podcast for their free toolkit on the future of your money.
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Visa, MasterCard, and the Death of Financial Freedom: When Private Companies Decide Your Morality
08/14/2025
Visa, MasterCard, and the Death of Financial Freedom: When Private Companies Decide Your Morality
Welcome back to Between The Lies, where we cut through the BS to give you the real story on what's happening in our increasingly controlled world. I'm Nicky P, and I'm joined once again by the money brains at Perfect Spiral Capital - Luke Tatum and Rob Brayton. This week, we're diving into something the mainstream media won't touch: Visa and MasterCard's coordinated attack on particular sects of the gaming industry. While YouTube is buzzing with outrage, traditional financial outlets are mysteriously silent about payment processors deciding what you're allowed to spend your money on. What We Cover: How Visa and MasterCard are forcing Steam and other platforms to remove games The Australian activist group behind the pressure campaign Why this isn't about protecting children - it's about control How the same tactics were used against firearms dealers and content creators The difference between free market choice and corporate censorship Why this proves we need alternatives to traditional banking How gamers are fighting back (and overwhelming customer service lines) Key Takeaways: Luke breaks down how this mirrors previous attacks on firearms commerce and Patreon creators. Rob explains why private morality enforcement through payment systems is fundamentally anti-free market. And I expose the hypocrisy of mainstream media's deafening silence on corporate censorship. We also tackle the bigger picture: Why do private entities have this much control over money in the first place? The answer lies in our broken SWIFT system and the debt-based currency that forced companies like Visa to step in as intermediaries. Now those intermediaries are acting like moral authorities. The Silver Lining: Gamers don't take this stuff lying down. Customer service departments are overwhelmed with complaints, awareness is spreading, and alternative payment methods are gaining traction. Plus, we still have cash, Bitcoin, and other ways to conduct commerce without corporate gatekeepers. Perfect Spiral Capital Insight: As always, Luke and Rob emphasize the importance of financial privacy and alternative systems. When payment processors can dictate morality, it's time to explore private banking solutions that keep transactions between consenting parties. Ready to learn how to protect your financial freedom? Visit PerfectSpiralCapital.com to discover strategies that work regardless of what payment processors decide.
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Trump's Crypto Regulation Bills: What They Mean for Your Financial Future | Between The Lies Podcast: Episode 001
08/08/2025
Trump's Crypto Regulation Bills: What They Mean for Your Financial Future | Between The Lies Podcast: Episode 001
Welcome to Between The Lies, where we cut through the noise to give you the real story on what's happening in our uncertain world. I'm Nicky P, and today I'm joined by the money brains at Perfect Spiral Capital - Luke Tatum and Rob Brayton. We're diving deep into Trump's latest crypto regulation announcement. According to CNBC, bills that couldn't get traction before suddenly have the votes to move forward. But what does this really mean for you? What We Cover: The three major pieces of crypto legislation moving through Congress Why the GENIUS Act isn't as genius as it sounds How the Clarity Act will impact your tax filings and business operations The anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act and why it matters Whether stable coins are the government's backdoor to prop up the failing dollar Real talk on how this affects your day-to-day life (spoiler: maybe not as much as you think) Key Takeaways: Rob breaks down why he's skeptical of more regulation, especially when the SEC and CFTC have a track record of protecting the very people causing problems. Luke explains how these laws might actually provide some clarity for business owners and taxpayers who've been operating in a gray area. And I share my theory that fines are just the government's way of setting the "cost of doing business" for nefarious activities. We also tackle the bigger picture: Is this really about protecting consumers, or is it the government's attempt to maintain control as the dollar struggles internationally? With housing prices as our inflation indicator and the BRICS nations potentially backing their currency with gold, we're asking the hard questions nobody else will. Perfect Spiral Capital Insight: As always, Luke and Rob bring their expertise in helping people navigate uncertain financial futures. While crypto regulation might make headlines, they remind us that the majority of their assets are in real estate and life insurance cash values - investments that go up every day regardless of what Congress decides. Don't miss this episode if you want to understand what's really happening behind the crypto regulation headlines and how to position yourself for whatever comes next. Ready to navigate your financial future with expert guidance? Visit PerfectSpiralCapital.com to book time with our team.
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