Impact Theory With Tom Bilyeu

Tom and co-host Drew taking listeners deep into the volatile landscape of American current events, zeroing in on the LA immigration riots that have dominated headlines. With tensions flaring between national and local leadership—Trump pushing for a hardline federal response, Newsom resisting—the conversation explores the patterns of civil unrest and political division that have marked recent American history. Tom and Drew set the stage by wrestling with the disconnect between lived experience on the ground and the dramatized narrative pushed by media and politicians, and they unpack the psychology and historical context that frame our national sense of crisis. Join Tom and Drew as they analyze pattern recognition in societal upheavals, the rise and repetition of riots, and the role that both media and political actors play in stoking societal fear and division. They candidly debate law and order, the line between peaceful protest and violence, and how responses from leadership can either escalate or temper

Picking up where part one left off, Tom Bilyeu and Jocko Willink continue their far-reaching conversation, diving even deeper into the foundations of leadership, cultural transformation, and the surprising optimism Jocko sees for America’s youth. Jocko shares behind-the-scenes stories about translating hard-won military discipline into bestselling children’s books and a soon-to-be-released feature film—highlighting his belief that storytelling is a critical weapon for shaping culture and values. The dialogue expands to explore the realities of military and corporate leadership, the dangers of arrogance and ego within teams, and the mechanics of power in both politics and business. Tom and Jocko dissect the process behind leadership development, examine the “Machiavellian” truths of power dynamics, and reflect on the lived realities of command in combat. Listeners will gain fresh perspectives on humility, accountability, and what it truly means to step up as a leader—both in war and everyday life. SHOWNO

In this powerful episode of "Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu," Tom sits down with former Navy SEAL commander, leadership expert, and bestselling author Jocko Willink for a compelling exploration of modern warfare, leadership, and human nature. Known for his no-nonsense approach to personal discipline and his frontline perspectives, Jocko offers listeners a rare glimpse into how he thinks about global conflicts like Ukraine, Russia, and the Israel-Hamas war—not from the comfort of theory, but from lived experience and profound strategic insight. Tom and Jocko unravel the unpredictable realities of war, the dangers of overconfidence in leadership, and the psychology that drives nations into protracted conflicts. They also examine the concept of "why America loses wars," the test of wills at the heart of every battle, and how who needs to win often determines the real outcome. Whether you care about geopolitics, leadership under fire, or just want to understand how values play out on the world stage, this is a

Tom Bilyeu takes listeners to the heart of one of the most controversial stories in modern finance: the secretive birth of the Federal Reserve on Jekyll Island. Drawing from G. Edward Griffin’s infamous and fiercely debated book "The Creature from Jekyll Island," Tom unpacks the shrouded origins of America’s central banking system and lays out a case for how it was designed—in secrecy—to benefit a powerful elite at the expense of the masses. Tom vividly narrates the covert meeting that would change the course of economic history, the transformation of money from gold-backed to fiat, and breaks down complex banking concepts such as fractional reserve banking and the “Mandrake Mechanism.” With his signature clarity and urgency, Tom reveals how the system was crafted to siphon wealth through engineered inflation and debt. If you've ever wondered how the rich keep getting richer, and why the stability you’re promised always seems just out of reach, this is the episode you cannot miss. SHOWNOTES 00:00 "Grif

Fan Favorite: This episode originally aired on April 24, 2018. As the Chaplain for the Seattle Seahawks and pastor of a massive congregation that counts names like Justin Bieber and Tim Tebow as members, Judah Smith knows a thing or two about leadership. His messages of radical love and inclusion have resonated with hundreds of thousands around the world from all different walks of life. Judah shares the leadership principles that have helped him build a strong community on this episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. SHOW NOTES: Judah explains his role with the Seattle Seahawks and what it's taught him about leadership. [4:00] Judah discusses the art of accountability and conflict. [7:46] Judah tells the power of exposing his vulnerability to the masses. [19:22] Judah shares why communication is the backbone of all his relationships. [29:26] Judah reveals the impact he wants to have on the world. [41:25] QUOTES: "Avoiding conflict minimizes the depth of relationship that you can experience, an

Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In this episode, Tom and Producer Drew dive straight into the heart of political chaos, exploring the ever-expanding landscape of conspiracy, media spin, and why public trust—sometimes even in the president—is at an all-time low. With Lisa Bilyeu co-hosting and special guest Victor Davis Hanson weighing in, the conversation pulls no punches: from Biden’s alleged cover-up and the inner workings of political “team ball,” to international conflicts like Ukraine’s bold drone strikes deep within Russia, and the jaw-dropping implications of global policies around information integrity. The hosts question just how much power is held by a few political insiders, why the media might be in on the game, and why the rest of us should fight ferociously for freedom of speech—especially as the UN flirts with ideas that look a lot like global censorship. You’ll also hear deep-dive explorations into economic peril, with stark warnings about ballooning national debt and insight

Welcome to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In this episode, Tom is joined by Drew for a wide-ranging conversation on some of today’s most pressing issues. They break down the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict and the real risk of further escalation, unravel the roots and myths of Zionism and the Rothschild family, and pull back the curtain on U.S. politics and the economic realities of central banking and government spending. They also react to alarming current events—including a violent flamethrower attack in Colorado and concerns about agroterrorism involving Chinese nationals—while reflecting on the dangers of polarization, media manipulation, and the importance of moral clarity. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Jewish Empowerment: Rags to Riches 10:01 Putin's Reluctance to End War 14:39 "Escalation Debate in Ukraine Conflict" 30:19 Understanding Inflation vs. Tariffs 46:57 "Overcoming Division in America" 50:23 Faith's Influence on Morality 01:01:09 "Distinguish Individuals from Government Actions" 01:12:14

In the electrifying conclusion to Tom Bilyeu’s conversation with ex-CIA officer Andrew Bustamante, the lens widens to encompass today’s global flashpoints. Andrew applies his framework of power, leverage, and outcomes to the powder keg of present-day geopolitics. From Covid conspiracies and biological warfare, to the rise of China, the fate of the U.S. dollar, and the shifting allegiances shaping the 21st century, Andrew breaks down how world leaders really make decisions—far removed from conventional morality. This part takes a deep dive into modern conflict zones including Russia-Ukraine, the Israel-Palestine crisis, and the West’s declining grip amid new authoritarian contenders. Tom and Andrew wrestle with the hard questions: Are chemical and biological weapons just another leverage tool? Why are democracies struggling while strongman regimes rise? And what does the America-first, leverage-maximizing approach actually look like in real time? Buckle in for a rapid-fire tour through the next era of globa

Tom Bilyeu sits down with Andrew Bustamante, former CIA officer and founder of Everyday Spy, to uncover the hidden systems powering global politics, economics, and high-stakes decision-making. With his unique intelligence background, Andrew sheds light on why the world’s power truly runs on leverage—not morality—challenging everything you think you know about secrets, national interest, and survival in the geopolitical arena. In Part 1, Tom and Andrew pull back the curtain on the international leverage game. From the true function of secrets like the Epstein and JFK files, to the mechanics of economic warfare and media manipulation, they explore how the powerful wield information to maintain dominance. The discussion dives deep into real-world examples, like the China spy balloon incident, and explores why governments only release classified documents when it serves their purposes. This episode will alter your perspective on government actions, international conflict, and the moral constructs imposed on so

Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In today’s thought-provoking deep dive, Tom tackles a provocative question: What if the very things we’ve been told are destroying our system – waste, fraud, and abuse – are actually the glue holding it all together? Using compelling analogies and referencing both modern monetary theory and historical perspectives from Machiavelli, Tom reveals the foundational flaws in America’s economic and political system. He explores why deficit spending isn’t just common, but required, and exposes how our reliance on debt has created a cycle that keeps the rich getting richer and the poor falling further behind. From biblical wisdom to the hidden mechanics of the Federal Reserve, this episode challenges everything you thought you knew about power, politics, and the economy. Tom dissects the real reasons behind recent political theater — including the rise and fall of Doge and Elon Musk’s controversial moves — and warns about the dangerous cliff our system is heading towar

Fan Favorite: This episode originally aired on June 6, 2017. Named one of Fortune’s “50 greatest leaders of all time,” Peter Diamandis is disrupting education and business through his 19 startups and his role as founder and Executive Chairman of the XPRIZE. Guided by the stories handed down from his father, he used medical school to launch his space exploration program and is now a multiple New York Times bestselling author. Dive in with Peter and Tom as they discuss the importance of cultivating passion, curiosity, and grit in this compelling episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. “Part of this is putting yourself out there and trying. The ratio of zero to one is infinite.” —Peter Diamandis SHOW NOTES Peter recalls leveraging familial pressure to become a doctor as a stepping stone toward his true desire. [2:43] Peter talks about cultivating the drive to move in the direction of his passion. [6:01] Peter recalls how his father’s stories shaped his worldview. [10:44] Tom and Peter discuss why tell

Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu! In today’s episode, Tom and his co-host Drew dive into a whirlwind of current events and big ideas shaping our world. From Elon Musk waving goodbye to the “Doge cuts” and reflections on America’s wild economic ride, to the drama of world leaders like Macron and the ongoing tension between global powers, this conversation pulls no punches. Tom breaks down the real state of our financial system—likening it to the Titanic heading for an iceberg—and explains why having a personal “life raft” like Bitcoin or gold might just be your best bet. Together, he and Drew tackle questions about government spending, hard money, and why even the most brilliant minds can’t always fix a broken system. But it’s not just economics on the table; prepare for a deep discussion about the dangers and potential of AI—as Drew shares new revelations about an AI model showing signs of self-preservation, deception, and even attempts at replicating itself. The conversation spins further

In this no-holds-barred episode of Impact Theory, Tom Bilyeu and his co-host Drew tackle a whirlwind of current events reshaping economics, politics, and culture. Kicking off with headlines like Elon Musk stepping down from Doge and the shocking viral spat between French President Macron and his wife, the duo wastes no time diving deep. Tom and Drew connect these disparate stories, skillfully tracing the throughline back to the undercurrents of the global financial system and the often unseen hand of central banking. From government spending and politics-as-power, to the intricacies of private, corporate, and personal debt, Tom breaks down complex ideas with relatable metaphors—making the abstract tangible. Whether you’re seeking a crash course in monetary policy, interested in the psychological chess match of global power, or just love hearing top thinkers untangle the news, this first half of the episode sets the stage with energy and insight. SHOWNOTES 00:57 – Elon’s Doge exit, political gamesmanshi

Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In this episode, Tom sits down with entrepreneur and venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale for a thought-provoking conversation about American resilience, defense innovation, and the values shaping our future. Joe shares his journey from grappling with the ethics of building defense technology at Palantir to championing a new wave of patriot-driven innovation at Anduril. Together, Tom and Joe tackle tough questions—like the morality of maximum lethality, the changing threats facing the West, and how America can regain its competitive and cultural edge in a rapidly shifting world. Joe doesn’t shy away from controversy, offering candid insights into the dangers of “suicidal empathy,” the rise of China, and why internal dysfunction poses as great a risk as any foreign adversary. They dig deep into how to instill a culture of excellence—both in business and government—discussing what it takes to bring back courage, merit, and strong leadership in institutions. Along the

On today’s episode of Impact Theory, Tom Bilyeu sits down with Joe Lonsdale—the prolific tech founder and investor known for co-founding Palantir and for building solutions at the intersection of technology and national defense. As concerns mount about America’s readiness in the face of a rising China, Joe shares firsthand insights from decades at the forefront of defense innovation, higher education reform, and the struggle to revive meritocracy in our institutions. You’ll hear how Joe went from a “naive pro-China camp” to sounding the alarm about CCP crackdowns, corporate espionage, and why our bloated, slow-moving government and defense sectors are failing to keep pace with adversaries abroad. From empowering the next generation of courageous leaders to building autonomous ships and anti-drone tech, Joe reveals what it will take for the U.S. to reclaim its competitive edge. SHOWNOTES 00:00 China: Government vs. Tech Aspirations 03:02 Founding Palantir Amidst Early Challenges 09:33 Merit-Based Immi

In this cutting-edge episode of Impact Theory, Tom Bilyeu takes center stage to confront one of the biggest questions of our era: can we actually trust the so-called "experts"? Drawing on riveting examples from history and his own journey as an entrepreneur, Tom dissects how expertise has been weaponized by elites, resulting in societal conformity—even when the experts turn out to be wrong. From the smoking doctors of the past to today's battles over pandemics, politics, and public policy, Tom lays out a provocative argument for why blind faith in authority is more hazardous than most realize. Tom invites listeners into a historical deep dive, exposing powerful stories like the persecution of Socrates and Galileo, the belittling of Linus Pauling, and the revolution started by Barry Marshall’s rogue experiment. Throughout, he constructs a compelling case for why challenging orthodoxy is not only healthy, but necessary for progress. Whether you consider yourself an expert or a lifelong learner, part 1 will l

Fan Favorite: This episode originally aired on July 8, 2021. It’s easy to quietly go through life never really facing yourself, your struggles and your fears. There is a solution to numb the pain of reality and move towards comfort where it’s easier to accept things as they are no matter where you are. Mikhaila Peterson gracefully embodies the struggle of what it means to face yourself and all of your inadequacies and continue to push and explore through discomfort in pursuit of finding meaning while protecting what it means to be human, be a mother, be sexy and a successful business woman. SHOW NOTES: Accidental | Mikhaila talks about unplanned pregnancy at 23, career, & marriage [2:03] Anxiety & Chaos| Navigating stress from relationships and reducing chaos [7:17] Marriage | Mikhaila on the challenges of marriage before building foundation [10:12] Having Children | Is there a “right” time to have kids or only trade-offs to consider [14:54] Parenting Balance | How to balance an ambitious career

Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In this special live episode, I’m joined by my incredible co-host (and wife), Lisa Bilyeu, for a deep-dive on the intersection of politics, world affairs, and what’s really threatening democracy today. We tackle some heavy news—like Biden’s shock cancer announcement and the implications of Bernie Sanders admitting Democrats can be a threat to democracy. Of course, with Lisa in the studio, we also bring an unfiltered relationship lens to these societal issues, exploring why humans double down on dogma, how our childhood shapes genius, and if wisdom can ever outrun calcified beliefs. Plus, we get personal on the abuse of power, MeToo fallout, female agency, and where the law should (or shouldn't) intervene in manipulative relationships. SHOWNOTES 00:00 – Lisa joins Tom for a live hybrid show: politics, world affairs, and relationships 01:54 – NIH controversy: Covid origins, Wuhan, and walking out on tough truths 04:31 – The tragic story of

Welcome back to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In this episode, Drew and I take you through a whirlwind week where politics, world affairs, and tech innovation collide. We dissect Biden’s shocking cancer diagnosis and what it means for the country, dig into Bernie Sanders’ eyebrow-raising admission about the Democratic Party, and go deep on just how broken the government really is—and how (or if) it can ever be fixed. We tackle the big questions: What does it take to create a thriving middle class? Should we trust the government to spend more and do more, or do we need to completely rethink the machine? Are we living through a crisis of vision, where our leaders offer no North Star to inspire the country? And with news breaking on both the NIH’s gain-of-function research and China’s clampdown on gene editing, are we prepared for the next wave of scientific disruption? SHOWNOTES 00:00 – Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis: Personal Impact & Political Fallout 03:14 – Are Our Leaders Too Old? The Real Proble

In this installment, Daniel and Tom push deeper into the roots of economic anxiety, the morality of money printing, the logic (and danger) of debt, and why the “Monopoly game” always ends in revolution, collapse, or war. They ask what it will really take to avoid history’s bloodiest outcomes — and whether the solutions are personal, systemic, or already out of reach. SHOWNOTES43:12 Why money printing is immoral — and also unavoidable52:09 Why the end of the “Monopoly game” means collapse, war, or revolution54:26 Why emotional arguments win — but don’t provide answers55:26 Is there any bloodless way out of our current economic predicament?56:04 The dual systems: Industrial age in decline, digital age on the rise59:03 Chess, cards, and elite training simulations (the structure of society)1:10:03 The baby boom, housing inflation, and the demographic crunch1:14:02 Bell curve economics vs. power law distribution1:15:43 Why money printing makes “saving your way up” impossible1:16:48 Agency, intelligence, inflati