Competent Man Podcast

Tom Bodrovics
  • 4.7 (19)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This isn’t just another podcast—it’s a movement for thinkers, doers, and anyone ready to step up and become the best version of themselves, one skill at a time. Bringing you a wide range of content so come with an open mind and a sense of adventure!

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    Chris Rutherglen: The Rate Cutting Cycle Is Not Over, It Will Drive Metals to Far Higher Highs

    During the podcast, Chris Rutherglen, a PhD scientist, engineer, CFA, and publisher of 'The Gold Investor Research' Substack, discusses his gold and silver price targets and the data-driven, fundamental, and technical arguments behind them. Rutherglen predicts that gold will reach a target of around $6,500 to $6,700 by summer to October 2024, before the mid-term elections. For silver, he expects a target of approximately $175, also within the same timeframe. He bases these predictions on historical cycles, the Fed Funds rate, and other economic indicators. Rutherglen explains that gold prices tend to rise during the declining phase of the Fed Funds rate cycle and peak around the midway point of this cycle. He also notes that the S&P 500 and real yields are leading indicators for gold's peak. Currently, neither indicator suggests that gold is at its peak. Rutherglen also discusses the money supply and its relationship with gold prices, arguing that the Fed's actions often do not align with their stated narratives. He also highlights the importance of the 10-year real yield, which tends to decline as gold prices peak. Currently, the 10-year real yield is still above 2%, suggesting that gold prices still have room to rise. Rutherglen also mentions the potential for a significant drop in gold prices after the peak, followed by a QE period where gold prices could reach even higher levels. Rutherglen also discusses the volatility in gold and silver prices, noting that increased volatility near the end of a cycle is normal. He suggests that the current volatility is not a sign of an impending crash but rather a sign that the market is getting closer to its peak. He also discusses the commitment of traders reports, noting that a decline in managed money traders' positions can be an early warning sign of a peak in gold prices. Finally, Rutherglen cautions against using simple price-to-earnings ratios for mining stocks, as they do not account for changes in production levels. He suggests using an instantaneous price-to-revenue ratio as a better metric. He also identifies B2 Gold as a potential investment opportunity due to its low production costs and upcoming changes in its production profile.

  2. FEB 10

    Doomberg: Passing the Turing Test of Authentic News vs Fake

    The podcast features a discussion between Tom Bodrovics and Doomberg, focusing on the future landscape of the world in the next decade, particularly from economic and geopolitical perspectives. Doomberg highlights the rapid advancement of AI, predicting significant changes in technology and society. He notes that AI tools are becoming increasingly accessible, democratizing technology and accelerating innovation, but also raising concerns about the lack of regulatory guardrails. Doomberg also discusses the impending shift in global power dynamics, moving from a US-dominated world to a multipolar system with competing powers like Russia and China. He argues that the US dollar's status as a global reserve currency is under threat due to geopolitical tensions and the increasing use of sanctions, leading to a potential bifurcation of trading systems. He also points out the strategic importance of gold as a neutral asset, especially in light of the freezing of Russian foreign assets. The conversation touches on the aging leadership in the US and the potential for younger, more dynamic figures to emerge. Doomberg expresses concern about the suppression of political talent and the ethical challenges of ascending to power. He also discusses the potential for significant changes in Canada, particularly regarding its energy policies and political stability, with a focus on the role of Prime Minister Pierre Poilievre. Doomberg shares insights on the impact of AI on energy production, predicting that AI will drive down the real price of commodities and enable new energy developments. He also discusses the challenges of navigating information in the digital age, highlighting the role of social media in shaping narratives and the potential for AI to exacerbate misinformation. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the consequences of AI on energy innovations and the long-term trends in commodity prices.

    1h 5m

  3. FEB 4

    James Anderson: This Gold and Silver Volatility Should get Your Attention

    James Anderson, Author and Head of Research at SD Bullion, discusses the current volatility in the silver market with host Tom Bodrovics. Anderson attributes the volatility to a combination of physical premiums, especially in the Eastern markets, and leveraged derivatives. He explains that the price of silver is influenced by both physical demand and derivative trading, with recent significant sell-offs driven by options betting. Anderson advises investors to hold physical silver outside the system to avoid short-term market volatility and to keep allocations limited to single digits for swing trading due to the dominance of professional traders with more firepower and information. The conversation shifts to the impact of month-end and options expiry (OPEX) on volatility, with Anderson noting that options trading involves significant risk but can be profitable with a long-term view. He cautions about the influence of retail traders and meme stocks on the market, suggesting that the "call wall" around $100 SLB (Silver) was a significant level that influenced recent price movements. Anderson also discusses the differences between gold and silver markets, highlighting the role of leverage and gambling in both Western and Eastern markets, particularly in China. Anderson provides historical context for the current silver market, noting that the price of silver has re-rated significantly in the past five decades, with key rebalancing points occurring in 1974, 1980, 2006, 2008, and 2011. He predicts that the current rebalancing could lead to much higher prices, with silver potentially reaching four digits. Anderson also discusses the challenges of increasing metals market literacy, citing the prevalence of misinformation and the complexity of the silver market, which includes both industrial and investment demand. He advises investors to conduct thorough research and understand the market dynamics before making investment decisions. The discussion also touches on the supply deficits in the silver market, with Anderson noting that both the Western and Eastern markets are experiencing tightness in inventory levels. He predicts that industrial players, such as Samsung, may go directly to silver producers to secure metal for their processes. Anderson also discusses the role of short positions held by bullion banks and the potential for arbitrage plays in the market. Anderson concludes by discussing the potential for a multi-decade top in both gold and silver, predicting that silver could reach $400 an ounce or more in the long term. He advises investors to think in terms of ratios, such as gold versus the Dow Jones Industrial Average, to understand the relative value of precious metals. Anderson also notes that the current price of housing relative to gold is similar to the 1980 levels, suggesting that gold and silver could appreciate significantly in the coming years. He encourages listeners to stay informed and patient in navigating the volatile precious metals market.

    56 min

  4. FEB 3

    Peter Schiff: The Gold & Silver Sell-Off Was a Coordinated Raid by Trump Administration

    During the podcast, Peter Schiff, CEO of Euro Pacific Asset Management and Chairman of Schiff Gold, discusses recent dramatic moves in the metals market, particularly the pullbacks in silver and gold. Schiff emphasizes that despite these declines, both metals have made significant progress, with silver still 50% above its previous highs and gold having its best January ever. He attributes the sell-off to a coordinated effort by the Trump administration to dampen the metals' warning signals of an impending dollar and sovereign debt crisis. Schiff suggests that the nomination of Jerome Powell as Fed Chair was a strategic move to maintain the appearance of Fed independence while continuing to pursue inflationary policies. He also discusses the role of banks with large short positions in metals, noting that their troubles have been temporarily alleviated but not resolved. Schiff expresses skepticism about Bitcoin, viewing it as a bubble that has benefitted from gold's stagnation and political support, particularly from the Trump administration. He predicts that Bitcoin's price would be much lower without significant investments, notably from Michael Saylor's MicroStrategy. Schiff also shares his observations from El Salvador, where Bitcoin adoption is not as widespread as often portrayed. He discusses the influence of the Fed Chair, comparing the roles of Greenspan and Powell, and highlights the importance of gold as an economic indicator. Schiff warns of an impending economic crisis characterized by high inflation, empty shelves, and significant unemployment, potentially worse than the Great Depression. He advises that the current sell-off in metals presents a buying opportunity for those understanding the fundamentals and the potential for further price increases. Schiff concludes that the next leg of the metals market could bring more mainstream investors into the space.

    30 min

  5. JAN 30

    David Hunter: 🚨 Intermediate Tops for Gold and Silver are Close ⚠

    David Hunter, Chief Macro Strategist with Contrarian Macro Advisors, discusses his outlook on the equity markets and the broader economy. Hunter has consistently predicted a melt-up scenario, and he has recently raised his targets for the S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow, and Russell indices, with the most aggressive target being 3,800 for the Russell. He believes that the current bull market will continue to climb, driven by improving sentiment among institutional investors, who have been cautious but are now more bullish. However, he foresees a significant downturn, or "bust," in the near future, characterized by a severe recession and a financial crisis. This bust is likely to be triggered by issues in Europe, China, or Japan, exacerbated by high levels of leverage and potential policy mistakes by central banks. Hunter expects the bust to be more severe than the 2008-2009 financial crisis, with a potential 80% decline in the equity markets. He anticipates a delayed and inadequate response from central banks, leading to a prolonged period of economic distress. Despite this grim outlook, Hunter sees opportunities in commodities and precious metals post-bust, as these assets are likely to appreciate significantly in the inflationary environment that follows. He advises investors to prepare for the bust by reducing debt and positioning themselves to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise during the recovery. Hunter also discusses the potential for a gold-backed bond and the future of the bond market, predicting that bond yields could drop significantly during the bust.

    1h 8m

  6. JAN 29

    Chris MacIntosh: These Stocks are Too Cheap to Ignore in the Age of Uncertainty

    Chris MacIntosh, a hedge fund manager and founder of Capitalist Exploits, discussed the current economic and investment landscape with host Tom Bodrovics. MacIntosh described the era from 2020 to 2025 as the "age of uncertainty," characterized by a loss of faith in institutions and a shift away from accountability. He argued that this uncertainty is interrelated with accountability issues, creating a feedback loop where people are less inclined to take responsibility for understanding global events. MacIntosh emphasized the importance of understanding broader macro trends and positioning investments accordingly. He cautioned against the emotional and impulsive decision-making often driven by short-term market noise, advocating instead for a disciplined, long-term investment approach. This involves focusing on probability and managing risk through position sizing, rather than trying to predict specific outcomes. MacIntosh highlighted the potential opportunities in precious metals, agriculture, and other hard assets, given the current debt levels and potential for currency debasement. He also discussed the importance of diversification and the need to be adaptable in an increasingly uncertain world. He mentioned the potential for capital controls in Europe and the UK, which could drive capital flows to places like Argentina, where there are significant investment opportunities, particularly in the oil sector. MacIntosh also touched on the importance of being a generalist in today's rapidly changing world, as specialization can limit one's ability to adapt to new challenges. He encouraged listeners to build mental muscle by exposing themselves to a wide range of information and skills, making them more valuable and adaptable in an age of uncertainty. Overall, MacIntosh's insights underscored the need for a disciplined, long-term approach to investing, with a focus on managing risk and being adaptable to changing macro trends.

    1h 12m

  7. JAN 29

    Ronald Stein: Energy vs Electricity | Separating Energy Facts from Fiction

    During the podcast, host Tom Bodrovics interviews Ronald Stein, an engineer, columnist, and advisor on energy literacy, to discuss the public's misunderstanding of energy, particularly fossil fuels. Stein argues that the term "energy" is often misused, with people confusing it with electricity. He emphasizes that the world's population growth and development over the past 200 years are due to the products derived from fossil fuels, not the energy itself. These products include materials for hospitals, airports, and other infrastructure that did not exist two centuries ago. Stein highlights the materialistic nature of society and the challenge of finding replacements for the thousands of products made from fossil fuels. He criticizes the focus on wind and solar power, noting that these sources only generate electricity and cannot produce the materials needed for modern life. He also discusses the double standard in the reclamation of wind and solar infrastructure compared to fossil fuel facilities. The conversation touches on the environmental impact of mining for materials used in green technologies and the ethical implications of exploiting workers in developing countries to extract resources like lithium and cobalt. Stein advocates for a more nuanced understanding of energy and the need for a sober analysis of how to transition to less dense and less reliable energy sources. Stein also discusses the potential of nuclear power as a viable option for electricity generation, citing its efficiency and reliability. He criticizes the regulatory hurdles and public perception issues that have hindered the growth of nuclear power in the United States. The podcast also covers the challenges of modernizing the U.S. grid to handle increased electricity demand, particularly from electric vehicles, and the potential financial implications for states like California. Stein concludes by emphasizing the need for conversations about energy literacy and the importance of finding practical solutions to the energy challenges facing society. He encourages listeners to engage in these conversations and to seek out leaders with energy wisdom.

    35 min

  8. JAN 22

    Chris Vermeulen: 2026 Could Spark a Global Market & Metals Reset

    Chris Vermeulen, founder and chief market strategist of TheTechnicalTraders.com, shared his insights on the current market conditions and future outlook with host Tom Bodrovics. Vermeulen highlighted several warning signs in the market, including record highs in gold, silver, home prices, copper, platinum, money market funds, US debt, deficit spending, and household debt. He emphasized that the surge in precious metals indicates a lack of trust in the economy and financial systems, suggesting an impending correction or crisis. Vermeulen discussed the historical context of precious metal rallies, noting that similar patterns occurred before major financial events like the 2007 financial crisis and the tech bubble. He also pointed out the current AI bubble and the influx of venture capital into AI investments, comparing it to past bubbles that eventually burst. The discussion also touched on the record number of trillion-dollar IPOs, such as SpaceX and OpenAI, which Vermeulen sees as a warning sign of a market peak. Vermeulen's trading strategy focuses on technical analysis, using charts to identify trends and make trading decisions. He avoids trying to pick bottoms or tops and instead looks for confirmed uptrends to enter positions. He also uses Fibonacci retracement levels to manage risk and identify potential pullbacks in precious metals. Vermeulen expects significant corrections in gold and silver, with gold potentially pulling back to $3,100-$3,600 and silver to $70-$60 before resuming their uptrends. The conversation also covered the impact of news-driven events on the market, with Vermeulen advising against trading based on news alone. He prefers to follow the charts, which reflect the collective psychology and actions of market participants. Vermeulen also discussed the potential for a massive reset in oil prices, predicting a move down to the $45 per barrel range due to a glut of supply and decreasing demand. Vermeulen expressed concern about the potential for a significant financial reset in the near future, citing various warning signs and historical cycles. He advised listeners to have a game plan and be prepared for potential market downturns, as the current environment could be particularly challenging for those close to or in retirement. Despite his bearish outlook, Vermelez is still long equities and precious metals, expecting short-term upside before a potential correction.

    54 min

  9. JAN 21

    Paul Musson: Paths to Prosperity | Understanding Money to Build Financial Freedom

    In this podcast, Tom Bodrovics interviews Paul Musson, author of "Capital Offense: Why Some Benefit at Your Expense," to discuss the current state of the monetary system and its impact on individuals. Musson's primary goal with the book is to educate and empower people, particularly those outside the investment industry, about the monetary system and the consequences of excessive deficit spending. He argues that the current system is unsustainable and that policymakers, while not malicious, are driven by incentives that lead to detrimental economic policies. Musson explains the evolution of the monetary system, from the classical gold standard to the current fiat currency system, and argues that the continuous increase in the money supply without a corresponding increase in goods leads to inflation. He emphasizes that the natural rate of interest, determined by market forces, is crucial for efficient capital allocation and economic growth, contrasting it with the neutral rate manipulated by central banks to stimulate economic activity. The discussion also covers the distinction between capital and money, with Musson highlighting that capital is created through production and exchange, while money is a medium of exchange. He argues that increasing the money supply without increasing capital leads to a redistribution of wealth from those who do not own assets to those who do, a process he refers to as "capital offense." Musson advises listeners to be cautious in their investment strategies, given the current economic environment. He recommends investing in high-quality businesses with strong balance sheets and considers gold as a hedge against potential financial repression or economic turmoil. He also emphasizes the importance of financial education and seeking advice from reputable financial advisors. Throughout the conversation, Musson stresses the need for a controlled implosion of the current system to avoid a catastrophic financial crisis, which could lead to a shift towards socialism. He encourages listeners to demand better policies from policymakers and to understand the true nature of money and capital to navigate the complex economic landscape effectively.

    57 min

  10. JAN 15

    Axel Merk: Fed Independence Under Threat Means More Tailwinds for Gold

    In this podcast, Tom Bodrovics interviews Axel Merk, the founder, CEO, and CIO of Merk Investments, focusing on the current state and future prospects of gold mining investments. Merk expresses that while gold miners have had a remarkable run, they still present a bargain due to the higher price of precious metals not being fully reflected in miner valuations. He notes increased interest from generalist investors and speculators returning to the sector. Merk highlights that gold miners are currently experiencing better margin expansion, which could attract more capital. Merk discusses the logistical challenges and differences between gold and silver markets, noting that silver's industrial use makes it more volatile. He attributes gold's strength to factors like tariffs disrupting currency flows, the weaponization of the dollar, activist politics, and easing monetary policies. Merk also touches on the depreciation of fiat currencies and the potential for a revaluation of other assets, which could impact gold's performance. The conversation shifts to the independence of the Federal Reserve, with Merk arguing that maintaining independence is crucial to avoid reckless government spending and inflation. He criticizes the Fed's involvement in fiscal policy decisions and advocates for a return to basics. Merk also discusses the potential implications of geopolitical tensions and resource nationalism, suggesting that these factors could drive up the cost of doing business and benefit gold. Merk advises investors to focus on risk management and be prepared for volatile times ahead. He emphasizes the importance of investing in well-managed teams with proven track records in the mining sector. Looking forward, Merk sees opportunities in strategic minerals beyond gold and silver, given the right management and logistical considerations. He concludes by reminding investors to assess their risk tolerance and ensure they are comfortable with their portfolio's exposure to volatility.

    52 min
  • 10 Episodes

4.7
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

This isn’t just another podcast—it’s a movement for thinkers, doers, and anyone ready to step up and become the best version of themselves, one skill at a time. Bringing you a wide range of content so come with an open mind and a sense of adventure!

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Bodrovics
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All content is owned and copyright by Tom Bodrovics, All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Competent Man Podcast

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