Forged in America

Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein
  • 4.4 (13)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Forged in America is a conversation between longtime friends & entrepreneurs Ravin Gandhi (GMM Nonstick Coatings) and Al Goldstein (Avant, Stoic Lane, Pangea) who have founded, built, and exited numerous businesses in addition to investing in dozens of successful startups. This podcast is about how consequential decisions actually get made under pressure—across business, investing, and the institutions shaping the USA. We break down how capital gets allocated, how leaders think in moments of uncertainty, and where smart systems—markets, companies, or political movements—develop blind spots.

  1. 1d ago

    E54: Judge Roy Altman Makes the Case for America

    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.

  2. Sep 2

    E53: Why Are So Many Successful People Unhappy?

    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 miserableThe difference between achievement and genuine happinessWhat Ayn Rand actually meant by “selfishness”Why Tal believes altruism can be destructiveThe “rich uncle” test for discovering what you really valueElon Musk vs. Steve Jobs through an Objectivist lensWhy American teenagers are increasingly unhappyParenting without turning your children into versions of yourselfWhy equality isn't necessarily the proper objectiveTal’s concept of “value density”The case against universal basic incomeDo 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 HarrisWhy AI should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threatThe 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.

  3. Aug 26

    E52: The American Dream Isn’t Dead 🇺🇸

    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.

  4. Aug 19

    E51: Tom Hayes Says “Berkshire Is Done” & China Might Beat USA

    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.

  5. Aug 12

    E50: Tom Gimbel Says Gen Z Needs a Wake-Up Call

    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 successfulWhether young Americans really have it harder todayTom's "sliced watermelon theory" of entitlementWhy every teenager should be learning to use AIThe relationship between parenting and entitlementWhy socialism is gaining support among younger AmericansTom's critique of both Trump and the Democratic leftImmigration, ICE, and Trump's border policiesWhy political extremes increasingly dominate both partiesAmerica's $40+ trillion debt problemWhether AI is today's equivalent of the railroad boomWhy leverage—not AI—was the real lesson from the Leopold Aschenbrenner collapseWhat entrepreneurs understand about the economy that politicians don'tWhy parents need to prepare kids for a world that won't always be fairAnthony 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.

  6. Aug 5

    E49: One Of America's Top Immigration Experts Has A Solution

    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 foundersThe economic impact of legal immigrationBorder security versus legal immigrationICE, deportations, and public perceptionSanctuary cities and federal immigration enforcementIllegal immigration versus skilled immigrationWelfare fraud and immigrant communitiesWhy Indian entrepreneurs have become America's highest-performing immigrant groupIsrael's extraordinary startup ecosystemH-1B visas and skilled immigration reformInternational students as future foundersWhy America creates more entrepreneurial success than any other countryAssimilation, patriotism, and American identityImmigration and crime: what the data actually saysElon Musk, immigration, and the future of U.S. talent policyPractical 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.

  7. Jul 29

    E48: Brain Cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Addiction, Psychedelics & Future of Medicine

    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 surgeriesThe breakthrough treatment already helping Parkinson's patientsWhy glioblastoma remains one of medicine's greatest challengesOpening the blood-brain barrier without surgeryThe future of treating Alzheimer's and dementiaHow ultrasound may help fight addiction by interrupting brain circuitryThe latest science behind psychedelics, neuroplasticity, and mental healthMeditation, placebo effects, and emerging research on brain functionWhy "doing hard things" may be one of the best longevity interventionsThe importance of boredom, sleep, and nature for brain healthYamanaka factors and the race to reverse agingVO₂ Max, inflammation, and what actually extends lifespanThe debate over full-body MRI screeningIQ vs. EQ in the age of artificial intelligenceBooks everyone should read on resilience and personal growthThe biggest opportunities—and biggest risks—in the future of healthcare 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 EasterThe Hard Thing About Hard Things — Ben HorowitzThe Boys in the Boat — Daniel James BrownChanging Your Mind — Michael PollanGrit — Angela DuckworthIf you enjoyed this conversation: Subscribe for new episodes every week.Leave a review—it helps more people discover the show.Share this episode with someone interested in neuroscience, longevity, healthcare, or the future of medicine. Follow Forged in America X: @ForgedAmerica Instagram: @ForgedInAmericaPodcast YouTube: @ForgedInAmerica 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.

  8. Jul 22

    E47: Dan Crenshaw On His Loss, Iran, Tucker & Misinformation

    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.

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4.4
out of 5
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About

Forged in America is a conversation between longtime friends & entrepreneurs Ravin Gandhi (GMM Nonstick Coatings) and Al Goldstein (Avant, Stoic Lane, Pangea) who have founded, built, and exited numerous businesses in addition to investing in dozens of successful startups. This podcast is about how consequential decisions actually get made under pressure—across business, investing, and the institutions shaping the USA. We break down how capital gets allocated, how leaders think in moments of uncertainty, and where smart systems—markets, companies, or political movements—develop blind spots.

Information

  • Creator
    Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein
  • Show Website
    Forged in America

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