Orwellian Optics

Allio Capital
  • 4.7 (15)
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Welcome to Orwellian Optics, a podcast by Allio Capital where macroeconomics, policy, politics, and personal finance intersect. Hosted by Joseph Gradante, Andrew J Giannone, and Christopher Morgan, we offer you the tools and insights you need to navigate. Unlike mainstream media, we cut through the noise, offering an educational and independent perspective on how government decisions impact your financial future. Tune in to learn how to take control of your investments and make better choices every time.

  1. Challenging the Gospel of GDP

    09/25/2025

    Challenging the Gospel of GDP

    The economic landscape today is shaped by ideas spanning centuries. From Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom to modern debates between Keynes and Hayek, history continues to frame today’s policies and challenges. Host Gareth da Cunha sits down with Mark Skousen, economist, presidential fellow at Chapman University and prolific author. Mark’s latest book, “The Greatest American,” is about Franklin, and in this episode we explore Franklin’s enduring relevance, gross output versus GDP and uncomfortable truths about globalization, debt and climate narratives. Key Takeaways:  00:00 Introduction. 01:46 Benjamin Franklin’s ideas offer modern lessons in finance, business and policy. 05:06 Calls for cheap government and peace clash with today’s reality. 11:13 Say’s Law, often misunderstood, shows how supply drives demand. 15:19 Gross output highlights business and innovation as true drivers of growth. 20:27 Most leading economic indicators come from the business sector, not consumers. 25:35 “Fortress America” policies undermine free trade, despite global offers to cut tariffs. 30:56 FreedomFest 2025 in Las Vegas centers on civil debates and “Think Independent.” 32:36 Top leaders join lively debates in Las Vegas. Resources Mentioned: Gareth da Cunha https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-da-cunha/ Mark Skousen https://www.linkedin.com/in/markskousen/ Chapman University https://www.linkedin.com/school/chapman-university/ "The Making of Modern Economics" by Mark Skousen https://www.amazon.com/Making-Modern-Economics-Lives-Thinkers/dp/0765622262 "The Greatest American" by Mark Skousen https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-American-Benjamin-Franklin-Versatile/dp/1645721000 FreedomFest https://freedomfest.com/ Thanks for listening to “Orwellian Optics.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on new releases. #Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

    34 min
  2. Challenging Media Narratives on the Economy

    09/12/2025

    Challenging Media Narratives on the Economy

    The way economic data gets presented can shape the story we believe about the economy. Numbers are often used selectively, sometimes masking the real picture behind them. In this episode, we sit down with Gene Epstein, Senior Economist at the Euro Stock Exchange, to explore how debates, data interpretation and media narratives shape public perception of capitalism, socialism and the broader economy. Key Takeaways:  00:00 Introduction. 01:28 One-on-one debates create more clarity than two-on-two. 05:13 Live audiences and Oxford-style voting make debates more engaging. 09:34 Econospinning shows how the media skews data to fit political bias. 11:47 Krugman misjudged unemployment by overlooking women’s workforce participation. 15:12 Statistical redundancy means using multiple data sources to confirm trends. 20:09 Powell’s rapid rate hikes fueled recession fears, but 2023 only muddled through. 25:13 CPI likely overstates inflation, a view that challenges free market orthodoxy. 29:24 Government aid reduced work incentives, cutting participation to one-third. Resources Mentioned: Gene Epstein https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-epstein-4215416/ Soho Forum https://www.thesohoforum.org/ Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/ Institute for Supply Management https://www.ismworld.org/ Thanks for listening to “Orwellian Optics.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on new releases. #Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

    31 min
  3. The End of Easy Money and the Case For Bitcoin

    08/28/2025

    The End of Easy Money and the Case For Bitcoin

    Sound money is the cornerstone of economic stability, yet our financial system has drifted far from it. In this episode, Lawrence Lepard, Author of “The Big Print” and Advisory General Partner of Bitcoin Opportunity Fund, LP, discusses the causes of our monetary dysfunction and how assets like Bitcoin and gold could provide solutions. Lawrence shares his perspective on the Federal Reserve’s role in exacerbating economic instability, the inevitability of further money printing and how investors can position themselves to protect and grow their wealth in an inflationary world. Key Takeaways:   00:00 Introduction. 06:16 Stablecoins run on digital rails but stay tied to the dollar. 09:49 Persistent inflation could push a shift to end the Fed and restore sound money. 14:54 Despite resistance, ETF approval shows Bitcoin is gaining ground. 20:22 In times of crises, the government always prints money to avoid collapse. 27:55 AI will transform the world, but we now face an inflationary era. 31:27 Ethereum’s changing rules hurt its value, while Bitcoin holds firm. 35:56 Globalization thrives when distributed but control erodes trust. 37:11 As inflation persists and trust fades, people will abandon fiat and turn to Bitcoin. Resources Mentioned: Lawrence Lepard https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-lepard-5b4a316/ Bitcoin Opportunity Fund, LP | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitcoin-opportunity-fund-lp/ Bitcoin Opportunity Fund, LP | Website https://www.bitcoinopportunity.fund/ "The Big Print" by Lawrence Lepard https://www.amazon.com/Big-Print-Happened-America-Sound/dp/B0DVTCVX8J Bitcoin https://bitcoin.org/en/ Thanks for listening to “Orwellian Optics.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on new releases. #Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

    40 min
  4. The Hidden Costs of Progressive Economics

    08/05/2025

    The Hidden Costs of Progressive Economics

    The economic costs of political excitement are often overlooked, especially when idealism masks the realities of policy. In this episode, we speak with Germinal Van, Economist, Scholar, and two-time Best Indie Book Award-winning author of “Thomas Sowell: A Misunderstood Economist” and “The Economic Condition of Black America in the Twentieth Century: A Historical and Empirical Analysis.”  He is also the founder of GGV Publishing Company, an independent publishing house dedicated to enhancing scholarship and high-quality writing that helps authors leave their indelible marks on the world. We explore the persistent tension between good politics and sound economics, and what the founding fathers foresaw about the dangers of centralized power. Key Takeaways: (01:30) Zoran Ani’s appeal masks socialist policies that have repeatedly failed. (03:18) Minimum wage hikes fuel inflation and hurt small businesses. (05:22) Easy student loans drive tuition hikes and mask true costs. (09:28) Failed policies drive up government spending and operational costs. (12:56) Trump’s spending bill breaks promises, grows the deficit and fuels inflation. (15:05) Ron Paul couldn’t win because he was too honest about necessary reforms. (22:50) The Westward Expansion was necessary, though carried out harshly. (24:17) In today’s digital economy, wealth comes from owning and processing data. Resources Mentioned: Germinal Van https://www.linkedin.com/in/germinal-van-3888201b3/ GGV Publishing Company | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ggv-publishing-company/ GGV Publishing Company | Website https://www.ggvpublishingcompany.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop8LUtoDZmA1yFXbtMBs6BHaxveESoq_YdsHI_hKQixO7tGQrto “Thomas Sowell: A Misunderstood Economist” https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Sowell-Misunderstood-Germinal-Van-ebook/dp/B0D38DMXD1 “The Economic Condition of Black America in the Twentieth Century” https://www.amazon.com/Economic-Condition-America-Twentieth-Century/dp/B08C49FNRD Cantillon Effect https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantillon_effect Thanks for listening to “Orwellian Optics.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on new releases. #Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

    27 min
  5. Big Beautiful Bills on Parade

    08/01/2025

    Big Beautiful Bills on Parade

    Welcome to Season 2 of “Orwellian Optics”!  A razor-thin House vote on a trillion-dollar bill sends ripples across Washington — and the economy. As we wait to see how the Senate reshapes it, we break down what’s at stake. Co-hosts Joseph Gradante, Tyler Goering and Emil Sadofsky unpack the macroeconomic implications, the legislative chaos and the political theater playing out in real time. From the role of deregulation in sparking growth to the philosophical divide within the GOP, they dissect how fiscal clarity, or the lack of it, will impact markets, portfolios and America’s global standing. Key Takeaways:  00:00 Introduction. 00:56 The reconciliation bill may boost growth through tax cuts and deregulation. 04:39 The Senate will amend the reconciliation bill to meet the July 4th goal. 10:01 Pro-business policies may outweigh spending concerns for foreign investors. 15:08 Lower taxes and freer markets could boost GOP chances in the next election. 20:37 Military strength deters threats like the Taiwan invasion and protects US hegemony. 25:32 Rand Paul’s theatrics overlook practical solutions and risk GOP credibility. 29:37 The 6% across-the-board cut sounds bold but fails the test of practicality. 31:45 Fiscal clarity may boost crypto and AI, but rising debt keeps gold in play. Resources Mentioned: Joseph Gradante https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/ Tyler Goering https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-goering-cfa/ Emil Sadofsky https://www.linkedin.com/in/emil-sadofsky/ CNBC Interview with Senator Markwayne Mullin https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/06/02/sen-markwayne-mullin-overall-structure-of-the-house-reconciliation-bill-will-stay-intact.html CNBC Interview with Senator Rand Paul https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/06/03/sen-rand-paul-on-reconciliation-bill-i-will-not-vote-to-raise-the-debt-ceiling-by-5-trillion.html Thanks for listening to “Orwellian Optics.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on new releases. #Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

    33 min
  6. Idiots in Washington

    07/24/2025

    Idiots in Washington

    A razor-thin House vote on a trillion-dollar bill sends ripples across Washington — and the economy. As we wait to see how the Senate reshapes it, we break down what’s at stake. Co-hosts Joseph Gradante, Tyler Goering and Emil Sadofsky unpack the macroeconomic implications, the legislative chaos and the political theater playing out in real time. From the role of deregulation in sparking growth to the philosophical divide within the GOP, they dissect how fiscal clarity, or the lack of it, will impact markets, portfolios and America’s global standing. Key Takeaways:  (00:56) The reconciliation bill may boost growth through tax cuts and deregulation. (04:39) The Senate will amend the reconciliation bill to meet the July 4th goal. (10:01) Pro-business policies may outweigh spending concerns for foreign investors. (15:08) Lower taxes and freer markets could boost GOP chances in the next election. (20:37) Military strength deters threats like the Taiwan invasion and protects US hegemony. (25:32) Rand Paul’s theatrics overlook practical solutions and risk GOP credibility. (29:37) The 6% across-the-board cut sounds bold but fails the test of practicality. (31:45) Fiscal clarity may boost crypto and AI, but rising debt keeps gold in play. Resources Mentioned: Joseph Gradante - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/ Tyler Goering - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-goering-cfa/ Emil Sadofsky - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emil-sadofsky/ CNBC Interview with Senator Markwayne Mullin - https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/06/02/sen-markwayne-mullin-overall-structure-of-the-house-reconciliation-bill-will-stay-intact.html CNBC Interview with Senator Rand Paul - https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/06/03/sen-rand-paul-on-reconciliation-bill-i-will-not-vote-to-raise-the-debt-ceiling-by-5-trillion.html Thanks for listening to “Orwellian Optics.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on new releases. #Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

    33 min
  7. De-Dollarization and Gold, and What It Means for Markets

    06/11/2025

    De-Dollarization and Gold, and What It Means for Markets

    Mainstream narratives don’t always reflect economic reality — and that gap has never been more important to understand. Co-hosts Joseph Gradante, AJ Giannone and Emil Sadofsky unpack why key wins on the economic and geopolitical front are getting buried, and what investors should really be paying attention to. From media distortion to fiscal policy shifts and market responses, we trace how economic literacy is becoming essential for long-term success.  Key Takeaways: (01:14) Trump logs major wins in trade, foreign policy and hostage negotiations. (05:19) Inflation drops, markets rise and optimism grows ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. (10:32) Media bias erodes trust but economic-focused leadership restores balance. (16:26) Tax cuts and deregulation will create 4.2M jobs and raise wages by up to $11K. (18:28) Anticipation of the reconciliation bill sparks massive capital inflows and US job creation. (20:00) Innovation in AI and infrastructure needs long-term capital and clear policy. (24:00) As de-dollarization grows, gold rises and investors must think independently. (26:33) Trump’s bold tariff threats lead to modest, reciprocal trade deals. Resources Mentioned: Joseph Gradante https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/ AJ Giannone https://www.linkedin.com/in/agiannone-cfa/ Emil Sadofsky https://www.linkedin.com/in/emil-sadofsky/ Office of Management and Budget https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/ SoftBank’s Stargate project https://group.softbank/en/news/press/20250522 Eli Lilly https://www.lilly.com/ Bristol Myers Squibb https://www.bms.com/ Thanks for listening to “Orwellian Optics.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on new releases. #Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

    28 min
  8. Decoding the Political Theater Behind Trade Policy

    04/24/2025

    Decoding the Political Theater Behind Trade Policy

    A 30-year-old speech on trade resurfaces — and it could’ve been delivered yesterday. Co-hosts Joseph Gradante, AJ Giannone, and Tyler Goering react in real time to a vintage clip of Nancy Pelosi criticizing US-China trade relations and unpack how little has changed. We explore the persistent economic asymmetry between China and the United States, from trade deficits to technology transfers. We also break down Trump’s trade strategy, why it may be the right medicine at the right time, and how sudden macroeconomic policy shifts ripple through the markets, even as we are recording. Key Takeaways: (01:27) Nancy Pelosi’s 1990s stance on China’s MFN status feels eerily relevant today. (07:10) Trump’s trade policy mirrors Pelosi’s old position, suggesting bipartisan concern. (08:32) The parties have flipped roles in trade policy, but billionaires always win. (15:20) America’s consumer base remains its biggest bargaining chip. (17:21) The political class benefits while the people fight each other. (20:43) Policy — not ideology — is the path to equitable economic outcomes. (24:00) Staying invested is key; pulling out during volatility means missing rallies. (25:52) Smart investing means buying low, not chasing highs. Resources Mentioned: Joseph Gradante https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoda-josephgradante/ AJ Giannone https://www.linkedin.com/in/agiannone-cfa/ Tyler Goering https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-goering-cfa/ Nancy Pelosi Speech on China Trade https://usinfo.org/wf-archive/2000/000217/epf406.htm Thanks for listening to “Orwellian Optics.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on new releases. #Macroeconomics #PersonalFinance #InvestmentResearch

    27 min
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4.7
out of 5
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About

Welcome to Orwellian Optics, a podcast by Allio Capital where macroeconomics, policy, politics, and personal finance intersect. Hosted by Joseph Gradante, Andrew J Giannone, and Christopher Morgan, we offer you the tools and insights you need to navigate. Unlike mainstream media, we cut through the noise, offering an educational and independent perspective on how government decisions impact your financial future. Tune in to learn how to take control of your investments and make better choices every time.

Information

  • Creator
    Allio Capital
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyrights © 2024 All Rights Reserved by Allio Advisors LLC
  • Show Website
    Orwellian Optics