Jacob Shapiro is a geopolitical analyst who helps investors and businesses navigate the complexities of a multipolar world. Jacob oversees geopolitical analysis at Cognitive Investments and hosts the Jacob Shapiro podcast.

In this episode, we question longstanding alliances, explore the intricate balance of power in the Middle East, and contemplate the future of U.S. foreign policy in the region.

We begin by tracing the historical roots of the U.S.-Israel alliance, primarily forged during the Cold War and heavily influenced by U.S. energy dependencies in the Middle East. Shapiro explains how the fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of American energy independence from the shale revolution have significantly altered these dynamics, making Israel less of a strategic asset today.

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Watch this interview on our YouTube Channel.

Alan shared an hour of his time to explain how he was able to retire at 35 and lays out the principles by which he lived.

Alan’s three core principles

1. Keep your spending in check so you save a lot - preferably by automating your savings
2. Seek out ways to increase your income through education, hard work, and challenging careers
3. Implement a sound investment strategy that keeps fees low and generates high rates of return early on

Alan discusses the merits of going back to school to get a graduate degree. He also explains why living in a low-cost city like Pittsburgh was a boon and how he lost more than 100 lbs after he retired.

THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 30TH, INTERNATIONAL PODCASTING DAY, at the EPICAST NETWORK STUDIOS.

Alan’s Challenge; Keep a journal of all your expenses for one week and reflect on necessary vs. discretionary purchases. By investing savings in securities generating an average of 10%/year (i.e. total stock market funds), in 20 years, each dollar saved could turn into $7. If you’d rather have the $7, automate your savings.

Reading Suggestion; BogleHeads

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Shane Parrish is the founder, curator and wisdom seeker behind Farnam Street. He is also  a bestselling author and entrepreneur known for his popular podcast The Knowledge Project and Brain Food newsletter.

Originally a personal blog where Shane could explore the discoveries made by others about decision-making, purposeful living, and the mechanics of the world, it swiftly transformed into a leading website for personal development.

Shane Parrish just released his book Clear Thinking. It is a book that equips you with the instruments to identify those pivotal moments capable of altering your path and influencing how you navigate the crucial gap between stimulus and response.

In this episode, Aaron and Shane discuss the importance of clear thinking, identifying blind spots, and making better decisions. They also explore the power of reading and the impact it can have on our lives. 

Shane’s Challenge: I want to know which part of that book changed your life, which part of that book changed your thinking.

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If you liked this interview, I'm confident you'd also enjoy the content on my YouTube channel. You will think more clearly after consuming some of the video essays on the channel, including our breakdown of why Apple is Screwed if China ends up invading Taiwan.

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