The Adventure Capitalist

On this episode of the Adventure Capitalist, Cody and Austin dive into the next five potential global conflicts that could reshape the world. Featuring expert insights from Dr. Sean McFate and Ray Powell, they unpack the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Africa’s volatile Sahel region, and the Indo-Pacific’s strategic flashpoints. Dr. McFate breaks down Iran-Israel dynamics, Syria’s fallout, and the Sahel’s brewing crises, while Ray Powell reveals China’s aggressive moves in the South China Sea, the Philippines’ struggle, and Taiwan’s precarious future. Learn how Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand are navigating this high-stakes geopolitical chessboard. From U.S. strategic missteps to China’s bold tactics, this episode is a must-watch for understanding global security in 2025. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:15 - Cody on break 05:19 - 50 Mile walk update 06:43 - Turning point of the world 13:31 - Welcome back Dr. Sean McFate! 14:05 - The Middle East 23:23 - Landmines to avoid 27:48 - What happened in Syria? 29:20 - What is the Sahel block? 39:11 - Conflict and context 42:20 - Conflict in Africa 45:44 - Consequences of the US pulling back 50:22 - Thanks Dr. Sean McFate! 51:54 - Coming up next: Asia 53:00 - Welcome Ray Powell! 52:36 - Why should we care about the Indo-Pacific? 56:30 - What is going on in Taiwan? 59:04 - China's Strategy 01:06:06 - Red Lining 01:08:09 - Freedom of navigation 01:11:02 - Conflict starters 01:15:56 - US losing ground 01:19:26 - Mistakes President Xi is making 01:22:28 - US relations in East Asia 01:27:12 - What happened in South Korea? 01:34:20 - How would China "Hong Kong" Taiwan? 01:38:45 - Thank you Ray Powell! 01:39:42 - Recap 01:44:37 - Outro Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/90CZpXYpUuc Follow us on X: Austin - https://x.com/a_brawn [https://x.com/a_brawn] Cody - https://x.com/CodyShirk

On this episode of the Adventure Capitalist, we debate President Trump's first 100 days in office. We break down the highs and lows with candid insights like the major wins in DOGE, deregulation, falling inflation, and a push for peace, to challenges like messy messaging, tariff rollouts, and the Signal Gate controversy - we cover it all. We also explore what's too early to judge: long-term tariffs, the Department of Education's fate, USAID dismantling, and crypto's future. Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:13 - Cody has some changes... 04:11 - 50-mile walk update 05:52 - Trump's first 100 days 08:08 - The good things 16:30 - Win: DOGE and deregulation 22:30 - Win: Inflation is down 24:44 - Win: Push for peace 31:19 - Win: Investments in America 35:21 - Win: Women in women's sports 38:03 - Bad: Trump's messaging  41:23 - Bad: Tariff rollout 51:10 - Bad: Signal Gate 54:01 - Too early to tell: Long-term tariffs 59:14 - Too early to tell: Department of Education 01:02:15 - Too early to tell: Dismantling USAID 01:05:39 - Too early to tell: Crypto 01:16:05 - Wrapping up 01:19:03 - Outro Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CaWCZvTiOF0 Follow us on X: Austin - https://x.com/a_brawn [https://x.com/a_brawn] Cody - https://x.com/CodyShirk

On this episode of the Adventure Capitalist Podcast, Austin Brawner and Cody Shirk are joined by Rear Admiral Mike Studeman (Ret.), author of Might of the Chain: Forging Leaders of Iron Integrity. In this in-depth interview, the retired two-star Navy admiral shares insights from his 35-year career leading intelligence operations and his book’s unique storytelling approach to leadership. From navigating language barriers and mastering Mandarin to tackling today’s leadership crisis, Studeman discusses core values, integrity in U.S. history, and the search for the next great American leader. He also offers practical advice on handling ethical grey areas, balancing work and life, and inspiring young people to lead with purpose. Dive into this episode to get inspired about where the world is going and learn about the upcoming challenges that we face! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 01:13 - Welcome Mike! 02:57 - Challenge of a language barrier 05:36 - Learning about China through the Chinese language 07:24 - Lack of leadership today 09:09 - What are your core values? 14:47 - Integrity in US History 22:29 - Is the next "Washington" on the way? 32:14 - How to deal with the Grey Area 36:40 - Allies or Foes? 43:07 - Work-life balance 49:57 - Learning away from America 54:00 - Advice to young people 01:00:19 - Literature as a moral compass 01:03:52 - The next chapter 01:08:00 - Outro 📕 Get Might of the Chain: https://www.mikestudeman.com [https://www.mikestudeman.com]  📱 Follow Mike Studeman on X: https://x.com/MikeStudeman [https://x.com/MikeStudeman] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V_ESNP3mLsg Follow us on X: Austin - https://x.com/a_brawn [https://x.com/a_brawn] Cody - https://x.com/CodyShirk

In this episode of the Adventure Capitalist Podcast, Austin Brawner and Cody Shirk are joined by Adam Rossi, who unveils his bold investment ideas and company, Total Shield. Dive into his journey from software to manufacturing, all proudly made in the USA. We explore the realities of "re-homing" production, the future of the workforce, and what’s next for education and family legacies. Plus, Adam shares his exciting plans for future adventures. Don’t miss this deep dive into innovation, career investments, and building a legacy for generations to come!  Chapters:  00:00 - Intro 01:24 - Welcome Adam Rossi! 02:43 - Adam's crazy investment idea 08:59 - Total Shield 11:32 - Going from software to manufacturing 17:29 - Manufacturing ALL in the US 21:05 - Is it realistic to "re-home?" 25:32 - The next workforce 40:40 - Career Investments 46:42 - What has changed in education? 49:03 - Setting up family 01:02:25 - Things for future generations... 01:05:38 - What adventures do you have planned? 01:15:51 - Outro Listen to this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kwjEI2GmoEE Follow us on X: Austin - https://x.com/a_brawn [https://x.com/a_brawn] Cody - https://x.com/CodyShirk [https://x.com/CodyShirk]

In this episode of the Adventure Capitalist Podcast, Austin Brawner and Cody Shirk dive deep into an engaging conversation with Nat Eliason. In this episode, Nat shares the secrets behind his unique "Vibe Coding" philosophy and its origin story. We explore his expert thoughts on SaaS multiples and the future of software companies, offering insights for tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. Nat opens up about his personal journey, from his learning process to crafting his upcoming sci-fi fiction book, and reflects on the profound value writing brings to his life. We also discuss his sobriety journey, the importance of risk-taking in success, and how concepts shape achievement. Plus, get an insider’s look into the business of bookselling and Nat’s experience writing about crypto in his previous work. Whether you're into coding, startups, creative writing, or personal growth, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways. Chapters:  00:00 - Intro  01:05 - Welcome Nat! 02:23 - What's Vibe Coding? 12:58 - Origin of Vibe Coding 17:28 - Thoughts on SaaS multiples 22:35 - Future of software companies 23:54 - Nats' learning process 32:48 - The writing process 45:36 - What value does writing have? 52:44 - Sobriety 59:44 - Importance of risk-taking 01:04:57 - Concepts and success 01:09:47 - Business of bookselling 01:21:51 - Outro Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HtV9OM8LJDY Follow us on X: Austin - https://x.com/a_brawn [https://x.com/a_brawn] Cody - https://x.com/CodyShirk