LA Wildfire Insight, Stock Pullback, the Truth About DEI, Meta vs Apple, & How Low Will Bitcoin Go

Summary

Market Mondays Podcast Summary Episode: LA Wildfire Insight, Stock Pullback, the Truth About DEI, Meta vs Apple, & How Low Will Bitcoin Go
Release Date: January 14, 2025

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1. Introduction and Episode Overview

In this episode of Market Mondays, hosted by the EYL Network, Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, and stock market expert Ian Dunlap delve into a range of pressing topics affecting investors and the broader financial landscape. From recent wildfires in LA to corporate DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies, the duo provides insightful analyses and shares strategic investment advice to navigate the ever-evolving market dynamics.

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2. Book Tour and Community Engagement

The hosts celebrate the success of their book tour, announcing that all events have sold out except for one remaining city: New Orleans. Troy Millings expresses enthusiasm about expanding their event reach, emphasizing the historic significance of their New Orleans appearance.

Troy Millings [03:12]:
"We've never done an event in New Orleans. So buy your tickets if you live in New Orleans, Shreveport, or surrounding areas because this is a historic run that we're on."

Ian Dunlap highlights the importance of their upcoming stock club call, encouraging listeners to join for in-depth market strategies.

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3. DEI in Corporate America: Meta vs Apple

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the discontinuation of DEI programs by Meta and Apple. The hosts critique the genuine impact of DEI initiatives, presenting statistics that highlight the underrepresentation of Black individuals in Fortune 500 leadership roles and venture capital funding.

Troy Millings [11:52]:
"Less than 1% of Fortune 500 CEOs are black. Less than a half of 1% of venture capital fund goes to black businesses. Less than 1% of all money managers are black."

The conversation underscores the skepticism toward corporate DEI efforts, suggesting that these initiatives often fail to produce meaningful change and may even perpetuate systemic inequities.

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4. Stock Market Insights: Meta vs Apple

The hosts analyze Meta's recent strategic moves, including the suspension of DEI programs and Mark Zuckerberg's public critiques of Apple's innovation. They discuss the potential implications for both companies' stock performances.

Ian Dunlap [08:45]:
"Meta stock has outperformed a lot of other stocks on the inverse."

Rashad Bilal and Ian Dunlap debate whether Meta's aggressive stance against Apple signifies long-term prospects or poses risks due to potential stagnation in innovation.

Rashad Bilal [22:29]:
"What does this mean for the outlook of Apple stock this year and the outlook of Meta stock this year? Because I see Zuckerberg following Elon's path where he's getting out there a lot more."

The discussion also touches upon other major stocks like Palantir, Nvidia, and United Airlines, evaluating their growth potential and market positioning.

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5. Bitcoin Outlook and Investment Strategies

The conversation shifts to cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin’s future trajectory. The hosts reference expert opinions predicting Bitcoin's price fluctuations.

Troy Millings [36:53]:
"Michael Lee said it could drop to 870 as low as 50. He also said that he thinks it could end the year at 250."

Ian Dunlap balances these predictions by discussing Bitcoin's dual nature as both a store of value and a technological asset, affirming its place in diversified investment portfolios.

Ian Dunlap [35:54]:
"Combination. It is a store of value for sure, especially in this era. But Bitcoin and all crypto are a coded program, so that would technically make it a tech."

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6. Quantum Computing and Tech Stocks

A segment of the episode is dedicated to the prospects of quantum computing and its impact on tech giants like Nvidia, Meta, and Google. The hosts debate whether quantum computing is truly a decade-long endeavor or if advancements could accelerate its development and market integration.

Rashad Bilal [67:25]:
"It's like Tesla in 2013. The EV space was not ready for it, as we saw. Maybe late in the decade more people started buying electric cars."

They also critique recent presentations by Nvidia's CEO, expressing concerns over the company's strategic focus and product offerings.

Ian Dunlap [75:04]:
"Do you think that they are hyper scaling too fast based off the success?"

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7. Special Guest: Sigma Scott on LA Wildfires and Altadena

In a poignant segment, the podcast features Sigma Scott, a resident of Altadena who tragically lost her home to the recent wildfires. Sigma shares her harrowing experience, emphasizing the importance of community support and preparedness.

Sigma Scott [83:14]:
"I just have a little stuff. At least the cat was first. Then some toiletries... Thank you. Goodbye. Thank you. Goodbye."

The hosts commend her resilience and highlight the dire need for support within affected communities.

Ian Dunlap [89:14]:
"If our platform has changed your lives in any way, please donate."

Sigma outlines actionable steps for disaster preparedness, such as securing fireproof safes and ensuring critical documents are easily accessible.

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8. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

As the episode concludes, the hosts reiterate the importance of gratitude and community support. They encourage listeners to participate in their upcoming book promotions and events while emphasizing ongoing efforts to support wildfire victims through donations.

Rashad Bilal [119:58]:
"Thank you for championing it... one person at a time, one person a day, and that's turned into millions of people over the course of six years."

Troy Millings wraps up by announcing the return of their "How To" series focusing on beginner investment strategies, scheduled for the following Wednesday.

Troy Millings [120:46]:
"Blackout with good reasoning. Appreciate y'all. Love is love."

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Key Takeaways

• Corporate DEI Skepticism: The hosts critically evaluate the effectiveness of DEI initiatives in major corporations, highlighting persistent underrepresentation despite corporate claims.

• Stock Market Dynamics: Meta and Apple's strategic decisions have significant implications for their stock performance, with broader discussions on other tech stocks and investment opportunities.

• Cryptocurrency and Quantum Computing: Bitcoin remains a contentious yet potentially lucrative investment, while the future of quantum computing is debated concerning its timeline and impact on tech giants.

• Community Resilience: The heartfelt testimony of Sigma Scott underscores the human impact of natural disasters and the critical role of community support and preparedness.

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Notable Quotes

• Sigma Scott [83:14]:
  "I released to receive because the conversation does feel very heavy. But to hear her spirit and hear her gratitude and hear how she's viewing it, I think it's encouraging for everybody."

• Troy Millings [07:26]:
  "We're not telling no stock picks. We're not doing stock picks. We're not doing charts. This is really basic ground level information."

• Ian Dunlap [77:04]:
  "I don't think you have to put that kind of risk on the table. And there's limited upside to shorting a publicly traded stock. It's not the best use of capital."

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Conclusion

This episode of Market Mondays offers a comprehensive exploration of current financial trends, corporate policies, and real-world impacts of natural disasters. The hosts blend expert analysis with personal insights, providing listeners with actionable strategies and a deeper understanding of the interplay between market forces and societal issues.

For those looking to navigate the complexities of investing amidst uncertain times, this episode serves as a valuable resource, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making, community support, and resilience.

Transcript

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[Rashad Bilal]

Hey, mom, you seen my toothbrush? I'm almost done with it.

[Verizon Representative]

Oh, maybe too close. Trade in an additional terms supply. See verizon.com for details.

[Troy Millings]

All right, welcome back.

[Rashad Bilal]

We back. We back. We back.

[Troy Millings]

Happy Monday Mondays.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, man. Happy Monday, fellas.

[Troy Millings]

Live in the flesh.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah.

[Ian Dunlap]

Fresh off an amazing national appearance for sure.

[Rashad Bilal]

I appreciate that, man.

[Troy Millings]

Good morning.

[Ian Dunlap]

Like, hold on. I know them.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, you saw that color coordination.

[Ian Dunlap]

Gotta coordinate. Gotta coordinate coordination.

[Rashad Bilal]

Robin Roberts for having us. That was dope.

[Troy Millings]

To Robin Roberts.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah.

[Troy Millings]

Shout out to Good Morning America and own staff. Check us out on the Breakfast Club tomorrow.

[Rashad Bilal]

Talk about some things. Nah, talk about some things.

[Troy Millings]

A lot, a lot, a lot, a lot to talk about. Shout out to Charlamagne. Shout out Envy. Shout out to Just hilarious, you know, and then Sean, I had to leave, but, you know, Charlemagne, that's my guy, man, for, like, hours about, you know, hip hop and, you know, different things. Like, so Charlamagne, just a good dude, man. Shout out to Charlemagne.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah.

[Troy Millings]

Charlemagne. One of the few people that's just always been solid, like, through and through. He has been super solid since the beginning.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah.

[Troy Millings]

Since doing business since the beginning. Just super humble, super full of integrity.

[Rashad Bilal]

Solid. Yeah. And give it. And giving the platform for. For black creators to have a voice. He's still doing that. I'm still seeing more shows getting signed to Black Effect, which I think is dope. So shout out to him.

[Troy Millings]

So just check that out tomorrow.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah. And Angie tomorrow, too.

[Troy Millings]

Angie's today.

[Rashad Bilal]

Oh, today too.

[Troy Millings]

Shout out to angie. That's on YouTube, I think, as well. But shout out to Angie. I think Angela Yee is on Wednesday.

[Rashad Bilal]

Wealth Wednesdays with a guest.

[Troy Millings]

Okay, so we have a book tour and it's sold out. And we have one city left, and that city is called New Orleans. So buy your tickets if you live in New Orleans, Shreveport or surrounding areas because this is a historic run that we're on. So we've never done an event in New Orleans. So really, let's figure this out.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, I've been there a few times.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah.

[Rashad Bilal]

Hosted a few panels. Never our event, though.

[Troy Millings]

Let's figure this out.

[Rashad Bilal]

New Orleans.

[Troy Millings]

We're gonna figure. We're gonna figure this out.

[Rashad Bilal]

They're gonna get this right.

[Troy Millings]

I'm gon Larry. We're gonna get this right.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah.

[Rashad Bilal]

One phone call.

[Troy Millings]

That's a fact. We're gonna get this right. But that's on Thursday of this week. So get your tickets. You deserve to be richbook.com. get your tickets. New Orleans and every other city. We'll see you there. Ian, any announcements that you would like to make?

[Ian Dunlap]

Yes, I have no more tickets for Houston. No, you can't come with me. I love you. Be happy to see you there. Happy to see you after. I love with the guys and Larry, but I can't unless we family in real life or friends like super friends, like you know why I went to grade school. Can't do nothing this weekend.

[Troy Millings]

Can't do it.

[Rashad Bilal]

I ain't gonna be able.

[Ian Dunlap]

Sorry. Sorry. If you want to get rich from the market, go to ianvest.com enjoy Red Panda stock Club. We have our stock club call tonight at 9pm Central. We got an amazing one. Friday, if I made you money, please put yes in chat over 120 different prices for where to get in. Shout out to Red Panda Sports where we turn players into owners one day at a time. If you're a superstar athlete in the NBA or NFL and you want to get incredible gains in the market, come to Red Panda Sports and go get. You deserve to be rich. Please, we need that bestseller title. Go check them out on gma. Go check them out on Breakfast Club. Making the right master class in the round, y'all.

[Rashad Bilal]

Making not around.

[Ian Dunlap]

The clips.

[Rashad Bilal]

A lot of rounds. A lot of cities. All worth it, man.

[Troy Millings]

Gotta do it.

[Rashad Bilal]

I appreciate you. Shout out to the. To the Red Panda family. Shout out to the Eylu family. Man, that this. And I say a family because it really is that, man. Everywhere we go, for sure, people are talking about Red Panda. They talking about Eylu. So it's dope to watch that happen together.

[Troy Millings]

Oh, I forgot to say something. Thursday, blackout on Wednesday. Thursday we're back to the how to series.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah.

[Troy Millings]

So this Thursday we're going to do at 9 o'clock. We're doing a how to start investing in stocks. This is, this is going to be like a one on one refresher. It's good. The market Mondays has become pretty advanced so it can become intimidating if you've never invested or. So we're going back to actually teaching like, 101 brokerage account, an IRA, a mutual fund, a ETF index. This is how you open a brokerage account. This is how you transfer money from your bank account to your brokerage account. What is a money market account? What is a growth stock? What is it we doing? This is going to be like. And don't feel too proud to join this one because everybody's not a multi million dollar stock trader. Right? Like beginning stage. This is the, this is going to start the year New Year's resolutions. I know a lot of people want to start investing in stocks and we're working with somebody that we haven't worked with before and it's Chris saying yeah, yeah. So we're gonna bring Chris sane in. And yeah. This is for everybody that put it like this. If you have under $5,000 in your brokerage account, you should, you should join this class. This is for new people and people that's just getting started.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, yeah, I, I think it's always important, right? We're talking about New Year. We got the book dropping. It tells you how to invest. But this is like a hands on showing you a little bit more detail and it's our voices which makes it super authentic. And I think it's dope. Again collaborating with people who we've seen in the space doing some great things. We did it with Chris Johnson. When we talk about bitcoin now we got Christine doing it now for investing. I think it's dope man. And hopefully everybody I know you're going to enjoy it because a lot of lessons and we got to, we got to spit and refresh, you know, our swords a little bit because it's like oh yeah, yeah. Don't forget this, don't forget this. It was as if we were starting our own accounts again. Yeah, yeah.

[Troy Millings]

So yeah, I like, I like Chris. I like he came to invest festival. What would make the most sense? And I feel like this is a, this is a good opportunity because he's actually a educator, he comes from education. So I think this is a good opportunity to kind of start educating on the ground level. We're not telling no stock picks. We're not doing stock picks.

[Rashad Bilal]

Nope.

[Troy Millings]

We're not doing charts. This is really basic ground level information.

[Ian Dunlap]

But it's most important because if you need it properly, it doesn't matter if you know how to do a two year call. It's like you don't know how to work the platform.

[Rashad Bilal]

If you, if you. There's no need for your technical analysis if you don't have an account.

[Troy Millings]

All right, all right, disclaimer y'all, please.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, this works, man. Do your own research. Our content is intended to be used and must be used for informational purposes only. It's very important to do your own analysis before making any investment based on your own, your very own personal circumstances. You should take independent financial advice from a professional in connection with or verify any information that you wish to rely upon, whether for the purpose of making an investment decision or otherwise. You know how this works. Do the research, continue to do the research, share the research. Let's build community, let's build wealth together. We doing it. Let's continue to do it. Love is love.

[Troy Millings]

All right, let's start here. So Meta has discontinued all his DEI programs. Yeah. Also did a bunch of other stuff. Took like, took the LGBTQ flag, I think, off of his thing. It did a lot of stuff. It. You know, Zuckerberg went to Mar a Lago and because you remember, he kicked Trump off of Instagram five years ago.

[Ian Dunlap]

So now the rabbit got the guy.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah. He created true social. So let me just say, became president.

[Troy Millings]

Let me say this, I have a few things to say.

[Ian Dunlap]

Come on, let's wake it up. Shoddy. Yep.

[Troy Millings]

A. You know, a lot of people have for a long time said like, presidents have no power. It's the shadow government that runs America. The presidents really have no power. Well, this actually shows you that presidents actually do have power because all of these top. These are the top companies. These are the richest people in the world. Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, Elon Musk kicked it off. Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, they all have kissed the Mark Zuckerberg look, Mark, if you're listening, love to have you at Invest Fest if you're interested. You know, have a conversation with. No disrespect, but Mark Zuckerberg goes anyway. The wind blows them first. Like when the Democrats is in office.

[Ian Dunlap]

Does he. He pushed back on Trump and. And we'll get to the Tim Cook.

[Troy Millings]

When it was convenient. He pushed back on Trump when the Democrats was in office after Trump, the Trump lost. He kicked him off of Instagram. When Trump won, he. He literally gave him a million dollars. Had dinner at his house, apologized to him in person.

[Ian Dunlap]

In person.

[Troy Millings]

Allegedly.

[Sigma Scott]

Trump.

[Ian Dunlap]

Trump, the real Trump. 100.

[Troy Millings]

Like, he ends DEI. I mean, this is the reason why he's doing this is because this is what Trump and his consortiums want him to do. It's okay. You want to. You want to have. You want to operate for four years in peace and not have us bring you up to Capitol Hill every two weeks like you was four years ago. Then this is. This is what. This is what you need to do. And this. He's. He's having no problem.

[Rashad Bilal]

Go to Joe Rogan and do it doing this.

[Troy Millings]

So, yeah, he went to Joe Rogan.

[Ian Dunlap]

Apologize publicly. The disrespect was public apologizing.

[Rashad Bilal]

Sit down for three hours. So talk about the other Joe.

[Troy Millings]

So, yeah, so that. But then the second part is. And I said this on the Breakfast Club, but this DEI thing, right? DEI is the politically correct way to say so what I mean by that is that you can't say racial slurs in 2025 and just get away with it. So you can. Yep. You can say woke. You can say di. So what they're saying is that because they're saying, okay, we're gonna peel back this Di. Di must die. Di. Like, there is no DEI. There's no DEI. There never was Di. 0.7% of Fortune 500 companies CEOs are black. And we know her. Talk about it personal. So less than 1%. Less than 1% of Fortune 500 CEOs are black. Less than a half of 1% of venture capital fund goes to black businesses. Less than 1% of all money managers are black.

[Ian Dunlap]

Same angel investing. Less than 1% of the capital goes to black startups. And those that are doing well, damn near have to hide.

[Troy Millings]

Right? Less than 7% of the people in the whole entire tech industry are black. Even though we make up 16 of the workforce. I can continue to go on. Where's the di? Where. Where is it? The. Where's the inclusion? We're not included in anything.

[Ian Dunlap]

And a capital promise was never dispersed.

[Rashad Bilal]

So that's what I said, right? Like, I was like, yeah, that sounds good. And the George Floyd tragedy and moment, the response from it from the corporate was, we'll throw money at this, right? We're going to create initiatives. 100 million from this company. 100 million. Well, who's watching the money? Because it never got to anywhere near the people. And actually it was supposed to be allocated for. And when it's not allocated to those people, what's the consequence? What are the repercussions?

[Ian Dunlap]

What's the drawback nothing. They didn't know how to open up the account. That's why I got to tune in Thursday to see how to open up the account, to disperse it to the DEI programs. Right.

[Rashad Bilal]

It wasn't even a write up for them. They never even let it.

[Ian Dunlap]

It never got dispersed and never.

[Troy Millings]

It's. It's a way to say the N word without saying it. Because pretty much what they're saying is that anybody that's black that has risen to any level of significance, they can discredit it in one sentence by saying their DI higher. They don't care if you went to law school, they don't care if you graduated first in your class. They can say your DI higher, which discredits you from actually obtaining any job of significance, which relegates you to just meaning meaningless work. Right? And that's what they want. They want black people subjugated to low levels of positions in every part of society. A permanent lower class underclass caste system in the United States of America. This is not a political take. If you voted for Trump, I don't care if you voted for Trump or not. But this is. This is a fact. What I'm saying is actual fact. Because like I said, why is the richest people in the world champion DI must die when I just gave you the stats. They're not threatened. There is no di. They're not there. We're. Black people are not included. Then we're nowhere near threatening white men. So why is that, why is that a running. Why is that one of the top slogans for the Republican Party? Why is every. Why is every Fortune 100 company dropping their DEI? You think that they're doing that just because they want to? They're doing that because they're pressured to do that.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah. They're saying for like the one person that gets through. You took the place of somebody that looked like us. I told you 101 1. Nah, that could have gone. We should add 100. Right? And even these budgets, the D. And we talk about this again, but the D. Think about that, right? You got a budget of 500 million. The DEI budget be like 5 million spread out through 50 companies or 100 companies. And so now we're fighting to get $10,000 when the budget was 500 million. We trying to get 10,000. Here you go. Here, Figure that out, guys. Yo, look, we, we donated, we sponsored. Here's our new charity case.

[Ian Dunlap]

Anyone who says the presidents don't have power, never met anybody with power. Or you were uninformed. It's a classic example. I don't know any president. They would not raise billions of dollars to run if that position had no power. I think Trump just wields that sword a lot better than others. And he's a lot more upfront in how he does business. But also too on. On the stock side, if you are not a part. I call this the anti vix index. Like that donation to the camp and saying I'll get along is buying you upward returns for that company for the next four years.

[Rashad Bilal]

It's a good investment for sure. Right. If I donated a million. But my company's allowed to make what, a hundred billion in a quarter easily. This is not even. You don't even think about that. Write the check and you walk away. Right? You're talking about, I know Basil is not CEO anymore, but like 100 billion dollar quarters. Apple's doing a hundred billion dollar quarters.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah, we got to give Apple credit for not closing their DEI program yet.

[Troy Millings]

Yet.

[Ian Dunlap]

Next year. Right?

[Troy Millings]

You never know. You never know. Fox digging and, and that's the crazy thing. Like you got people like, I mean, Tim Cook is, is a, is openly gay. Right. So would he be considered as far. Would he be a dei? Higher.

[Ian Dunlap]

Movement was there though.

[Rashad Bilal]

But then by definition he would be.

[Troy Millings]

Is he Diversity, equity and inclusion by having somebody from the, from the LGBTQ community as a definition, you only hear Di when it's black person.

[Ian Dunlap]

True.

[Troy Millings]

Right. You never hear. I, I don't hearing it when it's woman because technically women. That's a dei, right?

[Ian Dunlap]

Yep.

[Troy Millings]

Women, Diversity, equity and include. I don't hear white women being called that. I haven't heard it.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah. It's a practice and policies intended to support people who come from varying backgrounds and give them resources they need to thrive in workplaces.

[Troy Millings]

CEO of Microsoft. He's Indian. I haven't heard him being called the DEI hire.

[Ian Dunlap]

No. And I told you last year. Well, when he canceled dei, I said, boy, that's real power. Real pressure to make him stand down.

[Troy Millings]

Says a lot about the time that we're in. But that's why you need to take your, your destiny into your own hands. And with that being said, we are on the verge of history. 12:00 midnight. Yes, you deserve to be rich. Our first book is in stores. Thank you to everybody that's championed it, that's pre ordered it, that put us in. It put us in the stories. I, I appreciate that. But, you know, and I'm sorry, I apologize in advance for what I'm about to say because I know it's going to be, but you know, sometimes in life you have to. Is it. This is. This is important. It's a business lesson. You have to secure the victory. It's a thing called secure the victory. And there used to be a guy called crazy Eddie who I think he used to sell furniture and he. His thing. He used to be like crazy stuff, like crazy sales. Like 99 off this furniture.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, they gotta be from the tri state to understand that.

[Troy Millings]

So you know what it's like once again. I mean, if you purchase the book. I appreciate that and we had a bunch of offers, but it's one of these things, man. First week is important. So. Okay. We're going to do something for the next 48 hours that's pretty unprecedented. If you go to. You deserve to be rich. Deal. You deserve to be rich. Deal. You deserve to be rich. Deal. Dr. Umar's gotta say thank you three times.

[Ian Dunlap]

See, I peeped it three times. Treyway.

[Troy Millings]

If you buy, buy a book for $30 hard. It gotta be a hard copy. If you buy a hard copy book for $30 and you enter your information on that website, you'll be in ey university free for 30 days. Spend $30, you get E while university for 30 days. No, there's no strings attached. There's nothing. You literally will get into ey University for 30 days. You have access to all of our curriculum. The home buyers blueprint choice options class past and the current one that he's going to do this month. Financial planning calls, 10,000 hours of content. We're gonna open up the holy grail for you guys because we got to get on the New York Times bestsellers list.

[Rashad Bilal]

No, no, bigger than that. We got to be number one.

[Troy Millings]

It's important.

[Rashad Bilal]

Number one.

[Ian Dunlap]

So gotta hit the game winner when it matters. In it.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah, that's a fact. So. I know, I know, I know. If you purchase the book, just buy another one. $30?

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, buy it for a friend. You love them, right? Buy for your family.

[Troy Millings]

It's a hell of a. It's a hell of a deal. You deserve to be rich. Deal.com. 48 hours. I mean, it's kind of a no brainer if you ask me.

[Ian Dunlap]

Well, Memphis Blake say buy one and keep the other in plastic because you know it's gonna be a classic.

[Rashad Bilal]

Oh, that's a bar.

[Troy Millings]

That's a fact.

[Rashad Bilal]

That's how I know we from the same generation, bro. Not many people know that, boss.

[Troy Millings]

That's like the comic books. Used to keep the comic books I.

[Rashad Bilal]

Still got them to preserve it.

[Troy Millings]

That's a fact. That's a fact. 20 years from now.

[Rashad Bilal]

We was doing that then kind of.

[Troy Millings]

Had a fresh original. Original version. So, yeah, we pushing. You deserve to be rich, you know, you know, put a lot of energy into that and that's going to be a game changer. So get the book. Yeah, it's trending nicely today and tomorrow.

[Rashad Bilal]

We need to run it. Number one, all categories.

[Troy Millings]

What you want me to do, man?

[Rashad Bilal]

Not just the business category.

[Troy Millings]

Sorry.

[Rashad Bilal]

Overall.

[Troy Millings]

Had to do it. Had to do it. Executive decision.

[Ian Dunlap]

Well, speaking of which, of giving marching orders. What you think of Trump telling Mark Zuckerberg to go on Rogan and tear down Apple?

[Rashad Bilal]

Allegedly told. Allegedly.

[Troy Millings]

Let's show this clip. Let's show the clip if we can.

[G]

You know, they haven't really invented anything great in a while. It's like Steve Jobs invented the iPhone and now they're just kind of sitting on it 20 years later. And they actually, I think year over year, I'm not even sure they're selling more iPhones at this point. I think, like, the sales might actually be declining. Part of it is that each generation, it doesn't actually get that much better. So people are just taking longer to upgrade than they would before. So the number of sales, I think, is generally been flat to declining. So how are they making more money as a company? Well, they do it by basically like squeezing people and like you're saying, like having this 30% tax on developers by getting you to buy more perfect peripherals and things that plug into it. You know, they build stuff like AirPods, which are cool, but they've just thoroughly hamstrung the ability for anyone else to build something that can connect to the iPhone in the same way. So, I mean, there are a lot of other companies in the world that would be able to build like a very good earbud, but it just. Apple has a specific protocol that they've built into the iPhone.

[Troy Millings]

Okay, so in that clip, you see that Mark Zuckerberg has some choice words for Apple's innovation or lack thereof. So, I mean, stuff that you know is not new. You watch this a variety of different times over the last couple of years, but Apple stock has outperformed a lot.

[Rashad Bilal]

Of stocks on the inverse, for sure.

[Troy Millings]

Meta stock has. Has done well as well. So, a, what do you think of his comments? And B, what does this. What does this mean for the outlook of Apple stock this year and the outlook of Meta stock this year? Because I see Zuckerberg following Elon's path where he's getting out there a lot more.

[Ian Dunlap]

And these Celebrity CEO index.

[Rashad Bilal]

He needed this celebrity CEO. Yeah, he, yeah, we, we talked about it in terms of him getting out there more being a likable figure. This is, this is interesting. But I, I, I think what he's saying, there's merit to it, which makes it a little bit different. Right. When he's talking about the lack of innovation, when he's talking about the 30 charge that they're putting on it, the fact that they're trying to charge you more for the same products that you used to have by just changing the adapters, we know all those things to be true. From a standpoint of innovation, though, is it a competitor? I know they, they had the Oculus and he had the, the Vision Pro and so there's competitive competition there and the Oculus has won that competition. They've downgraded the, the, the Vision Pro so, so badly that this, I don't even think they're trying to sell it anymore. But to challenge a company that has a stronghold in a brand that is, I mean it has an ironclad and it has been for 20 years is, I'm, I'm interested to see the long term outlook for him on this. Right. Because that's not his strategy. That's never been his strategy to go at CEOs. It's always been to, this is why we're better. This is why we're better. Not directly talk to CEOs and to the lack of innovation. So I mean, I don't know what the long term play is from, from, from Zuckerberg standpoint. What's your thoughts?

[Ian Dunlap]

I've been telling everybody for the last three or four years that it's been a little war. Like I saw Cam and Jim get into it and I hope y'all patch that up. My favorite tea to watch though, is white tech war. CEO T&Beef, my favorite category. Right. They don't like each other and they haven't for a long time. Zuckerberg has been swayed as a African American, not higher, but person who has been to the offices a few times. This war has been ongoing and although it hasn't been Zuckerberg's strategy to publicly go as CEOs behind the scenes, he has done this a lot and this is re the reason why Cook doesn't like him. And then you have a big competitor that I talked about last week, Palmer Lucky, where Oculus came from. There's a 20v one going on with Zuck and He had to run to Trump and Elon for allies. But to his point about Apple, as soon as this clip went out, I said, damn, did Austin Zuckerberg attacks. Because this sound like a lot of things I had been saying the last three or four years. And for those of you like, well, Apple moat and ecosystem, I had an Apple two at my grandma's house on Guthrie street in East Chicago, Indiana. I got the first iPhone in 2007. Trust me, I've been in this ecosystem a lot longer than most people have. They are lacking innovation. And if this phone isn't as valuable as it used to be, it's going to affect the company. It just hasn't happened yet. So do I think they need to innovate? If you read Walter Isaacson's book about Jobs, one of the things that Jobs said, he is a better operator than I, a better potential CEO than I, but he's not a product guy. They need a product guy in that space to help innovate with it. He's operated the company at the highest level and took it to heights the Jobs could not get it to, and took away the volatility the innovation has been lacking. If you look at any Android phone the last eight years, shout to my guy, Drew. Like, the features we're just not getting. They had them features five years ago. So innovation is needed. But will both stocks do well? Both are gonna be on fire. Like, the reason why he started to make his rounds after they killed him on Capitol Hill. The rebrand has been amazing. There's an index and a higher return upon, like, celebrity CEOs. Oh, for the record, I never want y'all to say nothing to Rashad about Drip. When Jensen had on a $62,000 alligator.

[Rashad Bilal]

Jacket, it was odd, too, I see.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah, I don't want to hear nothing about no pajamas and no buffs. The boy had on a $70,000 jacket with a presentation.

[Rashad Bilal]

It was bad. I'm glad you said that. It took a water break, all that.

[Ian Dunlap]

Come on.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah.

[Ian Dunlap]

So will metal stock go up? Yes. Metal will do incredibly well. Will Apple do well? Yes. And for every entrepreneur and for every company that I invest in, I always say, what's the thing that can kill this company? So that's not being better. Could do it.

[Rashad Bilal]

That's. And we've been saying this for about two years now about the declining iPhone sales. And he alluded to it. I mean, it's interesting, right? You're listening to Zuckerberg, who obviously is a leader in the tech space, talking about the Things that we've said here on Market Mondays about the lack of innovation, the decline of the iPhone sales. I think when I think Apple and Meta, I think hardware, I think software. Right. From a hardware standpoint, Meta is trying to. The Oculus is that hardware product obviously from a. So they have Facebook, they have WhatsApp, they have Instagram, they have that infrastructure.

[Ian Dunlap]

No innovation though, right?

[Rashad Bilal]

Exactly. But they have the software whereas Apple. It is the hardware that is the selling point.

[Ian Dunlap]

The iOS. I the one thing I will say, I don't like what they did to the photo album because trash. But the Iowa is hardware and software. They were the first company.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, I'm going there, I'm going in. So like if you look at now the profit margins, right, like yes, the phone makes up 50 of revenue, but is the the new turn and it hasn't rolled out properly. But the AI, right, the Apple intelligence, if they don't get this right, how far back are we set? Because we're going on a year from the Vision Pro and that that wasn't the product. Right.

[Ian Dunlap]

A dud. And I said as soon as they launched it. Wrong.

[Rashad Bilal]

The actual product is good. The innovation for. They haven't done anything for it. They haven't done anything for it.

[Ian Dunlap]

No, I have it.

[Rashad Bilal]

They haven't done anything. Yeah, there's nothing for it. So it's like now it's, it's a dead product. Is the artificial intelligence or the Apple intelligence? The software piece that now says, all right, we don't need to sell more phones. If we can get this right, this Apple Intelligence, we'll put it inside of our products. We'll put it inside the hardware and now more people want it. I feel like that's what they're banging on. But it just hasn't been rolled out correctly. And if it doesn't pan out, then what's next?

[Ian Dunlap]

Tim Cook will need to step down. Okay, I'm gonna say it right now.

[Troy Millings]

The stock is at all time highs.

[Ian Dunlap]

It won't stay there. I've been invested in this company since 2010. I've had an Apple 2 that was in. That was when Method man to cow was out.

[Rashad Bilal]

What color was it?

[Ian Dunlap]

Gray. Gray. Yeah. I put it a big ass floppy disc in the middle and I get it. Trust me, I get it. It sounds crazy, but if it wasn't for that mode and ecosystem, the stock would probably be down 30%. Innovation won't last forever. And I listen, I, I predicted four years ago by 2034 Tim Cook will be out of there. So I think he would be better served as chairman. The tough part is that's a hard seat to fill and not many people at HQ want to even ruffles Tim's feathers. Steve gets a lot of and some of it deserved lore about being a harsh leader. But man, Tim cracks that. Whip up their HQ and that little spaceship. Yeah, I think they need a product guy or gal or however they identify to come lead the charge and make this better for everyone. Who's saying there's nothing else you can do with a phone? That's not true. Go look at Huawei. A couple of phones in China that look amazing.

[Rashad Bilal]

So there's got to be a harsh emphasis on the 16 and 17 if we're seeing sales decline. And if this is the thing that's supposed to have people. It's like when your product is too good, people don't get more of the product. They'll just say, I'll keep this one up until like the 13. You saw that life cycle. Oh, it's a new phone. We got to get a new phone.

[Ian Dunlap]

We got to get it, get it around the 11 enthusiasts who are like, I'm. I, I don't. I'mma wait two life cycles to get a phone.

[Troy Millings]

I think the part that he made his fault. They still have market dominance in America.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah, I'm not saying that for sure.

[Troy Millings]

The need for buying a new phone is, is never, that's never gonna. It's never gonna be like how it was before. It's never gonna be like, yo, I gotta get. Because we. So we also used to it. Familiar, familiar. Larity leads to complacency. So yeah, people are just comfortable like this didn't camera gonna make that big of a difference in my life because it's like you got to transfer your information. And just the hassle of going through that and getting a new lease for the phone, it's not even. It's like I could just manage with the phone. So unless they go and continue to send bugs, they got sued for that. So you can't make somebody buy a new phone. But they, they do still have market dominance. That. That's helpful.

[Ian Dunlap]

And I'm not.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah, they winning. They're winning one side of the war, but they just, they're not going to be able to. To have people continue to buy new phones for no reason.

[Rashad Bilal]

And that's gonna hurt the bottom line for sure.

[Ian Dunlap]

And if they need more people who are going to. I think the iOS and the software is amazing. The hardware is the part where it's not much innovation like you said, like I don't need a upgrade of 2 megapixels and they've done great there. Just the, the branding of the phone has not been as good as it used to be. And whenever a company's at the top like and not maybe as entrepreneurs you feel like this. Whenever I do something it's like groundbreaking. I'm like, what's next? They've gotten comfortable for five years in making marginal even Apple intelligence thing. They have not. They've missed out. Yeah, they missed out on the crypto wave hologram.

[Troy Millings]

But that it gotta be something so completely different with facetime. Is actual hologram like that you. Okay, now I need to get. Now I need to.

[Ian Dunlap]

It has to be that FaceTime session.

[Rashad Bilal]

We're just speaking about the phone, right? Because that, that's 50 of revenue.

[Ian Dunlap]

But yeah.

[Rashad Bilal]

Are you buying a new iPad? The iPad that I have works fine. Are you buying a new Mac?

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah, I got my iPad three years ago.

[Rashad Bilal]

Are we buying new earbuds? Yo, the ones I got the noise cancellation. How much more noise can I cancel? I'm good.

[Ian Dunlap]

Well listen, if he make a hologram and I can see my baby pop out in 3D to the moon.

[Rashad Bilal]

So what.

[Troy Millings]

What stock is. What's her. What stock would be better to invest in Meta or Apple?

[Ian Dunlap]

Oh my God. Shout out to Francois. I think both assets are equally investable at this current time. When I give more information, I'll give a clear winner, but I think they're on par with each other given the sectors that they're in.

[Rashad Bilal]

I think you invest in both. Nothing. You invest in both. I think 2025 will be a very good indicator if we continue to hold Apple long term. I haven't seen the signs, right? It was like when I asked you last week. It's hit an all time high. But everything that we've seen is that everything is declining in sales. So how does this make sense? Well, we're gonna have to start seeing in 2025 and I know earnings is here, that first earnings of the year is coming up in the next couple of weeks for the big tech companies. I know Taiwan is reporting this week, but we're gonna have to start seeing like hey, what did it look like? How are the China sales? Because that's important. Right? Let's see what it looks like for 2025 to see who will be investing in long term and maybe get to tech to index. It might change again.

[Troy Millings]

One thing we didn't get a chance to talk about that last week. That was a question. You about to say something?

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah, I think if I can add a 49th law never outshine your master is really important but never inform your enemies. I think it's more important. I think Zuckerberg man made a mistake. For 2026 if we don't see Tim Cook reply and say anything he's going to take everything that Zuckerberg said and they're going to be in HQ 13 hours a day. And.

[Troy Millings]

So last week it was a question that we didn't get a chance to answer and it said but two text to index. Should bitcoin replace one of the indexes?

[Ian Dunlap]

No, not at this time because then it would be 3 tech 1 index and I'm not rebranding all the way through but I mean just from a.

[Troy Millings]

Performance basis are you viewing bitcoin as a tech commodity or as it is.

[Ian Dunlap]

The technology that was created by language store of asset.

[Troy Millings]

Is it similar to. Is it, is it more similar to Microsoft stock or is it more similar to a gold bar.

[Ian Dunlap]

Combination?

[Rashad Bilal]

Combination.

[Ian Dunlap]

Combination. It is a store of value for sure especially in this era. But bitcoin and all crypto are. It's a coded program so that would technically make it a tech. Now if maybe I can make you can make the case going back to 2020 should it have been included? You can argue yes, but the formation of 2Tech to Index is drawdown prevention first because if you take care of the drawdown risk it the upside is taken care of. But if people want to swap out let's say Apple for it, I'm not mad at it but I'm not declaring that that should be done. It's a great question though. It's an amazing question. I think the upside is will be what what's the year over year return for the last two years for bitcoin?

[Troy Millings]

Yeah, I think last year did like 108, 110.

[Ian Dunlap]

Right.

[Troy Millings]

So something along those lines. Michael Lee, Michael Lee said it could drop to 8:70 as low as 50. He also said that he thinks it could end the year at 250.

[Ian Dunlap]

I'll give a gym for stock club. I do have a buy in price like a Babylon boat price is 61000 so that, that's on par. I could see that happening. And 250, 230.

[Rashad Bilal]

I can see Bitcoin did 115, 115 last year.

[Ian Dunlap]

Okay.

[Troy Millings]

I mean he was just saying like he, he it could do 250. He didn't say like it was definitely gonna do 250. But he said that it was going to be one of the highest ranked returning assets of the year. But like I said, he also said that he could drop.

[Ian Dunlap]

Sure.

[Troy Millings]

His lowest.

[Ian Dunlap]

I mean but there's a hard correlation like the deeper the drawdown, like if an asset can draw down 60, 40, you're usually going to get a multiple of three. So when Apple draws down 20 the following year, they usually go up to 50 or 60% after that. Especially if you look like post 2020, you give it like 18 months or two years max, they'll give you a good return. So if an asset draws down like NASDAQ in 99, 2000 had one of the deepest dips ever post 01. And then for the next four years the run has been incredible. Right. So there's a correlation between depth of volatility and drawdown and what return you'll get. Like companies that only draw down 3%, they're going to give you 7 to 8% return in a year. So there is a hard correlation there.

[Rashad Bilal]

Large pullback for a major comeback.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yep. Bar.

[Troy Millings]

All right, so we'll stocks of will top stocks of 2024 like Palantir and Vista and Nvidia, United Airlines. Will they have similar success this year?

[Ian Dunlap]

I think Palantir would do great. Even though I'm not theoretically. Shout out to Alex. Love Alex, a big fan of Peter. Intellectually. Palantir would do great. Nvidia would do great. Of course, Vistra, I don't think they have the same year that they did in 2024. I don't care if United Airlines goes up 7,000%.

[Rashad Bilal]

I'm with you. I'm with you. I'm with you.

[Ian Dunlap]

I don't give it. You could put Elon on every flight with me and I fly UAL all the time. To me, United Airlines is uninvestable. So that's a hard. That's if we bring back data alive, they'll always be dead to me. GEV will be okay.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah.

[Ian Dunlap]

But I think out of this category, the only two that have the same year or better will be Palantir and Nvidia. And I think Palantir, Nvidia and the real Starlink that is going to end up being like a the new war index when all of those are publicly traded. For sure.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, I agree with you on United Airlines, Palantir. I'm questioning why and I think it's relative. Right. If we're talking about having the same year or something similar, you're talking about 278 increase well, yeah, that's gonna be.

[Ian Dunlap]

Tough to pull off. Right. So I can see a world where they do 100.

[Rashad Bilal]

That's. But we just gotta keep things in perspective.

[Ian Dunlap]

Right?

[Rashad Bilal]

Well, it didn't get to 250. Yeah, well that doesn't usually happen. Right. So like if it does 70 next year, that's an amazing year. If it does 40, that's still a really good year. I, I've been noticing a lot of selling off happening in Palantir from execs, from CEO and I know obviously what Palantir does and we spoke about this for the past two years, especially when we were out in Davos and we went to Palantir and I'm like, wait, what they're doing?

[Ian Dunlap]

Collect information?

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah. I don't think people really have a clear understanding of what this means, especially when an agency like that is artificial intelligence working with the government surveillance, all that tied into one. I don't think people really have an understanding of it. But I'm, I put a question mark just because of the selling off from a lot of the execs. Obviously you're going to take profits when this company runs up. So yeah, question mark on that. Vista, I think is going to have another strong year. And again, relative. Right. This is the largest return on the S P500 last year. But I think it has another strong year because the AI demand is not going anywhere.

[Ian Dunlap]

No, it's only going to increase.

[Rashad Bilal]

It's only going to increase. And they are, they were in prime position to benefit from that increase. When you're talking about energy for data centers, I think they stay for the same reason that G GEV stays. Right. That energy consumption and efficiency to power data centers, which will in turn power the AI revolution. So I like both feature and GeV and Nvidia of course. Right. If it has. So if Nvidia, I mean if it does 60, I still think it's a great year. It's at a 3 trillion dollar company. If it grows by 15, that's a really solid number. So question mark. Palantir, Vistra, gev, Nvidia for sure. United Airlines, you can have one.

[Ian Dunlap]

I know we touched on it quickly, but what did you think about what.

[Rashad Bilal]

Jensen said at CES in terms of quantum computing?

[Ian Dunlap]

Quantum computer. That was a hot take, but I agree. And the overall presentation on Nvidia making PCs and Blackwell.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah. When I was watching it, a couple things were interesting. Number one, I heard what I thought would happen. The presentation when he's talking about memory and Micron being a Partner there. That was exciting news. When I heard him coming into the CPU space, I was like, okay, well that's AMD space now. So again, I know that there's, there's some family ties there, but this is like, nah, we've come to take it all. There's no laugh. This is not a laughing matter. Like we're coming to conquer everything. So we're already dominating GPUs and now we're coming. I know you thought we forgot about gaming, but no, here's what we're doing for gaming and we're coming back for your CPU market as well. So that was interesting. So watching amd, I was like, oh man, this is, this is not something.

[Ian Dunlap]

But can you have it all? I mean, I'll ask Detroit AM Rashad. Can a company dominate both sectors? Because at some point your attention has to go somewhere.

[Rashad Bilal]

And I think that's the interesting part, right? Because yes, you can be great at some things, you just can't be great at everything. And they're great at the GPUs. It's been well documented. In fact, their market share will dictate that if they start focusing on lesser tier things, CPUs and because the price points aren't going to be the same. But what you really want to do is stomp out the competition who is now taking the lead, right? Intel falls, AMD takes over. They announced their product.

[Troy Millings]

Just in cousin.

[Rashad Bilal]

Family ties, right? They, they announced the M, I think it's the M300. And then Nvidia has this whole, the first 15 minutes is not even talking about what they're doing in AI. It's about, yo, this is what we're, we're coming to put inside of the computers. And for gaming. I was like, damn. Then I'm watching him presented, I'm like, did he rehearse this? Did he like look at the slides? So the presentation part was a little tricky for me. And then obviously the quantum computing part was like, okay, okay, what, what, what are we watching here? Is he setting this up for a pullback in this space? Because they're in innovating and they're not ready to release that. And then obviously you saw what happened with the quantum computer computing stocks the next day. They all dropped. Some of them have recovered a little bit, but that was a hefty pullback in that space. And he said 20 to 30 years, right? And then you had a couple CEOs from the Quantum space saying, nah, he's off, he's throwing you off. In fact, if he's talking about it. That means that they're working on it and they're not far from revealing what they've done, which sounds more like tech CEOs. They're not, they're not working on it and saying, hey, we're 30 years away. They're trying to figure out how to innovate faster than the competition.

[Ian Dunlap]

I mean, and I'll say this again, I like that the quantum stocks rose, but when Google hasn't put out a demo of Willow yet, I don't think qu bts whoever has the solution and Google has not figured it out. But Rashad, if I'm your distant cousin, you're gonna stop me out if I'm.

[Rashad Bilal]

AMB stomp you out.

[Troy Millings]

You know, it's one of these things. They didn't, they didn't even know each other until they cause like 40 years.

[Rashad Bilal]

Old, but they know each other now.

[Ian Dunlap]

40 years they were like, we didn't grow up listening. It's different.

[Troy Millings]

That's a fact. Let's go to another clip from Mark Zuckerberg where he talks about how Meta's AI will start to code. Let's show this.

[G]

Probably in 2025, we at Meta as well as the other companies that are basically working on this are going to have an AI that can effectively be a sort of mid level engineer that you have at your company that can write code. And once you have that then in the beginning it'll be really expensive to run and then you can get it to be more efficient. And then over time we'll get to the point where a lot of the code in our apps and, and including the AI that we generate is actually going to be built by AI engineers instead of people engineers.

[Troy Millings]

Okay. So yeah, I mean we talked about this before. As far as coding is, is not a job that's safe. And that was something actually posted on Instagram a while back. I remember some people had pushed back on that because anybody, they definitely did. I remember that coding is going to be necessary. A humans code like that doesn't make any sense. I'm like, you know, AI is coding? Well, I don't know, maybe you listen to Mark Zuckerberg, he's rich. So what's the thing?

[Ian Dunlap]

My first thought was, I thought of the post that you put up and it's like, why does it take someone who doesn't look like us to make the information relevant when we bring it to you? Way before we were talking about this two years ago. Once again, as a person who's been in Meta buildings a few times. Told you. And even with the DEI hire, if they are legally allowed to not have DEI hires, as America's find out, however blacks get treated, the rest of the country gets treated that way. Later they're going to find the. Oh, like if we can be honest, the ultimate business is a one person, hundred billion dollar a year business. We won't get there for a long time, but if they can take out huge swaths of departments where you can work them into overdrive. And this is why Quantum is so important. Because now you don't have to do solely everything based on ones and zeros. You can correct errors at the same time while things are being coded. It is the ultimate return on investment because the thing can work around the clock. So I'm surprised that he even announced it publicly, but they are positioning themselves to be in an AI race and it's between them and Netflix for who would be media company of the decade. And with this innovation, I think Meta probably will edge them out in, in a couple years. So. But I think every major company is going to go to this model of not having many employees and using AI to fix most of the issues.

[Rashad Bilal]

Okay. I mean, it speaks to the the same theme of efficiency. Right.

[Ian Dunlap]

Like you're talking about, we don't want to pay y'all. It's gonna be real. We all talked about Puff and all that. No, this the real. Take all your royalties and all your publishing and IP and life rights. And the crazy part, they can take all the code and data sets they have now, upload them and because they made a huge investment into AI and they've already been programming the AI model for the last year and a half.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, yeah. Your jobs are replaced by something that's more efficient, that doesn't require health insurance, doesn't need PTO and doesn't answer back. And there's nothing you can do because you've helped train it.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yes. And you signed your rights away to your intellectual property.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah. So.

[Ian Dunlap]

Gotcha.

[Troy Millings]

Gotcha. Hit the like button.

[Rashad Bilal]

No sickly for that and share.

[Ian Dunlap]

Work around the clock, my boy.

[Troy Millings]

Hit the like button and share. What's your thoughts on investing in water?

[Ian Dunlap]

Oh, man. In light of everything that's happened, I believe when we first started doing the show it was either 2020. I want to tell me the 20, 20, 21. I said the water. Not only publicly traded assets, but water is going to be really important. And now we see why. I had a conversation with a gentleman. It's like, oh, you know, what do you do I'm like, oh, I'm invest that. They call me the mass investor. And he laughed and he was like, what do you invest in? I'm like, equities, like publicly trade. I'm like, yeah. He's like, oh, that's this child's play. I'm like, what you invest in? He was like, waterways. It's in 2021. And I'm like, you can buy public waterways. He's like, yes, what I do for a living, yada, yada. Cool. And he said the two biggest asset classes of the 2000-40s would be Air and water. And you wouldn't think that the government would allow it. But if you go look at the family who also owns Fiji, owns the waterways in California, and you guys can go look who owns part of the waterways in the Mississippi river if you are allowed access in. Because the other conversation that we have to have, even with dei, I can't get into the starlink pre IPO to save my life. So even some of the biggest companies in the world, if you are of a certain hue or of a certain political leaning, you're not even allowed to be in some of the fundraising rounds. So, yeah, I think investing in water is a. It's one of those hidden investments that no one talks about. Like the, the guy that we met in New York, Kaiser Soze, when he had that idea. I won't say what that's a multi billion idea that no, no one's talking about. I think water and air rights and water rights are two of the biggest classes that no one is thinking of. But given the tragedies that's happened in California, think we can see why.

[Troy Millings]

Well, you know what, it's interesting because we did that interview with Paula years ago when she owns you did a water factory in New York. But now one thing about Trump is that he is crazy, but he's not stupid. So when he, when he's talking about, it's catching people by surprise. Like, why do you want to. Why does he want to take over Greenland? Why does he, why is he talking about Panama? Well, it's all water. Panama situation is interesting. In my quick 60 second, we talked about how Panama was. That whole situation came about. But what I didn't mention is that Panama was actually the Panama Canal. The deal that was worked out for the America to get control over the Panama Canal was done by a Frenchman. It's a very complicated story, but Panama used to be owned by Colombia. And the Frenchman came in, he wanted to build the canal. So he kind of convinced the Panamanians that if they would ride with him, he would have America back them up so they can complete, so they can declare their independence from Colombia. And in return, they made him an ambassador and he went to Washington and sold the Panama Canal to the government. They signed a treaty. Not one Panamanian signed that treaty. So that's why when Trump says, we have legal rights, he's. He's referring. It's important to know the history because when you just hear him talk, you're just saying like, yo, this guy's crazy.

[Ian Dunlap]

Sounds crazy.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah.

[Troy Millings]

But it's vitally important because it's one of the most important waterways in the world. Now, the Greenland thing is even more interesting because global warming is real and there's a new ocean that's being formed because the ice is melting. That new water ocean is going to be vitally important when it opens up. So there's already people that's vying for it. Russia, Canada, America, and a country that's not even anywhere close to it, China. So when he says he, he wants to take over Greenland, he's not just saying something. That's just, people just hear him just say stuff because he doesn't fully, he doesn't explain. He's just like, I want to take Greenland. We're taking back Panama Canal.

[Rashad Bilal]

This is, we're renaming the Gulf of Mexico.

[Troy Millings]

These are strategic moves that he's trying to make, and they're all based on water.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah. And water.

[Ian Dunlap]

Interested? Yeah.

[Rashad Bilal]

Well, water is obviously the way that trade works is there's a couple ways it's going to go through air, it's going to go to land, or it's going to go through water. And so those, those canals provide trade ways. So this is something you learn in, like, global studies, like in high school. So, like, yeah, Panama Canal, you learn about the Suez Canal. But like, what you're saying now is like, yes, solar collapse. Right. The north and south solar capsule, they have receded a bit. Waterways are now opening. That helps trade. Right. It might cost you less to travel, which is going to help the bottom line. It all comes down to money. When you look at it, right? If I can get to point A to B in an expedited fashion, and it's going to cost me less fuel or less oil. I save on that. But now I get to trade more frequently. That's what this is about. How do we now trade with having.

[Troy Millings]

Better routes and the most powerful nations on the world always control border water was always important. We talk about Mansa Musa but his brother was the king of the sea. They had a whole kingdom on the street.

[Ian Dunlap]

You cooking?

[Troy Millings]

It's a fact.

[Ian Dunlap]

Talk to him, historian.

[Troy Millings]

Rome, Greece.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yep.

[Troy Millings]

Look at, look at England. It's an island nation. The reason why they became so strong is because of their navy. So historically, the strongest empires always controlled the sea, always controlled water. Water has always been vitally important and countries have always controlled water and they, and people have died and went to war over water. So Trump is carrying on tradition. Yes, those, those Julius Caesar type. Like he's really full fledged aggressively trying to take over nations. Not for any, just no reason at all, because he understands the importance of the water.

[Ian Dunlap]

And given how polluted our nation is, if we look at all major countries on Earth, we have the highest pollution and poison rates in the country. Like, if we look at all the runoff that goes into our waterways. There are certain things that are permissible in the United States of America that are not permissible in other countries.

[Rashad Bilal]

100.

[Ian Dunlap]

You can see all the genetic defects that happen as a result of it, cancer rates as a result of it. So, yeah, I think it's a very strategic move. But even for most of our farming, like, the soil isn't as good as it used to be. Our rivers, lakes and ocean, like, you'll go. That's why people go to other countries and like, well, how does Turk's water look like this? When our rivers look like what they do here in the States, I'm like, well, they don't allow commercial boating and fishing 24 hours a day. It's different. So it probably would behoove us, especially for the 1% of the 1% to have another greener land to go to as well. No pun intended.

[Rashad Bilal]

Greener land. I like that.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah, Trump's on it. He's not even in office yet.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, Next week. Next week, Democrats.

[Ian Dunlap]

Remember what I told y'all. Y'all didn't have no other Democratic superstars coming up. And y'all kill me for it. We just try and help. We are just trying to help. Gavin. You're done. It's over with. I don't want to hear that you didn't know what a travesty or tragedy this big, you don't to the parent with the kid. I'm sorry that you didn't know how this happened. You're a leader. Like this wouldn't happen in Brazil, let alone it should happen in California. I think you'll be able to be president after this. Yes.

[Troy Millings]

The fire. What could he have done to prevent the Fire.

[Ian Dunlap]

It's above my pay grade. I like living.

[Troy Millings]

Appreciate it.

[Rashad Bilal]

Legislation from his party. How's that? Was that safe?

[Ian Dunlap]

Hypothetically. Y'all on the book tour, too? I don't.

[Troy Millings]

Allegedly.

[Rashad Bilal]

Allegedly.

[Troy Millings]

Allegedly.

[Rashad Bilal]

I'm just saying, hypothetically, things that could have.

[Ian Dunlap]

The reservoir was offline. As a leader and as a man and as entrepreneur and CEO, the number one waking thought has to be, what's the one thing that can destroy all of this every day? So you. Everyone plans for the upside. And as a trader, you learn this mitigation of all risk at all costs. What's the worst? Like, our country does everything post disaster. You have to have preventative measures in place to protect the empire that you built. And if I was an enemy of them, which I don't, because I love this country and all the people in it, but you don't think Bricks is looking at that and saying, damn, we don't even have to drop the little nukes. We got that we stole that y'all had the drones in Jersey looking for Alleged. Allegedly.

[Troy Millings]

So you think Trump. How do you. So Trump taking office, him being very aggressive as far as his geopolitical takeovers, even saying that he's going potentially going to invade Mexico, turn Canada into the 51st state, take back the Panama Canal, take over Greenland from Denmark. What do you feel about these?

[Ian Dunlap]

I think some of these, he's just talking. I don't think he'll be able to take.

[Troy Millings]

But it's setting the tone. Off course. He can't take over. It sets the tone, though. You say crazy things. So this. So it's like. This is like psychologically, right? Like if you shoot, if you. If you. If you're a player on a team and you shoot every single shot from half court, that's crazy. But then when you shoot a 30 footers, it's not looked at.

[Ian Dunlap]

It's not that bad.

[Troy Millings]

Not that bad. A good shot.

[Ian Dunlap]

Lamello, Lamelo cooker. Angelo, swerve at that corner. Whoa. But I do think one of these will go through.

[Rashad Bilal]

Which one? Because any type of seizure in the past is not seizure, but takeover has required military action.

[Troy Millings]

He said that he fine with that.

[Rashad Bilal]

And that's what I'm saying. So in order to have the military action, who do you think or where do you think the military action goes first? And is it a new type of war? Because, yes, in the past, it was military. From the. We're talking about guns and force. Right. But it could be a technological war. It doesn't. You could just send drones and which place? If you had. And again, we're not wishing this on anybody. But hypothetically speaking, what would be the, the, the most likely target?

[Ian Dunlap]

I never want to go to war with anybody I'm close to or neighbor. So that would eliminate Canada, Mexico. I do see though, and we talked about this privately. I think worldwide though, there's going to be a red mega wave that sweeps. And we're seeing it now with Trudeau stepping down and other countries having a more super conservative tone. I think Greenland is probably who we'll come to a deal with first. I don't think it'll be a hostile full takeover, but I can see, given that some of the political figures there are open to having that conversation. I can see it happening in Greenland.

[Troy Millings]

A right wing wave that's taken over the whole entire globe. But even, you know, as far as how he's talked about these things shows a lot about how he looks at the world. In Greenland, he said that he, he was aggressive in his tone, but it was an economic aggression. He said he wants to force the sale of Greenland from Denmark. In Panama he said he's taking back the canal and if not, then he would explore having troops on the ground to forcibly take it. What's the difference between Greenland and Pan?

[Ian Dunlap]

I think it's an easier job to get done in Greenland.

[Troy Millings]

What's the other difference?

[Rashad Bilal]

The people who live there. What they look like for shot.

[Ian Dunlap]

Good point.

[Troy Millings]

Allegedly.

[Ian Dunlap]

Top of the key. Oh, gotcha. That's a great point.

[Rashad Bilal]

Situation.

[Troy Millings]

We'll monitor the situation.

[Ian Dunlap]

Ladies and gentlemen, being a historian, we don't know.

[Rashad Bilal]

We don't want no trouble at all.

[Troy Millings]

Gotta know the past to know the future. And the same thing. History always repeats itself. New Age imperialism. China's trying to take back Taiwan. All this stuff. Empires always want to conquer other empires. This has happened since the beginning of empires. That's. That happens. America did imperialism. America people. America owned the Philippines. Did you know that? Very few people knew that. They, they took Hawaii. That was very sad. Puerto Rico. So America kind of gets left out of this imperialist conversation because it's always talked about like Great Britain and France, they didn't go that far, but they went pretty far. Yeah, I mean Hawaii is nowhere near America. Nowhere close.

[Ian Dunlap]

Stripped all culture.

[Troy Millings]

Alaska.

[Rashad Bilal]

Alaska too.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah. Alaska at least is somewhat closer.

[Rashad Bilal]

It's on the. I mean it's part of North America. Hawaii, you got a whole country between.

[Troy Millings]

You had no, they had no rights to take Hawaii. That was just. I just want this. I'm gonna need it. Yeah, thank you. What can you do? You deserve.

[Rashad Bilal]

You deserve it. You gotta. You got a different country. Separating Alaska from continental. The 48 continental states. A whole nother country.

[Troy Millings]

Russia. But Russia made that decision. Bad move.

[Rashad Bilal]

The Bering Strait.

[Troy Millings]

It took California technically as a part of Mexico.

[Rashad Bilal]

Texas so is New Mexico.

[Troy Millings]

And Texas is actually its own republic. After. After this game. After that.

[Rashad Bilal]

Well, did you see the president of. Of Mexico.

[Ian Dunlap]

Kudos to her.

[Troy Millings]

He's taking back Texas.

[Rashad Bilal]

He was like, we're gonna start renaming things. Let's have the proper names for what? America.

[Ian Dunlap]

I mean, even the irony of Mexico having to go help save California, which is once. There's New Mexico as well.

[Troy Millings]

Even prisoners working on the wildfire.

[Ian Dunlap]

Oh my God, yes.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah, it says a lot about the times that we're in.

[Rashad Bilal]

Is that. Is that in the topic list for Wednesday? Please.

[Troy Millings]

Prisoners working please to put out fires.

[Rashad Bilal]

I'm gonna call in. Please do like that is.

[Ian Dunlap]

We talked about it before. But like we have the publicly traded index clean companies list the businesses that run America that are not publicly traded, that are the underbelly of America. Like that. And Lord forbid, if something happens to the prisoners, who gets the life insurance. My 2025 has been so wild. We don't even have to talk about no conspiracy. We could just talk about what people can see now. It's right with 12 days in.

[Troy Millings]

Okay, Quantum stocks. Jensen says that we are 20 years away from quantum computing. Really hitting his stride. So Jeff Kramer says, time to dump all your quantum stocks.

[Rashad Bilal]

Jim. Jim Kramer.

[Troy Millings]

Jim Kramer.

[Rashad Bilal]

You said Jeff.

[Ian Dunlap]

Oh, you said Jeff. I thought he had a brother. I was like, Jeff came out Tim Kramer. Yeah, gotcha.

[Troy Millings]

So quantum computing stocks.

[Ian Dunlap]

I love Jim Dilly. Very nice. But if you said dump them, it may be time to buy 40 the inverse Kramer index. As far as Jensen, it was a little bit of hate on what he was saying because I don't think it's 20 years away. Maybe 10 for sure. Last night in stock club I dropped a video about quantum apocalypse and what. What could happen. But I think until I see a demo from the players that could win in this space are Meta, Google, Nvidia and if they stop being a laggard, maybe Apple, like a power company is going to usher in quantum. I don't know if you guys know how some of these technologies work, but you have to get permission from a regulatory body before you can initiate these.

[Rashad Bilal]

The regulatory body is the. The Magnificent Seven. And perhaps maybe IBM partners with one of them to create something that is revolution.

[Ian Dunlap]

IBM. And that's the Other part that I can't see. IBM created something and then they had to put it on the shelf.

[Rashad Bilal]

It wasn't time. But it, it, it's comparable. And I've said this before, but the timing is not now we're a little bit ahead. It's like Tesla in 2013. Right. The EV space was not ready for it, as we saw. Maybe late in the decade more people started buying electric cars. It makes sense. Tesla investment made sense later in, in 2018, 2019. Obviously we've seen what it's done over the past five years for sure. We're at that early stage of it. Right. So like I said, I don't, I don't. He said 20 to 30 years, which is like that's. You're not even gonna be like, are you even gonna be around in 20, 30 years? Right. Like so. No, I don't think it's that. I think they, I mean they're definitely working on it because all science points where if they're talking about a bunch.

[Ian Dunlap]

Of people are working on it, but I don't think anyone has a. Yeah, it would be like, I know Google said they did a task with Willow a few minutes. Yeah. That would take however many years. That's longer than the universe. When a demo becomes available, it will be headline news across the world.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, I got a text from, from my guy who's an AI and he always tells me the same thing. Follow the money. Go look at those companies and let's see who they're hiring. If you start seeing some similarities in who they're hiring and what they're looking for, that should tell you it's not of what is to come because that means they're innovating and they need the top of the line people to do it. And usually the top of the line people are going to come from the other companies. We've seen this with Google already, right? How many times that we said, hey, that person created this and it came from the Google in 2016 when they were thinking about artificial intelligence. So those people are going to get pulled from other companies and saying, hey, we, you could beat our lead engineer in this space for Quantum. That's going to happen. Look at those companies, look at what they're looking for in terms of hiring over the next year. Two years, three years. That should tell you a lot about how quick this innovation is going to get here.

[Ian Dunlap]

And hypothetically, as Rashad would say, this is a teachable moment. If you are not in well with any administration, which Apple was during biden and Obama. What makes you think a tech startup that has a market cap lower than $200 million or $500 million is going to usher in Quantum? Which Quantum is going to change the GDP of America by probably a multiple of two. It's going to be between America and China. Like I like some of those quant companies, would they be laggards in the space that get a bump up? Yes, but they'll probably be like Texas.

[Rashad Bilal]

Instruments or I wouldn't even give them Texas Instruments.

[Ian Dunlap]

Right.

[Rashad Bilal]

Because if you look at the profit margin in all those companies, it's neg the amount of money needed to have this run efficiently. They don't have it yet. And if that's their sole thing is to create and that's the source of revenue, well, you're going to be in debt, in extreme debt. And then another company like a Google is going to say, hey, let's just take the engineers, they can't afford it. This isn't our main source of revenue. We'll take on that cost, we'll write it, they'll innovate it. That's what will happen.

[Ian Dunlap]

Well, if you have a negative profit margin, you can just invest in Bitcoin and become the best returner asset of all time. Right. That's a blueprint. Allegedly.

[Rashad Bilal]

That works once and maybe it doesn't work twice. Maybe that doesn't work twice.

[Troy Millings]

So the downturn that we've seen in the market over the last couple of weeks is, is this a correction? Is it a red flag going into 2025?

[Ian Dunlap]

I mean, a lot of things honestly just hit like you said, Apple was at an all time high. A term that I have to bring back is asymmetric risk to reward. Like if things are at a top, say the stock is at a hundred, previously it was at 55. No, smart money is putting in money at 99.98. You have to wait for it to put pull back. Also you have to wait to see when the inauguration happens and they get an office, what actual policies are going to be set. Opposed to what he's just saying online, I think he's talking about what he could do. But once they get an office now it's really game time. So I think a lot of smart money is just waiting to deploy capital or money after the Trump administration takes over to see what they're actually going to do.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, I think we're going into that again. We're going into that earnings season. The inauguration is going to be here. That's why I think watching those first five to ten days of.

[Ian Dunlap]

For sure.

[Rashad Bilal]

Executive orders, like what are the first things that they're going to sign off on? So the market's just kind of waiting. I know. Inflation number and the jobs report. Those things are all good and they're callous events, but I think the inauguration is the callous event. And then obviously, and we spoke about it last week with Josh. When Nvidia reports in February, that'll be the Super Bowl. And that'll tell us about.

[Ian Dunlap]

Tell us.

[Rashad Bilal]

It'll tell us about the AI story because all those companies will report and their report will have some form of fashion AI in the story. We'll see what Nvidia says to. To cap it off in. In February and then we'll see some movement in the market.

[Ian Dunlap]

I'm really disappointed in Jensen's presentation.

[Rashad Bilal]

It wasn't great.

[Ian Dunlap]

It wasn't as great as his previous performances. And that scares me a little bit also too. Not enough mention of Blackwell. And then when they stated they wanted to go back into the PC market, I'm like, is that because you're losing ground on a chip side and you know that the major seven aren't buying from you as much anymore? But the presentation, what wasn't as. And I get it, a lot of information, a lot of pressure. But as a person who was killed on the stage quite a few times for that moment to be that big, I feel like he dropped the ball. Ball. And I wonder why.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, I thought. I mean, I was excited to. To watch the. The debut of Blackwell. And here I was looking forward to hearing what they were saying in terms of Reuben. I think you might have. You might have touched something there where the max seven are saying, hey, we have Blackwell. It's already been deployed. We may not need as much. In fact, we're going to try to build our own. And that still leads to manufacturing, which is why I think TSM is still the stock that you got to have because everybody is designing chips. There's only one company that is going to be manufacturing them, and that's them. But he. He's still. That being said, the product is still sold out. We can't run from that. Like, the product is still sold out. I'm assuming Reuben's gonna do the same. So the presentation, what. It wasn't what I thought it would be. And a granted was at ces, which is a big moment. I think when he speaks again in March. Well, obviously at the earnings call. He'll have a call.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah.

[Rashad Bilal]

But March is investor day for Nvidia. And it'll be on their campus. If you watch, he had the AI rendering while he was on stage of the actual campus.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah.

[Rashad Bilal]

The. Their investor event will be in March. So I think we'll see something more in detailed and a better showing from him.

[Ian Dunlap]

Most definite. Owe you an apology. Do you think Nvidia has too many SKUs? Like just too many product offerings now opposed to focusing on a core, maybe five or six. Like this one thing Apple has done incredibly well. They don't have 42 different kind of headphones. You can buy it. Not that much variation in. In laptops. Like do you think Nvidia? Because I know the thought is well, I can scale everything.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah.

[Ian Dunlap]

Do you think that they are hyper scaling too fast based off the success?

[Rashad Bilal]

I got a little confused to be honest with you. Like I got a little. When they started announcing the the. The. The GS900 and there was the C version. It was like four different models that you can get and the price points were different and like from the average viewer. Yeah, I would probably be like a little bit above average.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah.

[Rashad Bilal]

And I was like, damn. Yeah. Somebody who's in gaming that might have been like the meant the entire world to them. But it does get a little bit confusing because for us, the average listeners is like Blackwell, we know that the.

[Ian Dunlap]

Different variations are the different RTX's. And I'm like, it's like yeah, all right.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, you lost me a little bit. Yeah, yeah, it's confusing. The main thing is the main thing we know Blackwell, we know Ruben, we know the GPUs. The price points I get and I get it, you want to make it appear more affordable. More affordable means bigger audience which means more people will spend at a lower price point. But you know what your cake is? Your cake is that Max Heaven buying in billions. That's, that's, that's it. You don't it. We had this discussion when we were talking about Tesla. Do you keep it at a premium or do you make affordable products? Which one are you a luxury brand or you're every day gotta be a premium.

[Ian Dunlap]

I'm not gonna lie to the crocodile jacket scared me. I said oh, he's.

[Rashad Bilal]

That was the first time.

[Ian Dunlap]

You know, he over there flirting like crazy. When he got off stage, he's going for it.

[Troy Millings]

Let me ask you this as far as. Okay, let's talk about this. Carvana.

[Rashad Bilal]

Had a run up a drop off and. Yeah, well that. And this is the same reason why I put Palanti on the question mark. Why. Why has There been a drop off? Well, CEO sold off shares. I think like 10 different execs sold off shares.

[Ian Dunlap]

Sold off, Yep.

[Rashad Bilal]

Which I get right. It had a. It had a fall and then it had a crazy run and that was pulled back. But that pullback has to do with, you know, the people that are leading this company. Do you believe in this company the way you're saying it? Right. And then when they asked, this was incredible. When they asked the CEO to explain it, he said, this is on cnbc. He said, you know what, I can get into the details, but I'd have you here for an hour and I'm sure your listeners don't even want to know.

[Ian Dunlap]

That's the white version for you. Just played yourself. Stay on my business, let me run my bag up. That's not an answer that a CEO should give. For the record, I think Carvana is one of those companies that has such a severe drop. Like it went to a wholesale price. Like in 2021 it got to 345 and 23 was at 6.94. That's like a great company does not drop that far. Of course you've had situations in which a company may have fallen. I know the story of Amazon gets told of the drawdown, but that was because of the great tech recession of 2000. And that led up to that. But maybe sub 29 bucks, I would look to maybe buy it. I know the question was, should you short it? I think your capital could be put to better use. I know everyone wants to recreate the big short. People forget that. The return that Michael Burry got for his clients, which is amazing, was 500. To the downside, you have companies you can invest in, like Nvidia, like AMD, like Tesla, you can get 500 for in two or three years if you hold it, let alone if you do a call option, let alone if you trade futures. So I don't think you have to put that kind of risk on the table. And there's limited upside to shorting a publicly traded stock. It's not the, not the best use of capital.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, Michael, Michael's a legend. He's a legend for sure. But he's been dead wrong over the past three years. Right. Like every year.

[Ian Dunlap]

Do you know when you, like a person, they say something crazy every year?

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah.

[Ian Dunlap]

And well, when he put out the quote of like sell everything, he did hit a recession.

[Rashad Bilal]

Not last, not the past two years.

[Troy Millings]

Two years ago last year we hit a recession.

[Ian Dunlap]

Early part last year they changed the definition. But where he Went wrong.

[Rashad Bilal]

Was negative two quarters. No, not last year. 2022.

[Ian Dunlap]

2022.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah. We in 25.

[Ian Dunlap]

Rashad cap. Hey. Oh, hey. One thing I do hope Trump will do is put out the real economic data.

[Rashad Bilal]

Doja's gonna do that. We gotta count on those. We're counting on them for sure. The good fellas at those.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah, but no, I wouldn't short Carvana. I would look to go yo, it.

[Rashad Bilal]

Was $4 top of 20, 23. $4. I love run up since however draw down and unprecedented.

[Ian Dunlap]

For sure, for sure. But is Carvana Worth 350 or whatever Pico was at before? When you have other companies, I mean even though I don't like the company, Palantir is a much better company than Carvana. You can't convince me that Carvana currently is worth 191and Palantir is where it's at when people aren't buying cars like that. I don't need a car vending machine that scale. It was a great idea for the time, but I think the mismanagement of it led to the downfall. But kudos to the executive management team for turning it around because that's a tough job to do.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah, for sure. All right. All right, well we're gonna bring on our guests any other topics to talk about before we bring on our guests.

[Ian Dunlap]

I'm gonna save it for blackout.

[Troy Millings]

All right.

[Ian Dunlap]

That's a lot of mess I want to get into.

[Troy Millings]

All right, so now we're gonna have a special guests to come on. You know, we talk about the fires that have happened in la still continuously happening in the LA area. And you know, a lot of times you just see things on the news and it's kind of hard to fully understand or, or have a full appreciation for something if you just see it from a third party's perspective. So we thought that it was important to, to highlight the, the story from first hand perspective but also to highlight, you know, a very important neighborhood that was destroyed. That's not getting a lot of attention. Altadena, which is a black neighborhood, predominantly black neighborhood in the Pasadena area. And you know, we heard a lot about a few other areas, but we haven't really heard that much about that area. That's a very important area. So we have a guest that will be joining us that unfortunately lost her home to the fire. A resident of Aladina Sigma Scott actually got introduced to her through my cousin Jamila. Thank you for that. Connecting the dots. So yeah, you know, I think we. This is a very important conversation to Have.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah.

[Troy Millings]

So let's bring her up if we can.

[Sigma Scott]

Hi, guys.

[Troy Millings]

How you doing?

[Rashad Bilal]

How are you?

[Sigma Scott]

I'm good today. At least right now I'm great. You know, sometimes it changes, but I'm. I'm really good. Really good.

[Troy Millings]

I. I want to, first of all, thank you for coming on. I know we spoke yesterday. You know, we have a few questions, but I think before we start, it's just important to kind of, you know, let you speak as far as to tell your story, because even though you explained it to me as far as how. How quickly everything had happened and decisions that you had to make, so. Yeah. Can you just kind of, you know, tell that part of it?

[Sigma Scott]

Absolutely. First, I'd like to thank you all for having me here. Like you said, Jamila, she speaks very highly of you. You know, she says that you're a person who walks in gratitude. And I want to thank all of you for being humanitarians and getting this information out there. Thank you so much for having me on your platform. So my husband got a text about 7:30 and said that maybe 6, that there was a fire and that so far we were okay. Maybe an hour later, which was about 7:30, he said he got a text that it was time to evacuate. I was in the city of Burbank at that time, and I thought, well, I could just go to my sister's house and he could pack. But he said, come home, pack, and then we'll go together. And so when I got just. The journey from Burbank to Altadena was very frightening because the winds, pardon me, the winds were 80 to 90 miles per hour. I'm in a Prius. I was really scared. I actually just noticed car damage from having to drive over a tree because there were down trees on an off ramp that I decided to take. And as I was exiting the freeway, I was just kind of had this little mantra. I'm choosing to get home safe. That was just my matter of fact, I'm choosing to get home safe. So I got home, the power was on for about 30 minutes, and then it went out. You know, we're packing, but you really don't know what to pack. I've never had to evacuate before.

[Ian Dunlap]

So.

[Sigma Scott]

I just have, you know, a little stuff.

[Troy Millings]

We.

[Sigma Scott]

At least the cat was first. Then some toiletries. Just really not even a lot because the brain is kind of just locked. It's locked. I'm asking myself, what do I take? So as I'm in the restroom getting toiletries, I look out my bathroom window and I can see the fire. It appears to be in the neighbor's backyard. And so at that point, it's, we have to go now. Still in shock. I'm looking around the house. What else can I grab? What do I need? I was thankful that I got birth certificate, passport. Not a lot of paperwork, unfortunately. Just again, the brain goes into this gridlock, and you really, you just freeze. So I took a deep breath and I looked at my furniture. I looked at the house, and I just started saying goodbye to my furniture. Thank you. I looked at my jewelry box. I could have taken jewelry, but I just said thank you. Because I've had. I've had guidance over the years that, you know, when you release, you receive. And so if you know that, you know to let go. And I just started being grateful, and I started dropping into the gratitude of thank you to this dresser that I used to hide in. When I was six years old, every time my sister went to the bathroom, I would go hide and she would come out and find me. Thank you. Goodbye. Thank you. Goodbye. I also had that mantra, leaving. Because I didn't want to feel bad that I didn't get enough stuff, that I was so hands off about collecting things, that I didn't want to feel bad later because the brain chatter gets really intense. And so I just thought as I loaded the car again, the winds are still gusty, pushing me from behind. I'm landing on my toe. I'm on my tiptoes just because the gush of wind is intense. We're wearing goggles because there's debris. And my husband said he'd be behind me, but he actually stayed several hours later with the water hose, trying to water the property down. But I did leave. And as I traveled down the hill, I continue with that mantra. I released to receive. I released to receive because I could feel it, like, did I get enough? Did we get everything? And we. And we didn't. We did not.

[Rashad Bilal]

Wow. That. That's. I mean, thank you for sharing. Just hearing that story and listening to the mantras that you're telling yourself first, we're thankful that you made it out with your lives, which is the most important thing. And I wrote that quote down. When you release, you receive. I. I was doing the research on Altadena, obviously, as it's coming to the news. And yes, we've heard about a lot of affluent areas, but if you could talk to us about Altadena, its makeup. I know over the past 30 to 40 years, it has changed. Talk to us about the makeup of it and, and what Altadena was prior.

[Sigma Scott]

To this moment for me, you know, I'm a newbie to Altadena. We were only there three and a half years. It's a place where, where you can, you know, just. There's so much love, so much culture. A lot of, you know, R and B musicians have come out of there. It's, you know, literary art, just musicians, creatives. It's a really nice place to be. It's. It's safe. You know, it probably has its element, but I've never been exposed to. I walked every morning, 7:00 in the morning. I've worked as. Walked as early as 5 o'clock in the morning. Just really safe, quiet, serene community. And just a really great place apart, you know, an extension of LA County. It's just really beautiful. And it's just. And it's gone, you know, it's gone. A lot of culture, a lot of culture.

[Ian Dunlap]

For all of us that are on the outside looking in, who want to help. What are some of the things that we can do to help you and the residents of your community if we don't know exactly what to do?

[Sigma Scott]

That's a great question. First, probably we don't even know what to tell you. I will tell you for me personally, text messages, phone calls, that just helps softens the heart, you know, just. I'm so grateful. And again, that's more. Just, more guidance just being that gratitude to receive that all the. And Rashad, thank you. Your prayers, your donation, thank you so much. But everyone, there's over 300 donations to a GoFundMe that Jamila Shabazz created for me. And I'm so grateful for every single donor. I would not have been able to do that myself. It's so much energy to hold and carry. I would imagine that most people. I don't have children, but people with children, you know, maybe some clothes for their kids, toys. I had a girlfriend bring me, you know, some makeup. She was like, here, some lipstick so you can look pretty and feel pretty and that. I would have never asked for that, but I was really grateful to have it. So I would say most of us don't know, but, you know, soup, easy things to make, people who don't have any place to go, easy food. We don't need a stove to cook sweaters. Technically it is winter. You know, it gets cold at night. Sweaters, socks, scarves, blankets. Other than that, it's really hard to say because we're.

[Troy Millings]

It's.

[Sigma Scott]

You really just don't know what to ask for.

[Troy Millings]

So let me ask you this. We saw areas that had issues with insurance companies dropping people and in your area, were there any insurance issues?

[Sigma Scott]

I have not heard personally. Not personally I haven't heard but I have. I had a client mention that her boyfriend was a real, a realtor and that he had said that. And I would imagine these are people who had paid off their homes and decided not to go with the fire insurance. If that is in fact true. There were a couple of insurances that they did drop us that they were really habitual about doing this during time especially. But thankfully we don't have that insurance. I have heard that, but not to anyone personally.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, there's been some stories of, of people who have already been approached about obviously the loss, but the land that now exists and people trying to now buy the land property from, from the residents. Have you heard stories like that? And, and if you could update us under that, that'd be, you know, great as well.

[Sigma Scott]

Personally I haven't heard stories. People are sending me information from Instagram and Facebook like just be weary of people who are calling themselves adjusters or I feel like the term I heard were grounders or something. So if your property was burned to the ground, they kind of act as a mediary to you and the insurance company. We haven't been approached but I mean, you know, comes when you have a tragic event that happens. People create scams and schemes to get ahead. So it really requires us to do our research and so far we understand that we are 100% responsible for even paying the mortgage next month in full. So we're going to call this week to get more clarity. I can't speak to, I don't have any absolutes with respect to that right now. But I do believe we are responsible for paying the mortgage next, next month.

[Ian Dunlap]

So the mortgage companies haven't reached out to give any reprieve even though this tragedy is worldwide news.

[Sigma Scott]

We have made contact for the temporary housing but there's no absolute information on next steps. We have to call for the clarity. There hasn't been any information uploaded on a website that you can read that says this is what you do next. These. There's no hand holding right now and I get it, they could be overwhelmed. I'm not going to judge, I'm just going to hold space for it. But right now there's no absolutes. We just are under the impression right now, today that in February we would still have to pay for the house that no longer stands and the Property.

[Troy Millings]

How is it currently in la? I know there's still fires burning, if I'm not mistaken. What is. What is just what's going on currently for us, that's not there. That's just like watching it on the news. Like, what. What is the scene currently in LA right now?

[Sigma Scott]

I'm very sensitive to energy. I. I could feel the compassion. I can feel the love. I feel there's a lot of camaraderie happening in some places. You don't feel a difference. People are, you know, life is still happening for a lot of people, but closer to the area, you just. A lot of community, a lot of love, a lot of support. That's amazing. Pets for pets for people. That was really, really good. Just, you know, it takes the tragedy sometimes before we can see each other as equals and human. We're all here to, to. To experience life, to feed our families, to meet people and learn new things. And I can feel. I can feel that.

[Rashad Bilal]

Altadena had a home ownership rate of 81% African Americans. And obviously, when we lose an entire town. You spoke about safe zones, so I'm wondering, what is the process? How has the process been the temporary housing for this large community of people who have now been displaced to take into account that there are fires that are still permeating throughout the county? Where does that safe zone? How's the process going?

[Sigma Scott]

I have yet to see what was my home. My sister went to scout it out. She said that she broke down, she could. She felt the losses probably as much as I would. But as she was walking to the property, she noticed there were some people sleeping in their cars, maybe trying to protect what was left of their property. You know, just people hanging out. It. It's so shocking. I just. I keep that word paralysis. Just the brain is in shock. Like, she was like, there are no walls, there's nothing. So as far as the housing, I would encourage people, and I know very little information, but contact your homeowner's insurance. First and foremost. There should be coverage for people to get vouchers. I believe they give you a few options, and if those don't, you know, work for you, you. They give you another series. I think it's a series of three. And you get to choose, and you get to choose what area. My understanding is that they put you up for a year, so it's a year lease. And I believe that's. This is hypothetical. I don't speak in absolutes because I'm not clear that we still pay the mortgage. So it's like we're paying the mortgage. They put us in something comparable to what we're paying for a year. So that's how that works so far.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah, the mortgage situation is scary. I'm encouraging everyone here tonight. If our platform has changed your lives in any way, please to donate. Because I think this is the time where we come together as a community. And I know we talk a lot about financial empowerment, but this is a sister who's in direct need. So if we have helped you, if I've helped you in any way, I'm begging you, please, to donate as a community. What is the sense of responsibility or mismanagement on a government standpoint that could have prevented this? And for anyone that has not went through a tragedy like this, is there like a checklist you can give them for what to prepare if disaster was to strike them or for those who are in California still who were going through it.

[Sigma Scott]

Gosh, that one part of that is really big. Like what was missing it. You know, we know a lot of resources were pulled from the area to assist other fires. So that was. That was a little disappointing and hard to grasp. But we understand. You know, you try to go where you need it. Definitely get a fireproof safe. Definitely. If you know, you live in the area, this is like an anomaly that this thing was so bad. But if you live in an area where there's any chance of fire or even just a regular house fire, get a fireproof safe. There's so much that was lost because we could not think. We didn't. Just the thought just all of that goes out the window. But if you have one thing, you can go to a safe and just grab that. That will help you protect paperwork and money. So please take that. If nothing else, get the fireproof safe. You know, if you get it early enough, the evacuation warnings, you could call friends and those valuables that you need, you could call people to load their car and take your property to safety, or take your children, your pets so that you can be of more sound mind and body as you're leaving those. I would definitely do those things. You know, you don't want to live in fear. You don't want to have a back prepared is that's not what we're choosing to create. But maybe a bag of. We had food, we left it. We just weren't thinking. Just get, you know, just get out. I saw that fire was so close. It was like, we just gotta go this. I mean, you just have to go. But fireproof safe. You can call If. If it even works, because it really wasn't that easy getting back home. It wasn't. It wasn't the easiest journey that I've ever had going home. So it's. And just know that it's not what it looks like. You know, it. It's a really intense loss that. That word doesn't even vibrate to me. I just released my home. I am so grateful that I had it. I am so grateful. And I'm grateful that it was my second home. You know, I'm grateful to be alive. Just. It.

[Ian Dunlap]

It's.

[Sigma Scott]

It's heavy. It's. It's heavy. All I have is gratitude. Just. If someone is faced with this, if you have nothing else, you don't remember anything else from this interview. Walk in your faith and your knowing that gratitude. If I wasn't walking in that I don't believe people would be donating to me. I would say 10 years ago, I probably would be screaming, oh, my God, this is happening. I would maybe sound more like a victim. And I'm not a victim here. I'm not a victim. I know. First of all, it didn't just happen to me. So I don't even get if my brain tried to tell me I'm a victim. I don't get to be a victim here. Didn't just happen to me. It happened to an entire community. But what I know is I'll just get another house. You know, I know there's a house for me in the future. I know this to be true. So I just have to focus on that. If I focus on I lost this and I lost that, then I will continue to bring more loss to me by way of friendships, by way of whatever, anything. You create more loss. If that was where I was, I'm not choosing to be in loss. People call me. They're crying for me. I'm okay. I am okay. I have a place to lay my head. I had breakfast. I've had dinner. I just know gratitude goes a long way, and that is the guidance that that is. You know, we all have angels. There's angel guidance. You just, you know, you get a nudge. That nudge was, get out of the house. My husband stayed. I said, I'm leaving. I'll be right behind you. That was a nudge. Get out now. I tried to meditate. Will I be safe for a couple more hours? I thought I got a yes. I went to my bathroom and saw the fire. That was a nudge. Get out now. So you have to follow your heart and in any situation, just try not to be victimized. I'm not a victim of circumstance. It was loving community. I'm sure everyone loved their home, loved their property. If we could just all drop into gratitude, perhaps the recovery will go faster, the pain will subside sooner. I don't know. I hope that doesn't sound too woo woo. But that's just what I believe is gratitude goes far and long.

[Troy Millings]

No, I mean it's very insightful. I want to thank you for coming. I want to, I want to, before we go, I want to just give people perspective. So we're going to show a picture. If we can show this picture of before and after, we could just show this. And, and the reason why I showed that picture is because I know, you know, you do have a, a GoFundMe that was set up for you. Like I said, I was able to contribute. So we're gonna put the link in the description of this video.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah.

[Troy Millings]

So if anybody wants to contribute, whatever you can contribute, we're gonna put it in the description of this video. And you know, it's one of these things, you gotta have humanity and, and help your fellow humans in time of need. But thank you for being.

[Sigma Scott]

Thank all the three of you humanitarians, your platform just, you guys are the superhero in the wealth community.

[Troy Millings]

You started investing because of Market Mondays, right? You say yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Sigma Scott]

Yes. You guys are unicorns. Especially you, Ian, you're a unicorn. I see you. Thank you so much. I'm grateful.

[Rashad Bilal]

Thank you, thank you for your courage. Thank you, thank you.

[Ian Dunlap]

I appreciate you so much.

[Troy Millings]

Appreciate it.

[Sigma Scott]

Thank you.

[Troy Millings]

All right, so you know, it's one of these things, man, you gotta. Gratitude is a major key of life. Steve Harvey told us that, you know, the gratitude is, is a, is a major key. So for her to said that a few times and I think that that was something that was extremely insightful because it's like, you know, it's one of these things. It's kind of cliche, but it's true. Right? It can always be worse.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yes.

[Troy Millings]

And you know, my parents place actually burnt down twice. So I'm familiar with this situation. It burnt down the first time even when she was talking about how like they, they paid for you to live and, and that I, I remember that because they had them in a hotel and then their hotel voucher ran out. Then they actually lived with me for a couple of months and, and actually when they was rebuilding the condo, lightning struck the roof and it burnt again. So that's extremely rare situation to actually have it burned twice. So I am familiar with that situation as far as how you can lose everything displacement. Then I had actually four family members that died in the fire. So I'm definitely familiar with fires. And you know, it's one of those things where it's just like there's nothing you can do, really. Like if, if the flames is coming, I mean, you could try to fight an extinguisher. And you should have an extinguisher, you should have a smoke alarm, you should have a fire, you know, alarm and all that stuff on your property that's important.

[Ian Dunlap]

It happens so fast.

[Troy Millings]

It's just nature. It's like a tidal wave. Right. Like, you know, it's just one of these things that is God's creation. You can't. It's just one of the most powerful things in the world as far as fire. And it spreads so quickly. So first and foremost, being safe is the most important thing.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, yeah.

[Troy Millings]

Right. And then. But like she said, you know, as far as fireproof safe, something to think about, you know, you got a lot of different, you know, from a financial side, we talk about, you know, life insurance policies and different statements and wills and trust and all that type stuff. Like you, hey, you should always have that backed up at a lawyer's office or safety deposit box in a bank. But yeah, I mean, you know, you definitely probably may want to invest in a fireproof safe.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah.

[Troy Millings]

Or your house. Make sure you want to Amazon for cheap. Yeah, yeah. Well, you know, it's just once again, it just, it speaks to, to just, you know, the human spirit of survival. As far as, you know, just if your day's going bad, somebody's having a better day than you. Right. So it's like, you know, like you just be happy that your house has a burn down.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah. I mean, it's interesting that that human dynamic of fight or flight, I mean, she experienced it in her own home, right. Where she decided her intuition said leave. Her husband said, let me try to fight this. And. And obviously they lost their home, but she, they left with the most important thing and that's their life.

[Ian Dunlap]

Absolutely.

[Rashad Bilal]

If we can take nothing from it because the conversation does feel very heavy. But to hear her spirit and hear her gratitude and hear how she's viewing it, I think it's encouraging for everybody, man. It's definitely, you know, whatever we can do, we're going to do to make sure that we help her. But not just her. There's so many families. I think they said over 13, 000 structures were burnt. So a lot of people need help. So if we can, whatever we can do, if it's a voice, if it's, if it's, you know, a monetary thing, we're going to do our part, man. As we should and as you should. As you should. Yeah.

[Ian Dunlap]

I'll say it again tonight. If we've helped you in any way. I have helped you in any way, go give to her, please. Even the mortgage aspect. You would think that would be a period of reprieve. This is a worldwide news and for them, to banks, mortgage companies, insurers, man, please do the right thing. But if we helped you in any way, please pay a forward to her. I'm begging you.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah, yeah. And before we go to it, I mean we posted on Instagram as far as the price gouging that's been going on and that's insane, you know, that's one of these things that's happening, that's happening all over LA right now because obviously there's a, there's a, there's a need for home, you know. And shout out to my guy, I think this is a teachable woman. But our guy, Let me see. But yeah, man, there's a difference between.

[Ian Dunlap]

Capitalism and agree being a piece of levels.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah.

[Ian Dunlap]

Like this is not time for you to do your wholesaler land grab.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, ridiculous, bro.

[Troy Millings]

So let me. All right, so, all right. And this is our guy, author EY University. Our guy, he made, he made a comment, I think it's a teachable woman. So he said six because. All right, so the property was $16,000 a month two weeks ago and it's currently $28,000, something like that. It increased 84% in, in 10 days, obviously just because of the fire. So he, what he said was 16,000amonth in rent is luxury housing. And so while the price increase is drastic, no doubt I don't believe unethical price gouging applies when dealing with luxury products because someone who could afford to pay 16,000amonth for a house can still afford to pay like the new amount of 26, 000. So I understand what he's saying and technically I, he's right in that standpoint. But this is the difference. Luxury items can increase as much as they want. That's their right. So if a Birkin bag wants to go from 30, 000 to 60, 000, it's a difference because it's a difference between doing that because market demands or supply and demand or however you just want to price your product and Doing this solely in the event of a natural disaster, that's, that's the difference, right? Like yeah, of course if somebody could pay $16,000 a month, they could probably pay 20. But when you're solely raising your prices 86 for no other reason other than a natural disaster which has tens of thousands of people with nowhere to live, that to me is not luxury price increase. That to me is price gouging.

[Ian Dunlap]

It's predatory. And just because they can afford to 16,000, that increase may price them out. We're talking about California. So some of these people have saved for a decade and liquidated 401ks and, and sold other stuff to be, and had to buy down a rate at a more affordable level where 20. So if they're paying 20 000amonth in rent, for them to be comfortable, they need to be making 35 to 40, 000amonth. I'm gonna be real with you. You see a lot of flexing on Instagram. It's not that many people in the world making 40 000amonth.

[Rashad Bilal]

That's a fact.

[Ian Dunlap]

You support that? Like what are we talking about to the parent at home with the kid? I'm sorry, but the predatory price gouging thing is unnecessary and I hope that that gets fixed right away.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, it speaks to a problem that, you know, we spoke with Matt about all the time, right. A lot of people are house rich, in cash poor, right? Like a lot of the value that they have in their net worth is their home. Now you talk about people who might have lost their home and didn't have insurance. It's a whole nother process. But that rebuild process is a process in itself, Right? Because now in order to get the claims that you have, you have to prove the things that you had inside the house.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yes.

[Rashad Bilal]

Right. So how do we know?

[Ian Dunlap]

Talking to my friend about it, like paid insurance on something for five years and got 25 of the actual value of the items.

[Rashad Bilal]

Right. How do, how does this. So, I mean the insurance company's job is to prove that you didn't have it. Right. They're going to give you what the value they think is. But you could have had things inside your house that were. Worth. Well, what's the evidence? Is it a receipt? Is there a picture? It's just, it's a nasty game. It's a terrible game. But this is, this is, this is part of it.

[Ian Dunlap]

Or even on the jewelry side, if you bought Rolex is doing a peak and the value has come down, they're Even going to give you a percentage of what the value is now. And things have dropped 23%. You have to be care. There's a lot. And the. The prices, items that you can't replace. Photo albums and heirlooms and. Yeah, be mindful. Please cut that out.

[Rashad Bilal]

I'm glad she spoke to that. That. That part of like people trying to be mediators between insurance companies. Listen, talk to the companies yourself directly. Directly. And. And your land value. Please try. Try your best to hold on to your land.

[Ian Dunlap]

Hold out.

[Rashad Bilal]

Try your best to. I know it's tough and obviously this is. The timing of it is. Is kind of detrimental, but try your best to hold on to that land because the one thing that we know over time is that that land is going to appreciate. And it may not be small homes that they put back.

[Ian Dunlap]

Especially in that state. The landscape too much.

[Rashad Bilal]

Especially in that state. Yes.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah.

[Rashad Bilal]

And with all those things that are coming to that state.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah, for sure. So once again, in the description of this video, we will have the Link for the GoFundMe if you are interested and helping out financially. And anything is. Anything is appreciated.

[Ian Dunlap]

Every dollar counts. Every dollar counts. I'm asking every person here tonight. Yep, you too. Don't skip over it. Go. I've never endorsed a GoFundMe. Send something. Treat this like it's a stock club sale. Because if we don't take care of our own, who will? I don't want to hear anything in 2027. If they take over that community and make a smart city there. It starts with you. I'm gonna do my part. Shoddy did his part. Troy gonna do his part. I need y'all to pile in. We talk. All this generational wealth and the community went up, no pun intended, in one night. Now we as a community have to do something.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah.

[Ian Dunlap]

It's heartbreaking, man.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah. Really is. It really is. Okay. All right. Well, on a lighter note, we will be back for Blackout on Wednesday. Yes. And there's a lot to talk about.

[Ian Dunlap]

Spicy, too.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah, there's a lot to talk about.

[Ian Dunlap]

It's gonna be. Listen, I'm going full Riz Islam.

[Rashad Bilal]

Shout out to that brother.

[Ian Dunlap]

All the series, all the pineapple leather jacket, yo. Oh, Wednesday. If the show get canceled after that, Rashad, blame me. You know? Why you on a promo tour? That's Ian. Oh, boy.

[Troy Millings]

You deserve to be rich. Book is out tomorrow, midnight.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah.

[Troy Millings]

Thank you to everybody. Thank you to everybody that pre ordered it. Once again, appreciate it. Book tour sold out. There's still a few Tickets left to New Orleans.

[Ian Dunlap]

New Orleans.

[Troy Millings]

New Orleans. We will be in New Orleans with our guy Larry Morrow, who's like the mayor of the city. I saw a marching in a parade.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah, I saw that yesterday.

[Troy Millings]

Larry and Dave Chance will be with us, too. So we, we have at. We've. We've been doing events for your leisure for over six years, from networking events to Invest fest, and we've actually sold out every single event that we've ever done. So New Orleans, don't break our streak, please, please.

[Ian Dunlap]

Yeah, another investment. New Orleans may be the place to go. Bring them out, boy.

[Troy Millings]

We got every city, every city sold out so far. Brooklyn, D.C. houston, Texas.

[Ian Dunlap]

I can't get y'all no tickets.

[Rashad Bilal]

Atlanta, they gone. Yo, this Sunday, man. I know I always shout out birthdays, but this Sunday is a monumental birthday for this brand that we know as earn your leisure. It turns six years old this weekend. Shout out to everybody that's been a part of this journey with us. I shout out to my brother, Shouty Mike, ab, Danielle Tahera, everybody that's contributed to the growth in. To. To the growth of this platform and what is meant to our community. What is meant to 19 key. I mean, we could name everybody that has an episode. You're part of this lineage, right? Like, you shared your knowledge with us, shared it with the community.

[Troy Millings]

Chris on the social media.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah. Shout out to Sid, who was originally here taping with us. There's so many people to thank, but most importantly, the people that are watching now and the people are hearing this. Thank you for championing it. It was one. One person at a time, one person a day, and that's turned into millions of people over the course of six years. So happy birthday to earn your leisure. And we still got more to do, man. So shout out to everybody that came with us on this journey.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah, it's been a hell of a journey, man.

[Ian Dunlap]

How y'all feel about the book coming out? I'm excited.

[Rashad Bilal]

Yeah. It's like an album release, bro. Yeah.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah.

[Rashad Bilal]

I'm excited for people to check it out.

[Troy Millings]

Blackout. Oh, Thursday we back with the how to series, how to start investing in stocks. This is for people that have not invested in stocks yet. This is. This is going to walk you through, like, actually setting up a brokerage account. Like, what does that actually mean? What does a money market account mean? What does etf, going back to that level, like an index difference between the index fund and the etf, like an individual stock. What is a growth stock?

[Rashad Bilal]

Like value stocks, all that don't be.

[Troy Millings]

Ashamed if, if you have, if you have not invested. You got to start somewhere. You got to start somewhere. It's the beginning of the year and it's the perfect time to start. So that's at 9:00 Eastern Standard Time on YouTube. And oh, go to. Go to. You deserve to be rich. Deal.com. you deserve to be rich. Deal.com. 48 hours left in that to get access to the book. And if you buy the book, you get eyl University for 30 days for free.

[Rashad Bilal]

Amen. Amen.

[Troy Millings]

You gotta sometimes in life you just gotta over deliver, over deliver to the point where it's just even questionable sometimes, where it's just like, you know, you're doing, you're doing too much. But you gotta secure victories, secure it.

[Rashad Bilal]

It's important.

[Troy Millings]

Yeah, vitally important.

[Rashad Bilal]

Shout out to everybody that's been a part of this, this run that we've been on this week for the, for the book. Shout out to Crown Publishing. Shout out to Penguin Random House, to the book company. Shout out to the Breakfast Club. Check us out on that. Yeah. Shout out to Envy. Shout out to Charlemagne. Shout out to Jess.

[Troy Millings]

That's hilarious.

[Rashad Bilal]

Lauren, we met. That was dope. Shout out to Angie the queen. I mean the absolute queen when it comes to anything in media, all media. Shout out to.

[Ian Dunlap]

Shout out to Good morning America. What are we doing?

[Rashad Bilal]

I'm getting it. I'm getting there. Shout out to Angeles. He and definitely shout out to Good morning America. Robin Roberts. Every time we see it, it's like first name basis. Now she's so happy to see us and so happy for the work that we're doing. She's reading the book. She got the early copy of it and she loves it. So shout out to her and everybody over there. Francois, I appreciate you. Yeah, man. It's been a run, but the run, we just Getting started in 2025.

[Ian Dunlap]

Shout out to you for being the number one educator in New York. New York Times bestseller. We're gonna speak into existence. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Rashad Bilal]

Appreciate that, man.

[Troy Millings]

Thank you, man. Thank you so much.

[Rashad Bilal]

Full of gratitude.

[Troy Millings]

All right, guys, we will see you.

[Ian Dunlap]

Shout out to your sweater and the camel skin shacket. Oh, fashion bomb. Listen, came out with his book. Tony went dressed like that. Gotta do it. Damn.

[Rashad Bilal]

Could never.

[Troy Millings]

Could never do it.

[Rashad Bilal]

Could never. Yeah, that's a cardigan.

[Ian Dunlap]

Could never Rest in peace to Biggy Smalls.

[Rashad Bilal]

It's a cardigan, by the way.

[Troy Millings]

Ah. Rest in peace to Biggie Small. More money, more problems. That's what Big said.

[Rashad Bilal]

B.

[Ian Dunlap]

Side fire too. I want to see y'all remixing with that, you know, I mean, the American.

[Rashad Bilal]

Dream Remix Chapter one. Make sure y'all start there.

[Troy Millings]

Blackout.

[Ian Dunlap]

Me and Melissa was like, oh, Shoddy was cooking. Troy was cooking. Blackout.

[Troy Millings]

That's a blackout topic.

[Rashad Bilal]

I told you.

[Ian Dunlap]

First line of the book for sure.

[Rashad Bilal]

Blackout with good reasoning. Appreciate y'all. Love is love.

[Troy Millings]

All right, guys, we'll see you on Wednesday. Love.

[Ian Dunlap]

Peace.

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