Rich Habits Podcast: Amazon’s Robot Plans, Trump’s Stock Picks, & Tesla’s Inflection Point

Hosts: Austin Hankwitz & Robert Croak
Date: October 24, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of the Rich Habits Podcast, Austin and Robert dive into three disruptive technology stories at the intersection of economics, business, and investing: Amazon's mass automation push, Tesla's ambitions for self-driving and robo-taxis, and the Trump administration's unprecedented move to take equity stakes in quantum computing firms. As always, they ground these headlines in actionable financial strategies and discuss implications for everyday investors, entrepreneurs, and those building their own financial freedom. The episode also includes rapid-fire takes on breaking news and a Q&A session with actionable business and personal finance advice.

Major Topics & Insights

1. Opening Announcement: Private Investment Opportunity

Timestamps: 01:48 – 04:26

• Launch of a unique investment product:
  • The Rich Habits team partnered with Republic and the Cashmere Fund to open up access to pre-IPO companies like SpaceX, Perplexity AI, and XAI, as well as 38 other startups.
  • Minimum buy-in: $7,500 for fractional stakes alongside Austin and Robert.
  • Emphasis on unlocking venture-stage opportunities formerly reserved for insiders.
• Quote:
  • “A $7,500 commitment gets you invested into SpaceX, Perplexity and Xai, as well as 38 other companies inside of the Cashmere Fund.” – Robert Croak (03:10)

2. Amazon’s Massive Automation Moves

Timestamps: 04:30 – 07:00

• News: Amazon will automate up to 600,000 warehouse jobs in the next few years using robotics, while hiking wages for remaining employees.
• Tech investment context: Over 750,000 robots currently operate in Amazon’s facilities (up 30% YoY).
• Big picture:
  • Automation driven not just by cost, but by labor shortages and quest for efficiency.
  • Other companies like Walmart, Target, and FedEx are similarly robot-first.
• Investment consequences:
  • Automation could save Amazon $4 billion/year, directly boosting operating income.
  • Companies building automation (“picks & shovels”) highlighted: Symbotic, Nvidia, Rockwell Automation, UiPath.
• Strategic take:
  • Early investors can capitalize by aligning portfolios to favor the shift.
• Quotes:
  • “This isn't fear mongering. It's the biggest workforce transformation in modern business.” – Robert Croak (04:30)
  • “The math is simple. A $30,000 robot that lasts five years is cheaper than paying $40,000 a year to a human worker. And it never calls in sick.” – Robert Croak (05:15)
  • “You can position your portfolio to ride the automation wave and not get run over by it.” – Robert Croak (06:24)

3. Tesla’s Self-Driving & Robo-Taxi Inflection Point

Timestamps: 07:00 – 10:07

• Tesla’s pivot: Doubling down on AI-driven full self-driving, targeting 3 million vehicles/year and massive robo-taxi expansion within 24 months.
• Business model transformation:
  • From one-time vehicle sales to recurring, high-margin software revenue.
  • Discussion of possible new valuation multiples if Tesla becomes a mobility/platform company rather than just a carmaker.
• Regulatory & execution risks:
  • Skepticism towards Elon Musk’s aggressive timelines.
  • Legislative approval for nationwide robo-taxi rollout presents a hurdle.
• Notable moment:
  • Elon called Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot an “infinite money glitch” on the latest earnings call.
• Quotes:
  • “Tesla isn’t just going to sell you another car, they're trying to sell you mobility as a service with their robo taxis.” – Austin Hankwitz (08:09)
  • “Elon called their Optimus humanoid robot an infinite money glitch.” – Robert Croak (08:51)
  • “Work becomes optional.” – Elon Musk, quoted by Austin Hankwitz (09:26)
  • “Our dystopian future is right in front of us. There’s going to be just a ton of disruption the next five to ten years, and I am here for it and ready to be ahead of it all.” – Robert Croak (10:07)

4. Trump Administration Looks to Take Equity Stakes in Quantum Computing

Timestamps: 10:07 – 12:41

• Breaking policy: US government in talks to take equity in quantum firms (IonQ, Rigetti, D-Wave Quantum).
• Why it matters:
  • Quantum computing could revolutionize drug development, materials science, and more.
  • Google’s new “Quantum Echoes” algorithm runs 13,000x faster than classical supercomputers with new verification capabilities for reliability.
• Investor ramifications:
  • Still early—with high uncertainty—but this is a sector to watch and perhaps “toe in” for exposure.
• Quotes:
  • “Quantum computers are seen as a critical next generation technology because they can quickly perform computations that would take today's computers billions of years, literally.” – Robert Croak (10:55)
  • “We’re still years away from quantum computing being useful in a traditional business environment.” – Robert Croak (12:12)

5. The Future of Work: Synthesis & Takeaways

Timestamps: 12:41 – 15:12

• Underlying theme:
  • The convergence of AI, automation, and quantum technology is rapidly reshaping the job landscape and what it means to be invested in 'the future of work'.
  • Need for investors to continually adapt and position for long-term shifts.
• Perspective:
  • While many jobs will disappear, many new roles and specialties will emerge (e.g., robot maintenance).
  • Raises big societal questions: Will quality of life improve? Is universal basic income inevitable? What about health and free time?
• Quote:
  • “You overestimate what you can achieve in one year, but you underestimate what you can achieve in ten.” – Austin Hankwitz, citing Bill Gates (13:12)
  • “There are going to be pivots, there's going to be a ton of displacement of jobs, but there's also going to be a ton of new jobs.” – Robert Croak (14:11)

Rapid Fire News Roundtable

Timestamps: 15:12 – 21:49

Austin’s Headlines

• OpenAI’s new AI browser, ChatGPT Atlas:
  • Could disrupt Google’s dominance if it gains traction with ChatGPT’s vast user base.
  • “We think AI represents a once-in-a-decade opportunity to rethink what a browser can be…” – Sam Altman, quoted by Austin (16:01)
• Elon’s $1 Trillion Compensation Plan:
  • Tesla board proposes a package contingent on massive company growth.
  • Elon's stance: it's more about influence & control than money.
  • “I don’t feel comfortable building a robot army… if I don’t at least have a strong influence over those robots.” – Elon Musk, quoted by Austin (17:33)
• Wonder Studios’ $12M raise for AI-first movie studio:
  • AI in entertainment is rising, but audience acceptance still lags.

Robert’s Headlines

• SpaceX’s $288M Bitcoin transfer and BlackRock’s big buy:
  • Sign of growing institutional faith in Bitcoin as a corporate asset.
• Fannie Mae projections:
  • Mortgage rates expected to dip below 6% by end of 2026.
• Gold & silver corrections:
  • Structural case remains—Robert remains bullish, especially on silver.

Q&A: Real-World Entrepreneur & Career Advice

Timestamps: 21:50 – 34:56

1. Delegation for Small Business Owners (Alan S.):

   • Focus on hiring for your weaknesses, don't let “profit” thinking keep you from reclaiming your time.
   • Write out what you want to delegate, hire methodically, use technology to streamline.
   • “You can choose time or you can choose profit… to get your time back, you need to reinvest some profit in hiring.” – Austin Hankwitz (23:45)

2. Side-Income Ideas for a Mechanical Engineer (Lewis K.):

   • Build a web/social presence showcasing your skills (YouTube, TikTok, etc); offer design/gig work on Fiverr and direct through your network.
   • “Redesign” videos can be a powerful showcase. Audience-building pays long-term dividends.
   • “There are so many small businesses out there that need your skillset—they just have to be able to find you.” – Robert Croak (26:31)

3. Leaving a Failing Family Business (Anonymous):

   • Tough love: Your life is your own—you can love your dad, but shouldn’t sacrifice your own career or dreams for his business.
   • Consider a direct conversation offering to earn ‘sweat equity’ if your ideas are implemented. If too resistant, prioritize your own financial stability.
   • “Your dad is living his life and you are living your life. You don’t need to sacrifice your own career and dreams to maintain your dad’s ego.” – Austin Hankwitz (27:57)
   • “You can’t delay your dreams and put off your financial future because your father can’t get it together and run his business in a profitable manner.” – Robert Croak (33:13)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Amazon/A.I. disruption:
  “You can position your portfolio to ride the automation wave and not get run over by it.” – Robert Croak (06:24)

• On Elon Musk’s ambitions:
  “Every Tesla on the road becomes a cash flowing robo taxi node…” – Robert Croak (08:51)
  “Work becomes optional.” – Elon Musk, quoted (09:26)

• On the future:
  “Our dystopian future is right in front of us… I am here for it.” – Robert Croak (10:07)

• On technology investing:
  “It’s never been more important to have equity stakes in this technology.” – Austin Hankwitz (13:12)

Conclusion & Tone

The conversation is fast-paced, pragmatic, and peppered with real-world, actionable takeaways, true to the relatable and slightly irreverent style of both hosts. As always, the focus is on arming listeners with information and strategies to proactively adapt, invest, and thrive in a rapidly changing economy driven by technology and innovation.

Notable Segments by Timestamp

• 01:48–04:26 – Investment opportunity launch
• 04:30–07:00 – Amazon’s automation and its investment impact
• 07:00–10:07 – Tesla’s full self-driving & recurring revenue strategy
• 10:07–12:41 – Government’s quantum computing moves
• 15:12–21:49 – Rapid-fire news: OpenAI, compensation mega-deals, AI in movies, Bitcoin, mortgage rates, gold/silver
• 21:50–34:56 – Audience Q&A

For further details and actionable steps, check the episode show notes or connect with the hosts on social media.