Shows
Rising in the WestThe Death of the EssaySam Altman wants to create a ‘Digital God,’ but we’re just trying to get students to think for themselves.Is generative AI the end of critical thinking? This week on Rising in the West, Haroon reports from the “English trenches,” where the “Death of the Essay” looms as students trade deep analysis for polished AI outputs. Omar explains the technical reality—why AI doesn’t “think,” but instead makes connections of human knowledge with an authoritative and lots of times “hallucinatory,” tone.Nadir raises a vital concern for the Ummah: the danger of youth seeking fatwas and spiritua...
2026-02-081h 06
Rising in the WestCruelty is the Point“If you can get someone to believe in absurdities, they will commit atrocities.”Is the chaos we are witnessing a bug in the system, or is it a feature? This week on Rising in the West, Haroon and Omar are joined by Nadir, unpacking a heavy news cycle, starting with the escalation of immigration enforcement. Haroon argues that the “lethality and harshness” aren’t accidental byproducts—they are the mandate. Nadir calls out the “hired goon” mentality of officers hiding behind masks and sunglasses , while Omar poses the ultimate philosophical dilemma: Do the ends ever justify the...
2026-01-3056 min
Rising in the WestHabermas and Haagen-DazsHow do we push back against a world of "pure excess"? In this episode, Haroon and Omar are rejoined by Nadir and Abu Hamza and dive into the "Knowledge of the Self" to find freedom in an age of AI and surveillance. We explore the necessity of a "Third Space"—a social environment that isn't quite home and isn't quite the mosque—and why most third space projects "fizzle out".
2026-01-2424 min
Rising in the WestDavid, Goliath, and Big BrotherJoin hosts Haroon and Omar with special guest Nadir as they connect the dots between modern geopolitics, the surveillance state, and the timeless power of faith. Is history repeating itself? We dive into the crisis in Venezuela and the cyclic nature of foreign intervention before shifting to the digital world. Does the convenience of Big Tech outweigh the harms of mass surveillance and addiction loops? Finally, we explore the "David and Goliath" mindset: how a small, principled group can overcome overwhelming odds, and why it's vital for Muslims to lead in media and technology rather than just going with...
2026-01-171h 05
Rising in the WestCreeping Shariah in Your HotelIn this episode, Haroon and Omar analyze the legal and moral contradictions of Western democracy through the theoretical candidacy of Zohran Mamdani. They examine the "Natural Born Citizen" requirement of Article II, questioning how "blood and soil" barriers in the U.S. Constitution exclude naturalized citizens from the highest office . The hosts discuss the potential for such a candidacy to serve as a "rhetorical masterpiece" that challenges the American political imagination, even while facing legal barriers.The conversation also addresses shifting geopolitical power, the extraction of Nicolás Maduro. T...
2026-01-1053 min
Rising in the WestSocrates on the Corner: Dialectics, Diogenes, and Divine LawIn this caffeinated deep dive, hosts Haroon and Omar are joined by guests Abu Hamza and Nadir to ask: Is the Ummah settling for "good enough"? They explore the disconnect between traditional scholarship and a Western community distracted by Fortnite and the Metaverse, debating whether we’ve lost the "genius-level" ambition of our predecessors. From the "heresy" of Keurig coffee to the philosophy of Diogenes, the brothers discuss authentic integration and why we must be "rattled" out of our comfort zones to fulfill our Prophetic duties.--The two sources mentioned in this episode is th...
2025-12-311h 16
Rising in the WestThe Dunya is DystopicIs the world actually ending, or does it just feel that way? Haroon and Omar compare the chaos of middle school classrooms to the chaos of American politics.They discuss why billionaires are building bunkers in New Zealand, why common sense isn’t so common anymore, and why—despite the “dystopic” nature of the dunya—we can’t just run for the hills. Plus, a look back at their time at Zaytuna and why community is the only asset that doesn’t depreciate. To hear more, visit www.omarb.com
2025-12-1648 min
Rising in the WestMarriageGreetings,I recently penned an article about marriage. It was an outpouring of love to my wife. A few days before this recording, I disposed of a kidney stone. God that was a long ten days. Somewhere in there, I decided to talk about love. Here it is. To hear more, visit www.omarb.com
2025-08-1007 min
Rising in the WestLinesI recently had no idea what to write looking at the blank Notion box. So, I wrote about that struggle: https://open.substack.com/pub/omarbayramoglu/p/a-blank-page?r=5m0h7o&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false In speaking about it, I had a revelation when speaking about my wife and her Islamic geometric art class. Bam! A solution. Thanks, wife!Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. To hear more, visit www.omarb.com
2025-07-2305 min
Rising in the WestTrailerTrailer episode.I forgot to mention the fourth reason. I met a professor down here in Southern Florida. we were talking about public speaking and how I don't really record myself. he smiled and told me. "Oh, so you can only speak in front of people."I thought to myself, wow I'm arrogant.So here I am trying to break this and hopefully attain some humility.Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. To hear more, visit...
2025-07-1902 min
The Higher Standard2025 Housing Market Predictions You Can’t IgnoreBuckle up, folks—it's a wild week for the economy, and The Higher Standard crew is here to navigate the chaos so you don’t have to. Chris and Saied tackle the avalanche of data from the ISM, JOLTS, and the much - anticipated Jobs Report. (Haroon is still out on paternity leave.) Will these numbers flex harder than a bodybuilder at the beach, or are cracks starting to show? And don’t worry, Fed Chair Powell made sure to sprinkle some cryptic wisdom into the mix, like a monetary-policy Gandalf reminding us that "You shall not politicize!"➡️ Mea...
2024-12-101h 24
The Higher StandardYou Need To Know This About Your Job🎙️ In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied take listeners on a rollercoaster ride through the land of leadership, stress, and... Whole Foods hot bars? 🍳 Yes, it’s that kind of episode.Starting with some playful banter about overpriced turmeric shots and parental leave policies (because Haroon is off becoming a “baby-making legend”), the hosts quickly shift gears to tackle the high-stakes world of corporate leadership. Chris gets real about his week of legal battles, emotional highs, and the unrelenting stress of balancing family life, work pressures, and the occasional existential crisis. All while trying to figure out...
2024-11-261h 22
The Higher StandardWhy Government Spending Is Soaring & How Elon Musk Plans to Fix ItIn this episode, hosts Chris, Saied, and Haroon tackle the behemoth that is U.S. government spending. With deficits skyrocketing 287% year-over-year and the national debt now exceeding $33 trillion, the hosts break down how this level of fiscal mismanagement impacts everything from mortgage rates to Social Security. They also delve into Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's bold new roles in the Department of Government Efficiency, dissecting what their proposed agency cuts mean for the average American. Spoiler: The Department of Education and IRS might be on the chopping block.➡️ As always, the conversation is packed with sharp humor and...
2024-11-191h 19
The Higher StandardWhy You’re Paying More for Cars, Homes, & Everything In BetweenThe average age of U.S. homebuyers has soared to 56, proving that owning a home now requires both age and a level of patience previously reserved for waiting in line at the DMV. Saied, Chris, and Haroon hilariously dissect this trend, blaming skyrocketing home prices, nosebleed mortgage rates, and a painfully thin housing inventory for forcing younger buyers to stay on the sidelines—or back in their parents’ basements.➡️ With a cocktail of sharp humor and real talk, the hosts unpack how these shifts impact everything from family planning to the American Dream itself (spoiler: it’s expensive...
2024-11-121h 22
The Higher StandardElection Economics: How Inflation, GDP & The Fed Shape 2024’s FutureAs the U.S. approaches Election Day on November 5th, the trio dives deep into the intersection of politics and economics, exploring how election outcomes could impact the market and your wallet. With rising anxiety reflected in the VIX index, your hosts discuss the historical volatility seen during previous elections, particularly in 2008 and 2020, and how this year’s political climate feels different yet uncertain. They dissect the implications of potential policy shifts and the Fed's monetary strategies, all while keeping the conversation light and humorous.➡️ Anecdotes and witty banter interlace the serious discussions, making complex financial concepts more r...
2024-11-051h 13
The Higher StandardMarkets vs. The Fed: Who’s Right About Inflation & Employment?In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied take the stage as a dynamic duo, flying solo without their third musketeer, Haroon, who’s off on PTO (probably in a pickleball tournament or hiding from the Fed). With no one to keep them in check, the two dive headfirst into a whirlwind of financial insights, market predictions, and why the MAG 7 tech giants are carrying the S&P 500 on their backs like Atlas — except Tesla, whose latest earnings had investors buzzing despite mixed results. It’s a "two wise men" operation this week, and things get as real a...
2024-10-291h 22
The Higher StandardHousing Market Update: Prices Falling in 26 of 28 Major CitiesConsumers might have to wait two to three years for their perceptions of inflation to normalize, as highlighted by Fed’s Daly, leaving many still wincing at higher prices. Meanwhile, falling home prices are causing significant distress, particularly in ten states where mortgage balances now exceed property values. ➡️ Episode 252 of The Higher Standard podcast dives into the alarming drop in US mortgage applications, which saw a 17% decrease—the largest since April 2020—along with potential benefits for homeowners in certain cities as interest rates tumble. The discussion also covers the anxiety surrounding credit card debt among Americans and JPMorgan’s...
2024-10-221h 09
The Higher StandardFrom Basic Budgeting to Port Strikes & BananasThe 250th episode of The Higher Standard podcast marks a significant milestone packed with our unique style of humor and engaging discussions on financial literacy. Hosts Chris, Saied, and Haroon navigate the complexities of budgeting and personal finance with an entertaining twist. They delve into the nitty-gritty of establishing a payday routine, breaking it down into digestible segments for their audience. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a 60/30/10 budgeting rule, where 60% of income is allocated to essentials, 30% to savings, and 10% to discretionary spending. ➡️ Chris and Saied share their personal experiences, illustrating how small daily habits, like enjoying a mo...
2024-10-081h 32
The Higher StandardThe Fed Cut Rates Half A Point, Now WhatEpisode 248 of The Higher Standard is here and Saied, Chris and Haroon break down the key takeaways from the Fed's decision to cut a full 50bps for its first rate cut of the cycle. The last two times this happened historically was in 2001 and 2007. After each of those was a notable recessionary economy. ➡️ Real estate agents are also dropping like flies already, falling to the lowest number of reported employed agents since 2014. Almost as shocking is that the 23andMe CEO Anne Wojicicki has lost her entire board of directors in a single day. Lastly, as tragic as the...
2024-09-241h 30
The Higher StandardWe Are Getting A Rate Cut This WeekIn episode 247 of The Higher Standard, Saied, Chris and Haroon dive deep into a lighthearted discussion about the unexpected appearance of cockroaches in their studio. As they transition into the financial content, the team tackles a listener question on how to find the best real estate agent. And of course they had to cover the guaranteed rate cut happening this week when the FOMC announces their decision on Wednesday, September 18th. ➡️ The second half of the episode shifts gears with a robust debate about LeBron James and his impact on the economy, comparing his legacy to other spor...
2024-09-171h 20
The Higher StandardReal Money Making Habits That Can Make You MillionsIn this episode of The Higher Standard, your charming hosts Chris, Saied, and Haroon dive deep into the habits that might be holding you back from financial freedom, inspired by Humphrey Yang’s insightful YouTube video “The Middle Class Habits Keeping You in the Rat Race.” The trio dissects the habits that seem harmless but might be chaining you to mediocrity, and they share their own witty takes on breaking free and creating real wealth. Get ready for some laughs, real-talk advice, and actionable steps to escape the rat race for good. Spoiler: It's not just about skipping that mornin...
2024-09-101h 33
The Higher StandardWhat You Need To Know About Rate Cuts & How to Make MillionsIn episode 245 of The Higher Standard podcast, Chris, Saied, and Haroon dive into the latest market-moving headlines. They start with a bombshell from Jerome Powell, who finally hints that the Fed might cut interest rates. But before you get too excited, they break down why rate cuts tied to a looming recession might spell trouble for your stock portfolio. The hosts then shift gears to the housing market, discussing how U.S. home prices have hit a record high, making it tougher than ever to afford your dream home.➡️ And if that wasn’t enough, they expose some j...
2024-09-031h 23
The Higher StandardThe BIG We Told You This Would Happen EpisodeIn this episode of The Higher Standard podcast, Chris, Saied, and Haroon dive into the timeless lessons of Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," reflecting on the book’s enduring insights into wealth-building strategies. While they acknowledge the value of its principles, the hosts candidly express their mixed feelings about Kiyosaki’s modern-day social media persona, suggesting that his transformation might have taken some of the shine off his original teachings.➡️ The conversation then shifts gears to current events, where the trio tackles the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data, followed by a deep dive into the startlin...
2024-08-271h 15
The Higher StandardThese Are The Influencers You Can't TrustIn episode 243 of The Higher Standard podcast, hosts Chris, Saied, and Haroon dive headfirst into the world of social media financial influencers, giving a no-holds-barred critique of those you should avoid at all costs. They call out big names like Grant Cardone, Pace Morby, Kris Krohn, Luke Belmar, Albert Preciado and more.➡️ As the conversation shifts gears, the hosts tackle some of the hottest financial news floating around Instagram. They break down the cooling inflation rates, the credit card debt that's soaring to dizzying heights, and Starbucks' bold move of poaching Chipotle's CEO like it's a new menu...
2024-08-201h 33
The Higher StandardEmergency Economic Fireside ChatThe stock market’s recent nose dive has everyone buzzing, and The Higher Standard crew is here to break it all down. Chris, Saied, and Haroon dig into the fleeting positivity of the 2Y/10Y spread—did it really mean anything, or was it just a tease? Meanwhile, Dave Ramsey’s relentless “buy, buy, buy” mantra gets a skeptical side-eye as the hosts question whether it’s time to pump the brakes instead of the gas.➡️ As if things weren’t shaky enough, U.S. credit card debt hits a staggering $1.14 trillion, and job growth falls way short of expectati...
2024-08-131h 33
The Higher StandardHow To Get Rich In This EconomyGetting rich can happen a lot of different ways, but very few instances are quick or by chance. Most people build wealth over time by following the principles that Chris, Saied and Haroon lay out for you at the top of episode 241 of The Higher Standard podcast.➡️ But don't stop there, the boys jump in to all the financial information you need to know in order to stay abreast of what is going on in the economy. The only other thing they can do to make it easier to build wealth is just give you the money.
2024-08-061h 37
The Higher StandardFinancial Terms You Didn't Know You Needed To KnowWe get it. Some times on The Higher Standard podcast we throw around a lot of financial terms that not everyone is familiar with. Chris, Saied and Haroon aim to fix that, in part, by practically defining a lot of financial terms for you that you didn't know you needed to know in episode 240 of the show.➡️ From balance sheets to high yield savings accounts. From securities to bonds. From EPS to P/E ratios. We got you covered. 💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 🏆 Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your goals! With a telehealth physi...
2024-07-301h 36
The Higher StandardShocking Financial Statistics Of The Average Person & Looming Rate CutsEpisode 239 of The Higher Standard podcast starts off with Chris, Saied and Haroon diving in to some of the top financial mistakes people make. Some of these may sound basic or simple, but you would be shocked at how many people are impacted by these problems every single day.➡️ For the second segment of the show, the boys go deep on the first strong probability of a Fed Funds rate cut. See, we told you that we don't only bring you bad news. 💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 🏆 Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your goals! Wit...
2024-07-231h 26
The Higher StandardInvesting For Your Kids And Recession Red FlagsIn this jam-packed episode of The Higher Standard, Chris, Saied, and Haroon dive headfirst into the fiery debate of 529 plans versus brokerage accounts for kids. With Chris hilariously comparing brokerage accounts to the wild west and Haroon trying to make 529 plans sound as exciting as a superhero origin story, this segment is both informative and entertaining. ➡️ And just when you thought things couldn't get crazier, Saied drops the bombshell that US bankruptcies have hit their highest level in 14 years. It’s the perfect mix of financial advice and economic drama you didn’t know you needed. Don’t miss thi...
2024-07-161h 19
The Higher StandardEBITDA Explained, Inflation Persists & Hawk TuahWelcome back to another episode of The Higher Standard podcast, where Chris, Saied, and Haroon dive into the latest in finance, investing, and pop culture. Today, we're breaking down some intriguing insights and bringing a touch of humor to your financial woes. First up, the boys aim to demystify "EBITA" – yes, we know you probably thought it was a hip new tech term, but no, it’s just Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, and Amortization. ➡️ And just when you thought this episode couldn’t get any more eclectic, we shift gears to the world of entertainment. Will Smith made a hea...
2024-07-091h 16
Negotiating Ideas26. Persecution & Exile: Status of Afghanistan's Academia under the TalibanOmar Sadr discusses the status of Afghanistan's academia under the Taliban with Haroon Mutasem and Qasim Wafayezada.
Haroon Mutasem is a Philip Schwartz Initiative fellow at the Law School of Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany.
Qasim Wafayezada is a specially appointed professor of peace and conflict studies at Kanazawa University, Japan.
Readings:
Haroon Mutasem, PhD Dissertation and Legal Education in Afghanistan
Qasim Wafayezada Google Scholar
Connect with us!
Google, Apple, Spotify, Anchor
Twitter: @negotiateideas & @OmarSadr
Email: negotiatingidea@gmail.com
2024-06-281h 06
The Higher StandardThe Fed Admits They Were WrongChris, Saied, and Haroon kick off this episode of The Higher Standard podcast with a look in to dive deep into what was once the hype around the Bilt credit card program. The Flashy Rent Credit Card was backed by Wells Fargo Bank and is costing them $10 million a month thanks to some poor business decisions. Sometimes when something sounds too good to be true, it is. And yes, even big, sophisticated banks can make bad decisions sometimes. ➡️ Even though Chris forgot his introduction in this week's show and Saied stole the show closing, they still managed to p...
2024-06-251h 24
The Higher StandardGDP, CPI & All The Data You NEED to Know ExplainedIn this episode of The Higher Standard podcast, Chris, Saied, and Haroon dive deep into the essential economic data impacting today's market. They kick off with the critical information you need to understand about GDP and CPI, highlighting the significance of the latest CPI print. ➡️ The discussion then moves to the US yield curve problem, including its record-breaking inversion of 702 days. The hosts explore the longest streaks of low unemployment, the surge in people working multiple jobs, and the dramatic 47.1% rise in US home prices since 2020. arket shifts, Trump’s trial verdict, and the postponement of the Mike T...
2024-06-181h 40
The Higher StandardHow Much Home Can You ACTUALLY AffordIn episode 233 of "The Higher Standard," Chris, Saied and Haroon dive into the crucial topic of home affordability, exploring how much house you can actually afford without breaking the bank or sacrificing your prized Pokémon collection. ➡️ They delve into the latest housing market trends, discussing the surge in new single-family homes for sale as highlighted by The Kobeissi Letter and the rising listings in the US housing market noted by Mohamed A. El-Erian. Lance Lambert’s insights on housing affordability also get the spotlight, while the trio adds their unique commentary on job market shifts, Trump’s trial v...
2024-06-111h 11
The Higher StandardThe Get Dynasty Origin StoryIn this episode of The Higher Standard podcast, hosts Chris, Saied, and Haroon engage in an insightful conversation with Alessandro Chesser, co-founder of GetDynasty. GetDynasty is revolutionizing estate planning by offering a platform that allows users to create and manage living trusts entirely online. This innovative approach helps protect assets, avoid probate, and ensure seamless inheritance. Highlighted in the discussion are Dynasty's notable investors, including Bill Ackman, Henry Ward, and Jerry Murdock, underscoring the company's strong backing and potential impact on democratizing wealth management. ➡️ If Alessandro looks strikingly handsome, you can chalk that up to good genetics as h...
2024-06-041h 04
The Higher StandardShelter Is Propping Up InflationSometimes the title says it all. Shelter is actually propping up inflation and Chris, Saied and Haroon have the data to prove it. ➡️ Specifically, shelter accounts for approximately 33% of the total CPI and approximately 40% of core inflation. With this much weighting, you can't hit the Fed's 2% target without a decrease in shelter costs.💥 Have you left your "honest ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️" review? 🏆 Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your goals! With a telehealth physician directed personalized treatment plan you can get a PERSONALIZED PLAN for Peptide Therapy, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Cognitive Function, Sleep & Fatigue, Athletic Performance and MORE. Their on...
2024-05-281h 20
The Higher StandardThe Most Important Lessons In InvestingOkay, look, we admit it. We are a tiny bit older than 20 years-old and sure, that makes us the "old guys." But, it does mean we have lived through some good and bad decisions. Particularly when it comes to investing. Chris, Saied and Haroon open the show by breaking down their most important lessons in investing. Some have lead to big wins and some have lead to big losses. We hope they help you decide whether or not you are will to take the risk and invest on your own. ➡️ After a prolongated trip down memory lane, the...
2024-05-141h 31
The Higher StandardHow To Value Real Estate Like The ProsSo many people use Zillow or Redfin to determine the value of their home, but should they? Even if you get a value, how do you have confidence that it is the right one and not skewed by the wrong data? Realtors would tell you to leave it to the professionals, but a fun fact is that Realtors are not licensed to value homes, but rather only to sell them. Chris, Saied and Haroon are going to tell you how to value your home like a licensed real estate appraiser. ➡️ The great real estate professionals use this same...
2024-05-071h 23
The Higher StandardHow To Begin Investing In Real EstateIf you have ever wondered if you can ask a question and be a guest on the show, the answer is absolutely... yes! Episode 227 of The Higher Standard podcast brings us a long time listener and first time caller, Vache. The young father-to-be sent a direct message to Chris about how to begin real estate investing and plan for his future. Saied, Chris and Haroon thought it would make a wonderful segment that would provide value to all. So we hope you like this analytical breakdown and personalized approach. If you have any questions or would like to be...
2024-04-301h 34
The Higher StandardYou Need To Do This Before You Build A BusinessDo I need a corporation? Do I need an LLC? What the hell is an "S" corporation and a "C" corporation? We have been asked this question so many times that it became obvious we needed to provide some insight in to what you need to know and do before you build a business. Chris, Saied and Haroon are here to help you get your business started with the right foundation in episode 226 of The Higher Standard. ➡️ Inflation also came in super hot and layoffs are happening in the market with some of the largest companies in busi...
2024-04-231h 15
The Higher StandardBefore You Buy A Property, Recession Warning & The Perfect WifeIn a jam packed episode of The Higher Standard podcast, Chris, Saied and Haroon cover everything you need to know before you buy a property. They then jump over the the importance of financial literacy in schools before the hit the hardcore data segment. A big recession indicator is flashing red, total credit card debt is up while the saving rate is plummeting and the boy have concerns of the looming inflation print. They think we won't see a probably of a rate cut until likely July at the earliest. ➡️ Episode 225 is also the beginning of testing a th...
2024-04-161h 13
The Higher StandardFour Paths To Millions, Lots Of Data & Kashkari Gets ItYears after reading an article on CNBC titled "There are 4 main paths to becoming a millionaire—and this is the easiest one, says money expert" Chris still feels like the salient points are still very much relevant to this day. Chris, Saied and Haroon kick off the show with Rich Corley's 4 paths to becoming a millionaire from his book titled "Rich Habits." ➡️ Episode 224 then pivots to a breakdown of Jerome Powell's love for Neel Kashkari, some fresh perspective on the FOMC's thoughts and methodology on what may happen next and an 800,000 payroll mistake. 💥 Have you left your...
2024-04-091h 12
The Higher StandardThe Investment Strategy & Wild NAR SettlementAfter many repeated requests, Chris shares his own basic investment strategy that took his personal growth portfolio from $0 to over $1,000,000 with as little oversight as possible. He provides you the names of the low cost index funds he uses, the allocation to each and then explains how he has built his portfolio from there. This is not investment advice; however, it is what he did to create his wealth in the markets and is still what he does today. This strategy will work for the novice investor and for most experts; however, your own risk profile will determine if...
2024-03-261h 36The Higher StandardThe #1 Wealth Killer & Why The Jobs Report Is BrokenChris, Saied and the spirit of Haroon are back at it and still playing with an updated beta version of the format for "The Higher Standard" podcast. We are trying to hit you right in the face before the intro, before the shenanigans with useful financial literacy. We are still going to get in to current events and our take, but we want to make sure that each and every single one of you find value within each episode. So, please let us know what you think. We start off today's show with the #1 one killer of wealth. Auto...
2024-03-191h 18The Higher StandardHow To Get A Perfect Credit Score, Inflation & ShelterIn this "The Higher Standard" episode, Chris, Saied, and Haroon mix humor with economic deep dives. They cover building a top credit score and analyze S&P 500's performance via Bloomberg. Next, they tackle CNBC's report on the Fed's latest inflation measure. They then explore SuperCore Inflation with The Kobeissi Letter and tackle rent inflation's mysteries with the Washington Post. Plus, they dissect dire predictions of a $34 trillion debt crisis and rising mortgage rates from Fortune. Join them for a blend of laughs and insights in today's financial seas.Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your...
2024-03-121h 17The Higher StandardHack A Massive Discount On A Mortgage & The Fed Ain't PlayingThe boys start the show right off the bat with a commonly asked about mortgage hack that will actually save you a whole lot of money. The problem is that it isn't really something too many people actually do. It requires discipline, planning and making sure your bank applies the payments correctly. The rest of the episode is spent diving in to the Fed and their rate cut paradigm. By all outward measures, the FOMC should take a victory lap in that they have gotten inflation back in line while employment remains strong according to the data. You do...
2024-03-051h 19The Higher StandardEconomic Conspiracy, Trump Sneakers & AI ProblemsThe boys are off and running with shenanigans from the beginning. Haroon inadvertently opens his energy drink before the show started so he can't entertain you with his usual unnecessary interruptions, but don't worry, he filled his can with water for reasons we still don't fully understand. They spend a good amount of time recapping Jerome Powell's commentary from Jackson Hole, Wyoming which were clearly designed to strike fear in to the markets. One of their favorite economists, Mohamed El-Erian is very concerned that the Fed's actions to date may have 'destroyed the housing market by crushing both supply...
2024-02-271h 38The Higher StandardMountains Of Debt, Influencers Are Fake & Circle Of TrustDive into the financial deep end with Chris, Saied, and Haroon for episode 217 of The Higher Standard podcast where they slice through the week's money maze with sharp wit and wisdom. From the dizzying heights of household debt mountains—mortgages to credit cards—revealed by The Kobeissi Letter, to decoding the inflation crystal ball before the big CPI reveal of 2024, they've got you covered. Don't miss their take on TikTok's "get-rich-quick" gurus, where the math's as fuzzy as a two-dollar wig, and the Airbnb arbitrage scandal that's left investors with pockets emptier than a politician's promises. They are brining all...
2024-02-201h 29The Higher StandardJerome Powell Did Community Banks DirtyIn this exhilarating episode 216 of The Higher Standard Podcast, Chris, Saied, and Haroon dive into the the tumultuous tumble of regional bank stocks, led by New York Community Bancorp's dramatic diva moment — cutting dividends and flaunting losses like it's going out of style. But don't let NYCB's solo act fool you; while they're busy singing the blues and getting sued by shareholders for a throwback to their 1997 stock price, Moody’s isn't here for the nostalgia, slapping them with a junk rating faster than you can say "financial meltdown." Meanwhile, Powell plays it cool, promising rate cuts with the enth...
2024-02-131h 08The Higher StandardYour Best First Investments, Home Sales & ReposThe Higher Standard is back, fresh off their new once a week cadence. It feels equally as weird for Chris, Saied and Haroon. Behind the scenes, our boy Hayden, is getting up to speed on all the editing work. The end goal is to bring you all better content, better shows and better guests. We start off episode 214 with a hard look at the housing market and where it could be going. Chris expresses concerns for the "repo" market and the pressure it may ultimately put on the Fed to cut rates earlier than expected. Then the boys dive...
2024-01-301h 32The Higher StandardThe Last Thursday, Bostic Is A Hater & Cash Is MovingThis was a sad episode. Reluctantly, the boys have decided to try and change things up a bit by going from two shows a week down to one. Chris, Saied and Haroon are eliminating the Friday episode so that they can focus on improving the quality of content and growing the brand. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. I guess we are a little crazy. But not as crazy as the CEO who was the most accurate home-price forecaster in 2023. Chris has objections to that...
2024-01-231h 30The Higher StandardThe Truth About The Data & We Are ChangingThe boys stepped in to the studio a little saucy from an earlier business meeting over steaks and adult beverages. So much so that they forgot to do the introduction of the show. After 20 minutes of a sobriety check, they hop in to a recession discussion pointing out that history is pretty clear that we have not in fact avoided a recession. Although Chris disagreed with an article from The Wall Street Journal, he thought it was worthwhile to share for additional recession perspective. Saied breaks down the massive 2023 economic loss as he take a victory lap for calling it a yea...
2024-01-191h 24The Higher StandardOffice Space, Crypto, CPI & A Strange SuitChris, Saied and Haroon kick off the show with a slow and sexy leisurely introduction. They know the road ahead is filled with some dark data and wanted you to be nice and warm for the cold, hard truth. Then the roundhouse of data which signals that office space has hit an all time high vacancy number across the country. A sign of the potential challenges that are on the horizon for the sector. Then in a surprising turn of events, a Bitcoin ETF was actually approved by the SEC. The Higher Stand was stunned at this move after all the...
2024-01-161h 39The Higher StandardMounting Debt, Real Estate Agents & DrugsThis is an eclectic episode where the boys talk about boiling frogs and somehow relate it to the $34 trillion mountain of nation debt. Then they dive right in to how the pain in the real estate market is now beginning to have a heavy impact on Realtors with 45% of US real estate agents saying they're struggling to pay rent. If buying a home wasn't bad enough, home and auto insurance is becoming nothing short of impossible. It could be worse though, if you're the National Association of Realtors president who announced she is resigning after a "blackmail threat." Then...
2024-01-121h 32The Higher StandardWe Have Not Avoided A Recession YetDespite all the positive commentary regarding the increasing likelihood of a "soft landing," Chris, Saied and Haroon are not convinced that the economy is in a good place. Episode 209 kicks off with a look at the looming CPI report data and US national debt. Then they break down how the Fed has stopped talking about a recession for three consecutive meetings in a row now. The Higher Standard boys urge you not to make the same mistake that many made during the dot-com and housing bubbles because they believe The Great Correction is coming. Sponsored By Transcend...
2024-01-091h 10The Higher StandardCash Or Trash And $100 For That AssTrying something new, Chris, Saied and Haroon wanted to play a little game of "Cash or Trash." In this game they asked for you, the listener, to ask any questions you wanted to or name a popular social media personality you wanted to hear their opinion on. The idea was not to disparage anyone, but provide a roadmap and some insight in to what we look at when trying to determine if someone on social media is what they are representing themselves to be. Since The Higher Standard has not done an episode like this before, we really want...
2024-01-051h 39The Higher StandardHappy New Year, Real Estate & Recession Red FlagsHappy New Year friends! The Higher Standard is kicking off the year with some heat to make you think about all the positive data you are hearing. Chris and Saied were in the studio just before New Year's Eve to cook up this banger for you, while Haroon remained out on a prolongated PTO. He may be out on a sabbatical at this point. The boys dive in to the home prices and some red flags you need to be aware of. Then after giving you the you the good, bad and the ugly, they drop seven reasons why...
2024-01-021h 26The Higher StandardNike Translated, Silent Depression & No PigeonsThat's right! While most other podcasts are on a winter break, The Higher Standard boys are still bringing you some fresh content the day after Christmas. We cover all the topics you want to hear most in this holiday banger. Mortgage rates could soon drop to 6.5% and Saied, Chris and Haroon will tell you why they know that is likely to be true. The housing market slowdown is rippling through the economy. Nike sinks 10% after it slashes their sales outlook leading to $2 billion in cost cuts. And, finally, we top you of with a U.S. is in a...
2023-12-261h 32The Higher StandardPatrick Bet-David's Reverse Market Crash ExposedAs fans of Patrick Bet-David, Chris, Saied and Haroon were getting asked to review his "Reverse Market Crash: The Worst Possible Economic Outcome" video on YouTube. So we thought we would take a stab at watching it for the first time live and giving you our visceral and real reactions to it. It should be no surprise that The Higher Standard boys agree with many of PBD's points; however, they do clearly disagree on some of it. Oh and yeah, we went full clickbait with the thumbnail and title. We blame our marketing department, Haroon. Sponsored By...
2023-12-221h 21The Higher StandardTumultuous Times Ahead, Haroon On PTO & UncertaintySpoiler alert, Haroon is once again out on PTO. Man, The Higher Standard podcast must have some incredible employee benefits. So to honor the unsupervised recording, Chris and Saied elected to go almost entirely off script. No show notes, no structure, just two old friends talking about the economy and their lives. Chris and Saied dive in to what a "soft landing" for the U.S. economy means for you. They hop in to regional bank indexes pivoting past their "contagion period" losses to erase all the damage done by Silicon Valley Bank's collapse. And, the boys go H...
2023-12-191h 24The Higher StandardNo One Knows What Happens Next & The Two Comma ClubAfter a brief hiatus, the boys are back and ready for the December 12-13 FOMC meeting results. They already know it's going to be a "pause," but Chris, Saied and Haroon predict what they think will be the rhetoric coming out of the meeting. More likely than not is a rally based on pure market optimism. The boys pivot to a thorough breakdown of the wealth stratification in America today because we have reached an alarming milestone. The top 1% of American earners now own more wealth than the entire middle class. Lastly, they round out the show with a...
2023-12-151h 05The Higher StandardInflation Doesn't Solve All Problems & RIP Charlie MungerChris, Saied and Haroon are back and trying to read the economic tea leaves to help us all figure out what may or may not happen next. Inflation cooled in October, but that doesn’t mean we have officially “beaten it.” But, even the Fed’s Waller is out sounding confident that we have. There has been a strong pull back in consumer spending, which the boys think is really good news for the battle against inflation. The cost-of-living squeeze isn’t getting much better though. Don’t forget that inflation dropping to the target of 2% still means things are getting slowly mor...
2023-12-051h 08The Higher StandardThe Current State of Housing & It's Not Our FaultIn a jam packed episode 198, Chris, Saied and Haroon are very caffeinated and coming in hot. You can just feel the palpable stench of the powerful combination of sarcasm and data. Kicking off the show, the boys jump into US holiday retail sales. They quickly pivot to how much the “typical American” has in a 401(k) account. Then wham! Its all housing market updates all day for you the rest of the way. Almost too much data for you to handle. I guess that’s why we are the #1 financial literacy podcast in the world isn’t it? Let’s go! Sponsore...
2023-12-011h 07The Higher StandardA Market Crash, Housing Impossible & Not So Open AIYea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of the recession, I shall fear no Gary Shilling. Gary has been a permanent bear in the markets, but he did call and make a lot of money of The Great Recession. Now he is saying you can expect stocks may crash 30%, a recession looks imminent, and commercial real estate is a bubble about to burst. We give you 8 of his best quotes from a new interview. Chris, Saied and Haroon once again break down the impossible mess of the housing market. And, then place all tray tables and...
2023-11-281h 12The Higher StandardInflation Drops, NAR Gets Popped & Racks and BiblesOctober is in and it appears to have moderated, cooling measurably more than anticipated. Consumer prices rose 3.2 percent in the year through October, decelerating from the previous month and showing encouraging signs under the surface, but is it enough to keep Jerome Powell and The Fed data dependent and focused on the potential for future rate cuts? Saied, Chris and Haroon breakdown what they think "higher for longer" may mean and what you should actually expect. Walmart CEO says "deflation could be coming this holiday season" and the boys take the opportunity to remind you that they feel we...
2023-11-241h 11The Higher StandardThe Recession Saga And A Market AdjustmentWelcome back to the number one financial literacy podcast in the world! It's The Higher Standard podcast. This episode Chris, Saied and Haroon continue to breakdown why they think we are likely already in a recession and the overwhelming likelihood that a "soft landing" was never actually possible. Owning a home has gotten way too unaffordable and despite the rhetoric from too many real estate economists, the boys think we have a long adjustment period in front of us. Lastly, there appears to be some mounting evidence that Airbnbs being banned actually helps rental rates go down in cities...
2023-11-211h 08The Higher StandardJP Goes Hard, Nouriel Roubini Sells Out & Head BobbingThis show, like Saied's jumper 15 years ago is "moist." The boys start off acknowledging there is a noticeable hum in Haroon's microphone. We apologize for the technical glitch. Jerome Powell finally proves he is about that life. Sadly, Chris, Saied and Haroon are horrified at one of their favorite economists selling out in the most hypocritical way possible. And, if that wasn't bad enough, Planet Fitness is raising prices so that you can get your Tootsie Roll and pizza treatments. This economy is out of control! Someone ring the "lunk" alarm things are getting out of control....
2023-11-141h 16
Building With AIDemocratizing personal assistants with AI | Omar Shaya (Founder of MultiOn)In this episode of Building with AI, host Haroon Choudery sits with Omar Shaya, the founder of MultiOn, a personal AI assistant that democratizes access to AI. In the episode, Omar talks about his background at Microsoft and Facebook AI teams, and how these experiences led to the creation of MultiOn.During the conversation, they discuss:The importance of a user-centric approach in developing products,Insights from interviewing human assistants,Balancing novelty and familiarity for users in its product,How developers can effectively utilize LLMs,Hot takes around AI,And much more!—Brought to...
2023-11-1329 minThe Higher StandardSlowdown Signals Cooling Economy, SBF Will Die In Jail & 3 Amazing ReviewsLet's not mince words here, we got three spectacular reviews and they were the highlight of our night. Thank you to the listeners who made this episode extra special. The episode of The Higher Standard podcast is a ton of fun at every stop. The boys briefly touch on mortgage demand dropping to approximately 50% of pre-pandemic levels, a sharp slowdown in hiring and where to put your money while all this is going on. Saied couldn't resist diving head first in to Sam Bankman-Fried's most recent conviction on all seven federal charges against him and both Chris and Haroon...
2023-11-101h 08The Higher StandardThe Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged, Stickier Inflation & Finally M&AThe boys called it, The Fed has left rates unchanged. Granted, it wasn't that hard of a call as all the data seemed to suggest that was the overwhelming likely result. Yet, somehow Jamie Dimon came out sounding hawkish after Jerome Powell came out dovish. Adjustable-rate mortgage demand jumps nearly 10% and Wells Fargo is now warning of a 1980s style recession. Confused, don't be. Saied, Chris and Haroon are here to break it all down and make sense out of all this chaos. All facts, no cap. Bars. Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your goals...
2023-11-071h 08The Higher StandardWhat All This Debt Could Mean For YouChris, Saied and Haroon unpack the outstanding mortgage market by rate before hopping in to an example of how tenuous the business has become for lenders and their employees. Then they dive in to some chart work with sexy visual stimulus regarding the current state of the consumer credit market. To round off the show ahead of jumping in to Saied's self-inflated basketball ego, they boys take a look at Americans' net worth at every age. Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your goals! With a telehealth physician directed personalized treatment plan you can get a...
2023-11-031h 22The Higher StandardGDP, Economists, Consumption & Rates CutsU.S. GDP grew at a 4.9% annual pace in the third quarter, better than expected, but Chris, Saied and Haroon aren't convinced this is a good thing. They look back at previous recessions and some of the GDP trending before and after declaration to try and determine if the newest GDP print really has any meaning. Mohammaed El-Erian seems to share many of the same fears regarding the impact of rates on the economy and is apparently equally as skeptical of the GDP print. Jamie Dimon then rips central banks a new one for being 100% dead wrong on economic...
2023-10-311h 16The Higher StandardHousing Affordability, Realtor Problems & Saied Is GrumpyFrom the very beginning of this data heavy episode Saied is salty, dare we say even – grump! Come for the discussion on housing affordability versus renting, mortgage rate debates and updates on the National Association of Realtors antitrust lawsuits. But, stay for the sassy attitude that Saied is bringing to the table. Listen as Chris and Haroon are attacked at every turn by an unprovoked attack. Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your goals! With a telehealth physician directed personalized treatment plan you can get a PERSONALIZED PLAN for Peptide Therapy, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Cognitive Function, Sleep & F...
2023-10-271h 27The Higher StandardRecession Red Flags, Home Sales Slow & Treasuries PopYour favorite bank CEO, Brian Moynihan is back at it again with a full on contradiction from just a year ago. Chris, Saied and Haroon waste no time calling him to the carpet. Not to be outdone, Peter Schiff pointed out that Bank of America has unrealized losses of approximately $47.8 billion dollars. The boys get in to home sales data which indicate that 2023 may be the slowest year since The Great Recession. Not helping things is the 10-year treasury which just moved above 5.00% for the first time since 2007. All the recession red flags are waving and The Higher Standard...
2023-10-241h 07The Higher StandardRents Dropping, Syndications Popping & Apple JuiceSpoiler alert, it's cheaper to rent than it is to buy in many markets and Chris, Saied and Haroon are here to break it all down. They use the Austin market, which was a major growth market during the pandemic, as a prime example of the stress that may be forcing rental rates further down. They take a break to celebrate some of the nation's top colleges eliminating student loans entirely, but then get back to the apartment market by citing Miami's downward rental trends. Finally, to cap the show, Chris and Saied talk a whole lot of trash...
2023-10-201h 25The Higher StandardCPI & PPI Swing, A Housing Bubble & FraudSaied, Chris and Haroon are back in the lab with a fun filled dive in to the wild swings of CPI, PPI and a full breakdown on whether or not this will ultimately influence the Fed's next meeting. The boys unpack some housing data and similarities to The Great Recession's housing market bubble and today. Sponsored By Transcend Company:TRANSCEND your goals! With a telehealth physician directed personalized treatment plan you can get a PERSONALIZED PLAN for Hormone Replacement Therapy, Cognitive Function, Sleep & Fatigue, Athletic Performance and MORE. Their online process and medical experts make...
2023-10-171h 11The Higher StandardWhat This Crazy Bond Market Means For YouChris, Saied and Haroon have been building up slowly on our collective knowledge and discussions about the bond market. Well, in this episode we put it all together and talk about how its current status is likely going to impact you and all the news you're hearing. But first, the boys jump in to some compelling financial facts they quote from one of their favorite X pages - The Kobeissi Letter. One of the boys' favorite economists Mohamed A. El-Erian says that "something is likely to break" after the most recent jobs data came out. And, we are in...
2023-10-131h 12The Higher StandardRedfin v. NAR, Housing, Squatting & Sex TalkRedfin can't cut ties will the National Association of Realtors ("NAR") because they have a monopoly over the Multiple Listing Service or "MLS." The MLS is a database established by cooperating real estate brokers to provide data about properties for sale and it is under the sole dominion and control of NAR. The MLS allows Realtors to see one another's listings of properties for sale with the goal of connecting homebuyers to sellers. There is only one problem, you have to belong to NAR to have access to it. Chris, Saied and Haroon get in to and give you...
2023-10-101h 07The Higher StandardMeaningfully Higher, Global Economy, ARMs & AlohaAfter a long needed week off of production, the boys are back in the studio. Haroon kicks off the episode by actually making sure that all three red lights are on to ensure that no video or audio will be missed for this reunion episode. Chris spent a week in Kauai and returns to Saied and Haroon with some new found emotional warmth, no jokes about the male anatomy, but plenty of "aloha!" Jumping right in to things, Chris discusses how frustrated he is with the clickbait title and interview by The Fed's Kashkari to Yahoo! Finance. Then Saied...
2023-10-031h 14The Higher StandardListener Appreciation Q&A EpisodeSaied, Haroon and Chris wanted to find a way to give back to the THS community and "thank you" all for your support. We know that at times we can't and don't always answer questions in the "DMs" as well as we would like to. So, we posted a Q&A opportunity on our respective Instagram accounts. We were overwhelmed with the wonderful questions asked and we can't thank each and every single one of you enough. This show is literally funded by your small gestures. Honest five star reviews and your engagement make long nights of editing, mixing...
2023-09-291h 12The Higher StandardFed Meeting, $100 Billion Loss & Saied is RFK, Jr.Please place all seat back and tray tables in their locked and upright positions, because you're about to go on a long voyage of economic data baby! Saied, Chris and Haroon are back and they have a lot to talk about in this episode. The September 20th Fed announcement hasn't even happened yet and Goldman Sachs is already saying that the Fed is unlikely to raise rates in November. So, naturally The Higher Standard had to chime in to the debate. Chris offers up a questionable segue into why a soft landing could not only be elusive, but then...
2023-09-221h 07The Higher StandardA HUGE Mistake, Goldilocks & Haroon ReturnsHaroon has returned and has already put in for his next PTO request in November where he thought he would be visiting the European country of Belize. While discovering that being Muslim is not an ethnicity, we quickly hop on over to a warning issued by JP Morgan's CEO, Jamie Dimon. Jamie D is suggesting that it would be a "huge mistake" to think the economy will boom. Yet, at the same time, new data suggests that the fall in home prices may already be over. Confused? Don't be, we explain what we think is happening. All three of...
2023-09-151h 06The Higher StandardAirbnb, Beige Book, Roku, WeWork & A BromanceIn their second show without Haroon, who continues to be out on PTO in “The Sac,” Chris and Saied decide to crack a few of their own cans during the show in order to pay homage. Shortly after lamenting the value of Haroon’s contributions they jump in to New York City’s crackdown on Airbnb and what this could mean if other cities follow suit. They examine the Fed’s Beige Book data, what it tells us about the Fed’s perspective going into the September Fed meeting and give their predictions on whether or not there will be another 25 bp...
2023-09-121h 06The Higher StandardOh Yeah!, Insurance Changes & HappinessThey boys open the show without Haroon who is once again out on PTO while he visits his in-laws in "Sac." They quickly jump in to a discussion regarding the changing landscape of home insurance in America. Many home insurers are starting to or have already cut natural disaster from policies as climate risks continue to mount. As a proxy, Chris and Saied leverage a Wall Street Journal article which asks the question "Are we ready for a $100 billion dollar catastrophe?" Global insured losses from natural disasters and the number of billion-dollar insured loss events worldwide have increased over...
2023-09-081h 16