In today’s episode, John Hood locks in for a wide-ranging conversation on power, leadership, and historical perspective. We examine the current administration’s approach in Washington, the U.S. intervention in Venezuela and its broader economic and geopolitical repercussions, and what history suggests as the 2026 midterm elections approach. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the life and legacy of Jim Hunt, and what enduring leadership looks like in uncertain times.

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Today on the show, I’m joined by Dr. Matthew Martin, Regional Executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, to break down the forces shaping our economy as we head into a new year. We explore the Federal Reserve’s mission, how the Fed is performing, and the latest signals from the labor market and consumer spending. We also dig into price stability, inflation trends, credit card debt, tariffs, and the broader global environment. And because this is a North Carolina show, we dive deep on the state’s economic outlook — small businesses, housing affordability, and what families should expect in the months ahead. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, policymaker, or simply trying to understand this economy, this conversation is designed to give you clarity, not confusion.

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This week I’m joined by Ted Hicks, founder and CIO of Hicks & Associates Wealth Management and author of Evidence-Based Investing: To Invest Well Over a Long-Term, Sometimes You Have to First Survive the Short-Term. We break down what “evidence-based investing” really means, how his rules-based approach aims to protect investors from major market drawdowns, and what everyday investors should be doing in this phase of the market cycle.

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