14 October 2025
Rise of Populism: Tom Bilyeu and Michael Malice Debate America’s Economic Crisis Part 1
Tom Bilyeu's Impact Theory
About
In this gripping two-part episode of Impact Theory, Tom Bilyeu welcomes back the ever-provocative Michael Malice—author, podcaster, and noted cultural commentator—for a wide-ranging and sharp-witted exploration of American decline, political polarization, and the state of the nation. Malice, renowned for his contrarian takes and deep dives into political history, brings his brand of irreverent insight to dissect the narratives of collapse and ascension in today's America.
In Part 1, Tom and Michael confront the popular notion of America's “decline,” argue over metrics and historical context, and investigate whether we're truly on the verge of societal unraveling. The conversation journeys through economic pressures facing young people, the dangers of polarization and “soft secession,” and the historical parallels with past national struggles. With cutting banter and hard-hitting questions, they provide listeners with fresh perspectives on the culture wars, economic stagnation, and the rise of populism—all while refusing to shy away from uncomfortable truths.
00:00 – Intro
00:34 – anatomy of collapse
05:56 – Soft secession: State vs. federal power games
07:27 – Trade-offs, Trump derangement, and costs of polarization
08:39 – Paths ahead: Civil War, Argentina, or revolution?
10:46 – Revolution mechanics: Is another 1860s-style war possible?
13:12 – Violence, political unrest, and expanding executive power
16:06 – Economic crushing of young people and the rise of populism
17:58 – Housing, inflation, and the struggle for the American Dream
20:08 – Currency as a store of value: Societal ruin and a lack of political will
23:10 – The Japan counterargument and the threshold for crisis
26:07 – What drives people to “blink” in political standoffs?
28:24 – Party priorities, empty rhetoric, and pivoting for power
32:00 – Economic disenfranchisement, the myth of moderate politics
34:23 – Passing on generational wealth: Consequences of deficit spending
36:56 – Populism vs. establishment: Energies within parties
39:03 – Political novelty, enthusiasm gaps, and voter turnout
41:38 – Global leftward drift: Authoritarianism in Canada, UK, and beyond
44:01 – Free speech vs. soft totalitarianism: Censorship through crisis
46:13 – “The time for talk is over”—what this actually means
FOLLOW MICHAEL MALICE: Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelmalice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelmalice/ Locals: https://malice.locals.com/
Linkedin: Post your job free at https://linkedin.com/impacttheory
Netsuite: Download the new e-book Navigating Global Trade: 3 Insights for Leaders at http://NetSuite.com/Theory
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact
Connectteam: 14 day free trial at https://connecteam.cc/46GxoTF
Tailor Brands: 35% off https://tailorbrands.com/podcast35
What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here:
If you want my help...
STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER:
https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show
SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.:
https://tombilyeu.com/call
Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.:
https://tombilyeu.com/
**********************************************************************
If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
**********************************************************************
FOLLOW TOM:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Part 1, Tom and Michael confront the popular notion of America's “decline,” argue over metrics and historical context, and investigate whether we're truly on the verge of societal unraveling. The conversation journeys through economic pressures facing young people, the dangers of polarization and “soft secession,” and the historical parallels with past national struggles. With cutting banter and hard-hitting questions, they provide listeners with fresh perspectives on the culture wars, economic stagnation, and the rise of populism—all while refusing to shy away from uncomfortable truths.
00:00 – Intro
00:34 – anatomy of collapse
05:56 – Soft secession: State vs. federal power games
07:27 – Trade-offs, Trump derangement, and costs of polarization
08:39 – Paths ahead: Civil War, Argentina, or revolution?
10:46 – Revolution mechanics: Is another 1860s-style war possible?
13:12 – Violence, political unrest, and expanding executive power
16:06 – Economic crushing of young people and the rise of populism
17:58 – Housing, inflation, and the struggle for the American Dream
20:08 – Currency as a store of value: Societal ruin and a lack of political will
23:10 – The Japan counterargument and the threshold for crisis
26:07 – What drives people to “blink” in political standoffs?
28:24 – Party priorities, empty rhetoric, and pivoting for power
32:00 – Economic disenfranchisement, the myth of moderate politics
34:23 – Passing on generational wealth: Consequences of deficit spending
36:56 – Populism vs. establishment: Energies within parties
39:03 – Political novelty, enthusiasm gaps, and voter turnout
41:38 – Global leftward drift: Authoritarianism in Canada, UK, and beyond
44:01 – Free speech vs. soft totalitarianism: Censorship through crisis
46:13 – “The time for talk is over”—what this actually means
FOLLOW MICHAEL MALICE: Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelmalice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelmalice/ Locals: https://malice.locals.com/
Linkedin: Post your job free at https://linkedin.com/impacttheory
Netsuite: Download the new e-book Navigating Global Trade: 3 Insights for Leaders at http://NetSuite.com/Theory
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact
Connectteam: 14 day free trial at https://connecteam.cc/46GxoTF
Tailor Brands: 35% off https://tailorbrands.com/podcast35
What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here:
If you want my help...
STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER:
https://tombilyeu.com/zero-to-founder?utm_campaign=Podcast%20Offer&utm_source=podca[%E2%80%A6]d%20end%20of%20show&utm_content=podcast%20ad%20end%20of%20show
SCALING a business: see if you qualify here.:
https://tombilyeu.com/call
Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here.:
https://tombilyeu.com/
**********************************************************************
If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
**********************************************************************
FOLLOW TOM:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices