Financial Survival Network

In a bold declaration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. has officially ended government-sponsored censorship through the State Department. In this episode, Robert Ian of ConquerChange.com breaks down Rubio’s April 17th, 2025 interview where he claims the Global Engagement Center—the controversial censorship arm of the State Department—was shut down in late 2024. Rubio reveals how this censorship infrastructure, originally created to counter radical extremism after 9/11, was quietly weaponized to silence American voices, especially during the 2020 election and early pandemic. NGOs were used as proxy hitmen, tagging U.S. citizens as "foreign agents" to justify de-platforming. Now, Rubio promises transparency, a deep investigation into who ordered the censorship, and a commitment to free speech as the antidote to disinformation. But questions remain: Will this effort truly dismantle the censorship machine? Can the U.S. push back against European Union censorship laws targeting American speech abroad?

The discussion focused on the significance of reputation in the purchasing process, particularly for high-value items like gold and silver. Kerry Lutz highlighted the importance of trust signals, such as reliable ratings and personal recommendations, while Scott Brandley warned about the prevalence of fraud in the market. DJ Sprague pointed out the potential manipulation of online reviews by companies, advocating for the use of multiple sources to ensure authentic feedback. He emphasized the need for working with Google review partners to maintain credibility and prevent the deletion of negative reviews. The participants discussed the differences between open and verified review platforms, noting that consumers often lack awareness of these distinctions. The conversation also examined the role of negative reviews in establishing brand trust, with DJ citing research that shows consumers are more likely to convert when they see authentic negative feedback. They agreed that a perfect five-star rating can red

In this compelling commentary, Robert Ian of conquerchange.com dives into the issue of media gaslighting and the distortion of facts surrounding free speech and censorship. He highlights constitutional law scholar Jonathan Turley’s recent blog post addressing a false claim repeated by NPR and others: that the Supreme Court rejected allegations of government coordination with social media companies to censor content. Ian clarifies that the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in Murthy v. Missouri was solely about the lack of standing for Missouri and Louisiana, not a judgment on the merits of the censorship claims. Ian emphasizes Turley’s point that no Supreme Court decision was made regarding whether government pressure on social media platforms violated the First Amendment. He critiques the mainstream media and figures like law professor Mary Anne Franks for perpetuating this falsehood, labeling it a deliberate misrepresentation. Ian underscores Turley’s long-standing defense of the Constitution and free speech, noti

In this explosive breakdown, Kerry Lutz of the Financial Survival Network explores the radical theory that Washington has been quietly hoarding massive amounts of BTC—possibly over a million coins—through seizures, covert acquisitions, and even Satoshi Nakamoto's original stash.  Could skyrocketing Bitcoin prices allow America to wipe out its debt in one move? Is the government sitting on a digital goldmine it plans to deploy during a global monetary reset? What happens if the leftover Bitcoin is used to privatize and fully fund Social Security? From the collapse of FTX and the takedown of SBF to the sudden approval of Bitcoin ETFs and the rise of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the pieces may already be in place. This is not financial advice—this is geopolitical speculation on a red-pill level. Read the full article and find more from Kerry here: https://FinancialSurvivalNetwork.com  

Kerry Lutz interviewed Anne Gannon, a CPA specializing in tax advice for real estate investors, focusing on critical tax reporting issues. Gannon highlighted a common error among investors: misclassifying property improvements as repairs, which can complicate loan applications. She emphasized the necessity for clients to remain informed year-round to prevent surprises during tax season, citing a specific case where improper expense categorization led to mortgage difficulties. The discussion also covered the implications of bonus depreciation on tax returns, with Gannon noting the potential reduction from 100% to 40% and its significant impact on investment decisions. She clarified the different tax treatments for short-term rentals versus residential properties and mentioned that many clients are now undertaking cost segregation studies to enhance their tax understanding. Gannon offered to provide a checklist to help clients navigate these tax complexities. Find Anne here: https://www.thelargogroup.com Fi

The discussion focused on investment opportunities arising from the government's sale of surplus properties, with David Codrea emphasizing the potential of acquiring smaller properties under 100,000 square feet for repurposing into local business spaces. He highlighted a recent list of federal properties available for sale, particularly in the Southeast region between Atlanta and Charlotte, which he views as having significant growth potential. Another speaker shared their investment strategy, favoring lower-rise buildings with flexible zoning to facilitate quicker leasing, and noted a typical profitability timeframe of about 18 months, factoring in municipal permitting. While acknowledging the rising interest in data centers, they expressed a preference for less competitive markets due to high costs and energy supply challenges. The complexities of converting commercial properties to residential use were also discussed, particularly the resistance from cities to zoning changes, along with reflections on

Robert Ian of conquerchange.com takes a deeper look at what DOGE is really claiming — and what Fox News failed to ask.  Key takeaways from the interview: ✅ NIH operates with 27 CIOs and 700+ incompatible IT systems ✅ 40% of calls to Social Security come from fraudsters ✅ Federal retirement records are still stored in filing cabinets ✅ And a staggering 12 million people over the age of 120 were listed as alive in the Social Security database. Here’s the $240 billion question no one asked: Were those 12 million people actually receiving Social Security payments? If yes, who committed the fraud — and where is the accountability? With DOGE canceling contracts and exposing systemic dysfunction, there’s a clear effort to apply public company audit standards to government agencies. But without tough questions and full transparency, is this real reform — or just high-tech theater?  Robert Ian cuts through the noise and brings the follow-up analysis mainstream media missed. Visit https://conquerchange.com for exclusiv

Kerry Lutz and Dale Smothers discussed the implications of recent GDP growth figures, deeming them less relevant for future economic strategies. Dale emphasized the importance of addressing current challenges rather than focusing on past performance, criticizing government inefficiencies and advocating for prioritizing domestic needs over foreign aid, especially in light of natural disasters. He expressed concerns about the media's role in shaping public perception and the need for accountability and term limits in government to combat political polarization. Both acknowledged the necessity of overhauling outdated geopolitical strategies, particularly regarding China, and supported innovative economic policies that could benefit American consumers. The conversation also explored potential solutions for the U.S. debt crisis, with Kerry proposing a strategic reserve of cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin, to facilitate a debt swap. Both he and Dale dismissed traditional solutions like default or inflationa

We sat down with Ivan Bebek, CEO of Coppernico Metals ( (

Dolly Varden Silver's (

The discussion centered on the benefits and intricacies of collecting ancient coins, with Dean Kinzer sharing his passion for this hobby that dates back to 650 BC. He explained the evolution of coinage, including the introduction of images and the challenges posed by counterfeiting. Dean noted that ancient coins have not yet gained significant traction among American collectors, and he aims to promote this unique collectible opportunity. He shared personal anecdotes about his father's eclectic collection, which inspired him to establish Kinzer Coins and continue the legacy of collecting, particularly focusing on coins with biblical significance. Dean provided practical advice for those interested in starting their own collections, highlighting the challenges of the ancient coin market, including the absence of a structured grading system. He recommended educating oneself through resources like his podcast, The Ancient Coin Hour, and emphasized the importance of purchasing from reputable dealers. Dean sugg

Kerry Lutz and John Rubino discussed the recent significant price increases in gold and copper, both reaching all-time highs. John highlighted that gold has outperformed the S&P 500 over the past two decades, while copper's importance is growing due to its role in energy transitions and AI technologies. They noted favorable conditions for mining stocks, which are benefiting from rising metal prices and stable costs. Sandstorm Gold was mentioned as a company positioned for growth, focusing on reducing debt and increasing cash flow from higher sales. The conversation also included a cautionary note about the necessity for major mining companies to pursue mergers and acquisitions to address depleting reserves. The performance of gold, silver, the S&P 500, and tech stocks since 1999 was analyzed, revealing that gold yielded about 9% compared to the S&P 500's 5%. John explained that the liquidity injected into the economy has inflated asset prices, suggesting that some overvalued assets may be due

The discussion focused on the urgency of preparing for the upcoming tax deadline and the increasing threat of tax fraud. Paul Oster explained various tactics used by scammers, such as smishing and phishing, and recommended measures like creating an identity protection PIN and setting up an online IRS account to safeguard personal information. He also addressed the implications of tax liens, encouraging individuals to confront these issues proactively, especially since the IRS is currently more lenient in accepting offers in compromise. The conversation highlighted the importance of awareness regarding scams, including a recent E-ZPass scam that targets individuals with misleading messages about account issues. Kerry Lutz and Paul Oster also examined the inefficiencies in government spending and the need for accountability in light of recent criticisms. They discussed the lack of transparency in taxpayer money allocation, particularly to wealthy private universities, and called for the establishment of eff

We sat down with Gwen Preston, Communications VP at West Red Lake Gold Mines (

Kerry Lutz and Alan Hibbard discussed current trends in the gold and silver markets, noting record high prices and the potential for a market pullback. Alan expressed optimism about future price increases, particularly for silver, while raising concerns about the recent halt in trading for the PSLV ETF on Robinhood, which he found suspicious amid fears of a run on physical silver. They addressed possible manipulation of silver prices, referencing a spike in short positions for PSLV, and concluded with uncertainty regarding a potential short squeeze. Alan elaborated on market dynamics, emphasizing that the prevalence of paper contracts can suppress prices, while Kerry highlighted the risks of revealing discrepancies in gold reserves. Alan outlined his long-term investment strategy, focusing on steady accumulation rather than reacting to market volatility, and discussed the cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin's role as a stable store of value. He cautioned against investing in other cryptocurrencies

Kerry Lutz and Tom DiLorenzo discussed the Mises Institute's documentary "Playing with Fire," which addresses the Federal Reserve's functions and implications, noting its significant viewership and featuring notable figures like Ron Paul. DiLorenzo emphasized the Fed's role in enabling government spending and the associated economic repercussions, such as inflation and financial crises, arguing that the true costs of government actions are obscured by the Fed's ability to monetize debt. Lutz proposed a National Cryptocurrency Reserve, suggesting that inflating Bitcoin's value could eliminate U.S. debt, though DiLorenzo expressed skepticism about its political feasibility and the risks of government involvement in Bitcoin. They critiqued the Fed's manipulation of interest rates and its regulatory role, citing the Community Reinvestment Act as a contributor to the 2008 financial crisis, and reflected on historical failures of central planning. DiLorenzo advocated for a return to gold-backed currencies and c

Kerry Lutz and Chris Vermeulen discussed the current volatility in the markets, particularly influenced by political events. Chris highlighted significant selling pressure affecting equities, suggesting that the market appears oversold and may experience a bounce in the coming weeks. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether this would lead to a recovery or a deeper decline into a bear market. The conversation also touched on the precious metals market, where Chris noted that gold is on a bullish trajectory, with a target range of $3,050 to $3,200 per ounce, driven by a lack of trust in traditional financial systems. He cautioned about the higher volatility of silver and emphasized a conservative investment strategy focused on capital preservation for clients over 50. Chris provided insights into the dollar's decline and the bearish outlook for the 10-year note, suggesting that while bonds may have reached a bottom, they are unlikely to yield substantial returns soon. He warned of a significant reset in

The discussion focused on the challenges facing small businesses in the U.S. and the role of the Small Business Administration (SBA) in supporting them. Kerry Lutz and Lloyd Chapman highlighted the SBA's historically low budget of approximately $800 million, which they argue is insufficient given that small businesses account for 99.9% of all firms and create 98% of net new jobs. They expressed skepticism about the government's allocation of funds, particularly regarding the Paycheck Protection Program, which they believe favored larger businesses. The conversation also addressed broader issues of government fraud and the need for increased scrutiny of financial discrepancies, particularly within the Pentagon. Lloyd Chapman emphasized the importance of the Small Business Act of 1953 as a crucial economic stimulus for the middle class, while also noting the disparity in federal contracts awarded to men versus women-owned businesses. He presented data on the SBA 7A loan program, indicating a low default rat

Kerry Lutz and Jose Berlanga discussed Jose's successful transition into the real estate and construction industry in the U.S., attributing his achievements to the abundant opportunities, a clear vision, and strong partnerships. Jose cautioned young entrepreneurs against the desire for immediate gratification, advocating for a balanced approach that merges passion with profitability. He emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and seeking mentorship before starting new ventures. Both acknowledged the challenge of balancing fulfilling work with financial needs, with Jose noting the necessity of recognizing when to move on from unfulfilling tasks. He shared insights from his book "The Business of Home Building" and introduced his upcoming book "Dirt Rich," while Kerry highlighted the importance of sharing personal successes and engaging on social media. Find Jose here: https://joseberlanga.com Find Kerry here: http://financialsurvivalnetwork.com/ and here: https://inflation.cafe

Kerry Lutz welcomed Robert Ian back to the Financial Survival Network, where Robert shared his extensive background as a business and motivational speaker, highlighting his long-standing involvement in the gold market since 2007. He discussed the personal challenges that led to a pause in his commentaries, particularly the loss of his wife in 2022, and expressed admiration for those who continued to voice their opinions during his absence. Robert anticipates significant economic changes in the coming years, especially concerning gold and Bitcoin, and announced a new weekly commentary series with Kerry to address current economic trends and drivers. During the discussion, Robert analyzed the current economic landscape, warning of potential corrections in the housing market reminiscent of the 2008 crisis due to unsustainable prices and inventory oversupply. He emphasized the need for debt management and income diversification. The conversation also touched on the implications of a potential audit of Fort K