
BE SMART Podcast
Own your life — instead of borrowing it or renting it
Money is hard to make, keep, and control— and almost everyone gets it wrong sometimes. Now, ex-Wall Street trader Jared Dillian and his co-host Cameron, are here to help you navigate your money and take control of your financial future.

Recent Episodes
Ep. 416: Historic Valuations, Huge Potential—Time to Get Long Latin America?
May 6, 2025
In episode 416 of the BE SMART podcast, Jared and Cameron discuss the recent DirtCon conference (for Daily Dirtnapsubscribers), upcoming changes to the event, and key market headlines, including Warren Buffett’s retirement and the implications for Berkshire Hathaway. They explore the effectiveness of DOGE in economic policy, Trump's controversial tariff proposals, and the shifting economic landscape in Latin America. The conversation wraps up with investment strategies in emerging markets and predictions for the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting.
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When it comes to markets, do what works. If it’s not working, stop doing that, and try something else. You must be agnostic about process.
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Ep. 415: 100 Days of Madness: Trump, Tariffs, and Global Trade Tensions
April 29, 2025
In episode 415 of the BE SMART podcast, Jared and Cameron discuss how The Economist’s covers often signal market turning points, economic predictions, and the impact of tariffs on the US economy. They also dive into Tesla’s recent performance, Trump’s frustrating tax proposals, and the potential for a recession before touching on the systemic risks that private equity is facing. To wrap it up, they go through 10 of the most popular finance movies and the upcoming economic data that will be crucial for market direction.
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You buy a stock. It goes up. Was that luck or skill? Learn the difference in Jared’s free article, as well as how to get positively exposed to luck.
Investing doesn’t have to be confusing… as long as you follow these three principles: Keep costs low, reduce your stress, and get reliable growth. The Strategic Portfolio checks all those boxes and lets you sleep at night when others are panicking.
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Ep. 414: Can Trump Actually Fire Jerome Powell as Fed Chair?
April 22, 2025
In episode 415 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss the impact of the Trump effect on Big Tech, the clash between Trump and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, and the significance of gold in the current economic climate. They also share personal updates and predictions for the market, emphasizing the importance of understanding economic trends and making informed financial decisions.
Last call for the Options Masterclass: https://www.jareddillianmoney.com/go/JD065MS048/JDM
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Never fall in love, get married, have kids, and move into a house with your stocks. Read Jared’s free article, “The Zipper,” here.
LAST CALL: Buy the Options Masterclass once, own it forever—and through April 22 only, SAVE 50%.
Want to hear more from Jared? Click here.
Ep. 413: Break Glass in Case of Emergency
April 10, 2025
In episode 413 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss the current state of the market, the implications of tariffs, and strategies for investing during volatile times. They explore the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates, the potential for recession, and the importance of maintaining cash reserves in a portfolio. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of trading and the need for discipline in a rapidly changing market environment.
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Buy Jared’s Options Masterclass once, own it forever—and through April 20 only,SAVE 50%.
The Strategic Portfolio (+ The Awesome Portfolio) will keep you safe year after year, no matter what happens in the market. And in the case of market downturns, when others are panicking, you will rest easy knowing your portfolio is weatherproof.
Want to hear more from Jared? Click here.
Ep. 412: Trump’s “Liberation Day” Gamble + AI’s Pummeling of the Gen Z Job Market
April 3, 2025
In episode 412 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss the implications of recent market movements, including tariffs, GameStop’s foray into Bitcoin, and how gold looks to be going parabolic. They also break down the declining dollar, labor market pessimism, and the impact of AI on job opportunities for younger generations. The conversation wraps up with insights on Jared’s Options Masterclass (now available!) and upcoming economic reports.
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It’s finally here. Introducing: Jared Dillian’s Options Masterclass. Learn how to use options in your portfolio the right way.
Want to hear more from Jared? Click here.
Ep. 411: If You Understand Volatility, You Understand Options
March 27, 2025
In episode 411 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss the Federal Reserve’s policy direction, misconceptions about stagflation, and investment strategies in gold and options. They emphasize the importance of risk management in investing and clarify the “set it and forget it” approach. The conversation also touches on a spicy viewer comment (re: tariffs as a deflationary force) and upcoming economic indicators. Coming soon: Jared’s Options Masterclass!
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You should at least have a baseline knowledge about options so you know just enough to be dangerous. It’s all about managing risk.
True balance, the kind that provides unparalleled stability and growth, is made possible by harnessing the power of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Be smart by establishing a stress-free portfolio designed for reliable, long-term returns in any market. Details here.
Ep. 410: Tariffs Are Deflationary + Recession Chances Jump
March 13, 2025
In episode 410 of the BE SMART podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss various market trends, economic outlooks, and investment strategies. They examine the implications of tariffs, the potential for a recession, the current state of the stock market, and Monday’s rough day for Magnificent 7 stocks. The conversation also touches on inflation rates and the likelihood of future rate cuts.
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Should you sell everything, grab some canned peaches, and head for the hills to your Unabomber cabin? Not yet.
Secure your financial future with a stress-free portfolio designed for reliable, long-term returns in any market.
Episode 407: Reddit Rabbit Hole Vol. III (Overcome Financial Anxiety)
February 13, 2025
In episode 407 of the podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs (25% on steel and aluminum) and whether a full-scale US trade war against the world will deliver a “stagflationary shock” to the US economy. Plus, predictions for stocks and gold, the tax code’s controversial treatment of the profits of private equity, venture capital, and hedge fund managers, and personal finance advice for listeners experiencing financial anxiety.
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Go after more wealth and abundance by replacing conventional (and misguided) personal finance advice inside Jared’s new, immersive experience, the .
Episode 406: Tariff Man—Trump Blinks in Trade War
February 6, 2025
In episode 406 of the podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss a whirlwind of recent headlines, including the impact of tariffs on global markets, the response of the US dollar and gold, Elon Musk’s cost-cutting initiatives, trends in private equity, Robinhood’s new sports betting feature, the importance of real estate in investment portfolios, and what’s on deck for the Fed. They also share personal experiences from a recent trip to the Real Vision Crypto Gathering in Miami.
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Real estate is a crucial investment in a diversified portfolio, along with stocks, bonds, gold, and cash. Here’s how you put it all together.
Episode 405: DeepSeek Disrupts Global AI Race, Nvidia Falters
January 30, 2025
In episode 405, Cameron and Jared discuss Trump’s first week in office; the rise of China’s AI model DeepSeek and the implications for Nvidia and other tech stocks; investors flocking to the safety of US government bonds; the impact of tariffs on global markets; inflation and food insecurity in America; and this week’s economic indicators, including thoughts on the Fed’s next moves.
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What worked in the past will no longer work in the future. Trump is going to break things. Sometimes that will be good, and sometimes that will be bad. More here in Jared’s free article, “Everything Will Be Different.”
Take a top-down approach in Jared’s macro newsletter by looking at various asset classes, including stocks, bonds, currencies, and commodities.
Episode 404: Trump’s Inauguration, Meme Coin, and TikTok Involvement
January 23, 2025
In this episode of the podcast, Cameron and Jared discuss a variety of topics ranging from the college football championship to the inauguration of Donald Trump to the implications of TikTok’s national security concerns and Trump’s declaration to “not let TikTok stay dark.” They also discuss the recent debut of Trump’s meme coin and its effects on the crypto market, as well as insights from Scott Bessent’s Senate confirmation hearing regarding economic policies.
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isn’t about chasing trends or reacting when it’s too late. It’s about staying ahead of the market, even when chaos is all around. Learn more about what puts above traditional newsletters here.
Episode 403: Trudeau Resigns, Trump 2.0 Looms, and 2025’s Crazy Start
January 9, 2025
To kick off the new year, Cameron and Jared discuss a variety of topics ranging from the joy of Barry Hannah to the intricacies of the current job market and economic trends. They dive into Jared’s upcoming writing projects—including The Awesome Portfolio, a novel to rival The Hunger Games, and an essay collection due out this summer—while also analyzing market dynamics, with an emphasis on tech stocks such as Nvidia and Apple. The discussion extends to the implications of Trump’s economic policies and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions, as well as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent resignation and whether now is the time to accumulate a position in Canadian assets.
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2025 is going to be different than 2024, even though 2024 was not much different from 2023. Here are two charts for the new year.
The , comprised of ETFs, offers a level of diversification and risk management that traditional investing simply can’t match. Learn more here.
4.9 Out of 5 Star Reviews!
Solid financial advice
Jared has a way of weaving together advice and life stories to help you make good financial decisions and make you laugh at the same time!
Get Smart
Great insights into current events and the financial implications involved. Be Smart makes you a smarter person and investor.
Be Smart Podcast
Great use of 30 min each week. Gives great financial advice much more realistic than Dave Ramsey.
Good, not enough of it.
Great podcast, good information and humor. He’s a straight shooter and gives solid advice.
To the point without economic BS
Raw and on point with entertaining sarcasm.
Worth your time
One of the few professionals worth listening to.
Fantastic!
Jared is a rarity—incredibly insightful and informed in all facets of the financial markets and personal finance, yet extremely entertaining!
This guy is smart! Learning a ton
Big fan of these short 10‒20-minute lessons on money and life. Relatable if you make $50K or $500K a year. Wish I would have found this one sooner.
This podcast is phenomenal
Sometimes the truth is harsh. What makes this show so unique is that Jared embraces this mantra and tells you exactly how it is.
What a goldmine
I just discovered this show and it’s my new favorite. I love Jared Dillan’s writing and investment guidance, and these podcasts are now adding even more pearls of wisdom.
Love this guy
Jared has got a rare authenticity that cuts through the minutiae.
Awesome Pod! Great Therapy!
As a career investment advisor, I listen to Dillian to relax and keep my head from exploding.
On point
Outstanding, informative, and entertaining.
Entertaining and informative
Love the info which is spot on and delivery is great!
Great content
Great listen, great insight… A++
Great Podcast
Excellent content and entertaining. Thank you