This Is Why Empires Fall: Tom Bilyeu Breaks Down Realpolitik, Why History Will Repeat & the Brutal Truth About War | Deep Dive
In today’s episode, Tom pulls back the curtain on the hard truths that shape our world, diving into the bloody history and cold calculations that drive geopolitics. Using the concept of “realpolitik” as his lens, Tom explores why nations act not according to ideals, but ruthless self-interest, and how this approach accurately predicts the cycles of conflict, power struggles, and shifting borders that have marked human history.
From Genghis Khan to today’s nuclear standoffs, Tom examines why humanity’s dual capacity for both devastating violence and breathtaking kindness continues to shape the fate of nations. You’ll learn the nine core tenets of realpolitik, see how power and survival instincts play out on the global stage, and discover why understanding the unvarnished reality of how nations operate is essential—not just for world leaders, but for anyone who wants to protect and thrive in today’s chaotic world.
But this isn’t just a journey through the darkness of history and politics. Tom also shows how culture, empathy, and pragmatism temper our most savage impulses, offering hope even amidst turmoil. By the end, you’ll have a clear-eyed framework for understanding global events, decoding market movements, and safeguarding your freedom in uncertain times.
Get ready to challenge your assumptions and build a worldview that actually works. This episode will change the way you see the world—and your role in it.
00:00 Intro
05:09 Understanding Realpolitik: Power Over Ideals
08:20 Realism: Survival in Global Anarchy
12:10 Realpolitik and Brutal History
15:54 Realpolitik and Historical Ruthlessness
18:45 "Truth Over Idealism"
22:57 "Group Bias from Random Assignment"
25:16 Dual Nature of Humanity
29:57 "Human Nature and Realpolitik"
30:44 "Burnham's Elite-Mass Division Insight"
34:35 NATO Expansion Provokes Russian Response
38:58 US-Iran Relations: Realist Perspective
40:02 U.S.-Iran Conflict: Power Over Ideology
45:47 Power, Freedom, and Realpolitik
46:46 "Predicting Politics Beyond Morality"
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54:57
Tai Lopez on Why Hustling Isn’t Enough for Real Success (Fan Fav)
Tai Lopez is living proof that the rich and famous entrepreneurial lifestyle is possible for the Millennial generation. Over the course of his career, he’s founded, invested in, advised, or mentored more than 20 multi-million dollar companies, and his book club and podcast reaches 1.4 million people across 40 countries. But don’t be blinded by the glitz and glam of his current lifestyle. In the beginning, Tai was a college dropout living on his mother’s couch. With only $47 in his bank account, and an insatiable desire to learn, he sought out mentorship to take him to the next level. Continually optimizing his life for adventure, he sheared sheep in New Zealand, lived with the Amish, worked in a leper colony in India, and helped pioneer grass-fed sustainable agriculture. Meet the new media mogul, social media pioneer and serial entrepreneur in this insightful episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu.
ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 11-21-17
SHOW NOTES
Tai walks through why he chose to live with the Amish and how he optimizes his life for adventure. [3:23]
Tai explains the notion of the four pillars of happiness and his definition of the good life. [7:33]
Tai talks about postponing pleasure for the future.[10:11]
Tom and Tai go deep into the four layers of conscientiousness. [12:39]
Tai offers practical steps on how to find your true north. [18:04]
Tai gives advice on dealing with haters and how you can learn from anybody. [22:23]
Tom and Tai discuss how pain builds discipline and how trauma helps you learn. [29:51]
Tai reveals the symptoms of narcissism.[35:00]
Tom and Tai discuss the importance of learning. [40:02]
Tai emphasizes the power of in-person networking and attending conferences. [45:33]
Tai spells out how dopamine drives us and the problem of being too ambitious.[48:27]
Tai defines the impact that he wants to have on the world. [52:52]
BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Amish Society -http://amzn.to/2zUTDIo [4:01
The Happiness Hypothesis -http://amzn.to/2zWP8Nb[9:18]
The Selfish Gene -http://amzn.to/2B8m3fO[28:13]
Total Recall -http://amzn.to/2zUauek[43:24]
Tai’s booklist -http://bit.ly/2i9pquX
What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here:
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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.
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1:03:30
Israel vs. Iran, NYC Goes Full Socialist & How the Fed Is Destroying the Middle Class | The Tom Bilyeu Show LIVE
In this special live episode, Tom dives headfirst into the chaos of current world events, unpacking everything from the explosive end of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran to the dramatic political shifts in New York. Alongside lively audience questions and his co-host Drew, Tom tackles some of the most hotly debated issues of our time: socialism versus capitalism, the role of government in innovation, and the challenge of creating a thriving middle class.
Get ready for candid, no-nonsense takes on economic policy, wage stagnation, and the future of work in an age of AI and automation. Tom doesn’t shy away from tough questions, whether he’s breaking down why high taxes might drive innovators away or explaining how debt and inflation impact everyday wages. Plus, he shares his philosophies on work ethic, responsibility, and building a life of purpose. If you’re looking for a dose of thought-provoking discussion, practical advice, and even a few rapid-fire tips on launching your own video game with the help of AI, you won’t want to miss this episode!
SHOWNOTES
00:00 Crazy Times Discussing Politics
03:20 Innovation Gap in Norway
08:11 "Personal Responsibility Over Government Reliance"
12:21 "Abolish the Fed for Middle Class"
15:37 Entrepreneurial Sacrifices and Misunderstood Profits
20:03 Debate on Wages and Inflation
21:06 Maximizing Profits vs. Fair Wages
24:35 Incentives, AI, and Market Dynamics
28:17 "Seeking Extraordinary, Mars-bound Careers"
32:52 Key Game Development Insights
33:48 Objective Feedback from Unbiased Sources
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1:22:56
Ceasefires, Socialism, and Fake Memories: Why This Week Changed Everything | The Tom Bilyeu Show
What’s up, guys? Today I’m bringing you one of the most timely and thought-provoking episodes we’ve ever done. There’s no guest joining me in the traditional sense, but we are diving deep, breaking down the wild week on the global stage: the end of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, Trump shaking up world politics and being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, all the way to the rise of socialism in New York, the Supreme Court rewriting deportation rules, and the explosion of AI tech that can literally create memories with your loved ones.
You’re going to hear my real-time analysis and deep dive into realpolitik – what actually drives world order, how power really plays out behind the headlines, and why ideology is rarely the main force moving the pieces. Producer Drew is right here with me, challenging the takes, asking the questions you’re already thinking, and making sure we don’t shy away from the tough conversations.
SHOWNOTES
00:00 Preventing Nuclear Threats from Adversaries
07:58 Middle East Tactical Diplomacy
13:18 Casual Presidency Shift
18:15 Political Loyalty and Experimental Strategy
25:46 Corn Subsidies and Market Distortion
30:55 "Challenges of Entrepreneurship"
32:22 Price Controls Inefficiency Impact
40:29 Rent Freeze Leads to Decline
46:53 "Misconceptions About Government Spending"
50:55 Deportation Tactics Under Scrutiny
56:11 "Mirrored Therapy for Phantom Pain"
01:01:21 Marriage Dynamics and Respect
01:05:36 Rethinking Relationship Dynamics
01:11:54 Game Development Milestone Reflections
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1:22:15
Rise of the Machines & the New Normal: Robotic Heart Surgery, AI Takeover, and What Happens Next | The Tom Bilyeu Show
tackles some of the most urgent and controversial issues shaping our world today—from the cutting edge of medical technology and the AI revolution to gender policy, cultural change, and the debate over reparations. Kicking off with a wild breakthrough in robotic heart transplants, the conversation quickly expands into the rapid-fire disruption of artificial intelligence, how deepfakes and digital mimicry are challenging reality, and why no one should expect the pace of change to slow down. The episode dives headlong into the Supreme Court’s ruling on gender-affirming care, questions about the true legacy of feminism, and whether modern societies are undervaluing parenthood and family. With candid commentary on Chicago’s reparations plan, the immigrant mindset, and the pitfalls of race-based policy, this episode asks the hard questions, highlights what’s at stake, and offers a blueprint for thriving amid chaos and change. If you want to stay ahead of the curve—and challenge your own assumptions—don’t miss this one.
SHOWNOTES
00:00 Super Chat: Israel, Iran, and Nuclear Proliferation03:15 Robotic Heart Transplant Breakthrough in Texas07:58 The Future of Robotic Surgery & Tesla Optimus10:41 The Coming AI Tsunami—How Fast Is Too Fast?15:22 AI Mimicry: Deepfakes and AAVE18:47 Can We Train Out Dangerous AI Behaviors?21:36 Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Kids26:10 Social Contagion & The Malleability of Sexuality29:55 How Pride Flags & Social Signals Influence Identity32:12 Is Feminism Helping or Hurting Society?35:39 The Decline of Traditional Roles & Birth Rates38:50 Should We Financially Incentivize Parenthood?42:17 Chicago’s Reparations Plan: Debate & Dissent45:28 Race-Blind vs. Race-Based Policy: What Works?48:00 Immigrant Mindset: From Gangs to Millionaire51:05 The Power of Individual Effort & Skill Development54:15 Trump’s Juneteenth Comments: Political Fallout56:30 Final Thoughts & Action Items
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Mondays: Tom Deep Dives. Tuesday and Wednesdays: In Depth Interviews. Thursdays: The Tom Bilyeu show. Fridays: Tom Bilyeu Live!
Uncover the truth behind the headlines and memes in an unbiased pursuit of what’s real.
From interviews and reactions to debates on the most important topics of the day, this podcast will challenge everything you know about current events, the economy, culture, and more. Tom Bilyeu’s Impact Theory helps you thrive in our complex world.
Hosted by Tom Bilyeu, a prominent entrepreneur and co-founder of the billion-dollar company Quest Nutrition, Impact Theory covers what matters today. From geopolitics and economics to AI, science, future tech, and beyond, Tom breaks down complex topics into their fundamental elements. Learn how to see the world clearly so you can navigate even the most disruptive era.
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