In this episode of The Difference, Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano dive into a historic moment of global diplomacy and dissect its ripple effects on markets, interest rates, and America's mounting debt crisis. From peace talks to rate cuts, they explore how political decisions shape economic realities—and your financial future.
Aug 18, 2025•16 min•Ep. 150
In this episode of The Difference , Dan O'Donnell and Brian Jacobsen unpack the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which came in cooler than expected and sparked optimism across financial markets. They explore what this means for future Fed rate cuts, the real impact of tariffs, and whether reshoring U.S. manufacturing is more than just a political promise.
Aug 12, 2025•16 min•Ep. 149
The U.S. has secured a series of favorable trade deals, most notably with the European Union, positioning itself as a dominant global economic force while pressuring China ahead of a looming deadline. Meanwhile, concerns grow over the long-term impact of tariffs, Federal Reserve tensions, and rising national debt. Tune in to The Difference, with Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano.
Jul 29, 2025•16 min•Ep. 148
Join Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano on The Difference, where in this episode they examine the palpable tension between President Trump and Chairman Powell, as well as trade negotiations, interest rate strategies, and the fallout from some major political events.
Jul 21, 2025•15 min•Ep. 147
Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano unpack the economic balancing act facing the U.S.—from looming tariff deadlines and ballooning deficits to Fed uncertainty and the long-term sustainability of entitlement programs. Tune into The Difference as they dive in.
Jul 15, 2025•15 min•Ep. 146
A campaign promise was made, and that campaign promise was met. Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano react to the Big Beautiful Bill passing into law and the subsequent reactions on The Difference.
Jul 07, 2025•15 min•Ep. 145
In this episode of The Difference , hosts Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano, CEO of Annex Wealth Management discuss the "TACOS" acronym (Trump Always Chickens Out), coined by critics like the Financial Times. They analyze Trump's tariff strategies, particularly the delayed TikTok ban and trade negotiations with countries like China, the UK, and Switzerland, framing these as leverage for freer trade rather than economic punishment. Dan and Dave discuss what Trump's policies may mean for the economy....
Jun 04, 2025•15 min•Ep. 144
Economic and political risks, who's spending whose money? Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano discuss attempted cost reductions and slowed-down spending on The Difference.
May 20, 2025•16 min•Ep. 143
It might be something in the air in Switzerland, but the United States and China were able to lay the groundwork for a deal that could change more than tariffs. The markets are responding. Dan and Dr. Brian Jacobsen talk about what may be impacted.
May 13, 2025•15 min•Ep. 142
Tariff clarity remains elusive as tax policy stays murky. Fresh from another round of White House radio shows, Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano reconnect to discuss a week where the S&P 500 revisited Liberation Day levels.
May 05, 2025•15 min•Ep. 141
Market gains rarely move in a straight line. As the next round of earnings calls approaches, Dave Spano will be listening for key insights from corporate leaders. Meanwhile, Dan O'Donnell warns that we may be in the calm eye of a looming debt hurricane.
Apr 21, 2025•16 min•Ep. 140
It's a 50/50-coin flip. Made even more complicated by shifting messages. Dave Spano and Dan O'Donnell chop up the latest.
Apr 14, 2025•15 min•Ep. 139
It's a tight game being played. Art of the Deal or potentially turning the midterms upside down? Dan and Dave discuss the week after Liberation Day.
Apr 07, 2025•16 min•Ep. 138
Recession predictions are on the rise. Liberation Day is April 2nd. Will that be enough for our Master-Negotiator-In-Chief?
Apr 01, 2025•16 min•Ep. 137
Were we due for an economic detox? Dan and Dave discuss tariffs and tactics.
Mar 24, 2025•16 min•Ep. 136
We're seeing how the sausage is getting made. Not pretty. But are conditions poised to spring back when certain hurdles are cleared?
Mar 10, 2025•15 min•Ep. 135
We're truly at the intersection of politics and economics when it comes to tariffs and foreign conflicts.
Mar 03, 2025•16 min•Ep. 134
What was it like to broadcast from 'radio row' at the White House and interview officials like Scott Bessent and Doug Burgum? Dan takes us behind the scenes. DOD also fessed up and said, "Dave, you were right" regarding previous thoughts about one of his guests.
Feb 24, 2025•16 min•Ep. 133
"Why are people up in arms that they (DOGE) want to find fraud in the system?"
Feb 18, 2025•15 min•Ep. 132
Tariff talk as shifting policy changes make for an uncertain environment. Plus, the subject of DOGE sets the boys up to utter 'big balls' at least 7 times.
Feb 10, 2025•16 min•Ep. 131
Economic tools for non-economic goals from Donald Trump. Plus, Dave Spano connects Ferris Bueller’s Day Off with the current trade standoff.
Feb 03, 2025•16 min•Ep. 130
Did China’s AI bot leapfrog the competition? It sure rattled the markets. Dan and Dave discuss---and Spano makes the point it could have a Capitalism-like twist.
Jan 27, 2025•16 min•Ep. 129
Front and Center: Immigration and Border Security. President Trump has a long list including tax cuts and deregulation. Dave suggests Wisconsin takes the UP back from Michigan.
Jan 20, 2025•15 min•Ep. 128
First show of 2025. Dan shares more about WISN's extraordinary ratings performance before the guys settle into looking at next week's inauguration.
Jan 15, 2025•16 min•Ep. 127
Recorded on the day SoftBank announced a $100B investment in the US, Dave and Dan run through 2024 and look ahead to next year.
Dec 16, 2024•16 min•Ep. 126
Investor enthusiasm is high but global tensions are on the rise. Dave Spano warns us not to get over our skis.
Dec 09, 2024•15 min•Ep. 125
NOTE: This episode includes language that some may find offensive. Not quite NSFW, but keep the volume down when the clip from 'Landman' airs. One of the 'three arrows' of Trump's economic policy is an additional 3 million barrels of oil per day. Expect pushback. Billy Bob Thornton in his Landman role offers a take.
Dec 03, 2024•16 min•Ep. 124
Dan says the nominee worked for the entity that was the 'most destabilizing force in the US'. Dave says Bessent has the skills to tackle a very full plate of issues.
Nov 25, 2024•16 min•Ep. 123
Auto, banks, financial institutions, and independent power producers have momentum while other sectors don't. President-elect Trump is clearly following his campaign trail promises---and the market is responding.
Nov 18, 2024•15 min•Ep. 122
After a clear mandate, President Trump and team are rolling up their sleeves and getting ready for January 20th. What might we see? Dan and Dave discuss.
Nov 11, 2024•16 min•Ep. 121