Episode description

Nick Smoot sits down with Brigadier General (Ret.) Blaine Holt for a deep-dive conversation on global power shifts, economic collapse, and the future of entrepreneurship.

Blaine shares firsthand insights from his time working with NATO, dealing with Russia and China, and witnessing the hidden mechanics of war and diplomacy.

They explore what comes next in a world where traditional systems are crumbling, and how entrepreneurs, investors, and community builders can prepare for the next chapter.

From the military-industrial complex to open-source defense tech, from DeFi to local innovation ecosystems—this episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about the future of business, geopolitics, and human flourishing.

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Show Notes:

Introduction (00:00 - 02:13)

• Introduction to the American Dream Factory Podcast
• The mission of Build Cities and why this conversation matters
• Guest introduction: Brigadier General (Ret.) Blaine Holt
• Blaine’s background: NATO, global conflicts, entrepreneurship, and defense innovation
• Setting the stage: How geopolitics, economic shifts, and technology impact communities

From the Battlefield to the Boardroom (02:14 - 10:58)

• Blaine’s military journey: Learning leadership through war and diplomacy
• The question that changed everything: "Towards what?"—Blaine’s realization about the long-term impact of war
• Why community-building was key in Kyrgyzstan and how he applied cultural intelligence to diplomacy
• The intersection of military leadership and entrepreneurship

Navigating Global Superpowers: Russia, China, and the U.S. (10:59 - 23:58)

• Blaine’s direct experience being in the crosshairs of both Russian and Chinese interests
• The intelligence game: Psychological warfare, strategy, and negotiation
• Story: How Blaine “moved into” a Russian commander’s head rent-free
• The role of soft power and economic influence in global conflicts

The Neocon Agenda and The Business of War (23:59 - 41:51)

• The hidden incentives behind war and the military-industrial complex
• Why some people “never want the wars to stop”
• The shift from traditional power structures to a decentralized global economy
• The economics of war vs. the economics of innovation

The Coming Economic Collapse and New Business Models (41:52 - 55:00)

• The “apocalyptic Passover” Blaine sees coming
• Why the collapse of fiat currency is likely inevitable
• The rise of decentralized finance (DeFi), crypto, and new trade structures
• How startup founders and entrepreneurs can navigate the transition

Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Defense Tech (55:01 - 1:10:00)

• Blaine’s work in hypersonics, advanced materials, and drone manufacturing
• Why open-source defense technology is the future
• The role of AI, robotics, and quantum computing in reshaping industry
• How startup founders can position themselves for the coming shift

The Future of Communities and Collaboration (1:10:01 - 1:27:00)

• Why building local and regional innovation ecosystems is the way forward
• The importance of bonded and bridged communities
• How cities can prepare for the unbundling of global economies
• The role of software and technology in creating resilient, decentralized systems

Final Thoughts and Takeaways (1:27:01 - 1:50:03)

• Why Blaine is bullish on the future despite the challenges ahead
• Lessons from history: The parallels between Rome, China, and the modern world
• How entrepreneurs can turn crisis into opportunity
• Parting words: "If there's one thing we can all do, it's manage our little neighborhoods and add more beauty and value to the world."