Entrepreneur and philanthropist Pete Kadens joins Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein for one of the most candid political conversations we've had. A lifelong Democrat, Pete doesn't shy away from criticizing his own party, while also challenging conservatives on issues ranging from democracy and immigration to education, meritocracy, and the future of America.

This isn't a shouting match—it's three longtime friends debating difficult issues with honesty, data, and mutual respect.

Pete Kadens is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.

He co-founded Green Thumb Industries, one of the largest publicly traded cannabis companies in the United States, and previously co-founded SoCore Energy, a leading commercial solar developer.

Through Hope Chicago, Pete has helped thousands of students and families pursue higher education by funding college tuition and wraparound support services. The organization has committed more than $100 million toward expanding educational opportunity in Chicago.

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Is socialism taking over the Democratic Party?

08:30 The biggest threats facing American democracy

12:00 Personal responsibility vs. victimhood culture

18:45 Can education fix America's biggest problems?

25:00 What broke public education?

33:00 Why college is losing its value

41:30 Meritocracy, DEI, and affirmative action

49:30 Immigration and America's border debate

58:30 The Supreme Court and the future of conservatism

1:02:00 Lightning Round

1:07:00 Pete predicts the 2028 election

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

Michael Ramlet is the co-founder and CEO of Morning Consult, one of the world's leading decision-intelligence companies. What began with just $30,000 of angel capital has grown into a company generating more than $100 million in annual revenue, serving many of the world's largest corporations, financial institutions, and governments.

In this episode of Forged in America, Michael sits down with Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, why most people shouldn't start a company, the future of AI-powered decision making, fundraising, political forecasting, and the lessons he's learned building a billion-dollar business over more than a decade:

"The right decision for most people is don't start the business."

"You have to have one or two co-founders. It is so exceedingly difficult to go that path alone."

"Data doesn't replace leadership."

"My biggest stress today is the same stress I had the day I started: Are we moving fast enough?"

"The success isn't raising the round. The success is what you do with the money."

Michael Ramlet is the co-founder and CEO of Morning Consult, a global decision-intelligence company that provides real-time data and insights to major corporations, financial institutions, and governments. Under his leadership, Morning Consult has become one of the most influential data platforms in the world, tracking consumer sentiment, brands, economic trends, and geopolitical developments across dozens of countries.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.

In this episode of Forged in America, Ravin Gandhi and Al Goldstein sit down with Rob Skinner, Founder and Managing Partner of IEQ Capital, a wealth management firm overseeing more than $50 billion in assets.

Rob has spent decades advising founders, entrepreneurs, and some of the most successful families in America. The conversation ranges from AI and SpaceX to wealth psychology, raising motivated children, and the biggest mistakes people make after a liquidity event.

Some quotes from Rob:

"Stock prices follow earnings."

"Concentration builds wealth. Diversification protects it."

"The game changes from offense to defense."

"If inheritance accelerates purpose instead of replacing purpose, it can be a tremendous force for good."

"You get one chance at being great."

Rob Skinner is the Founder and Managing Partner of IEQ Capital, one of the fastest-growing independent wealth management firms in the United States. Prior to founding IEQ, he co-founded Luminous Capital, which was later acquired by First Republic Bank. He has spent his career advising entrepreneurs, founders, executives, and multi-generational families on investing, wealth preservation, tax strategy, and family legacy.

NOTE: Rob Skinner, a co-founder of IEQ, appeared as a guest on this podcast, which is hosted by a client of IEQ, giving rise to an inherent conflict of interest by virtue of that client relationship. Neither Mr. Skinner nor IEQ provided or received any compensation or other consideration in connection with the appearance, which was made on a voluntary basis. The views expressed by Mr. Skinner are his own and those of IEQ and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host or its affiliates. Nothing in this appearance should be construed as investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice, or as any recommendation, offer, or solicitation.

Disclaimer: The Forged in America podcast features personal stories, experiences, and opinions from hosts Al Goldstein and Ravin Gandhi. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not investment advice, financial advice, solicitation of investments, or any form of professional recommendation.We strive for accuracy, but mistakes can happen and are unintentional. Nothing discussed should be relied upon for making financial, business, or personal decisions. Always consult qualified professionals before acting on anything you hear.Past performance or results mentioned do not guarantee future outcomes. Listeners are responsible for their own choices.