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Published on:

2nd Jan 2025

2025 Predictions: Prepping Goes Mainstream: Are You Ready for the Next Crisis?

James Brown shares his bold predictions for 2025, highlighting the looming threat of stagflation that could reshape the economy. He warns that slow growth and rising prices will be reminiscent of the 1970s, but with a modern twist that could lead to new rounds of inflation driven by government actions to manage unpayable debt. As the stock market climbs, Brown cautions against confusing this surge with economic stability, emphasizing the disparity between Wall Street and Main Street. He also delves into the rapid rise of driverless cars, which could disrupt millions of jobs, and the mainstreaming of prepping in response to economic and environmental anxieties. To cap it all off, he whimsically predicts a Super Bowl victory for the Buffalo Bills, leaving listeners to ponder the future while engaging with his thought-provoking insights.

James Brown delivers a thought-provoking commentary on the future landscape of the economy, projecting a troubling scenario of stagflation reminiscent of the 1970s but with contemporary nuances. He asserts that the economic environment will be characterized by slow growth coupled with rising prices, indicating a fundamental challenge for consumers and businesses alike. However, he warns that even as society adapts to these conditions, an additional wave of inflation is likely to follow, driven not by market forces but by deliberate government actions aimed at addressing the overwhelming national debt. This bleak outlook invites listeners to brace themselves for significant challenges within the next 18 months, particularly in terms of economic stability and personal finance.

Brown continues to discuss the stock market dynamics, predicting a volatile trajectory where sharp gains will be followed by painful declines. This pattern suggests a widening gulf between Wall Street and Main Street, where the affluent thrive while average citizens struggle. As the conversation shifts to technology, he highlights the rapid emergence of driverless cars, which are set to transition from novelty to everyday reality within the same timeframe. This technological upheaval raises pressing questions about the future of millions of jobs in the transportation sector, leaving an uncertain and potentially devastating impact on employment.

In addition to economic predictions, Brown touches on societal trends such as the rise of prepping and self-reliance due to increasing economic instability and natural disasters. He posits that these factors will push more individuals towards stockpiling resources in preparation for unforeseen crises. While he anticipates another pandemic scare, he reassures listeners that it will not lead to the same level of disruption as the previous one. He concludes on a lighter note, expressing hope for the Buffalo Bills to win the Super Bowl, adding a personal touch to his otherwise serious discourse, and inviting listeners to engage with their thoughts and predictions about the future.

Takeaways:

  • James Brown predicts a coming stagflation reminiscent of the 1970s, with slow growth and rising prices.
  • The stock market is expected to climb, but this will not reflect overall economic stability.
  • Driverless cars will transition from novelty to commonplace, impacting millions of driving jobs significantly.
  • As economic instability rises, prepping and self-reliance will become mainstream among the population.
  • A new pandemic scare is anticipated, but it is unlikely to cause significant upheaval.
  • In a light-hearted prediction, James Brown believes the Buffalo Bills will win the Super Bowl against the Rams.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Uber
  • Grubhub
  • Buffalo Bills
  • Los Angeles Rams

Links referenced in this episode:

Transcript
James Brown:

Predictions for:

James Brown:

Let's talk about the economy.

James Brown:

flation is coming, but with a:

James Brown:

It'll bring slow growth and rising prices like the 70s.

James Brown:

And just when we think that we've adjusted, stagflation will give way to a new round of inflation.

James Brown:

Yay.

James Brown:

It's the kind that hits hard and doesn't let up.

James Brown:

Worse, it won't be by accident.

James Brown:

Our government will do it on purpose to handle our mounting unpayable debt.

James Brown:

Brace yourself.

James Brown:

This could be within the next 18 months.

James Brown:

The stock market?

James Brown:

It'll climb higher.

James Brown:

But don't confuse that with stability.

James Brown:

Think sharp gains followed by painful drops as Wall street grows richer and Main street struggles to keep up.

James Brown:

And driverless cars.

James Brown:

They're here and they're spectacular.

James Brown:

Over the next 18 months, they'll go from novelty to commonplace, reshaping cities and industries alike.

James Brown:

Think Uber or Grubhub from a few years ago.

James Brown:

Multiply that by 10, by the way, because with this shift comes a looming crisis.

James Brown:

What happens when tens of millions of men employed as drivers, truckers, cabbies, couriers don't have jobs?

James Brown:

We won't have that answer anytime soon.

James Brown:

In the silence, it'll be deafening.

James Brown:

Meanwhile, prepping will go mainstream.

James Brown:

Economic instability, natural disasters and a general sense of unease will push more people to embrace stockpiling and self reliance.

James Brown:

And yes, we'll face another pandemic scare, but it won't turn into a sequel.

James Brown:

Expect headlines, debates and heightened caution, but not the upheaval we've already survived.

James Brown:

And finally, and absolutely my favorite prediction, the Buffalo Bills will win the Super Bowl.

James Brown:

Could be wishful thinking, but I think we'll have a rematch of one of the year's best games, and not the one that everybody says.

James Brown:

They'll defeat the Los Angeles Rams in a thrilling shootout.

James Brown:

43, 36 and I'll be the happiest man on earth.

James Brown:

Go Bills.

James Brown:

What do you think?

James Brown:

Are these predictions hitting the mark, or do you see something else coming?

James Brown:

Share your thoughts on jamesbrowntv.substack.com on that note, I'm James Brown and as always, be well.

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About the Podcast

All of the Above with James Brown
Exploring ideas big and small with fascinating people
I explore the big ideas that bring us together and meet the people who make them happen.

Musings on news, life, and television. A few minutes a day, five days a week.

Hosted by James Brown is an award winning journalist whose work has appeared on WXXI, PBS, NPR, BBC, and a slew of other places from sea to shining sea. He's the former host of USA TODAY's 5 Things, now The Excerpt. My work is proudly produced in Rochester, New York.

My goal is to create a diverse array of projects in the style of the people I grew up following: like Bill Moyers, Paul Harvey, John Stossel, Charles Osgood, Charlie Rose, Adam Curtis, Tavis Smiley, Douglas Ruskoff, Tony Kornheiser, and Art Bell, with my own twist, of course.

You can find my work anywhere you get your podcasts.

To support my work and tell me what you think join me at JamesBrownTV.substack.com.
Or email me at jamesbrowntv@gmail.com.
You can also leave me a message at 585-484-0339. And yes, I will call you back.
On that note, I'm James Brown, and as always, be well

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