In this in-depth episode of Liberty RoundTable (12/5/25), host Sam Bushman is joined by Heath Perkins from Free Water Coin Co. for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about the economic realities shaping American lives right now. If you’re concerned about inflation, the future of work, or the true value of your money, this episode is a must-watch.

Sam and Heath kick things off with the latest gold and silver prices, setting the stage for a discussion about financial security in uncertain times. They dive into the promises and pitfalls of AI and automation as solutions to the national debt, and debate whether a universal basic income is a path to prosperity or a trap that erodes personal freedom and incentive.

The conversation explores how companies are using surveillance pricing to personalize costs, and why this could mean higher prices for some and discounts for others. Sam and Heath don’t shy away from the political spin on inflation, breaking down what’s real, what’s rhetoric, and how rising costs are impacting everyday Americans. They share stories of working families, the rise of side gigs, and the silent depression many are experiencing despite official economic reports.

The episode also covers the Supreme Court’s review of Trump-era tariffs, who really pays for these policies, and how the “Pizza Index” is becoming a new way to measure the cost of living. You’ll hear about shrinkflation, business transparency, and why some companies are raising prices while others quietly reduce product sizes. The hosts tackle the Federal Reserve’s role, interest rates, and the challenge of home affordability, before wrapping up with a candid look at whether college is still worth the investment in today’s economy.

Topics & Time Stamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Honest Money Report (Gold & Silver Prices): Get the latest on precious metals and what they signal about the economy.

01:12 – AI, Automation, and the National Debt: Can technology really save us from spiraling debt?

03:17 – Universal Basic Income: Debate & Implications: Is UBI a solution or a system trap?

09:59 – Surveillance Pricing & Personalized Costs: How companies use your data to set prices just for you.

11:48 – Inflation, Cost of Living, and Political Spin: The real impact of rising prices and the debate over whether inflation is “fake.”

15:00 – The Struggles of Working Americans & Side Gigs: Why so many are working multiple jobs just to get by.

18:16 – Supreme Court, Trump’s Tariffs & Economic Impact: What’s at stake with ongoing legal battles and who really pays for tariffs.

23:10 – The Pizza Index: What Pizza Prices Reveal: How the cost of a pizza is becoming a new economic indicator.

25:00 – Shrinkflation, Rising Costs, and Business Transparency: The hidden ways companies are coping with inflation.

27:20 – Federal Reserve, Interest Rates, and Housing: How monetary policy is affecting home affordability and the broader economy.

31:00 – Is College Still Worth It? Changing Attitudes: Are degrees still valuable, or are trades and vocational programs the smarter choice?

34:30 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action: Final reflections and how you can join the conversation.

If you want honest, practical analysis and real-world stories about how economic changes are affecting people like you, this episode delivers.

If you found this discussion valuable, please like, subscribe, and share the video. Join the conversation in the comments below—how are inflation and economic changes impacting your life? For more straight talk and updates, follow Liberty RoundTable!