• E27: Alpha School's $1 Billion Bet on AI Education
    Apr 2 2026

    ALPHA SCHOOL's Mackenzie Price joins Ravin and Al to discuss the future of education, and how their unique school uses AI to teach K-12 tudents. Kids work with screens and guides for 2 hours, and then transition to projects in the afternoon to foment financial literacy, public speaking, and grit.

    They also discuss the broken model in modern America for education, and how AI might help the underserved in the USA. Mackenzie shares her journey founding Alpha School after growing frustrated, and securing $1B from entrpreneur Joe Liemandt.


    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.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • E26: Jackie Reses built a $1.5B Fintech Rocketship
    Mar 31 2026

    Jackie Reses shares her inspiring story with Ravin and Al, from attending boarding school at age 14 to get away from an unstable home to starting businesses at the University of Pennsylvania. From Goldman Sachs to sitting on the Alibaba board, to starting a bank at Square to finally creating Lead Bank.


    She is candid about dealing with impostor syndrome, and the challenges of being an alpha woman who still struggles to be heard by "the country club." Jackie discusses how she builds team and culture, and the playbook to closing the best names in Silicon Valley as investors. Jackie also discusses her brother, who is Chief of Staff to VP Vance.


    She closes with thoughts on parenting, and stories of her successful children.


    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.

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • E25: The Forrest Gump of Private Equity on Money, Meaning, and Grace
    Mar 25 2026

    Brent Beshore of Permanent Equity shares his unique approach to investing with Ravin and Al, including using no debt, 30 year holdtime, and eschewing the traditional 2/20 PE fund structure. He emphasizes the flexibility that his approach has given him to make long term discussions.

    The conversation then turns into Brent's deep Christian faith, as he shares his journey from existential dread and nihilism to finding meaning in life and happiness through faith. His previous struggles with pornography and alcohol are laid bare as he recounts the power of love and belief, and why he considers himself "the Forrest Gump of PE."


    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.

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    1 hr
  • E24: Black Rifle Coffee, Making $8 Billion, and Finding Jocko
    Mar 24 2026

    In this episode, investor Steven Taslitz takes Ravin and Al through key deals in his storied career including Black Rifle Coffee, Sylvan Learning, and School of Rock, and discovering Navy SEAL Jocko Willink.


    He emphasizes the value of the human relationships that are formed under pressure, whether on a competitive sports team or as co-founders.

    Steven discusses why he never wanted to raise a typical 2 and 20 PE fund, and how he has had success after success in a myriad of industries and through 150+ deals.


    The value of "straight talk" is discussed, and knowing what level of wealth you want to accumulate is.


    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.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • E23: Top Pod Lessons, Family Biz Fears, Sales Tips, Bias For Action
    Mar 20 2026

    Al and Ravin reflect on why they continue doing this podcast, and the lessons gleaned from the stellar roster of guests thus far.

    They discuss the value of learning to communicate in the "YouTube Era" using podcasting, and how sharing public opinions changes your thinking in interesting and unexpected ways.

    The value of reading, and lifelong learning is emphasized. As always, a few war stories about painful deals are shared.


    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.

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    45 mins
  • E22: How Tony Davis Built a $13.5B Healthcare Empire
    Mar 20 2026

    Tony Davis shares his origin story with Ravin and Al, from being fired at age 33 to building the worlds largest dedicated healthcare private equity fund LINDEN PARTNERS. He shares the key to being a stellar fundraiser, along with the biggest challenges he faced.

    The American healthcare system is discussed in depth, from high quality to bad incentives to insurance fraud. RFK's polarizing policies are discussed.

    Also the value of setting high expectations for raising kids, and Tony's amazing effort to start a Jewish day school in Chicago.


    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.

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • E21: Sam Nazarian: How I built a $1.8 Billion Hospitality Empire
    Mar 20 2026

    Sam Nazarian shares his journey with Al and Ravin from immigrant roots to building a global hospitality empire. He discusses the importance of brand building, ecosystem creation, and navigating the challenges of the nightlife and hotel industries.

    He discusses his ventures in luxury hotels, restaurants, and his latest focus on longevity and healthcare, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Also, he discusses Iran, immigration, and his health journey.



    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.


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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • E20: Iran & Midterms- Ravin, Al & Tom Gimbel Debate
    Mar 7 2026

    Tom Gimbel joins Al and Ravin to converse and debate the current job market, and the impact of AI on employment. Political dynamics, particularly regarding military actions in Iran and Venezuela, are discussed, alongside the implications for the future of the Middle East.

    They explore the complexities of political corruption, healthcare fraud, and the challenges faced by moderate Democrats. The conversation also touches on immigration, voter ID laws, and the importance of reading in education, while addressing systemic issues related to race and family structure. Ultimately, the hosts express a hopeful outlook for America's future despite the challenges it faces.


    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.


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    1 hr and 4 mins