Welcome to another edition of Geopolitics and Empire.

Returning to the podcast, it's been a few years, is Matt Smith to discuss the book he co-authored with Doug Casey and Maxim Smith, his son.

I've got a digital version here.

It's called The Preparation, How to Become Competent, Confident, and Dangerous. Como competent, confident, and dangerous.

Como is Matt?

It's nice to see you.

Actually, it was four years ago, I think, this month.

This was the last time we did one of these.

And yeah, it's awesome to be back with you.

Different circumstances in the world, but the same circumstances in the world.

Isn't that weird?

It is, you know, same

differences. They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. And the topic is a bit

different, but in some ways related. And so you guys put this book out, I think a couple months back.

And, you know, I have to say it surpassed my expectations.

I'm always reading books from guests. And I was telling you before we hit record, I have to get

a print copy just for myself. It's that kind of book. And I think you guys said earlier,

the working title was Renaissance Man, which I honestly would have preferred, but I get why the preparation.

And so maybe just to start, why the book?

Well, I'll give you a little background on the book.

I mean, Doug Casey first tried to pitch me on writing this book with him 12 years ago.

I remember it distinctly.

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