On this episode of America’s Gold Authority® Podcast, host Mike Barnes is joined by Philip N. Diehl, President of U.S. Money Reserve and former Director of the U.S. Mint, and Brad Chastain, U.S. Money Reserve’s Managing Director, Global Head of Research, to unpack the market shock triggered by escalating tensions in Venezuela.

They explain how unexpected U.S. military and geopolitical moves pushed gold up more than $100 per ounce in a matter of days, reinforcing gold’s long-standing role as a safe haven during periods of instability. The discussion explores why the Western Hemisphere has become a focal point for global power competition, how U.S. policy signals a modern revival of the Monroe Doctrine, and why China and Russia are being forced to reassess their influence in Latin America.

Diehl and Chastain also examine why oil markets reacted differently than gold, the structural limits of Venezuela’s energy sector, and how geopolitical risk feeds broader concerns around currencies, trade realignment, and global power shifts. As tensions extend beyond Venezuela to other potential flashpoints, the episode outlines why uncertainty continues to support demand for physical gold.

As one of the nation’s largest private distributors of government-issued gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products, U.S. Money Reserve brings rare leadership perspective to these conversations. With two former Directors of the U.S. Mint on its leadership team and more than a million clients served, the company provides experienced guidance during periods of geopolitical stress and market disruption.

Listen to America’s Gold Authority® Podcast and request your FREE Gold Ownership Guide by calling 855-486-9549 or visiting https://usmr.gold/USMoneyReserve/Website/POD44P

On this episode of America’s Gold Authority® Podcast, host Mike Barnes is joined by Philip N. Diehl, President of U.S. Money Reserve and former Director of the U.S. Mint, and Brad Chastain, U.S. Money Reserve’s Director of Education, to assess whether gold can sustain its strength following an extraordinary 2025.

The conversation explores why forecasting has become increasingly difficult in an era defined by rapid change, from aggressive trade policies and geopolitical tensions to accelerating advances in artificial intelligence. Diehl and Chastain explain how repeated interest rate cuts, rising global debt, and shifting alliances are reshaping the financial landscape, while central banks and governments adjust to a more fragmented global system.

They also examine why long-standing portfolio models are being reconsidered, as correlations between stocks and bonds rise and confidence in sovereign debt weakens. With deglobalization gaining momentum and economic signals sending mixed messages, the episode outlines why gold continues to stand apart as a neutral asset—one not tied to any single country’s liabilities or political decisions.

Looking ahead, the discussion offers perspective on what consumers may face in 2026, including labor market disruption, uneven economic outcomes, and continued uncertainty around monetary policy. Against that backdrop, Diehl and Chastain explain why many financial leaders are elevating the role of precious metals as part of long-term wealth protection strategies.

As one of the nation’s largest private distributors of government-issued gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products, U.S. Money Reserve brings rare leadership experience to these conversations. With two former Directors of the U.S. Mint on its leadership team and more than one million clients served, the company provides trusted insights into navigating evolving financial conditions.

Listen to America’s Gold Authority® Podcast and request your FREE Gold Ownership Guide by calling 855-494-0049 or visiting https://usmr.gold/USMoneyReserve/Website/POD43P

On this special year-in-review episode of America’s Gold Authority® Podcast, host Mike Barnes is joined by Philip N. Diehl, President of U.S. Money Reserve and former Director of the U.S. Mint, and Brad Chastain, U.S. Money Reserve’s Director of Education, to revisit the defining moments that shaped gold’s breakout performance in 2025.

Drawing from standout clips across the year, the episode traces how early expectations around interest rate cuts, central bank buying, and global uncertainty gave way to far-stronger-than-expected results. Diehl and Chastain break down why gold climbed more than 60% in 2025, why silver surged even higher, and how demand from central banks and consumers—particularly in China and India—reshaped the precious metals landscape.

The discussion also examines the broader global backdrop, including geopolitical shifts, monetary realignment, and emerging pressures tied to technology and global trade. Together, these forces converged into what Diehl describes as a “perfect storm” for gold. Looking ahead to 2026, the episode offers perspective on why uncertainty remains a powerful driver of gold demand and why gold and silver continue to play central roles in preserving wealth during times of rapid change.

As one of the nation’s largest private distributors of government-issued gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products, U.S. Money Reserve brings rare leadership experience to these conversations. With two former Directors of the U.S. Mint on its leadership team and more than one million clients served, the company provides trusted insights into navigating evolving financial conditions.

Listen to America’s Gold Authority® Podcast and request your FREE Gold Ownership Guide by calling 855-499-3459 or visiting https://usmr.gold/USMoneyReserve/Website/POD42P