Advertise on podcast: Common Denominator with Moshe Popack

I couldn’t stop thinking about this: the Pentagon is hiring investment bankers to deploy over $200 billion… and once you understand why, you start to see how the world really works. In this solo episode of Common Denominator, I break down what’s actually happening behind that headline and why it has everything to do with your life, your money, and your future. This isn’t just about defense or geopolitics. It’s about capital allocation at the highest level and the mindset that separates reactive decision-making from disciplined, long-term thinking. From losing my job in 2009 to building and managing thousands of real estate units, I’ve learned that wealth isn’t about being the smartest person in the room, it’s about being the most consistent allocator of capital. And here’s the truth: you’re already doing it every day. Your time, your energy, your money, it’s all capital. The question is: are you deploying it intentionally? In this episode, I cover: - Why the Pentagon is turning to investment bankers - What capital allocation really means (beyond money) - The difference between emotional vs. disciplined decision-making - How to think in decades, not days - Why consistency—not intelligence—builds lasting wealth - How values, faith, and responsibility shape long-term success Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

I sat down with John Perkins, author of Confessions of an Economic Hitman, and what he shared completely shifted my perspective. We talk about how global power really works—from the World Bank and IMF to how countries are pushed into debt traps that benefit corporations, not people. But this isn’t just about geopolitics… it’s about awareness, responsibility, and what each of us can actually do. The biggest takeaway for me? It’s not about fear—it’s about action. In this episode, we get into: - What an “economic hitman” actually does - How global systems impact everyday life - The truth behind GDP and who it really benefits - China vs. the U.S. — what’s really happening - Why we’re at a critical inflection point in history - The 5 questions YOU can ask to create real change This conversation challenged me—and I think it will challenge you too. Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator 🎙 Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

I lost my job in 2009. And with it, my income, my confidence, and my sense of identity. This isn’t theory. This isn’t strategy from a book. This is my real story. How I went from uncertainty during the financial crisis to building 4,000+ units and millions of square feet in real estate… one disciplined decision at a time. In this solo episode of Common Denominator, I break down the moment everything could have ended. And how it became the foundation for everything I’ve built since. Here's what you can expect:  - What losing everything actually feels like (and why no one talks about it) - The mindset shift that changed everything - Why slow, disciplined real estate wins over hype - The truth about building wealth during uncertainty - Faith, family, and responsibility as driving forces - Exactly what I would do if I had to start over today If you’re going through a tough moment—financially, mentally, or personally—this episode is for you. You’re not behind. You’re at the beginning. The common denominator is you. Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

AI is fueling a massive data center boom, but does America actually have the power to keep up? In this episode of Common Denominator, I sit down with Mark Mills to dig into one of the most pressing questions in the country right now: can our energy infrastructure truly support the rise of AI? Mark Mills is a physicist, energy expert, and author who focuses on how technologies like AI and data centers are grounded in real-world energy and infrastructure systems. As demand for data centers accelerates, I wanted to go beyond the headlines and understand what’s really happening—at the intersection of technology, energy, infrastructure, and national security. Mark brings a clear, data-driven perspective as we break down the realities of the U.S. power grid, rising electricity demand, private power solutions, natural gas, nuclear energy, and what it will actually take to power the future of AI in America. In our conversation, we discuss:  • Why AI is creating an unprecedented surge in data center demand  • Whether the U.S. power grid can realistically keep up  • Why location and proximity matter so much for data centers  • The growing importance of private and off-grid power solutions  • Why natural gas may be the most practical near-term answer  • Whether nuclear can play a meaningful role over the next decade  • The economic and political pushback surrounding data center development  • Why this moment could be a major inflection point for AI infrastructure If you’re interested in AI, energy, infrastructure, investing, or the future of America’s competitive edge, this is a conversation worth watching. Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

Why are so many of the world’s most powerful entrepreneurs and billionaires moving to Miami? This shift is bigger than most people realize. From Larry Ellison to Mark Zuckerberg and Sergey Brin, some of the smartest people in the world are choosing South Florida. And when that many high-level thinkers make the same decision, I think it’s worth paying attention. To me, this isn’t just about lifestyle or taxes, it’s about where the future of building, investing, and creating is headed. And right now, I believe Miami is one of the most important cities to watch. In this episode, I share: - Why I believe Miami is becoming a serious hub for business and innovation - The real economic incentives driving people out of places like California - How quality of life is playing a bigger role than ever - Why I think momentum is only just beginning Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator 🎙 Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

What happens when people stop trusting the news, stop listening to politicians, and start turning to podcasts for the truth? In this episode, I sat down with Adam Sosnick, and we went straight into the stuff everybody’s thinking about but not everybody wants to say out loud: why trust in media has collapsed, why social media is eating TV alive, why Florida keeps winning, and why it feels like common sense has become controversial. Adam didn’t dodge. He didn’t sanitize. And honestly, that’s what made this conversation so good. We talked about politics, leadership, family, faith, community, digital influence, Patrick Bet-David, Valuetainment, and why people are craving something real in a world full of noise, spin, and performance. We also got into one of the biggest questions in the country right now: can we still disagree without completely destroying each other? And somehow… we managed to talk about all that while still laughing. In this episode: - Why nobody trusts traditional media the way they used to - Why podcasts feel more honest than the news - Whether TV ads are a waste of money now - Why Florida and Miami keep attracting everyone - How to disagree without turning people into enemies - Why community and real human connection matter more than ever - Adam’s rise from nightlife and finance to Valuetainment - What he’s learned from building with Patrick Bet-David Timestamps: 00:00 The Divided States of America 02:48 The Rise of Podcasting and Trust in Media 06:03 Political Campaigning in the Digital Age 09:00 The Future of Florida as a Business Hub 12:01 Building Relationships and Networking 15:00 Navigating Disagreements with Empathy 21:31 Finding Common Ground Over Dinner 24:29 The Power of Community and Connection 30:48 Building Relationships Through Shared Experiences 35:26 The Vision of Valuetainment 41:03 The Journey of Dreams and Actions Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator 🎙 Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

What if the real question about crypto isn’t what it is… but who you’re trusting? In this episode of Common Denominator, I break down one of the biggest conversations happening right now: crypto, stablecoins, and the future of money. I’m not anti-crypto. I believe in innovation. But when it comes to money, trust is everything, and that’s where this conversation gets more complicated than most people realize. Why are people moving away from traditional financial systems? What makes stablecoins seem “safe”? And most importantly… who’s actually benefiting behind the scenes? I walk through: - Why trust in institutions is breaking down - How stablecoins really work (and how companies make money from them) - The hidden trade-offs of decentralization - What regulation could mean for the future of crypto - And the one question everyone should be asking before investing in anything This isn’t about saying crypto is good or bad. It’s about understanding the system—and thinking clearly before you trust it. Because the moment we stop asking questions… that’s when the real problems begin. Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator 🎙 Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

I sat down with Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and CEO of the Black Swan Group, and within minutes, I realized most of us are communicating completely wrong. We think negotiation is about being persuasive, dominant, or getting to “yes.” Chris flipped that idea on its head. From negotiating with terrorists to advising Fortune 500 CEOs, Chris breaks down the real psychology behind influence, why “yes” is overrated, and how something as simple as listening differently can transform your results—in business, relationships, and life. What hit me hardest? Half your problems disappear the moment someone feels truly heard. In this conversation, we go deep into: - The hidden communication mistakes we all make - Why clarity can feel like “violence” (and how to fix it) - The power of mirroring (and how to use it without sounding fake) - How tactical empathy leads to better deals—and more money - What hostage negotiation teaches us about everyday life This isn’t theory. This is real-world strategy from someone who’s operated in life-or-death situations—and now applies it to business, leadership, and human connection. If you care about results… this episode will change how you think. TIMESTAMPS:  00:10 – Intro: Chris Voss (FBI negotiator & author) 01:00 – Why every negotiation impacts the future 01:05 – The pressure of life-or-death decisions 02:08 – The biggest communication mistake people make 02:30 – Precision listening: the skill most people lack 03:30 – Why people are afraid to ask for clarity 04:37 – The myth: communication ≠ understanding 05:00 – How repeating back builds trust instantly 06:07 – What mirroring actually does (FBI technique) 08:30 – Why using someone’s name can backfire 09:29 – How Chris Voss got into FBI negotiation 10:52 – Fear vs. process in high-stakes negotiation 12:00 – Post-traumatic growth vs. defeat 12:45 – Top lesson from Never Split the Difference 13:02 – Stop aiming for “yes”—aim for “that’s right” 13:39 – Perception vs. perspective in negotiation 15:15 – There’s always a better deal 16:00 – Why trust is more common than you think 19:20 – Negotiation, politics & ripple effects 22:37 – Biggest mistake CEOs make in negotiation 23:17 – Why collaboration makes more money 24:30 – Tactical empathy as a competitive advantage 29:55 – Fear of asking questions (conditioning) 30:16 – Why the education system rewards mediocrity 31:21 – The creativity we lose as we grow up 33:17 – The power of belief & mindset 34:52 – The common dnominator of great negotiation Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator 🎙 Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

Is government really designed to help people, or is the system more complicated than we think? In this episode of Common Denominator, I take a step back from politics and focus on something more important: how systems actually work in the real world. We’re often taught that government programs exist to protect and support u, but when you look closer, questions start to emerge. Why does government spending tend to be so inefficient compared to the private sector? What happens when programs fail—but don’t go away? And are we measuring success the right way? I break down: - Why government spending doesn’t follow the same accountability as business - A surprising comparison between New York City and Florida budgets - The difference between short-term help and long-term opportunity - Why people are moving to places like Florida in record numbers - The real role government should play in a thriving society This isn’t about being political—it’s about being practical. Because if we want better outcomes, we need to understand what actually lifts people up. In my view, the answer isn’t more control, it’s more opportunity. Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator 🎙 Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

I almost learned the hard way that entrepreneurship rewards action, but it also demands humility. Liz Faircloth, real estate investor, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the Real Estate InvestHER community, talks about the moments that shape an entrepreneur’s journey—the mistakes, the risks, and the lessons you can’t learn from a textbook. Liz shares the story of how she missed two mortgage payments because she refused to hire a $200/month bookkeeper, and how that painful moment forced her to step back, fire herself from the role, and build the team that ultimately helped scale her real estate business. We also dive into: - How a $30,000 loan from her father launched her first real estate investment - The impact of Rich Dad Poor Dad on her financial mindset - Why failure is often the fastest path to growth - The terrifying moment when $10 million in investor funds was stolen by a 1031 custodian - How she rebuilt trust and protected her investors - What it’s like building a business with your spouse - Why she created InvestHER, a global community helping women build wealth through real estate - How entrepreneurs can turn fear into opportunity For me, the biggest takeaway is simple: you can’t avoid pain in business—but you can decide whether you learn from it. Connect with Liz Faircloth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-faircloth-36783/ Follow Invest HER: https://www.instagram.com/therealestateinvesther/ Learn more about Invest HER: http://www.linktr.ee/investher Timestamps: 00:00 The $200 mistake that changed Liz’s business 01:05 Why entrepreneurs need failure to grow 02:21 How Rich Dad Poor Dad changed Liz’s life 08:42 Why you’ll never feel 100% ready to invest 09:17 Lessons from Wharton and entrepreneurial thinking 10:23 “Burn the boats” — the mindset of real entrepreneurs 11:21 What it’s really like building a business with your spouse 14:21 The biggest real estate scare of Liz’s career 18:00 The responsibility of managing investor capital 19:57 Protecting investors and rebuilding trust 22:26 Navigating real estate during COVID 25:24 The birth of the InvestHER community 31:56 Why purpose matters more than profit 33:00 Final thoughts on leadership, growth, and impact Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator 🎙 Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

Too many people today feel constantly disappointed—by relationships, work, and life itself. One major reason? Expectation. In this solo episode of Common Denominator, I share a powerful idea that shapes how we experience happiness, disappointment, and purpose: our mindset. When we depend on external things like success, recognition, or other people to make us happy, our happiness becomes fragile. Drawing on insights from Viktor Frankl, author of Man’s Search for Meaning, I explore a simple but profound truth: The one thing no one can take away from you is your ability to choose how you respond to what happens. In this episode, I talk about: - Why expectations often lead to disappointment - Viktor Frankl vs. Freud on what truly drives human behavior - Why meaning matters more than pleasure - How purpose and gratitude reshape your mindset - Why struggle is often part of discovering your purpose Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator 🎙 Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/ #Mindset #ViktorFrankl #Purpose #PersonalGrowth #MeaningInLife #CommonDenominator #MoshePopack

What’s actually happening in housing right now, and why don't the headlines tell the full story? In this episode of Common Denominator, I sit down with Richard Ross to break down what’s really driving today’s rental and housing market. We get into why multifamily occupancy is dropping even as the country faces a housing shortage, how demographics are reshaping demand, and why more renters are moving away from traditional apartments. Richard walks me through the rise of built-to-rent single-family communities, why three- and four-bedroom rentals are in such high demand, and how affordability, lifestyle, and flexibility are changing renter behavior. We talk interest rates, the lock-in effect, institutional ownership narratives, and where real opportunities may exist as stress builds across commercial real estate. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why apartment occupancy is falling despite housing shortages - How demographics are reshaping rental demand - Why renters are choosing single-family homes over apartments - The real math behind renting versus owning today - Why interest rates don’t work the way most people think - How flexibility and lifestyle now drive housing decisions - Where pressure — and opportunity — may emerge in real estate Timestamps: 00:00 – Why housing data feels contradictory 01:05 – Demographic shifts impacting apartments 03:09 – The built-to-rent single-family model 06:57 – Renting vs owning: the real numbers 07:52 – Institutional ownership and political narratives 11:30 – Renters by choice and lifestyle flexibility 12:36 – Creating real community in rental housing 15:59 – How far people are willing to live from work 17:44 – Why mortgage rates don’t follow the Fed 20:35 – Where opportunity may emerge next Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator 🎙 Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

Today we’re breaking down HJR 203, a proposal that could eliminate city and county property taxes for Florida homesteaded homeowners starting in 2027 — potentially cutting tax bills in half. But there’s a catch. State economists project a $14.8 billion annual gap in local budgets, which fund police, fire departments, roads, and public services. So the real question is: will homeowners see true relief, or will costs shift elsewhere? I also share a potential solution — a structured visitor tax on the 143 million people who visit Florida each year — that could help offset the deficit while protecting residents. This isn’t just about taxes. It’s about balance, growth, and protecting Florida’s future. That’s the common denominator. Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator 🎙 Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

What does it actually take to live as your authentic self — especially when it costs you friendships, comfort, and approval? In this episode of Common Denominator, I sit down with Kayla Schreibstein for a deeply honest conversation about identity, courage, belonging, and what it means to stand for who you are when it would be easier to blend in. Kayla shares her journey growing up disconnected from her Jewish identity, the moment October 7th forced her to confront who she really was, and the heartbreak of losing close friendships over deeply held beliefs. We talk about what it means to choose authenticity over people-pleasing, why community matters more than ever, and how showing up publicly can become a source of healing — not just for yourself, but for others. We explore faith, culture, boundaries, fear, self-doubt, and the pressure young women feel to stay quiet or agreeable. This episode is about finding your voice, owning your story, and realizing that purpose doesn’t come from validation — it comes from alignment. This conversation is a reminder that you don’t reach your full potential until you stop hiding who you are. In this episode, you'll learn:  - Why authenticity often comes at a personal cost - How losing friends can clarify who you really are - What it means to own your identity publicly - Why community is the antidote to isolation - How self-doubt shows up — even in confident people - Why people-pleasing keeps you stuck - How young women can step into their voice and power - Why purpose matters more than money or approval Follow Kayla Schreibstein: https://www.instagram.com/kay_schreibs Friends of Kayla podcast: https://linktr.ee/friendsofkayla Friends of Kayla instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsofkayla Timestamps: 00:00 – Choosing purpose over chasing money 01:00 – Rejecting identity and the fear of being different 03:00 – October 7th and losing close friendships 06:30 – Agreeing to disagree — and when it fails 09:00 – Division, narrative, and the cost of hatred 12:00 – Building community through culture and tradition 14:30 – Showing up publicly despite fear 16:30 – Women, confidence, and self-doubt 18:30 – Boundaries, people-pleasing, and personal freedom 20:30 – Final reflections on authenticity and growth Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator 🎙 Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/

What would you do if you lost your job, faced a massive lawsuit, and risked losing everything you built? In this solo episode of Common Denominator, I open up about one of the hardest moments of my life — being hit with a major judgment right after I started making money again. It could have set us back emotionally for a decade. Instead, my wife and I made a decision: we would pay it… and move on. Because here’s the truth — the only control you ever really have is your reaction. I share what 15 years of Jiu-Jitsu, the philosophy of the samurai, Bruce Lee, and Viktor Frankl have taught me about emotional discipline, fear, and resilience. Fear is almost always false evidence appearing real. Less than 1% of what we fear actually happens — if we don’t give up. In this episode, I talk about: - Why choosing a life partner is the biggest (and riskiest) decision you’ll ever make - How to handle financial setbacks without letting them define your future - The power of breathing before reacting - Training your nervous system to stay calm in chaos - Why most people stay stuck — and how to break the cycle - The mental block that keeps you from writing down your biggest goals - Why underdogs win - Burning the boats and creating “no choice” situations We’re all changing. Your partner is changing. Your business will rise and fall. The world will distract you. The question is: can you regulate yourself when it matters most? When everything feels insane — breathe. Take one step. Then another. That’s the training. That’s the work. That’s the common denominator. If this episode resonates, subscribe and share it with someone who needs the reminder: you are stronger than your fear. Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator 🎙 Common Denominator Podcast Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/ YouTube: @mpopack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/