The Sovereign Guide Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:31:41 -0600 https://fullcycleentrepreneur.com/ en-us © 2026 The Sovereign Guide yes a96e6814-6bd3-5fa8-a3e2-7fa84fcfb8df Alastair Macdonald episodic false Navigating Cycles, Avoiding Hippos, and Inviting Curiosity. 


Where most people see randomness and uncertainty; Alastair looks for the cycle. Most people want a life without problems; Alastair is seeking a life of new and more interesting problems. 


The Sovereign Guide is a podcast for the entrepreneurs, ronins and seekers who are tired of recycled, regurgitated, advice masquerading as “wisdom.” Drawing from a life story that spans from the Zimbabwean Civil War to the depths of the American financial crisis, Alastair explores the magic and power of expanded horizons, alternative perspectives, contrarian approaches and a life spent chasing what truly interests you. 

This isn’t a show about “tips and tricks.” It’s about intellectual dynamism and courage to seek out the uncertainty that so many fear. 

Curiosity, work ethic and gratitude, have gifted him a life of incredible richness and remarkable adventure. He wishes the same for you – it’s the reason he’s doing this. (Ask him about the time he washed up, with little food and no means of communicating, on an island that turned out to be a leper colony.)


Website: www.sovereigndentist.com

Private Group: www.facebook.com/groups/thesovereignguide/

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Full-Cycle, business, entrepreneurship, profit, economy, market Alastair Macdonald https://storage.buzzsprout.com/4v0i08kfizob7cc7cvqu4tgy7l4w?.jpg The Sovereign Guide https://fullcycleentrepreneur.com/ Episode 57: Field Report from a Parallel Universe Episode 57: Field Report from a Parallel Universe I went for a hike through the Green Gate and fell into a parallel universe. I am thinking of moving there full-time. If you're reading this, I'd love to have you "immigrate" with me. All the cool people live there, and there is an endless supply of headphones. Really. You'll see...

]]> I went for a hike through the Green Gate and fell into a parallel universe. I am thinking of moving there full-time. If you're reading this, I'd love to have you "immigrate" with me. All the cool people live there, and there is an endless supply of headphones. Really. You'll see...

]]> Jessica McBurney Buzzsprout-18971503 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0600 1118 full false Episode 56: Wasted equity. THE fix for broken incentives Episode 56: Wasted equity. THE fix for broken incentives One of the most persistent belief systems in modern business, is that by giving someone equity they automatically increase their contribution and engagement. Why is it that this is just not the lived reality more often than not?! Using vivid examples — from dental practice partnerships to office managers gaming bonus systems — I expose the structural and psychological flaws that cause incentive systems to fail, revealing what THE critical missing ingredient is. Whether you're handing out equity to retain a star performer or offering bonuses to hit overhead targets, this episode will fundamentally upgrade how you design deals and incentivize the people around you.

]]> One of the most persistent belief systems in modern business, is that by giving someone equity they automatically increase their contribution and engagement. Why is it that this is just not the lived reality more often than not?! Using vivid examples — from dental practice partnerships to office managers gaming bonus systems — I expose the structural and psychological flaws that cause incentive systems to fail, revealing what THE critical missing ingredient is. Whether you're handing out equity to retain a star performer or offering bonuses to hit overhead targets, this episode will fundamentally upgrade how you design deals and incentivize the people around you.

]]> Jessica McBurney Buzzsprout-18952454 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0600 2068 full false Episode 55: Oil vs. Blood. A Collision of Supply Chains and Sacred History Episode 55: Oil vs. Blood. A Collision of Supply Chains and Sacred History Something cirtical is missing in our planning for, discussions of, and expectations about the Iran conflict. through the largely Ignoring the lens of centuries old belief systems, cultural idealogy, and theological resolve, we start to see that the West's game-theory calculus is dangerously incomplete. Drawing on the 1,345-year-old Shia legacy of Ashura — the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at Karbala — I explain why Iran's nearly 100 million people operate from a belief system the west just does not understand. I will excplain how even the use of the term "decapitation strategy" ignites a cultural memory of the very crucible form which the nation and its beliefs wore born. When dying for justice is in fact the ultimate victory, surrender is simply unthinkable. With the assassination of Khomeini fulfilling a thousand year old prophecy, we open our eyes to the possibility that anyone expecting a quick resolution is likely misreading a crucial asymmetry.


]]> Something cirtical is missing in our planning for, discussions of, and expectations about the Iran conflict. through the largely Ignoring the lens of centuries old belief systems, cultural idealogy, and theological resolve, we start to see that the West's game-theory calculus is dangerously incomplete. Drawing on the 1,345-year-old Shia legacy of Ashura — the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at Karbala — I explain why Iran's nearly 100 million people operate from a belief system the west just does not understand. I will excplain how even the use of the term "decapitation strategy" ignites a cultural memory of the very crucible form which the nation and its beliefs wore born. When dying for justice is in fact the ultimate victory, surrender is simply unthinkable. With the assassination of Khomeini fulfilling a thousand year old prophecy, we open our eyes to the possibility that anyone expecting a quick resolution is likely misreading a crucial asymmetry.


]]> Jessica McBurney Buzzsprout-18952393 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0600 1524 full false Episode 54: The Conversation is Shifting Episode 54: The Conversation is Shifting The Sovereign Guide —  Rebranded and rebooted. In this episode, I explain this most recent shift with the podcast, from the prior The Full Cycle Entrepreneur and the original The Third Rail Entrepreneur, why, how and what to expect going forward. I unpack the concept of sovereignty: what it means to govern ourselves across all domains of life. From relational and intellectual sovereignty to business, financial, and spiritual progress. I explore how building a personally curated philosophy for your life, business, and beliefs leads to a richer, more adventurous existence. It's certainly done so for me. Equal parts philosophy and practical wisdom, I attempt to set the stage for broader, bolder conversations ahead.

]]> The Sovereign Guide —  Rebranded and rebooted. In this episode, I explain this most recent shift with the podcast, from the prior The Full Cycle Entrepreneur and the original The Third Rail Entrepreneur, why, how and what to expect going forward. I unpack the concept of sovereignty: what it means to govern ourselves across all domains of life. From relational and intellectual sovereignty to business, financial, and spiritual progress. I explore how building a personally curated philosophy for your life, business, and beliefs leads to a richer, more adventurous existence. It's certainly done so for me. Equal parts philosophy and practical wisdom, I attempt to set the stage for broader, bolder conversations ahead.

]]> Jessica McBurney Buzzsprout-18951669 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0600 1019 full false Episode 53: Punishing Ambition Episode 53: Punishing Ambition An employee asks for a raise. You feel defensive. They double down...so do you. It's all a misunderstanding rooted in a scarcity mindset that undermines true entrepreneurship. 

]]> An employee asks for a raise. You feel defensive. They double down...so do you. It's all a misunderstanding rooted in a scarcity mindset that undermines true entrepreneurship. 

]]> Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-17670872 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0600 1580 53 full false Episode 52: Avoiding the Guillotine Episode 52: Avoiding the Guillotine Do what you do. Love what you love. But as the cycle changes, optics really matter. Here's how. 

]]> Do what you do. Love what you love. But as the cycle changes, optics really matter. Here's how. 

]]> Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-17470732 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0600 1255 52 full false Episode 51: A Shout-Out to the Selfish Episode 51: A Shout-Out to the Selfish How our indulgences and obsessions help others live lives that they love.

]]> How our indulgences and obsessions help others live lives that they love.

]]> Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-17466819 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0600 1120 51 full false Episode 50: True Mastery - Part 2 Episode 50: True Mastery - Part 2 True mastery in action. I share my own personal journey plus a few case studies.

]]> True mastery in action. I share my own personal journey plus a few case studies.

]]> Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-17466068 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0600 1577 50 full false Episode 49: True Mastery - Part 1 Episode 49: True Mastery - Part 1 This single concept transformed everything for me. Embracing and embodying it has had a profound impact—and it has the power to radically change your life, too.

]]> This single concept transformed everything for me. Embracing and embodying it has had a profound impact—and it has the power to radically change your life, too.

]]> Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-17440100 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0600 1412 49 full false Episode 48: NOPEtism Episode 48: NOPEtism How and why we lower the bar for friends and family. How and why it’s a bad idea to do so. Looking back on a powerful lesson from my very first mentor.

]]> How and why we lower the bar for friends and family. How and why it’s a bad idea to do so. Looking back on a powerful lesson from my very first mentor.

]]> Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-17327088 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0600 536 48 full false Episode 47: Vulnerability. Power or Poison? Episode 47: Vulnerability. Power or Poison? Up, down, or across. A lesson from the field. 

]]> Up, down, or across. A lesson from the field. 

]]> Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-17244254 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0600 858 47 full false Episode 46: A New World Order - Part 3 Episode 46: A New World Order - Part 3 How to navigate market and economic volatility with clarity and caution—where success is defined differently. Highlighting the hidden cost of current tariff policies, framing them as a “sword without a shield” that harms U.S. consumers more than foreign adversaries. It’s a timely call to rethink risk, resilience, and what real protection looks like.

]]> How to navigate market and economic volatility with clarity and caution—where success is defined differently. Highlighting the hidden cost of current tariff policies, framing them as a “sword without a shield” that harms U.S. consumers more than foreign adversaries. It’s a timely call to rethink risk, resilience, and what real protection looks like.

]]> Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-17244239 Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0600 2012 46 full false Episode 45: A New World Order - Part 2 Episode 45: A New World Order - Part 2 We continue to unpack how the collapse of global cooperation—once maintained under Pax Americana—has given way to a multi-player world of economic self-preservation and escalating risk. Using game theory and historical precedent, I'll explain why recent U.S. tariff policies may trigger long-term consequences with no clear upside. This is a must-listen framework for understanding the new rules of global business and the mindset needed to adapt.

]]> We continue to unpack how the collapse of global cooperation—once maintained under Pax Americana—has given way to a multi-player world of economic self-preservation and escalating risk. Using game theory and historical precedent, I'll explain why recent U.S. tariff policies may trigger long-term consequences with no clear upside. This is a must-listen framework for understanding the new rules of global business and the mindset needed to adapt.

]]> Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-17244225 Sun, 01 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0600 1657 45 full false Episode 44: A New World Order - Part 1 Episode 44: A New World Order - Part 1 Don't skip this - We explore the end of Pax Americana and the beginning of a new global order shaped by tariffs, fractured alliances, and ideological calcification. This foundational conversation offers historical context, current implications, and future-facing strategies for navigating an uncertain global landscape. 

]]> Don't skip this - We explore the end of Pax Americana and the beginning of a new global order shaped by tariffs, fractured alliances, and ideological calcification. This foundational conversation offers historical context, current implications, and future-facing strategies for navigating an uncertain global landscape. 

]]> Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-17244216 Sat, 31 May 2025 04:00:00 -0600 1500 44 full false Episode 43: How I got to now. Episode 43: How I got to now. My personal journey. Social, economic, financial destruction, resurrection and triumph. Charting a course through cycles.

]]> My personal journey. Social, economic, financial destruction, resurrection and triumph. Charting a course through cycles.

]]> Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-17244203 Fri, 30 May 2025 07:00:00 -0600 1940 43 full false Episode 42: Change is here. The time is now. Episode 42: Change is here. The time is now. Change is here. Some are blind to it. Some are ignoring it. A few will embrace it. I know what camp I'm in. You ... ? 

]]> Change is here. Some are blind to it. Some are ignoring it. A few will embrace it. I know what camp I'm in. You ... ? 

]]> Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-17244175 Thu, 29 May 2025 10:00:00 -0600 402 42 full false Episode 41: The Partnership Paradox: Part 2 Episode 41: The Partnership Paradox: Part 2 Part 2 of The Partnership Paradox 

  • Partnerships done well and those done badly
  • Where do they unravel and why? 
  • Contribution, reward and more 
]]> Part 2 of The Partnership Paradox 

  • Partnerships done well and those done badly
  • Where do they unravel and why? 
  • Contribution, reward and more 
]]> Buzzsprout-8139110 Thu, 25 Mar 2021 13:00:00 -0600 1180 41 full false Episode 40: The Partnership Paradox: Part 1 Episode 40: The Partnership Paradox: Part 1
  • Partnerships done well and those done badly
  • Where do they unravel and why? 
  • Ownership rights vs. voting rights
  • Contribution, reward and more 
    • ]]>
  • Partnerships done well and those done badly
  • Where do they unravel and why? 
  • Ownership rights vs. voting rights
  • Contribution, reward and more 
    • ]]>     Buzzsprout-8139103 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 12:00:00 -0600 1697 40 full false     Episode 39: Private Training - The Other Side of Cheap Money Episode 39: Private Training - The Other Side of Cheap Money A historical context of today’s environment and the less discussed, other side of interest rates. 

    • 1720 all over again? 
    • Blank-check companies and secret promises 
    • Paying different attention to lower interest rates 
    ]]>     A historical context of today’s environment and the less discussed, other side of interest rates. 

    • 1720 all over again? 
    • Blank-check companies and secret promises 
    • Paying different attention to lower interest rates 
    ]]>     Buzzsprout-7700077 Sun, 07 Feb 2021 13:00:00 -0700 2643 39 full false     Episode 38: Inflation Episode 38: Inflation 'Stimulus packages are going to destroy the dollar and increase inflation.' Makes sense, but is that true? 

    ]]>     'Stimulus packages are going to destroy the dollar and increase inflation.' Makes sense, but is that true? 

    ]]>     Buzzsprout-7536790 Mon, 01 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0700 3106 full false     Episode 37: Power Abhors A Vacuum Episode 37: Power Abhors A Vacuum The best business decisions are made by the best decision makers. How can we improve our understanding of group and cultural dynamics?

    • The insights of game theory
    • Geo-political shifts and America's move within
    • A better understanding of macro-dynamics will better help with our micro-decisions 
    ]]>     The best business decisions are made by the best decision makers. How can we improve our understanding of group and cultural dynamics?

    • The insights of game theory
    • Geo-political shifts and America's move within
    • A better understanding of macro-dynamics will better help with our micro-decisions 
    ]]>     Buzzsprout-7433749 Thu, 28 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0700 1578 37 full false     Episode 36: Cycles, Taxes and Inflation Episode 36: Cycles, Taxes and Inflation How do we identify the cycles that we're creating?

    • Identifying the differences between the tax, economic and financial cycles
    • Understanding inflation


    ]]>     How do we identify the cycles that we're creating?

    • Identifying the differences between the tax, economic and financial cycles
    • Understanding inflation


    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-7435732 Sat, 23 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2771 full false     Episode 35: When Out of Nowhere... Episode 35: When Out of Nowhere...
  • The role of chance, people and events in our lives
  • Identifying those that change the course of our lives 
  • Honoring and being that change for others
    • ]]>
  • The role of chance, people and events in our lives
  • Identifying those that change the course of our lives 
  • Honoring and being that change for others
    • ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-7289386 Thu, 14 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2627 35 full false     Episode 34: Tailored Ambition Episode 34: Tailored Ambition We're upgrading and excited to announce a secret co-host. In this episode, Alastair and "secret co-host" discuss ambition, the entrepreneurial path, Counsels of Elders and more. 

    ]]>     We're upgrading and excited to announce a secret co-host. In this episode, Alastair and "secret co-host" discuss ambition, the entrepreneurial path, Counsels of Elders and more. 

    ]]>     Buzzsprout-7184863 Sat, 09 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0700 2439 34 full false     Episode 33: Temporary Disease, Fatal Cure: Part 2 Episode 33: Temporary Disease, Fatal Cure: Part 2
  • What happens when one party chooses the risk and the other pays the price? 
  • Too big to fail, too expensive to bail. 
    • ]]>
  • What happens when one party chooses the risk and the other pays the price? 
  • Too big to fail, too expensive to bail. 
    • ]]>     Buzzsprout-7001665 Sun, 03 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0700 1092 33 full false     Episode 32: Temporary Disease, Fatal Cure: Part 1 Episode 32: Temporary Disease, Fatal Cure: Part 1
  • Is it really stimulus or merely support?
  • The long-term cost of stifled innovation.
  • What really moves an economy.
  • What real help looks like.
  • Creative destruction and moral hazard.
  • The suffocation of entrepreneurship and ignoring the wisdom of our economic elders. 
    • ]]>
  • Is it really stimulus or merely support?
  • The long-term cost of stifled innovation.
  • What really moves an economy.
  • What real help looks like.
  • Creative destruction and moral hazard.
  • The suffocation of entrepreneurship and ignoring the wisdom of our economic elders. 
    • ]]>     Buzzsprout-7001641 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0700 1388 32 full false     Episode 31: Private Training: The Micro-Harvest Episode 31: Private Training: The Micro-Harvest During a private training session, Alastair presents the concept of The Micro-Harvest. Early on in our entrepreneurial paths, we convince ourselves that “x” is freedom (money). We then fold it back on itself, because it hasn’t arrived, ultimately deferring joy in the process. The Micro-Harvest allows: freedom from, freedom to do, and freedom within. 

    ]]>     During a private training session, Alastair presents the concept of The Micro-Harvest. Early on in our entrepreneurial paths, we convince ourselves that “x” is freedom (money). We then fold it back on itself, because it hasn’t arrived, ultimately deferring joy in the process. The Micro-Harvest allows: freedom from, freedom to do, and freedom within. 

    ]]>     Buzzsprout-7001587 Wed, 30 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0700 1732 31 full false     Episode 30: Beginner's Mind Episode 30: Beginner's Mind Sometimes the areas that we grow in the least contain the stuff that we know the best. What to do about it. 

    ]]>     Sometimes the areas that we grow in the least contain the stuff that we know the best. What to do about it. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-5382241 Thu, 10 Sep 2020 14:00:00 -0600 1124 Third Rail, team culture, leadership, ownership, entrepreneurship, business, business philosophy, self discovery 30 full false     Episode 29: Distortion: Part 2 - Labor Episode 29: Distortion: Part 2 - Labor With record unemployment levels in the US, the urge to support the less fortunate is clear and overwhelming. In doing so, we have to ask ourselves about the second-order consequences. 

    ]]>     With record unemployment levels in the US, the urge to support the less fortunate is clear and overwhelming. In doing so, we have to ask ourselves about the second-order consequences. 

    ]]>     Buzzsprout-5000144 Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:00:00 -0600 2117 Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Economy, Market, Unemployment 29 full false     Episode 28: Distortion: Part 1 - Interest Rates Episode 28: Distortion: Part 1 - Interest Rates While lowered interest rates and access to unlimited credit from the Federal Reserve seem like a panacea, we need to be very wary of the long-term, downstream and multi-generational effects. Here’s how it works. 

    ]]>     While lowered interest rates and access to unlimited credit from the Federal Reserve seem like a panacea, we need to be very wary of the long-term, downstream and multi-generational effects. Here’s how it works. 

    ]]>     Buzzsprout-4886783 Fri, 07 Aug 2020 11:00:00 -0600 1602 Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Economy, Interest Rates, Federal Reserve 28 full false     Episode 27: Live Training: The Time Harness Episode 27: Live Training: The Time Harness This episode is a short excerpt from a private-client-group training where Alastair discusses the Time Harness strategy.

    ]]>     This episode is a short excerpt from a private-client-group training where Alastair discusses the Time Harness strategy.

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-4750907 Wed, 29 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0600 1210 Entrepreneurship, Ownership, Leadership, Business, Business Philosophy, Team Training 27 full false     Episode 26: Guest Episode: Viva La Flora Part 2 Episode 26: Guest Episode: Viva La Flora Part 2 In Part 2 of this special episode, revisit how society, finance and economics manifests in art, design, theater and politics with Anahit Hakobyan's (Viva La Flora podcast) interview with Alastair. Developing and understanding an awareness of these interwoven elements is a significant step in becoming a Full-Cycle Entrepreneur.

    Check out Anahit's other episodes at Viva La Flora: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/viva-la-flora-live-the-art-and-business-of-flowers/id1472056410.

    ]]>     In Part 2 of this special episode, revisit how society, finance and economics manifests in art, design, theater and politics with Anahit Hakobyan's (Viva La Flora podcast) interview with Alastair. Developing and understanding an awareness of these interwoven elements is a significant step in becoming a Full-Cycle Entrepreneur.

    Check out Anahit's other episodes at Viva La Flora: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/viva-la-flora-live-the-art-and-business-of-flowers/id1472056410.

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-4702295 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 06:00:00 -0600 2077 Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurial, Floral, Business, Markets, Economy 26 full false     Episode 25: Guest Episode: Viva La Flora Part 1 Episode 25: Guest Episode: Viva La Flora Part 1 In this special episode, revisit how society, finance and economics manifests in art, design, theater and politics with Anahit Hakobyan's (Viva La Flora podcast) interview with Alastair. Developing and understanding an awareness of these interwoven elements is a significant step in becoming a Full-Cycle Entrepreneur.

    Check out Anahit's other episodes at Viva La Flora: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/viva-la-flora-live-the-art-and-business-of-flowers/id1472056410.

    ]]>     In this special episode, revisit how society, finance and economics manifests in art, design, theater and politics with Anahit Hakobyan's (Viva La Flora podcast) interview with Alastair. Developing and understanding an awareness of these interwoven elements is a significant step in becoming a Full-Cycle Entrepreneur.

    Check out Anahit's other episodes at Viva La Flora: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/viva-la-flora-live-the-art-and-business-of-flowers/id1472056410.

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald/Anahit Hakobyan Buzzsprout-4693163 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 20:00:00 -0600 1950 Entrepeneur, Entrepeneurial, Floral, Business, Markets, Economy 25 full false     Episode 24: Hidden Riches Episode 24: Hidden Riches In this episode, Alastair brings his first guest - Dr. Brady Marshall - onto the show. We work every day to give more, in order to gain more - fame, status and cash. But there are far more rewarding riches in your business that you are yet to know exist. 

    ]]>     In this episode, Alastair brings his first guest - Dr. Brady Marshall - onto the show. We work every day to give more, in order to gain more - fame, status and cash. But there are far more rewarding riches in your business that you are yet to know exist. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-4606574 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 07:00:00 -0600 2306 Entrepreneur, Clinical, Dentist, Personal Growth, Empathy, Personal Exploration 24 full false     Episode 23: Running Out of Future Episode 23: Running Out of Future The medical, economic and social risks of COVID-19 are by now, obvious. What's not, is the most insidious risk of all. 

    ]]>     The medical, economic and social risks of COVID-19 are by now, obvious. What's not, is the most insidious risk of all. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-4466801 Mon, 06 Jul 2020 19:00:00 -0600 1403 23 full false     Episode 22: How We Got to Now: Part 2 Episode 22: How We Got to Now: Part 2 Understanding the business cycle requires knowing how money flows through industries, banking systems and global financial-institutions. In order to understand where the money is going next, we need to know where the money came from. In this excerpt, from a live training for dentists, Alastair finishes 'How We Got to Now'. 

    ]]>     Understanding the business cycle requires knowing how money flows through industries, banking systems and global financial-institutions. In order to understand where the money is going next, we need to know where the money came from. In this excerpt, from a live training for dentists, Alastair finishes 'How We Got to Now'. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-4321055 Thu, 25 Jun 2020 16:00:00 -0600 1819 22 full false     Episode 21: How We Got to Now: Part 1 Episode 21: How We Got to Now: Part 1 While it may feel that the world has gone mad because of COVID-19, there’s a lot more at play. This is the background story of how we got to now. 

    ]]>     While it may feel that the world has gone mad because of COVID-19, there’s a lot more at play. This is the background story of how we got to now. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-3693130 Sat, 09 May 2020 17:00:00 -0600 1476 21 full false     Episode 20: Touching the Rail (TTR): The Family of Things Episode 20: Touching the Rail (TTR): The Family of Things This is another 'Touching the Rail' (TTR) episode, where we bring you disparate thoughts and ideas and little mementos to enrich your experience. We hope that you find a moment of enrichment within. 

    ]]>     This is another 'Touching the Rail' (TTR) episode, where we bring you disparate thoughts and ideas and little mementos to enrich your experience. We hope that you find a moment of enrichment within. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-3511177 Mon, 27 Apr 2020 06:00:00 -0600 167 20 full false     Episode 19: Touching the Rail: Home Insecurity Episode 19: Touching the Rail: Home Insecurity The first episode in the 'Touching the Rail' (TTR) installments, where Alastair shares words for you to ponder and make use of in your own lives. Right now, when we are all being forced to come up for air and take a pause from our regular, insane lives, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the instincts and propensities that we have – culturally and individually. Take this pause and find reflection in your life through Alexis de Tocqueville's words from Democracy in America. 

    ]]>     The first episode in the 'Touching the Rail' (TTR) installments, where Alastair shares words for you to ponder and make use of in your own lives. Right now, when we are all being forced to come up for air and take a pause from our regular, insane lives, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the instincts and propensities that we have – culturally and individually. Take this pause and find reflection in your life through Alexis de Tocqueville's words from Democracy in America. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-3508450 Sun, 26 Apr 2020 11:00:00 -0600 694 19 full false     Episode 18: The Nexus, the Risks and a Path Forward Episode 18: The Nexus, the Risks and a Path Forward The four components of the current social discontent. The best way to solve a problem is to break it into its component parts. In this episode, we cover what those pieces are that are affecting all of us – the economic, the medical, the social and the political. 

    ]]>     The four components of the current social discontent. The best way to solve a problem is to break it into its component parts. In this episode, we cover what those pieces are that are affecting all of us – the economic, the medical, the social and the political. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-3505543 Sat, 25 Apr 2020 21:00:00 -0600 1603 18 full false     Episode 17: Scenario Planning: Three Critical Steps to De-Risking Your Life Episode 17: Scenario Planning: Three Critical Steps to De-Risking Your Life The value of experienced advice. Identifying the biggest flaw in our natural, human instincts. Separating those who cheerlead, from those who add value. The comfort and power of intellectual courage. 

    ]]>     The value of experienced advice. Identifying the biggest flaw in our natural, human instincts. Separating those who cheerlead, from those who add value. The comfort and power of intellectual courage. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-3389356 Thu, 16 Apr 2020 15:00:00 -0600 2289 17 full false     Episode 16: Revelation: Stage 1 Episode 16: Revelation: Stage 1 The last several weeks have revealed so many things - our agreements, supply chains, assumptions, medical care, sense of commitment to each other, money, debt and the future. 

    ]]>     The last several weeks have revealed so many things - our agreements, supply chains, assumptions, medical care, sense of commitment to each other, money, debt and the future. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-3063652 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 23:00:00 -0600 2106 full false     Episode 15: The 7-Trillion-Dollar Magic Trick Episode 15: The 7-Trillion-Dollar Magic Trick 7 trillion dollars erased in 3 1/2 weeks. Where did it go? Jeff Bezos worth 110 billion dollars. Really?

    Every liquid market is an auction market. Is now a time to buy? Stocks are now cheap, but will they get cheaper? As entrepreneurs, what exactly is our job right now? 

    ]]>     7 trillion dollars erased in 3 1/2 weeks. Where did it go? Jeff Bezos worth 110 billion dollars. Really?

    Every liquid market is an auction market. Is now a time to buy? Stocks are now cheap, but will they get cheaper? As entrepreneurs, what exactly is our job right now? 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-3022207 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 06:00:00 -0600 2168 15 full false     Episode 14: Half-Cycle Report - Part 2 Episode 14: Half-Cycle Report - Part 2 As entrepreneurs, understanding the nature of recessions and contractions will help inform us how we can best prepare ourselves and our profits, where possible.

    ]]>     As entrepreneurs, understanding the nature of recessions and contractions will help inform us how we can best prepare ourselves and our profits, where possible.

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2942158 Sat, 07 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0700 1824 14 full false     Episode 13: Half-Cycle Report Episode 13: Half-Cycle Report The US markets and economy are approaching the tail end of their longest expansion in history. Half of a complete business cycle is behind us. What’s next? 

     

    ]]>     The US markets and economy are approaching the tail end of their longest expansion in history. Half of a complete business cycle is behind us. What’s next? 

     

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2940037 Fri, 06 Mar 2020 18:00:00 -0700 951 13 full true     Episode 12: Mimicry Episode 12: Mimicry Principles, philosophies, priorities, beliefs are all things that we’re sure are of our own design. But are they really? Or are you mimicking the beliefs of others?

    ]]>     Principles, philosophies, priorities, beliefs are all things that we’re sure are of our own design. But are they really? Or are you mimicking the beliefs of others?

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2810206 Fri, 21 Feb 2020 23:00:00 -0700 608 12 full false     Episode 11: The Critical Three Episode 11: The Critical Three The three critical skills to acquire and cultivate for a business and a lifetime of growth.

    ]]>     The three critical skills to acquire and cultivate for a business and a lifetime of growth.

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2801542 Thu, 20 Feb 2020 20:00:00 -0700 1270 11 full false     Episode 10: A Message to Garcia Episode 10: A Message to Garcia Ever notice how some people never seem to go without opportunities? Without clients, work, customers, patients or invitations? What is it about them? They can do something that few else can. It's here. In a short story, from 1899. 

    ]]>     Ever notice how some people never seem to go without opportunities? Without clients, work, customers, patients or invitations? What is it about them? They can do something that few else can. It's here. In a short story, from 1899. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2748406 Fri, 14 Feb 2020 21:00:00 -0700 1072 10 full true     Episode 9: The Real Magic of the Entrepreneurial Path Episode 9: The Real Magic of the Entrepreneurial Path Your business can do so much more for you than providing money and status. It can and should create insights, education and creativity that carry over into all domains of your life. 

    ]]>     Your business can do so much more for you than providing money and status. It can and should create insights, education and creativity that carry over into all domains of your life. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2732437 Thu, 13 Feb 2020 08:00:00 -0700 1319 9 full false     Episode 8: Diagnosis and Prescription: Part 2 Episode 8: Diagnosis and Prescription: Part 2 How could we possibly find solutions to a problem that is misdiagnosed? In the conclusion to Episode 7: Diagnosis and Prescriptions: Part 1, Alastair talks about the three critical questions to get to the heart of the matter. 

    ]]>     How could we possibly find solutions to a problem that is misdiagnosed? In the conclusion to Episode 7: Diagnosis and Prescriptions: Part 1, Alastair talks about the three critical questions to get to the heart of the matter. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2679400 Fri, 07 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0700 672 Third Rail, leadership, ownership, entrepreneurship, business, business philosophy, problems, business growth 8 full false     Episode 7: Diagnosis and Prescription: Part 1 Episode 7: Diagnosis and Prescription: Part 1 We're constantly misdiagnosing our problems and in so doing, we view the symptoms as problems. In this week's episode, Alastair takes his experiences with private clients and discusses that the biggest mistake an entrepreneur can make is mistaking symptoms for problems. He highlights why it happens and how you can fix it. 

    ]]>     We're constantly misdiagnosing our problems and in so doing, we view the symptoms as problems. In this week's episode, Alastair takes his experiences with private clients and discusses that the biggest mistake an entrepreneur can make is mistaking symptoms for problems. He highlights why it happens and how you can fix it. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2664493 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 16:00:00 -0700 847 Third Rail, leadership, ownership, entrepreneurship, business, business philosophy, problems, business growth 7 full false     Episode 6: A Tale of Two Leaders Episode 6: A Tale of Two Leaders The perceived leader vs. the actual leader, a tale of the two. In this episode, Alastair reflects on his time spent on Wall Street and shares his observations of two of Wall Street's biggest business executives. 

    ]]>     The perceived leader vs. the actual leader, a tale of the two. In this episode, Alastair reflects on his time spent on Wall Street and shares his observations of two of Wall Street's biggest business executives. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2572087 Sat, 25 Jan 2020 11:00:00 -0700 805 Third Rail, leadership, ownership, entrepreneurship, business, business philosophy, team culture, Wall Street 6 full false     Episode 5: Live Event: Dark Matter Episode 5: Live Event: Dark Matter Alastair presents at a DSI Summit and discusses Dark Matter. We only know it by its opposite; we don't know the value of it and yet we're actively experiencing it. Alastair posits that only when we embrace it can we turn it into a superpower. 

    ]]>     Alastair presents at a DSI Summit and discusses Dark Matter. We only know it by its opposite; we don't know the value of it and yet we're actively experiencing it. Alastair posits that only when we embrace it can we turn it into a superpower. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2570131 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 15:00:00 -0700 1253 Third Rail, dark matter, boredom, ignorance, knowledge, personal reflection, experience, entrepreneurship, personal growth, adventure 5 full false     Episode 4: Knowledge vs. Experience Episode 4: Knowledge vs. Experience The entrepreneurial path is a loop from ignorance to insight to wisdom, back to ignorance. Alastair shares a story from the inner circles of American power. 

    ]]>     The entrepreneurial path is a loop from ignorance to insight to wisdom, back to ignorance. Alastair shares a story from the inner circles of American power. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2569810 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0700 764 Third Rail, knowledge, secrets, insight, business, business culture, business adventure 4 full false     Episode 3: Case Study: Leadership Episode 3: Case Study: Leadership Every leader has a philosophy either inherited or created. In this episode, Alastair shares two critical first-principles. 

    ]]>     Every leader has a philosophy either inherited or created. In this episode, Alastair shares two critical first-principles. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2569801 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0700 1037 Third Rail, team culture, leadership, ownership, entrepreneurship, business, business philosophy 3 full false     Episode 2: The Legend: The Icon Episode 2: The Legend: The Icon The ultimate 3rd Rail Entrepreneur, who rose from obscurity to change the world. 

    ]]>     The ultimate 3rd Rail Entrepreneur, who rose from obscurity to change the world. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2569720 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0700 1355 Third Rail, perseverance, determination, entrepreneur, creativity, adventure, imagination, business adventure, experiences 2 full false     Episode 1: The 3rd Rail Entrepreneur Concept Episode 1: The 3rd Rail Entrepreneur Concept The new frontier of entrepreneurship and what lies beyond profit. Alastair discusses the adventures of business, as a vehicle towards growth - more than just money. 

    ]]>     The new frontier of entrepreneurship and what lies beyond profit. Alastair discusses the adventures of business, as a vehicle towards growth - more than just money. 

    ]]>     Alastair Macdonald Buzzsprout-2566516 Fri, 24 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0700 1349 Third Rail, 3rd Rail, passion, work-life balance, contrarian thinking, new business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, profit, team culture, creativity, meditation, adventure, business adventure, Alastair Macdonald 1 full false