The overarching theme this week is the unstable nature of what is often termed “the empire”—a metaphor for the global financial and geopolitical heavyweight, largely driven by American fiscal influence.

John and Catherine discuss how the empire appears to be in flux, with everything from international tariffs to domestic interest rates contributing to the shaky ground. Despite the seriousness of the topics, Catherine promises a bit of comedic relief, thanks to Howard Lutnick, showcasing that even in the tremors of financial instability, laughter can still find its place.