Episode 359

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Published on:

27th Oct 2026

America Became a Casino: Kalshi, Polymarket, Pokémon Cards & the New Gambling Economy

America didn’t just start gambling more. It turned everything into a wager. Americans lost roughly $165 billion to legal gambling in 2025—before Pokémon cards, same-day options, or prediction markets. In Episode 359, we connect Labubus, Rolexes, exotic cars, and trading-card mania to a squeezed consumer chasing shortcuts to wealth. From financial nihilism and the rise of Kalshi and Polymarket to Beanie Babies and Wall Street’s original bucket shops, history reveals a familiar pattern: speculation grows, the house collects its fees, and someone gets left holding the risk. What happens when the money runs out?

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🔗 Resources:

2026 Planning & Progress Study — Financial Nihilism, Generational Wealth & Speculative Investing (Northwestern Mutual)

The State of Pokémon Card Prices, 2025–2026 — Vintage Appreciation, Modern Card Losses & Market Trends (TopVault)

The 2026 Collector Car Market Has a Strong Top End, but a Soft Underbelly (Hagerty)

Prediction Market Trading Volume Doubled Between May and July, Largely Driven by Sports (Pew Research Center)

Flaherty v. KalshiEX, LLC — Case No. 26-299: Sports Betting, Event Contracts & Federal Regulation (Supreme Court of the United States)

⚠️ Disclaimer: Please note that the content shared on this show is solely for entertainment purposes and should not be considered legal or investment advice or attributed to any company. The views and opinions expressed are personal and not reflective of any entity. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, and listeners are urged to seek professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. By listening to The Higher Standard podcast you agree to these terms, and the show, its hosts and employees are not liable for any consequences arising from your use of the content.

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About the Podcast

The Higher Standard
This isn’t a different standard, it’s the higher standard.
Welcome to the Higher Standard Podcast, where we give you ultra-premium, unfiltered truth when it comes to building your wealth and curating the lifestyle of your dreams. Your host; Chris Naghibi is here to help you distill the immense amount of information and disinformation out there on the interwebs and give you the opportunity to choose a higher standard for yourself. Sit back, relax your mind and get ready for a different kind of podcast where we elevate your baseline with crispy high-resolution audio. This isn't a different standard. It's the higher standard.

About your host

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Christopher Naghibi

Christopher M. Naghibi is the host and founder of The Higher Standard podcast — a rapidly growing media platform delivering unfiltered financial literacy, real-world entrepreneurship lessons and economic commentary for the modern era.

After nearly two decades in banking, including his most recent role as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of First Foundation Bank (NYSE: FFWM), Christopher stepped away from corporate life to build a brand rooted in truth, transparency, and modern money insights. While at First Foundation, he had executive oversight of credit, product development, depository services, retail banking, loan servicing, and commercial operations. His leadership helped scale the bank’s presence in multiple national markets from $0 to over $13 billion.

Christopher is a licensed attorney, real estate broker, and general building contractor (Class B), and he brings a rare blend of legal, operational and real estate expertise to everything he does. His early career spanned diverse lending platforms, including multifamily, commercial, private banking, and middle market lending — holding key roles at Impac Commercial Capital Corporation, U.S. Financial Services & Residential Realty, and First Fidelity Funding.

In addition to his media work, Christopher is the CEO of Black Crown Inc. and Black Crown Law APC, which oversee his private holdings and legal affairs.

He holds a Juris Doctorate from Trinity Law School, an MBA from American Heritage University, and two bachelor degrees. He is also a graduate of the Yale School of Management’s Global Executive Leadership Program.

A published author and sought-after speaker (unless it’s his son’s birthday), Christopher continues to advocate for financial empowerment. He’s worked pro bono with families in need, helped craft affordable housing programs through Habitat for Humanity, and was a founding board member of She Built This City — helping spark interest in construction and trades for women of all ages.