How to Become Competent, Confident & Dangerous - Matt Smith

The conventional path for young men is breaking down. College is more expensive than ever, jobs are disappearing faster than degrees can keep up, and an entire generation is being pushed into debt, confusion, and dependence before they’ve even had a chance to build real-world skills. More parents and young men are starting to ask a hard question: “If this system is failing, what actually works?” In today’s episode, I am joined by entrepreneur, rancher, and author Matt Smith to discuss The Preparation, his new book co-written with my friend and mentor Doug Casey. We break down how real competence creates confidence, why character matters more than credentials, and how skill acquisition, mentorship, and responsibility can shape capable, independent individuals inside a system designed to produce the opposite.  Enjoy!   IN TODAY’S EPISODE Listen in to hear why the traditional college path is failing young menLearn why exposure to risk and responsibility builds judgment that schools never teachHear why character and responsibility matter far more than credentialsFinish this episode with a clear alternative to raising dependent boys in an increasingly unstable world   STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”   WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Prices go up after January 2nd, and space is very limited, so reserve your tickets right away.   RELATED EPISODES 382: Doug Casey’s Crystal Ball for 2026: The One Conversation You Can’t Afford to Miss 378: Why Dropping Out of School Was the Best Investment I Ever Made 289: Lessons From Homeschooling Five Children Overseas - Joshua Sheats