Money Game (2024) Movie Script
1
[wind whistling]
[clicking, ding, scribbling]
Ah.
[zapping]
[With Lions's "Hands Up" plays]
Uh, drop the beat
Uh
Everybody put your hands up,
get your hands up
Get your hands up,
get your hands up
Get your hands up,
get your hands up
Now do it again,
get your hands up
Get your hands up,
get your hands up
Get your hands up,
get your hands up
Now do it again
Now, now bring your friends
And we'll do it again
Let me rock your body, ah
I said rock your body, body
And if you're feeling
real nice
Girl, we can light up
the night
Girl, I said
light up the night
Lose your mind and let me
make you say yeah, yeah, yeah
[monitor beeping]
[down-tempo music plays]
[music ends]
[cellphone vibrates]
[heartbeat]
[dramatic music plays]
[door opens]
-Hey.
-Hey.
-Thank you so much, Melissa.
-Yeah.
I know the girls
are gonna miss you a lot.
But I hear you're gonna
have a good time at Wesleyan.
Thank you.
I'll miss them, too.
What is it you're studying
again?
Social sciences.
With everything going on
nowadays,
it feels like the right time
to learn something
that will help make a change.
Well, they're lucky to have you.
As were we.
Oh, uh...here.
Oh, thank you.
Oh, and by the way,
I tried to call
your landlord earlier
'cause the sink was
leaking again.
Uh, don't bother.
I've been trying all month.
I always end up doing it myself.
Uh, I will take care of that,
but you please go
save the world.
And thank you for everything.
Thank you. I will.
Um, I'm just gonna go
put these away,
and I'll lock the door
on my way out.
Yeah. Sounds good.
[down-tempo music plays]
[music ends]
[man]
$100,000. Unreal.
If I had invested all my assets
in crypto
a few short years ago,
I would be a billionaire
at this moment.
Whatever.
Money's not real anyway.
That's the one lesson
we learned, right?
And we're just all following
that little "p" around.
Well, the "p" stands for
"profit."
And if you're smart, you'll put
your money where our mouth is.
We'll be right back.
[up-tempo music plays]
Slowly, Special Agent Drew
crept down the hallway.
Quiet were her footsteps,
as she hoped
her adversary was not aware
of her presence.
But he was.
Daddy, I can't sleep.
I'm sorry, princess.
Come here.
Tell me what's wrong.
Melissa said she's going away
to college.
Will we ever see her again?
Sure.
I mean, she'll have breaks
and summer vacation.
I miss Mommy.
I know, sweetie.
I do, too.
Can I just stay here
with you tonight?
Pretty please?
Of course you can.
Up.
[down-tempo music plays]
[dramatic music plays]
[Nia]
Will you come on?
You didn't say
it was this high.
[laughs] It is not.
Just hurry your ass up.
Pack is heavy. My feet hurt.
Come on, LeBron.
You're carrying me back down,
I swear.
[chuckles] I got you.
[serene music plays]
Whoa.
You see? Told you.
Come here. Picture time.
[chuckles]
More like this.
-[camera shutter clicks]
-Okay, I take it back.
[laughs] Okay.
[James]
Man, this really is beautiful.
Can you believe it?
Look how high up we are.
I know.
It's so incredible.
What do you think about
moving up here someday?
-What, to the mountain?
-No, silly.
Maine.
-Get an old farmhouse.
-Mm.
Raise a couple kids.
We'll have a simple life.
Kids?
[laughs]
[music continues]
Wake up, Daddy!
Wake up!
Daddy! Pancakes!
[groans] Pancakes?
I thought we were doing
oatmeal today.
No, Daddy, you promised!
Drew, we're having pancakes,
just like Dad promised.
Yay!
[upbeat music plays]
[chuckles]
Well, that's it. You done?
I'm going to explode!
Why'd you eat three, then?
'Cause they were delicious.
Mmm!
Well, we have a few hours
until I have to be back at work.
So how about
we do something fun today?
What do you say, Imani?
Obviously, we have to
clean up first,
but then I think
the museums open up today.
Well, actually,
Dad has a friend at work
who hooked me up,
'cause I'm cool like that,
and I...
have a better idea.
Awesome!
Yo, James! What's up, man?
Oh, uh, Bryson.
Hey, what's up, man?
What's going on?
This must be the girls.
Yeah. Drew, Imani, say hi.
-[Drew] Boom!
-What's going on?
-[Drew] Nice to meet you.
-Hi. Let's go.
All right.
Just hold on a second.
Don't go too far.
Listen, you should come with me.
I got front-row tickets.
Yeah.
No, we really shouldn't, man.
Ah, I mean, it's me and
a couple girls from the office.
Daddy! Front-row seats?
And there are
sponsorship tickets.
It's pretty cool, right?
Yeah, we actually
really shouldn't impose,
sweetie, but thank you.
Imani.
James, you're single.
I'm single.
All these girls are single.
You know, the concert's
gonna suck, man.
But let's have a little fun,
right?
Daddy!
Dad! Come on.
The show's gonna start.
Okay.
Uh, sorry, Bryson,
but just enjoy the show
and I'll see you Monday night?
All right?
-Okay.
-[Drew] Who was that?
Uh, just a guy
I played ball with.
[Drew] Is he rich?
Well, I mean, he's got money,
but I'm richer.
[siren wailing in distance]
Gotta stop meeting like this.
That might be a little hard
around here.
-[laughs]
-James.
Can I speak to you for a moment?
Uh, sure.
Can I just finish up here?
Hmm.
James, it says here
you were late last week?
Uh, yeah, I had an issue
finding a babysitter.
Right. And you were late
several times this week.
[James]
I was only late once.
Teenage girls -- they're
not always the most reliable.
Mm-hmm.
And you've been leaving early.
A couple times at most
but I cleared that with you.
James...
we need to have
team players here,
people who are reliable.
-I'm reliable.
-Please let me finish.
We're going to have to put you
on a PIP.
-A PIP?
-Performance improvement plan.
I know what it is, but what
does that mean, exactly?
It means you need to be here
on time.
It means you need to stay
your full shift.
And what if it's unavoidable?
I mean, I have two girls
at home. I...
-I'm not here to argue with you.
-I'm not arguing.
If you can't be here,
actions will have to be taken.
You may go.
[down-tempo music plays]
[up-tempo music plays]
[Bryson]
Here we go, here we go!
Got him!
Move! Man.
Get open! What are you...
Come on, man!
[man]
I'm going, I'm going.
What's that? 18-8?
Yeah, easy, pal.
[laughs] That was good.
[Bryson] What is this?
Fucking happy hour?
"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"
Are we playing basketball
or what?
Yeah?
Check the ball.
Watch the switch!
Hey, watch the pick!
Watch the pick!
Got him! I got him!
[grunts]
[players groan]
-It's our ball.
-[man] What do you mean?
It's our ball. It's our ball.
-You clearly --
-It's our ball. That's defense.
[man] Who the hell taught you
defense?
-Taught me what?
-This isn't fucking football.
This isn't what?
Who taught me what?
-Defense.
-Who taught me what?
-All right.
-Who the fuck are you?
No, no, no.
I want to know who this guy is.
-No, you --
-Who the fuck are you?
-Bryson. Bryson.
-Huh? Who brought him?
-[James] Over here.
-You bring him?
You probably did
fucking bring him.
Fucking clown.
Come on, man! Come on!
Fuck, man!
I'm outta here, dude!
Yo.
There it is.
Good game, player.
Just got back.
Already betting on the game.
[chuckles] Come on. Always, man.
What the hell is this?
It was just a pickup game.
[Bryson]
It's not just a game, man.
You either win or you lose,
right?
Oh, you play by the rules,
right?
Fuck the rules, man.
I play to win.
Takes money to make money.
Why are you so competitive
over every little thing?
How do you think I got to
where I am?
You know, the house,
the cars, the girls.
It's because I'm fucking
competitive, man.
Seriously, what do you got?
-Two girls to raise.
-[Bryson laughs]
Exactly my point.
Get out of that shitty job, man.
There's a fuck-ton of money
to be made out there
if you only could take a chance.
-And do what, Bryson?
-[Bryson] I don't know.
Do finance, do the market,
but literally do anything other
than what you're doing.
Wait. Finance?
I thought you were a CEO.
I am a CEO, but that's not
how I made all my money.
All right, listen, I was smart
enough to write up a pitch deck.
I hired some fucking nerds
from MIT,
and fucking boom, dude.
So how exactly does
your company make money?
My company make money?
Listen, it's all based
on subscriber growth, right?
Okay, so when that base grows...
bingo.
Look, at Goldman,
I mean, they're estimating
the value at $4 billion
once the IPO pops.
$4 billion.
-[James] Okay.
-$4 billion, Chuck.
But how does it make money?
You're talking about profits,
right?
Profits. Listen,
let me tell you something.
Nobody gives a shit
about profits.
All right? Half the time,
the fucking investors,
they don't even li--
they don't --
they don't read the prospectus.
Literally.
But what they do do is
they invest in a concept.
And I'm the fucking concept,
man.
[chuckles]
Don't show up next week,
all right?
He's such a dick.
[scoffs]
Hey, Maria. It's James.
Uh, James Williams
We met a few years ago
about that big blue house
outside Millinocket.
Yeah, that's the one.
My wife really wanted that.
Um, I saw that it's back
on the market.
I wanted to look back into it.
That much more?
No, I'm not really interested
in any other options.
Let me just...
I'll get back to you.
[Drew]
I was supposed to have the edge
for the last, like, three times.
-[Imani] You're such a liar.
-Knock on the door, please.
Hey!
Uh! [laughs] Hey, baby.
What's up, my boo?
Ah! [laughs]
-Good to see you.
-You, too.
All right.
I'll see you both later, okay?
-Bye.
-Hey, Juju.
What's up? Thank you.
I tried to get a babysitter,
but on such short notice...
It's fine.
I had Zoom meetings all day,
so it's nice to have
some real company.
You know, it's time you start
thinking about getting the girls
a little motherly influence
and attention.
Well, if that's a hint
at another one
of your sorority sisters,
I'm good.
[chuckles] Okay, fine.
What are you gonna do
when Imani starts
her first period?
-'Cause it's coming.
-I'm a medical professional.
I can figure it out.
Or I can just call you.
-Mm-hmm.
-You're probably right.
I'm just not really ready,
you know?
I understand.
You been able to see Mom?
Uh, yeah.
I mean, I tried a few times.
She's always asleep.
-How's she look?
-Like Mom.
Just like you would expect.
Well, I will be back
to get them at 8:30.
-Is that okay?
-It's fine.
-Where you going, anyway?
-Class.
-Right. Economics or something?
-Finance.
What does it have to do
with health care?
Absolutely nothing.
That's the point.
You're a little young to be
going through a midlife crisis.
That's what I'm trying to avoid.
Now, look, I don't want to be
late, but you got this.
Bye! Don't fail! Love you!
[down-tempo music plays]
[music ends]
[cartoon sound effects
playing]
Welcome to Finance 101.
My name is Professor Gardner.
Finance is the simplest subject
you'll ever learn.
It's all based on one formula --
the value of a dollar
paid annually.
If you want to buy $1 annually,
it will cost you $152.
Is anybody here willing
to give me $152
if I give you $1 every year
for the rest of your life?
Hell, no, because we'd all be
dead before we broke even.
Right. [chuckles]
What would happen to the value
of that $1 paid annually
if the interest rate was
to go negative?
All assets are worth infinite.
My coffee is worth infinite.
My desk is worth infinite.
My whiteboard is worth infinite.
Does this make sense?
Do you see
why the rich have all the money?
Their stocks are trading
at infinite.
In capitalism,
interest rates represent risk.
What would happen to the value
of that dollar paid annually
if it rose from
the current rate, 0.66%,
back to 10%.
Yes? And you are?
Aimee.
The value would go back to $10.
Correct!
And short-term interest rates
did rise to 10% in 2019,
until the Fed stepped in
and bought every single bond.
-They bought all the bonds?
-[Gardner] They had to,
otherwise the stock market
would crash.
But here's the problem.
Capitalism requires risk
in order to allocate
scarce resources.
What would happen if
we remove risk
from capitalism?
Let me give you an example.
What would happen
to the ecosystem in the savannah
if we slaughtered
every single lion?
The gazelle population
would explode.
But they would be fighting
over scarce water and resources.
-They would die out.
-[Gardner] Bingo.
And when the Fed intervened
in the bond markets,
they broke the ecosystem
of capitalism.
Hey.
Aimee, right?
Yeah. James, right?
Yeah.
So did you retain any of that?
I don't know. Maybe.
He seems like he knows
what he's talking about.
Give it time.
-I sanitized it.
-Keep it.
Well, I'll see you next class,
Aimee.
Have a good night.
[down-tempo music plays]
You okay?
I just lost the girl from 204.
It's bad enough that
COVID is taking so many lives.
The last thing I wanted was
to deal with another overdose.
Are you okay?
She's about the same age as Nia.
Do you ever think
of finding another job
that's not such a daily trigger?
I don't really know where else
I can make what I make.
Between my girls
and the bills,
paying rent
just to line of pockets
of some asshole.
Hey, a bunch of us are supposed
to go to the bar tonight.
You want to come?
Uh, I can't tonight.
Okay.
[baby cooing]
[James]
Aw, she has your eyes
and your nose.
And your ears, too.
Ooh! That was my yawn.
She had the jaws inside
and everything.
You're stupid.
Hopefully that's all
she gets from you.
[James]
Mm. You're not that lucky.
Imani is already like you.
This baby is going to be nice.
What? I'm nice.
Don't you listen to her.
Little Drew.
You're both so far away.
[James]
Wanna go see Mommy, hmm?
Oh, you are definitely
going to see Mommy.
I got her. There.
[James] Mm.
You ready for round two?
[chuckles] We're here.
I am so proud of you.
And I love you both so much.
[music continues]
[music ends]
$2,000.
[coughs] Call.
No, thank you.
[women laughing in background]
Check.
All in.
I call.
Yes! Oh, my God.
Full fucking house!
'Bout fucking time!
Nice hand, Bryson,
but I got the nuts.
Fuck, man! Fuck!
Fuck!
[man] Bad beat, man.
Yo, good game though.
Good game?
This shit isn't over.
Dude, you just dropped
like $100,000.
Listen, dipshit,
do you have any idea
how much I'm gonna be worth
once that IPO goes through?
No. Do you? Do you?
All right, a fuck-ton more
than fucking 100 grand,
I'll tell you that.
Listen, deal me back in.
You know what?
Make yourself useful
and get me a drink.
You, with the stupid
fucking haircut,
get me a fucking drink!
There you go.
There it is.
[girls laughing]
-Hey, Juju.
-Wow!
Looks like you guys had
quite the time.
Daddy, we made cookies!
Mostly Auntie Chrissy made them,
but we helped.
Oh, Auntie Chrissy
made cookies, huh?
-I am amazing.
-We made cookies.
I'm sorry.
You all made cookies.
And really big ones, actually.
The girls were a huge help.
They did a great job.
I did not know you were
such a fun aunt.
Don't be a hater.
Have a cookie.
Hey, but seriously, thank you
for looking after the girls.
It's fine.
But it can't be all the time,
you know?
Yeah, I know.
Yoga, book club.
Boy, I have a job.
I might work remotely,
but I still have to work.
Hmm.
You still chasing
that house up in Maine?
-Christine.
-You are spending money
that could be used to buy
a nice home right here
that you could actually afford.
Yeah, but I don't want
a nice home.
I want that home. I want
the home that Nia wanted.
Why are you holding on to that?
The girls are not gonna care
if it's the exact same house.
She had a plan, okay?
She promised them a life.
And I want to give them
that life.
And I want to give it to them
the way she planned it.
Okay.
You have flour all over you.
Daddy, can we spend
the night at Auntie Chrissy's?
Well, did you ask
Auntie Chrissy?
Auntie Chrissy,
can we spend the night?
Like I'm gonna say no.
Sure.
-Yes!
-[Christine laughs]
Don't make this a habit.
[pop music plays]
[James]
Seriously, though, I-I-I...
she was going off on this
dude, so I stepped out.
I backed up. I was way too new
to be dealing with all that.
No, Coughlin pissed me
the hell off.
No, I told him straight
to his face
that if he wanted me
to work another double,
he should have told me 15 hours
before I clocked in.
Yeah, but at least you nurses
got job security, you know?
Yeah, we have job security,
but we don't have
enough ventilators.
They're basically paying us
to watch people die.
Yep.
See, this is what I was
trying to tell you
in the break room.
You're cut off.
Just keep this over here.
You're good. You're okay.
Um, I actually
have to get going.
The girls got school
in the morning, so, you know.
-Okay.
-Mm!
Well, tell the girls I said hi,
and that I miss them.
-I will. Peace.
-Bye.
Oh, you're so gone.
[indistinct conversations]
Professor Gardner?
Mm. Oh, um...
-James.
-James! That's right.
-How you doing? Come on.
-Oh, no.
Actually, I gotta get going.
Come on. Let's just have one.
Just one.
Come on.
Yeah, all right.
Yeah. Just one. Just one.
What you drinking?
-[woman] Let me watch this.
-[Bryson] Yeah? Uh-oh.
-[woman laughs]
-[Bryson] Oh, God.
-So you invented TAPiT, right?
-Yeah.
How does the algorithm know
that since I like
wildlife videos,
that it should send me
videos of animals on safari?
Hey, listen.
No questions tonight.
It's magic.
Just think it's magic.
-Golly.
-[woman #2] Magic?
How you doing?
-I'm great.
-Yeah?
-How are you?
-Good.
I'm doing actually
extremely well.
Extremely well right now.
You know?
You mind holding that?
-Sure.
-I got something for us.
-Oh, yeah?
-Yeah.
Just to kind of spice it up
a little bit.
-Oh.
-Huh?
-You're a bad boy.
-Sure. And maybe we can --
Uh-oh. Oh, my God.
-How you doing?
-Good. How are you?
Good.
Excuse me a second.
Easy, easy.
[hip-hop music plays]
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
Living dangerous!
[snorts]
[grunts]
Let's make a TAPiT video.
So why did you leave
Wall Street
to teach community college?
[chuckles]
[sighs]
Because the system is
a game now, James.
Success in this current system
requires speculation.
And I will not speculate
with other people's money.
I'm not even sure
if I know what that means.
Okay, look, the Fed are supposed
to be like
referees in a football game.
Nobody's supposed
to notice them.
But now they tilted
the field 90 degrees
and broke the scoreboard.
Okay, that makes sense to me.
So things are
a little upside down?
Exactly.
When was the last time
in history
unemployment hit 33%
and the stocks go up?
It's pretty obvious
what's driving all this.
What's that?
A flood of easy money
from the Fed.
Oh, shit. It's almost...
So -- So what are you trying
to get out of my class?
I...
I need a better way
to make money.
I gotta get out of health care.
It's killing me.
You could say I'm...
trying to navigate the field.
Well, we're in a very
financialized economy.
[chuckles]
Stocks, bonds, and cash
are all massive bubbles,
but commodities
are at a 120-year low if you
really want to make some money.
-Commodities?
-Yeah.
Buy ag stocks, uh, gold,
uh, silver miners, land,
real estate,
or even just timber.
Listen, um, I really
do need to get going, but...
Ah, ah. I got this.
Thanks.
So real estate?
Yeah. Real estate, land.
Just real things.
Just buy real assets.
Oh, by the way, I'm gonna be
assigning group projects.
And I'm thinking about pairing
you up with Aimee.
Okay.
Well, I'll, uh...
I'll see you in class.
-Cheers.
-[CHAMIE's "Attitude" plays]
When I walk
into the room
It's like this sick beat
drops
My body starts to move,
yeah, I feel on top
Everybody's looking
and they're looking at me
Na na na na na na na na na
I wanna show it off,
I wanna show it off
I wanna show it off
Off, off, off
With my attitude
Attitude
[music continues]
[bang, music stops]
Mr. Williams,
$450,000 is quite a jump
from the loan
we originally discussed.
I almost have enough
for the original loan.
I have a really great
relationship with this bank.
I financed my car
through you guys.
Is there any way
that you can somehow accept
that amount for this loan
instead?
With a higher interest rate,
maybe?
James, I don't make the rules,
but we're gonna need
at least 10% down
for you to secure a mortgage.
45K.
Yes. Depending on
the final price, yes.
[sighs]
Okay. Thank you.
So we're scheduled
to launch the IPO next month.
-Fantastic.
-And just to remind you,
there is a 90-day
lockup period for you
and the other key executives.
Absolutely. Look, there's gonna
be no problem on our end.
-All right?
-Perfect.
I have all the paperwork
and can take it from here.
You're going to be very happy
and well-capitalized
for the next future launch,
that's for sure.
Well, thank you,
thank you, thank you, thank you.
This is gonna be great.
[chuckles] Yeah.
Listen, on your way out,
don't be afraid
to get to know Amber, you know,
if you know what I mean.
-I think I'm good.
-Yeah. All right.
[door closes]
I'm gonna be so fucking rich.
[down-tempo music plays]
Hi. I'm returning a call
for Shanice Williams.
Her son, yes.
Oh, really?
Uh, no. She -- She called me
a couple hours ago.
I thought maybe she...
No, no. If she's sleeping,
please let her.
Um, I'll try again tomorrow.
Thank you. Bye.
You're really well organized.
[chuckles]
I try my best.
You should give yourself
some credit, though.
You came up with some
pretty good ideas tonight.
You're smarter than I thought.
[cellphone vibrates]
I should probably head home,
actually.
Um, yeah, a-actually,
I got something I gotta go do.
But, uh, let me give you a ride.
It's okay, I just --
I live across the park, so...
Oh, well, then you know what?
Let me get my jacket.
I'll just --
I'll walk you real quick.
I saw some cute little
crayon drawings on your fridge.
Now, I don't know, but I just
don't sense an artist in you.
[chuckles]
Nah, you got me.
Um, that would be my girls.
-Girls?
-Yeah. Two beautiful daughters.
Tall little things.
There's Drew. She's 7.
Definitely the better artist
of us all.
And Imani -- well, she's 11,
but she acts 29.
And I'm not really sure who's
raising who at this point.
And their mother?
Nope. Just us.
Hey, uh, do you mind
if we stop here for a sec?
[down-tempo music plays]
This is the place I come to
to disconnect from the world.
When I'm down,
this place lifts me back up.
Beautiful spot.
James?
We used to come here.
A lot.
Your daughters' mother?
My wife. Nia.
She died three years ago.
I haven't been back here since.
It was my dad
that used to bring me up here.
We used to grab ice cream
and...
we'd talk for hours.
When he --
When he passed, I...
I couldn't come here.
And then the others left,
and I was alone.
[cellphone rings]
Sorry. This is my sister.
Shit! Is that what time it is?
Hey, Christine.
I'm sorry.
Jesus, James, where are you?
It's almost 9:00.
Yeah, I know, I know.
I got a little held up.
I'm just walking
my friend Aimee home.
You're messing around
with some girl?
It's not like that.
Boy, I'm also trying
to have a life.
You need to get yourself
together.
You could have called me.
I know. Look, um...
I'll just -- I'll be over there
in 20 minutes, okay?
Have a good night, James.
[Christine]
Unh-unh, don't even bother.
I'll get the girls ready for
school. You be here by 7:00.
[James]
You don't have to do that.
Mnh-mnh.
[Bryson] Yeah. Okay.
Well, get a load of this.
So I've been waiting for,
let's say, an hour,
hour 45 fucking minutes.
And, you know,
I don't think you realize
how important my time is.
Okay, so I'm gonna be short
and sweet with you here.
I don't care about any of
the local ordinances, all right?
I just don't.
Do you have any idea --
any idea how much money
I've spent on this place?
[woman] I understand, Mr. Hill,
but the budget for your house
is not my concern.
What is my concern is your lack
of respect for your neighbors.
Oh, my lack of respect, huh?
Fuck that.
My lack of respect?
Listen, I don't care.
I repeat -- I don't care
whose view gets obstructed
by my waterfall!
I'll build a bigger waterfall.
Maybe I'll put a fucking volcano
next to the waterfall!
Okay? I don't care!
It's my fucking money!
It's my fucking money!
It's my fucking palace!
Fucking sue me!
And give me a fucking break,
dude!
Give me a fucking break, man!
Hey! We need maintenance
in there
to fix my fucking face,
please, ASAP!
Jesus.
I'm getting a fucking waterfall!
[James] Professor.
Hey, missed my class last night.
Yeah, I know.
That's actually what
I wanted to talk to you about.
Work's kind of
running me ragged.
It's taking up all my time.
I don't think I'm gonna be able
to make it to classes
on Tuesdays.
I hate to hear that,
especially 'cause the course
is only twice a week.
Yeah, I know, I know.
I just...
I was hoping maybe I could just
get the assignments
ahead of time,
maybe even do it remotely?
You're a good guy, James.
We'll find a way
to make it work.
This guy cracks me up.
[chuckles]
How so?
Oh, he's always going on
and on and on
about things after the fact,
of course.
"This op is doing great.
It's down. It's a catastrophe.
Aah!"
Yeah, I notice he likes
the sound of his own voice.
What do they do?
Mostly concerts and some, um,
sports events.
Revenues are down 95%.
-Well, that makes sense.
-What does?
Well, with the pandemic,
the revenues being down.
That's not the point.
Their stock's
at an all-time high.
What?
No, that doesn't make sense.
How could the rise
of their stocks
be independent
from their revenue?
Because the market don't make
any fucking sense anymore.
By controlling interest rates,
removing risk,
the Fed changed the ecosystem
of capitalism.
No one picks their own stocks
anymore.
The lions have been eaten.
It's just a bunch of followers
following followers.
It's like a cat chasing
its tail.
You ever think
of starting a podcast?
[Gardner] Why the hell would
I want to do that?
Well, I mean,
how many of your students
do you think are actually
paying attention to you?
And you think a podcast
would make it better?
Well, I mean,
podcasts are specific.
People's tastes are selective.
So you're only gonna get
people
that are really interested
and actually want to listen to
what you have to say,
which is a lot.
-Hmm.
-Think about it.
Cheers.
Daddy says we're going up
to Maine this weekend.
No, I -- maybe.
-[Imani] I can't.
-Why not?
-I have soccer.
-Not all day long.
Dad, what if this is a bad idea?
Bad id-- what's a bad idea?
Auntie Chrissy says you
shouldn't spend all our money
on a house in Maine.
She says it won't work.
Your dad is gonna
make sure it works.
I promise. Okay?
I miss Mom.
I know, sweetie.
I do, too.
Do you think she's
watching us in heaven?
I know she is.
And I know she is
extremely proud
of how strong you
and your sister have become.
Mom loved Maine, didn't she?
She really, really did.
That's why you want us
to move there.
I just want us to have
the perfect life.
Just like she promised.
I love you, Dad.
I love you, too.
And make sure you carry
the two on that.
I know, Dad.
[James] This was my favorite
mom-and-pop joint.
What happened?
[Aimee] Yeah, all the family
businesses got hit hard.
But the big guys,
the corporate chains,
their lights are still on.
Yeah, well, what now, though?
Uh, takeout?
So, what did you eat
growing up, then?
Well, just not vegetables.
Or at least I tried not to.
Oh, uh, let me.
I come here all the time.
Okay.
[cellphone rings]
Hello?
Hey, sleepyhead.
How you feeling?
Oh, you sound good.
Yeah. I'm good, I'm good.
The girls are good.
They miss you.
Hey, you sound tired.
Okay.
Well, I'm gonna let you go ahead
and get some sleep then.
You make sure you do
what they tell you to.
I will.
I love you, too, Mom.
[down-tempo music plays]
[Bryson]
Come on. Look at --
Investors see the value
that we bring.
Investors see the value
that I bring.
And, I mean, we're
anticipated right now to --
to grow beyond
what we currently have.
Okay, well, that's good news,
but value is one thing
and profitability is another.
-Talk to me about profitability.
-Mike...
we are anticipated to have a
solid profit margin over the...
Oh, that was quick.
How much was it?
I got it.
Don't worry about it.
-Well, no, I want to.
-I said I got it.
Well, at least let me carry it.
[cellphone vibrates]
Dude, why do you keep
fucking calling me, man?
No, we are bleeding cash, man!
We are literally bleeding cash!
Tell them to wait
till the fucking IPO!
I don't have fucking time
for this shit.
[sighs]
Oh, okay.
[toilet flushes]
No, no, dude!
Get the fuck out of here, dude!
Get the fuck out of here!
Go ahead.
You're gonna like it.
See? Told you.
I saw Gardner yesterday.
You did? Where?
At the bar.
I told him he should
start a podcast.
Oh, I could definitely see that.
Hey, what do you think about
a little post-lunch exercise?
Right after eating?
Shouldn't we start
our project first?
Don't worry. I won't take me
long to beat you.
Beat me at what?
-2-nothing.
-Wait. 2?
Yeah, 2. Just 'cause you
weren't ready for the first one,
that's no excuse.
Oh, okay. Come here.
Hey.
Just 'cause you weren't ready.
I guess it's 2-1.
How do you like me now?
Why didn't you tell me
that you played ball?
You never asked.
You ever think of playing
in college?
[chuckles] Uh, I might have been
able to play D3,
but my parents really wanted
me to go to an Ivy,
'cause that's how you get rich,
or marry rich, I guess.
Really? Well, you know,
the community college
isn't exactly an Ivy.
No. It's not.
You're not exactly rich.
[chuckles]
No. I'm not.
Well, what happened?
My father got sick,
so I needed to get a job
and help out with rent.
Can't exactly go to an Ivy
and have a full-time job.
So I recently got a position
as an executive assistant.
I don't love that either,
but I made it possible
to take classes
at the community college, so...
Speaking of, we should
actually probably get going.
I'm gonna have to shower
after this, so...
Oh, wait, wait, wait.
Uh, what do I get
for owning you on the court?
[laughs]
I would not say "owned," okay?
Yeah, you caught me off guard
today, and that's all right.
-But I'll show you.
-Excuses.
From the fragile male ego.
Oh, whatever.
Anyway, what do you, um...
what do you want?
[down-tempo music plays]
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
I guess you can owe me.
"The Efficient Market Theory."
Smart people thought the world
was flat once, too.
[laughs] Oh!
Oh, "Death by Money."
The story of the great
German inflation.
Some of the most underused books
in finance
are history books.
This was the primary factor
that led to the rise of Hitler.
When Germany lost World War I,
they had to start printing money
to pay debt.
What happens
when there's inflation?
Uh, everyday people struggle
to get food on the table.
Correct.
And what about the rich?
-It's better for them, right?
-Right. But why?
Because they own
all the businesses.
Exactly. And Hitler used
that resentment to gain power.
von Havenstein, the head
of the German Central Bank
during the Weimer Republic
was faced with a real dilemma.
Print the money
or trigger a revolution.
It took the U.S. 100 years
for their money supply
to reach $15 trillion,
and only one year
to go to $21 trillion.
-Whoa.
-Hmm?
Germany had an enormous debt.
Guess who has
the biggest debt now?
[whistles]
[Bryson] How was I supposed
to know that,
what was gonna interfere
with the PETA campaign?
Tell them to fucking relax.
I don't know what
you want me to do.
Seriously.
[sighs and groans]
-You good?
-Mm.
Uh, yeah. Yeah.
James, uh, before you leave,
I've been wanting
to ask you something.
Would you work for me?
Yeah. Yeah.
-At TAPiT?
-Yes. Yes.
I want you to be
my right-hand man,
my eyes and ears, everything.
I'll take care of you.
Your girls will be
taken care of.
I-I trust you, and --
and I want to offer it to you.
I could use you.
[dramatic music plays]
Uh, sorry, man, I don't --
I don't think
that lifestyle would be
good for me,
or my girls.
What, a-a better life?
What lifestyle
you talking about?
I don't really
get the appeal, man.
You know, I remember...
you used to care.
I mean, you used to have
a lot better things to say,
talk about.
Now it's all...
parties, status.
I just think you could have
a lot more in life, man.
I'll see you next week.
[music continues]
[birds chirping]
[sighs]
What do you think, girls?
It's awesome!
[Imani]
Yeah, it's kinda cool.
[James]
Well, let's check it out.
[Maria]
James, hello! Hi, girls.
So nice to see you again
after all of these years,
and in person too.
Good to see you, too, Maria.
So, what do you think?
The barn still needs
a lot of work,
but that's to be expected.
And I know this isn't
what you had originally wanted,
but it is a bit closer
to your price range.
Definitely gonna need
some work.
Yeah.
With the pandemic and all,
you know,
things didn't really go to plan.
But there's always
a bright side.
Look at this.
Turns out the property line
extends a lot further
than we thought,
and it's attached
to a small amount of timber.
If you need a little more time
to think about it
but don't want to lose this,
we can do a small deposit
to hold the property
if you'd like.
And just know there are
other interests for this one,
so if you want it,
you'll have to move soon.
Let me just show you around
a little more inside.
They actually renovated
the kitchen.
The backyard has a swing set.
That might be something
the girls might like.
-Uh, masks on, girls.
-[cellphone rings]
Sorry, I have to take this.
Hey, Christine. What's up?
[Christine]
Mom died. M-Mom's gone.
Wait, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Slow down.
I'm not understanding.
-[Christine] Mom died.
-What?
[Christine]
She's gone. Mom died.
[dramatic music plays]
I don't know how to do this
without you, Nia.
Not everything is yours
to carry, James.
You are.
I'll always be with you.
Watching over you
and the girls.
[music continues]
My condolences.
[music continues]
When's the last time
you visited Mom?
-I spoke to her not long ago.
-No, in person, James.
When's the last time
you went and held her hand?
Don't say that.
You know I've been busy.
I know you've had time
to go on dates.
I know you've had time
to go to Maine.
That is not fair.
How could I have known?
How could you even consider
moving to Maine, really?
-That was always the plan.
-That was Nia's plan.
-It was her dream.
-Our plan.
And we're gonna do it.
And you -- you need to stop
telling my girls
that it's not gonna work.
Well, it won't work.
There is nothing up there
for them.
They lost their mom, and now
they just lost their grandma.
I have no idea why
you're doing this right now.
There is no family up there
for them.
They'll have no one.
-Christine.
-What?
-Why are you being like this?
-Being like what?
Being completely negative
and unsupportive.
I don't understand
how you can just gamble
with you and your daughters'
futures.
-It is not a gamble.
-Don't you see
you're taking them away from
the only family they have left?
-What are you talking about?
-Listen, James.
I am the one
that has helped you
take care of those girls
for the past three years.
Yes, and I have been
completely appreciative of that.
You don't get it.
They lost their mom.
[crying]
I just lost my mom.
You three are the only family
I have left.
You're all I have.
[music continues]
Look...
it's not like
we're leaving the country.
I mean, it's only
a four-hour drive.
"Only"?
I may be moving,
I'm never gonna abandon you.
I'm gonna miss you guys.
[music continues]
You know...
maybe it's time you started
thinking about
starting a family on your own.
[music continues]
[chuckles]
I'm gonna go check on the girls.
You gonna be okay?
Yeah.
Hey.
Are you gonna be okay?
Yeah, I'll be fine.
[music continues]
[sniffles]
[exciting music plays]
Yo, it's time to talk
Yo, it's time to talk
Yo, it's time to talk,
yo, it's time to talk
Yo, it's time to talk
Move!
Get the fuck out of here, man.
Come on.
[music continues]
Asshole!
The fuck is your problem, man?
You're my fucking problem.
-I ain't gonna fight you, bro.
-You ain't gonna fight me?
All right, so what?
What are you gonna be?
Just a whiny little bitch?
No, I get it. [claps]
Yo, I'm fucking talking to you!
Listen, do your girls know what
kind of bitch their father is?
Or is it just us?
I'm outta here.
Ah, all right. You know what,
maybe it is better
that your wife's gone,
because then she doesn't have
to know what kind of a pussy
her fucking husband is.
-Whoa!
-Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Go ahead.
Let me show you a bitch,
Bryson.
Let me show you a pussy.
You are so fucking pathetic.
You know,
you're the only person I know
that has to pay people
to like 'em.
Even these dudes
protecting you from me --
they don't even like you.
Sit around all day talking about
your business and your money,
'cause that is all you got.
You ain't even worth it, man.
[Bryson] Not worth it?
-Yo, man, fuck you, dude.
-Fucking work?
Ugh!
What's your fucking problem?
Come on.
You did that to yourself.
You all saw that, right?
[Bryson moaning]
It was between you guys.
I see how it is.
[Bryson] Ugh!
[dramatic music plays]
You're fucking dead, James!
No, I won't be moving
right away.
I need to make sure we'll be
able to stay afloat up there
until I find a job.
Yeah. No, actually, I can't
get out of here fast enough.
Thank you, Maria.
I'll talk to you soon.
Bye.
[knock on door]
-Hey. What's up?
-Hey.
We were supposed to work
on the project, remember?
Ah, I'm sorry.
I got distracted.
Is everything okay?
Look, I know you have
a lot going on with work
and finding a house.
It's just...
it's my grade on the line, too.
No, I know, I know.
It's just...
Do you think we could
pick it up in a couple days?
We have so much to do.
I...kind of also thought
we could hang out to--
I know. We'll get it done,
I just...
It's just not really
a good time right now.
It's not a good time.
I need more than that, James.
You know, I took today off
so that we could work on this.
Aimee, I just -- I have a lot
that I gotta handle right now.
I have a lot going on, too,
but I drop it when I need to.
I-I just can't. I can't.
I can't do the stress right now.
I just -- I can't.
I didn't know
that's what I was.
I thought that we were just
getting together...
Aimee! I have a job, okay?
I have a blood-sucking job.
I have two little girls
that I need to look after,
and I'm trying to move them
to a house in Maine
that I cannot afford.
I mean, I just got kicked out
of my league, and my...
I know you only have you
that you gotta look out for,
but I actually have a lot
that depends on me.
And I just can't do this
right now, okay?
I can't.
Okay.
[down-tempo music plays]
Guys, the CEO is on his way down
with a VIP.
Let's, uh, get everything
tidied up.
[chuckles] Right away.
I mean it.
This is important.
Apparently, this guy
is giving us a huge donation.
Maybe we'll all get raises.
[chuckles]
Did I miss something, James?
No, just...
just an inside joke.
Now is not the time.
Got it?
[cellphone vibrates]
-We're on it.
-They're here.
Why do I get the feeling
that he's the one
expecting the raise?
All right, if you'll, uh --
if you follow me this way.
This is our critical-care unit.
Uh, as you can see,
it is equipped
with medical technology
on the brink of innovation.
What?
I'm gonna go check on 209.
You got this?
Sure, but what's up?
Ah!
I just want to personally
thank you for the gift.
[chuckles] Yeah, listen,
no problem, man.
I-I'm just happy
to be able to help.
Again, thanks.
It means so much to --
to myself and our staff, uh,
not to mention our patients.
Right. Could you actually
tell me about your staff?
Sure. They're great.
Uh, we get dozens
of positive comments
from patients and families
every day.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, but how's turnover?
I know I have a hell of a time
trying to find the right people.
[chuckles]
Uh...
Not bad at all.
Well, you know,
I actually find it helpful
to have a little bit
of turnover.
I call it, uh, you know,
continuous improvement,
if you will, right?
Thin the herd a little,
make room for some new blood.
[chuckles]
Uh, I'm not sure
I can justify losing an employee
in these, uh, chaotic times.
[chuckles]
Well, it's because of
these times
that you're gonna want
to find the right employee.
[chuckles nervously]
Hmm.
[down-tempo music plays]
[computer beeps]
And that's it.
Um, you just hit record
and start talking.
And when I'm done?
Uh, you're just gonna hit
publish and it'll go live.
It's easy. Right?
I guess I'll give it a shot.
It's like learning
how to play a video game.
I have absolutely no idea
where to start.
Well, this is a place
of learning.
Speaking of, remember all that
news about, um, GameStop?
Those Reddit guys figured out
how to spark a stampede
of algorithms.
Just aggregate
a bunch of buyers.
Hmm. Yeah, it's like waving
a red flag in front of a bull.
This is you?
What? Ha!
A thousand years ago.
You hiked the Appalachian Trail.
Yeah, between college
and grad school.
I, uh, guess I was trying
to find myself.
You ever been there?
Yeah.
My wife and I -- we finished it.
Nearly finished it.
Oh, you're married?
No. Not anymore.
Ah. Divorced.
No. Um...she died.
Rare form of brain cancer.
I'm sorry. James.
My condolences.
How you holding up?
Look, you should be all set.
I actually --
I really gotta get going.
Yeah. Yeah, yeah.
No problem. Thanks for the help.
[down-tempo music plays]
[door opens]
Thanks for waiting, James.
You know Sharon from HR.
[dramatic music plays]
What is this?
I-I don't understand.
You'll get 30 days of severance,
but we need you
to sign a release
and a non-disparagement
agreement.
What for?
I mean, you haven't even
explained -- what is this?
I think it's in your best
interest just to sign.
A termination
would look pretty bad.
Termination? But for what?
On top of your poor attendance,
recently, there have been some
reports of misconduct.
What misconduct?!
I know I've been late
a few times,
but I explained that,
and I have not been late since.
Be sensible.
It's a good offer,
and you could get some help.
Get help for what?!
If you won't sign,
the termination will be
effective immediately
without pay.
We'll have to file a report.
[James]
But this is bullshit.
[music continues]
Yes, Maria, I-I just --
I need the deposit back,
or at least a part of it.
I know non-refundable
after 15 days.
It's just that my situation
has changed.
I did not expect this.
No, I-I'm not saying that.
It's not your fault.
I just...
No, you're right.
No, I-I'm sorry. It's...
Thank you, Maria.
If you need anything...
[dramatic music plays]
[crying]
I said I'd try, and I tried.
-[Aimee] James.
-Aimee.
Hey, hey.
Aimee, I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry what I did to you.
You didn't deserve that at all.
I'm sorry.
-It's okay.
-I'm sorry.
It's okay. It's okay.
Hey, um...
I went to your apartment,
and I talked to the...
babysitter.
I heard about your mom.
James, I...
I'm really sorry.
I meant to go and see her.
To visit.
I just -- I got so...
I...
I-I can't say goodbye
to my mom.
I don't know what to do.
You don't have to right now.
I'm here.
Okay?
It's okay.
[sobbing]
[down-tempo music plays]
[Aimee] I'm right here.
[James continues sobbing]
[Drew] It's war!
I declare war.
Yes!
Hey, where you going?
I was just gonna go
check on the sink.
I've been meaning to.
You can do that later.
Come on.
Come play with us.
You believe in fate?
Depends on what we're talking
about, I guess.
Taking a class together.
Getting assigned a project.
You finding a place with land.
Where are you going with this?
You're free.
You're finally free
to do everything
that you wanted to do.
Yeah, but it was never supposed
to happen like this.
So what? Things don't always
go as planned.
You know what?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah, I want a --
I want a -- a fresh start.
I wanna go somewhere new,
get out of this place,
get away from that job.
Been buried for so long.
I-I want to...
I wanna get into it.
Like, I-I do, I do.
I want to get into it.
I wanna find things
I like to do.
I wanna find things
you girls like to do.
I-I wanna...
be happy.
Mom would want that.
Then let's do it.
Let's be happy, right?
Let's get excited.
-Let's get hot cocoa!
-Let's get hot cocoa.
-[Imani] Yeah!
-[Aimee] Let's get hot cocoa.
Let's get our coats first.
-And our masks, too.
-Oh, yeah, let's --
let's get those things.
[Aimee] It's so nice out.
It's pretty good, especially
for this time of year.
You know it's gonna be
colder in Maine, right?
[James]
Yeah, but it's also gonna be
a lot cheaper to live there.
-Auntie Chrissy!
-Hey, boo-boo! [laughs]
-You dropped this.
-Thanks, Aimee.
-Oh, so you must be Aimee.
-You must be Christine.
-It's nice to finally meet you.
-Pleasure's all mine.
[Drew]
Aimee's just awesome!
[chuckles]
I'm sure she is.
We were just having
a little bit of hot cocoa.
-You want some?
-Oh, you sharing, Juju?
You must be in a good mood
today.
You know what? I don't have
any plans for the evening.
You girls want to stay with me?
Are you sure?
I mean, you've been
watching them most of the week.
I would like the time.
You two have fun.
Okay.
You girls be good, okay?
-Have fun.
-[Christine] Let's go.
[chuckles]
Wait. Aren't you getting
something?
I got yours.
[chuckles] Uh, love you.
[Christine] You better.
I love you, too.
Oh, heck no.
[suspenseful music plays]
[TV shuts off]
[emotional music plays]
[music continues]
[exciting music plays]
Welcome back to "FNM."
I'm Mike Spinelli.
And, uh, Jenny, unfortunately,
the news is not all good
for a few social-media
companies.
Particularly not for TAPiT,
whose CEO was just recently
on this show, right, Mike?
[Mike] Yes, he was.
Right there in that chair.
And what a total disaster.
Goldman has just canceled
their IPO, so it looks like...
Guys, get back to work!
[Mike] ...unless they can
pull off a fire sale...
[Jenny] Well, and they do have
some deep-pocketed investors.
I mean,
the CEO did make it sound
like the company
is thriving, right?
Yes, they do, and yes, he did.
But they've also been
racking up enormous debt
in anticipation of the IPO.
[Jenny] Well, would you say
his statements were false
or at least misleading?
You're up early.
I'm always up early.
[Mike] ...call them projections
and leave it at that.
[Jenny] Here we go.
One more question for you.
Isn't it true that their CEO
is currently facing
multiple sexual-misconduct
allegations,
not to mention
an IRS investigation
into fraudulent donations?
Unfortunately for Bryson,
both are true.
[dramatic music plays]
[snorts]
Amber!
Amber, please come in here.
[music continues]
I want you
to take that limp little chode
that you call a dick
and go fuck yourself with it.
I fucking quit.
Go to hell, Bryson.
[music continues]
Come on, come on, come on!
Come on, come on, come on!
Come on, come on, man!
[crying] I don't know what
I'm doing anymore!
[snorts]
[sobbing] I'm sorry!
I'm sorry!
Oh, my God!
Let's play some brighter music
and dive into
which sectors are looking
particularly strong today.
Oh, well,
it would be my pleasure.
Uh, commodities and industrials
are leading
a very strong market.
-Agricultural products...
-Holy shit.
...housing products,
particularly lumber...
Gardner was right.
-...very strongly...
-Looks like it.
No. Like, he was
really, really right.
How so?
He said to invest
in commodities, real things.
-[Mike] We'll be right back.
-Like timber.
[light, emotional music plays]
Come with us.
Come with you?
It might sound crazy,
but, you know,
this whole thing has been about
moving forward, being happy.
I've wasted so much time.
I just...
I can't picture any of that
without you.
[chuckles]
Um...
Would --
Would the girls like that?
-What about my job?
-We'll figure it out.
I love you, Aimee.
[chuckles]
I love you, James.
[music continues]
[Gardner]
Come on in.
Hey! Look!
The subscriber base is growing,
and comments.
People are actually engaging.
[chuckles]
That's awesome.
I-I didn't realize
that you already posted one.
Not just one.
Over a dozen.
[laughs]
I gotta thank you for motivating
me to start this podcast.
I mean, it's really nice to have
people that want to listen.
It sounds like you finally
found your audience.
Yeah, I think so.
Um, check your e-mail.
I just sent you a link.
Um, Professor...
I-I actually wanted
to thank you.
These last three years
have been...
difficult for me.
I don't think I really realized
how lost I was.
You know, you helped me
work through quite a bit of it.
I feel like I finally know
what I need to do now,
and...I'm ready to do it.
A lot of that's thanks to you.
I think that's the nicest thing
that an educator...
or a friend would want to hear.
I'm proud of your growth, James.
Are you gonna take any of my,
uh, electives next semester?
Oh, well, that's the thing.
-I'm moving.
-Moving?
Yeah, I invested in property
in Maine.
Timber, actually.
[chuckles] Wow.
You actually were listening.
Well, I-I gotta get going.
There's still a lot to do.
But I hope you have
a really good summer.
Enjoy Maine.
And more than that,
enjoy your journey.
All right?
Hey, James. Um...
A buddy of mine in Maine
deals in lumber trading.
I'm gonna text you
his number,
and you're gonna
give him a call.
He's always looking for
good help.
-Yeah. I really appreciate that.
-Yeah.
All right?
And if there's anything
you ever need,
don't you hesitate to call.
Thank you.
[chuckles]
Get outta here.
[light, happy music plays]
Welcome to
the "Money Game" podcast.
Our system is broken.
It is clear now that printing
money sends asset prices up.
What's less clear is that
it also slows the real economy
as we misallocate resources.
Now we have two
different economies --
the financial economy
and the real economy
that no longer work together.
Money printing doesn't
create wealth.
Wealth is created
by all your hard work.
[music continues]
[dog barking, toy squeaking]
[music continues]
Whatcha doin'?
Just looking and see where
we could put a garden.
A garden?
I like that idea.
Now that the barn's all set,
I could be down
for another project.
Thought you would.
Oh, hey,
did you talk to Lee yet?
I did.
Everything's all set.
I should be good to go on my own
in about a week.
[music continues]
-[basketball thumps]
-Ready?
For you?
One-zip.
[net swishes]
[light, happy music plays]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music fades]
[wind whistling]
[clicking, ding, scribbling]
Ah.
[zapping]
[With Lions's "Hands Up" plays]
Uh, drop the beat
Uh
Everybody put your hands up,
get your hands up
Get your hands up,
get your hands up
Get your hands up,
get your hands up
Now do it again,
get your hands up
Get your hands up,
get your hands up
Get your hands up,
get your hands up
Now do it again
Now, now bring your friends
And we'll do it again
Let me rock your body, ah
I said rock your body, body
And if you're feeling
real nice
Girl, we can light up
the night
Girl, I said
light up the night
Lose your mind and let me
make you say yeah, yeah, yeah
[monitor beeping]
[down-tempo music plays]
[music ends]
[cellphone vibrates]
[heartbeat]
[dramatic music plays]
[door opens]
-Hey.
-Hey.
-Thank you so much, Melissa.
-Yeah.
I know the girls
are gonna miss you a lot.
But I hear you're gonna
have a good time at Wesleyan.
Thank you.
I'll miss them, too.
What is it you're studying
again?
Social sciences.
With everything going on
nowadays,
it feels like the right time
to learn something
that will help make a change.
Well, they're lucky to have you.
As were we.
Oh, uh...here.
Oh, thank you.
Oh, and by the way,
I tried to call
your landlord earlier
'cause the sink was
leaking again.
Uh, don't bother.
I've been trying all month.
I always end up doing it myself.
Uh, I will take care of that,
but you please go
save the world.
And thank you for everything.
Thank you. I will.
Um, I'm just gonna go
put these away,
and I'll lock the door
on my way out.
Yeah. Sounds good.
[down-tempo music plays]
[music ends]
[man]
$100,000. Unreal.
If I had invested all my assets
in crypto
a few short years ago,
I would be a billionaire
at this moment.
Whatever.
Money's not real anyway.
That's the one lesson
we learned, right?
And we're just all following
that little "p" around.
Well, the "p" stands for
"profit."
And if you're smart, you'll put
your money where our mouth is.
We'll be right back.
[up-tempo music plays]
Slowly, Special Agent Drew
crept down the hallway.
Quiet were her footsteps,
as she hoped
her adversary was not aware
of her presence.
But he was.
Daddy, I can't sleep.
I'm sorry, princess.
Come here.
Tell me what's wrong.
Melissa said she's going away
to college.
Will we ever see her again?
Sure.
I mean, she'll have breaks
and summer vacation.
I miss Mommy.
I know, sweetie.
I do, too.
Can I just stay here
with you tonight?
Pretty please?
Of course you can.
Up.
[down-tempo music plays]
[dramatic music plays]
[Nia]
Will you come on?
You didn't say
it was this high.
[laughs] It is not.
Just hurry your ass up.
Pack is heavy. My feet hurt.
Come on, LeBron.
You're carrying me back down,
I swear.
[chuckles] I got you.
[serene music plays]
Whoa.
You see? Told you.
Come here. Picture time.
[chuckles]
More like this.
-[camera shutter clicks]
-Okay, I take it back.
[laughs] Okay.
[James]
Man, this really is beautiful.
Can you believe it?
Look how high up we are.
I know.
It's so incredible.
What do you think about
moving up here someday?
-What, to the mountain?
-No, silly.
Maine.
-Get an old farmhouse.
-Mm.
Raise a couple kids.
We'll have a simple life.
Kids?
[laughs]
[music continues]
Wake up, Daddy!
Wake up!
Daddy! Pancakes!
[groans] Pancakes?
I thought we were doing
oatmeal today.
No, Daddy, you promised!
Drew, we're having pancakes,
just like Dad promised.
Yay!
[upbeat music plays]
[chuckles]
Well, that's it. You done?
I'm going to explode!
Why'd you eat three, then?
'Cause they were delicious.
Mmm!
Well, we have a few hours
until I have to be back at work.
So how about
we do something fun today?
What do you say, Imani?
Obviously, we have to
clean up first,
but then I think
the museums open up today.
Well, actually,
Dad has a friend at work
who hooked me up,
'cause I'm cool like that,
and I...
have a better idea.
Awesome!
Yo, James! What's up, man?
Oh, uh, Bryson.
Hey, what's up, man?
What's going on?
This must be the girls.
Yeah. Drew, Imani, say hi.
-[Drew] Boom!
-What's going on?
-[Drew] Nice to meet you.
-Hi. Let's go.
All right.
Just hold on a second.
Don't go too far.
Listen, you should come with me.
I got front-row tickets.
Yeah.
No, we really shouldn't, man.
Ah, I mean, it's me and
a couple girls from the office.
Daddy! Front-row seats?
And there are
sponsorship tickets.
It's pretty cool, right?
Yeah, we actually
really shouldn't impose,
sweetie, but thank you.
Imani.
James, you're single.
I'm single.
All these girls are single.
You know, the concert's
gonna suck, man.
But let's have a little fun,
right?
Daddy!
Dad! Come on.
The show's gonna start.
Okay.
Uh, sorry, Bryson,
but just enjoy the show
and I'll see you Monday night?
All right?
-Okay.
-[Drew] Who was that?
Uh, just a guy
I played ball with.
[Drew] Is he rich?
Well, I mean, he's got money,
but I'm richer.
[siren wailing in distance]
Gotta stop meeting like this.
That might be a little hard
around here.
-[laughs]
-James.
Can I speak to you for a moment?
Uh, sure.
Can I just finish up here?
Hmm.
James, it says here
you were late last week?
Uh, yeah, I had an issue
finding a babysitter.
Right. And you were late
several times this week.
[James]
I was only late once.
Teenage girls -- they're
not always the most reliable.
Mm-hmm.
And you've been leaving early.
A couple times at most
but I cleared that with you.
James...
we need to have
team players here,
people who are reliable.
-I'm reliable.
-Please let me finish.
We're going to have to put you
on a PIP.
-A PIP?
-Performance improvement plan.
I know what it is, but what
does that mean, exactly?
It means you need to be here
on time.
It means you need to stay
your full shift.
And what if it's unavoidable?
I mean, I have two girls
at home. I...
-I'm not here to argue with you.
-I'm not arguing.
If you can't be here,
actions will have to be taken.
You may go.
[down-tempo music plays]
[up-tempo music plays]
[Bryson]
Here we go, here we go!
Got him!
Move! Man.
Get open! What are you...
Come on, man!
[man]
I'm going, I'm going.
What's that? 18-8?
Yeah, easy, pal.
[laughs] That was good.
[Bryson] What is this?
Fucking happy hour?
"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"
Are we playing basketball
or what?
Yeah?
Check the ball.
Watch the switch!
Hey, watch the pick!
Watch the pick!
Got him! I got him!
[grunts]
[players groan]
-It's our ball.
-[man] What do you mean?
It's our ball. It's our ball.
-You clearly --
-It's our ball. That's defense.
[man] Who the hell taught you
defense?
-Taught me what?
-This isn't fucking football.
This isn't what?
Who taught me what?
-Defense.
-Who taught me what?
-All right.
-Who the fuck are you?
No, no, no.
I want to know who this guy is.
-No, you --
-Who the fuck are you?
-Bryson. Bryson.
-Huh? Who brought him?
-[James] Over here.
-You bring him?
You probably did
fucking bring him.
Fucking clown.
Come on, man! Come on!
Fuck, man!
I'm outta here, dude!
Yo.
There it is.
Good game, player.
Just got back.
Already betting on the game.
[chuckles] Come on. Always, man.
What the hell is this?
It was just a pickup game.
[Bryson]
It's not just a game, man.
You either win or you lose,
right?
Oh, you play by the rules,
right?
Fuck the rules, man.
I play to win.
Takes money to make money.
Why are you so competitive
over every little thing?
How do you think I got to
where I am?
You know, the house,
the cars, the girls.
It's because I'm fucking
competitive, man.
Seriously, what do you got?
-Two girls to raise.
-[Bryson laughs]
Exactly my point.
Get out of that shitty job, man.
There's a fuck-ton of money
to be made out there
if you only could take a chance.
-And do what, Bryson?
-[Bryson] I don't know.
Do finance, do the market,
but literally do anything other
than what you're doing.
Wait. Finance?
I thought you were a CEO.
I am a CEO, but that's not
how I made all my money.
All right, listen, I was smart
enough to write up a pitch deck.
I hired some fucking nerds
from MIT,
and fucking boom, dude.
So how exactly does
your company make money?
My company make money?
Listen, it's all based
on subscriber growth, right?
Okay, so when that base grows...
bingo.
Look, at Goldman,
I mean, they're estimating
the value at $4 billion
once the IPO pops.
$4 billion.
-[James] Okay.
-$4 billion, Chuck.
But how does it make money?
You're talking about profits,
right?
Profits. Listen,
let me tell you something.
Nobody gives a shit
about profits.
All right? Half the time,
the fucking investors,
they don't even li--
they don't --
they don't read the prospectus.
Literally.
But what they do do is
they invest in a concept.
And I'm the fucking concept,
man.
[chuckles]
Don't show up next week,
all right?
He's such a dick.
[scoffs]
Hey, Maria. It's James.
Uh, James Williams
We met a few years ago
about that big blue house
outside Millinocket.
Yeah, that's the one.
My wife really wanted that.
Um, I saw that it's back
on the market.
I wanted to look back into it.
That much more?
No, I'm not really interested
in any other options.
Let me just...
I'll get back to you.
[Drew]
I was supposed to have the edge
for the last, like, three times.
-[Imani] You're such a liar.
-Knock on the door, please.
Hey!
Uh! [laughs] Hey, baby.
What's up, my boo?
Ah! [laughs]
-Good to see you.
-You, too.
All right.
I'll see you both later, okay?
-Bye.
-Hey, Juju.
What's up? Thank you.
I tried to get a babysitter,
but on such short notice...
It's fine.
I had Zoom meetings all day,
so it's nice to have
some real company.
You know, it's time you start
thinking about getting the girls
a little motherly influence
and attention.
Well, if that's a hint
at another one
of your sorority sisters,
I'm good.
[chuckles] Okay, fine.
What are you gonna do
when Imani starts
her first period?
-'Cause it's coming.
-I'm a medical professional.
I can figure it out.
Or I can just call you.
-Mm-hmm.
-You're probably right.
I'm just not really ready,
you know?
I understand.
You been able to see Mom?
Uh, yeah.
I mean, I tried a few times.
She's always asleep.
-How's she look?
-Like Mom.
Just like you would expect.
Well, I will be back
to get them at 8:30.
-Is that okay?
-It's fine.
-Where you going, anyway?
-Class.
-Right. Economics or something?
-Finance.
What does it have to do
with health care?
Absolutely nothing.
That's the point.
You're a little young to be
going through a midlife crisis.
That's what I'm trying to avoid.
Now, look, I don't want to be
late, but you got this.
Bye! Don't fail! Love you!
[down-tempo music plays]
[music ends]
[cartoon sound effects
playing]
Welcome to Finance 101.
My name is Professor Gardner.
Finance is the simplest subject
you'll ever learn.
It's all based on one formula --
the value of a dollar
paid annually.
If you want to buy $1 annually,
it will cost you $152.
Is anybody here willing
to give me $152
if I give you $1 every year
for the rest of your life?
Hell, no, because we'd all be
dead before we broke even.
Right. [chuckles]
What would happen to the value
of that $1 paid annually
if the interest rate was
to go negative?
All assets are worth infinite.
My coffee is worth infinite.
My desk is worth infinite.
My whiteboard is worth infinite.
Does this make sense?
Do you see
why the rich have all the money?
Their stocks are trading
at infinite.
In capitalism,
interest rates represent risk.
What would happen to the value
of that dollar paid annually
if it rose from
the current rate, 0.66%,
back to 10%.
Yes? And you are?
Aimee.
The value would go back to $10.
Correct!
And short-term interest rates
did rise to 10% in 2019,
until the Fed stepped in
and bought every single bond.
-They bought all the bonds?
-[Gardner] They had to,
otherwise the stock market
would crash.
But here's the problem.
Capitalism requires risk
in order to allocate
scarce resources.
What would happen if
we remove risk
from capitalism?
Let me give you an example.
What would happen
to the ecosystem in the savannah
if we slaughtered
every single lion?
The gazelle population
would explode.
But they would be fighting
over scarce water and resources.
-They would die out.
-[Gardner] Bingo.
And when the Fed intervened
in the bond markets,
they broke the ecosystem
of capitalism.
Hey.
Aimee, right?
Yeah. James, right?
Yeah.
So did you retain any of that?
I don't know. Maybe.
He seems like he knows
what he's talking about.
Give it time.
-I sanitized it.
-Keep it.
Well, I'll see you next class,
Aimee.
Have a good night.
[down-tempo music plays]
You okay?
I just lost the girl from 204.
It's bad enough that
COVID is taking so many lives.
The last thing I wanted was
to deal with another overdose.
Are you okay?
She's about the same age as Nia.
Do you ever think
of finding another job
that's not such a daily trigger?
I don't really know where else
I can make what I make.
Between my girls
and the bills,
paying rent
just to line of pockets
of some asshole.
Hey, a bunch of us are supposed
to go to the bar tonight.
You want to come?
Uh, I can't tonight.
Okay.
[baby cooing]
[James]
Aw, she has your eyes
and your nose.
And your ears, too.
Ooh! That was my yawn.
She had the jaws inside
and everything.
You're stupid.
Hopefully that's all
she gets from you.
[James]
Mm. You're not that lucky.
Imani is already like you.
This baby is going to be nice.
What? I'm nice.
Don't you listen to her.
Little Drew.
You're both so far away.
[James]
Wanna go see Mommy, hmm?
Oh, you are definitely
going to see Mommy.
I got her. There.
[James] Mm.
You ready for round two?
[chuckles] We're here.
I am so proud of you.
And I love you both so much.
[music continues]
[music ends]
$2,000.
[coughs] Call.
No, thank you.
[women laughing in background]
Check.
All in.
I call.
Yes! Oh, my God.
Full fucking house!
'Bout fucking time!
Nice hand, Bryson,
but I got the nuts.
Fuck, man! Fuck!
Fuck!
[man] Bad beat, man.
Yo, good game though.
Good game?
This shit isn't over.
Dude, you just dropped
like $100,000.
Listen, dipshit,
do you have any idea
how much I'm gonna be worth
once that IPO goes through?
No. Do you? Do you?
All right, a fuck-ton more
than fucking 100 grand,
I'll tell you that.
Listen, deal me back in.
You know what?
Make yourself useful
and get me a drink.
You, with the stupid
fucking haircut,
get me a fucking drink!
There you go.
There it is.
[girls laughing]
-Hey, Juju.
-Wow!
Looks like you guys had
quite the time.
Daddy, we made cookies!
Mostly Auntie Chrissy made them,
but we helped.
Oh, Auntie Chrissy
made cookies, huh?
-I am amazing.
-We made cookies.
I'm sorry.
You all made cookies.
And really big ones, actually.
The girls were a huge help.
They did a great job.
I did not know you were
such a fun aunt.
Don't be a hater.
Have a cookie.
Hey, but seriously, thank you
for looking after the girls.
It's fine.
But it can't be all the time,
you know?
Yeah, I know.
Yoga, book club.
Boy, I have a job.
I might work remotely,
but I still have to work.
Hmm.
You still chasing
that house up in Maine?
-Christine.
-You are spending money
that could be used to buy
a nice home right here
that you could actually afford.
Yeah, but I don't want
a nice home.
I want that home. I want
the home that Nia wanted.
Why are you holding on to that?
The girls are not gonna care
if it's the exact same house.
She had a plan, okay?
She promised them a life.
And I want to give them
that life.
And I want to give it to them
the way she planned it.
Okay.
You have flour all over you.
Daddy, can we spend
the night at Auntie Chrissy's?
Well, did you ask
Auntie Chrissy?
Auntie Chrissy,
can we spend the night?
Like I'm gonna say no.
Sure.
-Yes!
-[Christine laughs]
Don't make this a habit.
[pop music plays]
[James]
Seriously, though, I-I-I...
she was going off on this
dude, so I stepped out.
I backed up. I was way too new
to be dealing with all that.
No, Coughlin pissed me
the hell off.
No, I told him straight
to his face
that if he wanted me
to work another double,
he should have told me 15 hours
before I clocked in.
Yeah, but at least you nurses
got job security, you know?
Yeah, we have job security,
but we don't have
enough ventilators.
They're basically paying us
to watch people die.
Yep.
See, this is what I was
trying to tell you
in the break room.
You're cut off.
Just keep this over here.
You're good. You're okay.
Um, I actually
have to get going.
The girls got school
in the morning, so, you know.
-Okay.
-Mm!
Well, tell the girls I said hi,
and that I miss them.
-I will. Peace.
-Bye.
Oh, you're so gone.
[indistinct conversations]
Professor Gardner?
Mm. Oh, um...
-James.
-James! That's right.
-How you doing? Come on.
-Oh, no.
Actually, I gotta get going.
Come on. Let's just have one.
Just one.
Come on.
Yeah, all right.
Yeah. Just one. Just one.
What you drinking?
-[woman] Let me watch this.
-[Bryson] Yeah? Uh-oh.
-[woman laughs]
-[Bryson] Oh, God.
-So you invented TAPiT, right?
-Yeah.
How does the algorithm know
that since I like
wildlife videos,
that it should send me
videos of animals on safari?
Hey, listen.
No questions tonight.
It's magic.
Just think it's magic.
-Golly.
-[woman #2] Magic?
How you doing?
-I'm great.
-Yeah?
-How are you?
-Good.
I'm doing actually
extremely well.
Extremely well right now.
You know?
You mind holding that?
-Sure.
-I got something for us.
-Oh, yeah?
-Yeah.
Just to kind of spice it up
a little bit.
-Oh.
-Huh?
-You're a bad boy.
-Sure. And maybe we can --
Uh-oh. Oh, my God.
-How you doing?
-Good. How are you?
Good.
Excuse me a second.
Easy, easy.
[hip-hop music plays]
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
Living dangerous!
[snorts]
[grunts]
Let's make a TAPiT video.
So why did you leave
Wall Street
to teach community college?
[chuckles]
[sighs]
Because the system is
a game now, James.
Success in this current system
requires speculation.
And I will not speculate
with other people's money.
I'm not even sure
if I know what that means.
Okay, look, the Fed are supposed
to be like
referees in a football game.
Nobody's supposed
to notice them.
But now they tilted
the field 90 degrees
and broke the scoreboard.
Okay, that makes sense to me.
So things are
a little upside down?
Exactly.
When was the last time
in history
unemployment hit 33%
and the stocks go up?
It's pretty obvious
what's driving all this.
What's that?
A flood of easy money
from the Fed.
Oh, shit. It's almost...
So -- So what are you trying
to get out of my class?
I...
I need a better way
to make money.
I gotta get out of health care.
It's killing me.
You could say I'm...
trying to navigate the field.
Well, we're in a very
financialized economy.
[chuckles]
Stocks, bonds, and cash
are all massive bubbles,
but commodities
are at a 120-year low if you
really want to make some money.
-Commodities?
-Yeah.
Buy ag stocks, uh, gold,
uh, silver miners, land,
real estate,
or even just timber.
Listen, um, I really
do need to get going, but...
Ah, ah. I got this.
Thanks.
So real estate?
Yeah. Real estate, land.
Just real things.
Just buy real assets.
Oh, by the way, I'm gonna be
assigning group projects.
And I'm thinking about pairing
you up with Aimee.
Okay.
Well, I'll, uh...
I'll see you in class.
-Cheers.
-[CHAMIE's "Attitude" plays]
When I walk
into the room
It's like this sick beat
drops
My body starts to move,
yeah, I feel on top
Everybody's looking
and they're looking at me
Na na na na na na na na na
I wanna show it off,
I wanna show it off
I wanna show it off
Off, off, off
With my attitude
Attitude
[music continues]
[bang, music stops]
Mr. Williams,
$450,000 is quite a jump
from the loan
we originally discussed.
I almost have enough
for the original loan.
I have a really great
relationship with this bank.
I financed my car
through you guys.
Is there any way
that you can somehow accept
that amount for this loan
instead?
With a higher interest rate,
maybe?
James, I don't make the rules,
but we're gonna need
at least 10% down
for you to secure a mortgage.
45K.
Yes. Depending on
the final price, yes.
[sighs]
Okay. Thank you.
So we're scheduled
to launch the IPO next month.
-Fantastic.
-And just to remind you,
there is a 90-day
lockup period for you
and the other key executives.
Absolutely. Look, there's gonna
be no problem on our end.
-All right?
-Perfect.
I have all the paperwork
and can take it from here.
You're going to be very happy
and well-capitalized
for the next future launch,
that's for sure.
Well, thank you,
thank you, thank you, thank you.
This is gonna be great.
[chuckles] Yeah.
Listen, on your way out,
don't be afraid
to get to know Amber, you know,
if you know what I mean.
-I think I'm good.
-Yeah. All right.
[door closes]
I'm gonna be so fucking rich.
[down-tempo music plays]
Hi. I'm returning a call
for Shanice Williams.
Her son, yes.
Oh, really?
Uh, no. She -- She called me
a couple hours ago.
I thought maybe she...
No, no. If she's sleeping,
please let her.
Um, I'll try again tomorrow.
Thank you. Bye.
You're really well organized.
[chuckles]
I try my best.
You should give yourself
some credit, though.
You came up with some
pretty good ideas tonight.
You're smarter than I thought.
[cellphone vibrates]
I should probably head home,
actually.
Um, yeah, a-actually,
I got something I gotta go do.
But, uh, let me give you a ride.
It's okay, I just --
I live across the park, so...
Oh, well, then you know what?
Let me get my jacket.
I'll just --
I'll walk you real quick.
I saw some cute little
crayon drawings on your fridge.
Now, I don't know, but I just
don't sense an artist in you.
[chuckles]
Nah, you got me.
Um, that would be my girls.
-Girls?
-Yeah. Two beautiful daughters.
Tall little things.
There's Drew. She's 7.
Definitely the better artist
of us all.
And Imani -- well, she's 11,
but she acts 29.
And I'm not really sure who's
raising who at this point.
And their mother?
Nope. Just us.
Hey, uh, do you mind
if we stop here for a sec?
[down-tempo music plays]
This is the place I come to
to disconnect from the world.
When I'm down,
this place lifts me back up.
Beautiful spot.
James?
We used to come here.
A lot.
Your daughters' mother?
My wife. Nia.
She died three years ago.
I haven't been back here since.
It was my dad
that used to bring me up here.
We used to grab ice cream
and...
we'd talk for hours.
When he --
When he passed, I...
I couldn't come here.
And then the others left,
and I was alone.
[cellphone rings]
Sorry. This is my sister.
Shit! Is that what time it is?
Hey, Christine.
I'm sorry.
Jesus, James, where are you?
It's almost 9:00.
Yeah, I know, I know.
I got a little held up.
I'm just walking
my friend Aimee home.
You're messing around
with some girl?
It's not like that.
Boy, I'm also trying
to have a life.
You need to get yourself
together.
You could have called me.
I know. Look, um...
I'll just -- I'll be over there
in 20 minutes, okay?
Have a good night, James.
[Christine]
Unh-unh, don't even bother.
I'll get the girls ready for
school. You be here by 7:00.
[James]
You don't have to do that.
Mnh-mnh.
[Bryson] Yeah. Okay.
Well, get a load of this.
So I've been waiting for,
let's say, an hour,
hour 45 fucking minutes.
And, you know,
I don't think you realize
how important my time is.
Okay, so I'm gonna be short
and sweet with you here.
I don't care about any of
the local ordinances, all right?
I just don't.
Do you have any idea --
any idea how much money
I've spent on this place?
[woman] I understand, Mr. Hill,
but the budget for your house
is not my concern.
What is my concern is your lack
of respect for your neighbors.
Oh, my lack of respect, huh?
Fuck that.
My lack of respect?
Listen, I don't care.
I repeat -- I don't care
whose view gets obstructed
by my waterfall!
I'll build a bigger waterfall.
Maybe I'll put a fucking volcano
next to the waterfall!
Okay? I don't care!
It's my fucking money!
It's my fucking money!
It's my fucking palace!
Fucking sue me!
And give me a fucking break,
dude!
Give me a fucking break, man!
Hey! We need maintenance
in there
to fix my fucking face,
please, ASAP!
Jesus.
I'm getting a fucking waterfall!
[James] Professor.
Hey, missed my class last night.
Yeah, I know.
That's actually what
I wanted to talk to you about.
Work's kind of
running me ragged.
It's taking up all my time.
I don't think I'm gonna be able
to make it to classes
on Tuesdays.
I hate to hear that,
especially 'cause the course
is only twice a week.
Yeah, I know, I know.
I just...
I was hoping maybe I could just
get the assignments
ahead of time,
maybe even do it remotely?
You're a good guy, James.
We'll find a way
to make it work.
This guy cracks me up.
[chuckles]
How so?
Oh, he's always going on
and on and on
about things after the fact,
of course.
"This op is doing great.
It's down. It's a catastrophe.
Aah!"
Yeah, I notice he likes
the sound of his own voice.
What do they do?
Mostly concerts and some, um,
sports events.
Revenues are down 95%.
-Well, that makes sense.
-What does?
Well, with the pandemic,
the revenues being down.
That's not the point.
Their stock's
at an all-time high.
What?
No, that doesn't make sense.
How could the rise
of their stocks
be independent
from their revenue?
Because the market don't make
any fucking sense anymore.
By controlling interest rates,
removing risk,
the Fed changed the ecosystem
of capitalism.
No one picks their own stocks
anymore.
The lions have been eaten.
It's just a bunch of followers
following followers.
It's like a cat chasing
its tail.
You ever think
of starting a podcast?
[Gardner] Why the hell would
I want to do that?
Well, I mean,
how many of your students
do you think are actually
paying attention to you?
And you think a podcast
would make it better?
Well, I mean,
podcasts are specific.
People's tastes are selective.
So you're only gonna get
people
that are really interested
and actually want to listen to
what you have to say,
which is a lot.
-Hmm.
-Think about it.
Cheers.
Daddy says we're going up
to Maine this weekend.
No, I -- maybe.
-[Imani] I can't.
-Why not?
-I have soccer.
-Not all day long.
Dad, what if this is a bad idea?
Bad id-- what's a bad idea?
Auntie Chrissy says you
shouldn't spend all our money
on a house in Maine.
She says it won't work.
Your dad is gonna
make sure it works.
I promise. Okay?
I miss Mom.
I know, sweetie.
I do, too.
Do you think she's
watching us in heaven?
I know she is.
And I know she is
extremely proud
of how strong you
and your sister have become.
Mom loved Maine, didn't she?
She really, really did.
That's why you want us
to move there.
I just want us to have
the perfect life.
Just like she promised.
I love you, Dad.
I love you, too.
And make sure you carry
the two on that.
I know, Dad.
[James] This was my favorite
mom-and-pop joint.
What happened?
[Aimee] Yeah, all the family
businesses got hit hard.
But the big guys,
the corporate chains,
their lights are still on.
Yeah, well, what now, though?
Uh, takeout?
So, what did you eat
growing up, then?
Well, just not vegetables.
Or at least I tried not to.
Oh, uh, let me.
I come here all the time.
Okay.
[cellphone rings]
Hello?
Hey, sleepyhead.
How you feeling?
Oh, you sound good.
Yeah. I'm good, I'm good.
The girls are good.
They miss you.
Hey, you sound tired.
Okay.
Well, I'm gonna let you go ahead
and get some sleep then.
You make sure you do
what they tell you to.
I will.
I love you, too, Mom.
[down-tempo music plays]
[Bryson]
Come on. Look at --
Investors see the value
that we bring.
Investors see the value
that I bring.
And, I mean, we're
anticipated right now to --
to grow beyond
what we currently have.
Okay, well, that's good news,
but value is one thing
and profitability is another.
-Talk to me about profitability.
-Mike...
we are anticipated to have a
solid profit margin over the...
Oh, that was quick.
How much was it?
I got it.
Don't worry about it.
-Well, no, I want to.
-I said I got it.
Well, at least let me carry it.
[cellphone vibrates]
Dude, why do you keep
fucking calling me, man?
No, we are bleeding cash, man!
We are literally bleeding cash!
Tell them to wait
till the fucking IPO!
I don't have fucking time
for this shit.
[sighs]
Oh, okay.
[toilet flushes]
No, no, dude!
Get the fuck out of here, dude!
Get the fuck out of here!
Go ahead.
You're gonna like it.
See? Told you.
I saw Gardner yesterday.
You did? Where?
At the bar.
I told him he should
start a podcast.
Oh, I could definitely see that.
Hey, what do you think about
a little post-lunch exercise?
Right after eating?
Shouldn't we start
our project first?
Don't worry. I won't take me
long to beat you.
Beat me at what?
-2-nothing.
-Wait. 2?
Yeah, 2. Just 'cause you
weren't ready for the first one,
that's no excuse.
Oh, okay. Come here.
Hey.
Just 'cause you weren't ready.
I guess it's 2-1.
How do you like me now?
Why didn't you tell me
that you played ball?
You never asked.
You ever think of playing
in college?
[chuckles] Uh, I might have been
able to play D3,
but my parents really wanted
me to go to an Ivy,
'cause that's how you get rich,
or marry rich, I guess.
Really? Well, you know,
the community college
isn't exactly an Ivy.
No. It's not.
You're not exactly rich.
[chuckles]
No. I'm not.
Well, what happened?
My father got sick,
so I needed to get a job
and help out with rent.
Can't exactly go to an Ivy
and have a full-time job.
So I recently got a position
as an executive assistant.
I don't love that either,
but I made it possible
to take classes
at the community college, so...
Speaking of, we should
actually probably get going.
I'm gonna have to shower
after this, so...
Oh, wait, wait, wait.
Uh, what do I get
for owning you on the court?
[laughs]
I would not say "owned," okay?
Yeah, you caught me off guard
today, and that's all right.
-But I'll show you.
-Excuses.
From the fragile male ego.
Oh, whatever.
Anyway, what do you, um...
what do you want?
[down-tempo music plays]
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
I guess you can owe me.
"The Efficient Market Theory."
Smart people thought the world
was flat once, too.
[laughs] Oh!
Oh, "Death by Money."
The story of the great
German inflation.
Some of the most underused books
in finance
are history books.
This was the primary factor
that led to the rise of Hitler.
When Germany lost World War I,
they had to start printing money
to pay debt.
What happens
when there's inflation?
Uh, everyday people struggle
to get food on the table.
Correct.
And what about the rich?
-It's better for them, right?
-Right. But why?
Because they own
all the businesses.
Exactly. And Hitler used
that resentment to gain power.
von Havenstein, the head
of the German Central Bank
during the Weimer Republic
was faced with a real dilemma.
Print the money
or trigger a revolution.
It took the U.S. 100 years
for their money supply
to reach $15 trillion,
and only one year
to go to $21 trillion.
-Whoa.
-Hmm?
Germany had an enormous debt.
Guess who has
the biggest debt now?
[whistles]
[Bryson] How was I supposed
to know that,
what was gonna interfere
with the PETA campaign?
Tell them to fucking relax.
I don't know what
you want me to do.
Seriously.
[sighs and groans]
-You good?
-Mm.
Uh, yeah. Yeah.
James, uh, before you leave,
I've been wanting
to ask you something.
Would you work for me?
Yeah. Yeah.
-At TAPiT?
-Yes. Yes.
I want you to be
my right-hand man,
my eyes and ears, everything.
I'll take care of you.
Your girls will be
taken care of.
I-I trust you, and --
and I want to offer it to you.
I could use you.
[dramatic music plays]
Uh, sorry, man, I don't --
I don't think
that lifestyle would be
good for me,
or my girls.
What, a-a better life?
What lifestyle
you talking about?
I don't really
get the appeal, man.
You know, I remember...
you used to care.
I mean, you used to have
a lot better things to say,
talk about.
Now it's all...
parties, status.
I just think you could have
a lot more in life, man.
I'll see you next week.
[music continues]
[birds chirping]
[sighs]
What do you think, girls?
It's awesome!
[Imani]
Yeah, it's kinda cool.
[James]
Well, let's check it out.
[Maria]
James, hello! Hi, girls.
So nice to see you again
after all of these years,
and in person too.
Good to see you, too, Maria.
So, what do you think?
The barn still needs
a lot of work,
but that's to be expected.
And I know this isn't
what you had originally wanted,
but it is a bit closer
to your price range.
Definitely gonna need
some work.
Yeah.
With the pandemic and all,
you know,
things didn't really go to plan.
But there's always
a bright side.
Look at this.
Turns out the property line
extends a lot further
than we thought,
and it's attached
to a small amount of timber.
If you need a little more time
to think about it
but don't want to lose this,
we can do a small deposit
to hold the property
if you'd like.
And just know there are
other interests for this one,
so if you want it,
you'll have to move soon.
Let me just show you around
a little more inside.
They actually renovated
the kitchen.
The backyard has a swing set.
That might be something
the girls might like.
-Uh, masks on, girls.
-[cellphone rings]
Sorry, I have to take this.
Hey, Christine. What's up?
[Christine]
Mom died. M-Mom's gone.
Wait, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Slow down.
I'm not understanding.
-[Christine] Mom died.
-What?
[Christine]
She's gone. Mom died.
[dramatic music plays]
I don't know how to do this
without you, Nia.
Not everything is yours
to carry, James.
You are.
I'll always be with you.
Watching over you
and the girls.
[music continues]
My condolences.
[music continues]
When's the last time
you visited Mom?
-I spoke to her not long ago.
-No, in person, James.
When's the last time
you went and held her hand?
Don't say that.
You know I've been busy.
I know you've had time
to go on dates.
I know you've had time
to go to Maine.
That is not fair.
How could I have known?
How could you even consider
moving to Maine, really?
-That was always the plan.
-That was Nia's plan.
-It was her dream.
-Our plan.
And we're gonna do it.
And you -- you need to stop
telling my girls
that it's not gonna work.
Well, it won't work.
There is nothing up there
for them.
They lost their mom, and now
they just lost their grandma.
I have no idea why
you're doing this right now.
There is no family up there
for them.
They'll have no one.
-Christine.
-What?
-Why are you being like this?
-Being like what?
Being completely negative
and unsupportive.
I don't understand
how you can just gamble
with you and your daughters'
futures.
-It is not a gamble.
-Don't you see
you're taking them away from
the only family they have left?
-What are you talking about?
-Listen, James.
I am the one
that has helped you
take care of those girls
for the past three years.
Yes, and I have been
completely appreciative of that.
You don't get it.
They lost their mom.
[crying]
I just lost my mom.
You three are the only family
I have left.
You're all I have.
[music continues]
Look...
it's not like
we're leaving the country.
I mean, it's only
a four-hour drive.
"Only"?
I may be moving,
I'm never gonna abandon you.
I'm gonna miss you guys.
[music continues]
You know...
maybe it's time you started
thinking about
starting a family on your own.
[music continues]
[chuckles]
I'm gonna go check on the girls.
You gonna be okay?
Yeah.
Hey.
Are you gonna be okay?
Yeah, I'll be fine.
[music continues]
[sniffles]
[exciting music plays]
Yo, it's time to talk
Yo, it's time to talk
Yo, it's time to talk,
yo, it's time to talk
Yo, it's time to talk
Move!
Get the fuck out of here, man.
Come on.
[music continues]
Asshole!
The fuck is your problem, man?
You're my fucking problem.
-I ain't gonna fight you, bro.
-You ain't gonna fight me?
All right, so what?
What are you gonna be?
Just a whiny little bitch?
No, I get it. [claps]
Yo, I'm fucking talking to you!
Listen, do your girls know what
kind of bitch their father is?
Or is it just us?
I'm outta here.
Ah, all right. You know what,
maybe it is better
that your wife's gone,
because then she doesn't have
to know what kind of a pussy
her fucking husband is.
-Whoa!
-Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Go ahead.
Let me show you a bitch,
Bryson.
Let me show you a pussy.
You are so fucking pathetic.
You know,
you're the only person I know
that has to pay people
to like 'em.
Even these dudes
protecting you from me --
they don't even like you.
Sit around all day talking about
your business and your money,
'cause that is all you got.
You ain't even worth it, man.
[Bryson] Not worth it?
-Yo, man, fuck you, dude.
-Fucking work?
Ugh!
What's your fucking problem?
Come on.
You did that to yourself.
You all saw that, right?
[Bryson moaning]
It was between you guys.
I see how it is.
[Bryson] Ugh!
[dramatic music plays]
You're fucking dead, James!
No, I won't be moving
right away.
I need to make sure we'll be
able to stay afloat up there
until I find a job.
Yeah. No, actually, I can't
get out of here fast enough.
Thank you, Maria.
I'll talk to you soon.
Bye.
[knock on door]
-Hey. What's up?
-Hey.
We were supposed to work
on the project, remember?
Ah, I'm sorry.
I got distracted.
Is everything okay?
Look, I know you have
a lot going on with work
and finding a house.
It's just...
it's my grade on the line, too.
No, I know, I know.
It's just...
Do you think we could
pick it up in a couple days?
We have so much to do.
I...kind of also thought
we could hang out to--
I know. We'll get it done,
I just...
It's just not really
a good time right now.
It's not a good time.
I need more than that, James.
You know, I took today off
so that we could work on this.
Aimee, I just -- I have a lot
that I gotta handle right now.
I have a lot going on, too,
but I drop it when I need to.
I-I just can't. I can't.
I can't do the stress right now.
I just -- I can't.
I didn't know
that's what I was.
I thought that we were just
getting together...
Aimee! I have a job, okay?
I have a blood-sucking job.
I have two little girls
that I need to look after,
and I'm trying to move them
to a house in Maine
that I cannot afford.
I mean, I just got kicked out
of my league, and my...
I know you only have you
that you gotta look out for,
but I actually have a lot
that depends on me.
And I just can't do this
right now, okay?
I can't.
Okay.
[down-tempo music plays]
Guys, the CEO is on his way down
with a VIP.
Let's, uh, get everything
tidied up.
[chuckles] Right away.
I mean it.
This is important.
Apparently, this guy
is giving us a huge donation.
Maybe we'll all get raises.
[chuckles]
Did I miss something, James?
No, just...
just an inside joke.
Now is not the time.
Got it?
[cellphone vibrates]
-We're on it.
-They're here.
Why do I get the feeling
that he's the one
expecting the raise?
All right, if you'll, uh --
if you follow me this way.
This is our critical-care unit.
Uh, as you can see,
it is equipped
with medical technology
on the brink of innovation.
What?
I'm gonna go check on 209.
You got this?
Sure, but what's up?
Ah!
I just want to personally
thank you for the gift.
[chuckles] Yeah, listen,
no problem, man.
I-I'm just happy
to be able to help.
Again, thanks.
It means so much to --
to myself and our staff, uh,
not to mention our patients.
Right. Could you actually
tell me about your staff?
Sure. They're great.
Uh, we get dozens
of positive comments
from patients and families
every day.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, but how's turnover?
I know I have a hell of a time
trying to find the right people.
[chuckles]
Uh...
Not bad at all.
Well, you know,
I actually find it helpful
to have a little bit
of turnover.
I call it, uh, you know,
continuous improvement,
if you will, right?
Thin the herd a little,
make room for some new blood.
[chuckles]
Uh, I'm not sure
I can justify losing an employee
in these, uh, chaotic times.
[chuckles]
Well, it's because of
these times
that you're gonna want
to find the right employee.
[chuckles nervously]
Hmm.
[down-tempo music plays]
[computer beeps]
And that's it.
Um, you just hit record
and start talking.
And when I'm done?
Uh, you're just gonna hit
publish and it'll go live.
It's easy. Right?
I guess I'll give it a shot.
It's like learning
how to play a video game.
I have absolutely no idea
where to start.
Well, this is a place
of learning.
Speaking of, remember all that
news about, um, GameStop?
Those Reddit guys figured out
how to spark a stampede
of algorithms.
Just aggregate
a bunch of buyers.
Hmm. Yeah, it's like waving
a red flag in front of a bull.
This is you?
What? Ha!
A thousand years ago.
You hiked the Appalachian Trail.
Yeah, between college
and grad school.
I, uh, guess I was trying
to find myself.
You ever been there?
Yeah.
My wife and I -- we finished it.
Nearly finished it.
Oh, you're married?
No. Not anymore.
Ah. Divorced.
No. Um...she died.
Rare form of brain cancer.
I'm sorry. James.
My condolences.
How you holding up?
Look, you should be all set.
I actually --
I really gotta get going.
Yeah. Yeah, yeah.
No problem. Thanks for the help.
[down-tempo music plays]
[door opens]
Thanks for waiting, James.
You know Sharon from HR.
[dramatic music plays]
What is this?
I-I don't understand.
You'll get 30 days of severance,
but we need you
to sign a release
and a non-disparagement
agreement.
What for?
I mean, you haven't even
explained -- what is this?
I think it's in your best
interest just to sign.
A termination
would look pretty bad.
Termination? But for what?
On top of your poor attendance,
recently, there have been some
reports of misconduct.
What misconduct?!
I know I've been late
a few times,
but I explained that,
and I have not been late since.
Be sensible.
It's a good offer,
and you could get some help.
Get help for what?!
If you won't sign,
the termination will be
effective immediately
without pay.
We'll have to file a report.
[James]
But this is bullshit.
[music continues]
Yes, Maria, I-I just --
I need the deposit back,
or at least a part of it.
I know non-refundable
after 15 days.
It's just that my situation
has changed.
I did not expect this.
No, I-I'm not saying that.
It's not your fault.
I just...
No, you're right.
No, I-I'm sorry. It's...
Thank you, Maria.
If you need anything...
[dramatic music plays]
[crying]
I said I'd try, and I tried.
-[Aimee] James.
-Aimee.
Hey, hey.
Aimee, I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry what I did to you.
You didn't deserve that at all.
I'm sorry.
-It's okay.
-I'm sorry.
It's okay. It's okay.
Hey, um...
I went to your apartment,
and I talked to the...
babysitter.
I heard about your mom.
James, I...
I'm really sorry.
I meant to go and see her.
To visit.
I just -- I got so...
I...
I-I can't say goodbye
to my mom.
I don't know what to do.
You don't have to right now.
I'm here.
Okay?
It's okay.
[sobbing]
[down-tempo music plays]
[Aimee] I'm right here.
[James continues sobbing]
[Drew] It's war!
I declare war.
Yes!
Hey, where you going?
I was just gonna go
check on the sink.
I've been meaning to.
You can do that later.
Come on.
Come play with us.
You believe in fate?
Depends on what we're talking
about, I guess.
Taking a class together.
Getting assigned a project.
You finding a place with land.
Where are you going with this?
You're free.
You're finally free
to do everything
that you wanted to do.
Yeah, but it was never supposed
to happen like this.
So what? Things don't always
go as planned.
You know what?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah, I want a --
I want a -- a fresh start.
I wanna go somewhere new,
get out of this place,
get away from that job.
Been buried for so long.
I-I want to...
I wanna get into it.
Like, I-I do, I do.
I want to get into it.
I wanna find things
I like to do.
I wanna find things
you girls like to do.
I-I wanna...
be happy.
Mom would want that.
Then let's do it.
Let's be happy, right?
Let's get excited.
-Let's get hot cocoa!
-Let's get hot cocoa.
-[Imani] Yeah!
-[Aimee] Let's get hot cocoa.
Let's get our coats first.
-And our masks, too.
-Oh, yeah, let's --
let's get those things.
[Aimee] It's so nice out.
It's pretty good, especially
for this time of year.
You know it's gonna be
colder in Maine, right?
[James]
Yeah, but it's also gonna be
a lot cheaper to live there.
-Auntie Chrissy!
-Hey, boo-boo! [laughs]
-You dropped this.
-Thanks, Aimee.
-Oh, so you must be Aimee.
-You must be Christine.
-It's nice to finally meet you.
-Pleasure's all mine.
[Drew]
Aimee's just awesome!
[chuckles]
I'm sure she is.
We were just having
a little bit of hot cocoa.
-You want some?
-Oh, you sharing, Juju?
You must be in a good mood
today.
You know what? I don't have
any plans for the evening.
You girls want to stay with me?
Are you sure?
I mean, you've been
watching them most of the week.
I would like the time.
You two have fun.
Okay.
You girls be good, okay?
-Have fun.
-[Christine] Let's go.
[chuckles]
Wait. Aren't you getting
something?
I got yours.
[chuckles] Uh, love you.
[Christine] You better.
I love you, too.
Oh, heck no.
[suspenseful music plays]
[TV shuts off]
[emotional music plays]
[music continues]
[exciting music plays]
Welcome back to "FNM."
I'm Mike Spinelli.
And, uh, Jenny, unfortunately,
the news is not all good
for a few social-media
companies.
Particularly not for TAPiT,
whose CEO was just recently
on this show, right, Mike?
[Mike] Yes, he was.
Right there in that chair.
And what a total disaster.
Goldman has just canceled
their IPO, so it looks like...
Guys, get back to work!
[Mike] ...unless they can
pull off a fire sale...
[Jenny] Well, and they do have
some deep-pocketed investors.
I mean,
the CEO did make it sound
like the company
is thriving, right?
Yes, they do, and yes, he did.
But they've also been
racking up enormous debt
in anticipation of the IPO.
[Jenny] Well, would you say
his statements were false
or at least misleading?
You're up early.
I'm always up early.
[Mike] ...call them projections
and leave it at that.
[Jenny] Here we go.
One more question for you.
Isn't it true that their CEO
is currently facing
multiple sexual-misconduct
allegations,
not to mention
an IRS investigation
into fraudulent donations?
Unfortunately for Bryson,
both are true.
[dramatic music plays]
[snorts]
Amber!
Amber, please come in here.
[music continues]
I want you
to take that limp little chode
that you call a dick
and go fuck yourself with it.
I fucking quit.
Go to hell, Bryson.
[music continues]
Come on, come on, come on!
Come on, come on, come on!
Come on, come on, man!
[crying] I don't know what
I'm doing anymore!
[snorts]
[sobbing] I'm sorry!
I'm sorry!
Oh, my God!
Let's play some brighter music
and dive into
which sectors are looking
particularly strong today.
Oh, well,
it would be my pleasure.
Uh, commodities and industrials
are leading
a very strong market.
-Agricultural products...
-Holy shit.
...housing products,
particularly lumber...
Gardner was right.
-...very strongly...
-Looks like it.
No. Like, he was
really, really right.
How so?
He said to invest
in commodities, real things.
-[Mike] We'll be right back.
-Like timber.
[light, emotional music plays]
Come with us.
Come with you?
It might sound crazy,
but, you know,
this whole thing has been about
moving forward, being happy.
I've wasted so much time.
I just...
I can't picture any of that
without you.
[chuckles]
Um...
Would --
Would the girls like that?
-What about my job?
-We'll figure it out.
I love you, Aimee.
[chuckles]
I love you, James.
[music continues]
[Gardner]
Come on in.
Hey! Look!
The subscriber base is growing,
and comments.
People are actually engaging.
[chuckles]
That's awesome.
I-I didn't realize
that you already posted one.
Not just one.
Over a dozen.
[laughs]
I gotta thank you for motivating
me to start this podcast.
I mean, it's really nice to have
people that want to listen.
It sounds like you finally
found your audience.
Yeah, I think so.
Um, check your e-mail.
I just sent you a link.
Um, Professor...
I-I actually wanted
to thank you.
These last three years
have been...
difficult for me.
I don't think I really realized
how lost I was.
You know, you helped me
work through quite a bit of it.
I feel like I finally know
what I need to do now,
and...I'm ready to do it.
A lot of that's thanks to you.
I think that's the nicest thing
that an educator...
or a friend would want to hear.
I'm proud of your growth, James.
Are you gonna take any of my,
uh, electives next semester?
Oh, well, that's the thing.
-I'm moving.
-Moving?
Yeah, I invested in property
in Maine.
Timber, actually.
[chuckles] Wow.
You actually were listening.
Well, I-I gotta get going.
There's still a lot to do.
But I hope you have
a really good summer.
Enjoy Maine.
And more than that,
enjoy your journey.
All right?
Hey, James. Um...
A buddy of mine in Maine
deals in lumber trading.
I'm gonna text you
his number,
and you're gonna
give him a call.
He's always looking for
good help.
-Yeah. I really appreciate that.
-Yeah.
All right?
And if there's anything
you ever need,
don't you hesitate to call.
Thank you.
[chuckles]
Get outta here.
[light, happy music plays]
Welcome to
the "Money Game" podcast.
Our system is broken.
It is clear now that printing
money sends asset prices up.
What's less clear is that
it also slows the real economy
as we misallocate resources.
Now we have two
different economies --
the financial economy
and the real economy
that no longer work together.
Money printing doesn't
create wealth.
Wealth is created
by all your hard work.
[music continues]
[dog barking, toy squeaking]
[music continues]
Whatcha doin'?
Just looking and see where
we could put a garden.
A garden?
I like that idea.
Now that the barn's all set,
I could be down
for another project.
Thought you would.
Oh, hey,
did you talk to Lee yet?
I did.
Everything's all set.
I should be good to go on my own
in about a week.
[music continues]
-[basketball thumps]
-Ready?
For you?
One-zip.
[net swishes]
[light, happy music plays]
[music continues]
[music continues]
[music fades]