Podcast Episode #567: Rewriting The American Dream in a Stagflation World - Dr. David Phelps
Episode #567: Dentist Freedom Blueprint Podcast
Rewriting The American Dream in a Stagflation World - Dr. David Phelps
What if the biggest threat to your freedom isn’t the economy—but your response to it? In this deeply reflective solo episode, David Phelps pulls back the curtain on how economic, cultural, and generational pressures are reshaping both opportunity and risk for practice owners and investors. Drawing from history, cycle theory, and real conversations inside the Freedom Founders community, David shares why uncertainty isn’t the enemy—failing to adapt is, and why most people grind harder when what they really need is clarity, margin, and intentional design.
Instead of fear-driven hype, this episode offers a grounded framework for protecting what matters most: your family, your peace of mind, and your long-term freedom. David explains why the old assumptions about growth are breaking, how inflation and debt dynamics are influencing opportunity, and what it really means to build a life that isn’t just bigger—but better designed. Whether you’re worried about markets or unsure what step comes next, this conversation will help you see the landscape clearly and act with confidence, not anxiety.
Minute Markers:
00:00 – Intro
01:19 – Inside the Freedom Founders community and economic pressure points
03:40 – Generational cycles, debt, and the end of old growth assumptions
07:54 – Wealth inequality, inflation, and reshaping opportunity
10:55 – What inflation means for investors and practice owners
12:45 – Why dentists burn out—focus on life design, not just work
18:08 – Creating margin: simplify lifestyle, debt, and expectations
22:26 – Family priorities and resetting “the dream”
27:46 – Risk curves, liquidity, and positioning for what’s ahead
Featured on the Show:
Dr. David Phelps: Website | LinkedIn
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P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here are some other ways I can help fast track you to your Freedom goal (you’re closer than you think) :
In this episode, we finish up the second part of my interview with Rob Swanson and his eight rules of investing. (If you haven’t listened to part 1, be sure to go back and give that a listen before jumping into this one.) Today, we pick up where we left off, covering rules four through eight and talking about everything from decision-making to cash flow and risk reduction.
Listen in as Rob shares his incredible insight and experience in real estate and investing to give us a few rules that help make our decisions and investments more solid. You will hear about the importance of looking at margins before buying and what boxes need to be checked when it comes to predicting a solid income stream. Rob also discusses how to define and mitigate the different risks involved so that you can come out on top.
Alastair MacDonald is a private advisor to established entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners, as well as a TEDx speaker who lectures on economic, social, and financial forecasts. Join me today to hear part two of our conversation at the Freedom Founders Mastermind, where we dive into the concept of certainty, how to hedge against a volatile economy, and why the abdication model is no longer one that works.
Listen in to learn the reasons why Alastair is not worried about consumer price inflation (and what he’s really worried about instead) and why the 401(k) is not always the investment that it is made out to be. You’ll learn why he is most concerned about the issue of division and polarity in the Western world, why your business is your best asset in a volatile economy, and how you can maintain its viability to weather the most intense economic storm.
1. Get Your Free Retirement Scorecard:
Benchmark your retirement and wealth-building against hundreds of other practice professionals, and get personalized feedback on your biggest opportunities and leverage points. Go to www.FreedomFounders.com/Scorecard to take the 3 minute assessment and get your scorecard.
2. Attend A Workshop:
If you’re committed to Freedom, but still building a practice, paying down school debt, or growing investment capital, our hands-on Freedom Blueprint Workshops are your entrance ramp onto the fast track! Visit www.freedomfounders.com/workshop to claim your seat!
3. Apply To Visit The Mastermind:
If you’d like to join dozens of dentists, docs, and practice professionals on the fast track to Freedom (5-7 years max), visit www.freedomfounders.com/step-1 to apply for a seat.
4. Want to Work Directly with Me?
If you’d like to work directly with me and a small group of my closest investment colleagues, with direct access to the dealmakers and asset classes that I invest in, just send a message to my Executive Assistant (Lindsey@FreedomFounders.com), and put “Fast Access” in the subject line. Or, call (972) 203-6960 Ext 144 and leave a brief voicemail for Lindsey. Let her know you’re interested in the Fast Access program – we’ll set up a time with you to talk, find out about your goals, and see if there is a fit.