Tariffs, Trade, and the Geography of Adaptation

What do beef prices, Vietnamese factories, cardboard boxes, toilet paper, and inflation have in common? According to Jake McClure, a lot more than you might think. In this episode of The Personal Wealth Coach, Jake explores the ”geography of adaptation,” the often-overlooked ways people, businesses, and entire economies adjust when the rules of the game change. From tariff battles and shifting global supply chains to the surprising rise of Vietnam as a trade powerhouse, he connects today’s headlines to lessons from history, including the Smoot-Hawley tariffs and the Great Depression. Along the way, you’ll discover why the internet may be partly responsible for changes in the Southern timber industry, how cardboard shortages led companies to rethink shipping, and why inflation continues to feel painful even as income growth, savings rates, and credit trends are telling a more encouraging story. This episode is part economics lesson, part detective story, and part reminder that adaptation is often the hidden force behind progress. If you’ve been wondering whether the economy is really as bad as it feels, or if there is good news hiding beneath the noise, this conversation is worth your time. This episode was recorded on August 28, 2026. If you would like to contact us, please send an email to us at advisingteam@tpwc.com. We are happy to address any of your questions about Economics and Finance. If you are ready and would like to book an appointment either in office or over the phone, you can also send a message to us through the contact form on our website TPWC.com. ** The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. We are “The Personal Wealth Coach,” which is also the name of an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. However, being registered with the SEC does not authorize us to provide investment advice. Investment advice should be personalized, offered in a private setting, and be in the best interests of the individual as a fiduciary. If we make any fraudulent statements, you should report them to the SEC. The information presented in this educational episode has been obtained from sources that we deem to be reliable, but we make no warranty or guarantee as to the completeness or accuracy of said information.