In this episode of Kontrarian Korner, Ben Kelleran interviews Dave Collum, a professor of organic chemistry at Cornell, about financial markets, commodities, and broader economic trends. Collum expresses his bearish outlook on equities, citing high valuations and potential market corrections, while also discussing opportunities in commodities like gold, silver, and platinum. The conversation explores the role of government policies, demographic shifts, and the influence of institutions on market dynamics. They delve into the challenges facing the education system, potential reforms for student loans, and the impact of political ideologies on societal structures. They also discuss energy markets, with a focus on oil production, offshore drilling, and the potential of nuclear energy, and touch on the risks associated with private equity and debt markets.