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The Hard Asset Income Podcast

Weekly deep dives into shipping, mining, pipelines, and high-yield income strategies — straight talk, no hype, data-driven analysis.

Each week we break down the earnings reports, rate environments, and macro trends that matter most to dividend investors in hard-asset sectors. Subscribe on your favorite platform and never miss an episode.

Shipping Deep Dives

Detailed analysis of tanker rates, fleet dynamics, orderbook data, and individual shipping companies.

Episode 47 · Mar 10, 2026

VLCC Rates Hit 18-Month Highs: Who Benefits Most?

VLCC spot rates surged past $55,000/day this week. We analyze which crude tanker operators have the most spot exposure, the lowest break-even rates, and the strongest balance sheets to convert these rates into outsized dividends. We also examine OPEC+ production decisions and their downstream effects on ton-mile demand.

Episode 44 · Feb 17, 2026

The Product Tanker Squeeze: Why MR Rates Are Defying Gravity

Refinery closures in Europe and new capacity in the Middle East are reshaping refined product trade flows. Longer voyages mean higher ton-mile demand even as the fleet ages. We walk through the numbers on three product tanker companies trading below NAV with yields above 10%.

Episode 41 · Jan 27, 2026

Orderbook-to-Fleet at Historic Lows: What It Means for 2026-2028

The global tanker orderbook stands at just 5% of the existing fleet, the lowest ratio in over 25 years. We explain why shipyard capacity constraints, rising newbuild costs, and environmental regulations make a rapid supply response nearly impossible — and what this means for rate cycles ahead.

Mining Analysis

Gold, copper, lithium, and uranium — examining cost curves, production data, and dividend sustainability.

Episode 46 · Mar 3, 2026

Gold Above $2,800: Which Miners Are Printing Cash?

With gold holding above $2,800/oz, producers with AISC under $1,200 are generating record free cashflow. We rank the top five gold miners by FCF yield, examine their dividend policies, and identify which ones are returning capital versus reinvesting in growth. Plus: the royalty company alternative for lower-risk gold exposure.

Episode 42 · Feb 3, 2026

Copper Deficit 2026: The Supply Gap Nobody Is Talking About

Global copper demand is accelerating from electrification and data center construction, but mine supply is stagnating due to declining ore grades and permitting delays in Chile and Peru. We quantify the emerging deficit and discuss which copper miners are best positioned to capitalize.

Pipeline Income

Midstream MLPs, pipeline corporations, and the toll-booth business model that generates steady distributions.

Episode 45 · Feb 24, 2026

MLP Tax Season Guide: K-1s, UBTI, and What Your Accountant Gets Wrong

Tax season is here and MLP investors have questions. We cover K-1 filing basics, the UBTI trap for IRA holders, state tax filing obligations, and the return-of-capital benefit that makes MLPs so tax-efficient for long-term holders. Practical guidance, not theoretical — based on real portfolio experience.

Episode 39 · Jan 13, 2026

Natural Gas Pipelines: The LNG Export Tailwind

New LNG export terminals coming online through 2028 need feed gas, and the pipelines connecting Permian and Haynesville basins to the Gulf Coast are running at capacity. We identify three midstream operators with direct exposure to this structural growth driver and distribution coverage ratios above 1.5x.

Market Updates

Weekly macro commentary and cross-sector observations for income investors.

Episode 48 · Mar 14, 2026

Weekly Roundup: Rate Cuts, Commodity Prices, and Q4 Earnings Takeaways

The Fed held rates steady at 4.25%, but forward guidance shifted dovish. We discuss how lower rates affect the relative attractiveness of high-yield hard assets, recap the most important Q4 earnings from our coverage universe, and highlight three positions we are watching for potential entry points.

Episode 43 · Feb 10, 2026

China Restocking: What Commodity Imports Tell Us About the Cycle

Chinese iron ore and crude oil imports rebounded sharply in January. We analyze whether this signals genuine demand recovery or seasonal restocking, and what it means for bulk carrier rates, tanker demand, and base metal prices over the coming quarters.

Dividend Strategy

Building and managing a high-yield income portfolio — allocation, risk management, and compounding.

Episode 40 · Jan 20, 2026

The 80/20 Portfolio: One Year Later

We launched the 80/20 strategy concept twelve months ago — 80% stable income payers, 20% high-upside cyclical plays. We review actual performance, discuss what worked, what didn't, and how we're adjusting allocations for 2026. The blended yield came in at 9.4% with total return exceeding 22%.

Episode 38 · Jan 6, 2026

Yield Traps: How to Spot a Dividend Cut Before It Happens

A 15% yield means nothing if the distribution gets slashed. We walk through our five-point checklist for identifying unsustainable payouts: coverage ratio deterioration, rising leverage, declining revenue quality, insider selling, and management guidance language. Real examples from past dividend cuts in our sectors.

Disclaimer: Podcast content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.