Johnny On The Spot: Decoding the Precious Metals Market

When investing in gold and silver, it can be a little difficult to spot a scam. Scams come in various forms, such as providing misleading investment information for profit or offering products that seem too good to be true. At CMI Gold and Silver, we have been in the precious metals business for over 50 years and, sadly, have witnessed a range of precious metal scams. In this Johnny on the Spot episode, host Johnny and Shannon highlight the top scams and the simple steps to identify and avoid them.

Are you considering preserving your wealth with precious metals but are uncertain whether to choose gold or silver? In this episode of "Johnny on the Spot," hosts Johnny and Shannon discuss the pros and cons of both metals to help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.

When life feels overwhelming and loud, news headlines are loud, and the market feels even louder, it’s easy to make quick decisions just to find peace and quiet. However, these hasty choices are often not based on solid information and can lead to problems and costs in the future. In this episode of *Johnny on the Spot*, hosts Johnny and Shannon provide straightforward investing tips that apply to many of the decisions we face in life. They will discuss the importance of taking a moment to consider the outcomes of our investment decisions and how a simple pause for reflection can help us avoid emotional decision-making and steer clear of financial traps.

 For centuries, gold and silver have been mined by humans for their beauty, intrinsic value, and industrial uses. Have you ever wondered where and how gold is mined? With today’s technology, gold mining has evolved significantly, even compared to just 15 years ago. In this episode of "Johnny on the Spot," hosts Johnny and Shannon discuss the top 10 gold-producing mines around the world and the practices used to extract the shiny, brilliant gold we admire and wear in jewelry and other applications.

Many headlines over the past couple of years have discussed a silver shortage, encouraging investors to buy silver before it runs out. But what does this actually mean, and is there truly a silver shortage? In this video, hosts Johnny and Shannon discuss the history of silver and explore the various reasons behind these headlines to clarify the situation and alleviate any fears. CLICK HERE to learn about  The Demise of Silver in US Coinage

Goldfinger, The Italian Job, and Die Hard all feature gold as a central element in intricate heists. Gold has been a prominent theme in movies since the early days of Hollywood, with gold bars specifically emerging as valuable items in heist plots. Hollywood magic has crafted some exaggerated, even implausible, stories about the transportation of gold. In this episode of CMI Gold & Silver, titled "Johnny on the Spot," hosts Johnny and Shannon set out to debunk the myths surrounding gold as depicted in films. 

One of the most important steps in investing in precious metals is choosing the right dealer—one with years of experience and a proven track record. Whether you decide to go with CMI Gold & Silver or another dealer, this episode of "Johnny on the Spot" offers valuable tips on how to find the best dealer for your needs. It includes questions to ask and guidance on researching their company and services. 

Did you know that you can use the wealth preservation benefits of tangible precious metals in your IRA? In this episode of CMI Gold & Silver, "Johnny on the Spot," hosts Johnny and Shannon explain how to secure your retirement with precious metals, from choosing the brokerage to adding metals to your account.

Have you ever wondered where all the gold in the world is? Gold is a finite commodity that could fit into around three Olympic-sized swimming pools. So where is it all?  In this episode of CMI Gold & Silver Johnny on the Spot, hosts Johnny and Shannon uncover where the vast amounts of gold are stored. You'll be surprised by who holds the most gold. Learn about the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and its protocols for storing gold, the countries buying gold, and the buying spree by the intergovernmental organization that makes up BRICS.

Life after gold: Did you know that the US dollar was once tied to gold until it wasn't? Gold has been used as currency since humanity first discovered its lustrious power. So, why did the US and other countries abandon the connection of the dollar to gold? In this episode of CMI Gold & Silver Johnny on the Spot, Johnny and Shannon break down what happened to our monetary connection to gold and decode the consequences of abandoning it. Learn about Franklin D. Roosevelt's role in ending the gold standard, the meeting at Bretton Woods, and how the "Nixon Shock" in the 70s ended it all.

Can the government really confiscate your gold? Are there such things as “confiscation-proof” coins? These questions create a lot of anxiety—and confusion—for precious metals investors. In this episode, we set the record straight by decoding the myths, misunderstandings, and marketing hype surrounding the Gold Confiscation Act of 1933. We’ll break down the clever sales tactics some companies use to push higher-premium products, often fueled by misinformation and fear. Our goal: to empower you with the facts, so you can confidently invest in gold and maximize your buying power—without falling for scare tactics. Tune in for an honest, clear-eyed look at gold ownership, and learn how to get the most gold for your dollar, minus the fear. https://cmi-gold-silver.com/gold-confiscation-1933/

You just bought precious metals — now how do you safely store them? Depending on your personal needs, precious metals can be stored at home, in a secure depository, or in a bank vault. In this part two episode about storage, we talk with Safe City about the importance of a secure, quality-made home safe. CMI Gold & Silver neither endorses any specific brand of personal safes nor has it received any compensation or incentive from any safe manufacturer. This is for informational purposes only.

When it comes to investing in tangible precious metals, many investors wonder about the best way to ensure safe and secure storage. In this first two-part episode, we explore the option of using a safety deposit box with our trusted partner, Curtis Ganeum from The Vault at Ganem Jewelers. Aired on the radio 9.27.25. The Decode and Win contest has ended.

Why are spot price feeds different for precious metals? Understanding why spot prices can vary from different spot feeds can be confusing when investing in precious metals. This Johnny on the Spot episode will delve into how spot prices are determined and reveal that not all pricing is equal. Additionally, discover what the gold and silver ratio is and how this number can inform your investment strategies. Aired 9.20.25. The Decode and Win contest has ended.

Junk silver is anything but junk! Did you know that junk silver holds much more value than just its legal tender? In this episode of Johnny on the Spot, hosts Johnny and Shannon explain what junk silver is and why it’s a fantastic way to acquire bullion, making it a valuable addition of tangible precious metals to any investment portfolio.

Welcome to the first episode of Johnny on the Spot! In this episode, hosts Johnny and Shannon Estes explore the origins of CMI Gold & Silver, the oldest bullion firm in the United States. They also dive into the basics of investing in precious metals. Join us weekly to learn everything you need to know about precious metals from industry experts. Visit our website cmigs.com to discover the world of gold and silver bullion. Please note - the contest mentioned has ended.