We often focus on companies like Tesla or ARM, but we rarely think about the materials that make their technology possible. Ed Conway is the Economics Editor for Sky News and author of Material World: A Substantial Story of Our Past and Future. Where does the battery in your phone or an electric vehicle come from? Why are materials like lithium and copper so critical to achieving net-zero? These aren't just commodities; they are the fundamental building blocks of the technologies that shape our world and our future. 📧 80% of personal finance on 2 pages Get free guide: https://makingmoney.email/80-guide-video 🤝 Improve your finances with our adviser service - book free consultation: https://makingmoney.email/financial-advisors-video 🎉Sponsors Vanta - Get your company secure and compliant, with $1k off: https://vanta.com/makingmoney Tide - Get 3.81% AER variable on your business savings. Use this link https://www.tide.co/offers/makingmoneyq1 or the code 'MAKINGMONEYQ1'. You'll also get £100 if you fund your account with £5,000 in the first 30 days. Ts&Cs apply. New members receive a 0.77% AER boost on the standard 3.04% until 01/06/25 after which the rate reverts to 3.04% with no interest on balances over £75,000. Rate correct as of 06/02/2025. Full terms: https://tide.co/terms/makingmoneyq1-tnc. - If you purchase a product or service using one of the links above, we may receive a commission. There will be no additional charge for you. Remember investments can fall and rise - and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Other fees may apply. Your money is at risk. This is not financial advice. The reason it’s not financial advice is because it’s not tailored to you. We explain the principles of building wealth but if you want personalised advice, it’s worth speaking to a financial advisor. As with everything financial, please do your own research. We really encourage that because no one cares more about your money than you and if you learn the basics then it will change your life. Chapters 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - 6 Key Materials 07:56 - Lithium batteries 15:05 - Vanta Ad 15:57 - Silicon Chips 27:42 - Nano-materials 34:10 - Tide Ad 35:09 - Power 42:18 - Sand 47:11 - Investing in Commodities 52:27 - The Future 57:35 - 80% of everything you need to know about personal finance