Hour 2: Washington Gold Exchange has become Idaho Gold Exchange

The John Curley Show dives into the story of Greg Ryan, owner of Washington Gold Exchange, who has relocated his business to Idaho in response to a new 10.3% sales tax on precious metals passed in Washington State. Despite lawmakers claiming there's 'no evidence' of capital flight, Ryan shares firsthand experience of record-breaking demand before the tax took effect in January 2025, followed by a mass exodus of customers and businesses to neighboring states like Idaho, where taxes are more favorable. He recounts the emotional toll of leaving a family business that has operated in Washington for 125 years, and criticizes the state's anti-business legislature for ignoring economic reality and prioritizing revenue over small enterprise. The episode challenges the narrative that people won't change behavior due to taxes, using Ryan’s story as proof that capital flight is not a myth but a predictable economic response. The show also features a lighter segment on car privacy and a humorous story about a stolen car and a flirtatious cop, while promoting listener engagement through a call for more stories of businesses relocating due to taxation.