The Price of Civilization
The Price of Civilization is a podcast that uncomplicates the tax code and explores how the money we pay shapes the world we live in.
Hosted by Tax Attorney Pietro Canestrelli, this podcast brings experienced insight to a topic that affects every American but is often difficult to understand. Pietro is a former IRS attorney from the Office of Chief Counsel in Washington, D.C., with 27 years of experience in tax law. He holds an advanced LL.M. in Taxation, is a Nationally Certified Tax Coach, and is one of fewer than 350 attorneys officially recognized by the State Bar of California as a Certified Taxation Law Specialist.
Oliver Wendell Holmes famously said, “Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society.” But let’s be honest: when you look at your paycheck, receive an IRS notice, or try to decode a massive tax return, it can feel a whole lot more like a penalty.
In each episode, Pietro sits down with a special guest to explore who they are, the work they do, the people they serve, and the journey that shaped them. Together, they also discuss the everyday reality of taxation: how tax issues show up in business, family, finances, and professional life.
From the wealthiest corporations to the average earner, The Price of Civilization looks at how taxes affect our lives and asks the ultimate question:
Are we getting our civilization’s worth?
Let’s dive into today’s episode.
The Price of Civilization
Latest Episodes
When Business Partners Turn Toxic: A Litigator's Guide to Fixing It Early | With Tony Liu
In this 6th episode of The Price of Civilization, the conversation tackles one of the most common and painful problems business owners face: partnership disputes. The discussion explores why these conflicts so often build up gradually ra...
People Before Policy: Building Better Businesses Through HR | With Daneen Ashworth
In this episode of The Price of Civilization, host Pietro Canestrelli sits down with Daneen Ashworth owner and founder of Compass HR, to explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of runn...
The Numbers Don't Lie: Using Bookkeeping to Build a Stronger Business | With Laura Bender
In this episode of The Price of Civilization, host Pietro Canestrelli sits down with CPA and bookkeeping expert Laura Bender, owner of Pro Balance Books, for an insightful discussion about one of the most overlooked foundat...
How Understanding People Can Change Your Business and Your Life | With Volker Jaeckel
In this episode of The Price of Civilization, host Pietro Canestrelli welcomes internationally certified DISC coach and business strategist Volker "VJ" Jaeckel for an engaging conversation about the power of understanding h...
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The Tax Mistakes That Can Follow You After Divorce | With Josephia Rouse
In this second episode of The Price of Civilization, host Pietro Canestrelli sits down with Chief Visionary Officer & Director of Business Operations, Josephia Rouse for a thoughtful conversation about two of l...
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