Mettle | Issue #015 | 10.29.25
Intel
Truth or B.S.
Were You Hacked This Week?
Claim: Gmail was hacked this week.
Reality: Nope. Gmail itself wasn't breached. A massive database of 183 million stolen login credentials surfaced online in October—but it's from info-stealing malware that infected people's devices over the past year, not a new Gmail hack. The breach actually happened back in April; it just made headlines now.
The Mettle Take: Panic less. Protect more. Change your passwords (especially if you reuse them), enable two-factor authentication, and check haveibeenpwned.com to see if your email's been compromised. Security isn't paranoia—it's maintenance. Treat your digital life like your car: regular upkeep prevents the breakdown.
The Internet is full of noise. Here’s the Signal
Congrats to Mike Riffelmacher - he won a bottle of Never Say Die Rye Whiskey and a stash of Protein Bars from Linear Bar! He was our winner from the Man Show Expo in Wichita, KS over the weekend!
Know This
The Primer
Wagyu 101
“Wagyu” literally means Japanese cow. But knowing the name doesn’t mean you know what you’re buying — because not all Wagyu is created equal.
Japanese A5 Wagyu — The gold standard. Full-blood Japanese cattle, fed long and intensely marbled.
Retail butcher: ~ $10-$15 per ounce
Restaurant premium: ~ $30-$50+ per ounce in top steakhouses.
Australian Wagyu — The value-luxury middle ground. High marbling with more manageable price.
Retail butcher: ~ $4-$8 per ounce depending on grade
Restaurant: ~ $10-$20+ per ounce depending on cut & grade.
American Wagyu — Cattle with Wagyu influence (often cross-bred), strong flavor, less melt.
Retail butcher: ~ $4-$10+ per ounce for quality cuts.
Restaurants: ~ $8-$20+ per ounce, depending on venue and cut.
The Mettle Take
If you’re chasing a splurge-moment, go Japanese A5 — but expect serious sticker shock. Australian offers much of the experience without hurting the bank. American Wagyu is a smart step-up for everyday luxury. And remember: the restaurant price includes service, ambience, and markup — not just the meat.
Because you’re not the only one who wondered.
Briefing
The Insider
The Halloween Cocktail Drink You NEED to Try
We’re excited to partner with @the_drink_doctor this week on a truly delicious and inventive cocktail, just in time for Halloween. Spend some time scrolling on his Insta for new cocktails to add to your arsenal.
What do you do when the dead rise? You make a cocktail — with enough caffeine to keep up. Wake the Dead is a smooth, smoky mix of whiskey, espresso, and a touch of absinthe magic. It’s bold, a little spooky, and perfect for Halloween parties or late-night gatherings.
Recipe:
2 oz whiskey
2 oz espresso
½ oz absinthe (@absinthe_absente)
2 dashes chocolate bitters
Shake everything with ice until chilled. Add smoke to a rocks glass (optional), pour over a large cube, and garnish with an orange twist.
Whether you’re fighting off the undead or hosting your own haunted happy hour — this cocktail brings the spirit to life. 🧡
Tips From the Pros.
Money
Compound Mettle
What Pre-Tax vs. Post-Tax Savings Really Mean
When it comes to saving and investing, the difference between pre-tax and post-tax money isn't just semantics—it changes how much you keep, when you pay, and how fast your money compounds.
Pre-Tax (Traditional 401(k) or IRA): You contribute before taxes hit your paycheck. Lower your taxable income now, pay Uncle Sam later when you withdraw in retirement. It's the "save now, pay later" play.
Post-Tax (Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA): You contribute after taxes. Pay income tax upfront, but every dollar you withdraw in retirement—including all growth and gains—is yours to keep, tax-free. "Pay now, play later."
The Mettle Take: If you're early in your career and expect higher income later, Roth makes sense—pay taxes at today's lower rate. If you're earning peak income now, go pre-tax to cut this year's tax bill. Smart money doesn't choose sides—it plays both. Taxes are guaranteed. Timing is strategy
Stay Sharp,
The Mettle Team
