A Book with Legs
A Book with Legs is a podcast by Smead Capital Management that explores value investing through unique perspectives. Each episode features authors discussing books that have influenced the investment decisions of the Smead team. The podcast aims to provide worldly wisdom for curious-minded individuals, covering topics relevant to investors, business people, and thinkers.
Episodes
Erwin Chemerinsky - Campus Speech and Academic Freedom: A Guide for Difficult Times
In this episode of A Book with Legs, Cole Smead, CEO and Portfolio Manager at Smead Capital Management, sits down with Erwin Chemerinsky to discuss his book, “Campus Speech and Academic Freedom: A Guide for Difficult Times,” co-authored with Howard Gillman.Erwin Chemerinsky is the 13th Dean of Berkeley Law and the Jesse H. Choper Distinguished Professor of Law. Before joining Berkeley in 2017, he
The Smead Book List - Fall Book List 2026
In this episode of A Book with Legs, Cole Smead, CEO and Portfolio Manager at Smead Capital Management, is joined by Chairman and Chief Investment Officer Bill Smead for the firm’s quarterly book list.Cole and Bill walk through what they have recently finished, what they are reading now, and what is on deck. Recent titles include David Williams’s “The William E. Boeing Story”, Liaquat Ahamed’s “18
Kenneth Rogoff - Our Dollar, Your Problem: An Insider's View of Seven Turbulent Decades of Global Finance, and the Road Ahead
In this episode of A Book with Legs, Cole Smead, CEO and Portfolio Manager at Smead Capital Management, sits down with Dr. Kenneth Rogoff to discuss his book, "Our Dollar, Your Problem: An Insider's View of Seven Turbulent Decades of Global Finance, and the Road Ahead."Kenneth Rogoff is the Maurits C. Boas Professor of Economics at Harvard University. From 2001 to 2003, he served as Chief Economis
Adrian Wooldridge - The Revolutionary Center: The Lost Genius of Liberalism
In this episode of A Book with Legs, Cole Smead, CEO and Portfolio Manager at Smead Capital Management, sits down with Adrian Wooldridge to discuss his book, “The Revolutionary Center: The Lost Genius of Liberalism.”Adrian Wooldridge is the global business columnist at Bloomberg News, and previously spent more than twenty years at The Economist, serving as political editor and Washington bureau ch
Bryan Burrough - The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild
In this episode of A Book with Legs, Cole Smead, CEO and Portfolio Manager, welcomes back Bryan Burrough to discuss his book, “The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild.”Bryan Burrough is a New York Times bestselling author or coauthor of eight books, including the Wall Street classic “Barbarians at the Gate,” which he previously discussed on A Book With Legs podcast, as well as “Public Enemie
Liaquat Ahamed - 1873: The Rothschilds, the First Great Depression, and the Making of the Modern World
In this episode of A Book with Legs, Cole Smead, CEO and Portfolio Manager, and Bill Smead, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer at Smead Capital Management, sit down with Liaquat Ahamed to discuss his book, “1873: The Rothschilds, The First Great Depression and the Making of the Modern World.”Liaquat Ahamed explores 1873 as the first truly global financial crisis, centered on the Rothschild fami
David Williams - The William E. Boeing Story: A Gift of Flight
In this episode of A Book with Legs, hosts Cole Smead, CEO and Portfolio Manager, and Bill Smead, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer at Smead Capital Management, sit down with author David Williams to discuss his book, “The William E. Boeing Story: A Gift of Flight.”The conversation traces Bill Boeing’s path from a wealthy heir working timberland in Hoquiam, Washington, to founding both Boeing
Alex Wright - Empire of Ink
What can the history of newspapers teach us about today's media landscape?In the latest episode of A Book with Legs, Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager C. W. Smead, CFA is joined by author Alex Wright to discuss his book, Empire of Ink: The Printers, Rogues, and Radicals Who Invented the American Newspaper.Cole and Alex trace the evolution of American newspapers from the Revolution
The Smead Book List - Summer 2026
What is the Smead Capital Management team reading, and what ideas are shaping their view of today's markets?In this quarterly Book List episode of A Book with Legs, Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead is joined by longtime listener Steve to discuss the books that have recently captured their attention.Cole and Steve discuss their recent reads which cover a range of topics
The Long View: Defining Intelligence
Can a human being’s behavior and personality be fully explained by a machine, chemistry, biology, or data? Or is there something intangible left over?These questions and the different conversations they can spark were the inspiration behind this special episode of A Book with Legs. Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead revisits highlights from conversations with experts off
Howard Gardner - Frames of Mind
Can an IQ test comprehensively define an individual’s intelligence? Are there aspects of human capability that tests fail to take into account?In the latest episode of A Book with Legs, Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead is joined by professor, psychologist, and author Howard Gardner to discuss his book, titled "Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.”Cole
Justin Baer - House of Fidelity
How did one family build Fidelity into one of the most powerful forces in American investing, and what allowed it to endure across three generations?In the latest episode of A Book with Legs, Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead and Analyst Will Keenan sit down with journalist and author Justin Baer to discuss his book, titled "House of Fidelity: The Rise of the Johnson Dy
Andrew Seth Meyer: To Rule All Under Heaven
What makes a civilization endure, and how did a Chinese empire that conquered everything fall apart in 15 years?In the latest episode of A Book with Legs, Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead is joined by professor and author Andrew Seth Meyer to discuss his book, titled "To Rule All under Heaven: A History of Classical China, from Confucius to the First Emperor."Cole and
Gaurav Suri - The Emergent Mind: How Intelligence Arises in People and Machines
What in the subconscious mind informs our actions, and what are our neural networks capable of that distinguishes them from machines such as LLMs?Gaurav is a computational neuroscientist, experimental psychologist, and an associate professor at San Francisco State University. He also co-authored “A Certain Ambiguity: A Mathematical Novel” and holds a master's in mathematics and computer science an
Jason Bardi - The Great Math War: How Three Brilliant Minds Fought for the Foundations of Mathematics
What happens when brilliant minds disagree not just on answers, but on the very rules of how answers can be found? These questions are addressed in the latest episode of A Book with Legs, where Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead is joined by journalist and author Jason Socrates Bardi to discuss his book, "The Great Math War: How Three Brilliant Minds Fought for the Found
The Smead Book List - Spring Book List
What is the Smead Capital Management team reading, and what’s up next?In this new quarterly ‘book list’ episode, value investors Bill and Cole Smead discuss memorable takeaways from books they have recently read, covering topics from financial crashes and speculative manias to genetics, technology and human behavior. They also discuss what they’re currently reading and preview what’s next on their
Kathryn Paige Harden - Original Sin: On The Genetics of Vice, The Problem of Blame, And the Future of Forgiveness
How much of our temperament and behavior is passed through DNA, and how do we punish those whose behavior may be shaped by genetic forces outside of their control?These concepts are explored in the latest episode of A Book with Legs, where Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead is joined by professor, scientist, and author Kathryn Paige Harden to discuss her book, “Original
Tom Griffiths - Laws of Thought: The Quest for a Mathematical Theory of the Mind
What is the divine, and what can the distinctions between AI learning and human cognition reveal about it?These concepts are explored in the latest episode of A Book with Legs, where value investor Cole Smead, CEO and Portfolio Manager of Smead Capital Management, is joined by author and professor Tom Griffiths to discuss his book, “The Laws of Thought: The Quest for a Mathematical Theory of the M
Amy Gamerman - The Crazies
How much trouble could a wind farm cause? Turns out, a lot. When Rick Jarrett decided to capitalize on strong gusts around his land in Big Timber, Montana, the prospect of a wind farm in the shadow of the Crazy Mountains upset hyper-wealthy neighbors who were more concerned about property aesthetics than multi-generation locals looking to make a living. It also caught the attention of Crow Tribe a
Tim Wu - The Age of Extraction
Smead Capital Management Chairman and CIO Bill Smead and CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead sat down with author and Columbia Law School professor Tim Wu for a special live taping of the A Book with Legs podcast at today’s Smead Investor Oasis. The three discuss Tim’s new book, titled “The Age of Extraction.”The book unpacks one of the defining challenges of our time—the growing power of tech pl
Kenneth R. Rosen - Polar War
In this episode, learn how today’s geopolitics, climate change, and key happenings in the Arctic affect people and countries around the globe. The Arctic plays a complex role on the world stage, impacting everything from Russian national identity to shipping routes and military aspirations. Understanding these themes requires a comprehensive look at Arctic history, its exploration, and why it’s co
Trent Preszler - Evergreen
In this episode, learn about how evergreen trees have uniquely shaped America as we know it today, impacting how we build our homes, celebrate holidays, and more. In fact, the American Revolutionary War might have really started with the Pine Tree Riot, which happened a year before the Boston Tea Party! Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead is joined by Trent Preszler, auth
The Smead Book List - Winter 2025
In this special quarterly ‘book list’ episode, Cole Smead is joined by Smead Capital Management’s analyst team. Together, they discuss the books that they have recently finished and what they are reading now, including titles from authors such as Andrew Ross Sorkin, Roger Lowenstein, and more.The Smead team also shares their perspectives on current markets and what shapes their points of view.
David McWilliams - The History of Money: A Story of Humanity
In this episode, Cole Smead is joined by economist and author David McWilliams to discuss his book, “The History of Money: A Story of Humanity.” McWilliams outlines the thesis of his book, that “money is the foundational technology that explains human progress.” The two examine through historical and contemporary lenses the meaningful ways that currency has shaped our society, impacted quality of
Charles Murray - Taking Religion Seriously
In this episode, Bill Smead and Cole Smead are joined by author Charles Murray to discuss his book, “Taking Religion Seriously.” The three discuss Murray’s personal journey with religion and Christianity, as well as how modern explanations of the universe’s origins align with biblical accounts, what it means to be “tone-deaf spiritually,” and more.
James Grant - Friends Until The End
In this episode, Cole Smead is joined by author James Grant to discuss his book, “Friends Until the End: Edmund Burke and Charles Fox in the Age of Revolution.” The book details the remarkable lives and friendship of British politicians Edmund Burke and Charles Fox, who often united in the pursuit of political causes, despite having wildly different lifestyles and backgrounds. Cole and James’ conv
Brian Potter - The Origins of Efficiency
In this episode, Cole Smead is joined by author Brian Potter to discuss his book “The Origins of Efficiency.” The two discuss the importance and profound impact of efficiency when producing goods and services. Potter also explains how improved efficiency in penicillin production changed the world, the five factors of the production process, and more!
Mark Blyth and Nicolò Fraccaroli - Inflation
In this episode, author and professor Mark Blyth sits down with Cole Smead to discuss a book he co-authored with Nicolò Fraccaroli titled “Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers.” Blyth unpacks the modern forces driving today’s economic shifts, explaining how they reach far beyond simple price increases. They also discuss modern means for managing the economy, energy trends, and more!
Amitav Acharya - The Once and Future World Order: Why Global Civilization Will Survive the Decline of the West
In this episode, professor and author Amitav Acharya joins Cole Smead to discuss his book “The Once and Future World Order: Why Global Civilization Will Survive the Decline of the West.” The two discuss the history of world order, including its origins in Mesopotamia. Cole and Amitav also examine what historical insights reveal about the future of nations like the U.S. and China, as well as the wo
The Smead Book List - Fall 2025
In this special quarterly ‘book list’ episode, Bill Smead and Cole Smead discuss memorable takeaways from books they have recently read, share what they are reading now, and preview what is next on their reading list. The pair also offer fresh insights for investors, drawing on historical examples and personal experiences that shape their perspectives on today’s economy.
Toby Stuart - Anointed
In this episode, author and professor Toby Stuart sits down with Cole Smead to discuss his book “Anointed: The Extraordinary Effects of Social Status in a Winner-Take-Most World.” Together, they explore how social status shapes perception, drawing on examples from the art world to show how value has shifted from the object itself to the identity of its creator, various forms of uncertainty, and mo
Alok Sama - The Money Trap
In this episode, Cole Smead sits down with author and former President and CFO of SoftBank Group International, Alok Sama, to discuss his book, “The Money Trap: Lost Illusions Inside the Tech Bubble.” Sama discusses his personal background and investing roots. He also details his experiences alongside SoftBank’s revolutionary founder, Masayoshi Son, and the “dark side” of the industry, discussing
James Romm - Plato and the Tyrant
In this episode, Cole Smead sits down with professor and author James Romm to discuss his book, “Plato and the Tyrant: The Fall of Greece's Greatest Dynasty and the Making of a Philosophic Masterpiece.” They cover a series of letters that Romm believes to unmistakably be Plato’s writing. The two discuss Plato’s encounters with a tyrannical father and son, both named Dionysius, and the legendary ph
Graham Taylor - Imperial Standard
In this episode, author and professor Graham Taylor sits down with Cole Smead to discuss his book, “Imperial Standard: Imperial Oil, Exxon, and the Canadian Oil Industry from 1880.” Their conversation takes an in-depth look at the history of Canada’s Imperial Oil and its complex relationship with Exxon Mobil. Additionally, Cole and Graham discuss their expectations for the future of Imperial Oil,
Duncan Mavin - Meltdown: Greed, Scandal, and the Collapse of Credit Suisse
In this episode, Cole Smead sits down with Bloomberg Editor Duncan Mavin to discuss his book, “Meltdown: Greed, Scandal, and the Collapse of Credit Suisse.” The two explore the founding of Credit Suisse and its morally questionable history, which found the bank involved in a long list of scandals, including the laundering of Nazi funds and stolen assets, banking relationships with drug dealers and
Stephen Clapham - The Smart Money Method
In this episode, Cole Smead sits down with Stephen Clapham, founder of the London-based investment research and training consultancy Behind the Balance Sheet, to discuss his book “The Smart Money Method: How to Pick Stocks Like a Hedge Fund Pro.” Their conversation explores Clapham’s investment philosophy and methodology, his perspective on legendary investors such as Warren Buffett, and more.
The Smead Book List - Summer 2025
In this special quarterly ‘book list’ episode of A Book with Legs, Smead Capital Management’s analyst team, including Seamus Sullivan, Nick Garcia, and Will Keenan, joins Cole Smead to discuss memorable takeaways from books they have recently read, share what they are reading now, and preview what’s next. They also offer fresh insights for investors on opportunity in homebuilders, oil prices with
Jill Eicher - Mellon vs. Churchill: The Untold Story of Treasury Titans at War
In this episode, Cole Smead sits down with independent scholar and writer Jill Eicher to discuss her book, “Mellon vs. Churchill: The Untold Story of Treasury Titans at War.” Their conversation explores the never-before-told story of heated debates between Andrew Mellon and Winston Churchill over post-WWI debts. Eicher and Smead discuss how each side of the dispute crafted narratives to shape publ
Enda Kenny - Exclusive Interview
In this special bonus episode, Cole Smead and Conor O’Callaghan sit down with former Taoiseach of Ireland Enda Kenny to dive deeper into Ireland’s rich history and the Great Famine. They also explore the spread of the Irish people and their modern identity. Kenny reflects on his experience as a politician, including run-ins with U.S. Presidents and what it means to be a leader.
Padraic Scanlan - Rot: An Imperial History of the Irish Famine
In this episode, Cole Smead and Conor O’Callaghan sit down with Author and Educator Padraic Scanlan to discuss his book, “Rot: An Imperial History of the Irish Famine.” The three explore the history of the Great Famine, explaining how Ireland’s position in the British Empire and reliance on the potato made it uniquely susceptible to starvation, and more.
Russell Shorto - Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events that Created New York and Shaped America
In this episode, Cole Smead speaks with author and historian Russell Shorto about his latest book, ”Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events that Created New York and Shaped America,” discussing the birth of New York City, originally a Dutch-controlled settlement called New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island, until English takeover. Their conversation explores this pivotal transfer of power, and
Kyle Paoletta - American Oasis
In this episode, Cole and Bill Smead speak with journalist and author Kyle Paoletta about his book, “American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest.” Their conversation explores the unique history of the American Southwest and its most iconic cities. The discussion spans from Spanish colonialism to the impact of railroads and suburbanization. They also examine the regi
Amar Bhide - Uncertainty and Enterprise: Venturing Beyond the Known
In this episode, author, professor, and Council on Foreign Relations member Amar Bhide, joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, “Uncertainty and Enterprise: Venturing Beyond the Known.” Their conversation explores the relationship between profit and uncertainty when investing, the old and new schools of thought emerging from the Chicago School of Economics, artificial intelligence, and more.
Mary Flannery - Geoffrey Chaucer: Unveiling the Merry Bard
In this episode, writer and medievalist Mary Flannery joins Cole Smead to discuss her book, “Geoffrey Chaucer: Unveiling the Merry Bard.” Their discussion explores the life and work of English writer and poet Geoffrey Chaucer, a father figure in the English literary tradition, covering his most influential and controversial works, numerous titles and royal affiliations, impact on the modern Englis
The Smead Book List - Spring 2025
In this special quarterly ‘book list’ episode of A Book with Legs, Cole and Bill Smead revisit the most memorable takeaways from the books recently featured on the podcast, share what’s on their current reading list, and preview what’s next. They also offer fresh insights into inflation, tariffs, investment opportunities in oil, and more!
Eric Metaxas - Bonhoeffer
In this episode, author, speaker, and radio host Eric Metaxas joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.” Their discussion explores the remarkable life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a dedicated pastor, unwilling to waver in his convictions, even when facing the Nazi regime. Bonhoeffer’s story spans continents and finds him playing
Lucy Santos - Chain Reactions
In this episode, Lucy Santos, freelance historian, writer, and consultant, joins Cole Smead to discuss her book, “Chain Reactions: The Hopeful History of Uranium.” Their discussion covers topics such as the history of the element, the impact on culture, its role as an energy source, and more.
Max Frumes - The Caesars Palace Coup
Max Frumes, author and Global Head of Distressed and Restructuring at 9Fin, joins Cole Smead and Conor O’Callaghan to discuss his book, “The Caesars Palace Coup: How A Billionaire Brawl Over the Famous Casino Exposed the Power and Greed of Wall Street.” In this episode, they discuss the 2015 bankruptcy brawl for Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas, the key figures involved, and more.
Doug Terreson - Can't Deny It
In this special taping, live from the 2025 Smead Investor Oasis, legendary Wall Street analyst Doug Terreson joins Portfolio Managers Cole Smead and Bill Smead to explore his book "Can't Deny It". They will be discussing Terreson's successful market predictions in the past, what the demand and figure growth of the industry look like, and will also be taking questions live from the audience.
Vaudine England - Fortune's Bazaar
In this episode, journalist and historian Vaudine England joins Cole Smead to discuss her book, “Fortune's Bazaar: The Making of Hong Kong,” discussing pivotal moments throughout Hong Kong’s complex history, the multicultural origins of its population, business culture, recent political changes, and more.
Adrian Tinniswood - The Power and The Glory
In this episode, writer and historian Adrian Tinniswood joins Smead Capital Management CEO Cole Smead to discuss his book, “The Power and the Glory: Life in the English Country House Before the Great War.” Tinniswood explores the opulent world of British country houses, detailing the lifestyles of aristocratic families, the integration of new wealth into traditional societies, and more. This conve
The Smead Book List - Winter 2024
In this episode, Smead Capital Management CEO Cole Smead and CIO Bill Smead reflect on the books they have recently read, what they are currently reading, and what they look forward to reading next. Additionally, they provide their expert perspectives on financial euphoria, energy and more!
John Oller - White Shoe
In this episode, author and former lawyer John Oller joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, “White Shoe: How a New Breed of Wall Street Lawyers Changed Big Business and the American Century.” Oller explores the evolution of elite law firms in America and their influence on business and politics, delving into key historical figures, pivotal legal cases, and the rise of the modern corporate
Brad Klontz - Start Thinking Rich
In this episode, financial psychologist Brad Klontz joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, Start Thinking Rich: 21 Harsh Truths to Take You from Broke to Financial Freedom, which explores the psychological factors surrounding wealth-building. Klontz provides insights into how individuals and investors can shape their mindsets around money to achieve long-term financial goals.
Brett Gardner - Buffett's Early Investments
In this episode, investment analyst Brett Gardner joins Cole and Bill Smead to discuss his newly released book, "Buffett’s Early Investments," which explores Warren Buffett’s key initial ventures that shaped his approach to wealth-building. Gardner provides readers with a closer look at how the legendary investor's financial instincts and disciplined strategies helped lay the groundwork for his la
Wilbur Ross - Risks and Returns
In this episode, seasoned investor-turned-commerce secretary Wilbur Ross joins Cole and Bill Smead to discuss his new book, "Risks and Returns," where he delves into the complex world of distressed asset investing. Ross shares his experiences and strategies for identifying undervalued opportunities, managing risk and maximizing returns, blending financial wisdom with personal anecdotes from a care
Michael Craig - The Professor, The Banker, and the Suicide King
In this episode, author Michael Craig joins Cole Smead and Bill Smead to discuss his book, "The Professor, The Banker, and the Suicide King," which dives into the world of high-stakes poker. The story follows the legendary Texas Hold’em showdown between billionaire banker Andy Beal and a team of top professional players, and explores the psychological tactics and strategic decisions behind each mo
Megan Gorman - All The Presidents' Money
In this episode, wealth manager Megan Gorman joins Cole Smead to discuss her newly released work title “All the Presidents’ Money”. The book offers a fascinating dive into the personal finances of U.S. presidents, revealing how their wealth (or lack thereof) shaped their leadership and policies. Gorman offers a compelling mix of history and financial insight to reveal the impact of money on A
The Smead Book List - Fall 2024
In this episode, Smead Capital Management CEO Cole Smead and CIO Bill Smead talk about the firm's quarterly book list. They also discuss the state of markets and the economy, investment lessons learned, and much more. Listen in to hear what books they have recently read, what they are currently reading, and the books they have on deck.
Dan Slater - The Incorruptibles
In this episode, author Dan Slater joins Cole Smead to discuss his recently published book, "The Incorruptibles", which explores how Jewish immigrant communities played a significant role in shaping early organized crime and law enforcement efforts in the 20th century. Slater delves into the tension between labor unions, emerging crime syndicates, and the federal agents determined to combat c
Anne Murphy - Virtuous Bankers
In this episode, Professor Anne Murphy joins Cole Smead to discuss her latest work, "Virtuous Bankers,” which explores the foundations of banking in 18th century England. Murphy tells the story of how early bankers leveraged moral integrity and trust, which were essential to the development and stability of the financial system at the time. The book argues that the success of the Bank of Engl
Richard Blakemore - Enemies of All
In this episode, author Richard Blakemore joins Cole Smead to discuss his newly published book, "Enemies of All", which explores the world of 18th-century piracy through a blend of historical elements and masterful storytelling. He navigates the economics of privateering by exploring themes including power and wealth. The novel highlights strategic alliances and negotiations by pirate crews who so
Steve Green - This Beautiful Book
In this episode, businessman Steve Green joins Bill and Cole Smead to discuss his work, "This Beautiful Book," in which he delves into the transformative impact of the Bible on society and culture. The book explores how biblical wisdom has shaped major business decisions and leadership styles throughout history, emphasizing its influence on business ethics, leadership, and decision-making through
Eric Weiner - Ben & Me
In this episode, author Eric Weiner joins Cole Smead to discuss his newly released work, “Ben & Me,” which explores the life of Benjamin Franklin through research and reflection. Weiner provides a blend of historical anecdotes and practical advice, highlighting Franklin’s experiences and philosophies to offer readers timeless lessons for living meaningful and impactful lives.
Nicky Hayes - A Little History of Psychology
In this episode, psychologist Nicky Hayes discusses her newly released title, "A Little History of Psychology," which offers an engaging overview of key figures and concepts when it comes to the study of the mind. Hayes explores how psychological research has been applied both positively and negatively throughout history while focusing on the evolution of psychological thought and p
The Smead Book List - Summer 2024
In this episode, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry CEO Danny Seiden joins Cole Smead and Seamus Sullivan to talk about the firm's quarterly book list while providing thought-provoking context with insightful historical anecdotes. They also discuss the state of markets and the economy, the business environment in the state of Arizona, and much more. Listen in t
Martin Goodman - Herod the Great: Jewish King in a Roman World
In this episode, distinguished historian Martin Goodman joins Bill and Cole Smead to discuss his latest work, "Herod the Great," in which he documents the Jewish king's ability to generate wealth through various means amid the Roman revolution. Goodman highlights Herod's use of taxation, trade deals and construction projects to boost Judea's economy and secure his political power while strengtheni
David Bellos - Who Owns This Sentence
In this episode, writer David Bellos discusses his latest work, "Who Owns This Sentence", which provides a detailed history of copyright law by questioning who owns the meaning of a sentence when it crosses linguistic boundaries. Bellos shares anecdotes about the importance of precise language, while highlighting how accurate translation impacts business dealings globally.
Bryan Burrough - Barbarians at the Gate
In this episode, author and journalist Bryan Burrough joins Bill and Cole Smead to discuss his classic work, "Barbarians at the Gate." The book is a detailed narrative of the high stakes battle for RJR Nabisco. Burrough explores the complex negotiations behind one of the largest leveraged buyouts in corporate history, highlighting the strategies by the major players involv
Rob Copeland - The Fund
In this episode, reporter Rob Copeland joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, "The Fund," which provides a detailed account of the rise of Ray Dalio and the founding of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest hedge funds in the world. Copeland provides insights into Dalio's impact on the finance industry through his unique approach to economics and risk management.
Benji Backer - The Conservative Environmentalist
In this episode, activist Benji Backer joins Cole Smead to discuss his newly released book, "The Conservative Environmentalist," which makes the case for the economic benefits of the strategic merging of conservative values and environmental sustainability. Backer argues that environmentalism can align with American economic interests while offering a pragmatic approach to climate change.&nbs
Jennifer Burns - Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative
In this episode, historian Jennifer Burns joins Cole Smead to discuss her book "Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative," which provides an in-depth analysis of Friedman's economic theories and their lasting impact on conservative ideology. The book chronicles key moments in the life of one of the most influential economists of our time, and how his pragmatic way of thinking significantly shaped co
The Smead Book List - Spring 2024
Interested in the Smead Capital Management book list? Listen in to hear Cole and Bill Smead list the books they have recently read, what they’re currently reading, and the books they have on deck. Have a book you would like to recommend for the podcast? Email your suggestions to podcast@smeadcap.com.
Ekaterina Pravilova - The Ruble
In this episode, author and Professor Ekaterina Pravilova joins Cole Smead to discuss her book, “The Ruble: A Political History.” Ekaterina’s book explores the evolution of the Russian currency over a 200-year time period through the interplay between politics, culture, and ultimately, power. Their conversation covers financial turmoil, currency reforms, and an extensive discussion of Ruble’s stor
Harold James - Seven Crashes
In this episode, author and historian Harold James joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, “Seven Crashes: The Economic Crises That Shaped Globalization.” Their discussion delves into major economic downturns throughout history, offering insights into their causes, impacts, and reforms to prevent future crises.
Chris Roush - The Future of Business Journalism
In this episode, author Chris Roush joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, "The Future of Business Journalism," which explores the evolving media landscape and its impact on business reporting. Roush navigates the challenges and opportunities facing business journalists in an era of technological disruption and shifting audience demands.
George Gilder - Life After Capitalism
Live from the 2024 Smead Investor Oasis, venture capitalist George Gilder joins Bill and Cole Smead to discuss his latest work, "Life after Capitalism," in which he redefines capitalism as a knowledge-based system. Gilder presents a vision of the future in which technological advances disrupt traditional capitalist structures, emphasizing innovation and knowledge over wealth accumulation.
Andrew Pettegree - Book At War
In this episode, Professor Andrew Pettegree joins Cole to discuss his newly released title, "The Book at War." The book is a captivating analysis of the power of print in society and conflicts throughout history. At the heart of this literary work is the paradox of words during wartime. The notion that books are weapons in the war of ideas is tested in this account on how the written word lea
General David Petraeus - Conflict
In this episode, retired U.S. Army general David Petraeus joins Bill and Cole to discuss the recently released book that he co -authored titled, "Conflict." The book explores the evolution of warfare beginning in 1945 up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the importance of strategic leadership. Ultimately, that idea that what takes place in one part of the world
The Smead Book List - Winter 2023
Interested in the Smead Capital Management book list? Listen in to hear Cole and Bill Smead list the books they have recently read, what they’re currently reading, and the books they have on deck.Also highlighted in this episode is a tribute to the late great Charlie Munger, as we release this episode on what would have been his 100th birthday. Listen to Bill and Cole's top quotes and ideas from M
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