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 life, and more.

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.

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’ conversation also touches on their perspectives on today’s economy.

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!

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!

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 world order in relation to the decline of the West.

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.

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 more.

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 topics such as corporate espionage.

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 philosopher’s impact on the opulent city of Syracuse.