A Book with Legs

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.

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 corruption, ultimately shaping modern policing strategies. 

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 sought to maximize profits while evading imperial powers. 

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 compelling anecdotes, such as the establishment of Hobby Lobby and its adherence to biblical principles.

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. 

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 to hear what books they have recently read, what they are currently reading, and the books they have on deck.

Have a book you would like to recommend for the podcast? Email your suggestions to [email protected].

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 strengthening his ties with Rome.

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.