Alternative Investments Chat

Alternative Investments Chat

By Invessio's Erica Lanier and Erin AkersBusinessEducationInvestingHow To
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Alternative Investments Chat episodes

  • From AI to Private Credit: Alternative Investment Trends to Watch in 2026

    Alternative investments are entering a new era, and 2026 may be the turning point. In this episode, Erica and Erin break down the biggest trends shaping the future of alternatives, from AI-driven investing and private credit expansion to geopolitical shifts and inflation resilience. Drawing on insights from JP Morgan, BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and other major institutions, they translate complex market signals into clear, practical takeaways.

    Whether you’re new to alternative investments or already exploring private markets, this episode helps you understand where capital is flowing, why traditional portfolios are evolving, and what forces are reshaping the alternative investment landscape. By the end you’ll understand how alternatives are moving from a niche allocation to a core portfolio strategy.

    Listen to Learn:

    • Why AI is transforming not just what investors buy, but how they invest
    • How fragmentation and geopolitics are reshaping global capital allocation
    • Why private credit is becoming one of the fastest-growing areas in alternatives
    • How inflation volatility is driving demand for real assets and infrastructure
    • Why experts project the global alternatives market could reach $40 trillion by 2030

    Tune in to the podcast to learn more about alternative investment trends for 2026 and why alternatives are no longer the side dish, but becoming the main course. And hungry investors should pay attention.

    Alternate Investments Chat socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @alternativeinvestmentschat LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alternativeinvestmentschat TikTok: @altinvestmentschat

    Parent company socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @invessio 

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/invessio/

    26 min
  • Leveraged Buyouts: Risk, Reward & the Real Story Behind the Headlines

    Leveraged buyouts often make headlines for their massive dollar figures and dramatic outcomes but what is really happening behind the scenes? In this episode, Erin and Erica break down leveraged buyouts (LBOs) in plain language, separating financial reality from hype. From iconic success stories like Hilton Hotels to cautionary tales like Toys “R” Us and TXU Energy, they explore why private equity firms use leverage, when it works, and when it backfires.

    This episode is especially valuable for investors, finance-curious listeners, and anyone looking to better understand how private equity fits into the alternative investment landscape, without needing an MBA to follow along.

    Listen to Learn:

    • Why private equity firms pursue LBOs despite the risks
    • Real-world examples of famous LBO wins and failures
    • The characteristics of an “ideal” LBO target company
    • Potential risks and rewards that are important to understand

    Tune in to the podcast to learn more about leveraged buyouts, how they shape private markets, and what they can teach investors about risk, discipline, and long-term strategy.

    Alternate Investments Chat socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @alternativeinvestmentschat LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alternativeinvestmentschat TikTok: @altinvestmentschat

    Parent company socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @invessio 

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/invessio/ 

    29 min
  • From Speculation to Strategy: Crypto Trends for 2026

    Crypto has come a long way from its early days on the fringe of finance. In this episode of Alternative Investments Chat, Erin and Erica unpack the biggest crypto trends shaping 2026, and why this next phase may look very different from the boom-and-bust cycles of the past. Drawing on research from Forbes, Nasdaq, and industry experts, they explore how institutional adoption, stablecoins, tokenization, and evolving regulation are pushing crypto closer to the financial mainstream, while still leaving important questions unanswered.

    This episode is ideal for investors, professionals, and curious listeners who want to understand where crypto may be headed next, without the hype.

    Listen to Learn:

    • Why institutional capital could fundamentally reshape crypto markets
    • How stablecoins are moving beyond trading into real-world financial infrastructure
    • Whether the classic Bitcoin four-year cycle may be fading
    • How tokenization and DeFi are bridging into real-world assets like real estate and art
    • What regulatory progress could unlock and where risks still remain
    • How to think about crypto allocation with a long-term, infrastructure-first mindset

    Tune in to the podcast to learn more about Crypto Trends for 2026 and what this evolving asset class could mean for the future of investing.

    Alternate Investments Chat socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @alternativeinvestmentschat LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alternativeinvestmentschat TikTok: @altinvestmentschat

    Parent company socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @invessio 

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/invessio/ 

    30 min
  • Is Crypto Here to Stay? Understanding the Risks, the Hype, and the Reality of Digital Currency

    Whether you love it or hate it, crypto has crossed the point of no return. What began as a niche experiment in 2009 has grown into a global asset class with over 560 million users, major banks integrating digital assets, and new legislation reshaping how stablecoins are regulated. In this episode, Erica and Erin break down how crypto became embedded in the fabric of the global financial system, and what that means for investors navigating an evolving landscape.

    This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to understand why crypto isn’t going away, how it’s maturing, what risks still remain, and how traditional finance is adapting to the digital future.

    Listen to Learn:

    • How crypto evolved from 1980s cypherpunk ideas to a legitimate global asset class
    • Why institutions like major banks are fully embracing digital assets
    • What the Genius Act means for stablecoins, regulation, and consumer protection
    • The top risks of the crypto ecosystem: volatility, global regulatory gaps, and fraud
    • Why crypto’s decentralization is both its greatest strength and its biggest challenge
    • How major ETFs, futures markets, and tokenized assets signal true mainstream adoption

    Tune in to the latest episode in our cryptocurrency series to learn more about how crypto is evolving, and how to navigate the opportunities and risks as it becomes part of our financial future.

    Alternate Investments Chat socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @alternativeinvestmentschat LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alternativeinvestmentschat TikTok: @altinvestmentschat

    Parent company socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @invessio 

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/invessio/ 

    30 min
  • Crypto Horror Stories: Billion-Dollar Pizza, Landfill Treasure Hunts, and Shocking Scams

    In this episode of Alternative Investments Chat, Erica and Erin dive into the unbelievable, yet completely true, stories that shaped crypto culture. From the programmer who spent what would now be over a billion dollars on pizza, to meme-coins like Dogecoin taking over the world, to the devastating rug pulls and pump-and-dumps that drained millions from hopeful investors, this episode explores both the thrilling and terrifying sides of crypto.

    Perfect for beginners and curious investors who want to understand the emotional, psychological, and structural risks behind the headlines, all explained in a fun, accessible way.

    Listen to Learn:

    • The legendary story behind Bitcoin’s first real-world purchase
    • How Dogecoin went from internet joke to global phenomenon
    • The anatomy of a rug pull (like the infamous Squid Game coin scam)
    • How influencers and hype fueled pump-and-dump collapses
    • Why lost crypto keys have cost investors hundreds of millions

    Crypto horror stories, viral hype, scams, surprises, and the lessons every investor needs before entering the digital asset world. This episode is a rollercoaster, so buckle up, and listen now!

    Alternate Investments Chat socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @alternativeinvestmentschat LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alternativeinvestmentschat TikTok: @altinvestmentschat

    Parent company socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @invessio 

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/invessio/ 

    23 min
  • Mapping the Money: The Global Hotspots Redefining Alternative Investing

    The global alternative investments market is exploding and it’s not isolated to New York and London anymore. In today’s episode, Erica and Erin take you on a worldwide tour of the fast-growing alts ecosystem, unpacking where the biggest opportunities are emerging, what’s driving global investor interest, and the risks you must understand before venturing beyond U.S. borders.

    Perfect for beginners and curious investors, this episode breaks down a complex topic into a fun, easy-to-follow conversation. If you’ve ever wondered how investors find opportunities overseas or whether you should look globally too, this episode is your roadmap.

    Listen to Learn:

    • Where the global hot spots for alternative investments are
    • Why the global alts market could reach $40 trillion by 2030
    • Which regions are heating up in private credit, infrastructure, and venture capital
    • The biggest drivers behind globalization in alternatives
    • Key risks: currency and regulatory differences, political uncertainty, language barriers, and illiquidity

    Tune in to the podcast to learn more about how alternative investing is becoming a global game and how to navigate it confidently.

    Alternate Investments Chat socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @alternativeinvestmentschat LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alternativeinvestmentschat TikTok: @altinvestmentschat

    Parent company socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @invessio 

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/invessio/ 

    24 min
  • Locked Up for a Profit: The Truth About the Illiquidity Premium

    Ever wonder why some investors willingly tie up their money for years—and still call it a win? In this episode, Erica and Erin unpack the concept of the illiquidity premium, a core principle behind many alternative investments like private equity, venture capital, and real estate funds.

    They explain why locking up your money can sometimes be the smartest move you make—and when it can backfire.

    Perfect for beginner and intermediate investors who want to understand how to evaluate long-term, less liquid opportunities, this episode breaks down what “illiquidity” really means, how to manage it strategically, and how professionals use it to their advantage.

    Listen to Learn:

    • What the illiquidity premium actually is and why it exists
    • How investors are compensated for locking up capital
    • Why university endowments and institutions rely heavily on illiquid assets
    • The pros and risks of illiquid investing, from higher returns to limited flexibility
    • How to align illiquid investments with your time horizon and personal goals

    Tune in to the podcast to learn how to determine whether the illiquidity premium deserves a place in your portfolio and how to approach these investments with confidence and clarity

    Alternate Investments Chat socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @alternativeinvestmentschat LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alternativeinvestmentschat TikTok: @altinvestmentschat

    Parent company socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @invessio 

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/invessio/ 

    20 min
  • Trust But Verify: A Practical Guide to Vetting Alternative Investments

    Before you wire a single dollar, you need to know what, and who, you’re investing in. In this episode, Erica and Erin unpack one of the most critical steps in any investment process: vetting alternative investments. They walk listeners through how to evaluate sponsors, structures, assets, and numbers so you can protect your capital, avoid scams, and invest with confidence.

    Perfect for beginner investors who want to understand how to approach due diligence without the resources of a big firm, this episode breaks down complex industry practices into an easy-to-follow framework anyone can use.

    Listen to Learn:

    • What due diligence really means and why it matters
    • How to spot red flags, from unrealistic returns to lack of transparency
    • The key components of vetting: sponsor, structure, asset, and numbers
    • How to create your own due diligence checklist as an individual investor
    • When to call in professionals like attorneys or CPAs for an extra layer of review

    Tune in to the podcast to learn how to confidently vet alternative investments, avoid costly mistakes, and build a smarter, more secure portfolio.

    Alternate Investments Chat socials: 

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @alternativeinvestmentschat  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alternativeinvestmentschat  TikTok: @altinvestmentschat 

    Parent company socials: 

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @invessio  

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/invessio/  

    19 min
  • Why We Buy the Shiny Things: The Psychology of Alternative Investing

    Alternative investments aren’t only about returns; they’re also about identity, story, and emotion. This episode digs into the psychology that drives people toward collectibles, private deals, altcoins, and other non-traditional assets. We explore why scarcity and exclusivity trigger powerful buying impulses, how generational tastes influence what gets bought, and why emotional attachment can both create opportunities and derail otherwise smart decisions.

    Whether you’re an investor curious about alternatives, a wealth advisor guiding client behavior, a founder or sponsor raising capital, or simply someone who wants to better understand the human motives behind investment flows, this episode has lots of insights.

    Listen to Learn:

    • How exclusivity and scarcity (and yes, FOMO) fuel demand for alternative assets.
    • Why investors value story, status, and meaning in addition to pure ROI.
    • Key behavioral biases to watch for: overconfidence, herd mentality, sunk-cost fallacy, and illiquidity bias.
    • How generational differences shape what gets bought, from passive rental real estate to NFTs and fractional luxury.
    • Practical steps to avoid emotional traps: align investments with goals, perform rigorous due diligence, and quantify liquidity needs.

    Tune in to Alternative Investments Chat to learn more about the psychology of alternative investing and how to make smarter, less emotional decisions with your capital.

    Alternate Investments Chat socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @alternativeinvestmentschat LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alternativeinvestmentschat TikTok: @altinvestmentschat

    Parent company socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @invessio 

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/invessio/ 

    15 min
  • Death, Taxes, and Investments: The Case for Life Settlements

    Life insurance is usually seen as protection, not profit. But the growing life settlement market is changing that perception, creating an alternative investment class worth billions. In this episode of Alternative Investments Chat, hosts Erica and Erin unpack how selling life insurance policies works, why seniors are increasingly considering it, and what investors need to weigh before stepping in.

    Whether you’re an investor seeking portfolio diversification, a financial advisor exploring new tools for clients, or simply curious about how policies can become assets, this episode sheds light on the numbers, risks, and opportunities in life settlements.

    Listen to Learn:

    • What life settlements are and why the market is projected at $200B+
    • Why policyholders might sell instead of surrendering coverage
    • How investors can profit and what risks they take on
    • The role of longevity, taxation, and regulation in outcomes
    • Why awareness and education remain the biggest barriers

    Tune in to explore how one of life’s certainties has created a unique investment opportunity.

    Alternative Investments Chat socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @alternativeinvestmentschat

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alternativeinvestmentschat

    TikTok: @altinvestmentschat

    Parent company socials:

    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @invessio

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/invessio/

    24 min

About Alternative Investments Chat

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Alternative Investments Chat—where hosts and listeners dig into industry news, innovative ideas, and alternative investing trends together. Every episode is a discussion: sometimes we…