In this episode of What’s the Alternative? host Shana Orczyk Sissel sits down with Michael Marone, Co-Founder & Co-Chief Investment Officer at Crescent Rock Capital, a global equity long-short hedge fund manager.

They dive deep into the realities of running a long-short strategy in today’s market—how to think about shorting in a world structurally tilted against short sellers, why “boring” ideas often make the best shorts, and how shifts in market structure, AI, small caps, and deglobalization are reshaping the opportunity set for active managers and allocators.

Whether you’re an advisor, allocator, or sophisticated individual investor, this conversation offers a practical framework for evaluating hedge funds, understanding risk, and positioning portfolios in a changing world.

Key Takeaways:

• Why effective shorting often comes from “boring,” fundamentally sound companies facing marginal deterioration—not flashy frauds or meme names.
• How changes in market structure, including the rise of passive investing, have created both headwinds and unique opportunities for active long-short managers.
• Why small caps may be one of the ripest areas for active management, and how to think about quality, liquidity, and selectivity in that space.
• How to assess whether “AI is a bubble” by comparing today’s leaders to the dot-com era, and what deglobalization really means for global equity opportunities.

If you’re an advisor or investor looking to better understand hedge funds, long-short equity, and how alternatives fit into modern portfolios, this episode is for you.

Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay up to date on future episodes of What’s the Alternative?

Connect with us!

• Michael Marone on LinkedIn
•  Crescent Rock Capital Management
• Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn
•  Banríon Capital Management

Investing involves risk of loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

In this episode, host Shana Orczyk Sissel sits down with John Lidington, Portfolio Manager at Man Numeric, to explore the evolving world of liquid private equity—an innovative way that seeks to capture private equity–style returns through public markets.

John shares how Man Numeric’s liquid private equity strategy bridges the gap between public and private markets, offering investors access to private equity–like exposure without the high fees, illiquidity, or lock-up periods of traditional PE funds.

Key Takeaways:

• How liquid private equity works—and how public equities can be used to seek exposure to certain private equity characteristics.
• The quantitative and fundamental factors that drive Man Numeric’s approach to identifying companies with private equity–like characteristics.
• Why more companies are choosing to stay private longer, and what that means for public market investors.
• How investors can gain private equity exposure without high fees, illiquidity, or long lock-up periods.
• Practical insights into building diversified portfolios that capture the benefits of both public and private market dynamics.

Watch now to learn how the boundaries between public and private markets are blurring—and what that means for the future of investing.

Connect with us!

• John Lidington, CFA on LinkedIn
• KraneShares Man Buyout Beta Index ETF
• Man Group Alternatives Website
• Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

Investing involves risk of loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

In this episode of "What's the Alternative," host Shana Sissel sits down with Mario Valente, Portfolio Manager and Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Stansberry Asset Management, to explore the evolving landscape of private credit. Together, they discuss how this asset class has grown significantly since the financial crisis, filling the capital void left by traditional banks. Unlike public credit, private credit offers unique challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the critical importance of manager selection and thorough due diligence.

Mario shares insights on the diverse market of private credit, from senior secured loans to niche sectors like B2B SaaS and innovative healthcare. He highlights how effective management can enhance returns through careful loan structuring and why selecting niche managers with operational expertise is essential. Additionally, the conversation addresses how interest rates impact private credit, with managers leveraging their unique positions to maintain stable returns regardless of market fluctuations.

Key Takeaways:

• Growth of Private Credit: This asset class has become an essential capital provider, particularly for markets often overlooked by traditional banks.
• Crucial Manager Selection: Choosing the right managers with relevant expertise is vital for successful investments in private credit.
• Interest Rate Resilience: Private credit can offer stability and consistent returns, even amidst changing interest rates.
• Niche Market Opportunities: Targeting specific sectors can lead to diverse and lucrative investment strategies.

Join us for this insightful discussion and subscribe to our podcast for more expert insights!

Connect with us!

• Mario Valente, CFA on LinkedIn
• Stansberry Asset Management
• Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

In this episode of What’s the Alternative, host Shana Orczyk Sissel sits down with Bob Elliott, Founder, CEO & CIO of Unlimited Funds, to unpack the true potential of alternative investments for advisors and investors. They cover hedge fund fees, the rise and struggles of liquid alternatives, global macro and managed futures, hedge fund replication challenges, and Unlimited Funds’ HFND flagship — plus upcoming launches like liquid venture capital. If you want practical guidance on how alternatives can improve portfolio diversification and how to access low-cost, diversified strategies, this episode is for you.

Key takeaways:

• Traditional hedge funds often charge high fees that can erode net returns; low-cost alternatives are increasingly viable.
• The liquid alternatives category has grown rapidly but faces significant structural and classification challenges.
• Alternatives (global macro, managed futures, etc.) offer true diversification when understood and implemented correctly.
• Accurately tracking hedge fund positions is difficult but essential for replicating exposures and assessing risk.
• Advisors should evaluate how alternative strategies fit within overall portfolio construction, focusing on cost, diversification, and implementation.

Connect with us!

• Bob Elliott on LinkedIn
• Bob Elliott on X
• Unlimited Funds Website
• Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn
• Shana Orczyk Sissel on X
• Banríon Capital Management

In this episode of 'What's the Alternative?', Shana Orczyk Sissel, founder and CEO of Banrion Capital Management, chats with Jeremy Schwartz, Global Chief Investment Officer at WisdomTree. They delve into their groundbreaking collaboration—a cutting-edge ETF model that blends traditional investments with innovative alternatives. Discover how a 60/40 portfolio can be supercharged with a 20% allocation to alternatives through the concept of return stacking. The discussion highlights the strategic use of leverage, the benefits of WisdomTree's open architecture approach, and the pivotal role of Quorus in seamless model implementation.

The conversation between Shana and Jeremy provides valuable insights into how innovative approaches and collaborations can redefine the world of alternative investments. To learn more about WisdomTree and their offerings, interested parties can reach out to the contacts provided in the show notes.

Key Takeaways:

• Return  Stacking: WisdomTree's  approach to integrating alternative investments allows for enhanced return  potential without compromising core equity positions.
• Understanding Leverage: Leverage, if used intelligently, can be a powerful tool in portfolio management, providing ample opportunity for gains.
• Diversification through Alternatives:  Incorporating a well-selected mix of alternative investments can diversify  a portfolio, reduce risk, and enhance returns.
• Efficient Implementation: Collaborations with platforms like Quorus make it easier for advisors to  integrate and manage complex investment models efficiently.

Connect with us!

• Jeremy Schwartz on LinkedIn
•  WisdomTree Website
• Quorus Website
• Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

Join Shana Orczyk Sissel, founder and CEO of Banríon Capital Management, as she discusses the ins and outs of structured notes and buffer funds with Vinay Tolia, CEO of Marine Layer Advisors. In this episode of 'What's the Alternative Podcast,' learn about the growing trend of defined outcome vehicles in the investment space, including their complexities, risks, and proper uses. Discover how Vinay's background as a derivatives trader provides unique insights into optimizing structured notes for clients, and why younger advisors might have a different view on these products compared to older generations. This episode is a must-watch for advisors looking to understand the nuances of structured notes and buffer funds to better serve their clients. –

Key Takeaways:

• The evolution and efficiency improvements in structured notes and buffer funds.
• Key differences between calendar offerings and custom offerings.
• Important questions advisors should ask when considering structured products.
• The impact of leverage and understanding risk in defined outcome investing.

Connect with us!

Vinay Tolia on LinkedIn

Marine Layer Advisors Website

Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn

 Banríon Capital Management

Private credit is growing faster than ever, and in this episode of 'What's the Alternative?', Shana Orczyk Sissel sits down with John Sateri from The Gladstone Companies to uncover why. From small companies transitioning to market leaders to the intricacies of private credit, this conversation dives deep into an exciting and evolving sector.

Shana and John discuss his extensive background, the evolution of Gladstone since his start in 2007, and the unique advantages of private credit as opposed to traditional banking models. They break down the benefits and limitations of interval funds and BDCs, as well as the significance of understanding due diligence in this investment space. Tune in to gain insights on why private credit could be the key sector to watch in the coming years.

Key takeaways:

• ·Understanding interval funds and their advantages in the market.
• The hands-on approach required in private credit investing.
• How private credit is displacing traditional banking capital.

Connect with us!

• John Sateri on LinkedIn
• The Gladstone Companies Website
•  Gladstone Alternative Income Fund Website
•  Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of multifamily real estate investing! In this episode of 'What's the Alternative?', host Shana Orczyk Sissel sits down with Ivan Barrett, founder and CEO of The BAM Companies, to explore the ins and outs of multifamily investing. Ivan shares insights from over 25 years in real estate, discussing the impact of fiscal policies, the current market outlook, and why the Midwest offers unique investment opportunities.

Discover how The BAM Companies approaches property management, the importance of school districts, and BAM's dedication to community impact and economic resilience.

Key takeaways:

• The stability and potential of multifamily investments amid economic fluctuations.
•  How The BAM Companies identifies undervalued assets and manages them for optimal returns.
• The role of school districts in property investment strategies.
• BAM's focus on community impact and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Connect with us!

Ivan Barratt on LinkedIn

 The BAM Companies

Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn

Banríon Capital Management

Have you ever heard of downside protection? It's the strategy that David Selznick used to build an all-weather investment approach in real estate. Instead of chasing trends, he focuses on sectors like senior housing, student living, and medical offices. In other words, the type of properties with a demand that holds strong even when the market is shaky.

In this episode of What’s the Alternative?, David explains how cash flow beats speculation and how patience leads to better pricing. If you're into real estate, long-term strategy, or just want to understand what it takes to do smart investments during cloudy times, this one's for you.

Key takeaways:

• Why cash flow is key during uncertain times
• Sector focus over trends
• Know your market
• Real estate is about discipline

Resources mentioned:
Carrie Brenner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-brenner-132513110/

Connect with us!

• David Selznick on LinkedIn
• Kayne Anderson website
• Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

In this episode, Brad Zapp, co-founder of Connetic Ventures, shares how he left wealth management to pioneer AI-powered founder analysis and launch one of the first advisor-accessible venture capital interval funds. We dive into his journey building Wendell, an AI “psychologist” that quantifies founder traits, and why making private markets more accessible isn’t just innovation—it’s a necessity. For any advisor looking to bridge the public-private gap without sacrificing ease or scale, this episode delivers a bold new blueprint.

Key takeaways:

• AI can quantify founder psychology and improve early-stage investment decisions.
• Interval fund structures remove barriers for advisors and their mass affluent clients.
• Access to private markets is essential as companies stay private longer and public markets shrink.

Connect with us!

• Brad Zapp on LinkedIn
• Connetic Ventures
• Shana Orczyk Sissel on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management