Michael Lewis, bestselling author of 'Liar's Poker' and 'The Big Short', engages in a fascinating dialogue about his experiences during the financial crisis and the impact of high-frequency trading. He shares insights from writing 'Flash Boys' and examines the predatory nature of modern sports gambling, particularly its effects on youths. Lewis also critiques government inefficiencies and offers a glimpse into his upcoming works on civil servants. The conversation touches on the biography challenges of figures like Elon Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried, highlighting complex narratives in finance.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
The Big Short's Genesis
Michael Lewis's interest in the 2008 financial crisis stemmed from Meredith Whitney's work.
This led him to Steve Eisman and the FrontPoint partners, who became central figures in "The Big Short".
question_answer ANECDOTE
From Big Short to Flash Boys
After "The Big Short", Danny Moses alerted Michael Lewis to unusual stock trading patterns.
This tip, initially dismissed, led to "Flash Boys" after a lawyer contacted Lewis about a Goldman Sachs programmer.
insights INSIGHT
More Than an Anecdote
Many people suggested book ideas to Michael Lewis, but they often missed the mark.
A compelling narrative requires not just an anecdote or character, but a deeper theme.
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Liar's Poker is a non-fiction, semi-autobiographical book that details Michael Lewis's three-year tenure at Salomon Brothers, one of Wall Street's premier investment firms in the 1980s. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the culture of bond traders, highlighting the frat-boy camaraderie, killer instincts, and high-stakes games of bluffing and deception. Lewis describes the creation and use of mortgage bonds, the excessive bonuses, and the ruthless competition among traders. The narrative also touches on the author's disillusionment with the industry, leading to his resignation and transition into financial journalism.
Going Infinite
The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon
Michael Lewis
In 'Going Infinite', Michael Lewis delves into the life of Sam Bankman-Fried, the enigmatic founder of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The book provides a psychological portrait and a financial roller-coaster ride, tracing Bankman-Fried's trajectory from becoming the world's youngest billionaire to his eventual downfall. It covers topics such as high-frequency trading, cryptocurrencies, effective altruism, and the justice system. Despite criticism for its sympathetic portrayal of Bankman-Fried, the book offers a fascinating insight into the complex world of cryptocurrencies and the character of its central figure.
The big short
Inside the Doomsday Machine
Michael Lewis
The Big Short tells the story of the 2007-08 financial crisis through the lens of several key players who predicted and profited from the collapse of the housing market. The book focuses on characters such as Steve Eisman, Mike Burry, Greg Lippmann, and the founders of Cornwall Capital, who saw the impending disaster and made significant gains by shorting the market. Lewis explains the complex financial instruments and the systemic failures that led to the crisis, making the narrative both accessible and engaging.
The Fifth Risk
Michael Lewis
In *The Fifth Risk*, Michael Lewis delves into the Trump administration’s botched presidential transition, highlighting the consequences of willful ignorance and greed among its leaders. The book explores the critical services managed by the U.S. government, including ensuring food and drug safety, predicting extreme weather events, and tracking black market uranium. Lewis focuses on the Departments of Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce, revealing their often-overlooked roles and the dedicated employees who work within them. The title 'The Fifth Risk' refers to 'project management,' the unforeseen and long-term risks that only a vigilant and committed agency can forecast and prevent. Lewis's narrative is character-driven, featuring interviews with former federal staff members and historical context to illustrate the importance of effective government management and the dangers of short-term solutions[1][4][5].
Flash Boys
A Wall Street Revolt
Michael Lewis
In 'Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt', Michael Lewis delves into the world of high-frequency trading (HFT) and its corrupting influence on the U.S. stock market. The book follows a group of Wall Street iconoclasts, including Brad Katsuyama and Sergey Aleynikov, as they uncover and challenge the unethical practices of HFT firms. Lewis explains how these firms use advanced technology to front-run orders, creating a rigged market that benefits insiders at the expense of ordinary investors. The narrative is engaging and accessible, making complex financial concepts understandable for a broad audience. The book highlights the efforts of these individuals to reform the market and restore fairness, and it has had significant impact, including prompting investigations and public discussions about market structure and fairness[2][3][5].
Danny Moses is joined by bestselling author Michael Lewis for a wide-ranging discussion touching on their initial meeting during the financial crisis, Lewis's journey with 'The Big Short' and its subsequent transformation into a movie. They delve into the real-time writing of Lewis' book 'Flash Boys', prompted by the flash crash of 2010. The conversation also covers Lewis's podcast journey on sports gambling, exploring its predatory nature and impact on youth, and concludes with insights into Lewis's forthcoming books addressing government inefficiencies and profiles of civil servants. The duo also discuss the relationships between author and subject as it relates to Elon Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried.
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ABOUT THE SHOW
For decades, Danny has seen it all on Wall Street and has built his reputation on integrity, curiosity and skepticism that he will bring with him each week. Having traded through the Great Financial Crisis and being featured in "The Big Short" is only part of the experiences Danny wants to share with the listener. This weekly podcast cuts through market noise, offering entertaining and informative discussions with expert guests giving their views of the financial world and the human side of it. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, On The Tape provides something for all listeners.
The financial opinions expressed are for information purposes only. The opinions expressed by the hosts and participants are not an attempt to influence specific trading behavior, investments, or strategies. Past performance does not necessarily predict future outcomes. No specific results or profits are assured when relying on this content.
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