Breaking down the FTX book + film rights & Michael Lewis’s involvement with Lon Harris | E1615

Nov 17, 2022

Lon Harris, a regular guest known for his sharp insights, dives into some of the most fascinating topics today. He breaks down the latest news on the FTX book and film rights, highlighting Michael Lewis's involvement. The conversation shifts to the business of horror films, with Blumhouse's innovative low-budget strategies. Harris also discusses Apple’s recent MLS streaming deal, weaving in pop culture trends and personal recommendations. It's a lively mix of finance, entertainment, and critical thinking!

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

FTX and Drug Use

Sam Bankman-Fried's FTX firm reportedly had a culture of amphetamine use.
This may explain some of the erratic behavior and poor decisions.

INSIGHT

Lack of Governance at FTX

FTX lacked basic financial controls, highlighting a critical governance failure.
The company's operations were deeply flawed from the beginning.

INSIGHT

SBF's Rise

Unlike other infamous founders, SBF gained access to massive capital without partnering with established figures.
His pedigree and the hype surrounding crypto likely played a role.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Dune

Frank Herbert

Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities. The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people[2][5][4].

Liar's poker

Michael Lewis

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.

Where the Crawdads Sing

Delia Owens

The novel tells the story of Kya Clark, a young girl abandoned by her family in the marshes of North Carolina. Kya learns to survive and thrive in the natural world, forming deep connections with the creatures of the marsh. The story intertwines Kya's coming-of-age with a murder mystery involving Chase Andrews, a local celebrity whose body is found near the marsh. The novel explores themes of isolation, love, survival, and the profound impact of the natural world on human life. Delia Owens' vivid descriptions and atmospheric narrative bring the marshland and its inhabitants to life, making this a compelling and emotionally deep read[2][4][5].