Bethany McLean, a best-selling author renowned for her investigative work on Enron and corporate fraud, shares her insights on storytelling in business. She reveals the fine line between visionaries and fraudsters, highlighting how charisma can mislead investors. The discussion covers ethics in pharmaceutical pricing and the role of journalism in holding corporations accountable. McLean also reflects on the complexities of leadership, emphasizing the importance of transparency in storytelling amidst a rapidly changing media landscape.

Bethany McLean, a journalist and author famed for uncovering the Enron scandal, joins Ravi to discuss the public's intense reaction to the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. They explore the unsettling normalization of political violence and the healthcare system's failures. The conversation shifts to the influence of private equity and the urgent need for reform to address deep-seated inequalities. McLean also critiques communication in public health, calling for transparency and a reassessment of established beliefs.

Today’s guests are Jim Chanos, famed short-seller and founder of Kynikos Associates, and Bethany McLean, contributing editor at Vanity Fair and the author of multiple books, including The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron.In today’s episode, Jim & Bethany cover all aspects of fraud. They share where we are in both the financial cycle and the fraud cycle, why we continue to see frauds since they first connected about Enron over 20 years ago, and the thin line between a visionary and a fraudster. We discuss the anti-short seller rhetoric that pops up every few months, the impact of social media on the rise and fall of companies, and the impact of stock-based compensation and adjusted earnings. As we wind down, Jim shares his concerns about the commercial real estate sector, and Bethany gives a preview of her book releasing this October. -----Follow Meb on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTubeFor detailed show notes, click hereTo learn more about our funds and follow us, subscribe to our mailing list or visit us at cambriainvestments.com-----Today’s episode is sponsored by Farmland LP. Farmland LP is one of the largest investment funds in the US focused on converting chemical-based conventional farmland to organic, sustainably-managed farmland using a value-add commercial real estate strategy in the agriculture sector. Since 2009, they have built a 15,000-acre portfolio representing over $200M in AUM.Today’s episode is sponsored by The Idea Farm. The Idea Farm gives you access to over $100,000 worth of investing research, the kind usually read by only the world’s largest institutions, funds, and money managers. Subscribe for free here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christian chats with Bethany McLean, an acclaimed business journalist known for her insights on the Enron collapse and the oil industry's finances. They dive into the paradox of fracking, revealing how skyrocketing production doesn't equate to profits. McLean discusses the fracking industry's financial instability despite rising oil prices and explores the 2015 decision to lift the U.S. crude oil export ban. The conversation also shifts to energy independence versus dominance, emphasizing the Permian Basin's key role amidst investor skepticism.

Bethany McLean, writer for Vanity Fair and coauthor of The Smartest Guys in the Room, discusses the pandemic's failures including unforced errors, lack of preparedness, disparities in per capita deaths, failures of leadership, mishandling of policies, early predictions and warnings, contrasting policies by Cuomo and DeSantis, leadership void and controversies, disparities in COVID-19 outcomes, performance of CDC, NIH, and WHO, role of the Federal Reserve, and the influence of mentors and storytelling.

Bethany McLean, author of "Saudi America" and a financial journalist specializing in the oil and gas sector, joins the discussion on the unprecedented oil price collapse on April 20, 2020. She reveals how the pandemic and geopolitical tensions led to negative oil prices, a chilling first in history. The conversation touches on the fragility of fracking companies, the human impact of massive job losses, and the necessity for Saudi Arabia to diversify economically. McLean emphasizes the looming challenges for the industry and explores avenues for recovery through renewable energy.

In this podcast, Joe Nocera and Bethany McLean discuss the lessons from their book 'The Big Fail' about the pandemic's impact on business leadership. They question the efficacy of lockdowns, explore the pros and cons of a market-based society, and draw parallels to the Enron scandal. They emphasize the importance of adapting to new information, making fact-based decisions, and avoiding panic. They also highlight the disparities and lessons learned from the pandemic.

Bethany McLean, a Vanity Fair contributing editor and Enron expert, shares her insights on the thin line between visionaries and frauds in finance. She draws startling parallels between Enron and FTX, questioning if we really learn from past crises. McLean discusses the rise of venture capitalists over short sellers, the 2008 financial meltdown, and Elon Musk's controversial role. She emphasizes how corporate culture can foster ethical delusions and the challenges in designing executive compensation that promotes long-term thinking.

Bethany McLean, journalist and contributing editor for Vanity Fair, joins the show to discuss her new book on America's sick healthcare system. They delve into the profit-driven nature of healthcare, the lack of transparency in pricing, and the flaws in the American healthcare system. They also explore topics such as the Enron scandal, the history of US globalization, right-wing populism, and the impact of school closures.

Bethany McLean, co-author of The Big Fail and co-host of the Capitalisn't podcast, discusses the impact of COVID on America, including snarled supply chains, school closures, poorly evaluated mask mandates, and how capitalism has jumped the rails in the 21st century.