In this episode, Professor Anne Murphy joins Cole Smead to discuss her latest work, "Virtuous Bankers,” which explores the foundations of banking in 18th century England. Murphy tells the story of how early bankers leveraged moral integrity and trust, which were essential to the development and stability of the financial system at the time. The book argues that the success of the Bank of England and the banking industry at large relied heavily on a strong reputation for virtue. 

In this episode, author Richard Blakemore joins Cole Smead to discuss his newly published book, "Enemies of All", which explores the world of 18th-century piracy through a blend of historical elements and masterful storytelling. He navigates the economics of privateering by exploring themes including power and wealth. The novel highlights strategic alliances and negotiations by pirate crews who sought to maximize profits while evading imperial powers. 

In this episode, businessman Steve Green joins Bill and Cole Smead to discuss his work, "This Beautiful Book," in which he delves into the transformative impact of the Bible on society and culture. The book explores how biblical wisdom has shaped major business decisions and leadership styles throughout history, emphasizing its influence on business ethics, leadership, and decision-making through compelling anecdotes, such as the establishment of Hobby Lobby and its adherence to biblical principles.

In this episode, author Eric Weiner joins Cole Smead to discuss his newly released work, “Ben & Me,” which explores the life of Benjamin Franklin through research and reflection. Weiner provides a blend of historical anecdotes and practical advice, highlighting Franklin’s experiences and philosophies to offer readers timeless lessons for living meaningful and impactful lives. 

In this episode, psychologist Nicky Hayes discusses her newly released title, "A Little History of Psychology," which offers an engaging overview of key figures and concepts when it comes to the study of the mind. Hayes explores how psychological research has been applied both positively and negatively throughout history while focusing on the evolution of psychological thought and practice.

Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry CEO Danny Seiden talks about the firm's book list, markets, and the Arizona business environment. They discuss book recommendations, investing, industrial policy, Arizona's water supply, and analyzing American companies' valuations and market risks.

In this episode, distinguished historian Martin Goodman joins Bill and Cole Smead to discuss his latest work, "Herod the Great," in which he documents the Jewish king's ability to generate wealth through various means amid the Roman revolution. Goodman highlights Herod's use of taxation, trade deals and construction projects to boost Judea's economy and secure his political power while strengthening his ties with Rome.

In this episode, writer David Bellos discusses his latest work, "Who Owns This Sentence", which provides a detailed history of copyright law by questioning who owns the meaning of a sentence when it crosses linguistic boundaries. Bellos shares anecdotes about the importance of precise language, while highlighting how accurate translation impacts business dealings globally.

Author and journalist Bryan Burrough discusses his classic work 'Barbarians at the Gate,' detailing the high stakes battle for RJR Nabisco. The podcast delves into the complex negotiations of the leveraged buyout, the strategies of major players, and the intense bidding war for acquisition, revealing insights into the captivating Wall Street drama.

In this episode, reporter Rob Copeland joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, "The Fund," which provides a detailed account of the rise of Ray Dalio and the founding of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest hedge funds in the world. Copeland provides insights into Dalio's impact on the finance industry through his unique approach to economics and risk management.