A Book with Legs

In this episode, author Michael Craig joins Cole Smead and Bill Smead to discuss his book, "The Professor, The Banker, and the Suicide King," which dives into the world of high-stakes poker. The story follows the legendary Texas Hold’em showdown between billionaire banker Andy Beal and a team of top professional players, and explores the psychological tactics and strategic decisions behind each move.

In this episode, wealth manager Megan Gorman joins Cole Smead to discuss her newly released work title “All the Presidents’ Money”. The book offers a fascinating dive into the personal finances of U.S. presidents, revealing how their wealth (or lack thereof) shaped their leadership and policies. Gorman offers a compelling mix of history and financial insight to reveal the impact of money on American politics. 

In this episode, Smead Capital Management CEO Cole Smead and CIO Bill Smead talk about the firm's quarterly book list. They also discuss the state of markets and the economy, investment lessons learned, and much more. Listen in to hear what books they have recently read, what they are currently reading, and the books they have on deck.

In this episode, author Dan Slater joins Cole Smead to discuss his recently published book, "The Incorruptibles", which explores how Jewish immigrant communities played a significant role in shaping early organized crime and law enforcement efforts in the 20th century. Slater delves into the tension between labor unions, emerging crime syndicates, and the federal agents determined to combat corruption, ultimately shaping modern policing strategies. 

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.