The discussion surrounding Michael Thomsen’s book, Cage Kings, continues as former mixed martial artist Matt “The Law” Lindland joins Cole to talk about his path to the Olympics, the Supreme Court, and the UFC.

Michael Thomsen joins Cole in this episode to discuss his book, Cage Kings: How an Unlikely Group of Moguls, Champions & Hustlers Transformed the UFC into a $10 Billion Industry. Michael’s book highlights the cast of characters who built the UFC from the ground up. The conversation covers why these executives believed in mixed martial arts despite going through a variety of hurdles, how television broadcasting and streaming deals put the UFC on the map, and the fighters who made the sport mainstream.

“The name Fugger in Germany is like the name Rockefeller in the US.”Greg Steinmetz joins Cole and Bill for his second appearance on the show, this time to discuss his book, The Richest Man Who Ever Lived. The book explores the life of German banker Jacob Fugger. The discussion focuses on how Fugger built his empire of wealth, the partnerships he created along the way, and the lasting legacy he left behind.

“Does it matter if you pay with cash, card, iPhone, or Bitcoin?”Cole and author Brett Scott delve into that question when discussing Scott’s book, Cloudmoney: Cash, Cards, Crypto, and the War for Our Wallets. Scott’s work explores the idea of how a digital monetary system has resulted in anti-cash messaging. The conversation covers the players in the current financial system and how cash is no longer king.

In this episode, Barry Strauss joins Cole to discuss his book, The War That Made the Roman Empire: Antony, Cleopatra, and Octavian at Actium. Barry’s book recounts the fierce conflict at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. The conversation covers the events leading up to the civil war, how the historic naval battle at Actium was fought, and what may have happened to the Roman Empire had Antony and Cleopatra been victorious.

Interested in what is on the Smead Capital Management book list? Listen in to hear Cole and Bill list the books they have recently read, what they’re currently reading, and the books they have on deck. Have a book you would like to recommend for the podcast? Email suggestions to podcast@smeadcap.com.

Author Dror Goldberg joins Cole and Bill to discuss his book, Easy Money: American Puritans and the Invention of Modern Currency. Dror’s book explores the history of modern money and its origins in colonial America. The conversation includes the idea of “siege money”, the role Massachusetts played in creating modern currency, and why the dollar system is so powerful.

Former journalist Henry Sanderson joins Cole to discuss his book, Volt Rush: The Winners and Losers in the Race to Go Green. Henry’s work examines the realities of building a green energy economy, the supply chain requirements, and the geopolitical implications of transitioning into a greener world. The conversation covers clean energy’s role in today’s economy and how its position in society will evolve, as well as the race amongst countries to attract battery investment.

Former Cazenove Chief Executive Robert Pickering joins Cole and Bill to discuss his book, Blue Blood: Cazenove in the Age of Global Banking. Pickering’s book dives into the distinctive history of the former prestigious investment bank. The conversation touches on Pickering’s first-hand experiences managing the company and how it ultimately became part of J.P. Morgan.

Mark Mills makes his second appearance on the podcast, this time to discuss his book, The Cloud Revolution: How the Convergence of New Technologies Will Unleash the Next Economic Boom and A Roaring 2020s. Mark’s work dissects how advancing technology will provide an economic upswing in the near future. The conversation covers the progress of recent technology and how the everchanging tech landscape will aid humanity moving forward.