

Stray Reflections
Jawad Mian
Stray Reflections is a macro advisory and community for top CIOs and PMs across the globe. Our job is not to predict the future; it’s to see the present clearly. Discover investing ideas and advance your thinking in truly novel ways.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 13, 2025 • 52min
China decoded with Andrew Polk
In this insightful discussion, Andrew Polk, Co-founder of Trivium China and expert on Chinese policy, dives into pressing issues shaping China's future. He explores the shift from real estate reliance to a green technology-driven economy, the challenges of local government debt, and the complexities of U.S.-China relations under Trump. Polk highlights the impact of AI ambitions on global trade and the struggles of post-pandemic consumer behavior. His analysis offers a compelling look into the intertwining dynamics of China’s economy and politics.

43 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 56min
Wisdom from Morgan Housel
Morgan Housel, a partner at Collaborative Fund and author of 'The Psychology of Money,' shares captivating insights about wealth and its implications. He delves into Andrew Carnegie's views on ethical wealth, contrasting them with modern billionaires. Housel emphasizes the delicate balance between patience and optimism in investing, warning against unrealistic expectations. He also discusses generational attitudes toward money shaped by historical events and the importance of storytelling in understanding innovations like AI, urging us to find happiness without succumbing to societal pressures.

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 19min
Nonviolent communication with Danny Cohen
Danny Cohen, a long-time teacher of nonviolent communication, shares his deep wisdom on compassionate dialogue. He discusses how everyday language can harm relationships and emphasizes the importance of expressing feelings and needs. Cohen contrasts 'jackal' and 'giraffe' language styles, highlighting empathy as the key to connection. He also explores how silence can foster deeper understanding during conversations. Through practical examples, he reveals how nonviolent communication can transform conflicts, urging us to recognize our shared humanity.

Aug 8, 2025 • 51min
Clear Thinking with Shane Parrish

Jul 27, 2025 • 3min
The price of acceptance

Jul 6, 2025 • 53min
Love and repair with Terry Real
Terry Real, a family therapist and author renowned for his work on relational dynamics, shares profound insights on love and emotional growth. He challenges traditional notions of masculinity, advocating for vulnerability and emotional intimacy as keys to deeper connections. Real underscores the significance of effective communication in resolving marital conflicts and emphasizes how parents can model healthy relationships for their children. The conversation also highlights love as a skill to be cultivated, offering listeners practical wisdom for nurturing authentic relationships.

Jun 21, 2025 • 15min
Raising ourselves, not just children
Discover insights from a transformative parenting book that stresses actions over words in guiding children. Learn how to foster emotional connections through techniques like 'love bombing' to enhance parent-child bonds. Explore the importance of emotional honesty to cultivate empathy, while navigating sibling dynamics and the challenges of raising teenagers. This engaging conversation encourages self-awareness and understanding, setting the foundation for healthier family relationships.

7 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 56min
Conscious Living with Diana Chapman
In this engaging discussion, Diana Chapman, co-founder of the Conscious Leadership Group and co-author of The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership, shares her insights on self-awareness and transparency in leadership. She emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between factual events and our interpretations, aiding clarity in conflict resolution. Chapman explores the journey to personal empowerment, the transformative 'Zone of Genius', and the significance of vulnerability in fostering genuine connections. Her wisdom on conscious parenting also offers ways to nurture independence in children.

7 snips
Jun 7, 2025 • 1h 6min
Build, baby, build
Daniel Dreyfus, CIO at Bornite Capital, discusses the urgent need for enhanced U.S. power infrastructure to meet rising electrification demands. He delves into the evolving job market influenced by AI, emphasizing a return to skilled labor. The conversation covers the critical role of private equity in infrastructure, navigating investment complexities, and the significant implications of China's export cuts on global commodities. Dreyfus highlights the relationship between gold prices and federal debt, providing insights into future market dynamics.

May 24, 2025 • 18min
Sitting with Steve Cohen: markets, mindset, meaning
A rare conversation with Steve Cohen (Point 72) that moved beyond markets.