

The Synopsis
Speedwell Research, LLC
Speedwell Research spends hundreds of hours researching public businesses each month and in "The Synopsis" they share their key learnings. Most business podcasts are superficial and assume their listeners are unsophisticated. In contrast, The Synopsis trusts listeners are interested in learning about complex, industry-specific issues, so long as they are explained clearly. We cover businesses from inception to current day, coupling business analysis and an investors lens. Start listening today to become a better analyst and investor.
Episodes
Mentioned books

21 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 57min
Dialogue. Airbnb & Evolution 4Q24 Update, SuperApps, and Todd Haushalter Debreif
In this engaging discussion, Todd Haushalter, a leading force in iGaming and known for his innovative strategies at Evolution, delves into the future of gaming and regulatory challenges. He shares insights on navigating competition and capitalizing on emerging market opportunities. The conversation shifts to Airbnb's ambitious plans to evolve into a super app, examining key strategies for boosting user engagement and unique offerings. This episode offers a rich blend of industry foresight and transformative ideas.

87 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 2h 1min
Interview. Evolution's Todd Haushalter on Gaming, Moats, and Why It's So Hard to Catch Them.
Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution and a powerhouse in live casino gaming, shares his insights on innovation and market leadership. He discusses the importance of player-centric design, highlighting how his team balances quick launches with quality. Todd talks about using AI to enhance player engagement and the challenges of game localization across cultures. He also teases an exciting roadmap of new games and emphasizes the need for continuous innovation to stay ahead of the competition in the evolving gaming landscape.

24 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 22min
Article. The Invisible Competitor: When Creating Value is Better than Fighting for It
Explore why creating value trumps fierce competition in business. Learn how companies like Costco and Etsy prioritize understanding consumer preferences to unlock success. Discover the differences between Minimum Viable Products and Minimum Perfect Products, and how these concepts shape crucial business decisions. Delve into the evolution of design-driven brands like Apple and the complex market landscape faced by giants like Amazon. This insightful discussion highlights the importance of innovation and self-improvement in today's marketplace.

13 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 14min
Interview. Ex-Goldman Sachs Matt Reustle on Bad Investor Practices, Sell-side Gripes, and Learning from 200+ Business Breakdowns
Matt Reustle, a former credit and equity analyst at Goldman Sachs and CEO of Colossus, shares his insights on the investment world. He discusses the common misunderstandings surrounding sell-side research and why many investors struggle during management meetings. Matt reveals key takeaways from over 200 business breakdowns, emphasizing the importance of effective analysis and genuine relationships with management. He also explores what distinguishes great analysts, consumer surplus in successful businesses, and the relationship between a company’s quality and its longevity.

13 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 12min
Interview. Investment Management in Practice with Baskin Wealth Management
In this engaging discussion, Barry Schwartz and Ernest Wong, co-founders of Baskin Wealth Management, share insights on long-term investing in high-quality businesses. They delve into the challenges of quality investing in the energy sector and how terminal valuations can impact high multiple stocks. Comparing Costco and Transdigm, they highlight effective business strategies and consumer goodwill. Additionally, they reflect on investment mistakes, stressing the importance of fundamentals and emotional control in navigating today's complex market.

11 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 58min
Interview. Spotify Case Study and Learning from Lululemon's Sentiment Shift with MBI
In an engaging chat, Abdullah Al-Rezwan, known as Mostly Borrowed Ideas on Twitter, dives into investment insights on Spotify and Lululemon. He reflects on what investors might have seen in Spotify's 2021 performance before considering recent developments. The conversation shifts to Lululemon, addressing market sentiment shifts and the company's strong brand strategy amidst competition. Al-Rezwan challenges common bearish critiques, highlighting Lululemon's successful consumer engagement and the deep connection between brand quality and customer loyalty.

13 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 25min
Article. Axon Business History
Discover the fascinating evolution of the Taser, from its creation to its role in law enforcement, including the hurdles its inventors faced. Delve into the legal controversies surrounding this non-lethal weapon. Learn how Axon is revolutionizing evidence management for police, enhancing the ways departments collect and share video evidence securely through Evidence.com. This episode provides engaging insights into the intersection of technology and policing.

22 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 42min
Interview. Dollar Tree, Dating Apps, & Dynamics of Video Streaming Competition with The Science of Hitting Research
Alex Morris, founder of The Science of Hitting Research, delves into the fascinating dynamics of companies like Dollar Tree and Netflix. He discusses the shifting consumer preferences impacting retail and the competitive landscape of streaming services. Morris contrasts Netflix's strategies against those of Disney and reflects on investment philosophies, emphasizing the need for adaptability. He also sheds light on the dating app industry and Airbnb's future directions, while sharing valuable lessons from his own investment experiences with Spotify.

26 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 1h
Dialogue. End of the Year Mailbag: Investing Myths, Mistakes, Evolution, and Etsy
Listeners submitted intriguing questions that lead to discussions about investment myths and the evolution of business practices. The hosts reflect on their most boring business coverage and its surprising lessons. They also dissect Etsy's competition issues and the importance of brand loyalty in a shifting market. Plus, insights into the art of investment analysis reveal the deep research required to navigate today's complex landscape. Regulatory challenges in the gaming sector are also explored, highlighting their impact on company valuations.

17 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 19min
Company. Perimeter Solutions: Replicating the TransDigm Model
Dive into the world of Perimeter Solutions, the exclusive provider of a crucial firefighting product with a fascinating history. Discover how they navigate the fire safety landscape, leveraging unique chemical properties and regulatory advantages for competitive edge. Explore growth opportunities driven by increasing wildfire incidents and urbanization. The discussion also highlights strategic capital allocation inspired by industry giant TransDigm, revealing insights into financial performance and shareholder value. A riveting look at resilience in the firefighting industry!