The Rational Reminder Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Rational Reminder Podcast! We start by reviewing The Fearless Organization, and learn some important concepts such as psychological safety in the workplace, allowing people to voice their concerns, and the value of continuously learning. We also discuss a paper on index investing followed by a quick discussion on gender equality in finance. We then take a deep dive into today's main topic, 'Stocks for the Long Run…?', by unpacking research to see if stocks are still a valuable long-term investment. Finally, we end the show with a conversation about our 22 and 22 book challenge with Mark Sutcliffe, and find out about his reading habits and the books that have had the biggest impact on him. Key Points From This Episode: An update about the podcast and feedback received about the crypto series. [0:03:55] A rundown of the guests we have planned for future episodes. [0:07:43] Outline of the 'mixed-bag' reviews received about the show. [0:08:28] News and updates regarding the Rational Reminder reading challenge. [0:13:07] This week's book review of The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson. [0:14:45] We talk about an interesting paper 'On Index Investing' [0:24:42] Follow-up on and discussion concerning gender equality in finance from previous episodes. [0:28:34] We dig into today's main topic, 'Stocks for the Long Run.' [0:33:38] Issues surrounding using Stocks for the Long Run data to draw insights. [0:35:22] What has been achieved to solve issues regarding a lack of data on stock returns. [0:41:45] An important insight from research on the value of stocks and bonds in the long term. [0:47:17] A breakdown of some interesting findings from the paper, 'Global factor premiums'. [0:48:00] Overview of the research discussed and whether stocks are still valuable long-term investments. [0:53:54] The Rational Reminder 22 and 22 book challenge conversation with Mark Sutcliffe. [0:55:09] What Mark has discovered about the world of social media while working remotely. [0:56:58] Mark shares details about his reading habit and his favourite books growing up. [0:57:53] Whether he has a favourite genre of book. [01:00:11] How Mark sources books to read and how he captures interesting information. [01:00:44] The books that Mark commonly recommends to family and friends. [01:03:05] Find out if Mark thinks being an author changes how you read books. [01:05:12] Advice that he has for people who want to read more. [01:06:33]

Welcome back to another comprehensive and informative episode in this limited series of the Rational Reminder Podcast, a weekly reality check about the world of cryptocurrencies. We are lucky to have another respected figure in the crypto world on our show, technology veteran Tim O'Reilly. Tim is a well-known educator and publisher in the crypto community and the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of O'Reilly Media. He has been involved in the technology industry since the inception and rise of Silicon Valley and, with over 35 years of industry experience, he is known for popularizing the terms 'open-source software' and 'Web 2.0' and is a respected commentator on the space. In today's show, we do a lot of looking backwards with Tim and draw insight from his vast experience in the industry to discuss what the future of cryptocurrencies holds. We also talk about what separates companies that survive from those that do not, problems in society that blockchain technology can be used for, and changes that have taken place in the technology industry during Tim's career, as well as what the definition of true innovation is, and much more. Key Points From This Episode: What Tim's definition of a technology unicorn is. [0:03:07] The problems that Web3 could solve and what makes a product innovative. [0:04:39] Differences between companies that survived the .com bust and those that did not. [0:11:05] Whether Tim thinks there are promising projects in the crypto or Web3 space. [0:18:36] How society would change if Web3 became the new normal. [0:22:19] Examples of the applications blockchain technology could have for record-keeping. [0:24:36] Tim shares his thought son whether or not we need blockchain technology for aspects where the state is involved. [0:27:24] Ways in which the evolution of crypto has changed Tim's mental map of the future. [0:31:37] The role public blockchains could play in breaking the recentralization trend in decentralized technologies. [0:35:02] Tim tells us if he thinks centralization is a bad thing. [0:37:15] Past mistakes and innovation within the tech industry. [0:41:39] Tim's opinion on the support of Web3 from venture capitalists. [0:44:02] Whether or not building technology outside of the government's reach is the right way to improve society. [0:46:46] Advice Tim has for those who are looking to get rich from cryptocurrencies. [0:50:35]

If you have any interest in private equity or have thought about it as an asset class, then this episode is for you! What is private equity? This might seem a simple question but the answer is more complex than you think. Private equity is a nuanced subject that requires a deep understanding to make successful investments. To help unpack this non-trivial subject is expert Ludovic Phalippou, a Professor of Financial Economics at the University of Oxford Saïd Business School. Although he studied economics in general, his research mainly focuses on unravelling the complexities of private equity. He has written many papers on the topic, including a book called Private Equity Laid Bare. He has a Masters in Economics and a Masters in Mathematical Finance from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. in Finance from INSEAD, making him well versed in the subject. Besides his impressive qualifications and experience, his insight and ability to speak to the data make him stand out from other experts. In our conversation, we get into the basics of private equity and what makes it attractive to investors. During our conversation we discuss the challenges for measuring performance, how to best measure the performance of private equity funds, the different facets associated with private equity, how to tell if certain private equities are a good investment, and the differences between private and public equity. We also hear how it is applied as he walks us through some real-world scenarios and gives us some insider knowledge on the best private equity options. As you will hear from our conversation, there is no easy answer! Key Points From This Episode: We learn what asset classes are included in the broad term of private equity. [0:03:39] The end-to-end process for investing in a typical private equity fund. [0:06:49] The challenges with measuring the performance of private equity managers. [0:09:48] How investments that have not yet been sold are treated when a manager is reporting on their performance. [0:12:48] Professor Phalippou explains how well the IRR captures the economic results delivered by a fund. [0:14:04] Whether there are alternative approaches to evaluating performance. [0:17:52] A discussion about the typical characteristics of a buyout fund. [0:19:35] The best approach for evaluating your private equity. [0:21:24] Find out if a public equity benchmark has to be adjusted for leverage, regarding buyouts. [0:24:26] We learn about the fees that private equity limited partners typically pay. [0:26:34] Outline of the less obvious fees that limited partners might be paying. [0:28:11] Whether an investor paying carry is a sign that the investment has done well. [0:31:07] Comparison of private equity performance relative to public equities. [0:32:31] What number Professor Phalippou would assign on an expected return to private equity, as an asset class. [0:38:46] How successful investing in private equity has been for institutional investors. [0:39:32] The performance of Blackstone and KKR is discussed relative to an average private equity fund. [0:42:11] We get details about the Yale situation and how it manifested. [0:44:24] Reasons why private equity is regarded as the best performing asset class for institutions. [0:45:32] Professor Phalippou tells us if he thinks private equity offers diversification benefits to a public equity portfolio. [0:46:01] He discusses a recent case study regarding Hilton. [0:47:11] Why he thinks sophisticated investors are allocating funds to private equity. [0:48:14] Professor Phalippou shares how to be successful when investing in private equity. [0:50:00] Whether the returns of private equity can be replicated in public equity. [0:53:09] How Professor Phalippou defines success. [0:55:18] We end the show by finding out if the value premium is risk-based or behaviour-based. [0:55:35]

Dr. Nicholas Weaver's well-known lectures on cryptocurrencies explain why he believes it needs to be "burned with fire." Today, we speak to Dr. Weaver, an expert in computer science and a long-time observer of the cryptocurrency space. He holds a BA in Astrophysics and Computer Science and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from UC Berkeley, where he was also a lecturer until recently. His primary research focus has been network security, among other topics. His interest and search for comedy "godl" have also resulted in published papers on cryptocurrency. In our conversation, Dr. Weaver untangles the complexities of the perceptions of cryptocurrencies with the actual technology. We talk about decentralization, if cryptocurrencies are achieving it, and the underlying concept of blockchain technology, as well as whether or not blockchains are secure and what the potential benefits of cryptocurrencies are to developing countries. We then go into detail about why Dr. Weaver thinks the crypto space is not beneficial, why prestigious academic institutions are teaching about it, and why he thinks it will never work in the log-run. Please tune in for a truly eye-opening, no-holds-barred episode as we learn the harsh truth about cryptocurrencies with expert, Dr. Nicholas Weaver! Key Points From This Episode: What public blockchain technology can achieve that was not previously possible. [0:02:51] How well the original concept, introduced by Satoshi Nakamoto, is living up to its theoretical promise. [0:04:06] Weaver explains and outlines the general appeal of decentralization. [0:04:57] He elaborates on his perspective on trusted and honest authorities. [0:09:39] An explanation of how Lightning Network attempts to solve throughput limitation. [0:10:36] We find out if major blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum are decentralized. [0:13:08] Differences between how nodes and miners influence the network. [0:16:23] How secure public blockchains really are. [0:17:45] Whether a facility for censorship-resistant transactions, like Bitcoin, is a good thing for society. [0:20:30] Potential benefits of cryptocurrencies for people in countries with limited access to banking and a good legal system. [0:24:35] Steps governments can take to regulate and control cryptocurrencies. [0:26:47] Weaver's opinion on why the regulation of cryptocurrencies has been so slow. [0:29:17] Outline of how Dr. Weaver sees cryptocurrencies developing in future. [0:31:38] How to incentivize miners not to attack the system to retain the value of Bitcoin. [0:38:24] Weaver on how stablecoins fit into the crypto ecosystem and if they're decentralized. [0:39:18] A rundown of the new properties the blockchain data structure provides. [0:45:59] Find out if Walmart using a private blockchain is just marketing hype. [0:51:20] Why the popularity of cryptocurrencies amongst venture capitalists is rising. [0:53:12] Why prominent schools like MIT and Cornell are emphasizing blockchain programs. [0:55:23] Weaver explains what the smartest way to invest is, in his opinion. [0:58:34] Who the technologists in the crypto-space are that he respects professionally. [0:59:51] He tells us whether he has heard any compelling arguments for cryptocurrencies. [1:00:31] A discussion about Dunning-Kruger economics in relation to cryptocurrencies. [1:04:38] What the general opinion of other technologists is on crypto and blockchain. [1:06:23] We end the show with a final takeaway from Dr. Weaver. [1:07:31]

Welcome to another episode of the Rational Reminder Podcast! In today's jam-packed episode, we start by going through the feedback received on our limited crypto series and outline upcoming guests. We also give a breakdown of Cal Newport's book, Deep Work, and the importance and long-term benefits of engaging in deep work. We then follow-up on our recent episode with Rebecca Walker by discussing gender equality in financial planning. Lastly, tune in to also have a rundown of the housing market and its investment potential, price risks associated with home ownership, the effects homeowner's occupation has on their household investment and more! Key Points From This Episode: We go through feedback received on the limited edition crypto series. [0:01:40] An outline of the upcoming guests we are going to have on the show. [0:05:51] This week's book review, Deep Work written by Cal Newport. [0:09:01] Some of the common workplace problems highlighted in the book. [0:14:30] How work can be more enjoyable than free time and reasons why. [0:15:56] Ways to overcome common workplace problems and engage with 'deep work.' [0:16:47] The long-term benefits of engaging with deep work and why it is needed. [0:20:21] A follow-up on our recent episode with Rebecca Walker and the feedback received. [0:20:49] Discussion about the data that is related to Rebecca's points from the episode. [0:22:10] We unravel the nuance concerning the gender pay gap and financial planning. [0:26:10] An important takeaway concerning our discussion on the gender pay gap. [0:33:19] Rundown of the housing market and its investment potential. [0:33:58] Find out how an owned home can act like an investment. [0:37:42] Learn more about 'Portfolio Theory' concerning property investment. [0:40:50] An interesting aspect regarding peoples' occupation and property investments. [0:46:18] How people reduce the risk associated with property investments. [0:47:45]

Welcome back to another episode of our limited addition Crypto Series on the Rational Reminder Podcast, a weekly reality check about sensible investing and financial decision-making. Are cryptocurrencies and the associated technologies beneficial? Could they change the world for the better? There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use and application of cryptocurrencies and the associated technologies. Some say the innovation is ultimately useless while others think it is the answer to society's problems. To help us unpack this complicated and hot-button topic is Bruce Schneier, an internationally-renowned security technologist, author, and educator. The focus of his work is the intersection of security, technology and people. Bruce also has an immense passion for educating people about cryptocurrencies. Examples of his well-known books include Liars and Outliers and Data and Goliath, which provide much-needed insight to readers about DeFi technologies and big monopolies. He also lectures in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and is a fellow at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society. In our conversation, we discuss the debate surrounding cryptocurrencies such as privacy concerns of digital cash, what makes Bitcoin different from earlier digital currencies, aspects of public blockchain technology, the misapplications of crypto technology, the different forms and approaches to cryptocurrencies, and whether DeFi technologies can be beneficial to society, and what the biggest concerns are regarding cryptocurrencies. Join us today as we take a detailed look into the value and drawbacks of crypto and DeFi technology with Bruce Schneier! Key Points From This Episode: What the objective was of early digital cash projects, like DigiCash. [0:03:27] The privacy concerns associated with digital cash. [0:04:45] Whether financial surveillance should be a concern for people. [0:05:45] Differences between Bitcoin and earlier forms of digital cash. [0:08:35] How good technology is at solving economic and political problems. [0:09:30] Details about the pieces that come together to make public blockchains work. [0:10:29] Why Bruce considers proof of work to be an idiotic way to form consensus. [0:13:43] Whether alternatives to proof of work resolve wasteful energy practices. [0:16:01] The new properties that public blockchains offer. [0:17:04] We find out if public blockchains do what their proponents say they do. [0:17:37] The claims that crypto proponents make regarding blockchain are discussed. [0:19:29] We discuss the misapplications of crypto and DeFi technologies. [0:20:23] Outline of the systems of trust that humans use to incentivize good behaviour. [0:23:26] Whether cryptocurrency technologies will become secure and trusted. [0:27:49] Reasons for the perspective 'code is law' from crypto technologists. [0:30:02] Whether 'one CPU, one vote' is how blockchains are working in practice. [0:31:35] We discuss other ideas and emerging technologies in the crypto space. [0:33:24] If government intervention is needed for crypto technologies and currencies. [0:36:21] How cryptocurrencies can be included in the mainstream financial system. [0:39:06] Bruce shares his opinion on the future of NFTs for artists to be able to capitalize on their creativity. [0:40:08] What the potential impacts of crypto technologies on younger generations are. [0:43:48] How blockchain erodes moral and reputational incentives to act responsibly. [0:45:26] Ways in which cryptocurrencies can help people who are 'bankless' and avoid high bank fees. [0:46:13] Break down of a real-world scenario where blockchain is being used in an alternative way. [0:49:00] Bruce tells us whether Bitcoin is suitable as a global currency. [0:50:55] The message that Bruce hopes his students will take away after his class. [0:51:59] If the government is beginning to take regulation of cryptocurrencies seriously. [0:52:43] What aspects, if any, excites Bruce about cryptocurrencies. [0:53:04] What Bruce's biggest concerns about cryptocurrencies are. [00:53:43]

There's no doubt about it; money is a taboo topic in our society. But not talking about money only serves to uphold inequalities and injustices. Rebecca Walker is an advocate for transparency and, during this episode of the Rational Reminder Podcast, she shares the importance of exploring the factors that have influenced our relationship with money so that we can begin to understand how we can use money as a tool to effect the kind of changes we want to see in the world. This is the intention behind her latest collection, Women Talk Money. No matter your gender, race, or financial standing, this episode will provide you with a new perspective on how to approach money. Rebecca is a well-known speaker, author, consultant and was named by Time Magazine as one of the most influential leaders of her generation. Tune in today. Key Points From This Episode: What money represents and why it is so important that we understand it better. [0:02:21] The intention behind Rebecca's latest collection, Women Talk Money. [0:03:05] A brief overview of some of the stories Rebecca shares in her book about our relationship with money and how it impacts our lives and society as a whole. [0:05:13] How race, class, and gender impact how knowledge about money is transferred. [0:08:50] Problems that arise when we aren't transparent about our finances. [0:11:22] How the way we approach money ties into many broader societal issues. [0:15:45] Examples of how not talking about money renders people powerless. [0:17:45] Rebecca explains how she has taught her son about money from a young age. [0:20:58] Rebecca's approach to talking to other people about money. [0:22:30] Issues that may stem from an obsession with money. [0:24:32] How Rebecca defines "enough." [0:27:09] The role that men can play in empowering women in relation to money. [0:29:24] Advice for women who are struggling to form a healthy relationship with money. [0:33:33] How Rebecca defines success in her own life. [0:36:04]

Welcome back to another limited series of Rational Reminder Podcast, focused on learning about cryptocurrencies. Our journey about cryptocurrencies has led us to speak to various experts on the subject, all of whom see some benefits to cryptocurrencies and the underlying blockchain technology. However, what does a skeptic think about cryptocurrencies and the benefits to the current financial system? In today's episode, we speak to Stephen Diehl, a software engineer who works with financial technology within the finance sector and is an outspoken cryptocurrency skeptic. His engineering background, coupled with his experience working with financial technology, provides a unique perspective on the future of cryptocurrencies. We move through the episode learning about public blockchain technology, different consensus mechanisms, what potential problems blockchain technology can solve, whether crypto can improve the current financial system, if Bitcoin really is decentralized, what drives crypto prices, reasons why crypto will not work, what makes it similar to gambling, and more. Tune in today to hear a unique opposing view of cryptocurrencies and DeFi technology with expert and skeptic, Stephen Diehl! Key Points From This Episode: A brief breakdown of public blockchain technology. [0:03:28] The current problems that public blockchain technology is trying to solve. [0:04:16] Proof of work consensus and how it tries to eliminate the need for a trusted third party. [0:05:44] Some of the downsides associated with the proof of work concept. [0:07:41] How other consensus mechanisms have improved the proof of work concept. [0:09:21] What the costs associated with proof of stake relative to proof of work are. [0:11:09] Problems that both consensus methods have regarding recentralization. [0:12:07] What other problems blockchain technologies can be used to solve. [0:12:50] The problems in the financial technological system that public blockchains solve. [0:14:29] Why finality of payments associated with cryptocurrencies is not a good thing. [0:15:42] What limitations can blockchain technology remove regarding international money transfers. [0:17:06] How to prevent double-spending under the current financial system. [0:20:34] What Stephen thinks drives the value of cryptocurrencies. [0:21:15] Whether Bitcoin is decentralized in Stephen's opinion. [0:23:19] Reasons why concentrated mining power does not cultivate decentralization. [0:24:46] How permissioned blockchains can improve on the pitfalls of public blockchains. [0:25:40] A discussion about the potential benefits of private blockchains. [0:27:15] We learn what a smart contract is. [0:29:49] Outline of other useful applications for smart contracts. [0:31:25] Examples of illicit activities associated with cryptocurrencies. [0:32:08] Code is law: deferring to code for implementing law. [0:33:17] What Stephen thinks is the value of the underlying blockchain technology. [0:34:32] Stephen explains what Web3 is and if it improves the financial system [0:37:05] We find out if there is anything about crypto technologies that excite him. [0:41:06] The most compelling argument for crypto that Stephen has heard. [0:43:08] He explains what he means by suffering stemming from cryptocurrencies. [0:44:40] Stephen shares his experiences as an outspoken crypto skeptic. [0:45:26] How he began working with researchers from the London School of Economics. [0:47:03] Discussion about the narrative of cryptocurrencies and why Stephen is outspoken on the subject. [0:50:33]

In today's episode, we share some updates from our Financial Goals Survey, respond to a listener who says we are wrong about dividends, and talk about Scout Mindset by Julia Galef. We then respond to a listener question about whether our comments in Episode 205 on private equity extend to private real estate. In our main topic, we unravel what money is by looking back at its origin story and the two competing theories about what it is. We discuss the ideological underpinnings of money and how these ideologies can make choosing a definition of money highly political. We end the episode talking to Dan Solin about his reading habits. Dan Solin joined us almost four years ago for an episode on evidence-based investing. Tuning in, you'll hear how Dan finds the books he reads, what his favourite types of books are, and whether he recommends books to people, plus he shares why he believes reading is so essential, and much more. Don't miss out on another well-rounded and informative episode of the Rational Reminder Podcast. Key Points From This Episode: An update on the progress of our Financial Goals Survey. [0:03:32] Your monthly update on the reading challenge and how to get involved. [0:04:52] An update from our limited crypto series and some of the feedback we've received. [0:08:00] This week's book review: The Scout Mindset. [0:16:29] Simple set of tools to help you assess biases when receiving new information. [0:19:18] Following up on private investments concerning real estate. [0:24:32] Onto the main topic of the show with Dan Solin: money and what it is. [0:29:09] Where the perception and definition of money originated from. [0:31:00] Unpacking an alternative definition of money by Adam Smith. [0:37:32] The quantity theory of money and its application in the economy. [0:40:14] An interesting political aspect to forming John Locke's theory of money. [0:46:49] Outlining of the history of opposing views on the theory of money. [0:47:25] A break down of the findings of an anthropological review investigating money. [0:49:47] How money is neither commodity nor quantity but rather a measure of credit. [0:51:32] The state theory of money and how it is different from other theories. [0:53:39] What sets the price level of money based on credit theory. [0:55:06] A discussion around money based on the several theories of what it is. [0:57:22] Why fiat money is not a derogatory term for currencies. [0:59:30] Some of the nuances regarding the definitions of money in a modern context. [1:00:07] Dan shares his reading habits as an author. [1:01:05] Whether Dan reads hard copies, audiobooks, or Kindle. [1:01:32] The difference between reading and streaming in Dan's opinion. [1:02:08] Insight into some of Dan's favourite types of book. [1:03:11] How he finds new books to read and what inspires his reading interests. [1:05:40] Ways in which Dan organizes what he reads and learns. [1:08:47] Whether or not he recommends books to other people. [1:09:33] Reasons why Dan believes it is important to read books similar to his latest book. [1:12:21] Dan's advice for people that want to read more. [1:14:10]

Welcome to another special episode of Rational Reminder Podcast, a show to help us learn about cryptocurrencies and their role in our current and future financial systems. In today's show, we speak to Tobin Hanspal, an Assistant Professor of Finance at the Vienna University of Economics and Business who has written several papers focused on household finances. Tobin's research area offers insights into the behaviours of retail investors in the crypto space and how this may affect household finances. In this episode, we take a deep dive into some of the papers that Tobin has authored and how his findings relate to the behaviours and biases of crypto adopters. We discuss the investment behaviours of early crypto adopters, the role of EFTs in reducing risk, the different types of investor groups, how past experience negatively affects investor confidence, how behaviours change after an initial crypto investment, the disposition effect, how cryptocurrencies are an extension of existing behaviours, and much more! Be sure not to miss out on this informative episode with expert, Tobin Hanspal! Key Points From This Episode: How Tobin investigated the investment behaviour of early crypto adopters. [0:04:24] Whether indirect crypto investments are a good proxy for crypto investors. [0:08:10] Why it is important to consider the different types of investor groups. [0:10:23] The differences between individual characteristics of crypto adopters and non-adopters. [0:10:55] Comparison of eventual crypto adopters and non-adopters [0:12:37] What kind of sector ETFs do crypto adopters choose to invest in. [0:13:48] Differences between the crypto and non-crypto investors, in terms of typical investor behaviour biases. [0:15:01] How cryptocurrencies are an extension of traditional high-risk investing. [0:16:39] Whether the behaviour of investors changes after their first crypto investment. [0:17:37] The differences in behaviour between early and late adopters. [0:19:15] What insights Tobin has regarding the geographical location of crypto adopters. [0:20:36] What percentage of their portfolios' do adopters allocate to crypto. [0:21:11] Find out if crypto investors buy lower-risk assets to make up for cryptocurrencies. [0:21:36] What differences exist between crypto and non-crypto investors regarding efficiency. [0:22:51] Description of the typical crypto investor characterized in their study. [0:23:39] Tobin explains the disposition effect and how belief systems play a role. [0:25:56] How risk appetite is related to the disposition effect. [0:28:05] People's beliefs: are expected returns affected by past experience in expected realized returns. [0:29:20] Whether positive or negative realized past return experiences have the same effect on beliefs. [0:31:19] How peoples' beliefs affect investing in riskier assets. [0:32:07] Changes in behaviour on a household level from past negative investment experiences. [0:33:23] The role experiences of peers and/or relatives have on investment belief. [0:38:16] Reasons for people reducing risk in their portfolios. [0:38:50] Tobin shares if he thinks cryptocurrencies will have similar effects on peoples' behaviours. [0:39:42] How applicable the findings are from Tobin's study to other parts of the world. [0:41:54] What the ideal theoretical response is to losing money on an investment. [0:42:47] Important takeaways that Tobin has for crypto investors. [0:43:23]