The Business Brew

Bill Chen returns for a third time. Bill focuses on "hard assets," with a specific focus on real estate. The conversation winds from some macro (from 15 minutes to 22ish minutes) to more REIT specific ideas (after 24 minutes). Please note, some of the tariff discussion is already out of date. Nevertheless, we hope you enjoy the conversation!Bill Chen's other episodes can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyf41BmMYxU and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmoc2crT55UFor a different perspective on real estate investing check out Ryan Dobratz' episodes at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIVr5Jvr-2M

Xingxiu Shang, an investor specializing in Chinese assets, dives into the intricacies of investing in China. He shares his journey from the U.S. to the Chinese market and discusses the influence of geopolitical tensions on investment decisions. Hear about the potential of state-owned enterprises, the dynamic growth of Pinduoduo, and emerging threats in the coffee market. Shang also explores the valuation of tech giants like Tencent and the challenges of short-selling amidst market volatility. It's an insightful peek into navigating the complex landscape of Chinese investments.

Evan Tindell, founder and portfolio manager of Bireme Capital, joins for a lively discussion on navigating investment landscapes. He shares insights on international valuation disparities, the complexities of shorting meme stocks, and lessons learned from turbulent market phases. Evan offers a critical analysis of companies like MicroStrategy and delves into Japan's corporate governance reforms. They also explore how AI tools are shaping investment strategies, alongside Evan's adventurous investment tales from Zambia.

In this engaging conversation, Devin Anderson, co-founder of an investment advisory firm and competitive shotgun shooter, shares his expertise in high-performance strategies. He explores the balance between conscious skill-building and unconscious execution under pressure, emphasizing the importance of routine and mental focus. Devin discusses how to handle performance anxiety and highlights the parallels between competitive sports and business decision-making. Listeners gain insights into mastering their performance through structured planning and developing confidence to excel.

Le Shrub, an anonymous investor and insightful writer at shrubstack.com, brings a unique blend of humor and wisdom. He shares his unconventional investment strategies, cautioning against typical pitfalls while diving into specific stocks like Archer Aviation and Alibaba. The discussion touches on the volatile landscape of biotech investments, the rise of eVTOL technology, and the potential economic impacts of a Ukraine ceasefire. With engaging anecdotes, Le Shrub emphasizes the importance of community insights and navigating the risks of small-cap stocks.

Larry Holzenthaler, a portfolio manager at First Eagle Alternative Credit, shares his expertise in corporate lending and private credit strategies. He discusses the evolution of private credit, emphasizing its attractiveness as an investment due to current economic conditions. Larry highlights the shift from traditional equity investing to private credit, the importance of risk management, and the unique redemption processes of interval funds versus BDCs. He also delves into the impact of banking regulations and the challenges posed by fluctuating interest rates on credit performance.

George Livadas, an investor known for his market insights and candid social media presence, dives into the complexities of today's market landscape. He draws parallels between current fluctuations and the 2021 SPAC bubble while exploring investment opportunities in the European industrial sector. Livadas shares his investment philosophy on large and small-cap stocks and discusses the challenges of shorting strategies and client expectations. They also delve into the transformative role of AI in investment research and reflect on market resilience through the lens of COVID-19.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Morris, author of "Buffett and Munger Unscripted" and a key figure at TSOH Investment Research, shares insights from Berkshire Hathaway meetings. He reflects on the challenges of writing his book and emphasizes the importance of transparency in investment research. The conversation also explores investment strategies, focusing on long-term prospects for companies like Dollar Tree and the evolving dynamics of consumer brands. Humorously, he navigates the complexities of balancing personal life with professional ambitions.

Tom Morgan, a community builder focused on personal transformation, engages in a captivating discussion that spans science and spirituality. He delves into non-human intelligence and its cultural impacts, alongside personal stories of transformation through psychedelics. Tom shares his mental health journey, emphasizing the balance between medication and natural coping strategies. He reflects on the gut-wrenching yet enlightening experiences of ketamine therapy and microdosing psilocybin, all while exploring the integration of brain functions for deeper personal growth.

John Maxfield, a banking expert with rich insights from researching top bankers, delves deep into the intricate world of finance. He explores the unique supply and demand of credit and the traits that set successful bankers apart. Historical tragedies and their psychological impacts on bankers add depth to the discussion. John also highlights modern banking challenges, including the rise of private credit. With personal anecdotes and experiences, he shares the importance of networking and how innovative banking practices are reshaping the industry.