
Two Quants and a Financial Planner
Two Quants and a Financial Planner bridges the worlds of investing and financial planning to help investors achieve their long-term goals. Join Matt Zeigler, Jack Forehand and Justin Carbonneau as they cover a wide range of investing and financial planning topics that impact all of us and discuss how we can apply them in the real world to achieve the best outcomes in our financial lives.
Latest episodes

11 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 3min
Practical Lessons from Larry Swedroe | Why Evidence Beats Market Narratives
Larry Swedroe, a leading voice in evidence-based investing, shares insights on why decisions should be data-driven, not narrative-driven. He discusses the common failures of market predictions and the concept of bifurcated market valuations. Swedroe emphasizes the importance of enduring long-term underperformance and the unique risks in portfolio building. He also critiques the reluctance of many investors to engage with illiquid assets and provides a compelling defense for value investing in today's market.

Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Unforecast Episode: Making Our 2025 Market Calls to Show Why Forecasting is a Waste of Time
The hosts humorously tackle the challenges of market forecasting, recalling their surprisingly accurate 2024 predictions. They explore the unpredictable nature of the stock market, critiquing traditional methods while sharing their own hit-or-miss experiences. The discussion includes insights on inflation, Fed policy, and what could drive markets in 2025, like M&A activity and IPOs. They also reminisce about an unexpected rise in YouTube subscribers, all while questioning the reliability of forecasts and keeping the conversation lighthearted.

10 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 57min
Do You Really Need International Diversification? 10 Top Investors Debate
Dan Rasmussen, an investing expert known for discussing the 'Great Rotation' and U.S. equity dominance, dives into the heated debate on international diversification. He highlights how interconnected today’s markets are and questions the long-term trends favoring U.S. stocks. The discussion uncovers currency exposure's role and critiques passive investing flows. With insights from top investors, the conversation explores optimal allocation strategies, market unpredictability, and the case for a globally diversified portfolio, helping listeners refine their investment approaches.

Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 1min
Practical Lessons from Andy Constan | Bridgewater, Macro Pillars and Navigating Deleveragings
Join Matt Zeigler and Jack Forehand as they break down some of the most insightful frameworks from our interviews with macro thinker Andy Constan.
Drawing from multiple conversations with Andy, they explore:
Andy's experience at Bridgewater Associates and their fascinating approach to systematic investing
The four pillars of macro analysis that help make sense of complex market environments
A practical framework for evaluating market deleveraging events
Essential lessons about personal portfolio management and the importance of having clear financial goals
The realities of working in the financial industry and managing concentrated stock positions
Andy's ability to break down complex topics into simple, actionable frameworks has made him one of the most valuable voices in macro investing. Whether you're a professional investor or managing your personal portfolio, this episode offers important insights into how to think about markets and risk in a systematic way.
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Dec 9, 2024 • 58min
10 Great Investors Share Their Most Important Lesson
We ask one question at the end of each of our episodes:
Based on your experience in markets, if you could teach one lesson to your average investor, what would it be?
In this episode, we discuss our favorite answers from our guests in 2024.
Featuring insights from:
Jim Paulsen on understanding your true impact as an investor
Cliff Asness on the importance of looking at your portfolio less frequently
Aswath Damodaran on preserving and growing wealth vs. chasing returns
Jared Dillian on avoiding catastrophic losses
Ian Cassel on the value of doing your own work
Bob Elliott on the importance of humility
Ed Yardeni on fading the consensus
Eric Crittenden on mastering the basics before pursuing complexity
Andrew Beer on the power of long-term thinking
Kris Sidial on balancing optimism with preparedness
Learn why the fundamentals of investing often matter more than complex strategies, how to avoid common behavioral pitfalls, and why getting the basics right can put you ahead of 90% of investors. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your investment journey, these practical insights will help you build a more resilient investment strategy.
SEE LATEST EPISODES
https://excessreturnspod.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VALIDEA CAPITAL
https://www.valideacapital.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNPOINTE INVESTMENTS
https://sunpointeinvestments.com/
FOLLOW JACK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/practicalquant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-forehand-8015094
FOLLOW JUSTIN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjcarbonneau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcarbonneau
FOLLOW MATT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultishcreative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zeigler-a58a0a60/

Dec 2, 2024 • 49min
Practical Lessons from Ben Carlson
In this discussion, investing expert Ben Carlson shares his insights on the pitfalls of blindly following billionaire investors, urging listeners to tailor strategies to their own goals. He delves into the challenge of overconfidence and the difficulties in benchmarking against the S&P 500, stressing that consistent commitment to an investment approach is vital. Ben also highlights how extreme market movements are more uncommon than perceived, encouraging informed decision-making and a realistic view of performance in the financial landscape.

Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 4min
What the Rise of Passive Investing Means for Your Portfolio | Special Guest: Dave Nadig
In this episode, Jack Forehand and Matt Zeigler dive deep into one of the most debated topics in modern finance with special guest Dave Nadig. This episode explores how passive investing has transformed markets, featuring insights from leading experts including Mike Green, Aswath Damodaran, Rick Ferri, Rob Arnott, and Cliff Asness.
Key discussions:
Why active investing's poor performance led to passive's rise
How index fund flows might affect market dynamics
The difference between stocks in and out of major indices
Whether passive investing could potentially destabilize markets
What this means for individual investors
Whether you're a market professional or retail investor, this conversation offers crucial insights into how passive investing is reshaping financial markets and what it means for your portfolio.
Featured Guests' Clips:
Aswath Damodaran on active management's track record
Mike Green on passive investing mechanics
Rick Ferri with the counterargument
Rob Arnott on index inclusion effects
Cem Karsan on why active may rise again
Cliff Asness offering a balanced perspective
SEE LATEST EPISODES
https://excessreturnspod.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VALIDEA CAPITAL
https://www.valideacapital.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNPOINTE INVESTMENTS
https://sunpointeinvestments.com/
FOLLOW JACK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/practicalquant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-forehand-8015094
FOLLOW JUSTIN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjcarbonneau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcarbonneau
FOLLOW MATT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultishcreative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zeigler-a58a0a60/

Nov 18, 2024 • 57min
The Six Most Controversial Takes from Excess Returns in 2024
The discussion heats up with Aswath Damodaran's bold critique of the Berkshire annual meeting. Cem Karsan presents a mind-bending take, suggesting options are the 'dog,' challenging traditional views. Meb Faber stirs the pot by questioning the value of dividend investing, while fresh research calls into doubt the need for intuitive market explanations. A special guest simplifies options trading complexities, adding more spice to the conversation. Emphasis is placed on enjoying the investing journey, balancing risk with personal satisfaction.

Nov 11, 2024 • 54min
Practical Lessons from Cullen Roche
In this episode, we look at the biggest lessons we have learned from Cullen Roche, one of our most frequent and insightful guests.
We cover:
"All Duration Investing" - Cullen's framework for matching investments to specific time horizons
The Fed as Chuck Norris - Why the threat of Fed action can be more powerful than the action itself
QE vs Fiscal Stimulus - Understanding why QE wasn't inflationary, but COVID stimulus was
International Diversification - Making the case for looking beyond U.S. markets
The Financial System's Plumbing - Breaking down complex topics like Fed operations and bank failures
Automated Fed Policy - Could we remove human judgment from monetary policy?
Saving vs Investing - A fresh perspective on building wealth through human capital
Multi-generational Planning - How having kids changes your investment timeline
Whether you're an investor building a portfolio or someone wanting to understand how the financial system actually works, this conversation delivers clear insights from one of finance's most practical thinkers.
SEE LATEST EPISODES
https://excessreturnspod.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VALIDEA CAPITAL
https://www.valideacapital.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNPOINTE INVESTMENTS
https://sunpointeinvestments.com/
FOLLOW JACK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/practicalquant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-forehand-8015094
FOLLOW JUSTIN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjcarbonneau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcarbonneau
FOLLOW MATT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultishcreative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zeigler-a58a0a60/

Nov 4, 2024 • 53min
Practical Lessons from Tobias Carlisle | Value Investing, Buffett and the Importance of Survival
In this episode, we sit down for a deep dive into lessons from value investor Tobias Carlisle, exploring several key insights from our conversations with him over the years. In this Halloween-themed episode (complete with plenty of Reese's cups), we break down Toby's perspectives on what makes an ideal business, the critical importance of survival in investing, portfolio concentration vs diversification, and whether today's tech giants can maintain their dominance.
We cover how See's Candy exemplifies the theoretical perfect business model, why survival should be every investor's first priority, and the delicate balance between running concentrated portfolios that maximize returns versus diversified ones that investors can actually stick with through tough times. We also dig into the age-old debate of pure value versus quality value investing, with Toby sharing his data-driven insights on which approach truly works best.
We also explore the importance of writing down your investment thesis at the time you make it. As Toby explains, this simple practice helps prevent revisionist history and allows you to learn from both your successes and mistakes.
Throughout the episode, we weave in our own experiences and perspectives while maintaining the conversational, occasionally sugar-fueled style our listeners have come to expect. Whether you're a value investor, a financial planner, or just someone interested in improving your investment process, there are valuable takeaways here for everyone.
Join us for this candid discussion about what really matters in investing, sprinkled with just the right amount of Halloween candy references and questionable lighting setups.
SEE LATEST EPISODES
https://excessreturnspod.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VALIDEA CAPITAL
https://www.valideacapital.com
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SUNPOINTE INVESTMENTS
https://sunpointeinvestments.com/
FOLLOW JACK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/practicalquant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-forehand-8015094
FOLLOW JUSTIN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjcarbonneau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcarbonneau
FOLLOW MATT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultishcreative
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-zeigler-a58a0a60/