
Absolute Return Podcast
Your source for stock market analysis, global macro musings and hedge fund investment strategies. Hosts Julian Klymochko and Michael Kesslering aim to bring you the knowledge and analysis you need to become a more intelligent and wealthier investor
Latest episodes

Apr 2, 2025 • 31min
#255 - Trends in Private Credit with Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund's President Michael Occi
On today’s show we welcome special guest, Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund's President Michael Occi. Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) seeks to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns by investing primarily in directly originated senior secured loans issued by U.S. middle market companies. On the show, we discuss:
Why investors should consider an allocation to private credit
What explains the significant market share growth of private credit in financing buyouts
MSDL’s defensive approach to lending, with a focus on first lien loans
His thoughts on the current market environment for private credit loans
And more

Dec 5, 2024 • 31min
#254 - Gold Investing with American Gold Exchange President Dana Samuelson
On today’s show we welcome special guest, American Gold Exchange President, Dana Samuelson. American Gold Exchange is a leading national precious metals and rare coin company specializing in dealer-to-dealer trading and direct sales. On the show, we discuss:
Why investors should own gold as an investment
If Trump’s election effects the bull case for gold
Whether investors should prefer gold over bitcoin
Risks and reward of owning physical gold
And more

Nov 18, 2024 • 31min
#253 - The Nuclear Revolution with Mirion Technologies CEO Tom Logan
On today’s show we welcome special guest, Mirion Technologies CEO Tom Logan. Mirion designs, manufactures, and provides radiation detection, measurement, analysis and monitoring products to the nuclear power and medical markets. On the show, we discuss:
The path from private equity ownership to the public markets
The macro bull case for the nuclear industry
Mirion’s approach to mergers and acquisitions
His learnings as a long-tenured CEO
And more

Oct 22, 2024 • 50min
#252 - State of the Markets: Navigating Q4 and Beyond
On today’s show, listen to Julian and Mike have a live discussion on the State of the Markets: Navigating Q4 and Beyond.
On the show, we discuss:
The opportunities within global equities, including the sector we are most bullish on
Why investors should stay away from fixed income and which investments allocators should use for yield
The outlook for mergers and acquisitions along with a potential positive catalyst
Why gold is a must own asset and may outperform bitcoin
And more
A point of disclosure, Accelerate funds may have long or short positions in the securities discussed in this episode.

Oct 10, 2024 • 30min
#251 - A Systematic Approach to Crypto Investing with Martin Green of Cambrian Asset Management
On today’s show we welcome special guest, the co-CIO of Cambrian Asset Management, Martin Green. Cambrian is a quantitative investment firm for digital assets. On the show, we discuss:
Cambrian’s approach to crypto investing and how it is differentiated
Navigating crypto’s volatility and macro events including the FTX bankruptcy
Keys to success and staying power in the digital asset space
And more

Sep 25, 2024 • 28min
#250 - Navigating the Real Estate Market with Whitestone REIT CEO Dave Holeman
On today’s show we welcome special guest, Whitestone REIT CEO Dave Holeman. Whitestone REIT is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that primarily owns, operates, and redevelops retail community-centered properties in Texas and Arizona. On the show we discuss:
The thesis behind Whitestone’s focus on community and neighborhood centers
The challenges and opportunities in real estate due to the dramatic increase in interest rates
Keys to success in the real estate industry
Which segment of the real estate market he is most bullish on
And more

Jul 26, 2024 • 38min
#249 - SPAC Market Update with Meteora Capital Founder and CIO Vik Mittal
On today’s show we welcome special guest, Meteora Capital Founder and CIO Vik Mittal, his second time on the podcast. Meteora Capital is an investment firm specializing in SPAC-related instruments in both public and private companies.
On the show, we discuss:
What has happened in the SPAC market over the past 24 months
Meteora’s approach to investing in the SPAC market
A look into Canna-Global Acquisition (CNGL)
What he thinks is next for the SPAC market
And more

Jul 16, 2024 • 31min
#248 - AI in Investing with Stanford AI Researcher Dr. Mohammad Rasouli
On today’s show, we welcome special guest, Stanford AI Researcher Dr. Mohammad Rasouli. Mohammad helps funds to realize the benefit of artificial intelligence for alternative asset investment by providing AI education and tailored AI strategy, and by implementing the proprietary InvestAI technology. These include using AI for both alpha generation and operational efficiency, including deal sourcing/insight, fundraising, portfolio transformation, investor communications, and marketing.
On the podcast, we discuss:
Compelling use cases for large language models in investing
Specific examples of how AI has helped uncover unique investment opportunities more effectively than traditional methods
How investment managers can balance the use of AI with human judgment
And more

Jun 21, 2024 • 33min
Absolute Return Podcast #247: Racehorse Investing and Wagering with EQB Founder Jeffrey Seder
On today’s podcast we welcome special guest Jeffrey Seder, founder of EQB, a company that provides thoroughbred racehorse buying, selling, breeding, and racing management services. On the show, we discuss:
What got him into the business of thoroughbred racehorse buying, selling, and breeding
The basics of horse racing betting
A look into the advanced analytics used by professional horse racing bettors
The ideal outcome for an investment into a racehorse
And more

Mar 13, 2024 • 48min
#246 - Short Selling with Muddy Waters’ Carson Block
March 13, 2024 - On today’s podcast we welcome special guest Carson Block of Muddy Waters. Carson is an activist short seller who conducts in-depth fundamental short analysis focused on business fraud, accounting fraud, and fundamental problems. On the show, we discuss:
His fortuitous path to short selling as a profession
Sino Forest and the short that put him on the map
The thesis behind his bearish view on Fairfax Financial
His approach to risk management
And more
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.