Epsilon Theory Podcast

Rupert Mitchell, a global capital markets veteran and founder of Blind Squirrel Macro, shares his unique journey from Spanish literature major to billion-dollar dealmaker. The conversation dives into Norse mythology, particularly the character Ratatosk, exploring its parallels with market dynamics. Rupert reflects on his time transitioning from Wall Street to the culinary world and reminisces about the vibrant 1970s London scene. He also tackles the contrasts between capitalism and socialism in today's economy, encouraging deeper macroeconomic engagement.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with John Stoj for a wide-ranging conversation that explores career reinvention, risk-taking, and the deeper purpose behind financial decisions. From an unexpected Wall Street entry via a summer internship, to launching a sushi business, to ultimately rethinking how investment advice should be delivered, John shares a journey filled with humility, humor, and hard-earned lessons.

Bryan Moore, host of The Active Advisor Podcast and veteran ETF trader, joins us to share his remarkable journey through trading pits, ETF desks, market crashes, and more — including putting on a trade for the Vatican. In this conversation, Bryan reveals how embracing discomfort, risk, and uncertainty has been the key to his success in markets and life. From the trading floor to intentional investing, you’ll learn how to rethink risk, growth, and your investing mindset.

From bagpipes to bouncing to betting markets, Andrew Mack’s journey to becoming a successful trader and sports bettor is anything but conventional. In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Andrew opens up about the detours, doubts, and decisions that shaped his unlikely path from rural Canada to algorithmic trading. Along the way, he shares what working in oil fields, selling used cars, and studying sociology taught him about risk, discipline, and finding conviction in uncertainty. This is a story about reinvention, self-reliance, and the grit it takes to build your own edge from scratch.

Andrew Cohen, a former market maker at Bernie Madoff's firm and now a professor at Old Dominion University, shares his compelling journey from scandal to success. He discusses the importance of resilience and how personal purpose can redefine investing. Cohen reflects on his Bronx upbringing and career path that led him from Goldman Sachs to academia. He also narrates memorable moments in NCAA basketball and the unexpected turns that shaped his life, emphasizing the blend of chance and strategy in both finance and personal decisions.

In this captivating episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with Kris Abdelmessih, the mind behind Moontower. From his immigrant family upbringing in New Jersey to becoming a seasoned market maker who covered virtually every trading pit imaginable, Kris shares his fascinating journey through the financial world. Learn how key mentors, family influences, and pivotal life moments shaped his path from trading floors to becoming a respected financial writer.

Brent Kochuba, founder of SpotGamma, shares his fascinating journey from network administrator to options trading expert. He discusses the challenges of navigating market volatility and the roles of luck and innovation in success. With humor, he reflects on quirky banking culture and the personal risks he took during his entrepreneurial endeavors. Listeners will enjoy his insights on how family influences and career pivots shaped his investment strategies, as well as a lighthearted nod to the art of meme culture stemming from trading phenomena.

Join Matt Zeigler on The Intentional Investor podcast as he interviews Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin and author of the new book "Hate the Game: Economic Cheat Codes for Life, Love, and Work." In this engaging conversation, Daryl shares her journey from MIT to the University of Chicago, her experiences navigating corporate America, and how she applies economic principles to everyday life decisions. With her unique background spanning academia, tech, and real estate, Daryl offers fascinating insights on using economic frameworks to understand human behavior and make better decisions.

Danika Waddell, founder of Xena Financial Planning, shares her inspiring journey from accounting to entrepreneurship tailored for women in tech. She discusses the challenges she faced launching her firm during the pandemic, emphasizing resilience and the importance of financial independence. Conversations range from navigating family dynamics to balancing career aspirations while fostering inclusivity in the financial industry. Danika's personal anecdotes and commitment to empowering women shine through, making for an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue.

Cullen Roche, an economist and founder of Discipline Funds, shares his unconventional approach to finance shaped by a large Irish Catholic family and a commitment to understanding complex systems. He humorously discusses his unexpected rise to fame during the financial crisis and the influence of personal identity. Cullen reflects on pivotal family lessons, career struggles with authenticity, and the intricate nature of economic systems, likening them to unsolvable puzzles while stressing the importance of integrity in investment strategies.