Epsilon Theory Podcast

Jim O'Shaughnessy, a legendary investor and entrepreneur, shares captivating stories from his childhood, highlighting the influence of his grandfather and his early interest in magic. He discusses the importance of journaling and critical thinking in investing, embraces AI's potential, and reflects on personal growth through challenges. O'Shaughnessy humorously navigates Wall Street's culture, emphasizing the power of 'maybe' in decision-making, and advocates for respectful engagement with children to inspire curiosity and independent thought.

Eben Burr, a financial professional with roots in the D.C. punk rock scene, brings a refreshing perspective to investing. He discusses how his musical background influences his understanding of client psychology and risk management. Eben draws parallels between the punk rock ethos and financial education. He emphasizes the importance of communication in investment planning, and shares personal anecdotes highlighting the significance of mentorship and community in finance. The conversation intertwines music and finance, showcasing how diverse experiences shape one's approach to intentional investing.

Rusty Guinn, Co-Founder of Epsilon Theory, joins to dissect the evolving political climate as we approach the 2024 election. They analyze the shift in narratives around Kamala Harris and the implications of a 'vibe election.' The conversation highlights the Federal Reserve's role amidst political pressures, while exploring how AI-generated content and misinformation can distort reality. Additionally, they delve into Chumbawamba's musical journey, discussing the cultural significance of folk music and its connection to contemporary political issues.

Grant Williams, a finance veteran and creator of the newsletter 'Things That Make You Go Hmmm...', shares his intriguing journey from trading Japanese equities in the '80s to founding Real Vision. He emphasizes the importance of building trust with audiences and creating quality content. Williams also reflects on living globally, tackling family challenges, and the cultural bonds forged through sports. Throughout, he offers wisdom on communication, community-building, and staying curious in both investing and life.

Joining the discussion, Kamala Harris, the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party, and Andrew Left, a short-seller embroiled in a significant SEC case, delve into the turbulent political landscape. They explore Harris's rise amid Biden's departure and dissect the absurdity of current political discourse. The conversation also tackles the ethical dilemmas in finance, the potential for granting green cards to foreign graduates, and reflects on themes of identity and self-worth in modern culture, all while connecting them to Charlie XCX's music.

Ryan Krueger, founder of Freedom Day Solutions, discusses his unique approach to retirement planning called 'Freedom Day' and the importance of trust, ethical practices, and long-term commitment in investing. He shares his journey from working at a baseball card shop to becoming a successful financial professional, emphasizing his passion for helping others achieve financial freedom and peace of mind.

Discussion of recent assassination attempt on Trump and its impact on society, transformation of sadness into anger in a divisive climate, exploration of Italian beef sandwich and TV show themes like family, food, and transformation

In this episode, Matt Zeigler speaks with with Wes Gray, founder of Alpha Architect and ETF Architect. Wes shares his fascinating journey from growing up on a ranch to pursuing a PhD in finance at the University of Chicago, serving in the Marine Corps, and eventually building successful businesses in quantitative investing and ETF infrastructure. He discusses key moments that shaped his career, including early experiences with investing, his time in academia and the military, and how he identified opportunities in the ETF space. Wes provides insights into his entrepreneurial approach, the importance of community and collaboration in investing, and how his businesses have evolved over time. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including quantitative investing strategies, ETF structures, and Wes's philosophy on building innovative financial businesses while maintaining a focus on family and work-life balance.

In this episode of Breaking News we look at the impact of the presidential debate and the role it played in changing the common knowledge about President Biden's fitness for office. We explore the concept of common knowledge and illustrate how public perception shifts when everyone knows that everyone else knows something. We discuss the implications for the 2024 election, the role of media in shaping these narratives, and the potential fallout within the Democratic Party. Intertwining serious political analysis with lighter anecdotes, including a story about the Beastie Boys' early days, we emphasize the importance of community and shared understanding in navigating these turbulent times. Join us as we break down what's making us tick with clear eyes and full hearts.

In this episode, Matt Zeigler talks with Epsilon Theory co-founder Rusty Guinn. Rusty shares his life journey, from growing up in rural Texas to working on Wall Street and eventually co-founding Second Foundation Partners. He discusses his experiences in finance, including roles in investment banking, private equity, and asset management. Rusty reflects on the lessons learned throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of humility, earnestness, and agency. He also talks about his decision to move to a farm in Connecticut, where he now balances his work in finance with homeschooling his children and running an apple orchard. Throughout the conversation, Rusty provides insights into the investment industry, personal growth, and the search for meaningful work and life balance.