
The Wall Street Skinny
This podcast is a smart and entertaining peek into the world of investment banking, sales & trading, private equity, hedge funds and more. Hosted by two lifelong friends with a passion for teaching, and over two decades of experience on Wall Street. Discover the basics, ranging from “what is investment banking?” to “what moves markets?". Learn about different roles and exit opportunities, and get tips on how to land the job. Our mission is to make the world of Wall Street accessible to everyone, while keeping things relatable and fun.Whether your goal is to work on Wall Street, or if you have NO idea what any of those things are and just want to learn some basics, this podcast is for you.
Latest episodes

Sep 7, 2024 • 1h 10min
97. Love, Money, and Tech Feat. Libby Leffler, Founder of First
Send us a textThe biggest mistakes people make are in love and money. And how we do --- or don't --- talk about money can have a huge impact on our relationships. Today we’re joined by Libby Leffler, Founder & CEO of First (https://www.thisfirst.com) to discuss the good, the bad, and the misunderstood about prenuptial agreements ("prenups") when it comes to strengthening your financial and emotional happiness. So, who needs a prenup, and why? Why are more women than ever initiating the conversation around prenups? What risks are you exposed to if you don't have a prenup? We discuss the rapidly shifting trends, evolving perceptions, and changing use cases around prenups today. We also learn about life as a tech founder (something we ex-investment bankers know nothing about). Libby's shares not only her journey through some of the world's biggest tech giants, but also her journey through motherhood as a founder at the helm of a new rocket ship company.Libby holds degrees from U.C. Berkeley and Harvard Business School. She emerged as a leader and executive at generation-defining companies like Google, Facebook, SoFi, and Compass before launching First.Libby founded First to modernize prenups for smart couples who want a stress-free and affordable way to strengthen the financial foundation of their relationship. First provides seamless and cost effective legal agreements on its platform, created in collaboration with top family law attorneys. They are a completely online, flat-fee prenup platform that allows you and your partner to get a highly enforceable document reviewed by real lawyers drafted within a day – all for less than 10% of the cost of a traditional lawyer. We’re exciteSign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Aug 31, 2024 • 1h 25min
96. Trading Equities and Options 101, Feat. Dan Nathan of CNBC’s Fast Money
Send us a textToday we are joined by Dan Nathan, CNBC Fast Money superstar and co-host of podcasts On the Tape, OK Computer, and Market Call. After three decades in the industry on both the buy side (at legendary hedge funds like SAC) and the sell side (at firms like Merrill Lynch), Dan is an expert on the equity markets and options trading. Dan shares his insight into the evolution of the equities trading business, the insider secrets of what it’s like being a pundit talking about the markets on TV every day, and a crash course in equity options 101.We walk through the basic mechanics of incorporating simple strategies like puts, calls, straddles, and costless collars or risk reversals into a basic long equities position.We also talk about trading philosophies in general --- how both retail and institutional investors have shifted their approach in the past few years, how to formulate and argue a thesis every day on national television, and how AI may change the landscape going forward.To listen to Dan's podcasts, check out Risk Reversal Media's offerings here: https://www.youtube.com/@RiskReversalMedia/podcastsWatch him weeknights on CBNC's Fast Money: https://www.cnbc.com/fastmoney/And check out his new podcast MRKT Matrix here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mrkt-matrix/id1747214891Sign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Aug 24, 2024 • 54min
95. Private Equity Deals with Ted Seides, Host of Capital Allocators
Send us a textToday’s episode is for all of you buy side and private markets junkies. We are joined by Ted Seides, who is the host of the Capital Allocators and Private Equity Deals podcasts, soon to be thrice-published author, and expert in the Alts — the world of hedge funds and private capital investing.One of Ted’s superpowers is understanding both sides of the alts investing coin. He started his career working with David Swensen at the Yale endowment and ultimately went on to lead his own multibillion dollar alternative asset manager before segueing into his current role as a thought leader and advisor amongst the biggest names in hedge funds and private equity. You may also have heard of him from a little friendly wager he made with Warren Buffet a few years back. For those of you who want to break into the Alts, you must listen to the lessons Ted has gleaned from years of conversations with the heads of the worlds’s biggest investment firms. So whether you’re a seasoned investor looking for a path to branch out on your own, or you’re an industry newcomer looking to understand key takeaways from some of the all time greatest deals, this episode’s for you.Pre order Private Equity Deals on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Private-Equity-Deals-dealmaking-professionals/dp/1804090735Sign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Aug 22, 2024 • 34min
94. Why Companies Use Cash vs. Stock in M&A
Discover the implications of recent payroll data revisions and the questions raised about market trustworthiness. Dive into the complexities of corporate restructuring with insights on why companies like Google may split. Explore the strategic role of cash versus stock in mergers and acquisitions, including the nuanced impacts of convertible bonds. Plus, gain valuable career tips with a free resume template for those looking to break into finance. This discussion offers a blend of crucial financial concepts and practical advice!

Aug 17, 2024 • 38min
93. How to Rock Your Resume in 8 Simple Steps
Resume writing doesn't have to be daunting! Discover essential tips for crafting a standout finance resume that resonates with recruiters. Learn to weave your personal narrative effectively while avoiding common pitfalls. Understand the true review process at banks and optimize your skills with productivity tools. The importance of authenticity, soft skills, and even licensing exams for entry-level jobs are discussed, along with lighthearted anecdotes that make the journey to job readiness enjoyable.

Aug 14, 2024 • 34min
92. Mars Deal & Google Monopoly
In a dive into the intense world of finance, the hosts tackle the alarming pressures leading to tragic outcomes for young bankers. They discuss Mars' staggering $35.9 billion acquisition of Kellanova and its industry implications. The conversation shifts to generational changes in work expectations and introduces a productivity tool, Macabacus, designed for the finance sector. Finally, they dissect the potential breakup of Google due to monopolistic practices, drawing parallels with Microsoft's past legal battles.

4 snips
Aug 10, 2024 • 1h 19min
91. How to Network Like a Pro, feat. Jen Prosek, Founder and Managing Partner of Prosek Partners
Send us a textToday is a masterclass in networking, reputation management, and personal brand building from one of the most successful, highly sought-after minds in the business: Jen Prosek, the founder and CEO of Prosek Partners.The daughter of immigrants, Jen shares her inspiring story about becoming a go-to consigliere for the male-dominated industry of hedge funds, private equity firms, and investment banks as a female English major without a preexisting network of her own. Jen outlines steps for building your personal brand, explains how to network throughout all stages of your career (from college student to CEO), and advises on how to handle the inevitable "stubbed toe" from a reputational standpoint. She also teaches us how to build an entrepreneurial mindset, a subject on which she has written two books (linked below). And finally, Jen answers the age-old question: is all press good press? Whether you are prepping for fall recruiting season, looking to level up in your career, or seeking to understand the "emerging market frontier of marketing" that's taking place in the private capital and alternative investment space, this episode is a MUST LISTEN.Subscribe to Jen's LinkedIn newsletter here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/leading-in-volatile-times-6714926252211376128/Check out Jen's books on entrepreneurship here: https://a.co/d/fMVA6Gk and here: https://a.co/d/dJ9RLVFLearn more about Prosek Partners here: https://www.prosek.comSign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Aug 6, 2024 • 35min
90. The Skinny On Panic (!) in the Markets, Ackman's Canceled IPO, and Ballerina Farm
In a lively discussion, the hosts unpack the whirlwind of market volatility and recession signals impacting investor sentiment. They delve into a dramatic failed IPO and explore the unique challenges of raising capital in uncertain times. The fascinating tale of a former ballerina turned farmer highlights the reality behind social media glamour, emphasizing authenticity in parenting and farming. Plus, they share their hilarious pizza-making adventures, showcasing the joys and mishaps of homemade cooking amidst a busy family life.

Aug 3, 2024 • 1h 22min
89. The Real Life “Billions": Equity Long/Short Hedge Fund Legends feat. Kat Sosnick
Send us a textWe had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Kat Sosnick, a woman whose impressive career spans three decades running portfolios of up to a billion dollars at some of the world’s most legendary Equity Long/Short Hedge Funds, including Tiger Management, Pequot, and Perry Capital. Kat is a specialist in the consumer retail space, and shares stories with us of how she applied her passion for investigative journalism to doing “grassroots” analysis at the core of her investment theses. Kat gave us the scoop on how she decided to invest in winners like Costco and Amazon, how she earned the nickname "The Grim Reaper" for her fearless shorts of other companies, how she beat stage four cancer and navigated motherhood in one of the most secretive and notoriously male dominated segments of high finance, and how she combats imposter syndrome in her current coaching business. She tells us how she had to stop watching "Billions" because it hit too close to home!Whether you are considering a career as an investor or simply want the inside scoop on some of the most prominent hedge funds of all time, you'll want to listen to Kat's invaluable advice gleaned from decades of personal experience.*Correction: the Investment Banker mentioned in the context of the Jeff Bezos meeting was at Deutsche Bank, not Morgan Stanley.Follow Kat on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/katsosnick?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appand check out Greene Street Coaching here:https://greenestreetcoaching.com/Sign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

7 snips
Jul 27, 2024 • 1h 2min
88. Equity Long / Short Hedge Funds 101 Feat David Semenza, Co-Founder of Islander Capital Partners
In this engaging discussion, David Semenza, Co-Founder of Islander Capital Partners and seasoned portfolio manager, dives into the world of Long/Short equity hedge funds. He explains how these funds differ from others and emphasizes the critical role of leverage. With insights from his journey from private to public equity, David shares strategies for success in the tech, media, and telecom sectors, highlights the importance of primary research, and discusses the intricacies of short selling while managing CEO relationships. A must-listen for aspiring investors!
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