The Library of Mistakes

Library of Mistakes
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Oct 3, 2025 • 42min

EP 45: Shelf Life #7 (with Errorist In Residence Robbie Mochrie)

Once again, Leila Johnston and Fraser Allen are backstage at the Library of Mistakes, sampling highlights from the book collection, hearing about the many events and activities coming up, and meeting members of the team. In this episode we have an in-depth chat with the newest member of the gang, economist and author Robbie Mochrie, who has taken on the mantle of 'Errorist In Residence'. Among other things, Robbie tells us what he's got planned for our upcoming Adam Smith celebrations (2026 marks 250 years since the publication of The Wealth of Nations) and reflects on his book, How To Think Like An Economist. We also include a taste of a recent talk by the Deputy Director of the HM Treasury, Mario Pisani, plus our usual catch-ups with librarian Helen Williams and the CEO of Didasko, David Clarke.To get in touch with anything Shelf Life-related, feel free to email us at fraser@libraryofmistakes.com or leila@libraryofmistakes.com, or contact us through social media.www.libraryofmistakes.com
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Sep 29, 2025 • 48min

EP 44: Cents and Sensibility (with Gary Saul Morson & Morton Schapiro)

What happens when an experienced economist and an English literature expert have a proper conversation? Quite a lot as it turns out. Morton Schapiro and Saul Morson have written an outstanding book on what economists can learn from the humanities. They argue that Adam Smith’s heirs include Jane Austen, Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy – and that economists need a richer appreciation of behaviour, ethics, culture, and narrative – all of which the great writers teach better than anyone. Russell Napier joins the duo in conversation.www.libraryofmistakes.com
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Sep 3, 2025 • 54min

EP 43: Shelf Life #6 (with Iona Bain & Michael Gilmore)

Personal finance is the theme of this episode as we hear from two friends of the Library of Mistakes deeply committed to making financial understanding more accessible – particularly to younger people.Iona Bain has made her name as a supporter of millennials striving to make the most of their finances, and is the resident money expert on BBC One's Morning Live. Originally from Edinburgh, she has also taken part in a series of videos with Russell Napier promoting the Library.We also hear from Michael Gilmore, a Singapore-based fund manager who became so frustrated at the reluctance of the finance profession to share the basics of money awareness with younger people that he founded the global Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards.Our trio of guests is completed by our regular chat with David Clarke, CEO of the charity Didasko which, as well as running the Library of Mistakes, supports two valuable financial inclusivity projects – Future Asset and Leavers' Money Skills.This episode is presented by Leila Johnston and Fraser Allen. Do drop us a line at leila@libraryofmistakes.com or fraser@libraryofmistakes.com.For more information on our guests, see: ionajbain.co.uk & www.maiawards.orgPhoto credit for image of Iona: Grace Elisewww.libraryofmistakes.com
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Aug 13, 2025 • 42min

EP 42: The CEO (with Michael Aldous & John Turner)

The CEOs of Britain's largest companies wield immense power, but we know very little about them. How did they get to the top? And how have they changed over the past 100+ years? Join Russell Napier in a fascinating conversation with Michael Aldous & John Turner, authors of The CEO: The Rise and Fall of Britain's Captains of Industry.www.libraryofmistakes.com
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Jul 9, 2025 • 34min

EP 41: Shelf Life #5 (with Boris Zhilin)

Fraser Allen and Leila Johnston are back with a summer episode exploring life behind the scenes at the Library of Mistakes.Looking to the northern shores of Lake Geneva, Fraser interviews Boris Zhilin, the investment expert who has established a Library of Mistakes in Lausanne. Boris tells us about his career journey from growing up in the former Soviet Union to Syrcuse University, Bear Sterns and then life in Switzerland.Meanwhile, Leila asks our Edinburgh Librarian Helen Williams for summer reading recommendations, while CEO David Clarke updates us on upcoming events.Any feedback or ideas? Please do get in touch with fraser@libraryofmistakes.com or leila@libraryofmistakes.com
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Jun 24, 2025 • 30min

EP 40: The Irish Bank Strike (with Emma Horgan)

In conversation with Emma Horgan, Russell Napier explores the Irish Bank Strike of 1966, which resulted in shopkeepers and publicans stepping in to keep the economy ticking over as unofficial bankers. What can this extraordinary episode teach us about economics, human resilience – and how we might be able to cope in the event of a huge fintech failure? Emma is the co-author of a paper on the strike, with Dr Sean Kenny and Dr Jason Leonard. If you would like a working copy, please contact Emma at emmahorgan@ucc.ie.
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6 snips
May 30, 2025 • 35min

EP 39: Shelf Life #4 (with Ray Perman)

Ray Perman, an author and journalist famed for his insights into Edinburgh’s financial history, joins librarian Helen Williams for a captivating exploration. They take listeners on the Money Talks, Money Walks tour, revealing the city's financial heritage, from Adam Smith's legacy to modern tech-infused walking apps. Their discussion highlights upcoming events at the Library of Mistakes, including a talk on financial crime, and suggests must-read books—showcasing how understanding financial missteps is crucial for informed decision-making.
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11 snips
May 13, 2025 • 52min

EP 38: Meltdown – Scandal, Sleaze And The Collapse of Credit Suisse (with Duncan Mavin)

In this engaging discussion, Duncan Mavin, author of 'Meltdown', reveals the tangled history of Credit Suisse, marked by scandals and a toxic corporate culture dating back to WWII. He delves into the bank's questionable practices and risky investment strategies that led to its dramatic downfall. Mavin also explores the fierce rivalry with UBS and the ethical dilemmas faced by executives during crises. Finally, he highlights how journalism played a crucial role in igniting public fears that precipitated the bank’s collapse.
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May 2, 2025 • 54min

EP 37: Shelf Life #3 (with Herman Brodie)

Fraser Allen and Leila Johnston take you behind the scenes at the Library of Mistakes once more. This month we hear from the brilliant behavioural finance expert Herman Brodie, discover the colourful back story of Didasko CEO David Clarke, and find out more about the library itself with Lauren Hotson and Helen Williams.If you have any queries about hiring the Library as a venue, simply email Lauren at facilities@libraryofmistakes.com or visit www.libraryofmistakes.com – where you can also find out about our Practical History of Financial Markets course.And to provide any feedback regarding the podcast, ask questions or make suggestions, please email fraser@libraryofmistakes.com or Leila@libraryofmistakes.com.
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14 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 57min

EP 36: Shelf Life #2 (with Liam Rees PLUS The Weekend of Mistakes)

In this discussion, theatre director Liam Rees dives into the intriguing tale of Gregor MacGregor, a 19th-century conman who sold imaginary lands. David Clarke shares captivating highlights from the Weekend of Mistakes event, while librarian Helen Williams explores Russia’s complex narratives and the influence of figures like Putin and Trump. Listeners gain insight into evolving financial education initiatives for school leavers, reflecting on the importance of storytelling in understanding economic and political landscapes.

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