The Rest Is Money

In this episode, the hosts discuss Taylor Swift's billion dollar business empire and her strategic approach to managing her career. They also delve into the collapse of healthcare company Babylon and the declining value of UK university degrees. Other topics include the fast fashion industry and the importance of investment in smaller listed companies for the UK economy.

Robert reads an excerpt from his book 'Bust', discussing chaos of recent years, 2019 UK election and rejection of status quo, reflections on identity and acceptance, childhood experiences and belief in progress, generational differences and dashed expectations, and Brexit's impact on British liberal democracy.

Topics discussed include the transformative effects of AI, corporate responsibility for employee health, oil industry mergers and acquisitions, transitioning to net zero, the Bank of England's decision to lift the cap on bankers' bonuses, and the declining trend of the UK IPO market.

Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the future of gaming industry; UK regulatory authority's intervention in the deal; rise in shoplifting incidents and the use of CCTV cameras; history and struggles of Birkenstock; impact of wage increase on inflation and interest rates; pros and cons of investing in apps like Money Farm; potential economic consequences of a conflict in the Middle East.

Discussions include Metro Bank's financial troubles, the collapse of the fake meat market, and Rachel Reeves' plan for Britain's economy. They also touch on the challenges faced by the plant-based food industry, funding issues in state schools, and the use of Chinese money by Argentina to pay off IMF debt.

This podcast episode discusses Octopus as the 'Amazon' of the energy industry, LEGO's innovation problem, and the race to buy The Daily Telegraph. Also covered are the challenges faced by LEGO in creating sustainable bricks, the story of a missed opportunity for a bagless vacuum cleaner, the impact of falling bond prices on the UK, the undervaluation of British shares, and government actions on inflation.

Discussion on Johnny Ive's AI device, the costs and implications of HS2, the legacy of Rupert Murdoch, personal encounters and inheritance tax, the power of OPEC, the Chinese housing crisis, and the issue of empty cities in China.

Discussion on Sunak's environmental U-turn, leaked policies impact on combating climate change, cost and subsidies for heat pumps, exploring technologies like zero emission boilers, prioritizing bills over climate change and the need for policy changes.

Liz Truss, former Prime Minister during economic turmoil, discusses her budget plan's consequences, Mark Carney's critique, and Elon Musk's Twitter influence. The podcast also covers an individual's inspiring journey from a difficult childhood to achieving success. Additionally, it delves into TikTok's success, monetization strategies, and concerns about its algorithm, as well as the controversies surrounding surge pricing in various industries.

This podcast episode discusses the resignation of BP's boss, trouble looming for British pensions, the reshaping of the future of streaming by Universal Music Group, and American investment firms taking over European football. Other topics include algorithm-generated playlists on streaming services, a band called Centrist Dad, BNPL regulation, pay inflation, the state pension, the generational wealth gap, and the potential takeover of Everton by a Miami-based investment firm.