Pat Conlin, President of Wayback Burgers, shares insights from the fast-casual dining industry. He discusses the staggering statistics on America's burger consumption and the challenges of rising costs. Conlin highlights the importance of customer experience in a competitive market and shares strategies for successful franchise operations. The conversation touches on logistics, site selection, and the growing demand for plant-based options, like the Impossible Burger, reflecting changing consumer preferences.

Aaron Kennon, Co-founder and CEO of Clear Harbor Asset Management, discusses the ripple effects of Macy's financial mismanagement on market trends. Meridith Dennes, Managing Partner at Prospect Rock Partners, provides insights into hiring practices and bonuses on Wall Street amidst shifting dynamics. Jim Smigiel, Chief Investment Officer at SEI, explores the implications of federal spending cuts and recent political changes on investment strategies. Together, they analyze how market fluctuations and consumer behaviors evolve during this pivotal retail season.

Craig Mundie, former Chief Research and Strategy Officer at Microsoft, delves into his book on the transformative potential of AI, urging humanity to shape its relationship with this technology. Tara Hemmer, Chief Sustainability Officer at WM, explores American consumers' recycling behaviors, emphasizing the need for better education and infrastructure. They discuss ethical considerations in AI development and the complexities of recycling practices, highlighting innovations that can lead to a more sustainable future.

Dive into the quirky world of chicken economics! Discover how the poultry industry reflects broader economic trends in the US. Hear about the factors driving rising prices of eggs and meat. Uncover the interplay between inflation, labor market dynamics, and American capitalism through the lens of our feathered friends. It's a unique exploration that mixes humor with insightful analysis!

The nomination of Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary generates buzz, given his background in macro hedge funds and his alignment with Trump's economic agenda. As the first openly gay person to hold this position, his appointment carries significant historical weight. The hosts dive into potential impacts on U.S. economic policies and the dynamics of Bessent’s relationship with Congress. Market reactions are explored, highlighting the broader implications of this key economic role during a crucial time.

In this engaging discussion, Josh Green shares insights on Trump's political dynamics and challenges, particularly around economic sentiment. Noor Suede highlights the growth of venture capital in the Middle East and the burgeoning tech scene. Brandon Knudsen recounts Ziggy's Coffee's remarkable journey from startup to 100 locations, emphasizing customer focus. Aldo Geloso notes the rising demand for ready-to-drink cocktails, showcasing his family's evolution in the beverage industry, from grapes to cocktails—all while keeping a keen eye on changing consumer tastes.

Carmen Reinicke, an equities reporter from Bloomberg News, analyzes Super Micro's stock ups and downs as it battles delisting. Richard McPhail, CFO of Home Depot, shares insights into consumer spending trends and the challenges the housing market faces as holidays approach. George Young, Portfolio Manager at Villere Funds, highlights dynamics in the small-cap sector, emphasizing investment strategies as market conditions shift. The discussion dives into the interconnectedness of economic factors affecting retail and investment opportunities.

Liz Ann Sonders, Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab, shares her insights on the complexities of U.S. equities and macroeconomics. Kevin Gordon discusses the influence of mega-cap tech firms on market indices, advocating for a nuanced investing approach. Jeffrey Kleintop sheds light on global equity opportunities, highlighting the performance gap between U.S. and international markets. Together, they examine labor market dynamics, the impact of recent elections, and the implications of geopolitical tensions on investment strategies.

Rick Wurster, President and incoming CEO of Charles Schwab, shares insights on wealth management trends and the firm's vision for the future. Jon Beatty, Head of Advisor Services at Schwab, discusses the RIA outlook, emphasizing the impact of younger investors and the incorporation of AI in client services. The conversation touches on regulatory changes, the importance of personal connections in finance, and the integration challenges after Schwab's acquisition of TD Ameritrade, highlighting a resilient and optimistic future for the financial services landscape.

David Botset, Managing Director and Head of Innovation at Schwab Asset Management, dives into the intriguing world of ETF investing. He discusses the potential of a new NVIDIA ETF and the implications of AI technology on investment strategies. The conversation covers the rise of specialized ETFs, including unique offerings like mortgage-backed security ETFs and Bitcoin options. Botset emphasizes the evolving investor preferences and the advantages ETFs hold over traditional mutual funds, highlighting innovation's role in shaping the future of investing.