
Animal Spirits Podcast
Animal Spirits is a show about markets, life, and investing. Join Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson as they talk about what they're reading, writing, listening to and watching. Look for new episodes every Wednesday morning. See our disclosures here - https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/
Latest episodes

13 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 1h 8min
The Envy of the World (EP.383)
The hosts dive into stock market expectations for the next decade, revealing a predicted 3% return. They explore the unstoppable American economy and the surprising wealth of millennials. A unique investment product linked to sports gambling sparks a debate over the fine line between investing and gambling. Youth sports coaching provides personal insights, leading to a discussion on crypto trends and housing market challenges. A fascinating tale of a gambling legend's rise and fall adds a dramatic twist, while humorous anecdotes lighten the mood.

24 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 36min
Talk Your Book: Factor Investing with Dimensional Fund Advisors
Rob Harvey, Co-Head of Product Specialists at Dimensional Fund Advisors, dives into the world of factor investing. He discusses how DFA distinguishes itself in asset management and shares insights on converting mutual funds to ETFs. The conversation explores the impact of the meme stock craze, the cyclical nature of value investing, and the ongoing relevance of small cap strategies. Listeners will gain an understanding of the importance of adaptability and informed decision-making in optimizing portfolio performance.

13 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 52min
The 1990s Really Were Better (EP.382)
The discussion dives into the remarkable stock market surge and how household wealth has changed since the 2007 crisis. Nostalgic memories of the 1990s clash with today's economic challenges, highlighting generational financial expectations. A humorous take on cracking eggs and family travel dynamics adds a light-hearted touch. They also ponder the complexities of grocery prices and modern financial realities while reflecting on the absurdities of sports fandom. Plus, there's a look at horror movie success and the shifting landscape of cinematic tastes.

Oct 14, 2024 • 31min
Talk Your Book: Yield at What Cost?
Join Jonathan Molchan, Managing Partner at STF Management, as he dives into the world of unique investment strategies. He discusses the intriguing principles of trend following and how they perform through various market cycles. Discover the challenges of traditional call option writing and innovative solutions like Tug and TugN products. The conversation also touches on navigating market downturns and the importance of emotional discipline in investing. Perfect for anyone seeking fresh insights into the rapidly evolving ETF landscape!

Oct 9, 2024 • 1h 4min
Money Buys Happiness (EP.381)
Dive into a world where stock market predictions clash with political biases and trust in data is questioned. Discover how technology intersects with climate disasters and affects the housing market. Uncover the surprising link between money and happiness, debunking myths along the way. Plus, get cooking tips for perfect eggs and chuckle at the chaotic blend of parenting and professional success. It's a captivating mix of finance, personal anecdotes, and culinary hacks!

Oct 7, 2024 • 39min
Talk Your Book: Private Equity Deals with Ted Seides
Ted Seides, founder of Capital Allocators and author of "Private Equity Deals," dives into the fascinating world of private equity investing. He shares insights from his book on deal-making and operations, revealing the appeal and challenges of private equity in today’s market. Ted discusses the rise of large firms in wealth management and the impact of fees and transparency on investor relations. He also explores case studies of private equity transactions, shining a light on evolving strategies and public perceptions in this complex landscape.

Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 15min
The Most Bullish Backdrop (EP.380)
Dive into a lively discussion on the housing market, highlighting the impact of climate change on real estate. Explore the surprising bull market dynamics, with gold and stocks hitting record highs. Enjoy personal anecdotes about horror films and the humor in car leasing versus ownership. The hosts also dissect consumer behavior shaped by social media and the intriguing future of sports betting, all while maintaining an optimistic outlook on the U.S. economy and shifting demographics.

Sep 30, 2024 • 39min
Talk Your Book: The Next Catalyst for Crypto Assets
Chris Kuiper, Director of Research, and Matt Horne, Head of Digital Asset Strategists at Fidelity Digital Assets, dive into the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency. They discuss the use cases for Ethereum and the stability of Bitcoin, along with the significance of stablecoins in bridging traditional finance and digital assets. The duo explores how financial advisors can better engage clients on crypto, the decreasing volatility of major assets, and the implications of Bitcoin's halving on its market dynamics.

Sep 25, 2024 • 1h 10min
Are You Middle Class? (EP.379)
The conversation kicks off with insights from the Future Proof conference, highlighting the changing financial landscape and middle-class identity. They dive into the rise of ETFs and discuss the shifting dynamics of the job market and home ownership trends. With a side of humor, they reflect on personal experiences of aging, the complexities of streaming services, and the impact of recent Twitter changes on user experience. Personal stories about grief and new pets add an emotional touch, making for a blend of light-heartedness and serious economic commentary.

Sep 24, 2024 • 37min
Talk Your Book: Opportunities in Commercial Real Estate Debt
Richard Byrne, President of Benefit Street Partners, shares his expertise on navigating the chaotic landscape of commercial real estate. He discusses the crisis in office space, innovative investment strategies like perpetual REITs, and the importance of patience in a shifting market. Byrne highlights various financing types and the challenges posed by rising interest rates. The conversation illuminates how investors can identify opportunities amid the turmoil and adjust their strategies for success.