Financial Podcast Review
Did you know memes existed in 1964? The internet defines a meme as an idea or behavior spread from individual to individual or culture to culture through imitation.
I love and express memes using GIFs; however, GIFs weren't a thing in 1964.
The internet wasn't a thing until 1983, and GIFs came along four years later.
So, how on Earth did a meme exist in 1964?
Have you ever heard the phrase, "I know it when I see it"? I am betting that you've heard that phrase before, and you can thank Supreme Court Justice Potter Stuart for uttering it.
While Justice Stuart spoke those words while describing his test on what is obscene, I've used a similar test to explain my test for great podcasts.
I know it when I hear it.
I listen to a lot of podcasts. If I am alone, I will likely listen to a podcast.
Podcasts are great for obtaining differing opinions on specific topics. My favorite topic is finance, specifically financial planning and all things investing. However, after listening to easily over 1000 episodes, there are a bunch of podcasts that could be more worth listening to, and some you should have on repeat.
So, let's get to it.
Below, you'll find podcasts that pass the hearing and information test, the hearing test, the information test, and those that don't come close. As I listen to more podcasts, I'll continue to add to this list, so bookmark this page if you want to follow along.
Hearing & Information Test: A great listening and learning experience.
My First Million
Let me preface this by saying I'm afraid I don’t agree with everything these guys say, but I do hear them out. Shaan Puri (@ShaanVP) and Sam Parr (@thesamparr) bring infectious energy, curiosity, and openness to their unmatched podcasting approach. Their friendship is clearly on display with each episode. With that said, they make some offensive - borderline racist - jokes and are former ugly duckling nerds who found success - and personal trainers - later in life.
Conclusion: I recommend this podcast, but you must consider the cringe factor.
Odd Lots
This podcast is a particular favorite of mine because it lives up to the "odd" in its name. Joe Weisenthal (@TheStalwart) and Tracy Alloway (@tracyalloway) are the perfect hosts to dive deep into topics that appear as something other than financial topics at first glance.
Their guests are knowledgeable and typically match the energy of the hosts. There are some boring episodes, but those are few and far between. These are fun episodes that educate.
Conclusion: If you're like me, you'll want to keep this show on a regular listening schedule.
Acquisitions Anonymous
The hosts vary so much on this podcast that I have yet to determine who to call the regular host. What I do know, however, is this is a show by nerds who LOVE small/medium business investing. As a listener, you'll hear many corny dad jokes and a general love for evaluating businesses.
I love listening to this podcast because each episode is a master class in evaluating a business for sale. The hosts bring different skills to the table while reviewing a potential business for its cash flow and growth potential. Overall, it's a great show.
Conclusion: If you are interested in investing, this is your show.
Pirates of Finance
This is my favorite podcast, and I laugh hysterically throughout the show. This podcast is about nothing that happens to cover some financial topics. Both podcast hosts are well-known in finance but prefer to talk about anything but finance.
They have a dope vibe and pay attention to social media trends. As a listener, you'll find that financial knowledge occurs rapidly as Corey Hoffstein (@choffstein) and Jason C. Buck (@jasoncbuck) typically get triggered by something they see on social media and issue a series of great one-liners.
Conclusion: In all seriousness, Corey and Jason are both brilliant and happen to be friends. That energy is realized as a great podcast about everything and some finance.
Founders
I stumbled onto this podcast about a year ago while looking for new shows to listen to. Thirty seconds was all it took to feel the passion in David Senra's (@founderspodcast) voice and understand how much he cared about his craft. The format of this show is engaging; it's just David reviewing biographies he's read, interspersed with some interesting comments.
This show interests me because I use biographies to learn from successful people. David has the same approach and uses Founders as a way to connect with those who are similar. The show can get cheesy sometimes, and if you listen to enough episodes, you'll hear the same thing repeatedly, but overall, it's a great show.
Conclusion: Cliff notes in podcast format for biographies of history's most outstanding entrepreneurs by an individual who loves to read and is a great listener.
Acquired
While we are on great listens, Acquired is likely the best. Whether you are a financial geek or love to learn about the history of shoe companies, Acquired is a podcast for all. This show deeply analyzes companies from the idea's genesis to today.
The show hosts, David Rosenthal (@djrosent) & Ben Gilbert (@gilbert), dive extremely deep into the subjects of their podcast. They extrude positive, energetic curiosity and love what they do. These episodes aren't quick listens, and it would be typical for a single episode to go longer than three hours. Please know it's time well spent.
If someone tells me they don't like Acquired, I will likely look at them funny.
Conclusion: The best podcast to both learn and listen to.
Acquiring Minds
I've only recently started listening to this podcast, and I don't know much about the host, Will Smith (@whentheresawill). But it has the right stuff.
If you love the stories of everyday people, learning about small/medium business investing and entrepreneurship, and think you might want to buy a business one day, this is the podcast for you. I am excited to dive more into this podcast because I am new to it, and there are a lot of episodes.
Conclusion: A must for anyone looking to buy a business or are interested in entrepreneurship.
Hearing Test: Enjoyable to listen to but minimal educational value
Animal Spirits
Co-hosts who have great energy, are clearly friends and intelligent, and play off one another is typically a recipe for success in podcasts. Based on their podcast dialogue, Animal Spirits hosts - Ben Carlson (@awealthofcs) and Michael Batnick (@batnick)- are likely introverts in real life but extroverts when a mic or camera is in front of them. Oddly, it works well for them. During their hour-long conversations, they even throw in some jokes that occasionally make me laugh.
Now, with that said, this show is not for education. Over time, this show has become more and more about advertising for sponsors or promoting events. Taking that route detracts from the ability of the hosts to educate a crowd they resonate with.
Conclusion: Listen for enjoyment, not to learn something new, and avoid the "Talk Your Book" episodes on Mondays.
The Compound and Friends
Everything said about Animal Spirits can be said about The Compound and Friends. Although I listen to this show regularly, it reminds me 100% of the shows you see on CNBC. Just like you shouldn't take the advice of Jim Cramer, I will tell you to avoid the advice you hear on this type of show.
Unfortunately, this show has taken the approach of true financial media and has become the podcast equivalent of ratings. My biggest pet peeve with the show is the focus on charts, daily stock market trends, etc., which makes for great media but not behavior everyday investors should follow.
Conclusion: Mindless entertainment.
Information Test: Boring, but lots of educational value
Trillions
If you find Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) interesting, then Trillions will be one of your go-to podcasts. The short episodes could be more engaging but pack a punch with digestible information regarding products coming on the market and comparisons to existing available funds. With that said, there is mention of Vanguard and Blackrock (iShares) in every episode, as those companies are used as the comparative benchmark for any new fund.
Conclusion: Listen to this show only when you see an interesting topic or guest.
Flirting with Models
Corey Hoffstein (@choffstein) hosts the most information-packed podcast out there, devoid of all the energy he brings on Pirates of Finance. This is a VERY technical podcast, and the amount of jargon spoken in droves can be difficult for the everyday person to process. That said, you can learn a metric sh!t ton from this podcast if you take the time to listen and process the information.
Conclusion: Everyday investors differ from the target audience; the information can be arid. However, if you want to learn about the more technical nuances of investing, this is the show for you. Make sure you've had some coffee beforehand.
The Jury is still out…
Masters in Business
This is one of the most frustrating podcasts out there. Barry Ritholtz (@ritholtz) does a fantastic job interviewing guests and sticks to a similar script, format, and rhetoric in each episode. He is consistent in his delivery. However, this podcast leaves quite a bit to be desired.
From a listener standpoint, it is easy to tell who Barry truly wants to interview versus who is a guest looking to promote an upcoming event or book. As it currently stands, it is challenging to know what type of episode you will get at first glance.
Conclusion: You can tell within the first 10 - 15 minutes if the guest is truly going to be interviewed versus appearing on the show to promote a book or event.
We Study Billionaires
I need help understanding the actual format of this show. The hosts vary frequently, making keeping up with the structure challenging. Some hosts are Buffett fanatics; others could be part of the Bitcoin Maxis. It could be more apparent, yet I continue to listen when an intriguing guest or topic is being discussed.
The show educates its audience and, depending on the host, may bring great energy to the episode. However, the show could be more consistent, making it easier for me to add it as a weekly listen.
Conclusion: There are often great guests being interviewed, but this show ranges from boring to exciting but always educational.
The Fort
Before attending Capital Camp in May of this year, I rarely listened to The Fort. However, I had a chance to meet Chris Powers (@fortworthchris) during the conference, who gave some recommendations on episodes that had fellow Campers - conference attendees - whom I met that week.
I initially thought this was a podcast about real estate. However, I was wrong. After listening to enough episodes, I now understand this to be a podcast about people who happen to use real estate - or business - to carry out what they believe is their life purpose.
Conclusion: This is an intriguing podcast with engaging guests and good energy from the host. However, I have yet to listen to enough episodes to know if I am learning anything from what I hear.
The Meb Faber Show
Meb Faber (@MebFaber) does a fantastic job of hosting his show. No matter the topic, he always brings a significant degree of lighthearted, positive energy. On the other hand, his chosen guests sometimes match that vibe. These pairings can sometimes result in an oil and water pairing, which delivers educational value if the listener can stay engaged.
This podcast occasionally takes guests who are clearly on a media tour to promote a new book or event. And just like Masters In Business, determining which episodes fit that purpose can be challenging based on the title.
Conclusion: Watch for exciting guests and listen to those episodes.
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Great, thank you! I like also a lot some of the above ;). Cheers!