Financial podcasts to discover while on leave (or in the sea-file)
Vacations are the time to take a break from spreadsheets, stock price charts and economic reports. But for those who still want a healthy dose of financial inspiration - or simply want to ease the endless traffic jam heading to the sea - podcasts are the ideal travel companion. Whether you want to learn about complex arbitrage structures, hear the story behind top companies or are curious about the hidden economics of the sports world, there is something for everyone. Here are six podcasts that not only enrich but also entertain.
1. Acquired - Ben Gilbert & David Rosenthal
Want to know how iconic companies became great? Then Acquired is for you. Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal dive deep into the origins and growth strategies of companies like Amazon, Nike or LVMH. Fascinating for any lover of business cases and entrepreneurial stories. Expect episodes of several hours, not only covering the strategic analyses of the company, but also making space to outline the background of the founders. Ideal for people training for a marathon.
Tip: Unlike most TV series, the latest seasons of Acquired are by far the best! So start with the most recent episodes....
2. Money Stuff - Matt Levine
A must for fans of playful but sharp financial analysis. This podcast is an extension of Bloomberg columnist Matt Levine's wildly popular newsletter. He succeeds like no other in reducing complex structures to their essence. Whether it's about clever arbitrage, fraudulent shenanigans or bizarre side effects of financial legislation - Levine fillets it with a good dose of humor.
3. Odd Lots - Joe Weisenthal & Tracy Alloway
Why do shipping lanes stick? How can a chip shortage rock the global economy? What was the deal with "The Jones Act"? Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway take you to the strangest corners of the markets in Odd Lots. Together with 'the perfect guest' they explain why things turn out the way they do. Informative and often highly entertaining.
4. The Business of Sport
Sports is big business. This podcast shows how huge sponsorship contracts, TV rights and marketing strategies turn sports clubs and athletes into brands. Perfect for those who want to understand what's going on financially behind the field.
5. The Stock Exchange Voyeurs - The Time
For a Dutch-language perspective. De Beursvoyeurs, the podcast of 'De Tijd', brings conversations about stocks, markets and personal investment stories. Easily digestible and close to home, with a good dose of humor and practical insights for any private investor.
Tip: Value Square administrator Wouter Verlinden was a guest on one of the episodes last season.
6. Prof G Markets - Scott Galloway & Ed Elson
Prof G Markets is a podcast in which NYU professor Scott Galloway and analyst Ed Elson analyze key market news. They cover economic trends, corporate results and geopolitical developments with a keen eye and clear explanations. At the same time, the tone is quite direct and provocative, and the duo is not averse to the occasional dirty joke.
As a matter of fact, their joint hour-long episodes are just a bit stronger than Elson's solo episodes.
In short: whether you're on your way to Provence, the Belgian coast or just sitting on your terrace with a glass of rosé, these podcasts are the perfect companion to learn, laugh and stay informed at the same time. Have fun listening!
