Talking Billions with Bogumil Baranowski

Scroll down, and find the earlier 3 episodes of 100 Year Thinkers.Matt Zeigler and I had the privilege of hosting Robert Hagstrom (The Warren Buffett Way) and Chris Mayer (100 Baggers) for a special 100-Year Thinkers Edition of the Excess Returns Podcast.Two legendary investors and authors. One hour packed with timeless wisdom on long-term thinking and wealth creation. This is the conversation we've been wanting to have—and we think you'll find it as valuable as we did.Available now on Excess Returns Podcast and Talking Billions.

Braden Dennis is the 30-year-old founder and CEO of Fiscal AI, who scaled an AI-powered financial research platform from a frustration-driven side project to a venture-backed company serving over 150,000 users with institutional-grade data analytics that democratizes investment research previously accessible only through expensive platforms like Bloomberg and FactSet.Episode Sponsor: Fiscal AI is a modern data terminal that gives investors instant access to twenty years of financials, earnings transcripts, and extensive segment and KPI data—use my link for a two-week free trial plus 15% off: https://fiscal.ai/talkingbillions/3:00 - Braden shares his middle-class Toronto upbringing and early realization that he was a "math kid," choosing engineering for maximum career optionality while observing that family members who invested aggressively, not those who simply earned the most, achieved the greatest financial success.6:00 - The crucial insight: capitalism isn't zero-sum, and asset ownership is the key to benefiting from the system. Braden emphasizes that the barrier to owning assets is lower than ever, yet many feel cheated by not participating.9:00 - The origin story of Fiscal AI: Built as a side project while working at a venture capital firm, Braden needed better tools for portfolio monitoring. After two years of development and hitting 1,000 users, he made the leap to full-time entrepreneurship despite pushback from friends and family.15:00 - The "aha moment": Seeing Nvidia's revenue growth in real-time data visualization changed everything. "I could just watch the revenue go up, and I was like, okay, this thing is clearly a buy," demonstrating the power of visual data interaction.30:00 - Why Fiscal AI exists: Traditional financial terminals cost $20,000-$30,000 annually and use outdated 1980s interfaces. Fiscal AI brings institutional-grade data to everyone at accessible price points with modern design.45:00 - The AI transformation57:00 - Powerful example: Booking.com vs. Airbnb revenue recovery post-COVID reveals how narratives differ from data reality - most would assume Airbnb recovered faster, but data shows otherwise.1:04:00 - On success: Braden battles his forward-focused personality, measuring success by building a sustainable business where shareholders and employees (all equity holders) achieve exceptional outcomes, not just the founder.1:07:00 - Major announcement: Fiscal AI now offers 10 years of historical data on their free plan, more than any competitor, removing barriers for investors at every level.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Find me on Substack.Gautam Baid, CFA, is the founder and managing partner of Stellar Wealth Partners India Fund and internationally bestselling author of The Joys of Compounding, who has dedicated over two decades to mastering patient, quality-focused value investing.Episode Sponsor: Fiscal AI is a modern data terminal that gives investors instant access to twenty years of financials, earnings transcripts, and extensive segment and KPI data—use my link for a two-week free trial plus 15% off: https://fiscal.ai/talkingbillions/3:00 - Gautam introduces his six-pillar compounding framework beyond finance: positive thoughts, good health, good habits, wealth, knowledge, and goodwill, explaining how achieving financial independence in 2018 crystallized his understanding that "in life you get what you compound for on a daily basis."8:00 - Deep dive into compounding positive thoughts through avoiding negative emotions and toxic people while associating with high-quality minds, celebrating small wins to create momentum toward long-term goals.12:00 - Health habits discussion: consume less sugar and junk food, exercise 3-4 times weekly for one hour, sleep 7-8 hours daily—fundamentals that aren't sexy but "just work" when implemented consistently.15:00 - Mathematical equation for wealth: addition (monthly savings) + subtraction (eliminate greed/biases) + division (asset allocation) + multiplication (time horizon) = exponential compounding power.20:00 - Pattern recognition in investing develops through building a "large mental database of businesses and industries through years and decades" allowing identification of opportunities in any market condition.25:00 - Compounding goodwill principle from Guy Spear and Moneesh Pabrai: being genuinely helpful without expectations creates competitive advantage, especially in money management where nice people are rare.42:00 - India investment opportunity: demographic dividend with median age of 29, rising disposable incomes, strong domestic consumption, and companies expanding to overseas markets at 50-100% higher margins.52:00 - Corporate governance revolution in India: promoters now realize good governance earns 25-30x P/E multiples versus 5-6x for poor governance—"it pays to be honest" creates 5x more wealth for insiders.55:00 - Investment journal advice: $10 journal purchased in 2014 became "one of the best value investments" by documenting decisions, tracking mistakes, and archiving market panic commentary for pattern recognition during future corrections.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

I had the pleasure of co-hosting another episode of Excess Returns with Matt Zeigler.In this episode of Excess Returns, we sit down with Gary Mishuris, Managing Partner and CIO of Silver Ring Value Partners, to explore how deep fundamental analysis, behavioral insight, and disciplined process come together in real-world investing. Gary shares formative lessons from his early career at Fidelity during the post-tech bubble period, including firsthand experiences learning from legends like Peter Lynch, and connects those lessons to how he evaluates value, quality, and mispricing today. The conversation spans a detailed case study on Warner Bros. Discovery, portfolio construction under uncertainty, selective use of options, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the research process for long-term investors.Available now on Excess Returns Podcast and Talking Billions.

Gary Mishuris is a CFA and managing partner of Silver Ring Value Partners who combines MIT computer science training with behavioral discipline to practice intrinsic value investing while pioneering practical AI integration in fundamental research.The episode is sponsored by TenzingMEMO — the AI-powered market intelligence platform I use daily for smarter company analysis. Code BILLIONS gets you an extended trial + 10% off.https://www.tenzingmemo.com/And if you haven't yet, find me on Substack!3:00 - Gary frames AI through personal experience: recalls Fidelity portfolio manager using legal pad instead of Excel 25 years ago—illustrates how refusing modern tools creates disadvantage, not discipline.5:30 - The two extremes of AI: Luddite view (AI pollutes your process) vs. magic genie fallacy (ask AI for winning stocks). Reality: AI enables more efficient work, but you still do the hard work.7:15 - “AI natives” concept: younger professionals naturally integrate AI like digital natives adopted technology. Gary warns against becoming dinosaurs by refusing to explore AI's capabilities.12:00 - Key insight: AI forces introspection about your investment process. Where do you add unique value and judgment? Where are repetitive tasks easily enhanced by machines? Must stay “on the loop” and verify outputs.22:00 - Practical AI applications: earnings call analysis, pattern recognition across transcripts, competitor analysis, business model breakdowns. AI excels at synthesis and organization tasks.35:00 - Critical limitation: AI hallucinates and makes mistakes. Never trust blindly. Use AI to generate drafts, frameworks, and organize information—then apply human judgment and verification.45:00 - Discussion of behavioral traps: AI can create illusion of thoroughness through volume. Don't confuse encyclopedic reports with quality analysis. Reference to Buffett's one-page 1951 Geico analysis.58:00 - Warning about endless research: Know when to stop turning rocks. AI makes it too easy to keep researching instead of making decisions. Investment case should fit on one page.1:05:00 - Shorting discussion: timing challenges, asymmetric risk. Emphasis on finding your own process—what works for others may not work for you.1:10:00 - Final wisdom: “Don't equate length with quality. Quality is quality”—whether generated with AI assistance or not. Process matters more than tools.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Starting in January 2026, I'll take a handful of questions from the audience each month and answer them here. Submit your questions, tune in, share, rate, and listen! Thank you for writing!Office Hours Episode NotesYour questions answered on investing, business, and long-term thinking.Questions covered:• Most surprising work habit? I rarely work at a desk—I think best while walking or reading on the floor.• Management quality vs. business fundamentals? Two sides of one coin. You want both capable people and capable businesses.• How long do you hold winners? As long as the quality remains intact. Valuation alone isn't reason enough to sell.• When does quality investing become momentum? I don't buy stocks because prices are rising. I buy when they're down and out of favor—then hold as they strengthen.• AI bull market—what's the endgame? Excited about productivity gains in existing businesses and entirely new businesses AI will enable by lowering creative barriers.• Signs of long-term management thinking? Read earnings transcripts. Look beyond quarterly commentary to capital allocation decisions and customer/supplier relationships.• Right time to invest? Investing is a lifelong pursuit, not a market-timing decision. The question isn't "when" but "how" to deploy capital thoughtfully.• Career change into investing later in life? Never too late. Read extensively, connect with professionals, and find mentors organically.• Most influential non-investment idea? The Infinite Game—viewing investing, relationships, and business as games you want to last forever, not win once.Send your questions for next month's Office Hours.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Nick Kapur is co-founder of Tenzing Memo, an AI-powered market intelligence platform, bringing extensive experience as a former equity analyst and product leader who specializes in building investment research technology for asset managers.The episode is sponsored by TenzingMEMO — the AI-powered market intelligence platform I use daily for smarter company analysis. Code BILLIONS gets you an extended trial + 10% off.https://www.tenzingmemo.com/3:00 - Nick shares his origin story: born to self-made bankers in Washington DC, his mother broke barriers working in banking in the 1970s, and his father came to the US on an athletic scholarship before joining the World Bank organization.5:50 - A pivotal 2009 tragedy: Nick's uncle, a successful retail banker, was killed in a terrorist attack. His uncle's advice—”Lawyers can only scale to a limited extent. You might be better for business”—became a catalyst for Nick's entrepreneurial journey from intrapreneurship to founding companies.8:32 - The birth of Tenzing Memo: Co-founder Tom Saber-Agan identified a fundamental problem—the time-intensive process of gathering, collating, and printing research materials for multiple companies didn't scale with his ambition to “turn over a lot of rocks” in his investment process.10:15 - The research gap: Nick explains how sell-side coverage has become less expansive, leaving investors without consolidated qualitative looks at companies, especially in small and mid-cap spaces where coverage is thin or nonexistent.19:15 - Michael Burry's observation resonates: fewer people are doing in-depth research today due to passive investing's rise, creating advantages for active researchers who use modern tools to go deeper.25:30 - How Tenzing works: The platform synthesizes earnings calls, SEC filings, and other materials into digestible sections—briefing, story, bar case, bull case, bear case—providing “almost superhuman powers in research.”43:00 - The amplification effect: Nick emphasizes AI doesn't replace human judgment but amplifies it—”you still need to pick which companies to look at and make the final investment decision.”57:47 - Future developments: International coverage coming within weeks, including first non-US major exchange; new features like estimates reconciliation, “five surprises” (underappreciated catalysts), and enhanced PDF export for mobile research.1:01:40 - Core mission delivered: “Get up to speed faster”—not 10% faster but exponentially faster, enabling investors to look at more ideas with greater depth.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Sangeet Paul Choudhary is the bestselling co-author of Platform Revolution, founder of Platformation Labs, senior fellow at UC Berkeley, and author of Reshuffle, exploring how AI fundamentally reorganizes value creation architecture.Episode Sponsor: Fiscal AI is a modern data terminal that gives investors instant access to twenty years of financials, earnings transcripts, and extensive segment and KPI data—use my link for a two-week free trial plus 15% off: https://fiscal.ai/talkingbillions/3:00 - Sangeet describes growing up in an industrial town where everyone's father worked at the steel plant, creating a homogeneous, "straight-jacketed" environment. Digital technologies opened new career possibilities beyond this rigid path.5:45 - The Intelligence Distraction: Sangeet challenges the dominant narrative of AI benchmarked by intelligence metrics. "AI is not an alternative to human thought. It could be an alternative to human-performed knowledge work, but it's not an alternative to human thought."8:30 - The GPS metaphor: AI's real impact comes from reorganizing systems, not raw intelligence. Like GPS restructures traffic flow by coordinating unconnected drivers, AI reorganizes economic activity by creating shared representations of complex spaces.15:00 - Travel industry transformation: Dreaming on Instagram, planning on Google Flights, booking through fragmented systems. AI could create unified representations connecting desire to action seamlessly.28:00 - Piracy as market research: "Piracy is a form of market research showing unmet demand." When illegal activity fills gaps, it reveals where legitimate systems fail to serve users.35:00 - Platform economics: Network effects create winner-take-all dynamics. Once critical mass is achieved, platforms become nearly impossible to displace.42:00 - Solution vs. execution: Professional services charging for billing hours face commoditization. The future belongs to those charging for outcomes and results, not execution time.48:00 - Orica example: Mining explosives company stopped selling products, started selling blast outcomes. Shifted from commodity provider to results-aligned partner, capturing more value and developing superior expertise.52:00 - Don't need AI strategy, need strategy for AI world: "What is our strategy given the conditions that AI creates?" AI dissolves industry boundaries by making previously siloed knowledge accessible across sectors.54:30 - Value migration: Ask where value sat before, where it moves with AI, then position to capture that shifted value.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

I had the pleasure of co-hosting another episode of Excess Returns with Matt Zeigler.In this wide-ranging conversation, Gautam Baid joins Excess Returns to discuss the principles that shaped his investing philosophy, the lessons learned through bear markets, and why compounding, patience, and quality matter far more than forecasts or short-term performance. Drawing from his books The Joys of Compounding and The Making of a Value Investor, Baid shares a deeply reflective framework for long-term investing, portfolio construction, behavioral discipline, and global diversification, with insights spanning Indian and US markets, liquidity cycles, AI, and investor psychology.Available now on Excess Returns Podcast and Talking Billions.

Nadjeschda (Nadja) Taranczewski is a master of psychology, master certified coach, and founder of Conscious U who specializes in helping CEOs and founders uncover unconscious patterns shaping their relationship with wealth, leadership, and intergenerational trauma through her pioneering Money Work Program.3:00 - Nadja shares her powerful family history: her German grandmother's side benefited from the Nazi regime while remaining silent about their role, while her Polish grandmother was abducted and forced into prostitution, and her Russian grandfather was tortured in a concentration camp until he became an informant.8:00 - The profound impact of intergenerational trauma: Nadja's father grew up in extreme poverty with five people in a one-bedroom apartment, translating his grandfather's concentration camp stories at age 13, learning "the only person you can rely on is yourself."15:00 - Discovery process: Nadja pieced together her family story over decades through therapy and conversations, realizing that understanding these patterns was essential to breaking free from inherited trauma and beliefs about money and safety.25:00 - The concept of "source energy" - Nadja explains how we're born with original essence that gets overlaid with family patterns, cultural conditioning, and protective mechanisms, leading most people to live from a false self rather than their authentic core.35:00 - Money as safety vs. money as energy: Nadja contrasts her father's scarcity mindset ("money is safety") with her mother's guilt-driven giving, showing how both extremes kept her stuck until she learned to see money as flowing energy.45:00 - The three-step framework for transformation: noticing patterns, understanding their origins in your family story, and consciously choosing new responses that align with your true self rather than inherited programming.55:00 - Language shapes identity: Speaking multiple languages reveals how cultural context influences personality - English allows more optimistic expression while German and Polish carry historical weight and pessimism from generations of trauma.1:03:00 - Definition of success: "To have the luxury to realize my potential and to be more of myself in an environment where I get seen for that, celebrated for that, and loved for that."Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

How mathematical rigor, probabilistic thinking, and family priorities shape a young investor's approach to finding overlooked opportunities.The episode is sponsored by TenzingMEMO — the AI-powered market intelligence platform I use daily for smarter company analysis. Code BILLIONS gets you an extended trial + 10% off.https://www.tenzingmemo.com/David Diranko is a 29-year-old German mathematician turned professional value investor who uniquely combines statistical rigor with contrarian small-cap investing, building his investment advisory firm Diranko Capital while sharing research through his newsletter Contrarian Cash Flows.3:00 - David explains his unconventional journey from mathematics to IBM data scientist to full-time value investor, detailing how he worked 40+ hours at IBM while spending another 30 hours weekly on investing before making the leap to launch Duranko Capital.6:00 - Drawing parallels between Ben Graham as "the original data scientist" during the Great Depression, David discusses how mathematical thinking enhances investment analysis through probabilistic frameworks and viewing intrinsic value as a range rather than a single number.10:00 - The decision to share research publicly through Contrarian Cash Flows despite initial hesitation about giving away "edge," leading to deeper thinking, network effects, and unexpected client relationships—though David candidly admits he's still learning to balance transparency with proprietary insights.20:00 - Europe's structural advantages for small-cap investors: fragmented markets across 27 countries, language barriers creating information asymmetries, and limited institutional coverage enabling patient capital to exploit mispricing—with David emphasizing the importance of investing in quality businesses over statistical cheapness.35:00 - AI's transformative impact on investing: from automating routine tasks to potentially replacing 50% of analyst work, while emphasizing that relationship-building, creative thinking, and probabilistic judgment remain distinctly human advantages that AI cannot replicate.50:00 - Balancing entrepreneurship with young family life (two kids under three), David shares his contrarian view that starting families early while building careers creates stronger bonds through shared struggle, rejecting the common narrative of family as a "reward" for career success.1:02:00 - Closing wisdom on finding meaning beyond financial returns, referencing Charlie Munger's caution that a life purely about buying securities wouldn't be enough—investing must serve a deeper purpose than accumulation.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Jawad Mian is the founder and managing editor of Stray Reflections, serving elite hedge funds and family offices worldwide, while uniquely integrating deep spiritual wisdom with global macro investing through his acclaimed book and podcast.3:00 - Jawad shares how seeking his entrepreneur father's approval shaped his drive for success, revealing the subconscious motivation behind his ambitious twenties working in finance.5:30 - The evolution of motivation: 20s spent seeking dad's approval, 30s deepening spiritual life, 40s focused on marriage—how Jawad's purpose transformed across life decades while pulling more from himself by showing up for others.7:00 - Why Jawad walked away from launching his hedge fund at 30 despite Market Wizards aspirations: "I realized I'm not the same guy who had that dream when he was 20."11:00 - The pivotal Quranic verse that reframed everything: "Competition in worldly increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards"—realizing material pursuits alone weren't enough after witnessing his father's success without contentment.21:00 - Inside Stray Reflections' boutique model: serving 30-40 elite clients at $30K+ annually, rejecting scale for depth, quality, and protecting creative freedom from institutional pressures.28:00 - Big Idea: "There's a certain magic in the mundane" - Jawad's discovery that extraordinary insights emerge from ordinary moments through journaling, not just dramatic events.38:00 - The contrarian case for indexing: Why Jawad holds 80% in passive index funds despite being a macro analyst, acknowledging his cognitive biases and preserving mental bandwidth.46:00 - Writing as meditation: How daily writing became spiritual practice, processing experiences and ideas without agenda, leading to unexpected business opportunities.55:00 - Information diet philosophy: "I'm only reading to write...I trust that what is important will come to me" - shifting from consuming everything to intentional, curated knowledge.59:00 - Redefining success through faith: "Wealth in excess of daily provision isn't a blessing, it's a test" - the Islamic framework of stewardship over ownership that transforms how Jawad approaches money and achievement.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Matthew Stafford is a venture capitalist, angel investor, and co-founder of Nine Others—a global entrepreneur network spanning 5,000 founders across 50 cities—who transformed from school dropout to successful investor by proving that authentic, give-first relationships create more wealth than transactional networking.3:00 - Matthew explains the Nine Others concept: monthly dinners for 10 people where founders share their biggest challenge by answering "What's keeping you up at night?" The community has run for 14 years and inspired his new book of the same title.7:20 - School dropout story: Matthew shares the uncomfortable reality of dropping out after weeks at college, feeling lost in his early 20s, before finding his path through IT work and eventually earning a computer science degree at Durham University at age 27.10:45 - The turning point: Seeing his now-wife graduate sparked his return to education. He proved he could excel academically while surrounded by 18-year-olds with straight A's, learning to balance work, study, and life.18:30 - Building Nine Others: Started with simple dinners to help founders solve problems together. Matthew deliberately enabled connections without trying to capture value, trusting that "being helpful without expectation" would compound over time.28:15 - Give-first philosophy: "If I tried to capture things short term it wouldn't last five minutes." Matthew contrasts his approach with transactional networkers who only make introductions when there's something in it for them.35:40 - Investment approach: Focuses on knowing founders deeply before investing, understanding their sustainability and motivation. At early stages, the people behind the business matter more than the product.54:09 - Long-term greedy: Matthew references Guy Spier's concept, explaining how 10 years of being helpful, honest, and trusted creates "super easy" opportunities that feel like shortcuts but are actually the result of patient relationship-building.56:27 - The real shortcut: "How do you make wealth creation really easy? Know the right people, have them come to you, watch them build big businesses. That's the shortcut—doing that stuff and then having it easy."Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Happy Holidays, Dear Friends! Enjoy this special episode where I share a few stories and my reflections on the year. Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Beyond celebrating, holidays are often also about giving and receiving. It's a timely episode that explores both, and so much more. Jen Laun is a well-being facilitator who guides family wealth professionals and rising generation members through transformative experiential learning focused on the sacred flow of giving and receiving, spiritual capital, and helping successful wealth creators—who excel at giving—learn the equally vital practice of receiving well.3:00 - Jen shares her upbringing as an only child with loving parents who encouraged her creativity and freedom to be herself. Her Italian family background brought warmth and strong support for her natural drive and interests.5:00 - CORE CHALLENGE INTRODUCED: Jen explains why wealth creators struggle with receiving. The first step is awareness—recognizing "I don't like to receive" or "it's not easy for me to receive." She emphasizes that receiving difficulties show up in complex ways, especially when money is involved.6:30 - BREAKTHROUGH INSIGHT: "When we have trouble receiving well, it also ends up blocking what someone is trying to do by giving." Jen shares transformative story from her workshops: a generous family wealth professional whose sick daughter forced him to receive from community. The healing on his face when he realized "I'm now in a place where I'm receiving more than I'm giving out. And I need that" stayed with her for years.8:30 - THE REFRAME: Jen teaches that receiving is an act of generosity—it gives others the opportunity to give. When you're not open to receiving, you're blocking another person who may experience joy by giving. She shares how her mom used this wisdom with a cousin who struggled to let friends pay for dinner.25:00 - Jen introduces spiritual capital: the intangible resources like wisdom, presence, and authentic connection that create lasting value beyond financial wealth for families.35:00 - Jen's evolution from corporate sales to well-being facilitation, guided by curiosity and inner knowing. Her friend Sam, age six, crystallized her purpose: "Jen, you help people."45:00 - Discussion of what truly creates legacy—not what we accumulate but the wisdom, presence, and authenticity we share.57:00 - JEN'S SIGNATURE QUESTION: "Where do we grow from here?" First requires knowing where you are right now, then exploring what would support your flourishing. Jen's sprout metaphor reminds us that growth begins beneath the soil, unseen, and even tiny growth matters.59:20 - ON SUCCESS: Jen defines success as being yourself and sharing that with others. Her friend Ruth (who died at 107) always said: "Tell people about your mistakes. Be real." Success means honoring yourself entirely—the good, bad, and ugly—and being authentic.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Dave Sather is a Certified Financial Planner and founder/CEO of Sather Financial Group, a $2 billion fee-only investment management firm in Victoria, Texas, who has built authentic client relationships through disciplined value investing over 25+ years while creating the award-winning Bulldog Investment Company student internship program at Texas Lutheran University.Episode Sponsor: Fiscal AI is a modern data terminal that gives investors instant access to twenty years of financials, earnings transcripts, and extensive segment and KPI data—use my link for a two-week free trial plus 15% off: https://fiscal.ai/talkingbillions/3:00 - Dave shares formative childhood shaped by Depression-era parents who instilled frugality, work ethic, and educational investment. Required to save 50% of all earnings for college from early age, working multiple jobs at 14 to fund goals.6:30 - Career path story: From El Paso military town to Texas Lutheran education, initially resisting Victoria, Texas but relocating for family obligations. Started advisory firm during 1990s Texas recession when banks and real estate were collapsing.9:00 - Building relationships in small-town Victoria became competitive advantage. “If I do the right thing by my clients, word of mouth is going to take care of me.” Community connections and authentic service created organic growth without marketing spend.15:00 - Philosophy shift from finding cheap investments to recognizing exceptional value. “I can pay a premium for really good stuff that can grow for a long time versus buying things that are just cheap.”27:00 - The Bulldog Investment Company program: Student-run fund managing real money, teaching ownership and accountability. Students present investment cases, debate merits, vote democratically on portfolio decisions.42:00 - Client relationship insights: Treating wealth transitions with care, understanding accumulation psychology. “This client didn't just wake up one day with five million dollars and decide to behave like an idiot.”54:00 - Success definition: Access to basics (water, food, healthcare, safety), meaningful work, strong marriage, 40-year friendships that pass the “2 a.m. test” - relationships where you'd help immediately without excuses.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

The Third Episode of the Series! (Scroll down the earlier ones below).Matt Zeigler and I had the privilege of hosting Robert Hagstrom (The Warren Buffett Way) and Chris Mayer (100 Baggers) for a special 100-Year Thinkers Edition of the Excess Returns Podcast.Two legendary investors and authors. One hour packed with timeless wisdom on long-term thinking and wealth creation. This is the conversation we've been wanting to have—and we think you'll find it as valuable as we did.Available now on Excess Returns Podcast and Talking Billions.

Ehsan Ehsani is executive director at Crescendo Partners, adjunct assistant professor at Columbia Business School, and author of “How Not to Be Replaced by a Spreadsheet That Talks” who uniquely bridges quantitative analysis, and traditional fundamental investing while organizing Columbia's generative AI conference.The episode is sponsored by TenzingMEMO — the AI-powered market intelligence platform I use daily for smarter company analysis. Code BILLIONS gets you an extended trial + 10% off.https://www.tenzingmemo.com/3:00 - Born in western Iran at 14,000 feet, strict education emphasis pushed Ehsan toward chemical engineering before discovering his talents lay in management and innovation.5:30 - Winding path to NYC: Sweden and MIT master's degrees, European consulting, project-driven relocation to New York in late 2000s.7:30 - The Prometheus Warning: AI companies like Alphabet disrupted by their own creations. “Analysts benefit from using Gen AI tools in automating repetitive activities, but by embracing such technologies, they're working themselves out of a job.”12:00 - Sell-side blueprint: Top 10 banks had 200-300 analysts each; now 300 total combined. Buy-side headcount could drop to two-thirds or half within 20 years.18:00 - “Gen AI is transformative because it allows automation of not just repetitive tasks but core analytical functions”—fundamentally different disruption than Bloomberg or alt data.25:00 - Size advantage: Large firms will mine 15 years of institutional memory—emails, memos, channel checks—to identify patterns smaller funds can't access.35:00 - Contrarian take: Beyond “do more with less” hype, rapid bifurcation looms: “This separation of better and worse performance will happen much faster than with previous technologies.”45:00 - Next frontier: Voice/video training. CEO says “no” versus “no...”—transcripts miss hesitation that reveals truth.55:00 - “We humans tend to forget. It's a blessing in general, but for pieces of wisdom we read, they might not remain top of mind. AI can remind us.”60:00 - Success definition: “Tranquility and content where your values, interests, and priorities align with what you're doing. I didn't define it in economic form because that doesn't embody true success.”Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

A wonderful discussion on Ritavan's podcast. Reposted here with full credit to him. Check out his show -- Part Maven, Part Maverick.I open with a story of a very memorable chance encounter with the billionaire investor and founder, Ken Langone, in my early years in New York City. We talk about trust, money, compounding, and so much more. Tune in this weekend!Bogumil Baranowski has spent two decades managing wealth for families. He speaks about how there are a thousand ways to make money, a thousand ways to live a happy life, and a thousand ways to keep and grow a family fortune, but the patterns that endure are timeless: patience, simplicity, and mindfulness.Bogumil has written 4 books, hosted the Talking Billions podcast fore more than 3 years with over 200 guests.His first book, Outsmarting the Crowd, strips investing down to its core. Stocks are not tickers; they are ownership in real businesses. Markets are emotional machines that transfer money from the impatient to the patient. Good investing isn't about intelligence or predictions. It's about behavior. The ability to think independently and sit still when others panic beats any complicated financial product or analysis.In Money, Life, Family, the scope expands. Making money is the easy part. Keeping it and staying grounded is harder. Bogumil breaks the pursuit into three parts:Money: Let capital compound quietly in the background.Life: Build a life you don't need to run away or retire from.Family: Pass down discipline and values before assets.The lesson is to treat wealth as something to be maintained, not chased. Staying rich is about avoiding mistakes, not finding genius trades. Simplicity, patience, and humility win.Crisis Investing was written during COVID, when the world lost its mind. The core idea: a crisis doesn't change your principles; it reveals whether you ever had them. Those who held cash, owned good businesses, and stayed calm survived. Those who built on leverage and noise didn't. Survival is underrated. So is sitting still.His more recent essays refine these ideas. He moved from chasing “cheap” stocks to owning great businesses. Cheap is useless if the business is bad. Quality, held long enough, does the heavy lifting. Investing isn't about finding magic moments. It's about enduring long stretches of boredom without losing discipline.He also writes about the psychology of money. Wealth doesn't change who you are; it amplifies what's already there. If you were anxious before, money gives you new ways to worry. If you were grounded, it gives you ways to live on your terms. The fix isn't more money; it's clarity about what's enough and why you're doing any of it in the first place.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Ted Merz is a veteran media and product leader with 30+ years shaping financial journalism, rising from Bloomberg's 15th newsroom hire to Managing Editor for the Americas and leading product innovation with AI-driven analytics before co-founding Principles Media and Pricing Culture.Episode Sponsor: Fiscal AI is a modern data terminal that gives investors instant access to twenty years of financials, earnings transcripts, and extensive segment and KPI data—use my link for a two-week free trial plus 15% off: https://fiscal.ai/talkingbillions/Find me on Substack!3:00 - Ted discusses New York's unique advantage: unlike cities dominated by single industries (SF/tech, DC/politics, LA/entertainment), New York offers everything—tech, finance, media, advertising—creating endless opportunities to learn from the best across multiple domains.8:00 - The Bloomberg origin story: When Ted joined as the 15th hire in 1990, nobody knew it would become dominant. People questioned whether a data company had the right to produce news. Bloomberg fought for White House credentials, viewed as illegitimate by established media.15:00 - Bloomberg's founding insight: Mike Bloomberg created the first B2B SaaS company before the term existed, building a real-time financial information platform that fundamentally changed how markets consumed data.25:00 - Career transition wisdom: Your network changes dramatically when you leave big institutions. Ted learned to broaden his approach—meeting people not for immediate transactions but for perspective, serendipity, and unexpected connections.35:00 - The evolution of media: Ted emphasizes the importance of "learning in public"—creating content that reaches beyond immediate circles. Even 1,000 views represents an audience unimaginable in the 1980s.55:00 - On building networks: Don't only meet people who can hire you. Meet broadly for perspective on what you should do, how to do it, and who else is playing the game. Matt Ziegler exemplifies the "one plus one equals a thousand" connector.1:04:00 - Redefining success: Ted's perspective evolved dramatically from Bloomberg days when titles and team size mattered. Now success means doing passionate work—writing, communicating, shaping words—while making a living and meeting great people.1:06:00 - The Friday night test: Bogumil shares his realization—spending Friday evening researching a company out of pure curiosity, not obligation. When you love the process itself, you've found something meaningful.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

My appearance on Value CVille Podcast with Jeff Henriksen and Donnie Sattar.This episode explores the intersection of investing and philosophy, focusing on the role of AI in investment decision-making, the importance of understanding value beyond just financial metrics, and the emotional journey of investing.https://www.valuecville.com/podcastFull credit goes to two wonderful host: Jeff Henriksen and Donnie Sattar.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.

Peta Milan is the founder and principal of Dubai-based Henmel Group, a regenerative investing pioneer, award-winning filmmaker, published author, and international speaker who's building the world's only family office exclusively focused on regenerative investment methodology.3:00 - Peta shares her challenging childhood in a lower-middle-class family, describing how she developed the capacity to “see the truth beyond the lies” and question accepted norms from an early age.5:30 - The disruptive child: How being curious and rule-breaking created conflict with parents but developed the independent thinking that would define her career path.7:15 - Philosophy to practice: Peta explains why studying philosophy at university made “perfect sense” for business, wanting to apply learned concepts to create real-world impact rather than write books selling for 50 cents.12:00 - The evolution from ESG skepticism: After being hired by a family to develop an ESG strategy, Peta discovered the entire movement was “a complete greenwashing exercise” and began searching for genuine alternatives.18:45 - Regenerative vs. sustainability: “If you're saying you're doing less harm, by the very fact of that, you're still doing harm. And so we need to start thinking differently.” The fundamental flaw in sustainability thinking.25:30 - The 10 principles of living systems: Peta introduces the regenerative methodology framework based on understanding how nature actually works, not human-imposed systems.32:15 - Indigenous wisdom integration: How working with elders from Africa, South America, and South Asia taught Peta that regenerative principles have been practiced for thousands of years.39:00 - Shocking statistics: $2 trillion spent on climate initiatives with only 1% reaching genuine systemic impact and less than 30 projects achieving scale globally.46:20 - Investment returns: Regenerative projects delivering 15-22% returns while creating systemic positive impact—proof that doing good doesn't require sacrificing financial performance.52:45 - The embodied learning revolution: Why behavior change requires emotional and physical experience, not just data and guilt—how Einstein's breakthroughs came as “muscle spasms.”59:00 - Henmel Group's multiple pathways: 18-month professional certification, bioregional development programs for philanthropy, direct family office transitions, and venture studio for early-stage founders.61:05 - The planet perspective: “The planet will take care of itself if we're gone”—a powerful reframing about what we're actually trying to preserve.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Jim and Abigail Zimmerman are a father-daughter investment team at Lowell Capital Management, combining Jim's two decades of disciplined value investing since founding the firm in 2003 with Abby's research-focused approach to identifying small-cap companies with fortress balance sheets and strong free cash flow generation.The episode is sponsored by TenzingMEMO — the AI-powered market intelligence platform I use daily for smarter company analysis. Code BILLIONS gets you an extended trial + 10% off https://www.tenzingmemo.com/3:00 - Abby shares her first stock purchase of American Eagle in middle school, using it as a gateway to understanding that investing isn't abstract but about owning real businesses and thinking like an owner.5:21 - The Zimmermans explain their core philosophy: “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” emphasizing that fewer things need to go right in an investment, citing Peter Lynch's principle that if you can't explain what a company does to an 11-year-old in a sentence or two, you probably shouldn't own it.8:34 - Jim discusses their strategy of buying growth companies at value prices, explaining their best investments are companies trading at 5-6x EBITDA with no debt that possess sustainable moats allowing intrinsic value to compound over time.12:00 - Discussion of the Sprouts Farmers Market case study, demonstrating how they identify turnaround situations where strong unit economics exist but the market hasn't recognized the potential yet.28:00 - Abby explains their disciplined selling process, particularly the importance of position sizing and their “20% trim rule” when stocks appreciate significantly to maintain portfolio balance.35:00 - The team reveals their contrarian approach during market dislocations, specifically discussing how they deployed capital during the COVID crash by focusing on companies with fortress balance sheets.42:00 - Jim shares wisdom from his father Lowell: live beneath your means, invest the excess, and build things over time - the Charlie Munger approach that shaped their entire investment philosophy.51:00 - Discussion of free cash flow as the ultimate metric, with both emphasizing that businesses generating cash can survive any environment and capitalize on opportunities when competitors stumble.57:05 - Abby defines success as alignment - living in a way that reflects what matters most, building something meaningful with family, and treating others well while maintaining disciplined investing even when unpopular.1:00:24 - Bogumil adds perspective on wealth preservation across generations, noting the US uniquely allows both creation and multi-generational preservation of wealth.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Laurence Endersen is an investment professional with over 30 years of experience and author of three books, including The Compounder's Element, who champions patient wealth building through understanding one's natural investing temperament and staying disciplined within it.Episode Sponsor: Fiscal AI is a modern data terminal—use my link for a two-week free trial plus 15% off: https://fiscal.ai/talkingbillions/EPISODE NOTES3:00 - Laurence shares formative experiences: working in his father's TV repair shop taught him the real difficulty of earning money, while losing his mother at 13 accelerated his maturity and independence. His father's entrepreneurial spirit and inventor grandfather sparked curiosity about how money works beyond academic theory.8:00 - Introduction to markets came through Australian state privatizations in Sydney—experiencing “day one pops” felt like magic compared to traditional work, though he admits being “curious and clueless” initially. The addiction to stock market gains revealed the difference between “power by the hour” versus “share of value” business models.13:00 - Evolution of investing philosophy: “Most of my learning has been in the last five years of those 30.” Key revelation: understanding what game you're actually playing matters more than technical prowess. Patient compounding over long horizons (the “n” in the formula) reduces pressure on achieving exceptional returns.22:00 - The “elements” framework: investors have natural temperaments—Lar identifies as a “Compounder” focused on long-term wealth building. Mismatch between element and strategy causes problems. “If you're always improving, your best days are always ahead.”38:00 - On competitive advantages: companies with pricing power, network effects, and multi-decade runways compound extraordinary value. “The delta between a good business and a great business is seismic over time.”52:00 - AI's impact on investing: tools democratize analysis but won't eliminate competitive advantages. “With these tools you're more likely to go up to the third or fourth question—but so will everybody else.” The real edge remains knowing when you have enough information to act.68:00 - Definition of success from Stephen Covey: “Live, love, learn, and leave a legacy.” Acknowledges having “a billion heartbeats” behind him with an “indeterminable number” ahead—emphasizes time as ultimate constraint.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Matt Zeigler and I had the privilege of hosting Robert Hagstrom (The Warren Buffett Way) and Chris Mayer (100 Baggers) for a special 100-Year Thinkers Edition of the Excess Returns Podcast.Two legendary investors and authors. One hour packed with timeless wisdom on long-term thinking and wealth creation. This is the conversation we've been wanting to have—and we think you'll find it as valuable as we did.Available now on Excess Returns Podcast and Talking Billions.

Guest Host: Dave Specht, senior fellow at the Drucker School of Management, two-time author, and creator of the Generational Wealth Masterclass with Jay Hughes, turns the tables to interview Bogumil using audience-submitted questions.Key Ideas:It's Not About the Money - Despite the focus on investing and wealth management, Bogumil emphasizes that money is merely a language or gesture representing deeper human values and connections. The true value lies in human relationships, creation, and purpose.Investing as a Lifelong Pursuit - Successful investing requires consistency, patience, and a long-term perspective. Many people identify good investments but fail because they don't hold them long enough to benefit from compounding.Quality Compounds - Great businesses continually improve their quality and service. This compounding of quality—from leadership through every level of organization—creates lasting value that investors can benefit from.Value and Price Understanding - Value investing principles are timeless because they reflect basic human decision-making. Everyone intuitively understands the relationship between value received and price paid, whether at a farmer's market or in stock investments.Invisible Wealth Requires Communication - Modern wealth is often invisible, creating challenges for families. Not communicating about wealth with the next generation can be dangerous; gradual education and preparation are essential.The Power of Inaction - “The inaction in the world that's demanding action might be the hardest thing to do, but the biggest value added.” Sometimes the best investment decision is to simply hold onto quality investments.AI as a Tool Not a Replacement - AI helps investors by allowing them to “zoom out” to see broad patterns and “zoom in” on specific details, but human judgment remains essential for investment decisions.Seek Businesses You'd Own and Forget - Bogumil looks for businesses with good management and prospects that he can “own and forget about,” often waiting for price breaks to acquire them at attractive valuations.Control Your Time - True success isn't measured by titles or money but by having the freedom to control your time and pursue what brings you meaning and curiosity.The Value of Having an Advisor - Having someone who understands both the technical aspects of wealth management and the human emotional side creates tremendous value, especially during market turbulence.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Robert Karas is a Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Bank Gutmann in Vienna, Austria's oldest private bank, where he oversees investment strategies for ultra-high-net-worth clients. Robert is a seasoned investor on a lifelong journey known for his thoughtful investment philosophy and engaging market insights.3:00 - Robert describes the 1960s "paperwork crisis" when Wall Street trading volumes exploded and people physically schlepped suitcases of stock certificates along Wall Street, requiring the establishment of the Depository Trust Company in 1973.5:20 - Bogumil shares his vivid memory of holding physical account statements from decades ago, witnessing the literal doubling of family fortunes—"two turning into four, four turning into eight"—and how the tangible nature of old statements helped him grasp the true power of long-term compounding.6:45 - Discussion of Buffett's revolutionary fee structure: zero management fees, profit sharing only above hurdles, and the forgotten detail—unlimited personal liability for losses. "Talking about aligned interests... we all talk about it, but normally we do not share in the downside directly."14:30 - Robert explains why Buffett dissolved his partnerships in 1969: "He didn't want to manage other people's emotions anymore." The shift from managing external capital to managing Berkshire allowed him to focus purely on business building without quarterly redemption pressures.25:00 - The power of Buffett's language: simple, clear, authentic communication that builds trust. Robert notes how Buffett writes letters "as if he's sitting in your living room explaining things to you."38:15 - Discussion of Berkshire as more than just an investment—it becomes part of people's identities, something they want to pass to their children, transforming from a stock into a legacy vehicle.56:30 - Bogumil's insight about Omaha during the annual meeting: "There's no other place on earth that for a few days, I have more friends per square mile than anywhere else."59:00 - Final reflection on trust and doing the right thing even when nobody's watching—the essence of working with families and the true lesson from Buffett and Munger.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Please enjoy my recent appearance on Value: After Hours with Tobias Carlisle and Jake Taylor. One of my favorite interviews this season. A real weekend treat if you missed it!Guest: Bogumil Baranowski, founder of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC, host of Talking Billions podcast, author of "Money, Life, Family," and investment professional with 20 years of experience managing multi-generational family wealth.This episode was originally aired on Value: After Hours on 11/4/2025; it's reposted here with the kind permission of the hosts.Value: After Hours is a podcast about value investing, Fintwit, and all things finance and investment by investors Tobias Carlisle and Jake Taylor. See their latest episodes at https://acquirersmultiple.com/podcastPodcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Rupert Mitchell is a capital markets veteran with 30 years of institutional experience across three continents who now runs Blind Squirrel Macro, combining mythology, storytelling, and contrarian thinking to help investors understand why narrative often matters more than numbers in macro investing.Episode Sponsor: Fiscal AI is a modern data terminal that gives investors instant access to twenty years of financials, earnings transcripts, and extensive segment and KPI data—use my link for a two-week free trial plus 15% off: https://fiscal.ai/talkingbillions/3:00 - Rupert discusses the British education philosophy: learning to learn rather than narrow vocational training, creating adaptable generalists who aren't limited by having "an amazing hammer where everything has to look like a nail"6:00 - Bearings collapse story: Fresh graduate Rupert spent his entire £400 bonus on a briefcase (still uses it 30 years later) hours before the 250-year-old merchant bank collapsed overnight due to Nick Leeson's derivatives trades11:00 - Key lesson from Bearings: "Things are never as bad as you fear or as good as you would hope" - the "we're so back, it's so over" cycle teaches moderation in expectations and avoiding extrapolation extremes16:00 - The mythology connection: Rupert's father, a military history writer, taught him that "most people don't really have a sense of history beyond about five or 10 years" - understanding cyclical patterns creates edge21:00 - Chinese EV revolution firsthand: Witnessing Mercedes lose luxury market dominance to BYD in China taught Rupert that establishment brands can fall faster than anyone expects when technology shifts33:00 - The generalist advantage: "I'm never baffled or scared of a new product, topic, market or theme" - breadth beats depth when markets constantly evolve and surprises come from unexpected directions45:00 - AI investment paradox: Despite machine learning being used in biotech for years, healthcare hasn't announced breakthrough cycles - this "monkey on my back" makes Rupert question AI hype narratives54:00 - On success: "Success has to be being proud of what you've done, right? And that's not a number. Some of the most miserable people I know are wealthier than God"Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

The episode is sponsored by TenzingMEMO — the AI-powered market intelligence platform I use daily for smarter stock analysis. Code BILLIONS gets you an extended trial + 10% off.Daniel Rupp is the founder and chief investment officer of Parkway Capital based in Hong Kong, bringing nearly two decades of Asian value investing expertise developed during his 17-year tenure at a leading Asia-focused funds, Overlook Investments, where he honed his contrarian "farm approach" for identifying undervalued compounders across 11 Asian markets. He counts founder Richard Lawrence and longtime CIO James Squire as mentors and supporters.3:00 - Dan shares his unconventional background growing up in Boone, North Carolina, son of an English professor father and real estate agent mother.6:00 - The Blue Ridge Parkway origin story.9:30 - Core philosophy revealed.12:00 - April 2025 crisis moment.15:30 - Value with growth framework,21:00 - Asia's shocking statistic.24:00 - The farm approach.30:00 - Buyback obsession.36:00 - Portfolio composition.42:00 - China contrarian stance.45:00 - Dollar weakness as catalyst.54:00 - Three reasons to sell.57:00 - Marathon mindset.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Scott Britton is an award-winning entrepreneur who sold his startup Troops to Salesforce, discovered fulfillment's limitations through external success, and now leads Conscious Talent while hosting Evolution FM and authoring Conscious Accomplishment.3:00 - Scott discusses childhood patterns of competitive achievement through sports and school, revealing early drives toward external validation and success metrics that would later define his entrepreneurial journey.5:30 - Deep dive into repatterning work: Scott shares discovering a kindergarten bullying incident created a "worthless" core belief that unconsciously drove decades of achievement-seeking behavior he never consciously remembered.9:00 - The Salesforce acquisition revelation: Despite selling his company and achieving financial success, Scott experienced the same emotional triggers and personal problems, proving external achievement has fundamental limitations on well-being.12:00 - Introduction to the "outside-in paradigm" - the cultural conditioning that external achievements (relationships, money, status) will solve internal dissatisfaction, versus the "inside-out" approach of consciousness work.17:00 - Challenging the Eastern/Western spiritual dichotomy: Scott explains the "householder" concept - someone devoted to spiritual evolution while maintaining career, family, and financial responsibilities, not retreating to monasteries.22:00 - Key Quote: "We have a subjective experience that which we are conscious of, but there's also things that inform that subjective experience...there's a whole lot of things beyond what we can see, smell, taste, touch and hear that are creating our subjective experience."28:00 - Introduction to the Freedom Log: Scott's practical tool of documenting triggering moments (subway delays, unanswered texts, long coffee lines) to identify subconscious patterns governing automatic reactions.32:00 - Inspired Actions framework: Distinguishing between "means-to-end" actions driven by conditioning versus natural pulls toward activities that create genuine joy and curiosity, even without obvious outcomes.40:00 - The I-AWARE repatterning sequence walkthrough: Identify, Access, Welcome, Accept, Replace, Embrace - a systematic method for transforming limiting subconscious patterns through conscious intervention.47:00 - Transformational conflict: How consciousness evolution creates tension when you're changing internally but external circumstances (job, relationships, city) remain static, requiring navigation.51:00 - New success metrics beyond financial returns: evaluating life through subjective experience quality, alignment, fulfillment, and understanding rather than measurable external achievements.55:00 - Scott's definition of success: "Fulfillment, alignment and understanding...you know what they feel like."Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

I had the pleasure of co-hosting another episode of Excess Returns with Matt Zeigler. We sat down with the one and only Tobias Carlisle — investor, author, podcast host, and all-around fascinating mind whose writing and ideas have influenced my thinking at various times.He discusses his new book, which made me see Buffett's investment approach in an entirely new light — and you're about to discover why. I highly recommend both this episode and Toby's book.In this episode of Excess Returns, we sit down with Tobias Carlisle, founder and portfolio manager at the Acquirers Fund and author of the new book “Soldier of Fortune: Warren Buffett's Sun Tzu and the Ancient Art of Risk Taking.”Tobias joins Matt Zeigler and Bogumil Baranowski to explore how timeless strategic principles from The Art of War apply to investing and how Warren Buffett embodies many of those ideas—from invincibility and victory without conflict to the disciplined avoidance of ruin. The conversation connects Buffett's real-world decisions—from Apple to General Re to Japan's trading houses—to broader lessons on temperament, risk, and wisdom in markets.Available now on Excess Returns Podcast and Talking Billions.

Find me on Substack: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/Ritavan is a bestselling author of "Data Impact," former CTO, and data transformation expert with a decade of operating experience across sectors including banking (Société Générale), energy trading, consulting, and real estate technology, who advocates for treating digital initiatives like value investments rather than following technology trends.EPISODE NOTES3:00 - Ritavan shares the fascinating story behind having only one name—his grandfather's generation dropped last names as part of a social reform movement to combat caste-based discrimination in India, as colonial systems had turned last names into markers of social hierarchy.7:30 - Early career journey spans math research in Paris at École Normale Supérieure, market risk at Société Générale during the 2008 financial crisis obsession, and energy trading where he cleared his trading exam within six weeks despite not knowing what a megawatt was.13:45 - The core thesis emerges: following technology trends destroys business value. Ritavan argues that constantly chasing AI, cloud, or the latest tech is like an investor jumping between market fads—you're not playing the long game or building real competitive advantage.20:30 - Revolutionary perspective on value creation paradigms throughout history: hunter-gatherers relied 40-60% on traps (automation), agriculture depended on land, industrial age on machinery and raw materials, while the digital paradigm offers zero replication costs and near-zero personalization costs.27:00 - Introduces the SLASOG framework: Save (capital preservation, avoid groupthink), Leverage (find asymmetric opportunities), Align (commander's intent), Simplify (remove clutter), Optimize (maximize returns), Compound (play the long game), Keep (retain gains).36:30 - Roger Federer insight: He won only 54% of points but 80% of games due to tennis's nonlinear scoring system—a powerful metaphor for business success requiring asymmetric opportunities, not perfection.41:00 - Teaching the first LLM-native college students: Traditional assessment is obsolete when AI can summarize and synthesize better than humans. The solution? Open-ended problems with no single answer, forcing genuine creativity and collaboration.48:30 - Napoleon's battlefield genius: treating each battle from first principles, understanding the system, finding nonlinear advantages, and pioneering "commander's intent"—ensuring even illiterate foot soldiers understood strategic goals, not just tactical orders.54:45 - The North Star metric concept: Legacy businesses obsess over EBIT (backward-looking), but digital-age companies need forward-looking metrics that quantify customer value delivery to enable rapid adaptation and compounding gains.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Matt Zeigler and I had the privilege of hosting Robert Hagstrom (The Warren Buffett Way) and Chris Mayer (100 Baggers) for a special 100-Year Thinkers Edition of the Excess Returns Podcast.Two legendary investors and authors. One hour packed with timeless wisdom on long-term thinking and wealth creation. This is the conversation we've been wanting to have—and we think you'll find it as valuable as we did.I'm excited to share this episode with you—it's reposted here with permission and blessing from both Matt and Jack. Don't miss it! And follow their work, links below.https://excessreturnspod.com/https://cultishcreative.com/ — everyting Matt Zeigler.In a world that moves tick by tick and quarter by quarter, The 100-Year Thinkers zooms out to explore what it really means to invest with patience, discipline, and perspective. In this premiere episode, join Matt Zeigler, Bogumil Baranowski, Chris Mayer, and Robert Hagstrom as they discuss market concentration, the dominance of mega-cap stocks, and how investors can think in decades—not days. Together, they explore the evolution of active management, the role of the S&P 500, the challenge of private equity, and how to build portfolios that last. Topics covered Concentration and the rise of mega-cap dominance Equal-weight vs. market-cap-weighted indexes The role of the S&P 500 and how it shapes investor behavior Why the Magnificent Seven may not repeat past winners' mistakes The differences between today's tech leaders and the 1999 bubble The changing nature of private equity and illiquidity premiums How to define success as an investor beyond beating the index The importance of focusing on business economics over stock prices Lessons from Buffett, Bill Miller, and other long-term thinkers Timestamps 00:00 Concentration and portfolio construction 04:00 Market-cap dominance and equal vs. cap weighting 10:30 Active management, benchmarks, and the S&P 500 17:00 Economic realities of the top 10 stocks 23:00 Government policy and market intervention 26:00 Comparing 2024 to 1999 and lessons from past cycles 32:00 Innovation, Russell 2000, and private company growth 40:00 Active management and how the S&P wins 41:45 The private equity boom and its challenges 49:00 Redefining performance and investor goals 55:00 The importance of focusing on business economics 57:00 Closing thoughts and where to find the guestsPodcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Long-Term Stewardship, the Lindy Effect, and Why Alignment Matters More Than ValuationFind me on Substack: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/Michael Gielkens is a partner and co-founder of Tresor Capital, a Netherlands-based independent investment boutique specializing in actively managing wealth through family holding companies and serial acquirers, with deep expertise in capital allocation and owner-operator alignment.EPISODE NOTES3:00 - Discussion of Omaha Berkshire meeting as unique phenomenon bringing global investors together; Michael's Dutch-American background and financial upbringing with CFO father teaching value of money6:00 - Netherlands as birthplace of shareholder concept and securities trading; connection between Dutch Republic's innovation and modern capital markets; family ownership enabling multi-generational wealth preservation12:00 - Core investment philosophy: skin in the game as non-negotiable prerequisite; alignment of interests at every level including portfolio managers investing alongside clients15:00 - Family holding companies explained: listed family offices with long-term orientation, no quarterly guidance pressure, avoiding short-term thinking that plagues typical public companies21:00 - Serial acquirers as superior capital allocators; decentralized decision-making allowing continuous reinvestment at high returns; Swedish companies as breeding ground for this model28:00 - Return on incremental invested capital as key metric; Munger principle that long-term returns match business returns on capital; importance of reinvestment runway34:00 - Quality over value traps: companies at small discounts with proven track records versus deep discounts hiding mismanagement; French holding company cautionary tale of nepotism and value destruction42:00 - Learning from mistakes: avoiding cheap stocks requiring constant attention; importance of doing your own homework rather than blindly cloning positions46:00 - Market volatility response: having valuations ready, buying quality companies at 45-50% discounts during external shocks when they normally trade at 20% discount51:00 - Success defined by relationships and fulfillment, not financial metrics; open collaboration and transparency building compounding relationships; Munger's funeral testPodcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

My appearance on Excess Returns with Matt Zeigler as the host.I recently had the pleasure of joining my good friend Matt Zeigler on the Excess Returns podcast. Jack Forehand, the creative force behind the show, did an exceptional job editing and producing the episode. Jack has been instrumental in many improvements to Talking Billions over the years, and I'm grateful to both him and Matt for this opportunity.We dove deep into my recent article, “Expensive Truth about Cheap Investments,” which caught the attention of major publications like the WSJ and sparked considerable discussion among readers and listeners. The piece clearly touched a nerve and opened up a conversation worth having.What started as a discussion about the article evolved into something more. Thanks to Matt's skillful hosting, we explored new territory—sharing stories, anecdotes, and recent insights I haven't discussed publicly before. The hour-long conversation captures not just the core ideas of the article, but the deeper implications and real-world applications that make this topic so compelling.I'm excited to share this episode with you—it's reposted here with permission and blessing from both Matt and Jack. Don't miss it!In this episode of Excess Returns, Matt Zeigler sits down with investor and author Bogumil Baranowski to discuss one of investing's most important mindset shifts: moving beyond cheap stocks to paying up for quality and exceptional opportunities. Drawing on lessons from Warren Buffett, Ben Graham, and his own journey, Bogumil explains how value investing evolves across three key phases—buying cheap, buying good, and learning to pay up. The conversation explores patience, conviction, dead money periods, family wealth stewardship, and how to think about value versus price in a noisy world.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction – The cheapest dentist analogy03:00 Why investors love cheap stocks07:00 The evolution from bargain hunter to quality investor09:00 Examples from Ben Graham, Buffett, and Facebook15:30 Conviction, drawdowns, and dead money19:00 Judging success by business progress, not stock price27:00 Lessons from grandma on value and frugality31:00 How Buffett evolved from cheap to quality45:00 Investing for future generations49:00 Invisible wealth and stewardship52:00 The value investor dilemma58:00 Equal-weight vs market-cap indexes59:00 Lessons for the average investor1:02:00 How much research you really need1:04:30 How his WSJ essay came to life and final takeawaysPodcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Find me on Substack: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/Daniel Peris is a historian-turned-portfolio manager at Federated who uniquely combines PhD-level expertise in Russian history with two decades of investment experience to challenge modern finance's dismissal of dividend investing through rigorous historical analysis.3:00 - Peris shares his unconventional path from Cold War studies and Russian history PhD to Wall Street, explaining how his historical training shapes his contrarian approach to investment challenges by questioning where current financial rules originated and whether they remain fit for purpose.8:00 - Historical perspective on financial innovation: Peris argues most "new" financial mechanisms have ancient antecedents.10:00 - The humility principle: Peris critiques University of Chicago's equilibrium economics and rational actor theory for not comporting with actual human behavior, advocating learning from 5,000 years of financial mistakes rather than assuming modern superiority.14:00 - The great dividend disappearance: Four key reasons dividends vanished - 40 years of declining interest rates, NASDAQ's productivity boom, the rise of buybacks incentivizing Wall Street, and global neoliberalism's focus on financial over cash returns.18:00 - The turning point thesis: All conditions enabling the "unnatural state" of dividend-free investing have stopped, reversed, or matured, setting stage for return of the cash nexus.23:00 - Business outcomes vs market outcomes: Peris distinguishes tangible dividend payments (business outcomes you control) from speculative capital gains (market outcomes dependent on share price volatility).30:00 - The tax avoidance extreme: Peris critiques products designed to avoid taxes on S&P 500's meager 1.2% yield, calling it philosophical gymnastics to dodge taxes on essentially no income.38:00 - Risk redefined: Permanent loss of capital constitutes real risk, not price volatility, challenging academic definitions that dominate MBA curricula.42:00 - The buyback controversy: A trillion dollars in free cash flow goes to buybacks benefiting Wall Street and executives rather than shareholders, with Peris emphasizing buybacks provide liquidity to share sellers, not cash to shareholders.52:00 - PE expansion and gravity: While acknowledging modern infrastructure justifies higher valuations than historical 10x earnings, Peris questions whether 25x multiples make sense, especially in inflationary environments.57:00 - Global perspective: Anti-dividend phenomenon is distinctly American.1:04:00 - Success philosophy: Peris defines success as "knowing when you have enough" (citing Joseph Heller), sleeping well at night, and making 50.05% of decisions correctly under uncertainty.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

One of my favorite interviews I gave lately, take a moment and check it out. Julia is a very gifted, thoughtful host, and it's a very personal, intimate conversation. I have a feeling you'll like it. Enjoy!https://peopleareeverything.co.uk/The Episode originally aired on People are Everything with Julia Duthie -- Full credit to Julia and her team for a wonderful conversation, find her podcast and follow for some incredible content, and here is the episode with me, your host, answering questions for a change (instead of asking them). Reposted here with her permission and blessing.The original episode notes:S03E04 - Bogumil BaranowskiHow does an investor keep money human? In this intimate birthday-day conversation, Bogumil Baranowski (investment advisor, author, pilot) shares the 5 most influential people who shaped his life, philosophy, and approach to long-term, purpose-driven investing. We explore family stories, stewardship across 100-year horizons, the difference between price and value, and why confidence (in cockpits and careers) is everything.What you'll learnWhy money is a human experience—not just P<he grandmother who taught value over price and built a seniors' home from scratchJay Hughes' “five capitals” and gifting wealth with warm handsA flight instructor's rule: never undermine a pilot's confidence (and how to ask for help)Toastmasters craft: structure, delivery, and authenticity on stageCharlie Munger's “web of deserved trust” & “planting trees” for future generationsDakshana Foundation and the compounding impact of small, well-aimed helpPeople mentionedHis Grandmother (accountant & community builder) • James “Jay” Hughes (family wealth lawyer) • Tom Fisher (flight instructor) • Eric Rock (Toastmasters mentor) • Charlie Munger (with nods to Warren Buffett, Ben Graham, Monsoon Pabrai, Mohnish Pabrai, and the Dakshana Foundation)Listen for candid stories: Polish hyperinflation, pennies you can't throw away, ATC angels in your headset, and a 1917 oak tree that still teaches legacy.If you enjoyed this, hit like/subscribe, share with someone who's navigating money, legacy, or leadership, and tell us which moment landed most for you.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Find me on Substack: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/Matthew Peterson is the visionary founder and managing partner of Peterson Capital Management who leverages over 25 years of global financial experience, including a decade at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Merrill Lynch, to pioneer "structured value investing" - a sophisticated approach that combines classic value principles with options strategies to achieve superior returns while managing risk.EPISODE NOTES3:00 - Matthew shares his Minnesota upbringing and early financial curiosity, shuffling bank CDs for extra returns in the 1980s before understanding compounding5:30 - Wall Street experience at Goldman Sachs: "everybody was aligned, marching to the same beat" with 104-hour work weeks becoming "second family"8:15 - Introduction to structured value investing: using options as tools, not speculation, to buy stocks at better prices than traditional investors10:40 - Core strategy revealed: selling put contracts instead of market orders - "we say, I will commit to buying it for a hundred over the next year, but you have to pay us fifteen dollars"12:20 - Benefits explained: buying 20% cheaper creates massive IRR advantage over decades of compounding15:45 - Psychology advantage: options help value investors be more patient during early entry periods24:15 - Portfolio composition: seven core "infinite compounder" holdings including Berkshire Hathaway, designed to hold forever41:50 - 13F analysis strategy: monitoring 100+ value investors reduces 6,500 companies to just 400 prospects54:15 - Introduction to Alpha One AI platform providing comprehensive company analysis in 20 minutes1:02:25 - Structured dividend capture strategy for cash management1:11:15 - Success definition: "having the people that you want to love you, love you" - citing Warren Buffett's wisdomPodcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

The episode originally aired on Excess Returns Podcast, and it is reposted here with permission. Thank you, Jack Forehand & Matt Zeigler. Matt and I sat down with Joseph Shaposhnik, and what an hour it was, enjoy!In this episode of Excess Returns, we sit down with Joseph Shaposhnik, founder of Rainwater Equity and former star portfolio manager at TCW. Joseph shares the investment philosophy that drove his track record of outperformance, why he focuses on recurring revenue businesses, and how he evaluates management quality and capital allocation. We also explore lessons from great investors like Warren Buffett, Bill Miller, and Peter Lynch, along with insights on valuation, portfolio concentration, and the role of passive investing in today's markets.Main topics covered:* How Joseph achieved long-term outperformance at TCW and what drove his results* Why recurring revenue and predictable cash flows are central to his approach* The importance of management quality and identifying “fanatics” vs. mercenaries* Lessons investors should and should not take from Warren Buffett* Bill Miller's influence and backing of Rainwater Equity* Characteristics Joseph looks for in great businesses and red flags in management teams* Portfolio concentration, position sizing, and risk management* Why you don't need to have an opinion on every sector* Selling discipline and knowing when it's time to move on* How valuation fits into his framework and how he thinks about paying up for quality* The impact of passive investing and why active managers must take a long-term view* Stories and lessons from Peter Lynch, including his enduring influenceTimestamps:0:00 If a stock has doubled, you haven't missed it1:00 Introduction and Joseph's track record at TCW2:00 Keys to long-term outperformance8:00 Lessons from Warren Buffett's wins and mistakes11:30 Bill Miller's influence and support for Rainwater Equity14:00 What defines a high-quality business20:00 Free cash flow compounding and moats24:00 Red flags in management teams31:00 Why active management is broken and Joseph's solution35:00 Portfolio concentration and risk management42:00 Sectors to avoid and why47:00 Joseph's selling discipline53:00 Exceptional leaders and the role of management quality58:00 Valuation, future value, and the changing economy1:04:00 Passive investing and market distortions1:09:00 Lessons and stories from Peter Lynch1:14:00 Closing questions and key investing lessons1:20:00 Where to learn more about Joseph and Rainwater EquityPodcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Find me on Substack: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/Oliver Mueller is Chief Investment Officer at Acresco Investment Management in Mauritius, a seasoned value investor with 25+ years at JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch, and Deutsche Bank who uniquely combines traditional value investing principles with sustainable investing practices.3:00 - Oliver's German Mittelstand upbringing shaped his relationship with money; parents bought house, rising interest rates created financial strain, taught him value of careful planning6:00 - First jobs at 15: wastewater treatment plant to buy Hi-Fi system, construction work for interrail trip through Europe - learned physical value of earning money9:00 - Deutsche Bank apprenticeship sparked passion for investing; mandatory social service with elderly taught him "wealth is not just about money, but dignity, time, empathy"12:00 - Move to Mauritius in 2014 driven by work-life balance: "When I left house she was sleeping, when I came home she was sleeping" - needed presence as father18:00 - Key influences: Hungarian investor Kostolani's encouragement, Aswath Damodaran's valuation course, Paul Polman's stakeholder capitalism vision25:00 - Sustainable value investing philosophy: Start with quality financials, add responsibility filter, then seek margin of safety - "responsibility as source of returns, not constraint"35:00 - Crisis lessons from dot-com, 2008, COVID: "When narrative drifts from fundamentals, gravity always wins" - reinforced belief in simplicity over financial engineering50:00 - Tai Chi principles mirror investing: true power comes from stillness and patience, explosive "Fajin" moments when opportunity appearsIf this post resonated with you, take a moment, and please share it with anyone in your network who might find it valuable too—this Substack grows entirely through word of mouth from readers like you. Thank you so much!Subscribe nowBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.EPISODE NOTESPodcast Program – Disclosure Statement

For more content, find me on Substack: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/P.V. Ramanathan is a Dubai-based entrepreneur, chartered accountant, and fund-of-funds manager who led a successful leveraged buyout in 2003, founded Neeti Fund, and hosts the prestigious ValueX Middle East conference annually.3:00 - Ram's middle-class Indian upbringing and early exposure to family finances through banking errands with his father, sparking entrepreneurial drive6:00 - Career journey from Ernst & Young Dubai to Schlumberger, learning business operations by spending weekends on oil rigs in coveralls9:30 - "Money has always been an enabler for me" - philosophy shaped by helping replenish father's education investment13:00 - Transition from CFO role to leading a management buyout of corrosion services business, discovering value investing simultaneously18:00 - Building Corrosion Technology Services (CTS) without leverage: "We are bottom feeders. Anyone who works for us six years is potential competitor"25:00 - Investment philosophy: Four-bucket approach (value, growth, ballast funds) targeting steady single-digit returns with downside protection32:00 - Contrarian belief: "Don't fixate on short-term results" - explains why quarterly obsession drives counterproductive business behavior41:00 - Business survival principles: Zero leverage, conservative revenue recognition, maintaining cash reserves through all cycles50:00 - Global investment opportunities: Highlighting undervalued Korean market and biotech sector despite volatility57:00 - ValueX Middle East origins and Toastmasters impact: "All of us are better than some of us" - community building philosophy63:00 - Definition of success: "Making positive difference in every endeavor I undertake" - touching lives through business, investing, and relationshipsPodcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

If you downloaded the episode before Wednesday, please remove it and download it again. Thank you!Find me on Substack: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/GUEST PROFILE: Nancy Burger is a leading workplace communication strategist, executive coach, and founder of the Fear Finding Project who helps leaders overcome fear-based thinking after leaving her own Wall Street career to transform her expertise in human psychology into practical strategies for building emotionally healthy, high-performing cultures.EPISODE NOTES:3:00 - Nancy shares her stable suburban upbringing but reveals the hidden family dynamics that shaped her fear-based thinking patterns and career trajectory6:00 - The courage to leave Wall Street: Nancy discusses conquering multi-layered fears to end a 27-year marriage and completely rebuild her life in her 50s9:00 - Key insight: Fear as information tool - "Fear can become a tool. Notice this without judging it...use it as information instead of recoiling and avoiding the thing because it's scary"12:00 - Brain science of fear: Understanding limbic system vs prefrontal cortex responses and why we need both pathways for survival and growth15:00 - Imposter syndrome focus: Nancy's passion project - helping leaders understand "that is something they're making a choice about and they can change it"18:00 - The power of words in building confidence: How feedback can either destroy or empower, drawing parallels to pilot training methodologies24:00 - Difficult conversations strategy: Using "I statements" to avoid defensiveness - "I'm noticing" vs "You did this"35:00 - Career evolution: From finance to writing to music to keynote speaking - "an iterative process...like the inner workings of a massive clock"42:00 - Communication failure story: Learning to consider your audience's experience rather than just your own emotional state55:00 - AI as tool, not threat: "Learn about it and understand that it is a tool...don't let machines help you interact with loved ones"60:00 - Success definition: Impact over achievement - "Did I touch the people in my sphere of influence in a way that left an impact that's positive?"Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

A recording of my most recent, most-viewed Substack essay, along with a brief update from me. And don't forget to share it with everyone in your life who would also enjoy it.Find it here (see below) with so much more public, free content: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/p/the-sports-car-paradoxSummary for busy readers: One weekend this summer, I was surprised when a sports car I'd been following for hours emerged from a gas station right beside me at journey's end—despite its speed advantage, we arrived together.This moment crystallized a key investment truth: aggressive, high-volatility strategies (sports car investing) and steady, consistent approaches (family car investing) can reach similar destinations, but the journey experience differs dramatically.While sports car investors endure stomach-churning 50%+ drawdowns for potentially higher returns, family car investors prioritize peace of mind and sustainable progress. The best strategy isn't necessarily the fastest—it's the one you can stick with through all market conditions.Disclosure:Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser. The information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Find me on Substack: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/Kevin Koharki is an MBA, PhD, founder of CAE Consulting, and associate professor who has spent 20 years analyzing hundreds of firms and uniquely advocates that every employee—not just executives—should understand how their daily decisions impact capital allocation and long-term value creation.3:00 - Childhood influence: Depression-era grandmother shaped Kevin's views on hard work, discipline, and saving money through close relationship and shared activities6:00 - Career origin story: 1999 discovery of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" led to Peter Lynch's "One Up on Wall Street" - describes it as "getting hit by lightning," sparking lifelong investing passion9:00 - Teaching philosophy: Drops real 10Ks on students' desks, believes in learning by doing rather than textbooks - "if you want to learn how to hit a curveball, you have to step in the batter's box"12:00 - Personal finance reality check: Most people don't budget despite it being "second, third grade math" - grandmother's "got cable?" test for true money problems15:00 - Capital allocation breakthrough: 2022 Vegas flight rereading Buffett letters when everything "clicked" - realized employees need training on how their roles impact CEO decisions18:00 - Defense contractor story: 71 years of collective family experience, never understood job's true financial impact until Kevin's training21:00 - Common misconception: Analysts focus only on dividends, debt paydown, buybacks - "it doesn't start there, it starts with revenue"25:00 - Concentration philosophy: Charlie Munger's "three investments in your lifetime" - finding businesses that can reinvest at high rates indefinitely30:00 - Financial statement analysis: Shocking number of investors not making proper adjustments for leases, pensions, stock-based compensation35:00 - Stock-based compensation deep dive: Spent three years figuring out what Buffett/Munger meant by "true cost" - most CFOs don't understand until receiving it themselves40:00 - Double-hit problem: Stock-based comp hits earnings twice (expense + dilution) while actual cash impact appears in financing, not operations45:00 - Tech sector impact: Free cash flow can be 30-40% lower than reported due to improper stock-based comp accounting50:00 - Cultural change requirement: Capital allocation mindset shifts take years, require constant reinforcement like diet changes55:00 - Employee education gap: HR can't explain stock plans due to licensing restrictions, employees receive lawyer-written documents they can't understand60:00 - Success definition: Making people better investors or employees who understand their financial impact - "help them understand the why"Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

Three years' worth of interviews with Chris Mayer, which Bogumil and Matt recorded, condensed into a one-hour BONUS episode. The episode originally aired on Excess Returns Podcast, and it is reposted here with permission from the podcast hosts. Enjoy!In this special episode, Matt Zeigler and Bogumil Baranowski take you on a deep-dive mixtape journey through the best moments from their past three years of conversations with author and investor Chris Mayer. From the brutal patience required to ride out dead money periods to why the lack of a catalyst might be a feature, not a bug—this episode is packed with timeless investing wisdom. Whether you're chasing a hundred bagger or trying to hold through volatility, Mayer's philosophy will challenge and inspire you.

[Join our community at my Substack where we continue these conversations with deeper dives into the biggest lessons from each episode, plus my regular essays and behind-the-scenes thoughts: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/]Whit Huguley is the founder and portfolio manager of River Oaks Capital, a concentrated microcap investment fund who applies rigorous private equity-style due diligence to overlooked public companies by personally visiting management teams across America.EPISODE NOTES3:00 - Whit's background: From LSU graduate to startup employee to MBA at Tulane, discovering value investing through Ben Graham's "The Intelligent Investor"6:00 - Career pivot: Five years in the entrepreneurial world, then private equity at AGR buying 30-49% stakes in family businesses9:00 - Key insight: First company visit revelation - "$100 million market cap company, no investors had visited in 5-10 years"12:00 - The Buffett parallel: Early investing approach of traveling to meet management, waiting in lobbies, attending sparsely attended annual meetings15:00 - A+ CEO discovery: Meeting Dayton Judd changed everything - "spoke to me business owner to business owner"18:00 - Level 5 leadership quote: "Personal humility and professional will, prioritizing company needs over personal gain"21:00 - Why companies stay public: Most went public pre-2008, now costs $1-2M annually to maintain public status24:00 - Microcap definition: Portfolio ranges from $30M to $600M market cap, average $250M29:00 - "Remote island" strategy: Not traditional moats, but obscure markets too small for Amazon to bother conquering36:00 - Suggestivist approach: "Your company trades at 5x earnings while you're buying acquisitions at 10x - why not buy your own stock?"42:00 - Three-rule selling framework: Misjudged management, hard left turn in strategy, or extreme overvaluation49:00 - Capacity constraints: Fund growth helps with influence but hurts at scale - "protecting Thanksgiving dinner investors"53:00 - Uplisting catalyst: Moving from over-the-counter to NASDAQ opens institutional investor access, FitLife up 50% post-uplisting58:00 - Counterintuitive lessons: Price drops often mean higher future returns, A+ CEOs are worth premium compensationPodcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

After writing, reading, and answering 1,000 emails this summer, I'm sharing what I learned about our Talking Billions community. From curious beginners to seasoned investors, you've trusted me with your stories, questions, and insights. In this solo episode, I reflect on three years of conversations, reveal a surprising pattern that emerged from all those emails, and extend a personal invitation to join me on Substack where I'm building a deeper, more connected community experience.Plus: Why I'm committing to write personal emails to 100 new subscribers every month, and how your messages directly shape the conversations we have with guests.https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

[Join our community at my Substack where we continue these conversations with deeper dives into the biggest lessons from each episode, plus my regular essays and behind-the-scenes thoughts: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/]John Rotonti is a portfolio manager at Bastion Fiduciary managing the Industrial and Infrastructure Strategy, former Motley Fool senior analyst and head of investor training, and author of J.Rowe's Notes newsletter who brings nine years of institutional stock-picking experience to generational wealth building.3:00 - John's transition to Bastion Fiduciary: launched Industrial & Infrastructure Strategy in January, managing client capital with generational timeframe and complete autonomy over investment decisions6:00 - Motley Fool learning: Buck Hartzell's advice shifted John from pure deep value to also considering upside scenarios - "spend time trying to figure out what could go right"9:30 - Portfolio construction mistake: launched with 32 stocks vs preferred 20-25, course-correcting by trimming to achieve better concentration14:30 - Universe discipline: whittled 300 stocks down to just 60 companies, eliminating noise and forcing focus on highest conviction ideas18:00 - Letting winners run: discusses anchoring bias and low cost basis pride, admits difficulty adding to winners despite mathematical advantage23:00 - Long-term communication strategy: 22% of client presentation focused on "what I don't do" and "who shouldn't invest" to set proper expectations28:00 - Controversial approach: didn't contact clients during February-April selloff because "volatility is the friend of the long-term investor"32:00 - Performance philosophy: refuses to benchmark against indices, focuses on generational wealth building over short-term comparisons40:00 - Uncompromising quality: maintains 60-stock universe of only highest quality businesses, describes it as "quality only" not just "quality first"45:00 - Research process: deep dive questions focus on stress-testing businesses through adversity, inspired by longevity science concepts55:00 - AI adoption: embracing finance-focused AI platforms for productivity while maintaining preference for deliberate, thoughtful research paceEPISODE NOTESPodcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

[Join our community at my Substack where we continue these conversations with deeper dives into the biggest lessons from each episode, plus my regular essays and behind-the-scenes thoughts: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/] James Emanuel is a London-based contrarian investor and founder of Rock and Turner who discovers fundamentally misunderstood companies trading at massive discounts while building his reputation through popular Substack newsletter research and his book "Fabric of Success."3:00 - Emanuel's intellectual curiosity shaped his contrarian approach: "I take nothing at face value. I question absolutely everything" - discusses how questioning religious beliefs as a child developed critical thinking essential for investing6:00 - The Rolex story reveals value perception: bought same expensive watch as colleague but paid significantly less, demonstrating "price is what you pay, but value is what you get" - watch now worth 3x original price9:00 - Law background creates analytical advantage: legal training teaches structured thinking and considering counterarguments, invaluable for examining investment downside risks12:00 - Convergence theory and "golden threads": successful businesses across different eras/industries evolve similar approaches - like sharks and dolphins reaching similar design through different evolutionary paths15:00 - People matter most: "The jockey is more important than the horse" - Apple's near-bankruptcy under Scully vs. massive success under Jobs proves same company with different leader becomes entirely different investment18:00 - Succession planning as golden thread: best companies promote from within (Novo Nordisk had only 5 CEOs in 103 years, Costco leaders worked up from entry-level)21:00 - Bureaucracy as "corporate virus": processes become more important than results, stifling innovation and driving away top talent24:00 - Stock screeners are garbage: statutory accounts weren't designed for investors, focus on qualitative analysis over quantitative metrics27:00 - John Malone created EBITDA metric because Wall Street couldn't understand his tax-minimizing strategy - TCI became 900-bagger despite appearing expensive on earnings multiplesPodcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

[Join our community at my Substack where we continue these conversations with deeper dives into the biggest lessons from each episode, plus my regular essays and behind-the-scenes thoughts: https://bogumilbaranowski.substack.com/]Today's guest: Monsoon Pabrai is the managing partner of Drew Investment Management, who combines generational wisdom from legendary investors like her father, Mohnish Pabrai, Charlie Munger, and Guy Spier, with her own distinctive approach to global value investing, particularly in India's emerging markets.EPISODE NOTES3:00 - Childhood shaped by entrepreneurship over money talk; Chipotle visits became business lessons on cost optimization and operational efficiency6:00 - At age 12, attended legendary Warren Buffett lunch with Guy Spier; Buffett's advice: "most important decision is who you marry"9:00 - Learning temperament from father during 9+ years without collecting fees; "I've never seen him have a bad day at all"12:00 - KEY INSIGHT: American Express COVID opportunity - when travel stopped, 60 cents per dollar usually spent on customer retention became massive float for capital allocation15:00 - March 2020 market crash: colleagues broke emotionally, sold at bottom despite decades of experience18:00 - Guy Spier as "uncle figure" - long-term compounder philosophy of buying quality and never selling27:00 - Investment process: random idea generation through travel, conferences, Value Line screening, then rigorous 4-part analysis framework35:00 - Four investment criteria: 1) Good business quality 2) Margin of safety 3) Capital allocation 4) Alignment of interests (crucial for emerging markets)42:00 - AI revolution transforming research speed: "NotebookLM can read a 10K faster than me"47:00 - India investing: 60-70% of 3,000+ listed companies "untouchable" due to fraud risk, but incredible opportunities exist with proper network53:00 - Dakshana foundation: educating underprivileged students for IIT entrance (1.3% acceptance rate); "most motivating people I've ever met"Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.