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In this episode of Excess Returns, we dive deep into one of the most pressing investing debates today: how to think about valuations, profit margins, and artificial intelligence in a market that feels both expensive and transformative. Sam Ro joins Matt Zeigler and Kai Wu for a wide-ranging conversation that explores whether traditional valuation tools still matter, how AI is reshaping corporate economics, and why history suggests investors should be cautious about bubble narratives even when enthusiasm runs high. From profit margins and capital intensity to the future of the Magnificent Seven, this episode focuses on how long-term investors can frame uncertainty without relying on false precision or short-term market calls.Timestamps00:00 Valuations, bubbles, and why timing markets is so hard01:41 Do valuations still matter for investors05:58 S&P 500 valuation levels versus history09:30 Profit margins and why mean reversion has not shown up yet14:39 Household finances, pricing power, and consumer resilience15:47 AI, productivity, and the limits of forecasting economic impact19:15 Valuations adjusted for structurally higher profit margins21:15 Tech multiples, growth expectations, and PEG ratios24:07 Are we in an AI bubble and why that question may not help29:14 Lessons from past bubbles and irrational exuberance30:14 How transformative AI could be compared to past innovations35:20 Massive AI capital spending and the risk of overbuild39:42 Who captures value in AI: builders versus users46:39 Revenue per worker and productivity trends48:00 Dispersion inside the Magnificent Seven51:34 Big tech shifting from asset-light to asset-heavy models59:53 Turnover among top companies over time01:01:10 Why Wall Street price targets miss the point01:04:30 Presidential cycles and market returns01:06:28 Fund manager surveys and why popular risks are often lagging indicatorsTopics coveredHow investors should think about valuations over long time horizonsWhy elevated profit margins may be more structural than cyclicalThe role of AI in productivity, earnings, and competitive dynamicsBubble psychology and lessons from the dot-com eraCapital intensity, overinvestment, and the risk of write-downsWhy AI infrastructure builders may not capture most of the valueWhat dispersion within the Magnificent Seven signals for marketsWhy broad diversification still matters in a rapidly changing market
In this feed drop from Uncapped, Jack Altman sits down with a16z co-founder Ben Horowitz to unpack the founding bet behind Andreessen Horowitz. VC should be a better product for entrepreneurs, built on real operating experience, real networks, and real support.Ben shares how he and Marc Andreessen have worked together for 30 years, how they make decisions, and what it takes to scale a venture firm without losing the edge that actually helps founders. They also dig into why boards matter, how platform teams can change what partners do day-to-day, and the difference between “heat-seeking” investing and conviction-driven company building, especially in sectors like AI and crypto.Timecodes:00:00 Introduction 01:05 Ben Horowitz & Marc Andreessen's Partnership 04:05 Building & Leading a16z 07:16 Managing High-Powered VCs 11:01 Boards, Governance & Founder Support 15:36 Platform Services & Recruiting 17:43 Scale vs. Concentration in Venture 20:57 Why Venture Can Scale 24:27 Platform Services: What Works and What Doesn't 27:50 The Real Value of Board Membership 35:38 Media, Brand & Marketing Evolution 41:32 The Future of Media & Journalism 45:30 Limits on Venture Firm Size 49:13 Winning vs. Picking Deals 53:16 The Case Against Venture Scale 55:49 Hiring Operators & Rethinking the VC ProductResources:Follow Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitzFollow Jack on X: https://twitter.com/jaltmaWatch more from Uncapped: https://www.altcap.com/ Stay Updated:If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!Find a16z on X: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zListen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYXListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Stay Updated:Find a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today's episode is all about real estate, straight from the questions you asked during our recent live webinar. We dig into Real Estate Professional Status, short term rental rules, and how the tax benefits actually work across direct properties, syndications, and private funds. We also tackle REITs, including whether target date funds are enough, other Vanguard options beyond VNQ, and where REITs belong in your portfolio from a tax perspective. We also discuss if you really need real estate at all, and how do syndications, funds, and real estate debt compare in the real world. Questions from the Real Estate Webinar: -What does due diligence actually mean? -For the short term rental REP loophole can you still spend more than 100 hours doing a different job, any qualify? -Please go in more detail about short term and opportunity tax loopholes. Any specific resources? -Can the tax benefits of REPs apply to your whole portfolio? ie. direct real estate and private investments? -If you become a real estate professional, for rentals, do you still have to be picked up by a brokerage or can you be the brokerage? -Can you benefit from bonus depreciation to offset your w-2 income in syndications and private real estate funds and does this require REPS? -Are there other REITs with vanguard other than VNQ that may not only include large commercial properties? -If you are going to invest in REITs, where is the best place to purchase those funds? 401? Taxable account? Roth? HSA? -Am I leaving money on the table if I don't invest in real estate in some way? -What are pros & cons of investing in RE Syndication vs Fund vs RE Debt Locumstory.com is a free, unbiased educational resource about locum tenens – it's not a staffing agency. They help answer your questions about the how-to's of locum tenens work on their website, podcast, webinars, videos, and they even have a locums 101 crash course. Locumstory.com is where you should go to find out if locums makes sense for you and your career goals. Locumstory is unique because it's more of a peer-to-peer platform, with real physicians sharing their experiences and stories – both the good and bad – about working locum tenens – hence the name, "Locum-story." See for yourself on their self-service platform with no obligation. The White Coat Investor Podcast launched in January 2017, and since then, millions have downloaded it. Join your fellow physicians and other high income professionals and subscribe today! Host, Dr. Jim Dahle, is a practicing emergency physician and founder of The White Coat Investor blog. Like the blog, The White Coat Investor Podcast is dedicated to educating medical students, residents, physicians, dentists, and similar high-income professionals about personal finance and building wealth, so they can ultimately be their own financial advisor-or at least know enough to not get ripped off by a financial advisor. We tackle the hard topics like the best ways to pay off student loans, how to create your own personal financial plan, retirement planning, how to save money, investing in real estate, side hustles, and how everyone can be a millionaire by living WCI principles. Main Website: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com YouTube: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/youtube Student Loan Advice: https://studentloanadvice.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewhitecoatinvestor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewhitecoatinvestor Twitter: https://twitter.com/WCInvestor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhitecoatinvestor Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/whitecoatinvestor Online Courses: https://whitecoatinvestor.teachable.com Newsletter: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/free-monthly-newsletter 00:00 WCI Podcast #453 09:27 Due Diligence in Real Estate 14:12 Goodman Capital Interview 24:35 REPS - Real Estate Professional Status 34:26 REITs - Real Estate Investment Trusts 42:06 Should I Invest in Real Estate? 47:22 Real Estate Syndication vs. Equity Fund vs. Debt Fund
In this episode, host Josh interviews Dr. Travis Zigler, a former optometrist who founded "Eye Love", a brand focused on healing dry eye naturally and funding free eye care clinics. Travis shares his journey from optometry to e-commerce and Amazon PPC, leading to the creation of Profitable Pineapple Ads. He discusses the importance of finding personal fulfillment beyond business, explains the 80/20 rule for Amazon advertising, and offers actionable strategies for optimizing PPC campaigns and product listings to drive growth and impact.Chapters:Introduction to Dr. Travis Zigler and His Journey (00:00:00)Josh introduces Dr. Travis Zigler, his background in optometry, e-commerce, and founding "Eye Love" and Profitable Pineapple Ads.Starting Profitable Pineapple Ads and Finding Personal Worth (00:01:08)Travis discusses starting the agency, the importance of finding self-worth beyond business, and his and his wife's personal missions.Mission Trips and Foundation Work (00:02:59)Travis shares about their charity work, mission trips, and the value they find in giving vision to those in need.Pivot to Amazon PPC and Agency Origins (00:03:33)Transition to discussing Profitable Pineapple Ads, why Travis started focusing on Amazon PPC, and the agency's early challenges.Simplifying Amazon PPC: The 80/20 Principle (00:05:50)Travis explains the 80/20 rule in PPC, focusing on what works, and how this approach improved results for their clients.Scaling the Agency and Using Software (00:06:47)Describes the agency's growth, adoption of software, and scaling to 120 clients with a team of 11.Simple PPC Strategies and Case Studies (00:07:55)Travis outlines actionable PPC strategies, focusing on top-performing products and keywords, and how this benefits clients.Optimizing Listings and Campaign Structure (00:10:00)Details on optimizing product listings, using professional images, and structuring ad campaigns for maximum impact.Three Actionable Takeaways and Final Thoughts (00:11:25)Josh summarizes key takeaways: self-reflection, the 80/20 principle, and implementing focused PPC or blog strategies.Episode Wrap-Up (00:15:02)Closing remarks, gratitude, and looking forward to future meetings.Links and Mentions:Companies and FoundationsEye LoveEye Believe FoundationProfitable Pineapple Ads AgencyWebsitesProfitablePineapple.comConcepts and Strategies80/20 Pareto Principle: 00:05:50Single Keyword Ad Campaigns: 00:10:00Transcript:Josh 00:00:00 Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Doctor Travis Zigler. He is a recovering optometrist turned ecommerce entrepreneur. He is the founder of Eye Love, whose mission is to heal 1 million dry eye sufferers naturally. Doctor Travis and his wife, Doctor Jenna Zigler, used the profits from Eye Love to Fund free clinics in Jamaica and the US through their charity, the Eye Believe Foundation. And due to the success of Eye Love, others have asked if Doctor Travis would help them grow their businesses online and more specifically with Amazon, which led to the creation of the profitable Pineapple Ads Agency. Well why pineapple? Well, why not specializing in Amazon PPC? Doctor Travis blogs about Amazon PPC and selling on Amazon, and also has a free Amazon PPC Masterclass, which you can check out at Profitable pineapple.com. So welcome to the podcast, Travis.Travis 00:00:57 Josh, happy to be here and glad to be glad to be providing value to your audience, so looking forward to it.Josh 00:01:03 You had previously started profitable pineapple ads before the exit.Josh 00:01:07 Is that true?Travis 00:01:08 Yeah, so we started about four years ago and the exit was about a year ago. Okay.Josh 00:01:12 And so so yeah, you had already started it. So you already had something else going on, right? Do you feel like that helped?Travis 00:01:18 It did help. But to go back to your question about tips and pointers, it's all about where you find your worth in life. And a lot of us as entrepreneurs find that worth in what we're doing in our business. We bury ourselves in busy work because that's what we feel like is our worth. And it's all about that is finding what makes you feel. I don't want to say worthy, but find out what makes you feel good inside. I'm a creator. I love to educate and so I educated with my dry brand. We had a show called The Dry Eye Show. It was a podcast and a YouTube station. But then in the agency side, I also am. I teach people all the strategies that we used. And so I love to educate people on how to do stuff.Travis 00:02:05 And I was a professor at Ohio State. So I find my value in education, in masterminding with people, in networking. And so as long as that didn't go away when we sold our business, then I would be fine. My wife, on the other hand, I don't think she knows as much. She finds it in motherhood a little bit. But we have we have two kids and they're in school during the day, so. But she also finds it in I think writing is her kind of passion. Is email, copywriting, blog posting and creating that value for people in the written form. But when Eye Love kind of is going away or has gone away, and it's changed over the last year and a half, she didn't get to do that as much as she used to. And so her kind of value and her worth that she felt kind of went away. And so she kind of felt empty inside. And it's very hard. So as an entrepreneur, we need to find our worth in something that we can continue doing even when the business is gone.Travis 00:02:59 That doesn't mean busywork. It just means focusing on what you feel like you were put on this earth to do. And mine is education. And then focusing on our foundation's mission, which is giving people vision that don't have access to eyecare. And so we go on mission trips three, two to 3 to 4 times a year, and we donate to those causes as well. And that's because that's where we find value, is giving people vision because that helps their lives, of course. And then also educating and creating for people to help them learn things as well.Josh 00:03:33 All right. Let's pivot now Travis, into profitable pineapple ads. you know, tell us why you got started in PPC. And let's talk about some of the, you know, tactics that have been working in PPC specifically for now. And then. I know you've got in the Billion Dollar seller summit. you shared some advanced tactics about implementing blog strategies and some of that cool stuff. And so we'll get to that. But let's talk about just regular old PPC to begin with and your journey to where it got to you.Josh 00:04:06 Right now with your agency?Travis 00:04:08 Yeah. So the agency was just born out of a need that we had. And again, listening to the universe and how it's coming at us and taking action on it. And so what happened was we hired multiple agencies, seven agencies total tried six softwares. This was back in 2016 and 2017. And finally I hired a good friend of mine who had a very respectable agency and software. And I thought, you know, I think they're going to do a great job. If they can't do it, then I got to figure it out. And unfortunately, it just didn't work out. And what I found with agencies constantly is they just spend a lot for a little return. And they always promised, yeah, it's coming, it's coming. We're just getting the data. The problem is I kind of knew what to do with the Amazon PPC, ...
We take you to Pacific Palisades, where residents remembered those who lost their lives in the fire a year ago. We also update you on the SoCal Edison compensation fund for victims of the Eaton Fire. Nick Reiner's attorney has just quit the case. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comSupport the show: https://laist.com
This episode opens with a reality check on streaming delays before diving into the growing divide between investing and gambling, highlighted by Charles Schwab's refusal to promote crypto, options, and prediction markets while Robinhood leans fully into high-intensity trading. Don and Tom warn that flashy features and frequent trading usually lead to worse outcomes, not better ones. Listener questions cover whether employees can roll a 401(k) during a plan change (usually no), how to cope with bad retirement plans, and how to choose between a high-cost growth fund and a low-cost index option. The show also tackles whether mixing Avantis and Dimensional funds truly adds diversification, argues that over-engineering portfolios is counterproductive, and closes with a candid discussion about the decline of financial radio, the rise of podcasts, and why a strong financial plan matters more than recent market gains. 0:04 Recorded-not-live reality, streaming delays, and why nothing feels real anymore 1:56 Schwab draws a hard line between investing and gambling 2:56 Robinhood's casino-style features and the problem with pandering 6:12 Why trading more usually means ending up with less 6:52 Listener question: Can you roll a 401(k) during a plan change while still employed? 9:23 Why “in-service” rollovers usually aren't allowed before 59½ 11:53 What employees can do when stuck in a bad 401(k) plan 14:44 Fund choice question: Fidelity Growth vs. Vanguard 500 Index Trust 18:06 Why expenses, risk, and diversification matter more than past performance 19:21 Why podcasts are replacing traditional financial radio 22:06 How to listen to podcasts using Apple Podcasts and Spotify 27:22 Avantis vs. Dimensional: does doubling up add diversification? 31:52 Over-diversifying and the illusion of control 34:42 New-year reminder: returns don't equal good planning 35:25 The importance of having an actual financial plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Leading asset managers are positioning for a sharp sell-off in US technology stocks, Venezuela's government has launched a crackdown after the US captured Nicolás Maduro, and the Trump administration is meeting with executives from US oil majors to discuss its strategy for Venezuela. Plus, the FT's Joe Leahy explains how US involvement in Venezuela could affect China. Mentioned in this podcast:Fund managers prepare for ‘reckoning' in US tech sectorVenezuela launches wave of repression after US seizure of Nicolás MaduroUS oil tankers sail towards Venezuela as risk of production ‘collapse' loomsChina's influence in US backyard tested by Nicolás Maduro's downfallNote: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today's FT News Briefing was hosted and edited by Marc Filippino, and produced by Fiona Symon, Victoria Craig and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Kelly Garry. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann and Michael Lello.The FT's acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show's theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
"One person can definitely make a difference. Don't be afraid to be the first voice—sometimes the biggest cases start with one person speaking up." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast. In this powerful and enlightening episode, Stacey LeBaron sits down with attorney Joyce Glass, a passionate and pioneering voice in animal welfare law. From her start as a bankruptcy attorney to becoming a tireless advocate for animals, Joyce shares the deeply personal journey that led her to found a pro bono legal practice focused on protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. Her mission is clear: addressing animal cruelty not only helps animals but also creates safer, more compassionate communities. Joyce walks us through her work drafting legislation, collaborating with law enforcement, and handling complex animal cruelty cases across New York, Connecticut, and North Carolina. Learn how laws like Desmond's Law in Connecticut and innovative partnerships such as the Fund for Animal Cruelty Treatment of Suffolk Inc. are creating new models for justice. She explains why recognizing the link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence is crucial, and why community collaboration is key to long-term solutions. Listeners will gain insight into the legal classification of animals, the challenges of prosecuting cruelty cases, and the evolving role of courtroom advocates. Whether you're a community cat caregiver or just passionate about animal welfare, this episode empowers you to take action and be the voice animals need. Press Play Now For: How Joyce Glass transitioned from finance law to animal advocacy Why community-level collaboration matters more than state mandates An overview of Desmond's Law and its real-world impact What to do if you witness animal cruelty How trail cams and Ring doorbells are changing investigations The case for expanding protections to all animals, not just cats and dogs Resources & Links: Desmond's Law (https://harvardlawreview.org/forum/vol-134/desmonds-law-early-impressions-of-connecticutrsquos-court-advocate-program-for-animal-cruelty-cases/) Desmond's Army (https://www.desmondsarmy.org/) Fund for Animal Cruelty Treatment of Suffolk Inc. (https://factssaves.org/) Find Joyce on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-glass-7708b1158/) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies645) Underfoot Podcast (https://communitycatcentral.com/underfoot-podcast) Follow & Review We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
What happens when leadership development is built on ethics, values, and genuine human dignity, not just performance metrics? Brian Peckrill, Executive Director, describes how the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund is investing in leaders who want to make a meaningful difference. You're invited to look at your own leadership through the lens of impact, responsibility, and the kind of intentional choices that move organizations—and society—forward. You'll learn how the Fund's Fellows Program develops high-potential MBA students into values-driven leaders who can influence entire industries. Brian shares the core elements of their leadership model—stretch experiences, strong support, and deep reflection—and how this approach builds self-awareness, courage, and character. You'll also hear behind-the-scenes stories about the Ethical Leader of the Year Award and what today's exceptional CEOs are doing to elevate people, uphold dignity, and lead with integrity. Brian is the Executive Director at the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund. He previously served as the director of their Fellows Program, where he was responsible for designing and implementing a forward-thinking, ethics-focused experience for top MBA students. Brian was also responsible for fostering an active and engaged alumni community of young business leaders as they embark on and manage their careers. You'll discover: How values-based leadership transforms both leaders and the communities they serveWhy metacognition and self-concept matter in developing future executivesThe powerful role of stretch experiences, coaching, and reflectionHow alumni mentoring strengthens leadership capability and confidenceWhat the Ethical Leader of the Year Award reveals about great leadership todayCheck out all the episodesLeave a review on Apple PodcastsConnect with Meredith on LinkedInFollow Meredith on TwitterDownload the free ebook Listen Like a Pro
SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter: http://riskreversal.substack.com/ Dan Nathan & Guy Adami break down the top market headlines and bring you stock market trade ideas for Tuesday, January 6th. Fund managers prepare for ‘reckoning' in US tech sector: https://www.ft.com/content/48d9c100-0ec6-4edf-9395-eb44879ea5c6?desktop=true&segmentId=d8d3e364-5197-20eb-17cf-2437841d178a#myft:notification:instant-email:content -- Learn more about FactSet: https://www.factset.com/lp/mrkt-callSign up for our emailsFollow us on Twitter @MRKTCallFollow @GuyAdami on TwitterFollow @CarterBWorth on TwitterFollow us on Instagram @RiskReversalMediaLike us on Facebook @RiskReversalWatch all of our videos on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Matt talks with SHARE Fund Chairman Jerry Rainville about the mission of the SHARE Fund and the critical role volunteers play in sustaining its work. Jerry also reflects on the broader importance of volunteering and encourages listeners to make a difference in their community by getting involved.
Kick off the new year with a new episode of the NKY Spotlight Podcast! Today we're joined by Jordan Huizenga & Kerry Brown of Beech Acres Parenting Center and Joe Klare of Catalytic Development Funding Corp of Northern Kentucky .The NKY Spotlight Podcast is powered by CKREU Consulting.
2025 was a unique year for markets. Natalie Gill, Portfolio Strategist at the BlackRock Investment Institute, unpacks the three key lessons we see for 2026.General disclosure: This material is intended for information purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any securities, funds or strategies to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Investing involves risks. BlackRock does and may seek to do business with companies covered in this podcast. As a result, readers should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this podcast.In the U.S. and Canada, this material is intended for public distribution.In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel:+ 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.In the European Economic Area (EEA): this is Issued by BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V. is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. Registered office Amstelplein 1, 1096 HA, Amsterdam, Tel: 020 – 549 5200, Tel: 31-20- 549-5200. Trade Register No. 17068311 For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded.For Investors in Switzerland: This document is marketing material.In South Africa: Please be advised that BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited is an authorised Financial Services provider with the South African Financial Services Board, FSP No. 43288.In Singapore, this is issued by BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (Co. registration no. 200010143N). This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In Hong Kong, this material is issued by BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. In Australia, issued by BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 (BIMAL). This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should assess whether the material is appropriate for you and obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL's Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdictionIn Latin America: this material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any shares of any Fund (nor shall any such shares be offered or sold to any person) in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities law of that jurisdiction. If any funds are mentioned or inferred to in this material, it is possible that some or all of the funds may not have been registered with the securities regulator of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay or any other securities regulator in any Latin American country and thus might not be publicly offered within any such country. The securities regulators of such countries have not confirmed the accuracy of any information contained herein. The provision of investment management and investment advisory services is a regulated activity in Mexico thus is subject to strict rules. For more information on the Investment Advisory Services offered by BlackRock Mexico please refer to the Investment Services Guide available at www.blackrock.com/mx©2026 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.BII0126-5094604
The Thrift Savings Plan's I fund continued its year-long positive run in December, posting a month over month increase of more than 3%. That, by far, was the best performing TSP fund in the final month of 2025. For the year, the I fund saw a return of more than 32%, which was more than 10% higher than any other account. Overall in December, 13 of 15 funds came back in the black. Only the F and S funds posted negative returns in December as compared to November. For the year, 12 of 15 TSP funds returned more than 11%.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, Adrienne breaks down the four pathways every business can use to fund growth: debt, equity, revenue power plays, and asset leverage. She explains why under-capitalization kills more businesses than bad ideas and shares the mindset and structure required to become “fundable.”Key Takeaways: You cannot scale without funding. Capital is strategy, not luck. Debt preserves ownership; equity accelerates growth. Revenue power plays can create cash-on-demand without outside capital. Fundable companies have clean financials, predictable revenue, capable owners, and clear systems. Capital flows to companies that look prepared, not desperate. What You'll Learn: The 4 capital pathways every CEO must understand How to choose the right funding method for your next stage How to prepare your company to receive capital What lenders and investors really look for The financial mistakes that kill funding opportunities Resources: Mogul Chix Guide to Getting VC Funding- https://mogulchix.com/product/mogul-chix-guide-vc-funding/Funding School ™- http://academy.mogulchix.com/funding-school/
NADAR'S BALLOON AND THE BIRTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY Colleague Anika Burgess, Flashes of Brilliance. In 1863, the photographer Nadar undertook a perilous ascent in a giant balloon to fund experiments for heavier-than-air flight, illustrating the adventurous spirit required of early photographers. This era began with Daguerre's 1839 introduction of the daguerreotype, a process involving highly dangerous chemicals like mercury and iodine to create unique, mirror-like images on copper plates. Pioneers risked their lives using explosive materials to capture reality with unprecedented clarity and permanence. NUMBER 1 1870 siege of the Paris Commune.
Get access to metatrends 10+ years before anyone else - https://qr.diamandis.com/metatrends Anjney Midha is a General Partner of a16z (Andreessen Horowitz), leading AI and infrastructure transactions. Bonnie Chan is the CEO at Hong Kong Exchanges or HKEX. Dave Blundin is the founder & GP of Link Ventures _ Connect with Peter: X Instagram Connect with Dave: X LinkedIn Connect with Anjney X Linkedin Connect with Bonnie Linkedin Listen to MOONSHOTS: Apple YouTube – *Recorded on October, 2025 *The views expressed by me and all guests are personal opinions and do not constitute Financial, Medical, or Legal advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As 2026 begins, many investors are looking for smarter, more hands-off ways to generate income. In this episode of The Real Wealth Show, Kathy Fettke is joined by her partner, Leah, to walk through RealWealth's Texas real estate fund. They break down why this fund focuses on single-family rentals with select small multifamily properties, how current market conditions in Texas are creating unique buying opportunities, and what investors should understand about returns, risks, refinancing strategies, and exit options. The conversation also covers why fewer buyers in today's market can mean better pricing, how population and job growth are shaping North Texas, and why this moment may offer a compelling entry point for investors planning their 2026 strategy.
Crypto News: Bitcoin RSI demands breakout as exec says 'RIP' to 4-year BTC price cycle. Tether's Bo Hines says Anyone bearish on Bitcoin heading into 2026 is foolish. Turkmenistan officially legalizes crypto mining and exchanges.Brought to you by ✅ VeChain is a versatile enterprise-grade L1 smart contract platform https://www.vechain.org/
In this episode of Molecule to Market, you'll go inside the outsourcing space of the global drug development sector with Jim Gale, Founding Partner & Managing Director at Signet. Your host, Raman Sehgal, discusses the pharmaceutical and biotechnology supply chain with Jim, covering: The origins of growth equity in private equity and how it led to the founding of Signet, a fund built on deep domain expertise. Why private equity is a growing asset category but still remains undervalued and under appreciated. How the nature of the companies Signet invests in has evolved over the last twenty five years, while the fundamental principles of building a strong business remain the same. How the “picks and shovels” strategy of investing in tools, services and infrastructure has consistently served them well. Jim's assessment criteria when evaluating new opportunities after seventy deals, including the key question… can we institutionalise an entrepreneur led business. How higher interest rates and economic uncertainty constrain biopharma and biotech, and how that impacts investment dollars flowing into pharma services, along with deal flow, valuation and structure. James “Jim” Gale is the Founding Partner and Managing Director of Signet Healthcare Partners, a New York based healthcare growth equity firm specialising in pharmaceutical services, specialty pharma and medical technology. With more than thirty five years of investing and finance experience, Jim has built a deep track record backing companies involved in formulation, development, manufacturing and commercialisation across the world. At Signet, Jim has led investments across the pharma services value chain, including platforms in sterile fill finish, complex formulations, biologics development and specialty generics. His current and recent board roles include Ascendia Pharmaceutical Solutions, NorthX Biologics, RK Pharma, Bionpharma, Chr Olesen Synthesis, Pharma Nobis, Juno Pharmaceuticals and Lee's Pharmaceutical. He also serves as Chairman of Bionpharma and is a director of Knight Therapeutics. Jim holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Molecule to Market is also sponsored by Bora Pharmaceuticals and Charles River Laboratories, and supported by Lead Candidate. Please subscribe, tell your industry colleagues and join us in celebrating and promoting the value and importance of the global life science outsourcing space. We'd also appreciate a positive rating!
Welcome to the first episode of 2026! In this episode, Paul Andrews kicks off "Jamming Month" with practical advice on why most guitar jams—whether solo or group—tend to stall or feel unmusical, and how you can overcome those hurdles to make your playing more creative and enjoyable.Key Topics Discussed1. Jamming DefinedJamming isn't just about playing with other people. It can be solo, using backing tracks or drum loops, and is accessible to beginners.2. Practice-a-Thon and Charity NewsJanuary's Practice-a-Thon: Practice throughout January to launch your year on a strong note.Optional charity element supporting Jesse's Fund, helping children with complex needs. You can join and track your progress for free, with the option to raise funds.3. Upcoming EventsFirst Steps Jam: January 11th (live on Zoom) — Learn the basics of jamming with guided real-time practice.Live Member Q&A: January 25th (live on Zoom) — Submit questions in advance or join live; recording available later.4. Why Guitar Jams Go NowhereThe core issue: Random ideas with no intent or commitment.Most jams falter not from lack of skill, but lack of focus.5. Noodling vs. JammingNoodling: Playing without intent, changing ideas constantly.Jamming: Committing to ideas, responding to what you hear, and developing musical phrases.6. The Power of ConstraintsMusic flourishes with fewer ideas, not more.Use constraints (like limiting yourself to three notes or repeating a phrase for 30 seconds) to foster creativity and musicality.7. Practice ChallengeTry the "two-note improvising" challenge found in the community section of Beginner Guitar Academy.8. Action Steps for ListenersIf you can play a few chords or notes, you're ready to jam! Jamming is a skill developed by doing.For your next solo or group jam, pick one idea and stick with it longer than feels comfortable—this forces creativity and deeper musical exploration.9. What's NextNext week's episode: How to sound musical using just one scale, and why phrasing is more important than knowing lots of notes.Resources and LinksSign up for PracticeThon: bgapodcast.com/januaryCommunity Section &...
"This is our first of two year opening shows. We will cover new Public Domain availability, anniversaries for this new year and some predictions for 2026."
The Watership Down Podcast is intended for listeners who are familiar with the plot. There definitely will be spoilers. This episode is scripted Newell Fisher, narrated, recorded and edited by Newell Fisher. LINKS: With thanks to Rob Lylyk: 'Bravery, Tragedy and Watership Down in Oosterbeek Airborne Cemetery - Operation Market Garden': https://youtu.be/uzxNYm-9H34?si=M3rMyKiSYyB3nFwKScene from 'A Bridge Too Far' featuring Michael Graham Cox: https://youtu.be/EIPZRBCuW-4?si=6vwEvQ3ScA30bNkbCaptain Desmond 'Paddy' Kavanagh's grave at Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Netherlands https://monument.marketgarden.com/person/299/desmond-t-kavanaghOTHER RELEVANT LINKS: With thanks to Andrew Stevens: 'Understanding Comics: The Hidden Art' by Scott McCloud: https://www.scottmccloud.com/2-print/1-uc/ Bob Cropman's website: https://watershipdownonline.co.uk/ Awards for the graphic novel:https://www.instagram.com/p/C97CumNRDA7/?igsh=dzJvZWtqN2oyOHdz https://www.instagram.com/p/DO5P__NjWTM/?igsh=MWdrb3o2bGs3emJ3cA== CONTACTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Email: thewatershipdownpodcast@outlook.com Social media: Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/thewatershipdownpodcast The Watership Down Podcast Honeycomb on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/468458781496287/?ref=share Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thewatershipdownpodcast?igsh=MWtlNjR5MDNrNGZzdw== Threads:https://www.threads.net/@thewatershipdownpodcast Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/watershipdpodcast.bsky.social YouTube channel:https://youtube.com/@thewatershipdownpodcast1300?si=NWMmo3D2mVdLn-25 Past charity appeals: Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund website:https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/
This episode revisits one of The Ken's most consequential stories from 2025. When journalist Anand Kalyanaramn started investigating unusual patterns in India's options market, he uncovered alleged manipulation on a massive scale. Someone was controlling market movements to guarantee profits—making billions while regular traders lost everything. SEBI identified Jane Street as the culprit; and the firm is appealing the allegation. Today, Anand explains how the alleged scheme worked, why India was vulnerable, and what this landmark case means for the future of fair markets.Daybreak is produced from the newsroom of The Ken, India's first subscriber-only business news platform. Subscribe for more exclusive, deeply-reported, and analytical business stories.
It's been one year since California's Pacific Palisades fires, and “not enough has happened” to rebuild communities. “Mayors and towns are struggling” to get Sacramento to help rebuild these communities as was promised. Elaine Culotti, known as the “Lipstick Farmer,” discusses the aftermath of the Pacific Palisades fires in her first podcast episode for The Daily Signal. “These are real people that lost everything and have absolutely no one to turn to for help. Nothing has happened ... Our governor is absolutely nowhere to be seen. I have not seen him in the Pacific Palisades since a few days after the fires ... We have been absolutely left to fend for ourselves.” Support The Daily Signal's work today by becoming a Signal Elite Supporter. Your tax-deductible monthly gift will help:
Freedom does not come from one big win. It comes from knowing your bills are paid whether you show up or not. Brian Tran learned that lesson early. Raised in an immigrant family that came to this country with nothing, he watched his parents work nonstop just to survive. Hard work was never the issue. Stability was. That experience shaped how Brian thought about money, risk, and what real security actually means. Instead of chasing fast wins, Brian focused on building cash flowing rental properties first. Not to get rich overnight, but to create breathing room. Monthly income that showed up consistently became the foundation that allowed him to take bigger swings later without putting his family or future at risk. In this episode, Brian breaks down how rental properties became the engine behind everything he built. From flipping homes to scaling multiple businesses, those steady checks gave him confidence, leverage, and optionality most people never experience. When things worked, he scaled. When things did not, his life did not collapse. We also unpack how he invested out of state from high cost markets, why cash flow matters more than hype, and how stable income completely changes how you approach risk, growth, and opportunity. This episode is not about shortcuts. It is about building a base so strong that you can bet on yourself without fear. If you want wealth that supports your life instead of controlling it, this conversation will change how you think about money and real estate. Book your mentorship discovery call with Cory RESOURCES
In this 2025 Year-End Investment Portfolio Review we cover the following topics:1. Asset Allocation a. Diversification / changes b. Rebalancing2. Simplification3. Beneficiaries4. Performance5. Tax Loss or Gain Harvesting6. Fees a. Fund fees b. Advisor fees7. Evaluate Your Performance a. Did you buy/sell anything b. What worried you during the yearJoin the Newsletter. It's Free:https://robberger.com/newsletter/?utm...
Today on the Invest In Her podcast, host Catherine Gray sits down with award-winning musical writer Nico Juber and Tony-nominated director Kristin Hanggi for a dynamic conversation about what it really takes to develop, produce, and invest in Broadway musicals. Nico—named a "Woman to Watch on Broadway" by the Broadway Women's Fund—is the creator of Millennials Are Killing Musicals and co-writer of Winner, with work supported by New York Theatre Barn, IAMA Theatre Company, and multiple national arts organizations. Kristin is best known for directing the smash-hit Rock of Ages, earning a Tony nomination for Best Direction of a Musical, along with acclaimed projects including bare, Clueless, Romy and Michele, Accidentally Brave, and Netflix's Julie & the Phantoms. Together, they bring unparalleled insight into the creative and business side of musical theatre. In this episode, Catherine explores how Nico and Kristin develop new musicals, navigate the Off-Broadway and Broadway pipeline, and collaborate with investors and producers to bring original work to life. They discuss the economic engine behind musicals, how investors participate in both purpose and profit, and what makes an impact-driven Broadway project successful. Nico also shares stories from her creative lineage—her grandfather, Sherwood Schwartz, created The Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Island, and her father, Laurence Juber, played lead guitar for Paul McCartney and Wings—and how that legacy fuels her storytelling. This insightful conversation gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at artistic development, producing partnerships, and why Broadway can be a powerful and meaningful investment opportunity. https://www.showherthemoneymovie.com www.sheangelinvestors.com Follow Us On Social Facebook @sheangelinvestors Twitter (X) @sheangelsinvest Instagram @sheangelinvestors & @catherinegray_investinher LinkedIn @catherinelgray & @sheangels #InvestInHer #FinancialWellness #WomenInFinance #FinancialEmpowerment #MoneyMindset #InclusiveFinance #FintechForGood #BehavioralEconomics #WealthBuilding #FinancialHealth #EmpowerWomen #MoneyMatters #SheAngelInvestors #InvestInYourself #FinancialFreedom
Today from SDPB - conversation around South Dakota's governor-controlled Future Fund continues and a look at safety precautions you can take if heading outdoors this holiday weekend.
Opinion columnist Nancy Churchill critiques a Washington Supreme Court order on public defense, arguing it creates sweeping mandates without funding and shifts costs onto rural cities, counties, and taxpayers, while calling on lawmakers to address the issue through legislation such as SB 5914. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-justice-for-none-court-hands-down-a-mandate-without-a-dime-to-fund-it/ #Opinion #WashingtonPolitics #PublicDefense #LocalGovernment #RuralWashington
Western civilization is being tested like never before. Victor Davis Hanson argues to the contrary, saying that while much of Western Europe and America's blue states continue down a failing path, signs of renewal are emerging in unexpected places—Eastern Europe and America's red states. These countermovements are pushing back against cultural nihilism, restoring free speech, reinforcing the nuclear family, and demanding legal immigration with full assimilation. He breaks down these emerging trends on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “'It's a verdict for the future of Western civilization. We've had the revolution for 50 years, but we haven't seen a counterrevolution to the degree that's taking place. Western European elites in the former British Commonwealth and blue state elites all are very critical of the Yahoos in Eastern Europe and the Yahoos in the red states. But only for a while because their paradigm is collapsing as we speak. And the people who are gonna save Europe are the people who they thought they were embarrassed of. It's quite ironic, but it's also a hopeful time for Western civilization.” (0:00) Introduction (0:48) Symptoms of Decline in the West (1:58) The Impact of Ideological Choices (2:47) Open Borders and Assimilation Issues (3:32) Counterrevolutions (4:40) A New Paradigm for Renewal We need your help to ensure The Daily Signal can continue to counter the liberal media's lies with the truth. Support The Daily Signal's work today by becoming a Signal Elite Supporter. Your tax-deductible monthly gift will help:
"Helping that one cat is incredibly valuable... but it also represents a new behavior, a new calling, as to how we are addressing cats in our community." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast. As 2025 draws to a close, host Stacy LeBaron takes the mic solo to share heartfelt reflections, bold vision, and a rallying cry for cat advocates everywhere. In this special year-end episode, Stacy unveils Community Cats Central, a transformative evolution of the Community Cats Podcast, designed to deepen education, networking, and support for cat lovers turning their passion into action. This isn't just a look back—it's a forward march. Stacy encourages each listener to embrace their leadership potential, set attainable goals for 2026, and build stronger bonds within their communities. With stories like the Newburyport case study and a touching tribute to her late friend Betty Bro, this episode bridges the personal and the strategic, reminding us that every cat saved starts with a connection, a plan, and a little courage. Whether you're new to TNR or a seasoned advocate, this episode is your invitation to step into leadership and create lasting change. Press Play Now For: A preview of the 2026 vision for Community Cats Central Tips to set realistic goals and avoid burnout in rescue work Why YOU are a leader—even if you don't feel like one The power of positive connections in advocacy Sneak peeks at new on-demand TNR courses and January events A moving tribute to cat champion and what she teaches us about legacy Resources Mentioned: Community Cats Central (http://communitycatscentral.com) Newburyport TNR Case Study (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5704110/) TNR Certification Workshop – Jan 3 (https://communitycatscentral.thinkific.com/courses/tnrcert-january-2026) The Cat Conference – Jan 24–25 () Community Cat Program Management Course – Starts Jan 26 () All About Animals Rescue – Michigan () Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies645) Underfoot Podcast (https://communitycatcentral.com/underfoot-podcast) Follow & Review We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
A proposed sales tax could help fund LA's fire department. We break down a plastic bag ban taking effect in the new year. There's rain in the forecast for this year's Rose Parade, so find out why officials have banned umbrellas. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comThis LAist podcast is supported by Amazon Autos. Buying a car used to be a whole day affair. Now, at Amazon Autos, you can shop for a new, used, or certified pre-owned car whenever, wherever. You can browse hundreds of vehicles from top local dealers, all in one place. Amazon.com/autosVisit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support the show: https://laist.com
On this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, Tyler Sweatt sits down with Meghan Moretti, CEO of the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund, to talk about service beyond the uniform and what it takes to sustain impact long after the fight fades from the headlines.A West Point classmate and former Army MP, Meghan shares her path from the military to healthcare to leading one of the most impactful military family nonprofits in the country. The conversation explores leadership transitions, generational responsibility, and why community, not just capital, is essential to honoring service and sacrifice.What's Happening on the Second FrontWhy nonprofit leadership is faster and harder than most people expectThe scale of need facing military families as the next generation reaches college ageHow community and storytelling cut through generational numbnessWhat meaningful service looks like after the uniform comes off
In this bonus episode, Paul Andrews announces the launch of the January Practice-a-thon challenge at Beginner Guitar Academy! The Practice-a-thon kicks off Thursday, January 1st, and is designed to set the tone for a productive and inspiring year of guitar playing.What is the Practice-a-thon?A flexible challenge: Push yourself to practice guitar more often throughout January.No pressure to practice every single day, set your own realistic goals.Perfect for those struggling with consistency, motivation, or regular practice.Charity ElementThis year, you can add a charitable aspect to your challenge by getting sponsored.Donations support Jesse's Fund, a UK charity using music to help children with additional and complex needs communicate and express themselves.You can set up your own sponsorship page or support Paul Andrews via his sponsorship page. (All participation is optional.)How to JoinSign up at bjapodcast.com/januaryRegister with your name and email to receive all the info you need.Download the Practice Tracker (a fillable, printable PDF) to log your minutes and reflect on your progress each week.Links to set up your charity page are included in the email.Episode HighlightsStart the year strong by building a consistent practice habit.Connect with a community of guitar learners.Support a meaningful cause through music.Entire challenge is free and customizable to your schedule.Let's kick off 2026 with a bang!Quick LinksSign up for the Practice-a-thon ChallengeJoin the challenge, start the year with intention, and become the guitarist you want to be—while helping others experience the joy and connection of music!Note: The Practice-a-thon challenge and charitable elements are entirely optional and flexible. Participate in whatever way is right for you.
In this episode, we sit down with Rajeev Ranka from Incubate Fund, a Japanese Venture Capital firm managing over $1.5 Billion in AUM, to understand the bold decisions behind building generational companies.Rajeev breaks down the Japanese Way of investing which involves thinking in 100 year cycles. He shares why they backed Captain Fresh during the first month of the COVID lockdown and the massive decision to kill a profitable domestic arm to build a global giant.We also dive into why he believes Quick Commerce will eventually be bigger than E-Commerce, the untapped potential of Middle India, and what it takes to get a Day Zero investment from a Japanese VC.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWe talk about:- How a Japanese VC views the Indian startup ecosystem.- The Japanese Way: Why they plan for 100 year timelines.- The Captain Fresh Pivot: Moving from a domestic player to global seafood exporter.- Why Yulu dominates 90% of the last mile delivery market.- The Middle India opportunity that most VCs are ignoring.- Red Flags & Green Flags: How to pitch Incubate Fund.Connect with Rajeev:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeevrankaIncubate Fund Asia: https://incubatefund.in/SMBC Asia Rising Fund - https://www.smbc-asiarising.vc/VC10X links:Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com#VentureCapital #StartupIndia #IncubateFund #JapaneseInvestment #CaptainFresh #QuickCommerce #Yulu #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast
RISKING IT ALL TO DOCK DRAGON WITH THE ISS Colleague Eric Berger. To fund its Mars ambitions, SpaceX needed NASA contracts to deliver cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) using the Dragon spacecraft. Unlike traditional capsules, Dragon integrated propulsion directly into the vehicle to support future reusability. Behind schedule, SpaceX combined two test missions (C2 and C3) into one high-stakes attempt. During the approach, the spacecraft's LIDAR navigation system faltered, forcing NASA flight director Holly Ridings to make a "brave call": she allowed SpaceX to rewrite software on the fly, defying standard mission rules to achieve a successful docking. NUMBER 3 MAY 1953
Artificial intelligence is being used to steal voices, faces, and reputations. Victor Davis Hanson knows this firsthand. Hanson explains the growing problem of AI-generated deepfake videos that falsely use his image, voice, and setting to promote ideas he has never expressed and often strongly disagrees with. He breaks down this dishonest and unethical practice and why it's harmful to public discourse on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words." (0:00) Introduction (0:16) The Rise of Deepfake Technology (0:45) AI Hijacks Hanson (1:29) Motivations Behind Deepfake Creators (2:07) Impact (5:56) Conclusion We need your help to ensure The Daily Signal can continue to counter the liberal media's lies with the truth. Support The Daily Signal's work today by becoming a Signal Elite Supporter. Your tax-deductible monthly gift will help:
Host Stephen Ibaraki sits down with Thomas Park, Co-Founder and Lead Partner of the BDC Deep Tech Fund, to explore leadership, innovation, and the future of Canadian deep tech.From McKinsey and the Gates Foundation to investing in AI, quantum computing, and foundational technologies, Thomas shares insights on:Consulting vs implementationVenture capital vs private equityGovernment's role in innovationScaling startups beyond research excellenceEthics, explainability, and human-centered technology
Not all “civil” behavior is harmless. Some actions, cloaked in sophistication or authority, can be far more destructive than overtly crude ones. From Donald Trump's press interactions to the actions of journalists, university leaders, and political officials, Victor Davis Hanson distinguishes between crass and refined crudity—showing how the latter misleads the public under the guise of authority or expertise—on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “No need to call Jasmine Crockett a low-IQ person or a reporter dumb or stupid or fatty. And I would call that crass crudity. And it's something that Trump does and probably should not do, and people have probably reminded him of that. But there's another type of crudity, I would call that crudity refined crudity. Crass crudity is openly overt, transparent, and condemned. But it's also rhetorical. It doesn't affect policies. It's the ways one reacts to criticism in Trump's case. But what is refined crudity? I wanna tell you, give you some examples, very different examples of what I would call refined crudity.” (0:00) Introduction (0:20) Trump's Crass Crudity (1:13) Refined Crudity in Media (2:16) Refined Crudity in Academia (3:59) Refined Crudity in Law and Politics (5:12) Refined Crudity in Military Leadership (8:04) Conclusion We need your help to ensure The Daily Signal can continue to counter the liberal media's lies with the truth. Support The Daily Signal's work today by becoming a Signal Elite Supporter. Your tax-deductible monthly gift will help:
Welcome to our final weekly roundup of the year! In this episode we reflect on our 2025 predictions before deep diving into our 2026 predictions. We discuss what to expect for stablecoins, prediction markets, the equity vs token debate & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Rob's 2025 predictions: https://x.com/HadickM/status/1876642292716482868 Santi's 2025 predictions: https://x.com/santiagoroel/status/1883931926047945064 Jason's 2025 predictions: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz/status/1876701413935325275 -- This Empire episode is brought to you by VanEck. Learn more about the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE): http://vaneck.com/EmpireNODE An investment in the Fund involves a substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. It is possible to lose your entire principal investment. The Fund may invest nearly all of its net assets in either Digital Transformation Companies and/or Digital Asset Instruments. The Fund does not invest in digital assets or commodities directly. Digital asset instruments may be subject to risks associated with investing in digital asset exchange-traded products (“ETPs”), which include the historical extreme volatility of the digital asset and cryptocurrency market, as well as less regulation and thus fewer investor protections, as these ETPs are not investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) or commodity pools for the purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. Visit vaneck.com to read and consider the prospectus, containing the investment objective, risks, and fees of the fund, carefully before investing. © Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation. -- Uniswap's Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi. Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap's powerful onchain trading infrastructure. https://hub.uniswap.org/?utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ww_web_bw_awa_trading-api_20251117_podcast_clicks -- Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:34) Rob's 2025 Predictions (10:15) Santi's 2025 Predictions (26:29) Jason's 2025 Predictions (29:31) Ads (VanEck, Uniswap) (31:13) 2026 Predictions: Will ETH Be Higher or Lower? (32:35) Stablecoins In 2026 (41:38) Return of The DeFi Mullet (51:30) Markets In 2026 (57:09) Privacy & Onchain Identity (01:01:38) Prediction Markets Will 10x (01:08:14) U.S Exchange Competition (01:17:02) Equity & Tokens Will Merge (01:19:45) Regulation in 2026 (01:21:43) Final Predictions -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
DEI killed meritocracy—and white men in America have paid the price. Victor Davis Hanson breaks down a recent, controversial article from Compact Magazine, which examines how white males have been increasingly excluded from fields like entertainment, journalism, and academia over the past several decades. Hanson explores the effects of early affirmative action, post-George Floyd hiring practices, and who bears responsibility for these changes on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “I do blame the older white hierarchy, mostly liberal professors, liberal journalists, liberal directors, liberal actors, liberal screenwriters. They all had nice cushy jobs. They earned them. Then they decided in their utopian generosity that they were going to admit people into their guilds without the same criterion that they had had because it made them feel better. “In other words, they didn't accept Tom Sowell's or Shelby Steele's advice or Jason Riley's that says, when you do that, you're going to encourage mediocrity and opportunist, and you're going to deprecate the work of African Americans or Hispanics that are very talented. But that's what you're going to do just to gratify your own sense of ego and shame. And that's exactly what happened.” (0:00) Introduction (0:21) Compact Article (0:57) Affirmative Action and Its Impact (2:50) Meritocracy Loss (4:12) Blame and Responsibility (5:54) Consequences of Lower Standards (7:07) Conclusion We need your help to ensure The Daily Signal can continue to counter the liberal media's lies with the truth. Support The Daily Signal's work today by becoming a Signal Elite Supporter. Your tax-deductible monthly gift will help:
We explore one of the most sensitive and least discussed topics in Jewish life: money and marriage.• Why do so many couples avoid talking about money?• What do fights about money really represent?• How can couples build financial trust and literacy before and during marriage?• What role should community education play in preparing young people for real-world financial responsibility?To unpack all this, we sat down with Sarah Nissel, an attorney, law professor at Pepperdine, and Executive Director of the Jewish Divorce Assistance Center of Los Angeles. After mediating over 300 divorces, Sarah has learned what truly makes (and breaks) relationships when it comes to money + how self-awareness, communication, and education can prevent heartbreak.She shares candid lessons from the front lines: how to talk about money without shame, how to manage conflict constructively, and why the chuppah isn't the finish line, it's the starting line.It's a powerful, eye-opening conversation about emotional intelligence, financial transparency, and Torah values in Jewish relationships — not just how to avoid divorce, but how to build marriages that actually thrive.
“Affordability” is the word going into the 2026 midterm elections—and a GOP win is incumbent on Trump's ability to communicate the truth on the economy. Victor Davis Hanson says that, despite recent economic wins such as falling inflation rates and tax cuts, the public perception of economic pain persists because Democrats have successfully shifted blame onto President Donald Trump from the real culprit—former President Joe Biden. How did this happen? And can the Trump administration fix this perception in less than a year? Hanson breaks it down on today's episode of "Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” (0:00) Introduction (0:21) Key Issues in the 2026 Midterms (1:45) Trump's Economic Wins (3:32) Democrat Misconceptions (4:55) Foreign Policy Focus (6:42) Conclusion We need your help to ensure The Daily Signal can continue to counter the liberal media's lies with the truth. Support The Daily Signal's work today by becoming a Signal Elite Supporter. Your tax-deductible monthly gift will help:
"Taking that first step is going to change your life—but it's also going to change the lives of so many animals." – Alex Ricard This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Underfoot Podcast. In this globally-minded episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Adelle Louise and Alex Ricard—two trailblazing young leaders reshaping the future of TNR. As founders of the Saaving the Streets podcast and grassroots nonprofits spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas, Adelle and Alex have turned compassion into action, collectively sterilizing over 3,000 cats while mentoring others along the way. Adelle shares her shift from general rescue work in Vietnam to high-volume TNR operations in Greece, supported by collaborations with local and international organizations. Alex opens up about how rescuing one kitten in a dog's mouth on a Greek island set her on a mission to tackle the root causes of feline overpopulation. Together, they explore how cultural context, veterinary access, and community engagement impact outcomes—offering practical advice for improving programs at any scale. With a focus on strategy, collaboration, and the power of storytelling, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to level up their approach to TNR—whether in a city, on a farm, or across borders. Press Play Now For: How Adelle and Alex went from solo rescuers to global educators What TNR looks like in Greece, France, Mexico, and beyond The story behind their podcast Saaving the Streets Why thinking like a funder helps you do more with less Equipment, training, and collaboration tips for mass trappings How to turn your first sterilization into a life of impact Resources Mentioned: Saaving the Streets Podcast (https://www.petliferadio.com/saavingthestreets.html) Travel Animal Rescue (https://travelanimalrescue.org/) Saaving Lives (Alex's Nonprofit) (https://www.instagram.com/saavinglives/) Feline Fix by Five (https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/feline-fix-by-five/) Spay Panama (https://spaypanama.org/) Spay Mexico (https://www.spaymexico.org/) Neighborhood Cats (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/) The Cat Report (https://www.thecatreport.org) United Spay Alliance (https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/) Sponsor Links: Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies644) Underfoot Podcast (https://communitycatcentral.com/underfoot-podcast) Follow & Review We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101?mt=2). Select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then share a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
MEXICO'S CIVIL WAR AND THE MCLANE-OCAMPO TREATY Colleague Alan Taylor. Taylor describes the brutal civil war in Mexico between Conservatives and Liberals led by Melchor Ocampo, who sought to reduce Churchpower. To fund this war, Ocampo negotiated the McLane-Ocampo Treaty, offering the US transit corridors across Mexico for money, though the US Senate ultimately rejected it. NUMBER 3
The disastrous way in which public officials handled the Bondi Beach massacre begs the question: Why are authorities hesitant to call out radical Islamist violence when it occurs? From a mass shooting in Australia to canceled Christmas celebrations in Paris, Victor Davis Hanson argues these incidents are not isolated. Instead, they reveal deeper pathologies facing Western societies: open borders without assimilation, ideological blinders driven by DEI dogma, and a broader cultural, spiritual, and strategic decline. He breaks it down on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “In the case of these incidents, it means, if the perpetrator is from the Middle East, there's a feeling, a general feeling, that you cannot identify him. Or, if you do identify him or you say it's a radical, Muslim, you have to then say, ‘We deplore all violence. We don't—we deplore antisemitism'—which is the case in point in Australia—‘but we also deplore Islamophobia, of which there is no examples of people mass shooting Muslims in the case that we have seen.'” (0:00) Introduction (1:31) Champs-Élysées Christmas Cancellation (2:01) Brown University Shooting (3:11) Broader Issues in the West (3:21) Open Borders and Lack of Assimilation (5:42) Western Decline and Its Consequences (7:23) Final Thoughts We need your help to ensure The Daily Signal can continue to counter the liberal media's lies with the truth.Support The Daily Signal's work today by becoming a Signal Elite Supporter. Your tax-deductible monthly gift will help:
SHOW 12-18-25 THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT THE POTUS AT YEAR'S END... 1951 BALD EAGLE ALASKA CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that some members resist. While the US proposes using these funds for post-war rebuilding, current plans risk spending the capital on immediate warfare, potentially undermining international financial trust. NUMBER 1 NATO AND EU SEEK DEFENSE FUNDS AMID FEARS OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION Colleague Anatol Lieven. European nations like Finland are demanding funds to counter perceived Russian threats, despite a lack of historical aggression toward them. Lieven argues that plans to spend billions on tanks are misguided, as the Ukraine war demonstrates that expensive armor is easily destroyed by cheaper drones and defensive lines. NUMBER 2 CALIFORNIA JOB LOSSES AND CHINA'S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AMID RETAIL SEASON Colleague Chris Riegel. California's new wage mandates have triggered significant job losses in the fast-food sector, forcing operators to move to lower-tax states. Internationally, while China boasts of leads in AI and EVs, these sectors rely on unsustainable subsidies, masking a deep consumer recession and deflation in the property market. NUMBER 3 SPAIN'S GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS TIES WITH VENEZUELA DESPITE OPPOSITION Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady. The Spanish government under Pedro Sanchez maintains ideological and economic alliances with the Maduro regime, prioritizing political agendas over democratic ideals. Opposition figure Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo accuses former Prime Minister Zapatero of acting as an international agent for Maduro, facilitating the dictatorship's survival despite mass migration. NUMBER 4 CHINA'S SURREPTITIOUS SUPPORT KEEPS THE MADURO REGIME AFLOAT Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. China sustains the Maduro regime through loans, surveillance technology, and military equipment while bypassing sanctions to import Venezuelan oil. The state oil company, PDVSA, collapsed due to the purging of technical experts and lack of investment, forcing Venezuela to rely on Iranian engineers to maintain minimal production. NUMBER 5 VENEZUELA'S TRAGIC DECLINE FROM PROSPERITY TO AUTHORITARIANISM Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. Historical imagery reveals Venezuela's transformation from a prosperous, modern nation in the 1950s to a ruined state today. Deep inequality and corruption in the pre-Chavez era alienated the poor, allowing Hugo Chavez to capitalize on their frustration and dismantle the free market system, leading to the current crisis. NUMBER 6 ELECTIONS IN CHILE, PERU, AND HONDURAS SIGNAL REGIONAL SHIFTS Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. In Chile, José Antonio Kast's rise reflects a rejection of progressive policies and crime, favoring order and investment. Meanwhile, Peru faces political fragmentation and violence, Honduras struggles with electoral disputes, and Costa Rica appears poised to elect a pro-US candidate who aims to limit Chinese influence. NUMBER 7 ARGENTINA'S CREDIT RATING RISES AS BRAZIL FACES POLITICAL POLARIZATION Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. S&P upgraded Argentina's credit rating following Javier Milei's austerity measures, which have stabilized the currency and reduced inflation despite social costs. In Brazil, the reduction of Jair Bolsonaro's prison sentence and his son Flavio's candidacy signal a continued, polarized struggle against Lula da Silva's agenda for the 2026 election. NUMBER 8 ROMAN KINGSHIP: FROM CITIZEN SELECTION TO THE IDEAL OF SERVICE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Early Roman kings were selected by citizens based on merit rather than heredity, but figures like Servius Tullius began bypassing this consent. Conversely, Cincinnatus exemplifies the Roman ideal of service; he accepted absolute dictatorial power to save the state during a crisis, then immediately resigned to return to his farm. NUMBER 9 APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLITICAL GENIUS Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Appius Claudius Caecus transformed the Roman censorship office into a power base by building the Appian Way and appointing wealthy Italians to the Senate. As a blind elder statesman, he shamed the Senate into rejecting peace with Pyrrhus, insisting Rome must fight to maintain its dominance and ancestral legacy. NUMBER 10 ROME VS. CARTHAGE: DESTINY, TRAGEDY, AND THE CONSENSUS FOR WAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The conflict between Rome and Carthage is symbolized by the tragedy of Dido, representing the incompatibility of their powers. Despite Hannibal's devastating victories, the Roman Republic prevailed through a political system that prioritized consensus and collective sacrifice, allowing them to endure immense losses without surrendering. NUMBER 11 THE GRACCHI BROTHERS AND THE RISE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ROME Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The Gracchi brothers introduced political violence to Rome, with Tiberius using populism to revive his career and Gaius acting as a true believer in reform. Their assassinations by the Senate marked a departure from peaceful republican norms, as the elite used violence to protect entrenched economic inequality. NUMBER 12 DISCOVERY OF GIANT RADIO GALAXIES AND SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Astronomers have discovered 53 giant radio galaxies, some 75 times larger than the Milky Way, powered by active supermassive black holes emitting radio jets. These ancient objects offer insights into galactic evolution, contrasting sharply with the Milky Way's smaller, dormant black hole that allows life to exist safely. NUMBER 13 INVESTING IN HUMAN INTELLECT OVER ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Given an unlimited budget, Dr. Pal would prioritize human resource development over new telescopes, proposing a space study institute in Africa to train experts. He argues that while AI is a useful tool, education is essential for humans to interpret data and appreciate the machinery rather than being replaced by it. NUMBER 14 EUROPE SCROUNGES FOR FUNDS AMID RUSSIAN ASSET DISPUTES Colleague Michael Bernstam. The UK threatens to seize proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC for Ukraine aid, while the EU struggles to finance a $135 billion shortfall for Kyiv. European leaders propose leveraging frozen Russian assets for loans, but financial markets remain skeptical of the EU's ability to guarantee such debt. NUMBER 15 CONGRESSIONAL SPENDING AND THE REVERSE MIDAS TOUCH Colleagues Dave Hebert and Peter Earle. Hebert and Earle argue that Congressional spending exacerbates problems in education and healthcare by subsidizing demand while restricting supply through regulations. They contend politicians prefer "showy" supply-side interventions, like drug busts, over effective policies because the politics of appearing effective outweigh the economics of actual affordability. NUMBER 16
CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that some members resist. While the US proposes using these funds for post-war rebuilding, current plans risk spending the capital on immediate warfare, potentially undermining international financial trust. NUMBER 1 1811 BRUSSELS