In this special quarterly ‘book list’ episode of A Book with Legs, Smead Capital Management’s analyst team, including Seamus Sullivan, Nick Garcia, and Will Keenan, joins Cole Smead to discuss memorable takeaways from books they have recently read, share what they are reading now, and preview what’s next. They also offer fresh insights for investors on opportunity in homebuilders, oil prices with Israel and Iran’s 12-day war, and more.
Jun 30, 2025•52 min•Season 4Ep. 415
In this episode, Cole Smead sits down with independent scholar and writer Jill Eicher to discuss her book, “Mellon vs. Churchill: The Untold Story of Treasury Titans at War.” Their conversation explores the never-before-told story of heated debates between Andrew Mellon and Winston Churchill over post-WWI debts. Eicher and Smead discuss how each side of the dispute crafted narratives to shape public opinion, their differences in leadership philosophy, and more.
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 414
In this special bonus episode, Cole Smead and Conor O’Callaghan sit down with former Taoiseach of Ireland Enda Kenny to dive deeper into Ireland’s rich history and the Great Famine. They also explore the spread of the Irish people and their modern identity. Kenny reflects on his experience as a politician, including run-ins with U.S. Presidents and what it means to be a leader.
Jun 09, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 413
In this episode, Cole Smead and Conor O’Callaghan sit down with Author and Educator Padraic Scanlan to discuss his book, “Rot: An Imperial History of the Irish Famine.” The three explore the history of the Great Famine, explaining how Ireland’s position in the British Empire and reliance on the potato made it uniquely susceptible to starvation, and more.
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Season 4Ep. 412
In this episode, Cole Smead speaks with author and historian Russell Shorto about his latest book, ”Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events that Created New York and Shaped America,” discussing the birth of New York City, originally a Dutch-controlled settlement called New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island, until English takeover. Their conversation explores this pivotal transfer of power, and the key figures involved, explaining how it shaped the future of New York and the American identity....
May 19, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 4Ep. 411
In this episode, Cole and Bill Smead speak with journalist and author Kyle Paoletta about his book, “ American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest. ” Their conversation explores the unique history of the American Southwest and its most iconic cities. The discussion spans from Spanish colonialism to the impact of railroads and suburbanization. They also examine the region’s key drivers of economic growth today, including innovative water conservation solutions being used to s...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 4Ep. 410
In this episode, author, professor, and Council on Foreign Relations member Amar Bhide, joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, “Uncertainty and Enterprise: Venturing Beyond the Known.” Their conversation explores the relationship between profit and uncertainty when investing, the old and new schools of thought emerging from the Chicago School of Economics, artificial intelligence, and more.
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Season 4Ep. 409
In this episode, writer and medievalist Mary Flannery joins Cole Smead to discuss her book, “Geoffrey Chaucer: Unveiling the Merry Bard.” Their discussion explores the life and work of English writer and poet Geoffrey Chaucer, a father figure in the English literary tradition, covering his most influential and controversial works, numerous titles and royal affiliations, impact on the modern English language, and more.
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 4Ep. 408
In this special quarterly ‘book list’ episode of A Book with Legs, Cole and Bill Smead revisit the most memorable takeaways from the books recently featured on the podcast, share what’s on their current reading list, and preview what’s next. They also offer fresh insights into inflation, tariffs, investment opportunities in oil, and more!
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 407
In this episode, author, speaker, and radio host Eric Metaxas joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.” Their discussion explores the remarkable life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a dedicated pastor, unwilling to waver in his convictions, even when facing the Nazi regime. Bonhoeffer’s story spans continents and finds him playing a role in a plot to kill Hitler, protecting the German Church from Nazi takeover, and more.
Mar 17, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 406
In this episode, Lucy Santos, freelance historian, writer, and consultant, joins Cole Smead to discuss her book, “Chain Reactions: The Hopeful History of Uranium.” Their discussion covers topics such as the history of the element, the impact on culture, its role as an energy source, and more.
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 4Ep. 405
Max Frumes, author and Global Head of Distressed and Restructuring at 9Fin, joins Cole Smead and Conor O’Callaghan to discuss his book, “The Caesars Palace Coup: How A Billionaire Brawl Over the Famous Casino Exposed the Power and Greed of Wall Street.” In this episode, they discuss the 2015 bankruptcy brawl for Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas, the key figures involved, and more.
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 4Ep. 404
In this special taping, live from the 2025 Smead Investor Oasis, legendary Wall Street analyst Doug Terreson joins Portfolio Managers Cole Smead and Bill Smead to explore his book "Can't Deny It". They will be discussing Terreson's successful market predictions in the past, what the demand and figure growth of the industry look like, and will also be taking questions live from the audience.
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 403
In this episode, journalist and historian Vaudine England joins Cole Smead to discuss her book, “Fortune's Bazaar: The Making of Hong Kong,” discussing pivotal moments throughout Hong Kong’s complex history, the multicultural origins of its population, business culture, recent political changes, and more.
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 4Ep. 402
In this episode, writer and historian Adrian Tinniswood joins Smead Capital Management CEO Cole Smead to discuss his book, “The Power and the Glory: Life in the English Country House Before the Great War.” Tinniswood explores the opulent world of British country houses, detailing the lifestyles of aristocratic families, the integration of new wealth into traditional societies, and more. This conversation offers insights into the key historical figures, landmark estates, and societal shifts leadi...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 401
In this episode, Smead Capital Management CEO Cole Smead and CIO Bill Smead reflect on the books they have recently read, what they are currently reading, and what they look forward to reading next. Additionally, they provide their expert perspectives on financial euphoria, energy and more!
Dec 30, 2024•55 min•Season 3Ep. 329
In this episode , author and former lawyer John Oller joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, “White Shoe: How a New Breed of Wall Street Lawyers Changed Big Business and the American Century .” Oller explores the evolution of elite law firms in America and their influence on business and politics, delving into key historical figures, pivotal legal cases, and the rise of the modern corporate lawyer.
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 3Ep. 328
In this episode, financial psychologist Brad Klontz joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, Start Thinking Rich: 21 Harsh Truths to Take You from Broke to Financial Freedom , which explores the psychological factors surrounding wealth-building. Klontz provides insights into how individuals and investors can shape their mindsets around money to achieve long-term financial goals.
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 3Ep. 327
In this episode, investment analyst Brett Gardner joins Cole and Bill Smead to discuss his newly released book, "Buffett’s Early Investments," which explores Warren Buffett’s key initial ventures that shaped his approach to wealth-building. Gardner provides readers with a closer look at how the legendary investor's financial instincts and disciplined strategies helped lay the groundwork for his later success.
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 3Ep. 326
In this episode, seasoned investor-turned-commerce secretary Wilbur Ross joins Cole and Bill Smead to discuss his new book, "Risks and Returns," where he delves into the complex world of distressed asset investing. Ross shares his experiences and strategies for identifying undervalued opportunities, managing risk and maximizing returns, blending financial wisdom with personal anecdotes from a career spent transforming troubled companies intro profitable ventures.
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 3Ep. 325
In this episode, author Michael Craig joins Cole Smead and Bill Smead to discuss his book, "The Professor, The Banker, and the Suicide King," which dives into the world of high-stakes poker. The story follows the legendary Texas Hold’em showdown between billionaire banker Andy Beal and a team of top professional players, and explores the psychological tactics and strategic decisions behind each move.
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 324
In this episode, wealth manager Megan Gorman joins Cole Smead to discuss her newly released work title “All the Presidents’ Money”. The book offers a fascinating dive into the personal finances of U.S. presidents, revealing how their wealth (or lack thereof) shaped their leadership and policies. Gorman offers a compelling mix of history and financial insight to reveal the impact of money on American politics.
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 323
In this episode, Smead Capital Management CEO Cole Smead and CIO Bill Smead talk about the firm's quarterly book list. They also discuss the state of markets and the economy, investment lessons learned, and much more. Listen in to hear what books they have recently read, what they are currently reading, and the books they have on deck.
Sep 30, 2024•46 min•Season 3Ep. 322
In this episode, author Dan Slater joins Cole Smead to discuss his recently published book, "The Incorruptibles", which explores how Jewish immigrant communities played a significant role in shaping early organized crime and law enforcement efforts in the 20th century. Slater delves into the tension between labor unions, emerging crime syndicates, and the federal agents determined to combat corruption, ultimately shaping modern policing strategies.
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 321
In this episode, Professor Anne Murphy joins Cole Smead to discuss her latest work, "Virtuous Bankers,” which explores the foundations of banking in 18th century England. Murphy tells the story of how early bankers leveraged moral integrity and trust, which were essential to the development and stability of the financial system at the time. The book argues that the success of the Bank of England and the banking industry at large relied heavily on a strong reputation for virtue.
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 320
In this episode, author Richard Blakemore joins Cole Smead to discuss his newly published book, "Enemies of All", which explores the world of 18th-century piracy through a blend of historical elements and masterful storytelling. He navigates the economics of privateering by exploring themes including power and wealth. The novel highlights strategic alliances and negotiations by pirate crews who sought to maximize profits while evading imperial powers.
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 3Ep. 319
In this episode, businessman Steve Green joins Bill and Cole Smead to discuss his work, "This Beautiful Book," in which he delves into the transformative impact of the Bible on society and culture. The book explores how biblical wisdom has shaped major business decisions and leadership styles throughout history, emphasizing its influence on business ethics, leadership, and decision-making through compelling anecdotes, such as the establishment of Hobby Lobby and its adherence to biblical princip...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 3Ep. 318
In this episode, author Eric Weiner joins Cole Smead to discuss his newly released work, “Ben & Me,” which explores the life of Benjamin Franklin through research and reflection. Weiner provides a blend of historical anecdotes and practical advice, highlighting Franklin’s experiences and philosophies to offer readers timeless lessons for living meaningful and impactful lives.
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 317
In this episode, psychologist Nicky Hayes discusses her newly released title, "A Little History of Psychology," which offers an engaging overview of key figures and concepts when it comes to the study of the mind. Hayes explores how psychological research has been applied both positively and negatively throughout history while focusing on the evolution of psychological thought and practice.
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 316
In this episode, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry CEO Danny Seiden joins Cole Smead and Seamus Sullivan to talk about the firm's quarterly book list while providing thought-provoking context with insightful historical anecdotes. They also discuss the state of markets and the economy, the business environment in the state of Arizona, and much more. Listen in to hear what books they have recently read, what they are currently reading, and the books they have on deck. Have a book you ...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 315
