Personable

Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School, PhD from MIT as a Fulbright Scholar, and former investment banker at Morgan Stanley, joins Personable to challenge everything you think you know about business, universities, and how to think clearly in a world full of misleading data.In this episode, Alex reflects on losing his father to cancer, being the first in his family to attend university, and how a single day of front page glory at Morgan Stanley convinced him academia could have more lasting impact than any deal. From the broken incentives of the tenure system to the misrepresentation of diversity research, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on how to think better, lead better, and live better.This is an essential listen for anyone interested in business, academia, critical thinking, purpose-driven leadership, and building a life that actually matters.He discusses:◽️ Why he walked away from Morgan Stanley the day after his deal hit the front page of the FT◽️ The tenure system and why top universities are built to punish their best teachers◽️ Why the McKinsey diversity research falls apart the moment you actually read it◽️ Grow the Pie - why purpose and profit are not opposites◽️ How to think clearly in a post-truth world full of statistics designed to mislead you00:00 Introduction and Alex Edmans background02:15 Hyrox, Macmillan and losing a parent to cancer07:30 First-generation student, St Paul's and the scholarship that changed everything13:45 Morgan Stanley, the front page moment and why it wasn't enough19:20 Why academia offers something finance never could25:10 The tenure system and how universities punish great teachers32:40 Diversity, performance and why correlation is not causation39:15 Grow the Pie — purpose, profit and the business case for doing good45:30 May Contain Lies — how to think in a post-truth world51:20 Confirmation bias, contrary evidence and seeking the truth57:00 What still drives Alex after tenure, awards and 3 million TED views1:02:30 One thing every listener should take awayAlex Edmans◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aedmans/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.

Send a textRick Schonberg, Head of Prime at Coinbase and former executive at Goldman Sachs, State Street, LCH, and Tagomi, joins Personable to unpack how crypto becomes institutional, what trust really means in modern finance, and why careers rarely follow a straight line.In this episode, Rick reflects on graduating into a recession with no job, being fired twice, and how serendipity shaped a career spanning traditional finance, clearing houses, and digital assets. From institutional custody and regulation to stablecoins, trust, and the future of money, this conversation cuts through crypto hype and focuses on how financial systems actually evolve.This is an essential listen for anyone interested in finance, crypto, careers, institutional trust, and navigating long-term success in volatile industries.He discusses:◽️ Graduating into a tough job market and building a career without a linear plan◽️ Why early “unimpressive” jobs can be the most valuable◽️ From Goldman Sachs to Coinbase and what drove the transition into crypto◽️ Institutional custody, regulation, and why trust is the real asset◽️ Stablecoins, payments, and how crypto reshapes the financial system◽️ Lessons from being fired, taking risks, and sustaining long-term careers00:00 Introduction and Rick Schonberg background02:30 Graduating into recession and early career lessons07:45 Getting fired, serendipity, and career pivots14:20 From traditional finance to crypto20:45 Institutional custody and trust at Coinbase27:10 Regulation, bad actors, and building credibility34:50 Stablecoins and the future of payments41:30 Careers, success, and rejecting influencer mythology47:55 The future of finance and crypto adoption54:10 Final advice for graduates and long-term thinkingRick Schonberg:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickschonberg/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.Footnote:Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer, now holds over $100 billion in T-bills. According to data from the Treasury Department, it ranks as the 18th-largest overall holder of US debt, above the UAE ($85 billion).Support the show

Send a textNick Jenkins, founder of Moonpig and former Dragon’s Den investor, joins Personable to unpack the darkest moments behind building Moonpig, how close the business came to failure, and what it really takes to keep going after a major exit.In this episode, Nick reflects on his early career trading commodities in post Soviet Russia, the unlikely origins of Moonpig, and the period when even his own investors warned him to stop putting money into the business. From personalization as a competitive moat to the realities of organic growth, fundraising pressure, and selling a company, this conversation cuts through startup mythology and focuses on what actually sustains a business over decades.This is an essential listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, surviving near failure, building real businesses, and finding purpose after success.He discusses:◽️ The early years in post Soviet Russia and lessons from trading◽️ How Moonpig was born and the period it nearly failed◽️ Why personalization and organic growth built a defensible business◽️ Lessons from Dragon’s Den and common founder mistakes◽️ Selling Moonpig for £120M and finding purpose after the exit00:00 Introduction and Nick Jenkins background02:16 Studying Russian and early career in Russia08:45 Trading, culture, and competitive advantage13:54 Choosing entrepreneurship over traditional careers17:09 Organic growth vs venture capital23:59 Lessons from Dragon’s Den investing29:25 Distribution, media, and owning the customer39:49 The origins of Moonpig and near failure42:49 Selling Moonpig and finding purpose after exit45:24 Final advice on entrepreneurship as a careerNick Jenkins:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-jenkins1/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.Support the show

Send a textRobert Karas, Chief Investment Officer at Bank Gutmann with over 30 years of investing experience, joins Personable to unpack why investors panic, how emotions quietly destroy returns, and what long term success in markets actually requires.In this episode, Robert shares lessons from living through bubbles, crashes, and severe drawdowns, explaining why investor behavior matters more than intelligence or strategy. From confirmation bias and media noise to portfolio construction and discipline, this conversation focuses on the psychological side of investing that determines outcomes over decades.This is an essential listen for anyone trying to understand investor psychology, market fear, and how to stay rational during periods of uncertainty.He discusses:◽️ Why investors panic and sell at the worst moments◽️ How emotions and confirmation bias destroy returns◽️ Lessons from bubbles, crashes, and major drawdowns◽️ Long term investing vs short term speculation◽️ Position sizing, discipline, and staying invested00:00 Introduction and Robert Karas background01:47 How Robert first got into investing04:58 The danger of get rich quick mindsets08:36 Early losses and learning the hard way12:14 Long term compounding vs short term trading16:52 Investor psychology and emotional decision making21:09 Media noise, headlines, and confirmation bias26:03 Technology, AI, and investing skepticism31:41 Portfolio construction and position sizing37:18 Concentration risk and drawdowns43:07 Why investors sell at the worst moments49:26 Managing fear during market crashes55:42 Advice for young investors and careers1:01:08 Listening, learning, and long term thinking1:06:37 Legacy, reflection, and final takeawaysRobert Karas:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkaras/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.Support the show

Send a textTintin Smith, YouTuber, former Head of YouTube for Ali Abdaal, and founder of the $100K YouTuber Academy, joins Personable to unpack what it really takes to build a sustainable business on YouTube, from audience quality and monetisation to systems, consistency, and long-term thinking.In this episode, Tintin explains how he transitioned from consulting into the creator economy, what he learned working inside one of the world’s most successful educational YouTube businesses, and why most creators misunderstand how money is actually made online. He shares insights on audience understanding, email lists, courses, and why a small, focused audience can outperform millions of passive subscribers.This is an essential listen for anyone trying to understand content creation as a serious business, the future of online education, and how creators should think beyond views and virality.He discusses:◽️ How he became Head of YouTube for Ali Abdaal◽️ Why audience quality matters more than follower count◽️ The real business model behind educational YouTube◽️ Courses, coaching, and owning your monetisation◽️ Systems, consistency, and sustainable content creation◽️ The future of YouTube in an AI-driven world00:00 Introduction and context for the episode01:40 Tintin’s background and early career path03:40 Discovering Ali Abdaal and starting YouTube06:20 Quitting consulting and career uncertainty09:10 Joining Ali Abdaal’s team11:30 Growing from writer to Head of YouTube14:20 Transparency, money, and online education17:00 Why YouTube is modern-day Hollywood20:10 Education vs entertainment on YouTube23:10 AI and the future of content platforms26:40 Careers in YouTube gaining legitimacy30:10 Is YouTube a real business33:00 Inside Ali Abdaal’s business model36:20 Sponsorships vs owned products39:40 Email lists and monetisation strategy43:10 Part-Time YouTuber Academy explained46:40 Audience understanding over algorithms50:00 3 million subscribers vs 3,000 dentists54:10 Why follower count does not equal revenue58:30 Pricing based on transformation1:02:30 Final reflections and key takeawaysTintin Smith◽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tintinsmith◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tintin-smith-9b4720174Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.Support the show

Send a textLia Forcina, Partner and Portfolio Manager at LGR Capital, joins Personable to unpack what is really driving global markets in 2025 and beyond, from geopolitics and government spending to gold, energy, and shifting capital flows.In this episode, Lia explains why markets began the year pricing a Goldilocks scenario, how geopolitical tensions are quietly reshaping risk premiums, and why governments, not markets, now dictate where capital moves. She shares her views on gold, inflation risk, Europe versus the US, and how investors should cut through noise by following policy, not headlines.This is an essential listen for anyone trying to understand macro markets in an era of political shock, fragmented alliances, and policy-driven investing.She discusses:◽️ Why markets priced Goldilocks and what changed◽️ How geopolitics and energy are reshaping risk premiums◽️ Why gold continues to surge◽️ Governments as the real drivers of capital allocation◽️ How investors should position for 2025–202600:00 Why markets entered the year pricing Goldilocks03:40 Geopolitics, Venezuela, Iran, and global power shifts11:50 Gold, energy security, and inflation signals17:30 Europe, Germany, and defense as a structural trade23:40 Capital flows, Treasuries, and reserve currency risks30:10 Banks, deregulation, and financial innovation37:00 What markets are not pricing yet43:30 Retail investors, prediction markets, and risk-taking50:20 Private credit, illiquidity, and systemic risks56:30 AI, hiring, and the future of hedge funds1:03:00 The key questions investors should be asking in 20261:08:30 Final takeaways: follow the money, ignore the noiseLia Forcina◽️ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-forcina-17352459 Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.Support the show

Send a textKeith Gill, Chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee and Sun Belt Conference Commissioner, joins Personable for a candid discussion on how March Madness is decided and what happens when those decisions ignite national controversy.In this episode, Keith addresses the backlash surrounding UNC’s inclusion in the tournament and explains how the committee manages conflicts of interest, contingency votes, and public scrutiny. He offers rare insight into why bubble decisions are so polarising, why algorithms cannot replace human judgment, and how leadership changes when decisions affect institutions, careers, and lives.The conversation also explores the broader forces reshaping college sports, including NIL, conference realignment, expansion, AI, and the growing tension between professionalism and education.This is an essential listen for anyone interested in governance, leadership, and high-stakes decision making under pressure.He discusses:◽️ How March Madness selection decisions are made◽️ The UNC controversy and its wider implications◽️ Managing conflicts of interest and maintaining integrity◽️ Why bubble teams drive outrage every year◽️ Data vs judgment in selection decisions◽️ NIL and the economics of college athletics◽️ Expansion, access, and structural trade-offs◽️ Leadership under extreme scrutiny00:00 Why Selection Sunday creates pressure unlike any other day02:30 The UNC selection decision and the reaction that followed07:10 How conflicts of interest are handled inside the committee12:40 Bubble teams, contingency votes, and why outrage is inevitable18:30 Why a computer still cannot pick March Madness24:50 NIL and how the economics of college sports are changing33:10 Expansion debates and whether 68 teams is the right number41:30 Conference realignment and the Sun Belt’s strategic approach49:20 Where AI adds value and where human judgment still matters56:40 Leadership, accountability, and staying grounded under scrutinyKeith Gill:◽️ Website: https://sunbeltsports.org/staff-directory/keith-gill/43Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.Support the show

Send a textStephen Shih joins Personable for a wide ranging conversation on consulting, academia, AI, leadership development, ethics, and preparing the next generation of executives for an increasingly complex world.Stephen is the Associate Dean at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, a former Bain partner, and former Executive Vice President of Learning and Development. He has lived and worked across Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai, advising senior executives, building leadership pipelines, and now shaping one of Asia’s leading MBA programs.He discusses: ◽️ What consultants really do and why perspective matters more than jargon ◽️ Leaving Bain for academia and returning twice ◽️ AI, automation, and the future of junior consulting roles ◽️ Why future professionals must think like executives earlier in their careers ◽️ The skills that matter most in an AI driven world00:00 Stephen’s background and transition from Bain to academia 02:15 Consulting across Asia and leadership development 04:30 What consultants actually do 07:05 Perspective, judgment, and choosing the right mountain to climb 09:15 AI, consulting, and junior talent pipelines 12:15 Preparing for jobs that do not yet exist 13:30 Skills, mindsets, and executive thinking in the AI era 17:50 MBA education and developing future leaders 19:55 Differentiating HKUST and building a global class 23:30 Ethics, values, and responsible leadership 26:55 Making ethical decisions when no one is watching 28:25 Hong Kong, China, and a multipolar world 31:15 Listening, communication, and asking better questions 34:25 Admissions, individuality, and holistic evaluation 38:40 Discipline, values, and professional standards 41:10 Rankings, numbers, and misleading metrics 43:25 Traits of the most successful students 45:05 Networks, trust, and long term relationships 48:10 One key takeaway for listenersStephen Shih:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenshih/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.Support the show

Send a textIsmail Radwan returns to Personable for a wide ranging conversation on global economics, jobs, AI, geopolitics, and the future of growth.Ismail is a Lead Economist at the World Bank focusing on the GCC and the broader MENAP region. He previously served as Senior Director for Economics and Investment Strategy at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and spent over two decades at the World Bank.In this episode, Ismail explains why jobs are the single most powerful tool for eradicating poverty, how AI is likely to reshape work without replacing entire economies, and why entrepreneurship matters more than individual projects. He also shares candid views on market cycles, speculative bubbles, youth unemployment, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and how countries balance values, development, and geopolitics.This conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in economics, policy, investing, global development, and how decisions made today will shape the next generation.He discusses:◽️ Why jobs are the foundation of prosperity and social stability◽️ How the World Bank gathers data in fragile and conflict affected countries◽️ AI, productivity, and why this cycle feels similar to past bubbles◽️ What Saudi Arabia and the GCC are getting right with diversification◽️ Entrepreneurship as the true driver of long term economic value◽️ Youth unemployment, education gaps, and private sector readiness◽️ Why markets detach from reality and how individuals should prepare◽️ The role of values, communication, and dialogue in development00:00 Introduction and Ismail’s background01:40 Returning to the World Bank and MENAP focus04:30 Why jobs matter more than any single policy07:00 Data challenges in fragile states11:00 AI, automation, and the future of work18:50 Market cycles, bubbles, and historical parallels26:00 Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s transformation31:00 Security, governance, and social stability36:00 Entrepreneurship and economic ecosystems42:30 GCC investment priorities and diversification49:00 Youth unemployment and education reform53:40 Personal finance, markets, and risk management59:30 One key takeaway for listenersIsmail Radwan:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismail-radwan2021/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.Support the show

Send a textAnthony Cheung shares an honest account of his journey from a state school to working with some of the world’s largest hedge funds, and why his mission today is focused on access, education, and demystifying finance.Anthony is Chief Content and Culture Officer at AmplifyME and former Head of Markets Analysis at Newsquawk. In this conversation, he reflects on social mobility, imposter syndrome, resilience, and how skills from elite sport translate directly into success in trading and high pressure careers.This episode is a practical guide for students and early professionals who want to break into finance, build real credibility, and focus on what actually matters beyond prestige and perception.He explains:◽️ How a working class upbringing shaped his mindset and ambition◽️ Why access to opportunity matters more than raw talent◽️ Lessons from elite youth basketball that apply to trading and life◽️ The real skills banks look for beyond grades and technical knowledge◽️ How AmplifyME helps level the playing field for students globally00:00 Introduction and Anthony’s background01:34 From state school to Wall Street05:57 Why giving back became his mission10:59 Sport, discipline, and transferable skills17:35 The founding story of Amplify.me25:14 Becoming a public voice in finance33:17 How students should prepare for finance careers38:32 Would he do it all again39:16 The questions people should ask more often40:10 One lesson to take awayAnthony Cheung: ◽️ Website: https://amplifyme.com/bio-anthony-cheung◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonycheung10/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.Support the show

Send a textFounder and CEO of The Graduate Guide, Peter Wood returns to Personable to break down how graduate careers are changing, why traditional hiring is broken, and what it really takes to build ambition, confidence, and opportunity in a broken labour market.Since first appearing on the podcast, Peter has scaled The Graduate Guide from a content driven community into a platform tackling the graduate skills gap head on, culminating in its acquisition by The Apprenticeship Group. His work sits at the intersection of education, startups, recruitment, and social mobility, with a clear mission to help people prove what they can do rather than where they come from.In this conversation, Peter shares what he has learned about ambition, careers, community building, LinkedIn growth, venture capital, and why curiosity may be the most undervalued skill of the next decade.He explains:◽️ Why the graduate job market is fundamentally broken◽️ How ambition gets lost and how to reignite it◽️ What companies misunderstand about junior talent and AI◽️ How The Graduate Guide evolved from content to acquisition◽️ Why apprenticeships and upskilling are the future of work◽️ How to use LinkedIn intentionally rather than chasing vanity metrics◽️ What it really takes to stand out in a hyper competitive world00:00 Returning to Personable and the Graduate Guide’s evolution02:10 Solving the graduate career crisis04:00 Why helping everyone is harder than it sounds07:54 Building community instead of chasing brands12:06 AI, skills gaps, and the future of junior roles18:11 Apprenticeships, upskilling, and long term talent22:20 Curiosity, boredom, and ambition27:04 Social media, influence, and responsibility29:26 Entering the VC and startup ecosystem33:31 Outlasting competition and building momentum37:56 What Europe needs to succeed in venture capital40:12 Helping the average person unlock ambition47:00 How LinkedIn actually works53:42 Intentionality behind high performing content1:02:38 Legacy, ambition, and long term purpose1:09:44 One lesson to take awayPeter Wood:◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petermwood_/?hl=en◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-m-wood/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.Support the show

Send a textTravel creator Mungo McCosh (70,000 followers) breaks down how living differently, thinking independently, and embracing discomfort can unlock freedom, creativity, and a global audience.Mungo is the founder of Mungo TV, a rapidly growing travel and culture platform known for raw storytelling, sharp humour, and honest perspectives on places most people never see. From Mongolia to China, his work challenges curated travel, mainstream narratives, and algorithm driven thinking.In this conversation, Mungo shares what he has learned about authenticity, social media growth, comedy, censorship, and why doing your own thing is still the most powerful strategy.He explains:◽️ Why going off the beaten track creates better stories and a better life◽️ How to grow on social media without chasing followers or trends◽️ The real mechanics behind viral content and audience growth◽️ How humour, satire, and risk shape long term reputation◽️ What living in China is actually like beyond Western media00:00 Growing Up Across Cultures02:10 Rejecting Curated Travel04:00 From School Expectations to Independence06:43 Starting Mungo TV10:43 Being Recognised and Staying Grounded14:11 How Viral Comedy Really Works21:45 Turning Ideas Into Content26:54 Making Better Videos32:46 Why Niches Matter40:55 Comedy, Free Speech, and Risk53:52 Living and Creating in China58:12 Legacy and Meaning1:00:44 One Lesson to RememberMungo McCosh:◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcmungo.tv/◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mungo-mccosh-a81954261/◽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McMungoTV◽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mcmungotv?_r=1&_t=ZN-91quCiznHniHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.Support the show

Send a textWorld-famous adventurer BEAR GRYLLS reveals the TRUTH about success, failure, grief, and faith, and why resilience, family, and purpose matter far more than fame, money, or achievement.Bear Grylls is a British adventurer, former SAS soldier, Chief Scout, bestselling author, and host of Man vs. Wild and Running Wild. He is one of the most recognisable survivalists in the world, having climbed Mount Everest, broken his back, and worked with presidents, prime ministers, and global leaders.In this conversation, Bear goes far beyond survival and television to share the hardest moments of his life, including losing his father, enduring repeated failures, and how faith and family became his foundation.He explains:◽️ How losing a parent can become a source of strength◽️ Why resilience is more important than talent or success◽️ How repeated failure built his career behind the scenes◽️ Why fame, money, and status never bring fulfillment◽️ How faith helps navigate fear, doubt, and grief00:00 Losing a Parent at a Young Age02:10 Turning Pain Into Purpose05:01 Fame, Presidents, and Staying Grounded07:53 Why Success Never Comes From Things10:20 The Trap of Validation and Recognition12:19 Being Put in a Box by the World15:41 Success as a Journey, Not a Destination16:44 Why Character Is Built in the Valleys18:55 The Failures No One Talks About21:31 Faith, Doubt, and a Divided World25:23 Family as the Ultimate Foundation28:13 Why Bear Wrote The Greatest Story Ever Told31:59 Living Faith Through Action33:59 The One Lesson Bear Wants You to Remember35:22 Closing ReflectionsFollow Bear:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beargrylls/◽️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beargrylls/◽️ X: https://x.com/beargrylls◽️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealBearGrylls◽️ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beargrylls?lang=en◽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/beargrylls◽️ Website: https://www.beargrylls.com/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ Fundraising: https://www.loulouracefoundation.org/donatePersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.Support the show

Send a textStephen Roberts, Founder of Orgueil Capital (an investment vehicle with its North Star to quintuple capital) and former Partner at Horseman Capital, returns to Personable Markets for one of his most information packed conversations yet.From dissecting the disconnect between AI headlines and real market performance to uncovering where the true returns have been hiding this year, Stephen brings decades of global macro experience to help investors separate noise from opportunity. In this episode, he explains why commodities and banks have outperformed while tech dominated the narrative, how the steep yield curve transformed UK and European financials, and why Asia and Europe have quietly delivered standout performance.With sharp analysis across rates, geopolitics, employment trends and the coming wave of AI driven productivity shifts, Stephen breaks down the forces reshaping markets, the risks investors are ignoring and the structural changes likely to define the next decade.In this episode, Stephen Roberts discusses:◽️ AI hype versus reality and why investors are missing the real trades◽️ Commodities surging and the return of a global materials cycle◽️ Banks minting money from the steep yield curve◽️ Europe and Asia outperforming and why valuations still look attractive◽️ China tech recovery, Alibaba’s rebound and cloud dominance◽️ AI’s impact on unemployment and future economic policy⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:31 Markets since last episode, volatility, tech noise and real performance02:12 AI bubble debate and why the narrative is misplaced04:10 Commodities surge across gold, copper and miners06:25 Banks, yield curves and earnings doubling across the UK09:38 Europe and Asia outperform while investors stay fixated on AI12:14 Alibaba, Tencent and China’s cloud advantage15:03 How Stephen evaluates winners, losers and sector momentum22:39 Why interest rates determine everything in markets26:04 US manufacturing push and Mayoshi Son’s investment plans29:21 Rare earth leverage, Nvidia dependence and geopolitical tension32:48 Private markets versus public markets, liquidity and risk43:17 Commodities, banks and where Stephen sees opportunity47:01 Potential triggers for market stress across rates and employment52:44 Closing insights and long term positioning53:12 Outro📌 ResourcesStephen Roberts:◽️ Orgueil Capital: https://www.orgueilcapital.com/our-storyHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a Support the show

Send a textYoshi Yokokawa, co-founder and CEO of Alpaca, joins Personable with Harvey Bracken-Smith. Alpaca is a leading brokerage infrastructure and self-clearing fintech powering over 7 million brokerage accounts across 40 countries and backed by more than 170 million dollars in funding.Before building Alpaca, Yoshi began his career at Lehman Brothers, experiencing the rise and fall of one of the most famous investment banks during the 2008 financial crisis. He went on to become a day trader, founded machine learning startups, and ultimately created Alpaca, a company redefining how global investing is built through APIs.In this episode, Yoshi shares how he learned from both the boom and the collapse of global markets. He discusses why every generation forgets financial history, why real diversification fails in downturns, and how to stay grounded while raising hundreds of millions of dollars. Yoshi reflects on founder-market fit, emotional resilience, and what it means to build something that gives others financial freedom, the goal he has chased since childhood.In this episode, Yoshi Yokokawa discusses:◽️ What it was like working at Lehman Brothers during the 2008 crash◽️ Why diversification is often a myth in real crises◽️ Lessons from day trading and "street fighting" in the FX markets◽️ How machine learning led to the creation of Alpaca◽️ The realities of raising 170 million dollars in venture capital⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro05:00 Lehman Brothers culture in Japan07:30 Early signs of the 2008 crisis10:00 Bubbles, hedging limits and market behavior12:30 Retail investors and emotional decision making15:00 Why hedging depends on local context17:30 Leaving banking and moving into day trading22:30 Probability, discipline and trading mindset25:00 First software attempts and meeting technical friends30:00 What an API is and why it matters32:30 Licenses, compliance and protecting customer assets35:00 Raising 170 million and dealing with dilution37:30 Convincing VCs and founder market fit42:30 Japan vs Silicon Valley45:00 Expanding financial access around the world47:30 Hiring philosophy and values50:00 Personal investing style and risk approach53:00 Burnout, limits and staying balanced56:00 Legacy, family and long term thinking58:00 Final reflections1:08:00 Outro-📌 ResourcesYoshi Yokokawa:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoshiyokokawa/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. ASupport the show

Send a textIn this episode of Personable Markets, host Harvey Bracken-Smith and guest Luke Sloman analyze a defining week in global finance.Nvidia hits a $5 trillion valuation, the Federal Reserve pauses rate cuts, and Trump and Xi Jinping outline a potential new trade framework that could reshape technology, agriculture, and rare-earth supply chains.They explore the AI-driven surge in earnings from major tech firms, the growing dominance of the “BATMMAAN” stocks, and the UK’s controversial tax proposals ahead of the Autumn Budget. Harvey and Luke also debate whether record market highs represent sustainable growth or the early signs of an overheated AI bubble.In this episode, they discuss:◽️ Nvidia’s $5 trillion milestone◽️ Record-breaking Q3 tech earnings◽️ The rise of “BATMMAAN” in the S&P 500◽️ Meta’s drop despite strong results⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro00:35 Market overview and key themes01:30 Tech earnings recap: Alphabet, Amazon, Apple04:15 Microsoft and Meta’s AI CapEx spending06:30 Market reactions and investor focus08:15 “BATMMAAN” replaces the Magnificent 710:00 Nvidia’s $5 trillion valuation12:10 Blackwell chip demand and revenue pipeline14:00 Fed cut pause and data blackout16:20 Powell’s “driving in fog” comment18:00 Market reaction and inflation outlook20:00 Trump–Xi meeting breakdown22:15 Tariff reductions and fentanyl agreement24:00 Rare-earth exports and semiconductor access26:30 Nvidia’s China opportunity28:00 AI market dependence and interconnectivity30:15 Global markets hit record highs33:00 Is the AI boom sustainable?36:00 Comparing investor outlooks: optimism vs caution38:30 UK Autumn Budget preview41:00 Labour’s £36B tax hole43:00 Income freezes, property taxes, ISA reform45:00 20% exit levy and millionaire migration47:00 UK inflation and household pressures49:00 Energy costs and cost-of-living effects51:00 Brain drain: UK talent moving abroad54:00 Oxford, Cambridge, and education quotas56:30 Entrepreneurship culture: UK vs US59:00 Global capital flows and foreign investment1:01:00 Retail investors, social media, and sentiment1:04:30 Market psychology: crash fears vs growth belief1:07:00 Outlook for 2026 global markets1:10:00 Key takeaways and lessons1:15:00 Outro 📌 ResourcesLuke Sloman:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9/?originalSubdomain=ukHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. AlwaysSupport the show

Send a textJamil Qureshi, one of the world’s leading performance psychologists and the first-ever official global psychologist for the European Ryder Cup Team, joins Personable with Harvey Bracken-Smith.Having coached six world number ones and worked with 22 golfers inside the top 50, Jamil has helped shape champions across F1, the English Premier League, and the Ashes-winning England cricket team. Known for unlocking the “mindset behind mastery,” he shares how world-class athletes and leaders think, learn, and perform at their best — and why ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things through consistent habits and purposeful thinking.In this episode, Jamil reveals the mental frameworks that drive elite performance — from how to handle pressure and failure, to cultivating consistency, self-reflection, and purpose. Drawing lessons from sport, business, and life, he explains how to manage energy over time, how learning trumps winning, and why the world’s best stay open-minded no matter how successful they become.In this episode, Jamil Qureshi discusses:◽️ The psychology of high performance — why mindset beats talent◽️ Lessons from coaching Ryder Cup golfers, F1 drivers, and Premier League stars◽️ How to build consistency of mind and control the controllables◽️ Why failure is “part payment toward success”◽️ The difference between seeking to impress vs. express◽️ Purpose, discipline, and the small habits that build greatness◽️ Open-mindedness and the culture of elite teams◽️ Internal vs. external success — and how to align the two⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro02:00 How he became a psychologist after sport04:00 Spotting real experts vs. self-proclaimed “gurus”06:30 Learning through experimentation — obstacles instruct14:00 Learning over winning — how to measure progress16:30 Praising effort, not outcome18:30 Ordinary people doing extraordinary things through discipline30:00 How Jamil keeps learning from top athletes and CEOs35:00 The mindset of world champions — talent and teachability40:00 Why play and curiosity drive lifelong learning44:00 Failure as the price of success47:00 Leadership lessons from sport — creating winners who create winners52:00 How to build open-minded teams1:07:00 Outro📌 ResourcesJamil Qureshi:◽️ Website: https://www.jamilqureshi.com/◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamil-qureshi-494661a/Harvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor beforeSupport the show

Send a textIn this episode of Personable Markets, host Harvey Bracken-Smith and Luke dive into surging global markets as the S&P 500 hits record highs. They explore international outperformance, Magnificent 7 earnings, gold and silver rallies, Fed rate cut expectations, and key geopolitical shifts like the Trump-Xi meeting and US-Canada tariffs.Luke Sloman, a third-year Business and Management student at the University of Exeter, joins Personable for his fourth appearance while studying abroad at the University of Sydney. Originally from Tokyo until age 13, he moved to the UK for boarding school, focusing his studies on finance-related modules.Luke shares sharp insights on real-time market trends, analyzing interconnected economies, AI-driven valuations, and trade policies. The duo discusses whether a market crash looms, balancing risks like overvaluation with opportunities in today’s volatile landscape.In this episode, Luke Sloman discusses:◽️ Global market rallies: S&P 500 vs. KOSPI, DAX, and Nikkei◽️ AI and tech overvaluation: bubble risks in semiconductors◽️ Commodity surges: gold at $4,500/oz, silver short squeezes◽️ Fed rate cuts: employment focus, market impacts◽️ US-China trade: tariff pauses, agricultural deals◽️ Trump’s Asia strategy: ASEAN summit, Japan/South Korea talks⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro 04:43 South Korean reforms: trading fee cuts, Lee Jae-myung05:30 UK FTSE 100: overseas earnings, commodity tailwinds06:45 Gold at $4,500/oz: hedging, historical highs07:30 Silver short squeeze: mechanics, leverage impacts20:00 Market liquidity: VC saturation, government incentives23:14 Fed rate cut: 98% chance for 25 bps on October 2926:00 Employment focus: labor softening, inflation trade-offs27:06 Tariffs as bargaining: US worker benefits, Apple case28:30 Job market struggles: AI displacing graduates31:00 Human-AI synergies: workplace collaboration43:47 Trump-Xi meeting: trade war de-escalation45:00 Framework agreement: tariff pauses, ag purchases1:00:00 Government shutdown: 24th day, data delays1:04:49 JP Morgan study: missing best days cuts returns1:05:19 Staying invested: long-term importance1:07:39 Retail sources: X, YouTube, Reddit for edges1:09:00 Closing: market accuracy, critical thinking📌 ResourcesLuke Sloman:◽️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-sloman-87a6742a9/?originalSubdomain=ukHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter): https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter: https://personable.substack.com/◽️ Website: https://www.personable.media/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram: https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up): https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before makinSupport the show

Send a textDr. John Harpham, historian, Harvard PhD, Duke graduate, and author of The Intellectual Origins of American Slavery — a book nominated for the History Pulitzer Prize — joins Personable to explore the intellectual and moral foundations of one of history’s greatest wrongs.From growing up in New Orleans to studying at Harvard and teaching across America’s top universities, John shares how a decade-long journey through rare books and political thought reshaped his understanding of human morality, freedom, and the legacy of slavery.In this episode, John explains how he turned from a student of ideas into a scholar of history — and how studying slavery changes the way we understand ourselves.He breaks down why slavery wasn’t just an economic system but an intellectual one, shaped by the moral reasoning, theology, and politics of its time. The conversation explores race, freedom, cancel culture, moral relativism, and the timeless need for critical thinking.In this episode, Dr. John Harpham discusses:◽️ Falling in love with books and scholarship at a young age◽️ The leap from consumer to producer of knowledge◽️ How he researched 16th–17th-century texts to trace slavery’s origins◽️ Slavery as both an economic and intellectual institution◽️ How moral “attention” shifts across history — and why that matters⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro 00:34 Why John loves books and writing05:00 Producing knowledge and the discipline of research11:30 Growing up in New Orleans and confronting history15:00 Remembering vs. erasing — how to deal with the past17:00 The moral lessons of slavery and self-reflection20:20 Monuments, commemoration, and moral complexity25:00 Cancel culture and freedom of thought32:00 Race, economics, and the origins of slavery39:30 The moral logic that justified slavery43:00 Moral relativism vs. moral absolutism47:00 Why critical thinking is democracy’s foundation49:30 How academia can protect reason and open debate53:00 Lessons learned from writing for a decade54:00 The biggest takeaways from studying slavery57:00 Being nominated for the History Pulitzer Prize59:00 Legacy, teaching, and what’s next — Volume Two1:02:00 One thing every listener should take away-📌 ResourcesDr. John Harpham:◽️ Page: https://www.ou.edu/cas/classicsandletters/people/john-harphamHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter):  https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter:  https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up):  https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising:  https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performanSupport the show

Send a textTommy Hyland, one of the greatest blackjack players of all time and a 2002 inductee into the Blackjack Hall of Fame, returns for his second appearance on Personable.From decades of professional card counting to a 9–0 legal record defending players’ rights, Tommy has spent over 40 years beating casinos with skill, math, and grit. Known for running one of the longest-standing blackjack teams in history, he shares how he turned card counting from a side hustle into a full-time career — and why he believes professional play is “fighting the good fight.”In this episode, Tommy reveals what it takes to survive and thrive as a professional blackjack player.He explains the math behind card counting, how to manage risk using the Kelly Criterion, and what separates hobbyists from pros. From casino surveillance and legal battles to emotional control and bankroll discipline, Tommy breaks down how to stay ahead of both the cards — and the house.In this episode, Tommy Hyland discusses:◽️ Card counting vs. casino countermeasures — legal, ethical, and tactical realities◽️ Building a blackjack network — teams, mentorship, and trust in the industry◽️ The “brotherhood” of professional players and how new players can break in◽️ The Kelly Criterion — how much to bet and when to walk away◽️ How to manage risk, emotion, and long-term swings-⏱ Timestamps00:00 Intro / Welcome to Personable00:33 Life update — golf, blackjack, and staying sharp02:20 Casino restrictions and playing smart under pressure07:30 Why most casinos don’t use continuous shufflers09:30 The blackjack brotherhood — community and shared intel11:00 How to find mentors, teams, and investors13:30 The Blackjack Ball and the legends who attend15:00 Comparing blackjack, poker, and sports betting26:00 Fighting back: 9–0 legal record against casino bans31:00 The Kelly Criterion explained — how much to bet per hand35:00 Emotional control and bankroll management40:00 Building a team, finding investors, scaling your play45:00 Handling swings, losses, and staying rational55:00 Influences, mentors, and the evolution of advantage play1:00:00 Legal battles, lawsuits, and false arrests1:11:00 Believing the math — advice for new players1:14:00 Legacy, life beyond blackjack, and what’s next-📌 ResourcesTommy Hyland:◽️ Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_HylandHarvey Bracken-Smith:◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/harveybsmith◽️ X (Twitter):  https://x.com/harveybsmith_◽️ Newsletter:  https://personable.substack.com/Personable Podcast:◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/personable.podcast◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast◽️ TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@personableclips◽️ Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api◽️ Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111Additional:◽️ The Draft (Sign up):  https://thedraft.io◽️ Fundraising:  https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdnPersonable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment Support the show