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In each episode, we explore investing through an entirely unique lens, bringing in authors to discuss books that have directly or indirectly influenced our investment decisions.

Through the lens of Karen Southwick’s book, High Noon, Cole is joined by former Sun Microsystems CEO Scott McNealy to explore the author’s work and the company’s history. Scott was with Sun Microsystems as COO “In the Beginning.” In this episode, the podcast takes on an alternative format known as “In the Beginning” where we have a discussion with a founder/early executive from the foundation of a book about the company. Karen’s book highlights Sun’s ascent to power and the crucial role McNealy played. Cole and Scott discuss Sun’s early stages, its growing pains, disputes with Microsoft, and how it became a company that helped develop the internet.

More Episodes

Enda Kenny – Exclusive Interview

June 9, 2025

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. […]

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Padraic Scanlan – Rot: An Imperial History of the Irish Famine

June 2, 2025

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 […]

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Russell Shorto – Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events that Created New York and Shaped America

May 19, 2025

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 […]

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Kyle Paoletta – American Oasis

May 5, 2025

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 […]

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Amar Bhide – Uncertainty and Enterprise: Venturing Beyond the Known

April 21, 2025

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 […]

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Mary Flannery – Geoffrey Chaucer: Unveiling the Merry Bard

April 7, 2025

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 […]

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