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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.

Financial success and frontier exploration, but at what cost? 

In this episode, Cole is joined by Peter Stark, author of the book Astoria, to discuss America’s first millionaire, John Jacob Astor, and his public-private partnership strategy with Thomas Jefferson to open the North American west coast to global trade.

More Episodes

Mellon vs. Churchill: The Untold Story of Treasury Titans at War

June 16, 2025

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 […]

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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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