Odd Lots
Business & Finance
About
Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway on the most interesting things in markets.
Episodes
- The Bank of England's Megan Greene on Monetary Policy in a World of Supply Shocks
Megan Greene, of the Bank of England, joins Odd Lots to discuss how central banks grapple with demand-focused tools amidst supply-side economic challenges. They explore the impact of compounding shocks, including Brexit, and focus on infla…
- Mariana Mazzucato Thinks We Need More Moonshots
Mariana Mazzucato, director of UCL's Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, explains her
- How an American City Can Become a Manufacturing Hub
This episode of Odd Lots explores how Allentown, Pennsylvania, is working to become a manufacturing hub. Mayor Matthew Tuerk discusses the city's strategy for reindustrialization and implementing industrial policy at a local level.
- How Baltimore's Mayor Is Fighting the City's Vacant Housing Crisis
In this episode, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott discusses his administration's strategies for combating the city's vacant housing crisis, detailing efforts to redevelop properties and acknowledging the historical influences of deindustriali…
- Inside the Booming Market for Dinosaur Fossils
This episode explores the private market for dinosaur fossils, discussing how they are found, priced, and sold to collectors. It also examines the market's operation and its comparisons to the art and antiquity markets.
- How Taiwan Became the World's Most Perilous Geopolitical Chokepoint
Eyck Freymann joins Odd Lots to discuss the potential for conflict between China and Taiwan. They also discuss Taiwan's domestic politics, the
- BlackRock's Rob Goldstein on the Next Megatrends in Finance
BlackRock COO Rob Goldstein joins Odd Lots to discuss megatrends in finance, BlackRock's technological history, and the development of their Aladdin risk management technology. The conversation also covers BlackRock's approach to AI, the '…
- What's Actually Going On With Private Credit
This episode of Odd Lots discusses the private credit market's growth, its impact on corporate debt, and concerns surrounding it. Guests John Sheehan and Craig Manchuck of Osterweis Capital Management provide insights into the history of p…
- Presenting Foundering Season 6: The Killing of Bob Lee, Part 1
This episode of Odd Lots covers the killing of tech executive Bob Lee in San Francisco. Reporter Shawn Wen examines the period leading up to the arrest, including the spread of misinformation and rumors.
- Understanding the Most Viral Chart in Artificial Intelligence
This episode of Odd Lots explores a viral chart from METR, an organization focused on evaluating AI model capabilities for complex autonomous tasks. The discussion covers the mechanics and philosophy of METR's work, including how they meas…
- James Bosworth on the "Orange Wave" Happening Across Latin America
James Bosworth, founder of Hxagon, discusses the "orange shift" in Latin American politics and the region's realignment towards dealmaking with the Trump administration. The episode explores how Latin American leaders are approaching their…
- Google's Liz Reid on Who Will Own Search in a World of AI
In this episode, Google's Liz Reid discusses how AI and large language models are changing search. She addresses the implications for web traffic and advertising, as well as the practical experience of search with AI overviews.
- Daniel Yergin Sees a 'Different World' Emerging After the Hormuz Crisis
Daniel Yergin discusses the historical significance of the Hormuz crisis, its impact on the global balance of power and energy security, and the energy demands of the AI industry. He explains how different regions are affected and how this…
- Brad Jacobs on His Big Bet on Building Insulation
Brad Jacobs, CEO of QXO, discusses the $17 billion acquisition of TopBuild, a company specializing in building insulation. The conversation covers the insulation market and the current state of the building supply market. Jacobs also refle…
- Jack McClendon on Why It's So Hard to Create a New American Oil Boom
Jack McClendon discusses the difficulties in creating a new American oil boom. He covers factors such as production vs. profit, rising costs, and the role of capital markets in the industry.
- Alex Imas on Why Economists Might Be Getting AI Wrong
Economist Alex Imas discusses the potential disruptive impact of AI on the labor market. He examines why AI might be different from previous technological advancements and which jobs could be most at risk.
- Planet Money Turned Everyday Annoyances Into an Economics Book
Planet Money co-host Mary Childs and contributor Alex Mayassi discuss their new book, "Planet Money: A Guide to the Economic Forces That Shape Your Life." They explore how economic phenomena relate to everyday annoyances and discuss reason…
- Brad Setser on the War in Iran and the Future of the US Dollar
Brad Setser joins Odd Lots to discuss the potential financial impacts of the war in Iran, including shifts in global flows and challenges to the US dollar's dominance. The conversation also touches on global imbalances, energy shocks, and…
- War in Iran Is Already Reshaping East Asia's Energy Future
The war in Iran is affecting global commodities, with East Asia feeling a significant impact on its energy imports. The episode features Alex Turnbull, who suggests the conflict may hasten the region's return to nuclear power and notes a c…
- Presenting What Next TBD: Why Everyone is Freaking out About Private Credit
The podcast discusses private credit, also known as "shadow banking," which has grown significantly since the 2008 financial crisis as an alternative to traditional banking. It explores the potential risks associated with the trillions of…
- Ziad Daoud Explains How War with Iran Will Reshape the Gulf
Ziad Daoud, chief emerging markets economist at Bloomberg Economics, discusses how a war with Iran could reshape the Gulf states. Potential impacts include rebuilding infrastructure, increased defense spending, economic diversification, an…
- The Big Macro Force That's Been Driving Stocks Higher for Years
This episode of Odd Lots discusses the reasons behind rising stock market valuations, exploring research that suggests companies are more valuable due to increased free cash flow and a declining labor share of profits. It also considers th…
- How Shipping Insurance Really Works During a War
This Odd Lots episode explains the mechanics of shipping insurance, particularly war risk coverage, in the context of geopolitical conflict. It features Dorothea Ioannou and Steven Ogullukian discussing the functions of insurers, reinsurer…
- Thomas Peterffy on Interactive Brokers' Plan to Professionalize Prediction Markets
Thomas Peterffy, founder of Interactive Brokers, believes prediction markets could become a significant financial instrument for institutional traders. He outlines his firm's plan to professionalize the prediction market space, moving beyo…
- Search Engine Presents: Are you a good driver?
This episode details a secret Google project that resulted in driverless cars on American roads. It also addresses the question of whether robots are safer drivers than humans.
- Gina Raimondo on How European Industry Is Getting Crushed
Gina Raimondo joins Odd Lots to discuss the weakening US-Europe economic and security ties, arguing that European industry is being undermined by China. She advocates for a global, non-China trading bloc as a solution, while also touching…
- Scott Bok Explains What Investment Bankers Actually Do All Day
Scott Bok, former CEO of Greenhill and author of 'Surviving Wall Street', joins Odd Lots to discuss the day-to-day activities of investment bankers. The conversation explores the nature of the profession, the types of individuals suited fo…
- This Is How to Tell if Writing Was Made by AI
This episode of Odd Lots discusses the nuances of AI-generated writing, its potential for misuse, and the techniques used to detect it. Guests explore the challenges of false positives and negatives with detection software and consider the…
- Javier Blas on Why Oil Could Go Much, Much Higher
Javier Blas explains that oil prices could rise much higher due to the war with Iran, despite current inventory levels and strategic stockpiles. He discusses the impact on East Asia and compares the situation to past oil shocks.
- Why NASA Hired a Chief Economist
Alexander MacDonald, NASA's first chief economist, joins Odd Lots to discuss the challenges of funding space exploration, including competition from private companies and how NASA assesses its economic impact. The episode was recorded on M…
- Goldman CIO Marco Argenti on the Warp-Speed Improvements in AI
Marco Argenti, Goldman Sachs' CIO, returns to Odd Lots to discuss the bank's evolving AI strategy. The conversation covers the impact of new agentic AI platforms on developers and engineers, alongside the associated data and regulatory cha…
- Anthropic, the Pentagon, and the Future of Autonomous Weapons
Paul Scharre, executive vice president of the Center for a New American Security, joins Odd Lots to discuss the use of AI in warfare, autonomous weapons systems, and ethical considerations regarding Anthropic's technology.
- Now There's a Helium Shortage and It Affects More Than Balloons
The Odd Lots podcast discusses the current helium shortage, noting its essential uses in industrial applications such as semiconductor production, beyond its common association with balloons. The episode features Nicholas Snyder discussing…
- This Is How Big Money Is Trading the War in Iran
Ozan Tarman, vice chair of global macro at Deutsche Bank, discusses how large investors are navigating market volatility driven by geopolitical headlines. The conversation covers current trends in the rates market, equity positioning, and…
- The Petrochemicals Shock That's Already Rippling Through Plastics
The war in Iran is disrupting oil flow, which is also a key feedstock for petrochemicals and plastics. This has led to rising polyethylene prices and reduced output from some Asian producers, raising concerns about the global petrochemical…
- David Shor and Byrne Hobart on the Politics of a White-Collar Wipeout
This Odd Lots episode, recorded live at SXSW, features David Shor and Byrne Hobart discussing the potential for AI to displace white-collar workers. They examine the perceived threat, public opinion on the matter, and possible policy consi…
- What the Iran War Means for Dubai's Luxury Boom
The episode discusses Dubai's recent luxury boom, driven by wealthy residents and Gulf capital, and examines the potential impact of geopolitical risks, particularly from Iran's attacks on energy infrastructure and residential areas.
- Here's Why The Iran War Is Prompting A Safe Haven Rethink
The Iran war is causing investors to reconsider traditional safe haven assets. While the 2025 trade war boosted gold, geopolitical turmoil now directs investors to different shelters. This episode breaks down the shift with expert insights.
- Greg Brew on Surging Energy and the 'Strategic Trap' of the War in Iran
Gregory Brew, an analyst specializing in energy and Iran, joins Odd Lots to discuss the Iran war. They cover the conflict's impact on energy infrastructure, referencing a damaged Qatar gas plant, and explore the strategic 'trap' the Trump…
- How War in Iran Will Squeeze America's Farmers Even Further
The war in Iran is exacerbating challenges for American farmers already facing thin margins and rising costs. Global turmoil drives up energy and fertilizer prices, forcing difficult decisions about planting and sales, while tariffs and co…
- War in Iran Is Redrawing the Map for Natural Gas
The war in Iran has significantly impacted the global natural gas market, disrupting supply from the Gulf region due to severed connections and damaged infrastructure. Concurrently, the US has emerged as a major natural gas exporter, alter…
- War in Iran is Chewing Through American Missile Stockpiles
The war in Iran has significantly depleted US missile stockpiles and strained defense capabilities. This episode discusses the scale of the US arsenal, supply chain limitations, and efforts to increase missile production with expert Tom Ka…
- What War in Iran Means for China's Teapot Oil Refineries
The war in Iran has increased global oil prices, significantly impacting China's 'teapot' refineries that process Iranian oil. Expert Erica Downs discusses the cost to China's economy, its strategic petroleum reserves, and potential advant…
- Legendary Hacker Matt Suiche on Cyberwar in the Age of AI
In this episode of Odd Lots, legendary hacker Matt Suiche joins the show to discuss the evolving landscape of cyberwarfare. Topics include the blurring lines between physical and digital conflict, Iran's cyber capabilities, and the transfo…
- War in Iran Is Creating a Fertilizer Crisis Like Never Before
The war in Iran is increasing the cost of fertilizers like urea and ammonia, crucial for food production. This crisis occurs before the spring planting season, potentially worsening the impact seen in 2022. The episode discusses fertilizer…
- Rory Johnston on How Oil Could Surge to Over $200 a Barrel
Rory Johnston explains how oil prices could exceed $200 a barrel, driven by the war with Iran and potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to higher consumer costs and global shortages.
- Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev on Tokenization and Prediction Markets for Everything
Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev discusses the company's progress on tokenizing private company shares, allowing retail investors access to private equity, and its expanding efforts in the prediction market space.
- Henry Blodget on the Software Selloff Hysteria and the Problem for OpenAI
The episode features Henry Blodget discussing the shift in AI market sentiment from overvaluation concerns to fears of legacy businesses becoming obsolete. Blodget argues against the 'software doom' narrative and points out potential finan…
- Lots More on the Seaborne Chaos Around the Strait of Hormuz
This episode of Odd Lots discusses the impact of the conflict in Iran on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, including surging oil prices and rising insurance rates. Guests Anton Posner and Margo Brock share insights on the logistical a…
- Former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein on Why He Doesn't Tweet
In this episode of Odd Lots, former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein shares insights on markets, the impact of AI on investment banking, and his journey detailed in his new memoir.