Australian Investors Podcast

The Australian Investors Podcast is a twice weekly podcast (Wednesday & Saturday), featuring laid back but intelligent short- and long-form conversations about markets, business, psychology, lessons learned and investment process. At Rask, our goal is to bring you the best insights, information and proven strategies to help you invest your time and money. SHOW NOTES: https://www.raskmedia.com.au/podcasts/australian-investors-podcast

  1. 9H AGO

    How booking.com built a travel empire (and why Google can’t kill it yet)

    In this Booking Holdings Ltd deep dive, we sit down with Alan Pullen from Magellan Investment Partners to analyse the evolution of a travel giant. From its origins as Priceline.com during the dot-com era to its transformative acquisition of Booking.com, we explore how the company’s shift from an agency model to a merchant model has reshaped its financial profile. We break down the "Connected Trip" strategy and examine how the integration of brands like Agoda and OpenTable creates a powerful network effect that continues to dominate the fragmented European and global hotel markets. As investors look for long-term value, this analysis scrutinises the Booking Holdings moat in the face of rising competition. We address the critical question: Is Google or AI a legitimate threat to their market share, or will these technologies serve as enhancers for their data-driven ecosystem? Whether you are looking at management alignment, loyalty program efficacy, or the investment case for BKNG stock, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the risks and opportunities within the current economic environment. Alan Pullen is the co-portfolio manager for the Magellan Global Opportunities Fund (ASX:OPPT). Talking Points: - William Shatner’s regret: Being paid in Priceline stock - What hotel reservations used to look like and what happened to Wotif? - The start of Booking Holdings’ life as Priceline in 1997 - Priceline lists on the Nasdaq in 1999, just before the dot-com crash - How did Priceline fare during the dot-com crash? - Surviving the crash and acquiring a small Dutch business called Booking.com - Booking.com’s original agency business model vs. the merchant model - How the agency model accelerated Booking’s success and disrupted incumbents - Booking’s network effect and the fragmented European hotel market - How has Booking.com competed in markets outside of Europe? - Booking’s acquisition of brands like Agoda and OpenTable - Booking’s business model today: The merchant model overtakes the agency model - Does Booking benefit from the "float" provided by the merchant model? - Understanding the “Connected Trip” and why the app is vital to Booking Holdings - OpenTable and Booking’s move into "Experiences" - The power of Booking Holdings’ data - How important is the Booking Holdings loyalty programme? - What is Booking Holdings’ moat? - What do hotels pay to Booking? - Booking Holdings’ competitors and business risks - Is Google a threat to Booking Holdings? - Is AI a threat or an enhancer for Booking Holdings? - Management quality: Are incentives aligned with shareholders? - Macro risks: How exposed is Booking Holdings to economic volatility? - The investment case for Booking Holdings - Key questions investors should ask when reading Booking Holdings reports - How important is US growth for Booking Holdings? - When is the right time to buy Booking Holdings? Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Investors podcast) Visit TermPlus to learn more OPPT ~~ Rask Resources ~~ Explore all Rask services – https://bit.ly/R-services Get Financial Planning – https://bit.ly/R-plan Start investing with Rask – https://bit.ly/R-invest Access Show Notes – https://bit.ly/R-notes Ask a question – just select the Investors Podcast – https://bit.ly/R-quest Follow us on social media: – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for your situation before acting on it. If you’re unsure, consult a licensed financial planner. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial adviser, or tax professional. You can access The Rask Group’s Financial Services Guide (FSG) here: https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min
  2. 4D AGO

    What if ETFs didn't exist? Plus, top 3 highlights from the ASX

    In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Drew Meredith discuss: – US–Iran conflict and what it means for oil prices, inflation and markets – Magellan’s merger with Barrenjoey and what it means for investors – Netflix stepping away from the Warner Bros deal – Reporting season highlights: Block, Woolworths, Apple, NAB and more If you love learning about investing, markets and portfolio strategy, subscribe to the Australian Investors Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Investors podcast) Visit TermPlus to learn more Rask Resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 6m
  3. MAR 3

    ASX micro caps with big potential | Luke Winchester (Merewether Capital)

    In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, your host Owen Rask is joined by Luke Winchester, founder of Merewether Capital, to discuss: – How Luke filters 2,000+ ASX stocks down to a high-conviction watchlist – What makes a quality micro cap in today’s market cycle – Five ASX micro caps Luke is watching (and in some cases owning) – Why process, patience and position sizing matter in small caps If you love learning about micro cap investing, ASX small caps and long-term compounding, subscribe to the Australian Investors Podcast on Apple , Spotify, or YouTube ! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered Luke explains how he narrows 2,300+ ASX stocks to a focused universe of ~100, then to a concentrated portfolio. He discusses avoiding mining explorers, pre-revenue biotechs and heavily loss-making businesses, and why genuine cash flow and scalability matter. – What part of the market cycle are we in? The conversation covers interest rates, volatility and why micro caps can offer opportunity when information is scarce and sentiment is weak. Luke’s 5 ASX micro cap stocks to watch: LaserBond (ASX: LBL) – Industrial laser cladding technology extending machinery life. – High-margin IP and ESG tailwinds – Recent margin recovery after a capex investment phase – Key metric: gross margin recovery and utilisation XRF Scientific (ASX: XRF) – Analytical lab equipment and consumables for mining. – High-margin consumables business (strong profit-before-tax margins) – Exposure to mining activity without being purely exploration-driven – Key metric: consumables profit growth, not just revenue Austco Healthcare (ASX: AHC) – Nurse call and healthcare workflow technology. – Transition from low-tier products to higher-value integrated systems – Turnaround story driven by management execution – Key metric: backlog conversion and recurring revenue growth Change Financial (ASX: CCA) – Payments infrastructure and card issuing platform. – Platform-style economics with operating leverage – Inflection point in profitability – Key metric: revenue growth and scale across its fixed cost base Kip McGrath Education (ASX: KME) – Tutoring franchise with education tech upgrades. – Turnaround after US expansion missteps – Strong free cash flow as capex moderates – Key metric: franchise network growth and cash generation – Which stock is most misunderstood? – Luke highlights LaserBond as a business where short-term margin pressure obscured long-term value. – Final reflections on process and discipline – Why separating business performance from share price volatility is essential in micro cap investing. Resources for This Episode – Merewether Capital website – Episode 1/2 with Luke Winchester – Subscribe to Luke’s free monthly updates via Merewether Capital Rask Resources - Explore all Rask services - Get Financial Planning - Start investing with Rask - Access Show Notes - Ask a question – just select the Investors Podcast Follow us on social media: – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for your situation before acting on it. If you’re unsure, consult a licensed financial planner. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial adviser, or tax professional. You can access The Rask Group’s Financial Services Guide (FSG) here. #Investing #Finance #AustralianInvestorsPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 3m
  4. FEB 27

    ASX results: WiseTech soars, NVIDIA surges & WOW’s best day in 30 years

    In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Drew Meredith discuss: – NVIDIA’s 73% revenue growth and what it means for Aussie investors – Why the ASX rally may be dangerously narrow – WiseTech cutting 2,000 jobs and what AI means for software – Major ASX results: Woolworths, Domino’s, ARB, Accent & more If you love learning about long-term investing, markets and business analysis, subscribe to the Australian Investors Podcast on Apple , Spotify , or YouTube! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered – NVIDIA earnings & AI disruption – ASX reporting season recap – Narrow market breadth warning – Rate hike probabilities – Portfolio hedging strategies – Career pathways in finance – Commercial property vs index investing – Big investing “what if” scenarios Resources for this episode Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset” Ask a question (select the Finance podcast) Show partner resources Join Pearler using code “RASK” for $15 of Pearler Credit Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith View Betashares range of funds Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m
  5. FEB 24

    How listed private credit is reshaping income investing on the ASX

    Andrew Lockhart, Founder of Metrics Credit Partners, joins us to walk through three ASX-listed income opportunities within the Metrics stable. We’ll trace the firm's history from the very beginning and unpack their core investment approach through the lens of these three specific funds. Talking points - Who is Andrew Lockhart? - Why start a business in the private credit space - What do you look for in an analyst when you’re hiring - Is there more competition today for origination? - A walk through of ASX listed funds, MRE, MOT and MXT - What does inflation mean for the return profile of private credit and real estate funds - What are the present risks to returns in these funds - What if your portfolio is already full of property exposure? - How can I see the pipeline of developments in the Metrics funds - Where does Andrew lunch among the Metrics hospitality venues Links to the listed funds mentioned in this episode: Metrics Real Estate Multi-Strategy Fund (ASX: MRE) https://metrics.com.au/listed-funds/metrics-real-estate-multi-strategy-fund/ Metrics Income Opportunities Trust (ASX: MOT) https://metrics.com.au/listed-funds/metrics-income-opportunities-trust/ Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX: MXT) https://metrics.com.au/listed-funds/metrics-master-income-trust/ Rask Resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min
  6. FEB 20

    BHP flies to record high, while JBH, CGF & TWE report

    In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Drew Meredith discuss: – Reporting season highlights: BHP, Challenger, Treasury Wine Estates and JB Hi-Fi – BHP’s record high and the copper narrative – AI disruption and personal financial resilience – Listener questions: VDHG + alternatives, CGT transfer to partner, gearing in super If you love learning about investing, reporting season and portfolio strategy, subscribe to the Australian Investors Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered: – Reporting season: BHP, Challenger, Treasury Wine Estates, JB Hi-Fi – Why BHP’s copper pivot is front and centre – The ASX “two-speed” feel: banks/resources up, pockets in between struggling – AI disruption and the case for financial resilience – The 2026 stock market game leaderboard update – Hypotheticals: only greater than $10b vs less than $1b market caps; $1m to invest with no US exposure – Listener Q&A: VDHG + alternatives, transferring ETFs for tax, gearing in super Episode Resources: Learn more about: reporting season, portfolio strategy and super – Rask community – Ask a question (select Australian Investors Podcast) Rask resources All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min
  7. FEB 18

    It almost broke... now it's doing $45 million | Taylor McPhail, scaling McPhails furniture

    In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, your host Owen Raszkiewicz sits down with Taylor McPhail, CEO and owner of McPhail’s Furniture, to unpack: – How McPhail’s went from $22m to $45m revenue – The painful dip that nearly broke the business – Why moving to Shopify unlocked explosive growth – The $45m, 100-acre logistics expansion in regional Victoria Taylor first joined Owen on-site in Wangaratta when the business was riding high at $22 million in revenue. Since then, McPhail’s dipped below $20m, rebuilt its structure, hired a new GM, doubled down on systems — and is now tracking towards $45 million in annual sales. This is a raw, tactical breakdown of what it actually takes to scale a regional retail business nationally — without VC money. If you love learning about business growth, capital allocation and scaling Australian companies, subscribe to the Australian Investors Podcast on Apple, Spotify or YouTube. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. Topics Covered – Rapid growth and the $22m → $45m jump What actually changed between 2022 and today. – The burnout phase Why growth stalled, what broke internally, and how structure fixed it. – Shopify and 80% online sales How the move unlocked inventory control, cash flow visibility and marketing scale. – $59 nationwide delivery & two-week guarantee How McPhail’s beat industry norms of 2–5 month wait times. – Custom rail containers to Perth Solving logistics as a competitive moat. – Zero debt in operations, 70% LVR on property Taylor’s split risk philosophy. – $30m total debt explained Why he’s comfortable — and how he stress-tests interest rates. – The 100-acre expansion Why doubling down in Wangaratta makes more sense than decentralising. – Capital allocation decisions If given $5m today — trucks, property or inventory? – Founder lessons Overpaying staff early. Why structure beats hustle. The one boring thing that wins every time. Resources for This Episode Learn more about McPhail’s: – https://mcphails.com.au/ Watch Episode 1 (original on-site interview): – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpvpqoqPZLU ~~ Rask Resources ~~ Explore all Rask services – https://bit.ly/R-services Get Financial Planning – https://bit.ly/R-plan Start investing with Rask – https://bit.ly/R-invest Access Show Notes – https://bit.ly/R-notes Ask a question – just select the Investors Podcast – https://bit.ly/R-quest Follow us on social media: – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for your situation before acting on it. If you’re unsure, consult a licensed financial planner. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial adviser, or tax professional. You can access The Rask Group’s Financial Services Guide (FSG) here: https://www.rask.com.au/fsg #Investing #Finance #AustralianInvestorsPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 1m
  8. FEB 13

    Did vibe coding kill Pro Medicus (ASX:PME)? Not so fast...

    In this Australian Investors Podcast episode, your hosts Owen Rask and Drew Meredith discuss:– AI, vibe coding and whether software moats are at risk– Pro Medicus (ASX:PME) results and the 22% share price fall– ASX at all-time highs amid a $65bn wipeout– Listener questions on ETFs, silver, property, WiseTech and more If you love learning about investing, ETFs and Australian shares, subscribe to the Australian Investors Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more investing insights. The contradiction is real. The S&P/ASX 200 hit all-time highs — yet headlines screamed “wipeout” after a 2% plunge wiped nearly $65 billion off the market in a single session. Meanwhile: AMP tanked 31% Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) fell more than 30% Pro Medicus (ASX:PME) dropped 22% on results day CSL (ASX:CSL) slid hard after earnings Banks like ANZ Banking Group (ASX:ANZ) hit fresh highs We unpack why this feels like two markets at once — and why volatility in individual stocks is rising even while the index looks calm. What’s happening in markets right now? Pro Medicus's results Rask's Reporting Season Webinar #1 Ask a question Rask Resources 🔗 Explore all Rask services – https://bit.ly/R-services 📋 Get Financial Planning – https://bit.ly/R-plan 📈 Start investing with Rask – https://bit.ly/R-invest 📜 Access Show Notes – https://bit.ly/R-notes ❓ Ask a question – just select the Investors Podcast – https://bit.ly/R-quest 📲 Follow us on social media: – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for your situation before acting on it. If you’re unsure, consult a licensed financial planner. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial adviser, or tax professional. You can access The Rask Group’s Financial Services Guide (FSG) here: https://www.rask.com.au/fsg #Investing #Finance #AustralianInvestorsPodcast DISCLAIMER Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 1m

About

The Australian Investors Podcast is a twice weekly podcast (Wednesday & Saturday), featuring laid back but intelligent short- and long-form conversations about markets, business, psychology, lessons learned and investment process. At Rask, our goal is to bring you the best insights, information and proven strategies to help you invest your time and money. SHOW NOTES: https://www.raskmedia.com.au/podcasts/australian-investors-podcast

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