The SPAC Podcast

Joshua Wilson

🎙️ Welcome to The SPAC Podcast — your front-row seat to the dynamic world of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies. Hosted by Michael Blankenship, a leading capital markets attorney and partner at Winston & Strawn LLP, and Joshua Wilson, executive producer and capital markets advisor, The SPAC Podcast brings you candid conversations, insider insights, and sharp analysis from the people shaping the future of the SPAC market. Whether you’re a sponsor, investor, founder, attorney, banker, or just curious about the mechanics and momentum behind SPACs — this show is your go-to source for education, strategy, and real-world stories from the dealmakers behind the deals. 🚀 What You’ll Hear In each episode, we’ll unpack: The structure, lifecycle, and mechanics of SPACs — from IPO to de-SPACLegal and regulatory insights that matter to sponsors and targetsInterviews with founders, investors, and advisors who’ve navigated successful transactionsTrends and forecasts from the front lines of capital marketsLessons learned, deal strategies, and ways to leverage SPACs as a growth vehicle We’re not just watching the SPAC market — we’re talking to the people building it. 🎧 Meet Your Hosts Michael Blankenship is the Office Managing Partner of Winston & Strawn LLP (Houston) and Co-Chair of the firm’s Capital Markets practice. He has represented over 100 public companies, private equity firms, and SPACs in IPOs, M&A, de-SPACs, and securities offerings. Known for his clarity, legal acumen, and deal fluency, Michael brings unmatched insight into the regulatory, transactional, and strategic forces shaping the SPAC space. Joshua Wilson is experienced in investment banking and the founder of multiple media brands, including The Investor Relations Podcast. With over 2,000 interviews under his belt and deep experience in real estate, private capital, and investor engagement, Josh brings a fresh voice and strategic lens to every conversation — helping connect deals with the stories and people behind them. Together, they bridge law, finance, and media — guiding listeners through the world of SPACs with clarity, credibility, and curiosity. 🌎 Who This Show is For SPAC Sponsors & CEOsInstitutional and Private InvestorsInvestment Bankers & Corporate AttorneysVenture-backed Founders and StartupsPrivate Equity & Family OfficesFinance Professionals and Capital Markets Enthusiasts 🔔 Subscribe, Follow, and Join the Conversation This isn’t just a show — it’s a platform for education, connection, and business development in the SPAC ecosystem. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. New episodes drop weekly. Follow us on LinkedIn and share the show with colleagues, clients, and fellow capital markets pros. The SPAC Podcast Where sponsors meet stories, markets meet momentum, and strategy meets execution.

  1. When Should Should You Engage with a Transfer Agent

    3D AGO

    When Should Should You Engage with a Transfer Agent

    In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, transfer agent veteran Seth Farbman explains when founders, CFOs, and pre-IPO companies should engage a transfer agent. Whether you're considering a traditional IPO or a SPAC transaction, knowing when to bring in a partner like VStock can help you avoid costly mistakes, streamline your shareholder recordkeeping, and present your company professionally to investors. Seth emphasizes the importance of acting “as if” meaning, prepare your cap table and shareholder communications as if you’re already a public company. For just a few hundred dollars a month, a transfer agent can take the administrative burden off your shoulders and ensure that you’re ready well before your S-1 filing. 🔗 Connect with Seth Farbman YouTube: youtube.com/@seth-farbman LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman Company: vstocktransfer.com 🎙️ Hosted by Joshua Wilson and Michael Blankenship Explore more episodes at TheSPACPodcast.com Follow us on YouTube: youtube.com/@thespacpodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/thespacpodcast #SPACPodcast #GoingPublic #TransferAgent #CapTableManagement #IPOReady #FounderTips #VStock Disclaimers: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization. Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services. Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 ...

    1 min
  2. SPACs and Post-Merger Pitfalls

    6D AGO

    SPACs and Post-Merger Pitfalls

    How can SPACs evolve to better serve investors and ensure long-term success after the merger? In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, co-hosts Michael Blankenship and Joshua Wilson are joined by Dr. Daniele D’Alvia, Lecturer in Banking and Finance Law at Queen Mary University of London and Deputy Director of the Institute of Banking and Finance Law. Dr. D’Alvia shares his view on how the SPAC model could be improved — focusing especially on the need for stronger post-merger lock-up periods for sponsors tied to performance metrics. Dr. D’Alvia critiques the misalignment of interests between sponsors and shareholders, particularly in cases where share value collapses after a merger while sponsors still profit. He proposes structural innovations to better align incentives and stabilize post-deal outcomes. Whether you're a SPAC sponsor, legal advisor, or investor, this conversation offers timely insights on reforming the model. 🎙 Guest Info: Dr. Daniele D’Alvia is a corporate finance lawyer and academic focused on SPACs and capital markets innovation. He serves as Lecturer in Banking and Finance Law at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL CCLS), Deputy Director of the Institute of Banking and Finance Law, and Associate Researcher at the European Banking Institute in Frankfurt. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-avv-daniele-d-alvia-182b1324/ QMUL Profile: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/law/people/academic-staff/items/dalvia.html 📩 Connect with the Hosts: Michael Blankenship – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ Joshua Wilson – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ Explore more episodes at: https://www.thespacpodcast.com/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thespacpodcast Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thespacpodcast/ #SPACs #PostMergerChallenges #CapitalMarkets #SPACPodcast #GovernanceMatters #SponsorIncentiv Disclaimers: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization. Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services. Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 ...

    1 min
  3. Small Cap Sentiment and SPAC Outcomes

    DEC 18

    Small Cap Sentiment and SPAC Outcomes

    In this SPAC Podcast Spotlight, Managing Director Dimitre Genov of Brookline Capital Markets explains how small- and mid-cap equity markets directly affect SPAC redemptions and aftermarket performance. He highlights how “risk-on” market conditions can lower redemptions, while volatility and rising interest rates often drive investors to redeem shares rather than hold post-merger equity. Dimitre also discusses how sector trends, valuations, and company narratives shape outcomes. De-SPACs in areas like AI, clean energy, and infrastructure have shown stronger performance, while others may trade sideways until milestones are met. The discussion underscores how sentiment, execution, and timing all play critical roles in SPAC market performance. Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, or financial advice. Connect with the Guest: Dimitre Genov – Brookline Capital Markets: https://brooklinecapmkts.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitre-genov-6136182/ View all of their episodes here: https://www.thespacpodcast.com/guests/dimitre-j-genov/ Connect with the Hosts & The SPAC Podcast: Michael Blankenship LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ Joshua Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Thespacpodcast #SPACs #CapitalMarkets #SPACPodcast #SmallCap #SPACRedemptions #AftermarketPerformance #BrooklineCapitalMarkets Contact The SPAC Podcast: https://www.thespacpodcast.com/contact/ Disclaimers: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization. Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services. Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 ...

    2 min
  4. DCF or Market Approach, Which One Wins?

    DEC 15

    DCF or Market Approach, Which One Wins?

    DCF or Market Approach? Ryan McGuire explains how analysts decide which valuation method carries more weight in SPAC transactions and when financial forecasts can (or can’t) be trusted. Guest: Ryan McGuire: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanquinnmaguire/ Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 Joshua Bruce Wilson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us or Collaborate: 🎙️ https://www.TheSPACPodcast.com/contact/ Disclaimers: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization. Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services. Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 ...

    1 min
  5. Why Energy and Decarbonization Remain Spring Valley’s Focus

    DEC 12

    Why Energy and Decarbonization Remain Spring Valley’s Focus

    Chris Sorrells shares why Spring Valley remains committed to the energy and decarbonization sectors. From AI infrastructure to power security, he discusses how global shifts are reshaping the energy landscape and where the next opportunities lie. Guest: Chris Sorrells – Chairman and CEO of Spring Valley Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sorrells-5a6a836/ Watch more episodes at: YouTube.com/@UCiOCVRrRqqmq20QNV9I43Zg  Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 Joshua Bruce Wilson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us or Collaborate: 🎙️ https://www.TheSPACPodcast.com/contact/ Disclaimers: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization. Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services. Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 ...

    2 min
  6. The Future of Nuclear Power and SMRs

    DEC 11

    The Future of Nuclear Power and SMRs

    From taking NuScale Power public to launching Eagle Energy Metals, Chris Sorrells explains how nuclear energy and SMRs (small modular reactors) are reshaping the energy sector. He connects decades of experience to the growing nuclear and uranium opportunity. Guest: Chris Sorrells – Chairman and CEO of Spring Valley Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sorrells-5a6a836/ Watch more episodes at: YouTube.com/@UCiOCVRrRqqmq20QNV9I43Zg  Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 Joshua Bruce Wilson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us or Collaborate: 🎙️ https://www.TheSPACPodcast.com/contact/ Disclaimers: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization. Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services. Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 ...

    3 min
  7. The Next Phase of the SPAC Market

    DEC 10

    The Next Phase of the SPAC Market

    What’s next for the SPAC market? Chris Sorrells predicts a period of rationalization, cleaner vehicles, and more experienced sponsors. He also shares why greater skin in the game could drive healthier deals and investor trust. Guest: Chris Sorrells – Chairman and CEO of Spring Valley Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-sorrells-5a6a836/ Watch more episodes at: YouTube.com/@UCiOCVRrRqqmq20QNV9I43Zg  Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 Joshua Bruce Wilson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ To Contact Us or Collaborate: 🎙️ https://www.TheSPACPodcast.com/contact/ Disclaimers: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization. Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services. Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 ...

    3 min
  8. What Transfer Agents Must Get Right in SPAC Deals

    DEC 9

    What Transfer Agents Must Get Right in SPAC Deals

    In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, Seth Farbman shares a cautionary tale that underscores the importance of responsive and modern transfer agents in the SPAC ecosystem. Drawing from personal experience, Seth recounts a scenario where outdated communication practices—from requiring physical mail to issuing inaccurate shareholder statements—resulted in costly delays. The lesson? Technology, speed, and accuracy aren’t just conveniences—they’re essential to protecting shareholder confidence. Effective communication with shareholders during a SPAC’s lifecycle can significantly impact trust and transparency. Whether you’re on the sponsor side or managing investor relations, this episode is a reminder that operational inefficiencies from a transfer agent can create friction and even financial losses. Connect with our Guest: Follow Seth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethfarbman/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seth-farbman/ Visit: https://www.vstocktransfer.com/ 🎧 Hosted by: Joshua B. Wilson – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ Michael Blankenship – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ Learn more: https://www.thespacpodcast.com/ Watch more: https://www.youtube.com/@thespacpodcast #SPACPodcast #TransferAgents #SPACDeals #InvestorRelations #ShareholderCommunication #CapitalMarkets #SPACStrategy Disclaimers: The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and is a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or compliance advice. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, employer, or organization. Listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel, compliance professionals, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the SEC, FINRA, and other regulatory bodies. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation of any financial products, securities transactions, or legal services. Let’s Connect on LinkedIn: 👉 Michael J. Blankenship - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ 👉 ...

    1 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

🎙️ Welcome to The SPAC Podcast — your front-row seat to the dynamic world of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies. Hosted by Michael Blankenship, a leading capital markets attorney and partner at Winston & Strawn LLP, and Joshua Wilson, executive producer and capital markets advisor, The SPAC Podcast brings you candid conversations, insider insights, and sharp analysis from the people shaping the future of the SPAC market. Whether you’re a sponsor, investor, founder, attorney, banker, or just curious about the mechanics and momentum behind SPACs — this show is your go-to source for education, strategy, and real-world stories from the dealmakers behind the deals. 🚀 What You’ll Hear In each episode, we’ll unpack: The structure, lifecycle, and mechanics of SPACs — from IPO to de-SPACLegal and regulatory insights that matter to sponsors and targetsInterviews with founders, investors, and advisors who’ve navigated successful transactionsTrends and forecasts from the front lines of capital marketsLessons learned, deal strategies, and ways to leverage SPACs as a growth vehicle We’re not just watching the SPAC market — we’re talking to the people building it. 🎧 Meet Your Hosts Michael Blankenship is the Office Managing Partner of Winston & Strawn LLP (Houston) and Co-Chair of the firm’s Capital Markets practice. He has represented over 100 public companies, private equity firms, and SPACs in IPOs, M&A, de-SPACs, and securities offerings. Known for his clarity, legal acumen, and deal fluency, Michael brings unmatched insight into the regulatory, transactional, and strategic forces shaping the SPAC space. Joshua Wilson is experienced in investment banking and the founder of multiple media brands, including The Investor Relations Podcast. With over 2,000 interviews under his belt and deep experience in real estate, private capital, and investor engagement, Josh brings a fresh voice and strategic lens to every conversation — helping connect deals with the stories and people behind them. Together, they bridge law, finance, and media — guiding listeners through the world of SPACs with clarity, credibility, and curiosity. 🌎 Who This Show is For SPAC Sponsors & CEOsInstitutional and Private InvestorsInvestment Bankers & Corporate AttorneysVenture-backed Founders and StartupsPrivate Equity & Family OfficesFinance Professionals and Capital Markets Enthusiasts 🔔 Subscribe, Follow, and Join the Conversation This isn’t just a show — it’s a platform for education, connection, and business development in the SPAC ecosystem. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. New episodes drop weekly. Follow us on LinkedIn and share the show with colleagues, clients, and fellow capital markets pros. The SPAC Podcast Where sponsors meet stories, markets meet momentum, and strategy meets execution.