On the Couch

Marcus Padley and Henry Jennings sit down with fund managers, CEOs, investors, and industry professionals to discuss markets, strategy, risk, and decision-making.Long-form conversations focused on how experienced investors think – through cycles, volatility, and changing conditions.No sales pitch. Just insight.

  1. Why the Next Six Months Could Get Tough for Small Caps: On The Couch with Chris Stott

    17M AGO

    Why the Next Six Months Could Get Tough for Small Caps: On The Couch with Chris Stott

    Chris Stott (1851 Capital) joins Callum to break down the current small cap landscape - and why the next six months may be more difficult than many expect. In this discussion, Chris outlines how rising interest rates, geopolitical volatility and shifting investor sentiment are shaping opportunities in Australian equities. Despite near-term caution, he highlights where value is starting to emerge – particularly in beaten-down sectors and less crowded parts of the market. Topics covered: Why interest rates are still the key driver for marketsWhere opportunities are appearing after recent sell-offsHow to manage risk and position portfolios in volatile conditionsThe reality of small cap investing – and why 6/10 decisions is enoughAI, data centres and where structural growth is actually happeningWhy IPOs are drying up and capital is becoming more concentratedChris also shares how he thinks about portfolio construction, cash levels, and identifying companies that can genuinely outperform. About Chris Stott Chris is Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at 1851 Capital, with over 20 years’ experience in Australian funds management. He was previously CIO at Wilson Asset Management and was named one of the AFR’s top young fund managers. Learn more: https://1851capital.com.au/ If you want more market insights like this every day, start a free trial at Marcus Today. https://marcustoday.com.au/trial-sign-up/ Disclaimer: This content is general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether it is appropriate for you and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Marcus Today Pty Ltd and its associates may hold positions in securities mentioned.

    37 min
  2. On the Couch with Gary Norden: Inside a 35-Year Trading Career

    MAR 4

    On the Couch with Gary Norden: Inside a 35-Year Trading Career

    Prefer to watch? Check out the full interview on video here: VIDEO – On the Couch with Gary Norden: Inside a 35-Year Trading Career A bit of a different approach at Marcus Today; Callum Newman sits down with Gary Norden, a 35+ year pro trader (LIFFE floor, bank derivatives desks, hedge funds) and the author of An End to the Bull – to talk how the pros actually trade when it's their own money on the line.  In this conversation, Gary explains how professional traders really approach markets; building an edge through knowledge, skill and risk management – and why much of the "sell-side research" investors read is often just a sales tool dressed up as insight. We cover: The professional trader's edge – skills, knowledge, and risk managementWhy bank research gets "taken with a pinch of salt"Day trading vs punting – order flow trading as a real craftCan humans still compete with algorithms/HFT?ETFs, concentration risk, and the "all in / all out" marketOptions – why Gary prefers buying options (hedging + asymmetric upside)Gold and silver – why the bull case may not be done yetChina, commodities, and what Gary sees on the ground. Standout moments (timestamps): 03:58 Why traders ignore sell-side research06:12 Day trading as a professional skill (order flow)11:56 AI, ETFs, and the concentration problem19:35 Options as portfolio "insurance"26:47 Gold vs silver, miners, and what to watch48:25 The red jacket story (and what it meant on the floor) Gary's book: An End to the Bull: Cut Through the Noise to Develop a Sustainable Trading Career (John Wiley & Sons).  — Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

    49 min
  3. On the Couch with Andrew Wielandt (DP Wealth): The ETF Whisperer's 2026 Playbook

    FEB 4

    On the Couch with Andrew Wielandt (DP Wealth): The ETF Whisperer's 2026 Playbook

    Welcome to another episode of On the Couch, the podcast series where we chat with brokers, CEOs, and fund managers to bring you valuable insights from the investing world. In this quickie episode, Henry Jennings is joined by his good friend Andrew Wielandt – also known as The ETF Whisperer. Andrew shares his ETF picks for the year ahead… and not a QUAL in sight. Chapter Markers 0:00 – Welcome And General Advice Reminder2:03 – 2026 Outlook: Volatility And Passive Risks5:20 – US Politics, Dollar Views And Silver Shock7:10 – Theme 1: Diversifying Away From US With VEU9:10 – Hedging The Currency And Core Adjustments12:00 – Theme 2: Japan Exposure With IJP15:00 – Theme 3: Long Short LICs And LITs Toolkit22:30 – Why Long Short Now And Portfolio Weights25:00 – Theme 4: Aussie Small Caps With Firetrail28:00 – Theme 5: Resources Via Tribeca TGF Or VanEck MVR— Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

    31 min
  4. On the Couch with Scott Kirkland (ASX: EMV): The Future of Stroke Diagnosis Starts Here

    FEB 2

    On the Couch with Scott Kirkland (ASX: EMV): The Future of Stroke Diagnosis Starts Here

    Welcome to another episode of On the Couch. In this episode, Henry Jennings catches up with Scott Kirkland from EMVision Medical Devices (ASX: EMV). Scott is the co-founder of EMVision Medical Devices Ltd and has held several senior sales roles, including Head of Client Sales at US-based technology company Quantcast, before founding Kirkland Capital to focus on emerging technologies. At EMVision, Scott oversees corporate affairs, commercial strategy, and business development, while also managing the company's capital requirements – including non-dilutive financing and grant opportunities. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Many listeners will be familiar with the EMVision story, but in this episode, Scott brings us up to date on the company's mission and progress – as it continues to develop breakthrough medical devices for stroke diagnosis in both first responder and hospital settings. Chapter Markers 0:00 – Welcome, Disclaimers And Personal Stories2:23 – EMVision's Mission And Devices4:15 – First Responder Helmet And ECG Analogy6:03 – The Golden Hour And Treatment Windows8:12 – Trials, Sites And FDA De Novo Plan10:15 – Grants, Regional Impact And Reimbursement12:02 – AI In Stroke Care And Workflow Gains14:05 – Cash Runway, Partners And Milestones16:06 – Go-To-Market Focus And Stroke Belt17:45 – Risks, Focus And Business Model19:00 – Closing Thanks And Next Steps— Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

    24 min
  5. On the Couch with Nathan Smith (Neuroscientific): Inside the StemSmart Strategy for Crohn's

    JAN 29

    On the Couch with Nathan Smith (Neuroscientific): Inside the StemSmart Strategy for Crohn's

    Welcome to the latest episode of On the Couch. In this episode, Henry Jennings from Marcus Today sits down with Nathan Smith, CEO of Neuroscientific Biopharmaceuticals, to unpack how a differentiated mesenchymal stem cell therapy is progressing from acquisition to patient impact in refractory Crohn's disease. With promising real-world data via special access programs, a clear regulatory path, and lean execution, the company is preparing for a focused Phase 2 push in 2026. Topics covered in this episode: What the StemSmart MSC platform is – and why differentiation mattersSpecial access program results in fistulising Crohn'sPrior early-phase data and how it informs trial designMarket size for refractory Crohn's and broader inflammatory targetsRegulatory steps, including pre-IND and TGA interactionsManufacturing tech transfer with QGen and licensure plans2026 milestones across CRO onboarding, trial initiation, and IP expansionCash runway to trial start and approach to raising capitalCompetitive landscape and lessons from Mesoblast's US approvalA CEO's take on what actually drives market value— Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

    36 min
  6. On the Couch with Louise Bedford: Trading Discipline in a Noisy Market

    JAN 27

    On the Couch with Louise Bedford: Trading Discipline in a Noisy Market

    Welcome to the latest episode of On the Couch. In this episode, Henry Jennings sits down with trading mentor and author Louise Bedford – always a popular guest, known for her valuable insights into markets and trading mentality. Louise shares her approach to selling, the importance of discipline, and breaks down what sectors are currently hot – and which ones are ice cold. She is a behavioural finance expert, bestselling author, and seasoned trader with over 30 years of experience. Louise hosts the Talking Trading podcast and is widely regarded as one of Australia's most compelling voices in financial markets, with six books to her name. Chapter Markers 0:04 – Welcome And Ground Rules1:49 – Macro Whip-Around: US Vs Australia3:21 – Hot And Cold Sectors Revealed5:01 – Tech's Ice Age And What It Means7:49 – Small Caps, Resources, Materials Opportunities8:53 – Chart Signals: Lithium Standouts10:25 – Managing Big Wins With Thirds13:10 – Stops, ATRs, And Psychology15:22 – Love Affairs With Stocks And Objectivity16:58 – Handling Reporting Season Volatility19:12 – Overtrading, Plans, And The Inner Lunatic21:08 – Using AI As A Trading Mirror23:02 – Agent Mode, Scans, And The Future25:09 – Final Takeaways: Process And Discipline— Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

    37 min

About

Marcus Padley and Henry Jennings sit down with fund managers, CEOs, investors, and industry professionals to discuss markets, strategy, risk, and decision-making.Long-form conversations focused on how experienced investors think – through cycles, volatility, and changing conditions.No sales pitch. Just insight.

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