A Book with Legs Smead Capital Management

In this episode, author and journalist Bryan Burrough joins Bill and Cole Smead to discuss his classic work, "Barbarians at the Gate." The book is a detailed narrative of the high stakes battle for RJR Nabisco. Burrough explores the complex negotiations behind one of the largest leveraged buyouts in corporate history, highlighting the strategies by the major players involved. 

In this episode, reporter Rob Copeland joins Cole Smead to discuss his book, "The Fund," which provides a detailed account of the rise of Ray Dalio and the founding of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest hedge funds in the world. Copeland provides insights into Dalio's impact on the finance industry through his unique approach to economics and risk management. 

In this episode, activist Benji Backer joins Cole Smead to discuss his newly released book, "The Conservative Environmentalist," which makes the case for the economic benefits of the strategic merging of conservative values and environmental sustainability. Backer argues that environmentalism can align with American economic interests while offering a pragmatic approach to climate change. 

In this episode, historian Jennifer Burns joins Cole Smead to discuss her book "Milton Friedman: The Last Conservative," which provides an in-depth analysis of Friedman's economic theories and their lasting impact on conservative ideology. The book chronicles key moments in the life of one of the most influential economists of our time, and how his pragmatic way of thinking significantly shaped contemporary economic discourse. 

Interested in the Smead Capital Management book list? Listen in to hear Cole and Bill Smead list the books they have recently read, what they’re currently reading, and the books they have on deck. Have a book you would like to recommend for the podcast? Email your suggestions to podcast@smeadcap.com.

In this episode, author and Professor Ekaterina Pravilova joins Cole Smead to discuss her book, “The Ruble: A Political History.” Ekaterina’s book explores the evolution of the Russian currency over a 200-year time period through the interplay between politics, culture, and ultimately, power. Their conversation covers financial turmoil, currency reforms, and an extensive discussion of Ruble’s story.