One of the reasons why we do this weekly post is that it is not easy to sort through the avalanche of new and interesting podcasts. Mikaela Lefrak, at the New Republic, highlights the surge in new podcasts as one of the trends to watch in 2016. With the deluge of new shows, it becomes more difficult to zero in on those that are worthy of your time. Other trends, Lefrak observes, include the mainstreaming of the medium and the step up in advertising that accompanies the form's increasing prominence.
As the podcast becomes more popular, the university crowd is increasingly embracing it. Carter Barrett, for USA Today, notes how college students are taking up podcasting as a means of self-expression. Podcasting, in a sense, is a perfect way of reflecting on issues that matter to young adults. Not to be left out, university professors are taking to the virtual airwaves as well. Todd Landman, in The Guardian, writes about how academics have been slow to embrace podcasting, but those who have found it a useful way of reaching a wider audience for "big ideas."
What's great about doing this post every week is that there is never a shortage of material from previous weeks’ editions of Essential Listening. As usual, this installment features a diverse group of selections to make your commute a little smarter.
- One of the biggest trends in finance over the past 20 years has been the rise of behavioral finance. In an interview with Katherine Milkman, Richard Thaler, author of Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics, talks about the history of behavioral economics and where it has had the most impact. (Knowledge@Wharton)
- Speaking of big trends, the application of big data to finance is increasing at warp speed. Ben Lorica spoke with Vasant Dhar, of the Stern School of Business, about how machine learning can be used for investing and how it differs across time frames. (O'Reilly Data Show)
- The fiduciary standard is a mainstay of the practice of investment management, but it is still a contentious issue. Barry Ritholtz sits down with Ron Rhoades, of Western Kentucky University, to examine the basics of the fiduciary standard and the ethics of asset management firms. (Masters in Business)
- Morgan Housel is one of the most insightful and entertaining investment authors today. In this discussion with Aaron Watson, Housel describes how he got into investing and how investors need to challenge their beliefs to become better and more confident. (Going Deep with Aaron Watson)
- Investment practitioners rely on academic insights to guide their activities. Unfortunately, we may not be able to rely on academic results as much as we think. David Kestenbaum and Jacob Goldstein explore the increased scrutiny academic research is coming under, especially with the renewed emphasis on replicability. (Planet Money)
- The world of investing has always been prone to Ponzi schemes and con artists. Why are we all so vulnerable to being scammed? Jordan Harbinger addresses this question with Maria Konnikova, author of the newly published The Confidence Game: Why We Fall For It . . . Every Time, who also offers some advice on how to avoid getting conned. (The Art of Charm)
- It's rare for finance-related films to make it to the big screen, let alone garner Academy Award nominations. But The Big Short, directed by Adam McKay, managed to do just that. Elvis Mitchell talks with McKay about how he was able to translate complicated ideas for a mainstream audience. (The Treatment)
- Despite what the consumer electronics firms tell us, most of what we see on the hardware side is a commodity. Benedict Evans and Steven Sinofsky discuss why software is the real differentiator and what to look forward to as the Internet of things gains steam. (a16z Podcast)
- Technology has undoubtedly changed how children are raised today. This may help explain why so many young adults are having a hard time in college and adult life. Michael Covel talks with Peter Gray, author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. They discuss the value of resilience and why our over-programmed lives are cheating today's kids. (Trend Following Radio)
- One of the most frequently purchased items in the grocery store is the banana. Unfortunately, the ubiquitous Cavendish banana is at risk of going extinct due to disease. Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway interview Dan Koeppel, author of Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World, about the risk of monoculture and the uncertain future of the banana. (Odd Lots)
Feel free to leave a comment or to recommend other podcasts Enterprising Investor readers and listeners might enjoy. I may highlight your suggestion in this ongoing series on the world of podcasting.
You can read more from Tadas Viskanta on his blog Abnormal Returns or follow him on Twitter @abnormalreturns.
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All posts are the opinion of the author. As such, they should not be construed as investment advice, nor do the opinions expressed necessarily reflect the views of CFA Institute or the author’s employer.
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