Agentic Finance: Building AI Analysts for the Debasement Trade Era — with Vlad Stanev of QuantlyAs global currencies face increasing debasement pressures, the next evolution in finance is here — Agentic AI Analysts. 💡In this episode, we sit down with Vlad Stanev, Founder of Quantly, to explore how AI-driven financial agents are redefining strategy, analysis, and alpha generation in the new economic era.We discuss:✅ What “Agentic Finance” really means — and why it matters now✅ How AI analysts are transforming trading and portfolio management✅ The role of automation in navigating currency debasement✅ What the future of human + AI collaboration in finance looks likeIf you want to understand where intelligent finance is headed — and how to stay ahead in the AI-driven trading revolution, this episode is your roadmap.More Related Tags:agentic finance, ai analysts, quantly, vlad stanev, ai in finance, debasement trade, financial ai tools, quantitative finance, ai trading systems, algorithmic trading, ai investing, fintech innovation, finance automation, ai portfolio management#agenticfinance #artificialintelligence #quantfinance #systematicinvesting #aiinfinance #fintech #financialmarkets #machinelearning #algorithmictrading #cryptoeconomy #futureoffinance #investing #digitalfinance #tradingstrategy #financeinnovation
Between Markets and Masterpieces Debby Goan on Breaking Barriers and Blending Worlds🌟 Introduction▪️Brief host introduction.▪️Introducing Debby Goan – her journey from Stillwater, Oklahoma, to leading innovation across finance, technology, and the arts.▪️Highlights:▪️Only minority woman with a member seat at the American Stock Exchange▪️Transformational leadership in fintech▪️Deep artistic engagement🧭 Segment 1: Early Life and Personal Journey▪️Growing up as a child of Taiwanese immigrants in Oklahoma and Texas.▪️The influence of multicultural upbringing on identity and ambition. (upwardgallery+1)💼 Segment 2: Career in Finance and Technology▪️Breaking barriers in ETF trading and at the American Stock Exchange.▪️Leading turnarounds and launching data-driven SaaS ventures in finance and insurance.▪️Experiences as Operating Partner and GM at Two Sigma. (linkedin)🎨 Segment 3: Art, Creativity, and Overlapping Identities▪️Transitioning from finance to visual art — or balancing both.▪️Artistic philosophy: communicating emotions and exploring the “space between the theoretical and the actual.”▪️Major artistic milestones, mediums she works in, and notable exhibitions and awards. (upwardgallery+1)🚀 Segment 4: Current Projects and Entrepreneurship▪️Founding Petite Palates – what inspired her and how it connects to earlier leadership. (linkedin+1)▪️Board role at The Art Students League of New York. (artstudentsleague)▪️Mentoring and supporting diverse voices in both tech and arts.🧠 Segment 5: Leadership, Mentoring, and Future Directions▪️Views on leadership — transforming teams and industries.▪️Mentoring advice for minorities, women, and creative technologists.▪️Future projects and aspirations.🔚 Wrap-Up▪️Quickfire Round:▪️Personal fact▪️Favorite piece of art▪️Most important lesson learned▪️Where listeners can connect with Debby’s work online.🎤 Interview Questions🪶 Background & Identity▪️How did your multicultural childhood in Oklahoma and Texas shape your sense of possibility and creativity? (debbygoan+1)▪️Who were your earliest influences—within your family or community—that sparked your interest in both art and finance?💹 Breaking Barriers in Finance/Tech⚡ Quickfire / Personal▪️What are you reading, listening to, or watching right now that inspires you?▪️What’s one lesson—artistic or professional—you wish more people learned early in their careers?▪️Where can our audience see your latest work or reach out to connect?🏢 Debby's Companies▪️Petite Palates | Organic Savory Baby Food▪️HarmoniQ Insights | Elevate Your Strategy🎧 This structure will help ensure a thoughtful, dynamic, and engaging episode that brings out Debby’s unique voice and resonates with your audience. (debbygoan+2)▪️https://www.debbygoan.com/curriculumvitae▪️https://upwardgallery.com/ad/interviews/debby-goan-i-am-often-creating-order-communicate-emotional-heft-moment ▪️https://www.linkedin.com/in/debby-goan ▪️https://upwardgallery.com/artists/2994/6330 ▪️https://www.instagram.com/debbygoan/ ▪️https://www.artstudentsleague.org/resources/board-candidates ▪️https://www.linkedin.com/posts/debby-goan_im-excited-to-introduce-petite-palates-activity-7262895101931143170-BtxE ▪️https://www.debbygoan.com https://www.artsy.net/artist/debby-goan ▪️https://associationforjewishstudies.org/docs/default-source/ajs-perspectives/ajs_perspectives_fall_2021_web.pdf?sfvrsn=5e20f4a3_14#artandbusiness, #creativeentrepreneur, #innovation, #womeninbusiness, #artworld, #successmindset, #leadership, #motivation, #inspiration, #businessgrowth, #creativemindset, #entrepreneurlife, #breakingbarriers, #storytelling, #creativity
Quant Pioneers & The Battle: Bartt Kellermann on Shaping the Future of Systematic InvestingIn this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Bartt Kellermann, founder of Global Capital Acquisition and creator of Battle of the Quants, to explore how systematic investing, AI, and quantitative innovation are redefining modern finance.Discover:✅ How quant strategies evolved from niche to mainstream✅ The balance between human intuition and machine learning✅ The global influence of Battle of the Quants events✅ What the future holds for investors, institutions, and innovators
Join Bill Mann and Mark Connors in Episode 35 of The New Barbarians podcast with special guest Ehsan Ehsani. Ehsan, Executive Director at Crescendo Partners, Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School, and author of "Finding Value in Numbers," shares unique insights on the intersection of generative AI and traditional value investing.In this episode, we explore:- The crucial skills young professionals need to thrive in an AI-powered financial world.- How GenAI enhances classic value investing workflows, from idea generation to preliminary research.- The "buy vs. build" dilemma for fundamental shops adopting AI technologies.- The future of investment research as AI tools become increasingly sophisticated.A preview of the Generative AI in Investment Management Conference at Columbia, where attendees can explore solutions from nearly 20 GenAI providers.Ehsan also discusses his upcoming books, including "How Not to be Replaced by a Spreadsheet that Talks," offering a candid look at adapting to technological change without sacrificing human judgment. This is a must-listen for anyone in finance grappling with the rapid evolution of AI and its impact on careers and investment strategies.Featured Guest:Ehsan Ehsani: Executive Director, Crescendo Partners; Adjunct Professor, Columbia Business School; Author of "Finding Value in Numbers" and "How Not to be Replaced by a Spreadsheet that Talks." Organizer of the Generative AI in Investment Management Conference.Links & Resources:📇 Ehsan Ehsani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehsani/📰 Value Hedgehog Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7099112971280203776/🏟 Generative AI in Investment Management Conference: GAIMConference.com📕 Pre-order "Finding Value in Numbers": https://a.co/d/2ETE84i⛓ Unchained (Sponsor): unchained.com🔗 Follow Our Work:📜 Substack: New Barbarians Podcast - https://substack.com/@newbarbarians 📜 Substack: Mark R. Connors - https://substack.com/@markrconnors📜 Harmonic Insights (Bill Mann & Chris Rosa) - https://www.harmoniqinsights.com/📜 SSRN Practitioner Quant Research - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=2035436📜 SmartKarma - Bill Mann -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/william-mann-88ce6ae0-716e-4511-98ee-65b1af2765ff/researchTwitter - thenewbarbarianspodcast (@thenewbarbpod) / XChapters00:00 Market Overview and Economic Insights02:57 Quantitative Finance and Systematic Investing05:26 Macro Trends and Employment Dynamics07:48 Generative AI in Investment Management10:14 The Future of Jobs and Skills in Finance12:53 AI's Impact on Investment Strategies15:21 Conclusion and Conference Insights27:56 The Energy Dynamics of Bitcoin and AI30:19 Transitioning from Consulting to Investment Management34:16 The Power of Writing and Networking37:23 Embracing Generative AI in Value Investing43:36 Enhancing Investment Processes with AI50:18 The Future of AI in Investment Management55:52 Build vs. Buy: Strategies for AI Adoption#GenerativeAI #AIinFinance #InvestmentManagement #ValueInvesting #Fintech #AIInvesting #LLMforFinance #ColumbiaBusinessSchool #NewBarbariansPodcast #FinancialFutures #CareerDevelopment #AlphaGeneration #QuantFinance #DigitalTransformation #AssetManagement #EhsanEhsani #FutureOfWork #StockMarket #Podcast #Technology #WealthManagement
Today’s episode spotlights Charlie Marin (CEO, Quanted) on building the “Amazon-meets-Palantir” data bridge for investors—turning idea → feature → backtest into a rapid, agent-driven loop. Bill and Mark frame the macro: rates over equities, MOVE vs. VIX, factor rotations (value/cyclicals), credit spreads, and why point-in-time data & revisions matter. Charlie breaks down vendor onboarding with AI agents, metadata-rich discovery, and how faster feature pipelines change quant research—and the startup journey to Quanted’s upcoming relaunch.Follow Charlie & Quanted:Charlie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-simi/Quanted on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quanted-tech/Book a Meeting: https://www.quanted.com/🔗 Follow Our Work:📜 Substack: New Barbarians Podcast - https://substack.com/@newbarbarians 📜 Substack: Mark R. Connors - https://substack.com/@markrconnors📜 Harmonic Insights (Bill Mann & Chris Rosa) - https://www.harmoniqinsights.com/📜 SSRN Practitioner Quant Research - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=2035436📜 SmartKarma - Bill Mann -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/william-mann-88ce6ae0-716e-4511-98ee-65b1af2765ff/researchTwitter - thenewbarbarianspodcast (@thenewbarbpod) / XChapters00:00 Introduction to Quanted and Its Mission01:22 Exploring the Startup Journey03:59 Market Analysis and Economic Indicators06:14 Interest Rates and Market Volatility09:12 Understanding Job Market Data and Revisions14:11 Interest Rates and Market Reactions19:04 The Impact of COVID on Economic Cycles23:06 Debt Dynamics and Market Volatility27:28 Comparing Economic Cycles: Past and Present34:06 The Future of Work and Economic Stability40:20 The Data Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities42:58 Streamlining Data Testing and Vendor Engagement45:53 The Role of AI in Data Processing48:17 Building a Predictive Data Ecosystem51:24 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Hedge Funds56:37 The Future of Investment Processes01:02:22 Startup Journey: Overcoming Challenges in Data Management01:07:17 Looking Ahead: Future Developments for Quantid#NewBarbariansPodcast #CharlieMarin #Quanted #QuantData #AltData #AIinFinance #FeatureEngineering #Backtesting #QuantResearch #Macro #InterestRates #YieldCurve #MOVEIndex #ValueFactor #Cyclicals
In this episode, Bill Mann and Mark Connors sit down with Michael Nadeau, founder of The DeFi Report, to explore the future of digital assets, DeFi, and on-chain research. From macro backdrops to tokenization and the reflexivity of crypto markets, Michael shares how his journey from MIT and LinkedIn posts evolved into one of the most influential Substacks in digital assets.
The conversation spans:
Market updates and factor rotations in global assets
On-chain data vs. Wall Street narratives
The rise of stablecoins and Tether’s surprising role with U.S. treasuries
Why crypto’s reflexivity can be both powerful and dangerous
Web3’s shift from read/write to read/write/own
Institutional adoption, tokenization of real-world assets, and privacy in DeFi
The asymmetric bet on public blockchains
How frameworks from Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow help investors break fixed mindsets
Timestamps
00:45 – Market Setup & Fed Policy
Bill opens with inflation, interest rates, and global asset performance.
02:00 – Culture, Movies & Noise
Animal House quotes → how cultural distractions differ from on-chain truth.
07:30 – Jackson Hole: TradFi vs. Digital Assets
Digital asset symposium gains traction alongside the Fed’s annual gathering.
12:42 – The Origin of The DeFi Report
Michael’s journey from MIT → LinkedIn posts → Substack → Bankless partnership.
14:09 – The Asymmetric Bet
Why Bitcoin and public blockchains represented a career-changing investment thesis.
21:31 – Politics, Regulation & Gensler
Lessons from SEC leadership, courts, and the role of regulation in crypto adoption.
28:09 – Web3: Read. Write. Own.
How new data structures change ownership, content, and payments online.
34:28 – On-Chain Data & Reflexivity
Real-time transparency, resilience during FTX, and why crypto markets reprice instantly.
41:25 – DeFi Is Still Early
$900T of global assets vs. $7.5B tokenized today; institutions, KYC pools, and privacy.
49:39 – Stablecoins & The New Petrodollar
Tether’s U.S. Treasuries role, dollar network effects, and the geopolitics of stablecoins.
#DeFi #Crypto #OnChain #DefiReport #Stablecoins #Web3 #CryptoMarkets #NewBarbariansPodcast
In this episode of The New Barbarians Podcast, Mark Connors and Bill Mann sit down with Loren Asmus, Head of Capital Formation at UTXO Management, to break down how institutional investors and corporate treasuries are accelerating Bitcoin adoption.
From Bitcoin’s 13-year record as the best-performing asset, to the rise of Bitcoin Treasury companies like MicroStrategy and MetaPlanet, Loren explains why large pools of capital are now a critical driver of BTC’s next phase — and how UTXO is positioning to capture that growth.
We also explore:
Why Bitcoin beats gold as a store of value in the 21st century
The macro backdrop: USD weakness, Fed policy & market leadership
Spot BTC vs. ETFs — control vs. convenience
Global proof of concept & Japan’s unique market dynamics
Risks like premium-to-NAV compression in bear markets
The “signal” that draws investors into Bitcoin from all corners of the market
🎙 Episode highlights include the BTC Inc. growth story, global conference strategy, and why corporate balance sheets could be the “valve” that takes Bitcoin from $100K to millions.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Podcast Mission
02:05 – Bitcoin’s Track Record vs. Other Asset Classes
05:15 – From Institutional Consulting to UTXO Management
08:40 – BTC Inc., Bitcoin Magazine & Global Conferences
14:10 – The “Signal” That Draws People to Bitcoin
17:35 – Spot Bitcoin vs. ETFs — Control vs. Convenience
21:55 – Bitcoin vs. Gold: The Digital Store of Value Case
26:42 – The Corporate Bitcoin Playbook
32:08 – Risks & Premium-to-NAV Compression
36:55 – Global Proof of Concept & Japan’s Unique Market
42:18 – Macro Backdrop & Market Leadership
47:30 – The Next Phase: Large Pools of Capital & Corporate Adoption
#Bitcoin #BTC #InstitutionalInvesting #BitcoinTreasury #DigitalAssets #Macro #CryptoInvesting #FinancePodcast
"This is a $600 billion market that no one pays attention to."In
Episode 31 of The New Barbarians Podcast, Bill Mann and Mark Connors are joined by Jonathan Small, founder and CEO of The Tradesmen Collective, and Ed McManus, Director of Investor Relations. Together, they explore how this mission-driven startup is revolutionizing the $500+ billion construction and home renovation industry.
From years of getting stiffed as a master electrician, Jonathan built a platform to eliminate theft, payment delays, and broken trust in the trades. The solution? Transparent milestone-based contracts, integrated escrow services, and a network that protects both contractors and homeowners — all with a blue-collar ethos and white-collar execution.
Bill and Mark also dive into macro updates — from Bitcoin and Nvidia leading global returns to the U.S. debt explosion and inflationary fallout. Along the way, they explore how The Tradesmen Collective could evolve into a Web3-native smart contract ecosystem, combining the ethos of blockchain with real-world utility.
Whether you're a hedge fund manager, startup founder, or homeowner tired of being burned, this episode is a blueprint for disruption — in steel-toe boots.
Tradesmens Collective Website: https://www.thetradesmens.com/
Iphone App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-tradesmens-collective/id6739975427
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tradesmens
Relibuild
Website: https://www.relibuild.com/
Iphone App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/relibuild/id6737809386
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.relibuildv4.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the New Barbarians Podcast
02:09 Market Insights and Economic Trends
11:35 The Tradesman's Collective: Revolutionizing the Construction Industry
22:26 Challenges in the Construction Sector34:33 Raising Capital and Pitching to Investors
51:36 Future Plans and Industry Impact
#NewBarbariansPodcast #TradesmenCollective #ConstructionTech #BlueCollarInnovation #FintechForContractors #SmartContracts #EscrowSolutions #HomeRenovationFraud #Bitcoin #Nvidia #MacroTrends #GoldVsDollar #AIandFinance #StartupJourney #DisruptiveTech #LaborEconomics #BlockchainForTrades #VCFunding #WorkBootsAndWeb3 #FairfieldStartups #RealWorldUseCases
What happens when a meme stock short squeeze meets a 3-million-paper research archive? In Episode 30 of The New Barbarians Podcast, Bill Mann and Mark Connors sit down with Michael Magoulias, Commercial Director at SSRN (Social Science Research Network), to explore how early-stage academic research is shaping markets, technology, regulation—and your portfolio.From short interest factors and retail-driven squeezes to AI-curated research workflows and the philosophy of Plato, this episode traverses the evolving relationship between ideas, capital, and power. Michael reveals why SSRN is a leading indicator for innovation, and how ideas—when identified early—can become alpha-generating strategies long before they hit peer-reviewed journals.The conversation dives deep into:- The shrinking alpha window after publication (McLean & Pontiff’s “Does Academic Research Destroy Stock Return Predictability?”)- Meme stocks, short squeezes, and Reddit as a market force- SSRN as a “research data” source for investors- Societal impact, metadata, and how research is influencing regulators, journalists, and CEOs- C.S. Lewis, Plato, and what it means to chase “ideal forms” in investingWhether you're a hedge fund quant, academic, journalist, or just someone looking to peer behind the curtain of financial innovation—this episode is a must-listen.🔗 Follow Our Work:📜 Substack: New Barbarians Podcast - https://substack.com/@newbarbarians 📜 Substack: Mark R. Connors - https://substack.com/@markrconnors📜 Harmonic Insights (Bill Mann & Chris Rosa) - https://www.harmoniqinsights.com/📜 SSRN Pracitioner Quant Research - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=2035436📜 SmartKarma - Bill Mann -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/william-mann-88ce6ae0-716e-4511-98ee-65b1af2765ff/researchTwitter - thenewbarbarianspodcast (@thenewbarbpod) / XChapters00:00 Character Development in Acting01:10 Introduction to SSRN and Academic Insights02:51 Market Trends and Short Interest Factors07:29 The Role of Data in Financial Markets14:34 The Impact of Legislation on Market Dynamics18:09 The Evolution of Academic Publishing24:54 The Value of Ideas vs. Data30:21 Exploring the Influence of Literature on Investment32:35 The Role of Research in Academic and Corporate Spheres35:40 Metrics and Impact of Research Publications39:05 Understanding Societal Impact in Research42:28 Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Practice45:46 The Evolution of Ideas and Financial Exploration49:15 Challenges in Modern Research Publishing#NewBarbariansPodcast #SSRN #MichaelMagoulias #AcademicAlpha #QuantResearch #ShortInterest #MemeStocks #FactorInvesting #LeadingIndicator #OpenAccess #FinancialResearch #SocietalImpact #AIinFinance #CognitiveAlpha #IdeasThatMatter #AcademicPublishing #Plato #CSLewis #DigitalAssets #QuantitativeFinance #EarlyStageResearch #BillMann #MarkConnors #FinancePhilosophy
AI & Bitcoin continue to dominate the investment landscape. In Episode 29, Bill Mann and Mark Connors go it alone for a mid‑year gut‑check on markets and macro. The hosts unpack the past few weeks’ volatility – from why Ethereum was the only major asset to break into the 95th percentile for returns to how “risk‑on” sentiment has left value stocks lagging. They dig into the dashboards built by their intern team to tease out why scarcity assets like gold and Bitcoin are leading global equities, explore the intersection of growth and quality factors with the AI/crypto boom, and reflect on seven months of podcasting.The conversation then moves to the macro world: Mark explains MicroStrategy’s transformation into a Bitcoin treasury and how it now rivals NVIDIA for performance, before dissecting America’s debt ceiling farce, the resumption of heavy Treasury issuance and the looming prospect of a rate‑cutting volatility event. They explore new stablecoin legislation nicknamed the “Genius Act,” argue that regulated dollar‑backed coins could unleash trillions of dollars of demand for U.S. T‑bills, and debate how young investors should approach custody and risk in digital assets. A listener Q&A on macro risk and some lighthearted pop‑culture references round out this lively, data‑rich check‑in. 🔗 Follow Our Work:📜 Substack: Mark R. Connors - https://substack.com/@markrconnors📜 Harmonic Insights (Bill Mann & Chris Rosa) - https://www.harmoniqinsights.com/📜 SSRN Pracitioner Quant Research - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=2035436📜 SmartKarma - Bill Mann -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/william-mann-88ce6ae0-716e-4511-98ee-65b1af2765ff/researchTwitter - thenewbarbarianspodcast (@thenewbarbpod) / X00:00 Podcast Reflection and Overview03:04 Market Trends and Economic Insights05:36 The Role of Data and Technology in Trading08:40 Global Equity Performance and Monetary Policy11:00 AI, Digital Assets, and the Magnificent 713:20 Quality vs. Growth in Investment15:52 MicroStrategy's Unique Capital Strategy21:01 Understanding Bitcoin's Market Dynamics25:24 The Evolution of Investment Strategies29:01 Understanding the Debt Ceiling Dynamics33:30 The Role of Stablecoins in Modern Finance35:42 Investment Insights for the Next Generation41:12 Macro Economic Trends and Predictions#Macro #Bitcoin #Ethereum #MicroStrategy #Stablecoins #DigitalAssets #AI #USDebt #Investing
In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Murphy, veteran investor and CIO of Runa Digital Assets, to explore why today’s AI and crypto revolutions aren’t sudden — they’re the culmination of decades of technological evolution.With over 30 years in the investment world, from working alongside Bill Miller at Legg Mason to leading at Franklin Templeton and now pioneering in digital assets, Jennifer brings a rare long-view perspective. She walks us through how the Information Age is reaching its end, how AI and crypto are shaping the next cycle, and why volatility, decentralization, and information asymmetry present enormous opportunities — not just challenges.Where to Find Jennifer- RunaDigitalAssets.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-murphy-4810a6b/- X/Twitter: @JenniferWMurph2- Website: https://www.runadigitalassets.com/Chapters00:00 - Intro & Context SettingIntroducing Runa Digital Assets and the big-picture links between AI, crypto, and macro forces.01:17 - Scorecards & Market RotationBitcoin leads over 5 years; Mark explores sector shifts and treasury Bitcoin plays.05:10 - Bitcoin Volatility: Feature or Flaw? Jennifer sees Bitcoin's volatility as upside, not risk—and institutions are catching on.08:10 - TradFi to Digital: Valuation Re-thinksBill recounts shifting from risk-averse quant to Bitcoin believer after seeing the data.12:35 - Network Effects & Altcoin RealismJennifer discusses how ETH and BTC treasury firms are leading this cycle—not altcoins.14:59 - Sector Strategy in Digital AssetsRuna’s framework for investing across six crypto sectors, from DeFi to entertainment.16:54 - Coinbase, Miners & the Equitization of CryptoRuna adds crypto-exposed equities to its mix, riding structural shifts in the space.25:11 - Raising Capital in CryptoNo "crypto bucket" yet: Jennifer compares the challenge to early small-cap investing.29:54 - Jennifer’s Origin Story & Bill Miller’s InfluenceHow a formative experience with Bill Miller shaped her lens on long-term investing.37:23 - Enter Carlotta Perez: A New Tech AgeJennifer explains why AI and crypto signal the next 50-year tech cycle.46:01 - Research Habits & Managing NoiseDaily rituals, dashboards, and "free-range time" keep the Runa team grounded and creative.51:16 - Info Asymmetry, Twitter & Finding AlphaCrypto markets still offer info edge—if you know where (and how) to look.54:35 - Understanding Bitcoin: Books & Custody AdviceBook recs, custody tools, and the golden rule: know why you own it.1:00:18 - Institutional Clients & Long-Term ConvictionRuna's LPs rarely panic—they read the research and play the long game.1:04:20 - Where to Find JenniferReach Jennifer via RunaDigitalAssets.com, LinkedIn, and her quiet presence on X.Website: https://www.runadigitalassets.com/X" @JenniferWMurph2LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-murphy-4810a6b/#JenniferMurphy #DigitalAssets #CryptoInvesting #Bitcoin #Ethereum #AIRevolution #CarlotaPerez #Fintech #RunaDigitalAssets #NetworkEffect #MacroTrends #Web3#InvestingWisdom #LongTermThinking #ValueInvesting
In Episode 27 of The New Barbarians Podcast, hosts Bill Mann and Mark Connors welcome Chris Maher, founder of Samaritan Partners, a venture capital fund focused on impact investing in disability innovation.Chris shares how his journey as a parent, tech CEO, and former D1 coach led to launching a fund that bridges purpose and profit — backing startups that empower the disability community with scalable, meaningful solutions. From AI-powered accessibility tools to inclusive travel platforms, this conversation explores how venture capital can create real-world change while still aiming for strong returns.You’ll also hear macro insights on global markets, central bank shifts, and how digital assets and AI are reshaping the financial landscape.🔗 Follow Our Work:📜 Substack: Mark R. Connors - https://substack.com/@markrconnors📜 Harmonic Insights (Bill Mann & Chris Rosa) - https://www.harmoniqinsights.com/📜 SSRN for research papers - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/A...📜 SmartKarma - Chris Rosa -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/c...📜 SmartKarma - Bill Mann -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/w...Twitter - The New Barbarians - https://x.com/thenewbarbpodTwitter - Mark Connors -- https://x.com/riskdimensions⏱️ Chapters:00:00 - Intro to The New Barbarians Podcast on Disruptive Finance01:10 - Meet Chris Maher: VC Investor, Disability Advocate, and Coach02:45 - Market Trends: AI Stocks, Central Bank Moves & Global Uncertainty06:45 - Bitcoin, Gold & German Equities: Q2 2025 Asset Class Review09:40 - Why Chris Launched Samaritan Partners: VC for Disability Innovation13:30 - Disability Economy Explained: 1.5 Billion People & Untapped Potential17:00 - Can Impact Venture Capital Deliver Market Returns?21:00 - For-Profit vs Nonprofit: Building Scalable Social Impact Businesses25:45 - From D1 Basketball Coach to CEO: Leadership Lessons from the Court30:15 - Career Reinvention: Finding Purpose, Fulfillment & Startup Inspiration36:45 - Mentorship & Mental Resilience for Founders & Entrepreneurs42:30 - Disability Tech Startups: Be My Eyes, Wheel the World & Inclusive AI56:00 - How to Connect with Chris Maher & Learn More About Samaritan Partners🔗 Links & Resources:💼 Samaritan Partners – https://samaritanpartners.com🎧 Investing in Accessibility Podcast – https://www.investinginaccessibility....🔗 Connect with Chris Maher on LinkedIn – / chrismaher1 #ImpactInvesting #DisabilityInnovation #PurposeDrivenVC #AccessibleTech
What happens when human intuition meets data-driven precision? In this deep-dive short from The New Barbarians Podcast, Mark Connors breaks down the seismic shift toward systematic global macro investing. From yield curve twists to easing trade tensions, from ARIMA and GARCH models to machine learning and relative value trades, this episode explores how investors are using rules-based systems to navigate today's complex markets. Learn how macro regimes, sector sensitivities, AI, and econometrics converge to generate alpha — and why discretion still matters in the age of automation.Link to the Paper: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5279491Link to Freely-Available Python Model:https://colab.research.google.com/drive/16bh8mX5KRHKCL-dXIOlSDmZsDIJQ9R3c#SystematicMacro #GlobalMacro #QuantInvesting #DiscretionaryVsSystematic #Macroeconomics #QuantitativeFinance #MachineLearning #YieldCurve #FactorInvesting #PortfolioConstruction #NewBarbariansPodcast #MarkConnors #DataDrivenInvesting #BehavioralFinance #AIinFinance #AlphaGeneration #RegimeAnalysis #RiskManagement #EconometricModels #DeepLearningInMacro
In Episode 26 of the New Barbarians Podcast, Bill Mann and Mark Connors sit down with Christina Qi, co-founder and CEO of Databento, for an unfiltered conversation about her journey from high-frequency trading to building one of the fastest-growing market data vendors in the industry.They cover:- Why she shut down her hedge fund at the peak of her success- The real-world pain of working with legacy data providers- What it takes to build a scalable, transparent data business- Insights into cloud vs. colo, the SEC market data overhaul, and customer-led product roadmaps- What makes quants terrible at sales (and sales terrible at selling to quants)- And how attention to detail and technical support—not hype—built a $1M+ ARR business in under 30 days.If you've ever tried to build or run a quant shop, this one's for you.🔗 Follow Our Work:📜 Substack: Mark R. Connors - https://substack.com/@markrconnors📜 Harmonic Insights (Bill Mann & Chris Rosa) - https://www.harmoniqinsights.com/📜 SSRN for research papers - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=2035436📜 SmartKarma - Chris Rosa -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/christopher-rosa/research📜 SmartKarma - Bill Mann -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/william-mann-88ce6ae0-716e-4511-98ee-65b1af2765ff/researchTwitter - The New Barbarians - https://x.com/thenewbarbpodTwitter - Mark Connors -- https://x.com/riskdimensionsChapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties00:57 Market Overview and Economic Insights03:19 Quality and Risk in Investments05:30 Central Banking and Economic Policy07:57 The Impact of Global Events on Markets10:15 Transitioning from Hedge Fund to Data Business12:26 Christina Qi's Journey and Company Formation15:05 Challenges and Lessons from the Hedge Fund Experience17:28 Building a Scalable Data Business20:33 The Importance of Transparency in Business23:23 Conclusion and Future Outlook26:08 The Data Wrangling Dilemma27:58 Understanding Data Licensing Costs30:34 Streamlining the Licensing Process32:46 The Unique Challenges of Data Startups35:28 Navigating Venture Capital Expectations37:31 Building a Quality Product for Quants42:26 Hiring for Meticulousness and Detail46:05 The Journey of a Second-Time Founder49:35 Customer-Driven Roadmap Development53:31 Understanding the Customer Base56:44 Maintaining Scalability and Capacity01:00:11 Defending Intellectual Property#NewBarbariansPodcast #ChristinaQi #Databento #MarketData #HighFrequencyTrading #QuantFinance #StartupJourney #Fintech #HedgeFunds #FinancialData #Infrastructure #DataEngineering #QuantResearch #AIinFinance #AlternativeData #CapitalMarkets #ScalableStartups #WomenInFinance
In Episode 22 of The New Barbarians Podcast, Bill and Mark are joined by David Forino, CTO and Co-Founder of Quanted, to explore how systematic investors can finally scale dataset onboarding and feature discovery without months of engineering time.They cover:• The rise of explainable machine learning over deep neural nets• The 3000→30 line code compression in quant infrastructure• Why Circle’s IPO and stablecoin legislation may reshape global macro• Real-world alpha bottlenecks in top quant funds• Cultural insights from Elba to Budapest• Can crypto ever become a global travel currency?And much more, including war stories from AI startups, VW’s robotics lab, and the Colosseum fight scene with Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee.🔗 Follow Our Work:📜 Substack: Mark R. Connors - https://substack.com/@markrconnors📜 Harmonic Insights (Bill Mann & Chris Rosa) - https://www.harmoniqinsights.com/📜 SSRN Pracitioner Quant Research - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=2035436📜 SmartKarma - Bill Mann -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/william-mann-88ce6ae0-716e-4511-98ee-65b1af2765ff/researchTwitter - thenewbarbarianspodcast (@thenewbarbpod) / XChapters00:00 Introduction to the New Barbarians Podcast02:16 Market Dynamics and Global Perspectives07:19 Digital Assets and the Future of Finance11:00 David Forino's Journey into Quant Finance15:43 Understanding Quanta and Its Value Proposition21:18 User Feedback and Data Management Challenges28:00 Exploring Machine Learning and AI in Finance29:45 The Data Explosion and Its Implications32:40 Advancements in Robotics and AI34:30 Traditional vs. Deep Learning in Quant Finance38:39 The Challenge of Explainability in AI Models42:14 The Future of Crypto as a Universal Currency52:09 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions#quantfinance #AIinFinance #AlternativeData #MachineLearning #ExplainableAI #CryptoMacro #Stablecoins #SystematicInvesting #DataOps #Fintech #DigitalAssets #Bitcoin #NewBarbariansPodcast #Quanted #HarmoniQInsights
In Episode 24 of The New Barbarians Podcast, Bill Mann and Mark Connors sit down with Ihsan Saracgil, Chief Product Officer at OpenBB, for a deep dive into the future of quant research and AI-native finance.We explore how OpenBB is dismantling legacy market data systems and giving investors cutting-edge tools—customizable dashboards, AI copilots, multi-agent frameworks, and a glimpse into real-time LLM interaction with Fed documents. Ihsan showcases live demos including FOMC parsing, factor attribution with Fama-French models, and CPI analysis powered by Snowflake—without ever leaving the OpenBB environment.If you're in tradfi, crypto, quant, or just tired of emailing PowerPoint decks like it’s 2005, this one is essential listening.🔗 Follow Our Work:📜 Substack: Mark R. Connors - https://substack.com/@markrconnors📜 Harmonic Insights (Bill Mann & Chris Rosa) - https://www.harmoniqinsights.com/📜 SSRN Pracitioner Quant Research - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/A...📜 SmartKarma - Bill Mann -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/w...Twitter - thenewbarbarianspodcast (@thenewbarbpod) / XChapters00:00 Introduction and Name Pronunciation00:46 Overview of OpenBB and Its Evolution02:10 The Role of AI in Financial Data Analysis04:59 Understanding FOMC and Market Expectations07:38 The Importance of Data Ownership and Control10:45 Challenges in Traditional Financial Systems13:12 OpenBB's Unique Selling Proposition15:48 Integrating Diverse Data Sources18:26 Demonstrating OpenBB's Capabilities21:33 Using AI for Document Analysis24:20 Custom Agents and Their Applications27:33 Future of AI in Financial Analysis30:44 Conclusion and Future Directions39:43 Comparing AI Models: Commercial vs Open Source40:49 The Acceleration of Data Understanding42:21 Utilizing AI for Economic Projections42:49 The Dot Plot and Market Speculation43:59 The Co-Pilot Widget: Enhancing Data Interaction45:24 Human in the Loop: AI Interaction Philosophy47:47 AI Agents and Data Access49:17 Navigating Economic Data with AI53:32 Seamless Integration with Snowflake54:34 Visualizing Economic Data for Insights57:57 Global Economic Dynamics and Inflation59:38 Fama French Dashboard for Portfolio Analytics01:05:23 Customizing AI for Portfolio Management01:11:34 OpenBB Platform: Installation and Usage#NewBarbariansPodcast #OpenBB #QuantFinance #AIInFinance #FOMC #FedWatch #FinancialData #LLM #Snowflake #BloombergAlternative #PythonFinance #FactorInvesting #FintechInnovation #CPOInterview #MarketDataRevolution #DigitalAssets #MacroTrading #PortfolioAnalytics
Join us for a very special LIVE episode of the New Barbarians Podcast with one of the true pioneers of modern investing — Herb Blank.Herb has been innovating in finance for over three decades — from launching the first managed ETFs to driving early Smart Beta and ESG models.We cover:✅ The history and future of quantitative investing✅ The origin of factor-based models and strategy indexes✅ Governance as the most predictive ESG factor✅ The evolution of ETFs and lessons from the 2008 crisis✅ AI’s role in risk management vs alpha generation✅ Bitcoin and blockchain through a quant’s lensPacked with market wisdom, personal stories, and a healthy dose of humor (station wagons, Clark Griswold, and more), this is a can't-miss conversation for anyone in TradFi, digital assets, or quant investing.🎧 Tune in and subscribe to hear what’s next at the cutting edge of investing.🔗 Follow Our Work:📜 Substack: Mark R. Connors - https://substack.com/@markrconnors📜 Harmonic Insights (Bill Mann & Chris Rosa) - https://www.harmoniqinsights.com/📜 SSRN for research papers - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=2035436📜 SmartKarma - Bill Mann -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/william-mann-88ce6ae0-716e-4511-98ee-65b1af2765ff/researchTwitter / X: @thenewbarbpodChapters00:46 Guest Introduction: Herb Blank02:05 Factor Investing and Market Scorecard06:12 Origins of the First Managed ETFs09:51 Arbitrage Pricing Theory and Early Quant Investing26:23 Factor Cycles and The Factor Zoo31:08 Counterparty Risk and Banking System Evolution34:51 ESG Investing: Real vs Greenwashing44:13 Quant Investing Goes Mainstream54:19 AI and Risk Management in Investing56:23 The Future of Money and Digital Dollars58:00 AI and Healthcare Innovation1:00:13 Bitcoin and Blockchain Security1:05:55 Lessons from Early ETF Launches1:09:14 Where to Follow Herb Blank’s Work#QuantInvesting #ETFHistory #SmartBeta #ESGInvesting #AIInFinance #RiskManagement #DigitalAssets #BitcoinInvesting #FactorInvesting #ArbitragePricingTheory #Quants #FinancialInnovation #AIandMarkets #HerbBlank #NewBarbariansPodcast
In this episode, Bill Mann and Mark Connors welcome Ben Golub, Head of Derivatives Trading at Secure Digital Markets (SDM), to explore the cutting edge of crypto derivatives, OTC trading, and institutional adoption of digital assets.We dive into:✅ The collapse of TradFi margins and the migration to crypto rails✅ How Bitcoin and AI are becoming base-layer financial infrastructure✅ The rise of crypto derivatives: structured products, accumulators, NDFs, and more✅ Why miners, family offices, and funds are turning to OTC desks✅ Risk management lessons from Celsius and how SDM avoids rehypothecation✅ Systematic strategies, short exposure, and building factor models in crypto✅ What the Coinbase–Deribit deal signals about the next evolution in marketsBen brings a rare blend of quant discipline, real-world trading scars, and startup hustle. Whether you're from TradFi looking to replicate your equity strategies or crypto-native and exploring structured alpha—this episode has something for you.🔗 Guest Contact:Ben Golub – benjamin@securedigitalmarkets.com🔗 Firm: https://sdm.co📅 LIVE on June 4th at 9AM🎥 Streaming on YouTube 🔗 Follow Our Work:📜 Substack: Mark R. Connors - https://substack.com/@markrconnors📜 Harmonic Insights (Bill Mann & Chris Rosa) - https://www.harmoniqinsights.com/📜 SSRN for research papers - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=2035436📜 SmartKarma - Chris Rosa -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/christopher-rosa/research📜 SmartKarma - Bill Mann -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/william-mann-88ce6ae0-716e-4511-98ee-65b1af2765ff/research📜 Twitter - @TheNewBarbpodChapters00:00 Introduction to the Digital Asset Ecosystem09:58 New Chapter10:07 Ben Golub's Journey in Trading14:49 The Role of SDM in the Crypto Market19:26 Client Types and Their Needs23:35 Market Trends and Future Outlook24:41 Understanding Client Needs in Crypto Trading26:53 Strategies for Accumulating Crypto Assets31:57 Algorithmic Trading in the Crypto Market35:46 Derivatives and Customization in Crypto Trading38:05 Resources for Newcomers to Crypto Trading43:37 Incorporating Systematic Strategies in Crypto Trading#CryptoDerivatives #BitcoinETF #OTCTrading #DigitalAssets #SystematicInvesting #CryptoOptions #InstitutionalCrypto #NewBarbariansPodcast #BenGolub #SecureDigitalMarkets #CryptoVolatility #AIandBitcoin #TradFiToDeFi #CryptoStructuredProducts
🎧 Guests:Lisa Huff (Eberly Energy Ventures)Dan Morrison (Amalgamated Sludge)In Episode 21 of The New Barbarians Podcast, we head to Houston after a powerful event featuring Dr. Adam Back to unpack the energy-tech collision shaping global infrastructure. Lisa Huff (Eberly Energy Ventures) and Dan Morrison (Amalgamated Sludge) join us to break down why energy sovereignty matters—from stranded gas assets to off-grid mining, from powering AI to defending national security.Topics include:– The economics of flared gas and Bitcoin mining– Why AI’s power demand will surpass Bitcoin’s– Power grid volatility, load balancing, and “Mullet Mining”– Strategic infrastructure in a multipolar world– Why Texas energy producers could outmaneuver Wall StreetFrom deepwater rigs to digital rails, we explore how energy, AI, and Bitcoin are converging to define the next financial and industrial era.🔗 Follow Our Work:📜 Substack: Mark R. Connors - https://substack.com/@markrconnors📜 Harmonic Insights (Bill Mann & Chris Rosa) - https://www.harmoniqinsights.com/📜 SSRN for research papers - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=2035436📜 SmartKarma - Chris Rosa -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/christopher-rosa/research📜 SmartKarma - Bill Mann -- https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/william-mann-88ce6ae0-716e-4511-98ee-65b1af2765ff/researchTwitter - The New BarbpodChapters00:00 - Introduction to the New Barbarians Podcast01:41 - Market Insights: Bitcoin, Energy, and AI05:40 - The Intersection of Bitcoin and Energy10:44 - Mining Operations and Economic Viability18:24 - Utilizing Disadvantaged Assets in Energy24:59 - The Role of Energy Companies in Bitcoin30:02 - Bitcoin as a Strategic Asset for National Security35:31 - AI and Bitcoin: The Future of Energy Consumption41:53 - The NIMBY Effect and Energy Consumption44:05 - AI vs Bitcoin: Energy Efficiency Debate46:05 - Complementary Roles of Bitcoin and AI50:02 - Bitcoin as a Load Balancer for Energy Grids52:46 - Bitcoin's Impact on Rural Energy Access54:12 - Energy Diplomacy and Infrastructure57:39 - The Urgency of Energy Infrastructure01:01:33 - The Perception of Energy Consumption01:04:55 - Bitcoin as a Hedge Against Inflation01:08:23 - The Limitations of Traditional Financial Systems01:11:05 - The Future of Bitcoin in Global Trade01:14:29 - The Global Adoption of Bitcoin01:18:32 - Closing Thoughts on Bitcoin and Energy#TexasPowerPlay #Bitcoin #AIInfrastructure #GridSovereignty #BitcoinMining #EnergySecurity #DigitalWildcatters #OffGridMining #AdamBack #HardestMoney #AIandBitcoin #TheNewBarbariansPodcast