The Grant Williams Podcast

The Grant Williams Podcast Ep. 95 - Thomas Thornton

Joining me for the latest episode of The Grant Williams Podcast is my old mate Tommy Thornton of Hedge Fund Telemetry and, in a market increasingly driven by speculation and the allure of quick riches, we discuss whether investors are playing a dangerous game as a “gambler’s mentality” grips Wall Street – making excessive risk and leverage the norm. Tommy also challenges the prevailing narrative of ever-rising stock prices and questions the disconnect between market valuations and the underlying fundamentals of many companies.

From Nvidia’s AI-fueled ascent to the precarious perch of Tesla’s insane valuation, Tommy delves into the potential for market volatility to return with a vengeance, and the complex challenges facing the Federal Reserve and the economic policies of the incoming Trump administration.

Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com. 

Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

The Narrative Game Ep. 10: Into The Moral Vacuum We Go… - FULL EPISODE

In a thought-provoking return for The Narrative Game, Dr. Ben Hunt and I engage in a candid conversation about the soul of America, exploring the unsettling trends eroding the nation’s moral compass. We dissect the alarming shift toward prioritizing power, efficiency, and leverage over traditional values like justice, liberty, and the common good and together we paint a picture of a society inching closer to totalitarianism, grappling with the rejection of the ideal that the U.S. should be a moral force on the world stage.

Beyond the diagnosis, we offer potential paths forward in these challenging times, as our discussion delves into the importance of building strong, trusted communities and finding solace in religion and spirituality, even for those who may not consider themselves traditionally religious. We highlight the urgent need to combat the erosion of community and shared values, fostering integrity and purpose amidst the rising tide of polarization and cynicism. This episode is a call to action, urging listeners to seek deeper connections and moral guidance to navigate the turbulent waters ahead.

Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com. 

Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

The Grant Williams Podcast Ep. 94 - Ronan Manly FULL EPISODE

In the latest episode of The Grant Williams Podcast, Ronan Manly joins me for a deep dive into the fascinating world of the gold market. We explore its rich history and intricate structure, from the pivotal roles of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and the COMEX futures exchange in shaping global trade, to the concept of ‘unallocated gold’ and the fractional reserve system that underpins much of the market.
We also examine the recent surge in central bank demand for physical gold, a trend that’s straining delivery systems and causing delays at institutions like the Bank of England. Against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, we discuss how these dynamics could signal a shift away from the US dollar-based monetary system, potentially positioning gold as a cornerstone of international trade or even as backing for new regional currencies.
Finally, we tackle the possibility of a seismic event in the paper gold market—where pricing power might move from London to exchanges like Shanghai—leading to a divergence between paper and physical gold prices.

Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com. 

Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

The Grant Williams Podcast Ep. 93 - Steve Diggle

In the latest episode of The Grant Williams Podcast, Steve Diggle of Vulpes Investment Management discusses his return to the volatility trading space after a 14-year hiatus. Steve cites several key factors that have led him to believe the risk-reward dynamic for downside hedging is now more favorable, including elevated market valuations, reduced central bank intervention capabilities, and the unpredictability of the Trump administration.

Steve also provides an update on the biotech industry, which has faced significant challenges in the post-COVID environment. He sees an unprecedented opportunity to invest in promising biotech companies whose valuations have collapsed, though caveat emptor, as the level of complexity and risk involved is significant.

If Steve is right, markets are facing heightened uncertainty that could lead to significantly increased volatility-a situation which makes the timing perfect for his ‘particular set of skills’ as downside protection strategies become first more attractive, and then imperative.

Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com. 

Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

The Grant Williams Podcast Ep. 92 - Adam Rozencwajg

In a fascinating discussion, I sit down with Adam Rozencwajg of Goehring and Rozencwajg to delve into the intricate world of commodity markets and their far-reaching implications for the global economy. The conversation uncovers a hidden dynamic in the financial landscape, where the suppression of commodity markets is fueling a widespread carry trade that has investors heavily leveraged in growth and speculative stocks. As Adam explains, this delicate balance could be on the verge of a dramatic shift, potentially leading to a significant revaluation of real assets.

We also explore the future of energy, with a particular focus on the transformative potential of nuclear power. Adam highlights the promise of small modular reactor technology as a game-changer in the pursuit of clean, safe, and efficient energy sources and addresses the limitations of the U.S. shale boom and its implications for domestic oil and gas production. Finally, the conversation concludes with an exploration of gold’s resurgence as a monetary asset, hinting at possible changes in the global financial system that could reshape the economic landscape for years to come.

Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com. 

Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

The Grant Williams Podcast Ep. 91 - Andrew McDermott

In this episode I’m joined by Andrew McDermott of Mission Value Partners to explore Japan’s remarkable journey from economic dominance to stagnation and its ongoing revival as a hub of opportunity. Andrew delves into how Japan has adapted to challenges such as demographic shifts and monetary policy constraints while maintaining its global relevance. He argues that Japan’s transformation offers valuable lessons for investors and policymakers alike, and, as Western investors increasingly take note of Japan’s strong corporate management and innovative strategies, our discussion sheds light on why Japan remains an inspiring example of reinvention in a rapidly changing world.

Despite critics long pointing to missteps by Japan’s central bank and corporate culture during this period, Andrew explains how, beneath the surface, Japanese companies have been quietly transforming—streamlining operations, prioritizing quality, and adopting shareholder-friendly practices, to the point where, today, many of these firms are considered paragons of efficiency and governance, attracting high-profile investors like Warren Buffett (who was given a little personal nudge along the road to investing in Japan by none other than Andrew himself).

Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com. 

Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

The Grant Williams Podcast Ep. 90 - Demetri Kofinas FULL EPISODE

In a deeply personal and startlingly frank conversation, my great friend Demetri Kofinas and I dissect the current state of the world around us looking for answers to what is, perhaps, a set of unsolvable problems that simply need to play out to their predetermined conclusion.

In a necessarily freeform conversation, Demetri offers a compelling exploration of the concept of “financial nihilism,” a provocative investment philosophy that sees speculative assets as devoid of intrinsic value, before we delve into the societal and economic forces driving this mindset, including the erosion of trust in institutions, the corruption of money the prolific rise of gambling in everyday life, and the absence of both consequences and accountability for bad actors.

Together, we examine the rise of populism and moral decay, questioning whether these trends signal an inevitable descent into chaos or an opportunity for systemic reform and, while we struggle to find any sunny conclusions from the depths of personal reflection, what emerges is a sobering yet thought-provoking analysis of our current trajectory which seems set to take us further into the abyss.

Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com. 

Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

The End Game Ep. 54 - Dan Oliver PREVIEW

In another captivating episode of The End Game Fleck and I are joined by returning special guest Dan Oliver for a deep dive into the current state of global financial markets as we explore the potential consequences of shifting liquidity dynamics and their impact on the financial landscape.

Dan brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as he dissects the various sources of liquidity that are currently undergoing significant changes. From interest rate policies to the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet reduction and the Treasury’s management of its account, Dan paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges facing the financial system.

Picking apart the intricate web of political dynamics between key financial institutions, Dan offers insights into the potential conflicts and hurdles that lie ahead and, as the discussion unfolds, we examine the broader implications of the bubble-like conditions in financial markets, drawing parallels to historical financial frenzies and their inevitable conclusions.

Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com. 

Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

The Grant Williams Podcast Ep. 89 - Kris Sidial

In the latest episode of The Grant Williams Podcast, volatility manager and Ambrus Group co-CIO  Kris Sidial, returns for a thought-provoking conversation which delves into the intricacies of financial market volatility. The discussion covers a wide range of themes, beginning with an analysis of recent shifts in volatility markets that have surprised many observers before exploring the impact of institutional investor behavior on equity market dynamics, as Kris sheds light on how large-scale positioning can lead to extreme market moves.

Also under the microscope are the psychological aspects of volatility trading, as Kris offers valuable insights into the mindset required for success in what is an immensely challenging field.

Throughout the conversation, Kris shares his expertise on the factors driving market instability and offers a forward-looking perspective on potential sources of future volatility, including the growing importance of bond and currency markets, providing a rare insider’s view of the complex world of volatility trading and its far-reaching implications for broader market stability.

Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com. 

Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

The Grant Williams Podcast Ep. 88 - Simon Mikhailovich

In the latest episode of The Grant Williams Podcast, Simon Mikhailovich returns to explore the increasingly intertwined worlds of geopolitics, economics, and financial markets. As we enter a period of heightened global uncertainty, Simon offers valuable insights into the shifting landscape of possibilities and probabilities for major geopolitical events. The discussion delves into the “geopoliticization” of various aspects of our lives, examining how national security concerns are now taking precedence over financial and economic stability for governments worldwide. Simon also highlights the potential for severe disruptions and their cascading effects, using examples like the California wildfires to illustrate the far-reaching impacts on US finances and foreign policy.

Throughout a thought-provoking conversation, the complex, interconnected nature of global events in our current environment and the importance of personal preparedness in the face of growing risks are reinforced in multiple ways.

Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com. 

Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.