Listener Reviews

Aptly named because the term “animal spirits” has long been used to describe the psychological and emotional factors that influence investors during high levels of volatility in the markets. This is a perfect way to describe the content that Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson bring to light on their show. I have learned more in 6 months listening to this show than I did in the 6 years prior. No surprise considering it was recommended to me by an acquaintance whose job title is Certified Financial Planner. These are the investment advisors that your investment advisors listen to. Need I say more? No. But I like to hear myself talk so I’ll add just a few more words. Both of the hosts are Certified Financial Analysts and hold positions at a well-regarded wealth management firm. They’re young too so you can be sure they aren’t giving you outdated advice while not being so young that they haven’t seen enough boom and bust cycles to know what to do during them. Between the sarcasm of Ben and the high-speed rebuttals by Michael, these guys are the perfect duo to break down complex financial ideas. I’d say you should be financially literate to understand the concepts they discuss, but even if you aren’t, they make sure you’ll walk away with the right data and the right perspective on topics ranging from homeownership to inflation and even portfolio comparisons with specific examples. Another reason this is my favorite podcast is that both of these guys author and update their own financial commentary websites. Highly recommend that in addition to listening to their show, you also subscribe to their newsletters. They put out timely content with relevant ideas and the data to back them up. Finally, and most importantly, they don’t pretend to have all the answers. Sometimes knowing that even the professionals don’t have a good answer helps the most. It’s so refreshing in a world where everyone is trying to sell you something.

Ben and Michael cover a lot. If you don’t care about investing related information and insights, what they are watching makes for a good listen and laugh. I more care about their perspective and how they argue applying the facts, rather than simply say what’s topical and evocative. Yes, if you have convictions without common sense, they may offend you, but the pair are brilliant and bounce off of each other in a fun and natural way. Better banter than the Cuomo brothers, and I find the Cuomo brothers funny

Enjoyable and entertaining but also very good sound advise—- learn something new every week

I look forward to their episode every Wednesday and the talk your book podcast on Fridays. They both are insightful and bring different personalities to the podcast. Just trolling, Michael :) Jake

Always look forward to your Podcast’s every week. Insightful and funny. Just need more of Michael saying “Sir, Sir”, makes me laugh every time

You’ll learn more from Michael and Ben than anything in school or rip off paid course. Michael “I’d rather listen to The Rewatchables than watch the movie” Batnick. Ben “I almost returned a punt in high school” Carlson. Practicable (and comical) commentary on the important aspects of personal finance and investing.

A finance show that understands you’re not a spreadsheet

These guys are hilarious and fun to listen to. As a retail investor, I don’t have many people in my life to share my investing hobby with. Though it excites me to talk, think and read about, my wife and most of my friends could care less. This podcast gives me an outlet. Though it’s not a two way conversation, the guys fulfill my weekly need, keeping my passion for this hobby alive!

Super series of podcasts, but that SSGA guest needed to be more concise: painful listening.

Who would have thought that investing and financing could be so enjoyable to listen to. Michael and Ben have made this sometimes complicated subject an easy and enjoyable listen. Your two personalities compliment each other and keep the novice investor informed, upbeat and even laughing. Congratulations

These guys present an interesting look at finances, stock market, society and a plethora of other unique factors in an easy to understand and entertaining discussion. Thank you

Long time listener. Owe you guys a review. Keep doing what you’re doing. I feel like thanks to you guys pounding it into my head I am almost a halfway responsible and diversified long-term investor. Always room for improvement, but hopefully not $500k worth. Of course, you are also more than mildly entertaining. Stay up fellas!

What makes this one work is the quick interplay between hosts and topics. It is the only podcast I can’t multitask during because if you lose focus they are on to the next thing. You can also miss the subtle humor and call backs from earlier shows. Pay Attention!

Smart and funny. One of the best podcasts in finance

Entertaining and informative. Infotainment done right!

Burton Malkiel argues for indexing due to market efficiency, yet he advocated picking stocks with high yields to replace bonds?

Michael and Ben are great (as are all the Ritholz Team) they explain financial markets simply, clearly with humour and topical insights. I imagine this is a case of ‘swan-like’ performance as the experience, research and knowledge required to do so in such an accessible manner must be huge. Sure, it’s a bit US-centric but that’s where the guys are based, where the data is fullest and let’s be honest, where a lot of the action is/has been. I’m a long-time listener, work in finance and have learned a great deal..there’s always an anecdote or soundbite in each episode that I can drop into work conversations and look like the guy with his finger on the pulse of ‘the markets’! Thanks guys!

I want to know how you accomplish all the research-writing & viewings for recommendations in your time frame! Appreciate all the knowledge & fun tho- Thks!

Con Air is a bad movie. So they got that wrong. Other than that. Good financial stuff. Highly recommend.

Michael and Ben bring joy to my day, ears, brain, and portfolio. They make complex concepts easy, they don’t take themselves too seriously, and they are anti-survey. I was sad when they dropped down to 1 a week but am pumped to hear they’ll be back with 2 days a week. Highly recommend.

These guys will be the first to tell you when they don’t know something for certain: and it’s the humility with which they approach questions pertaining to life and investing (and book or Netflix recommendations) that makes this podcast so good. Just because something might be unknowable does not mean one shouldn’t strive to know more. Their observations on things like Michael’s plumber’s portfolio, or dissecting the various chart crimes committed in the world, or making the case that Almost Famous IS a classic film, these guys give intriguing perspectives based on more than just the ephemeral...they dig for precedents and in this day and age that means they pretty much come up empty, and yet you don’t hate them for it. Truly a fun pod to listen to.

Favorite podcast of all time 💯

Are you looking for hidden sources of alpha? Do you want to geek out over backtesting? Would you like help developing a killer trading strategy? This podcast is NOT for you. Otherwise, if you are interested in investing and don’t mind having “casual fun” while hearing about it, this is the one. Michael and Ben sound like two well-educated, polished “bros” talking serious business over beers at a dive bar. They are really good at mixing in a discussions about Fed policy and Peloton bikes in the same sentence. The information is pretty interesting, the analysis is solid but very quick (soundbite style), and the dry but geeky humor that is not pedantic at all makes everything very digestible. I could probably live without the 3-5 minutes of Netflix show reviews at the end, but that’s just me. I listen to every single episode, and religiously stop streaming as soon as they say “alright, let’s move to recommendations”. Anyway, give it a try.

One of the best finance discussion podcasts! If you are bored about Barry Ritholtz 😜, this is a refreshing one!