#76 - AI, Innovation, Semiconductors, and the Next Wave of Market Leadership with EVP of Prairie Operating Co and host of The Big Skinny podcast Lou Basenese (recorded 07/08/26)

In this episode of The Bull of Wall Street, Talley Leger welcomes innovation investor, podcast host, EVP of Prairie Operating Co, and Fox News Contributor Lou Basenese for an in-depth discussion on geopolitics, AI, semiconductors, market leadership, and disruptive technology investing. The conversation begins with the latest developments in Iran and explores why history continues to favor buying periods of geopolitical uncertainty rather than fleeing from them. Talley and Lou then shift to inflation, interest rates, and the Federal Reserve before diving deep into semiconductors, AI adoption, and why they believe today’s technology cycle is fundamentally different from previous market bubbles. They also discuss small-cap leadership, biotechnology, robotics, portfolio construction, and how advisors can thoughtfully invest in emerging technologies without exposing clients to unnecessary risk. Key Takeaways • History suggests geopolitical selloffs have often created buying opportunities rather than lasting bear markets. • Current AI and semiconductor leadership is supported by earnings growth, revenue expansion, and improving fundamentals—not speculative excess. • Market leadership is broadening beyond the Magnificent Seven as AI-driven productivity spreads across the economy. • Innovation investing requires balancing thematic exposure with disciplined portfolio construction and position sizing. • Robotics, biotechnology, and AI-powered healthcare may represent the next major wave of long-term investment opportunities. • Investors should continue monitoring hyperscaler AI spending and future returns on capital as an important indicator for the AI cycle. Chapters 01:00 Iran, oil, and geopolitical markets 06:20 Inflation, interest rates, and the Fed outlook 10:00 Why semiconductors may remain a long-term opportunity 15:20 Bull markets, sentiment, and valuations 18:50 The broadening market beyond the Magnificent Seven 26:00 Identifying disruptive technology before it becomes mainstream 31:00 What’s might be next for artificial intelligence? 34:30 AI applications and emerging investment opportunities 36:20 Capital spending by hyperscalers 39:15 Robotics and automation 43:00 Portfolio construction for disruptive innovation 48:20 Final thoughts on lifelong learning and healthcare innovation Guests Lou Basenese, EVP of Prairie Operating Co and Host of The Big Skinny Podcast Host Talley Leger, Chief Market Strategist, The Wealth Consulting Group Follow Us LinkedIn: The Wealth Consulting Group X (Twitter): @WealthCG YouTube: @thewealthconsultinggroup Making Life Better at The Wealth Consulting Group Helping advisors stay ahead means understanding not only today’s markets, but tomorrow’s opportunities. Subscribe for market insights, investment perspectives, and conversations with leading voices shaping the future of investing. Subscribe at bit.ly/wealthcg