Epsilon Theory Podcast

This episode explores the career, mindset, and investing philosophy of Marc Rubinstein, tracing his journey from equity research in the 1990s through the Global Financial Crisis and into his current thinking on markets, optionality, and decision-making. Through personal stories and market insights, the conversation examines how experience, temperament, and historical awareness shape long-term success in investing and life.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with Gary Mishuris to explore his journey from the Soviet Union to becoming a successful investor and founder. The conversation blends investing philosophy with deeply personal stories about resilience, integrity, and the long-term mindset required to succeed in both markets and life.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with bestselling author, humorist, and essayist Michael Perry to explore the life experiences that shaped his writing and worldview. Perry shares stories from growing up on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin, the lessons he learned from sports and hard work, and the powerful influence of his parents’ humility and charity. The conversation moves through his unlikely path from farm kid to nurse to full-time writer, including the mentors, moments, and unexpected decisions that helped shape his career. Along the way, Perry reflects on independence, purpose, faith, and the role storytelling plays in understanding both investing and life.

Roger Mitchell joins The Intentional Investor to share the improbable journey from a working class upbringing in Scotland to the upper tiers of global finance, music, media, and sport. Along the way, he reflects on the formative lessons that shaped him, from navigating rough public schools and working late nights in a family fish and chip shop to flying across Europe for high stakes meetings and interviewing some of the most powerful figures in sport and business. This is a conversation about usefulness versus indispensability, about how narrative and presentation shape power, and about why leaving home is often the moment everything changes.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with Ted Merz to explore how careers, ideas, and communities are shaped less by optimization and more by immersion. Drawing on stories from Ted’s early life, his time at Bloomberg, and his post corporate reinvention, the conversation weaves together lessons on curiosity, communication, and why showing up in person still matters in a digital world.

In this episode of Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with Ritavan to explore how a life shaped by loss, curiosity, and self-directed learning produced a distinctive way of thinking about mastery, ambition, and purpose. From a remarkable family history to an unconventional educational path, the conversation traces how early experiences with adversity, mentorship, and intellectual independence compound over time into a durable framework for growth.

In this episode of Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with Tony Greer for a wide-ranging conversation about markets, risk, identity, and the experiences that shape how we operate under pressure. From growing up on Long Island in a tight-knit Italian family to trading precious metals at global banks, Tony shares the formative moments that defined his relationship with money, risk, competition, and resilience. The discussion moves fluidly between personal history and professional lessons, revealing how early adversity, intense trading environments, and deep relationships influence decision-making both in markets and in life.

In this special year-end episode of Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler and Ben Hunt reflect on the stories, turning points, and formative moments that shaped the most memorable conversations of 2025. Rather than market calls or forecasts, this episode focuses on identity, risk, mentorship, reinvention, and the experiences that quietly redirect a life. Through a countdown of the top ten clips from the year, the conversation explores how careers are really built, how values are formed, and why the most important lessons often come from unexpected places.

Greg Larkin joins The Intentional Investor to explore the wild arc of his life: from feral 1980s–90s New York City, to punk rock basements, to microfinance in Scotland, to predicting the subprime crisis, to becoming a leading voice on innovation, courage, and community-building. This episode blends personal history with market insight, crisis leadership, creativity, and what it means to build a meaningful life and career.

Dave Nadig joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on intentional investing, creativity, career detours, near-death experiences, and building a meaningful life. From growing up as a “no-lock kid,” to working on live TV in Los Angeles, to the early days of ETFs, to a traumatic climbing accident that changed his worldview, Dave shares a remarkable story filled with lessons about ambition, humility, family, and purpose.

Pablos Holman is a legendary hacker, inventor, and investor whose career spans from rural Alaska to Blue Origin and beyond. In this episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler explores how curiosity, creativity, and relentless experimentation shaped Pablos’s journey — from hacking onstage and pioneering early web development to building inventions that shoot mosquitoes with lasers and investing in deep-tech founders today. It’s a masterclass in innovation, persistence, and the mindset of people who make the impossible real.

Adam Butler joins The Intentional Investor with Matt Zeigler for an honest, funny, and deeply reflective conversation that traces the origins of one of investing’s most thoughtful minds. From a Dungeons & Dragons-playing kid in Newfoundland to the CIO of Resolve Asset Management, Adam’s story is about curiosity, overconfidence, failure, reinvention, and finding purpose through markets. Along the way, he shares the lessons that shaped his worldview — and the mistakes that built his philosophy on risk, humility, and growth.

Tyrone Ross joins The Intentional Investor with Matt Zeigler for a conversation that goes far beyond markets — a story of grit, purpose, pain, and love. From growing up in the projects of New Jersey to becoming an elite athlete and mission-driven financial leader, Tyrone shares how the people who filled the gaps in his life helped shape his identity and purpose. This episode explores how embracing pain, service, and faith can transform setbacks into gifts, and how personal history informs a life of intentional investing and impact.

In this episode of Intentional Investor, Matt Ziegler sits down with Danielle Strachman, co-founder and general partner of 1517 Fund, former director at the Thiel Fellowship, and lifelong supporter of unconventional paths. Danielle shares her journey from a New England upbringing and music-filled childhood to starting a charter school during the financial crisis, building 1517 to back “dropouts, renegades, and sci-fi kids,” and embracing her role as a “professional fairy godmother.” Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and building communities that make a difference.

Matt Zeigler sits down with Eric Pachman to explore how purpose, curiosity, and friendship powered an unlikely path from chemical engineering and ExxonMobil to Wall Street, data storytelling, and exposing hidden costs in healthcare. Eric shares the decisions and inflection points that shaped his life—becoming a parent during Harvard Business School, burning out and rebuilding energy as an introvert, and learning to make complex ideas useful—while offering practical frameworks for better decisions, communication, and impact.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with Jenny Rozelle—attorney, business owner, and host of the Legal Tea podcast—to explore her journey from small-town Indiana to running a thriving law firm with her husband. Jenny shares stories of persistence, mentorship, and building a business that doubles as a community asset. From stubbornness as a superpower to balancing cattle chores with client calls, this conversation blends humor, resilience, and hard-earned lessons about investing in both life and work.

In this episode of *The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with Devin Anderson — CEO and co-founder of Convexitas — for a wide-ranging conversation on startups, trading desks, and the lessons learned from navigating crises. From working at an internet company in high school to winding down risk at Deutsche Bank’s “bad bank,” Devin shares an unfiltered look at technology, entrepreneurship, derivatives, and risk management.

In this episode of *The Intentional Investor*, Matt Zeigler sits down with Rupert Mitchell—global capital markets veteran, writer, and founder of Blind Squirrel Macro—for a conversation that’s equal parts myth, markets, and meaning. From working on privatization deals in Cairo and Hong Kong’s ETF debut to reflections on career reinvention, cynicism in finance, and Norse mythology, Rupert brings a rare blend of depth, wit, and global experience. If you’ve ever wondered how a Spanish literature major ends up structuring billion-dollar deals—or how a squirrel from Norse myth can explain market dynamics—this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with John Stoj for a wide-ranging conversation that explores career reinvention, risk-taking, and the deeper purpose behind financial decisions. From an unexpected Wall Street entry via a summer internship, to launching a sushi business, to ultimately rethinking how investment advice should be delivered, John shares a journey filled with humility, humor, and hard-earned lessons.

Bryan Moore, host of The Active Advisor Podcast and veteran ETF trader, joins us to share his remarkable journey through trading pits, ETF desks, market crashes, and more — including putting on a trade for the Vatican. In this conversation, Bryan reveals how embracing discomfort, risk, and uncertainty has been the key to his success in markets and life. From the trading floor to intentional investing, you’ll learn how to rethink risk, growth, and your investing mindset.

From bagpipes to bouncing to betting markets, Andrew Mack’s journey to becoming a successful trader and sports bettor is anything but conventional. In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Andrew opens up about the detours, doubts, and decisions that shaped his unlikely path from rural Canada to algorithmic trading. Along the way, he shares what working in oil fields, selling used cars, and studying sociology taught him about risk, discipline, and finding conviction in uncertainty. This is a story about reinvention, self-reliance, and the grit it takes to build your own edge from scratch.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with Andrew Cohen, a former market maker at Bernie Madoff’s firm whose life took a dramatic turn when the largest Ponzi scheme in history unraveled. But this isn’t just a story about scandal—it's about resilience, reinvention, and redefining success on your own terms.

In this captivating episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with Kris Abdelmessih, the mind behind Moontower. From his immigrant family upbringing in New Jersey to becoming a seasoned market maker who covered virtually every trading pit imaginable, Kris shares his fascinating journey through the financial world. Learn how key mentors, family influences, and pivotal life moments shaped his path from trading floors to becoming a respected financial writer.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with Brent Kochuba, founder of financial research firm SpotGamma. Brent shares his remarkable journey from network administrator to options trading expert, including his experiences at major financial institutions, surviving market crashes, and ultimately building his own successful derivatives research business. With humor and candor, Brent reveals the unexpected paths that led him to where he is today, including family influences, career pivots, and seizing opportunities during uncertain times.

Join Matt Zeigler on The Intentional Investor podcast as he interviews Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin and author of the new book "Hate the Game: Economic Cheat Codes for Life, Love, and Work." In this engaging conversation, Daryl shares her journey from MIT to the University of Chicago, her experiences navigating corporate America, and how she applies economic principles to everyday life decisions. With her unique background spanning academia, tech, and real estate, Daryl offers fascinating insights on using economic frameworks to understand human behavior and make better decisions.

Join host Matt Zeigler as he interviews Danika Waddell, founder of Xena Financial Planning, in this engaging conversation about career pivots, financial independence, and creating a more inclusive financial services industry. Danika shares her journey from accounting to launching her own financial planning firm during the pandemic, and how her personal experiences shaped her mission to help women in tech achieve financial independence.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, host Matt Zeigler sits down with Cullen Roche, an economist, writer, and financial maverick who has carved out a unique space in the world of finance through his independent thinking and unconventional approach. From his large Irish Catholic family to his journey through finance, Cullen shares an intimate look at how curiosity, non-conformity, and a commitment to understanding complex systems have shaped his professional and personal life.

In this profound follow-up conversation, Matt Zeigler welcomes back Ben Hunt to explore the evolution of Hunt's writing and worldview. Beginning with reflections on their childhood relationships with religion and storytelling, the discussion moves into Hunt's journey with Epsilon Theory – from its market-focused origins to his current philosophical crossroads.

Kevin Muir, author of the Macro Tourist newsletter and a seasoned trader, joins The Intentional Investor for a fascinating conversation that weaves together trading, life lessons, and Canadian culture. From his early days mastering Monopoly statistics to pioneering computer-driven trading strategies at RBC in the 1990s, Kevin shares candid stories about finding his path in finance. Kevin discusses growing up as the older brother of a professional hockey player, his journey from discount brokerage manager to institutional trading desk, and how becoming a father changed his perspective on risk and career. He offers unique insights into market psychology, friendship, and the importance of finding work you genuinely love.

In this engaging episode of The Intentional Investor, host Matt Ziegler interviews Eric Markowitz, exploring his fascinating journey from investigative journalism to investment research. The conversation weaves through Eric's formative years, professional evolution, and life-changing experiences, offering valuable insights into the intersection of media, investing, and personal growth.

Join Matt Zeigler as he sits down with Corey Hoffstein, a successful entrepreneur and financial innovator, for a candid conversation about his remarkable journey from video game programmer to financial pioneer. In this wide-ranging discussion, Corey shares the story of his career trajectory - from teaching himself programming at age 12 to founding Newfound Research and developing groundbreaking investment strategies.

Join host Matt Zeigler as he sits down with Dr. Preston Cherry, founder and CEO of Concurrent Wealth Management and author of "Wealth in the Key of Life." From his father's treasured vinyl collection to transformative "fog years," Dr. Cherry shares his journey of discovering the deep connections between music, money, and meaning.

Join host Matt Zeigler as he interviews Yuri Khodjamirian, Chief Investment Officer at Tema ETFs, in this captivating episode of The Intentional Investor. From his early years during the collapse of the Soviet Union to building innovative investment products today, Yuri shares his remarkable journey through the world of finance and entrepreneurship.

In this fascinating conversation, Matt Zeigler sits down with Jason Buck, co-founder of Mutiny Fund, to explore the unexpected intersections between entrepreneurship, risk management, and personal development. From selling mixtapes in rural Michigan to developing real estate in Charleston and ultimately founding an innovative investment firm, Jason's journey challenges conventional wisdom about success and risk-taking.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions. But how do good intentions go so wrong? And why is it so difficult to course correct? Those are the questions explored by Harper Hunt and Rusty Guinn in this episode of Cursed Knowledge.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, host Matt Zeigler sits down with Jared Dillian - former Lehman Brothers trader, acclaimed newsletter writer, and author - for a captivating conversation about the unexpected paths that shape a life's work. From his early days as a Coast Guard officer to becoming a Wall Street trader, and ultimately finding his voice as a writer, Dillian shares candid insights about his journey.

Join host Matt Ziegler as he sits down with Remy Tetot, the mind behind The Mad King newsletter and former co-founder of Real Vision, for a fascinating journey through the intersection of technology, finance, and personal growth. From washing dishes in Spain to revolutionizing financial media with Real Vision, Remy shares his remarkable story of constant reinvention. Learn how he transformed from a self-taught coder into a macro analyst under Raoul Pal's mentorship, helped build Real Vision from the ground up, and navigated both spectacular successes and humbling failures in the crypto markets.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, host Matt Zeigler interviews Brent Donnelly, a veteran forex trader, financial writer, and mentor. Brent shares his fascinating journey from aspiring journalist to Wall Street trader, and how he eventually combined his love for writing and finance. Brent offers valuable insights for aspiring traders and finance professionals, emphasizing the importance of finding one's unique edge and maintaining perspective in a demanding industry. This conversation explores the intersection of finance, creativity, and personal growth, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the human side of trading and investing.

Allergies. We either have them or know some one who does. Ranging from life threatening to mildly irritating, they're one of life's constant annoyances. And they're getting worse. We have more allergies now than ever before. Rusty Guinn joins Cursed Knowledge to talk about why allergies are more common, and if there's anything we can do about it.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler sits down with Drew Dickson, founder of Albert Bridge Capital. Drew shares his fascinating journey from self-proclaimed "world's least focused student" to successful investor and writer. Drew's journey illustrates the power of curiosity, relationships, and perseverance in building a meaningful career in finance. His story will inspire anyone looking to grow personally and professionally while navigating life's ups and downs.

The Intentional Investor with Matt Ziegler welcomes Mike Green, a veteran investor and financial thinker. In this wide-ranging conversation, Green offers a candid look at his journey in the financial world, blending personal anecdotes with thoughtful analysis of markets and investing. His stories highlight the unpredictable nature of both markets and life, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. This episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a seasoned investor, offering lessons applicable to both financial markets and life in general.

On this episode of the Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler welcomes legendary investor and entrepreneur Jim O'Shaughnessy. Jim shares fascinating stories from his childhood, including memories of his influential grandfather, his early interest in magic, and how rejection shaped his mindset. The discussion covers Jim's journey into investing, his thoughts on education and critical thinking, and his experiences on Wall Street. Jim offers insights on topics like the power of journaling, the importance of empiricism, and his excitement for AI and new technologies.

Join Matt Zeigler as he sits down with Eben Burr, a financial professional with a fascinating journey from the D.C. punk rock scene to the world of behavioral finance. Eben shares his unique perspective on investing, shaped by his diverse experiences in music, architecture, and finance. In this episode, we explore: Growing up in Washington D.C. and its influence on Eben's worldview The parallel between punk rock and financial education Eben's transition from architecture to finance The importance of understanding client psychology in investing Strategies for effective risk management and client communication How music and finance intersect in Eben's approach to work and life Whether you're a finance professional, an investor, or simply curious about the intersection of diverse life experiences and career paths, this conversation offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on intentional investing.

In the latest episode of Breaking News, we are joined by Epsilon Theory Co-Founder Rusty Guinn. We cover the latest developments in the 2024 election and explore how narratives are shaping the political landscape. We delve into the transition from Biden to Harris and examine the strategic implications and how it's pushing us into what we're calling our first "vibe election." We also tackle the Fed's independence and the potential for rate cuts, regardless of who wins. In our Tweet of the Week, we examine how AI-generated images and rapid narrative formation are changing political discourse, potentially disconnecting us from factual reality. We wrap up with a surprising deep dive into Chumbawamba, using their story to reflect on the importance of folk culture and being "more mid" in our increasingly polarized world.

In this episode of The Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler talks with Grant Williams, a veteran of the finance industry and creator of the popular newsletter "Things That Make You Go Hmmm..." Grant shares fascinating stories from his career journey, from trading Japanese equities in the 1980s to founding Real Vision. He discusses his approach to writing and interviewing, emphasizing the importance of building trust with an audience and focusing on quality content rather than chasing numbers. Grant also reflects on his experiences living and working around the world, the challenges of moving his family internationally, and his passion for sports. Throughout the conversation, he offers valuable insights on communication, community-building, and maintaining curiosity in both investing and life.

In this episode of Breaking News, we cover the recent developments in the Democratic party, with Biden stepping aside and Kamala Harris becoming the presumptive nominee. We discuss how reality seems to be proclaimed rather than acknowledged, and how both parties seem more interested in conflict than actual policy solutions. We also touch on the SEC's case against short-seller Andrew Left and the selective enforcement of rules in finance. We also debate the merits of giving green cards to foreign college graduates and how systems can be exploited by those with money. Finally, we explore the themes in Charlie XCX's album "Brat," relating it to the myth of Narcissus and broader questions of self-worth and community in our current cultural moment.

In this episode of the Intentional Investor, Matt Zeigler speaks with Ryan Krueger, founder of Freedom Day Solutions. Ryan shares his journey from working at a baseball card shop as a child to becoming a successful financial professional. He discusses his philosophy on investing, which focuses on transparency, partnership with clients, and a unique approach to retirement planning called "Freedom Day." Ryan emphasizes the importance of trust, ethical practices, and long-term commitment in his business. He also touches on personal values, such as the influence of his family, his desire to make a positive impact, and his goal of continuing to work and grow rather than retire. Throughout the interview, Ryan's passion for helping others achieve financial freedom and peace of mind is evident, as is his dedication to building lasting relationships with his clients and team.

In this episode if Breaking News, we discuss the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump and explore its implications within the context of "The Great Ravine" - our term for the current period of political strife and violence. We analyze how media, technology, and politics intersect to shape public narratives, often transforming sadness into anger directed at opponents. We examine the rationality behind this behavior in closed political systems and discuss the challenges of maintaining critical distance. We also discuss the event's impact on the 2024 election and explore themes of nourishment and healing through an analysis of the TV show "The Bear."

In this episode, Matt Zeigler speaks with with Wes Gray, founder of Alpha Architect and ETF Architect. Wes shares his fascinating journey from growing up on a ranch to pursuing a PhD in finance at the University of Chicago, serving in the Marine Corps, and eventually building successful businesses in quantitative investing and ETF infrastructure. He discusses key moments that shaped his career, including early experiences with investing, his time in academia and the military, and how he identified opportunities in the ETF space. Wes provides insights into his entrepreneurial approach, the importance of community and collaboration in investing, and how his businesses have evolved over time. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including quantitative investing strategies, ETF structures, and Wes's philosophy on building innovative financial businesses while maintaining a focus on family and work-life balance.

In this episode of Breaking News we look at the impact of the presidential debate and the role it played in changing the common knowledge about President Biden's fitness for office. We explore the concept of common knowledge and illustrate how public perception shifts when everyone knows that everyone else knows something. We discuss the implications for the 2024 election, the role of media in shaping these narratives, and the potential fallout within the Democratic Party. Intertwining serious political analysis with lighter anecdotes, including a story about the Beastie Boys' early days, we emphasize the importance of community and shared understanding in navigating these turbulent times. Join us as we break down what's making us tick with clear eyes and full hearts.