Episodes

  • The Private Equity Playbook Most Small Business Owners Never Get Access To

    The Private Equity Playbook Most Small Business Owners Never Get Access To
    Oct 11 2026
    Out of 1,600 businesses analyzed, not a single one was overpriced. That's just one of the uncomfortable truths Codie Sanchez has uncovered from the inside. Motley Fool analyst Rachel Warren talks with Codie Sanchez — former Wall Street investor, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of Contrarian Thinking — about the private equity frameworks she's now deploying for everyday small business owners. They get into why most founders have accidentally built a job rather than a business, what the $650 billion wave of PE capital moving into Main Street means for owners who are unprepared for acquisition, and the five tools any business owner can implement immediately to start running their company the way private equity actually does. Host: Rachel Warren Guest: Codie Sanchez Producers: Kristi Waterworth, Lauren Budabin Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    20 mins
  • Are Your Retirement Savings on Track?

    Are Your Retirement Savings on Track?
    Oct 10 2026
    Do the amounts in your IRAs and 401(k)s have you on to path to financial independence? Host Robert Brokamp explains how to get answers to that question.Topics covered:-Benchmarks provided by financial-services firms-Factors that will determine whether you need to save more or less than the benchmarks-Latest thinking on safe withdrawal rates in retirement-Retirement calculators to considerHost: Robert Brokamp, CFP®Engineer: Bart Shannon Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 mins
  • Finding Rule Breakers, IRL Investing, and Making Mistakes

    Finding Rule Breakers, IRL Investing, and Making Mistakes
    Oct 9 2026
    Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Rick Munarriz explore what separates exceptional long-term investments from the rest, from classic Rule Breaker traits to the enormous upside of finding a rare 10x or 100x winner. They examine how the AI era could favor deep-pocketed incumbents, while still leaving room for surprising challengers. The team also looks at Disney and the growing value of real-world experiences, tests their knowledge of investing history, and shares some painful investing mistakes. Plus, Rick and Lou put AMC Entertainment and C.H. Robinson on the radar.Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Rick Munarriz discuss: What Makes a Rule Breaker AI’s Disruption Story IRL Value Disney’s Parks Value Investing Game Stocks On Our Radar Companies discussed: Amazon (AMZN), Tesla (TSLA), Netflix (NFLX), Nvidia (NVDA), Alphabet (GOOGL), Meta Platforms (META), CoreWeave (CRWV), Walt Disney (DIS), TKO Group Holdings (TKO), Comcast (CMCSA), Live Nation Entertainment (LYV), Costco Wholesale (COST), Nintendo (NTDOY), Sony Group (SONY), Toyota Motor (TM), Altria Group (MO), Philip Morris International (PM), Coca-Cola (KO), Corning (GLW), Mattel (MAT), Hasbro (HAS), AT&T (T), Spire (SR), GE Aerospace (GE), 3M (MMM), Home Depot (HD), Boeing (BA), AMC Entertainment Holdings (AMC), C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW), RXO (RXO) Host: Travis HoiumGuests: Lou Whiteman, Rick MunarrizEngineer: Bart Shannon Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • The Might (and Myths) of Economic Moats

    The Might (and Myths) of Economic Moats
    Oct 8 2026
    For many buy-and-hold investors out there just getting started, knowing how to understand businesses better is one of the first skills to develop. One term that the financial media world has developed for business strengths is economic moat: that “it factor” that keeps its competitors from posing a real threat to its business. Lou, Jon, and Tyler break down what makes a good economic moat, what are some of the “false flags” in moat analysis, and examples of companies with both wide and narrow moats.Have a question? Email us; podcasts@fool.com Tyler Crowe, Lou Whiteman, and Jon Quast discuss:- What is an economic moat?- The prototypical model: McDonalds- Misconceptions about moat analysis- Strong “no moat businesses”- Companies with good and bad moatsCompanies discussed: MCD, WM, USLM, TBBB, V, MA, ABNB, FICOHost: Tyler CroweGuests: Lou Whiteman, Jon QuastEngineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    27 mins
  • Is the AI Bubble About to Burst? Plus, Apple Bets on Doorbells

    Is the AI Bubble About to Burst? Plus, Apple Bets on Doorbells
    Oct 7 2026
    Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Jon Quast debate whether the AI boom is becoming a bubble and what could eventually cause it to burst. They also look at how investors can position portfolios when AI valuations look stretched and massive spending continues. Then, the team breaks down Google’s multibillion-dollar nuclear power deal with Constellation Energy and the enormous energy demands coming from data centers. Finally, they discuss Apple’s latest push into the smart home and whether doorbells, cameras, and a new home hub can move the needle. They discuss: - AI Bubble Risks - Investing Beyond AI - Google’s nuclear deal - Nuclear Power Constraints - Apple’s Smart Home - LG’s End Game Companies discussed: Micron Technology (MU), Alphabet (GOOGL), Constellation Energy (CEG), Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), LG Electronics (066570.KS), Amazon (AMZN), ADT (ADT). Host: Travis Hoium Guests: Lou Whiteman, Jon Quast Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • Paramount + Warner Bros.: The $110 Billion Bet That Could Reshape Streaming

    Paramount + Warner Bros.: The $110 Billion Bet That Could Reshape Streaming
    Oct 6 2026
    Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery have officially joined forces in a $110 billion deal, creating a streaming heavyweight with more than 200 million subscribers—and $80 billion in debt. Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Matt Frankel break down whether the combined company can compete with Netflix, Disney, and YouTube, and why debt could define its future. They also look at potential winners like movie theaters and live sports, while debating whether Peacock needs a partner or buyer. Plus, Lou pitches a radical Disney-Netflix combination.Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Matt Frankel discuss:- Paramount-Warner Bros. Deal- Bundling Paramount+ and HBO Max- Biggest Winners- Future of Streaming Sports- Peacock’s Tough Spot- How Disney/Netflix WinCompanies discussed: Skydance (SKYD), Netflix (NFLX), Walt Disney (DIS), Alphabet (GOOGL, GOOG), TKO Group Holdings (TKO), Apple (AAPL), AT&T (T), Comcast (CMCSA)Host: Travis HoiumGuests: Lou Whiteman, Matt FrankelEngineer: Dan BoydDisclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement.We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • Facing Our Investing Fears

    Facing Our Investing Fears
    Oct 5 2026
    Motley Fool Hidden Gems Investing helps kick off spooky October with an episode that injects a dose of optimism into investor fears. Specifically, there are fears regarding Anthropic’s risk factors in its S-1, but Jon, Matt, and Rachel remind listeners of past risks that didn’t come to fruition with some great long-term investments. The episode then moves into what is driving the Fear and Greed Index lower before ending with a discussion of where higher bond yields can actually be a good thing. Jon Quast, Matt Frankel, and Rachel Warren discuss: -Risks from S-1 filings for Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms -Anthropic’s unusual risk factor section -What’s driving the Fear and Greed Index lower -Three stocks that have dropped that are worth buying -When higher bond yields can help investors Companies discussed: Anthropic, Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet (GOOG)(GOOGL), Meta Platforms (META), Dream Finders Home (DFH), Brookfield (BN), Shopify (SHOP), Realty Income (O), Eli Lilly (LLY), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) Host: Jon Quast Guests: Matt Frankel, Rachel Warren Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • Why the Wealthiest People in the Room Are Often the Most Miserable — And What to Do About It

    Why the Wealthiest People in the Room Are Often the Most Miserable — And What to Do About It
    Oct 4 2026
    After 40 years managing money for some of the most successful people on Wall Street, Matt Ludmer came to a conclusion that surprised even him: accumulating more rarely made his clients happier. Motley Fool analyst Rachel Warren sits down with Matt Ludmer — founder of Aligned Wealth Management and author of The Right Mountain — to explore the gap between financial achievement and genuine fulfillment. They dig into the three-pot portfolio strategy Matt developed after managing insurance company money that changed how his clients think about market volatility, why crossing wealth thresholds rarely reduces financial anxiety, and what it actually means to be on the right mountain. Host: Rachel Warren Guest: Matt Ludmer Producers: Bart Shannon, Lauren Budabin Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins