SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING

Please text and tell us what you like The financial markets are running hot as we head into Q4 2025, but are we witnessing sustainable growth or dangerous froth? In this thought-provoking episode, Clem Miller and Steve Davenport tackle the pressing question on many investors' minds: what's ahead for the markets? Steve kicks things off with a bold prediction - the market appears to be dis...

Please text and tell us what you like Women are consistently outperforming men in investment returns—by about four basis points—yet they're starting later and investing less. This fascinating paradox lies at the heart of our conversation with financial services veteran Megan Smith, who brings decades of experience in alternative investments and client advising to the table. "Investing is...

Please text and tell us what you like Gene Natali, CFA, joins us to discuss his mission to solve America's financial literacy crisis through his innovative platform Troutwood and his bestselling book "The Missing Semester." We explore how technology can scale financial education and planning to reach millions of Americans who lack basic financial knowledge despite good jobs and educ...

Please text and tell us what you like Joe Sroka of NovaPoint Capital shares his journey from West Point graduate and military officer to financial advisor, explaining how military discipline informs his investment approach for clients. • From buying savings bonds during military service to becoming a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch • West Point education provided strong math and analytical skil...

Please text and tell us what you like What if your investment dollars could create positive change while still generating competitive returns? In this eye-opening conversation, financial expert Mimi Locke joins hosts Steve Davenport and Glenn Miller to explore the world of values-aligned investing and women's financial empowerment. Mimi shares her journey from being the lone woman in a room o...

Please text and tell us what you like Joe Ryu, manager of Prospect Capital's private real estate credit fund, shares his journey from investment banking through the Great Financial Crisis to his current role in real estate credit investing. He explains how private credit offers attractive risk-adjusted returns through specialized financing structures that combine agency lending with subordina...

Please text and tell us what you like When politics collides with economic data, investors face a troubling dilemma: can we trust the numbers that drive markets? The unprecedented firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics head by President Trump signals a concerning shift in how government economic data might be manipulated for political gain. The BLS produces critical labor and inflation statistic...

Please text and tell us what you like Stablecoins represent a fascinating middle ground in the crypto universe - digital tokens backed by real dollars, designed to provide stability in the notoriously volatile cryptocurrency landscape. Steve Davenport and Clem Miller take you on a deep dive into this evolving ecosystem, examining the regulatory framework established by the recently passed Genius A...

Please text and tell us what you like What does the market look like through the eyes of a seasoned Wall Street veteran? Adam Parker, founder of Trivariate Research and CNBC contributor, joins us to share his institutional perspective on today's investment landscape. The conversation begins with Adam's surprising take on political developments – while headlines focus on tariffs and tax p...

Please text and tell us what you like The political theatrics behind Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" mask a troubling economic reality that could reshape America's fiscal landscape for years to come. This massive 900-page legislation, passed by the narrowest of margins, reveals how calculated political maneuvering drives fiscal policy more than sound economic principles. Diving de...

Please text and tell us what you like Tariffs have moved from economic policy to political weapons, and smart investors need to understand the real impacts on markets and portfolios. In this eye-opening exploration of the tariff landscape, we break down the fundamentals of international trade policy and how it affects your investments. From the recent 50% tariff on Brazil (imposed for political re...

Please text and tell us what you like Rich Weiss, CIO of Multi-Asset Strategies at American Century, brings 40 years of investment experience to discuss market reactions to global turmoil and why the VIX index remains surprisingly calm despite international tensions. • Markets appear to be undervaluing risk despite geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainties • Economic consensus forecasts pr...

Please text and tell us what you like Financial literacy isn't just about knowing investment terms—it's about transforming your relationship with money. Marcus Sturdivant, founder of ABC Squared in Charlotte, shares his journey from a loving household where money wasn't discussed to becoming a financial advisor passionate about educating others. "We didn't grow up rich, bu...

Please text and tell us what you like We explore how news media affects investment decision making and identify reliable sources of financial information in today's fragmented media landscape. • Traditional media networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX) prioritize sensationalism and local stories over global context • Bloomberg and Reuters provide better global perspectives on how various markets i...

Please text and tell us what you like Clem Miller recounts his month-long journey through Eastern Canada, sharing observations about icebergs, puffins, and whales along with insights into Canadian economics and culture with relevance for investors. His adventures to Newfoundland and Labrador reveal how travel experiences can broaden investment perspective and inform financial decision-making. • Pl...

Please text and tell us what you like The complex dynamics of the Israel-Iran conflict have broad implications for global stability and investment strategies as Israel conducts preemptive strikes against Iran's alleged nuclear weapons program. • Israel claims Iran is developing nuclear weapons despite Iran's insistence that its nuclear program is for civilian use • Iran's enrichment...

Please text and tell us what you like The Ukraine conflict shows no signs of resolution despite early predictions, with Russia taking a long-term strategic approach that suggests we may be only halfway through what could become a six-year confrontation. • Russia's aggression extends beyond Ukraine with increased military presence near Finland, telecommunications sabotage, and cyber warfare ag...

Please text and tell us what you like Skeptic's Guide to Investing introduces the co-hosts, Steve Davenport and Clem Miller. This episode also goes into the hosts experiences and the mission for the podcast. Straight Talk for All Nonsense for None We want to give people an interpretation of what the mainstream media passes off as information although disinformation might be more accurate.  Th...

Please text and tell us what you like The wealth management industry is transforming through fragment consolidation, increased democratization of investment opportunities, and technology-enabled customization of client services. Today's episode of Skeptics Guide discusses wealth management with Chris Guarino of Alpine Strategic Partners . • Private equity access is becoming more democratized,...

Please text and tell us what you like We explore the potential seismic shift in US-Canada relations following Mark Carney's election as Prime Minister of Canada and the implications for North American economic integration. • Moving back to centrist economic policies in both the US and Canada • Canada's competitive advantage in natural resources was ignored under Trudeau • The historical...

Please text and tell us what you like America stands at a fiscal precipice, with national debt approaching 100% of GDP and projected to reach 130% by 2035 if current policies continue. This podcast features an illuminating conversation with fixed income expert Steve Gattuso, who brings his professional perspective as a portfolio manager at a $6 billion investment firm and his academic insights as...

Please text and tell us what you like Gold serves as a portfolio stabilizer during volatile markets while offering upside potential when traditional assets falter. We explore how this precious metal fits into a diversified investment strategy during uncertain times. • Gold ETFs provide liquid exposure without needing physical storage • Target allocation of 5-15% depending on market conditions and...

Please text and tell us what you like Steve and Clem examine how bonds have shifted from reliable safe havens to potentially risky investments in today's economic landscape, challenging conventional wisdom about treasuries as risk-free assets. • Bonds traditionally provided safety and income, but inflation and economic uncertainty have changed this dynamic • Bond vigilantes reacting to tariff...

Please text and tell us what you like Alternative investments offer potential diversification but come with significant trade-offs in liquidity, transparency, and fees that many investors overlook. We explore why the famous "Yale approach" to investing that worked brilliantly in the 1980s and 1990s may not be appropriate for most investors today. • Alternative investments lack daily mark...

Please text and tell us what you like When markets plummet in response to unexpected policy shifts like Trump's tariff announcements, distinguishing between panic reactions and thoughtful investment strategy becomes crucial. Steve Davenport and Clem Miller cut through the market noise to deliver a practical framework for navigating financial turbulence. The duo examines three potential market...