What Investment Leaders Watch, Read, and Listen To
On my prior podcast called The Weighing Machine, my co-host Robyn Murray and I closed our conversations by asking guests about their favorite entertainment and educational choices. These were some of the most interesting answers—not only because they revealed personal tastes, but because they highlighted how leading investment professionals fuel both their knowledge and their energy.
1. Books That Stretch the Mind
Unsurprisingly, books topped the list. Many guests mentioned timeless classics in behavioral finance and decision-making, such as Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow and Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. Others gravitated toward investing greats like Howard Marks’ The Most Important Thing. A recurring theme was curiosity about big ideas shaping the world. One example was the book called the Chip War, the history and future of semiconductors, came up more than once. These choices reinforced the idea that great investors are lifelong learners who seek wisdom that transcends short-term market cycles.
2. Podcasts and Practical Learning
Podcasts were also popular, especially those that dig into real business models and market behavior. Guests cited examples like the business-oriented podcasts such as "Founders" and "Acquired", and investing-oriented productions such as "The Meb Faber Show" and the "Retirement Researcher Podcast" as go-to listens. Industry-focused content from groups like Capital Group and Inside ETFs was also common, showing that many professionals use podcasts as both a learning tool and a way to stay plugged into evolving industry conversations.
3. Creativity and Inspiration Beyond Finance
Interestingly, not all choices were finance-related. Guests mentioned Steven Pressfield’s "The War of Art", which speaks to discipline and creativity. Some leaned on television shows and documentaries ("The Last Dance") for relaxation and balance. These responses underscored that stronger living means more than just sharpening technical skills; it’s about finding sources of motivation and joy outside the numbers.
Final Reflection
Perhaps the biggest takeaway was balance. Many guests paired technical, professional resources with cultural or personal favorites. This balance reflected how seasoned investors manage both information and energy: they stay curious about the world, grounded in practical learning, but also make space for entertainment that recharges them.
From Chip War to The War of Art, from Howard Marks to Talking Heads, the range of answers was wide. But a common thread tied them together: the best investors don’t just consume information for the sake of it. They choose carefully by reading deeply, listening to insights that sharpen their edge, and balancing it all with creativity, inspiration, and even humor. It’s a reminder that wiser investing isn’t just about market knowledge, but it’s also about cultivating perspective, resilience, and joy along the way.
Invest Well, Be Well.