Animal Spirits Podcast

Every Wednesday, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson settle in for a conversation that feels more like a catch-up between two curious friends than a formal business broadcast. The Animal Spirits Podcast, presented by The Compound, uses markets and investing as a starting point, but the discussion invariably winds through the books they’re absorbed in, the ideas they’re wrestling with, and the cultural currents they find interesting. You’ll hear their takes on financial news, but you’re just as likely to get a recommendation for a documentary or a debate on a historical biography. This approach stems from a belief that how we think about money is deeply connected to how we think about everything else. The result is a consistently engaging and accessible listen that demystifies complex topics without oversimplifying them. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining a bit of perspective, whether the subject is portfolio theory or the psychology of decision-making. It’s a regular dose of thoughtful analysis mixed with genuine curiosity, delivered in a relaxed, conversational style that makes even the densest market concepts feel approachable. New episodes arrive weekly to accompany your morning routine or commute.