Rule Breaker Investing

Every stock tells a story. This week on Rule Breaker Investing, we gather around the campfire for the ninth time to share our best stock stories. From Meta Platforms’s long arc of growth to Warner Bros. Discovery’s debt-ridden saga, these stories aren’t just tales of companies; they are lessons for life and investing. David and his Motley Fool friends—Dave Meier, Mary Long, Nathan Alderman, and Tracy Dahl—recount their most memorable stock experiences.  Join us at the campfire!

• (3:17) The Long Arc
• (11:52) Catching Flies with Honey
• (22:22) David and Goliath but Not the Way You Think
• (36:46) You Have More Than You Think
• (46:28) That’s the Last Time I’m Ever Going to Do That

Companies Mentioned:

BMBL, BRK, META, WBD, YHOO

Host: David Gardner

Guests: Dave Meier, Mary Long, Nathan Alderman, Tracy Dahl

Producer: Desirée Jones

On the road and looking at a light mailbag, David writes his own beautiful question this month, using it as an opportunity to highlight five favorite moments from the Rule Breaker Investing podcast in 2024.

Companies Discussed: AAPL, AMZN, GOOG, META, MSFT, NVDA, TSLA

Host: David Gardner

Producer: Desirée Jones

Welcome back to our quarterly Market Cap Game Show! This week, two past champions, Matt Argersinger and Yasser El-Shimy, face off in a battle of wits and estimates, each vying for the coveted seat in our 2025 “March Market Cap Madness” World Championships. With 10 stocks on the line and two throwdown rounds, who will come out on top? And how will you fare against our contestants? Whether it’s semiconductors, space exploration, or the future of sound systems, we’ve got an exciting lineup of companies for you to test your market cap knowledge. Can you outscore both guests?!

Companies Discussed:

NBIX, RKLB, AMD, SHOP, SYNA, MSFT, LOW, SONO, HEI, KFRC

Host: David Gardner

Guests: Matt Argersinger, Yasser El-Shimy

Producer: Desirée Jones

Investing rewards those who play the long game. While short-term trading can capture gains, true wealth comes from thinking in years, even decades. This applies not just to investing, but also in business, leadership, and life. This week, David interviews Rand Stagen, Managing Director of Stagen Leadership Academy, and one of David’s favorite people in business. Rand shares his wisdom on the long-term development of leaders and organizations, why conscious leadership is crucial for businesses today, and the lessons we can all learn from playing the long game in every aspect of life. Along the way, they’ll explore the balance of business, family, and legacy, and even tackle some Buy, Sell, or Hold predictions for the future of leadership.

Host: David Gardner

Producer: Desirée Jones

In this sixth installment of Essays from Yesterday, David takes us on a journey back through time to revisit some of his earliest (and sometimes prophetic) investment writings from his days as a Motley Fool newsletter contributor. From reflections on the volatility of 2007-8, to introducing new terms like “Big Dumb Money,” and thoughts on building mental frameworks for investing, David reacts to his past essays with fresh insights for today’s markets. Join us as we explore the lessons learned from history and how they continue to guide our investing journeys today.

3:56 - #1 January is the Best Month

12:14 - #2 Big Dumb Money

21:34 - #3 Frameworks for Investors

31:46 - #4 Fool’s Eye on Investing

Companies Discussed: CHKP, CSCO, FTNT

Host: David Gardner Producer: Desirée Jones

Light mailbag as we pre-recorded early in the month. But always a few things to talk about. Small things come in good packages! Happy Labor Day Weekend to all USA Fools.

Host: David Gardner Producer: Desirée Jones

Games have always been central to the human experience, shaping the way we think, interact, and understand the world. This week, as part of our Authors in August series, David welcomes back philosopher C. Thi Nguyen to explore the deeper implications of games in our lives. From ancient pastimes to modern video games, we delve into why games matter, how they reflect our agency, and what they teach us about ourselves. With his book Games: Agency as Art, Nguyen reveals the profound ways games act as a form of artistic expression and how they can even influence the way we navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re a dedicated gamer or simply curious about the philosophical underpinnings of play, this conversation offers insights that extend far beyond the gaming table.

Also, this is a reminder that our August Mailbag episode drops this Saturday. Whether you’re on the road for Labor Day Weekend or just relaxing at home, be sure to tune in, our 106th consecutive monthly mailbag will be there for you!

(1:34) Intro C.Thi Nguen

(4:51) Why we play games

(11:58) What does it mean to play a game?

(19:13) Striving Play vs. Achievement Play 

(31:21) A game that people think is not a game?

(34:43) What's not a game people think is a game? 

(54:13) Buy Sell or Hold

Producer: Desirée Jones

This week on Rule Breaker Investing, David welcomes neuroscientist and bestselling author David Eagleman for a mind-expanding conversation about his book Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives. As part of the ongoing Authors in August series, David dives into Eagleman’s fascinating exploration of life, death, and the possibilities beyond. What can a neuroscientist’s perspective on creativity and storytelling teach us about how we live our lives today? Plus, a speculative look at the future of AI, the neuroscience of rule-breaking, and what it means to leave a lasting legacy. And… does this episode feature our best-ever game of Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Companies Discussed: AMZN

Producer: Desirée Jones

Continuing our 7th annual Authors in August series, David welcomes John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, for a deep dive into his 2024 book, The Whole Story. Reflecting on the journey from Safer Way to Whole Foods to Amazon.com to Love.Life, John shares how passion, purpose, and unexpected surprises shaped a company that’s transformed the way America eats. With a nod to their 2020 conversation on Conscious Leadership, this episode explores the intersection of purpose and profit, and the enduring joy of playing the game of life—and business.

Companies Discussed: AMZN, CMG, SBUX, WMT

Producer: Desirée Jones

Kicking off our 7th annual Authors in August series, David pivots from an unexpected cancellation to a special Poetry of Rule Breaker Investing episode. Herein, a selection of eight original poems from fellow Fools inspired by market movements, Rule Breaker principles, and financial freedom, plus a surprise world-premiere musical tribute! Join us for a whimsical and thought-provoking journey into the art of investing, with a nod to the enduring impact of classic literature.

Companies Discussed: AAPL, AMZN, NFLX

Host: David Gardner

Producer: Desirée Jones

In this, our 105th consecutive monthly Mailbag episode, we explore the power of asking beautiful questions, the importance of engaging sincerely with all questions, and the journey of finding one’s platform of value.

Companies Discussed: PTON, ROKU, SEA, TDOC, ZOOM

Host: David Gardner Producer: Heather Horton

With August imminent, David reminds listeners of the three authors we’re hosting next month and gives one great quote from each of their books as a teaser. But this 19th episode of Great Quotes then starts in earnest with five powerful quotes from past featured August authors Seth Godin, Priya Parker, Amor Towles, Shirzad Chamine, and Warren Berger — with many other books and quotes peppered in. How does the wisdom from each of these brilliant thinkers break the rules, and what do they teach us about investing, business, and life?

Companies Discussed: AMZN, GOOG, NVDA, SBUX

Host: David Gardner Producer: Desirée Jones

“Where my whimsy takes me.” It’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere! Pretty hot, too. In this new episodic series, David shares a five-thought sampler of musings to make you smarter, happier, and richer. This includes seeing investment opportunities with new eyes, understanding the two types of failure, and recognizing an additional benefit of investing in other countries. Grab your lemonade and join us under the summer sun! Companies Discussed: AMZN, NVDA Host: David Gardner Producer: Desirée Jones

In this landmark episode, David reviews and shares perspectives and learnings from the entire collection of 30 five-stock samplers picked from 2015 to 2021, and reviewed into 2024. Using his special 10 1/2 chapter format, David reflects on the themes, results, and lessons from six years of stock picking. How’d we do?! Discover the highs and lows, the glory and the pain, and the enduring principles of Rule Breaker Investing.

Companies Discussed: AAPL, AMZN, BKNG, DIS, GOOG, IPGP, MELI, NFLX, NVDA, PTON, SE, TDOC, TSLA, TWOU

 Host: David Gardner Producer: Desiree Jones

Independence Week in the United States is the perfect time to explore financial freedom. This week’s podcast highlights five key points leading to financial independence, featuring insights from American history, Rule Breaker listeners, and David himself. Rediscover Ben Franklin’s wisdom, the Diderot Effect, and Yankee ingenuity. Learn from listener stories about frugality, teaching financial literacy, and entrepreneurial success. Stories and inspiration helping you achieve financial freedom, American-style.

It’s Rule Breaker Investing’s first-ever outtake — what stock could we NOT feature on last week’s Market Cap Game Show, and why? Bill Barker joins in for a few laughs. David closes out “5 Stocks Pursued by a Bear,” explores with Jim Mueller if The Motley Fool gives options advice, and welcomes a visit from Sean Milliken, head of the Fool’s latest fund. Mailbag!

Companies Discussed: AAPL, AXON, DAVA, NFLX, PTON, SNBR, TTD, U, Z

Host: David Gardner Guests: Bill Barker, Sean Milliken, Jim Mueller Producer: Desiree Jones

The first of the new season, this week’s Market Cap Game Show features an epic showdown between two Bills full of humor, precision(!), wild guesses, and a miss by the thinnest of margins. (Ever!) Can you outscore one… or both… Bills? Companies Discussed: QCOM, CHWY, SNBR, CAVA, MANH, IT, VZ, TGTX, QRVO, TMDX Host: David Gardner Guests: Bill Barker, Bill Mann Producer: Desiree Jones 

For the second week in a row, David launches Volume 1 of a new episodic series. This time it’s “Pet Perks,” a celebration of the small joys that enhance our investing, business, and life. What little things make a big difference? Tune in for practical tips and a touch of humor as we explore the finer points of living a Foolish life. 

This week, ChatGPT asks David its five “most thought-provoking questions” about Rule Breaker Investing, and he takes his best shot answering every one! Cutting-edge technology meets timeless investing wisdom in our newest episodic series. Stocks Mentioned:  META, ABNB, UBER, CAVA, SG, TOST, OLO, NFLX, TSLA, NVDA, AXON, CMG, MELI, WRBY, AMZN

The fifth Wednesday of May brings us a mailbag to close out a remarkable month reflecting back on dividend stocks, David’s birthday learnings, and most of all a provocative and deep mailbag entry, a reflection on three new additional laws to consider….

Stocks mentioned: NVDA, CMG, MELI 

We celebrate the breaking of rules, but… laws? Not so much. This week, David returns to this episodic series to cover six more laws that will level up your game and make you smarter, happier, and richer. (5:08) Newton’s First Law of Motion (11:16) Arthur C. Clarke’s Second Law (16:07) Sutton’s Law (24:47) Amara’s Law (32:15) Cunningham’s Law (37:17) Hofstadter’s Law

• (8:51) Investing
• (41:26) Business
• (45:45) Life

1. Style-Boxing
2. Add Up, Don't Double Down
3. Navigating the Emotional & Practical Challenges of Selling a Business
4. The Power of Being a "For" Person
5. Ron Washington’s Lesson: Character Matters

Did someone say free money?! After 4 years, we’re diving back into the world of dividend investing with David’s dividend friends Buck Hartzell & Matt Argersinger.

David breaks down dividends in chapters:    Chapter 1: The Shift Away from Dividend Investing    Chapter 2: Their Practical Value    Chapter 3: Challenges & Misconceptions    Chapter 4: Stock Buybacks vs. Dividends    Chapter 5: Spotlight on Stock Picks & Strategies

Guests: Buck Hartzell, Matt Argersinger Stocks Mentioned: GOOG/GOOGL, BRK-B, EBAY , HSY, RPM, SBUX, EGHSF, BIP or BIPC,  MTY

Happy Shakespeare’s Birthday! On our 102nd Mailbag: Is gold a golden investment? What do ETFs that rebalance get right... and wrong? And do you: Buy Now, and Pay Later? David is joined by fellow Fools Andy Cross and Robert Brokamp to tackle these questions, and more... and producer Rick Engdahl closes it out with a special announcement. It's our April Mailbag! Fool on.

Host: David Gardner Guests: Andy Cross (8:35), Robert Brokamp (24:24) Producer: Dez Jones

In the 18th installment of our Great Quotes series, we delve into Shakespeare's "As You Like It," the play that inspired our company's name. David explores five compelling quotes from the Bard's beloved comedy, explaining how they can make us smarter, happier, and richer. Join us as we uncover centuries-old wisdom the play holds for investors.

Host: David Gardner Producer: Desiree Jones

What makes someone an optimist? How do you embody optimism? Who is on your Mount Rushmore of Optimists? And, should we “gather all the optimists and eat the pessimists”?! Cultivating optimism, with Bill Burke, founder of The Optimism Institute.

The 101st mailbag may not seem as momentous as the one that ended with "0" but Fools know that big round numbers are just a milestone on the path to the future. Today we mark our charts for the course ahead, and hear from the delightful crew that we're sailing with on this ship of Fools. Yo, ho, ho, it's the March Mailbag!

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

It all comes down to this... Who will be the National World Champion of The Market Cap Game Show? In one corner is Bill Mann and in the other is Andy Cross, both investing gurus and indelible Fools. But we're betting on you to come out smarter, happier, and richer as we all play and learn together!

Companies discussed: UNP, WD, UBER, SYNA, SRAD, USB, NARI, DXCM, TDOC, PI, LYV

Host: David Gardner Guests: Bill Mann, Andy Cross Producer: Rick Engdahl

We hope you've filled out your bracket because we're back with the second match of the March Market Cap Madness Final Four. Today it's the OG, Matt Argersinger up against the globetrotter, Bill Mann! Who will make it to next week's final? You will, Fool!

Companies discussed: ELF, MIDD, CCL, ABNB, BRC, EBAY, CRNC, KLG, PAC, BBW

Host: David Gardner Guests: Bill Mann, Matt Argersinger Producer: Rick Engdahl

The Olympics. The World Cup. The Super Bowl. These competitions bring the world together to back their favorite teams as they compete for the ultimate title. But March Market Cap Madness has an even bigger draw, because you not only get to root for your favorite; you get to compete! Strap in and get your pencils ready, it's go time!

Companies discussed: INTU, CMG, MMM, LUV, NTB, TSLA, SNBR, DOC, SSNC, VBAH

Host: David Gardner Guests: Andy Cross, Emily Flippen Producers: Dez Jones, Rick Engdahl

When the party's over, turn out the lights? No way, Fool! Head on over to the after-party and keep the good times rolling! Last Wednesday we had an epic 100th mailbag, joined by several of our long-time listeners. Today we extend that conversation and dig-in to four beautiful questions to make us all smarter, happier, and richer.

Host: David Gardner Guests: Jason Moore, David Geck, Jumm, Adam Nelson, Mike McMahon, Jason Newman Producer: Rick Engdahl

We've always held that the mailbag is a chance for us to learn from each other; to hear the thoughts of Fools from around the world who listen to the show and then respond with wisdom of their own. Today, as we celebrate our 100th mailbag, we're kicking it up a notch! Get ready to meet seven of our most brilliant and prolific correspondents, and this time hear their voices as well as their stories.

Host: David Gardner Guests: Jason Moore, David Geck, Jumm, Jason Trice, Adam Nelson, Mike McMahon, Jason Newman Producer: Rick Engdahl

It's time again for an old format, a new show, borrowed wisdom and some blue sky thinking! You don't have to be a bride to join in the good luck this week.

• (04:31) Style Boxing
• (14:23) The Golden Ticket
• (21:43) The Why of Work
• (29:25) A Study in Blue

Companies Mentioned: MORN, DIS, ABNB, NFLX, TSLA

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

Does cost equal quality? Can your smart watch make you even smarter? And where on Earth is rule.breaker.investing? You're about to be smarter, happier, and richer, Fool! Time for some tips, tricks, and lifehacks.

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

Stocks, bonds, ETFs, real estate, crypto, art... Wait, what? Art? Is that a thing that you can invest in? There are always more rules to break, Fool! Today we're here to explore the world of art investing. Is it our area of expertise? No. Do we have guests who can teach us where to begin and guide us along the way? You bet! There's wine and cheese in the corner; take a look around and be sure to ask about the context.

Host: David Gardner Guests:  Tonya Turner Carroll, Michael Carroll Producer: Rick Engdahl

Do you own the Magnificent 7? Do you remember FAANG stocks? Do these arbitrary groupings matter? Only if you keep score, as one listener reminds us! Yes, it's the mailbag time of the month again, where we hear from you about what you've learned, what you're teaching, and what you're looking forward to.

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

High risk? Low risk? MEDIUM risk? What does that even mean? And what the heck is risk anyway? Today, we define risk Foolishly and revisit our risk ratings, a system to quantify the long-term risk your companies may face.

Companies Discussed: KNSL, CHWY

Host: David Gardner Guests: Emily Flippen, Andy Cross Producer: Rick Engdahl

As Mark Twain once said, "History never repeats itself, but the Kaleidoscopic combinations of the pictured present often seem to be constructed out of the broken fragments of antique legends." Or something like that. In any case, we're here today not just to repeat lessons from the past, but to reflect on them anew, and fit them into our view of the present and more importantly, the future.

Stocks Mentioned: NVDA, DIS, AMZN, TSLA, NFLX

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl 

We're here to make you smarter, happier, and richer, and today we're focusing on the smart part. Or that's the aim anyway. You keep score and let us know how we're doing, as our all-star cast tries to help you understand some common and not-so-common investing terms. Do you know them? It's lingo-bingo so prepare to be delighted!

Host: David Gardner Guests: Matt Argersinger, Bill Barker, Jim Mueller Producer: Rick Engdahl

Remember when Motley Fool newsletters were printed on paper and sent not to your inbox but to your mailbox? If so, thank you! You've been with us for a long time. If not, you may have missed out on some great stock returns (though we believe future returns will be just as great). And you might have missed out on some great stories and lessons, printed on page one of those old paper newsletters. This is the series where we bring these essays back, warts and all, to see what we were thinking, how things might have changed, and mostly, what can we learn going forward.

Host: David Gardner Producers: Heather Horton, Rick Engdahl

Another month gone by, indeed another year gone by! We're here to wrap it up in a bow with our final mailbag of 2023. The Market has been kind this year, and we've been rewarded for staying invested. But we're not here to dwell on the past, after all it's the future that matters most. So whether you're wearing a black tie, your best dress, or goofy 2024 sunglasses, have a Happy New Year and we'll see you on the other side!

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

A company with a $50 price per share might have a million shares outstanding or a billion shares outstanding. And unless you know both numbers, you don't know the price tag of the stock you're about to buy. It's market cap time once again, and we're here to have some fun talking about the true value of companies that the Motley Fool recommends. 

Companies Discussed: VRNS, CLNE, NFLX, DPZ, ALGN, DHR, SHOP, RGEN, BR, INTU

Host: David Gardner Guests: Bill Barker, Yasser El-Shimy Producer: Rick Engdahl

Cue the orchestra! It's time for the Besties! This is a celebration of the year that was, and a shout out to 10 of our favorite episodes of 2023. We've got guest stars, cameos, and a song-and-dance number that will leave you speechless. Oh wait, sorry, we had to cut the dance—these award shows are always running long.

Host: David Gardner Guests: Arthur Brooks, Elizabeth Hargrave, Jordan Ellenberg, Mahan Tavakoli, Thi Nguyen, Warren Berger, Ed Brooks Producer: Rick Engdahl

We're well into the gift-buying season, so it's time for the annual games podcast! This time we have some classic games (06:00), some casual games (18:55), some strategy games (36:01), and a bonus list of game expansions (46:32). It's all about the happy today, so shuffle your cards, rattle your dice, and and get ready to drop some tiles!

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

Can November really be over already? It's that time again Fools, and you've packed the mailbag full this time. From silly to serious, softballs and hardballs, we're here to answer your questions. Plus, it's time for a final review of 5 Stocks that will Press On (10:59). Will the 5-stock sampler make it to Foolhalla in one piece?

Stocks Discussed: ZBRA, ODFL, CNI, CRUS, ECL

Host: David Gardner Guests: Andy Cross, Jennifer Gennaro Oxley Producer: Rick Engdahl

What do you have to be grateful for? That's not a rhetorical question — this is the season for letting people know! Say it out loud! Tweet it! X it! Post it! Or in our case, podcast it! We are truly grateful for you, the Fools around the world who listen, learn, and share with us on this journey of investing, business, and life. Thank you!

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

We live in a global society, with global conflicts, aspirations, and opportunities. And so today we're seeking words of wisdom and Foolishness from around the world, finding perspective and a bit of rational optimism for a better future. Progress may not be a straight line, but over time it goes up and to the right!

Companies Mentioned: SBUX, META, TSLA, AAPL, NFLX

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

Should the Motley Fool file a class action lawsuit against... class action lawsuits? Why do people think in just two dimensions when our world has three? Can you pronounce the name of your best performing stock properly? It's that time of year again; we're getting petty and pedantic. Ok?

Host: David Garner Producer: Rick Engdahl

Even if you don't play games, you know what they're about, right? Wars, power, control, money... dudes on a map trying to take over the world! But what if a game was about birds? Butterflies? Mushrooms? Today we talk with Elizabeth Hargrave, one of today's most successful game designers, responsible for the instant-classic, Wingspan. Bringing a feminine aesthetic, along with a formidable business acumen, she is advancing the game industry into the modern era.

Host: David Gardner Guest: Elizabeth Hargrave Producer: Rick Engdahl

• (3:00) Hot Takes From X (Formerly Twitter)
• (4:50) Mailbag Item 1: Good Guys Economic Outperformance
• (12:16) Mailbag Item 2: September Mailbag Response
• (14:36) Mailbag Item 3: Importance of Owning Our Outcomes
• (20:13) Mailbag Item 4: Index Funds and Money Markets
• (25:56) Mailbag Item 5: German Punctuality and A Financial Horror Story

The spooky season is upon us, and it doesn't stop with the ghosts and ghouls at your doorstep! The world is full of scary stories, but if you take heed of Robert Brokamp's warnings, you just might survive the financial apocalypse.

• (07:13) Switcheroo with the Vampire
• (13:41) The Trade is Coming from within the House
• (17:51) Dial "M" for my Money is All Gone
• (25:09) The Ex-IRS-ist
• (33:09) Invasion of the Money-Snatchers
• (40:34) The Queen of Soul Speaks from the Grave...and the Couch
• (48:02) 3 Scary Stats

Host: David Gardner Guest: Robert Brokamp Producer: Rick Engdahl

Ah, the eternal verities! Some things never change. But that doesn't mean we don't need to revisit them from time to time. Whether you've been with us from the beginning or have joined us in the last few years, it's important to review the things that we value most as Rule Breaker Investors. 

Stocks Mentioned: GOOG, AMZN, NFLX, HUBS, TSLA, MELI

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

Does character always win? In business, investing, and life? What is character anyway? Can we measure it? Manage it? Improve it? These are just a few questions that we address with Dr. Edward Brooks, Executive Director of the Oxford Character Project, as we dive into the long-term benefits of being virtuous. 

Host: David Gardner Guest: Ed Brooks Producer: Rick Engdahl

Whether your weather is meteorological or astronomical, we're officially in the season of Autumn. In this September mailbag, we're looking at authors, numbers, percentages, baseball, and so much more! Plus, we review and draw to a close yet another 5-stock sampler, these ones indistinguishable from magic. Foolhalla awaits!

• (4:00) Social Media Hot Takes
• (8:23) Mailbag Items
• (39:50) Review of 5 Stocks Indistinguishable from Magic: off to Foolhalla!

Companies Discussed: AAPL, PEGA, NVDA, ASML, RGEN, SEDGHost: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

Lots of stock talk today as we play the game that educates, amuses, and enriches us all. And, it's the 25th edition of the show, so we've brought back two returning champions to play against each other and against you, Fool! In the end we're all winners on the Market Cap Game Show.

Companiers Discussed: MAR, ATVI, ASR, TSCO, FDX, COIN, NFLX, SMAR, PATH, FUN, MRNA

Host: David Gardner Guests: Bill Mann, Emily Flippen Producer: Rick Engdahl

The Motley Fool is here to make you smarter, happier, and richer. Today we're all about the happy! But what does that mean? Is it achievable? Does money help? Author and columnist for The Atlantic, Arthur Brooks, has a new book out, co-written with Oprah Winfrey that puts a scientist's lens on the subject of happiness. Are you ready to Build the Life You Want? No time like the present!

Host: David Gardner Guest: Arthur Brooks Producer: Rick Engdahl

Pull out your camp-stool, listen to the sounds of nature, and pack a few Barbies for the kids. It's storytime! Stock stories, that is.

• (05:18) Dripping My Way to a 34-Bagger with Robert Brokamp
• (14:42) Undeserved Good Fortune with Bill Barker
• (25:34) My Biggest Mistake was my Biggest Lesson with Kirsten Guerra
• (35:14) The Dangers of Early Success with Mac Greer
• (46:40) 90% of the Flavor and 10% of the Cost with Jason Moser 

Companies Discussed: HD, XPO, SLB, AAPL, MKC

Host: David Gardner Guests: Robert Brokamp, Bill Barker, Kirsten Guerra, Mac Greer, Jason Moser Producer: Rick Engdahl

It's time for our monthly mailbag! That's where we answer all the emails that come from you. That's the rule. But... you know what we do with rules around here, right? As you are no doubt sipping your last beach drink and turning the page to the final chapter of your summer read, we're here to review the fantastic authors we've interviewed over the past weeks and draw investing lessons from their combined wisdom.

Companies Mentioned: TSLA, NFLX, NVDA, DIS

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

Perhaps you've traveled from New York to San Francisco. Maybe you've even driven from coast to coast. But have you taken the Lincoln Highway? Today Amor Towles joins us to talk about the voices, the characters, and the adventures from his novel by that name. Also, we get a sneak peak at the soon-to-be-released TV series based on his previous book, A Gentleman in Moscow. Ewan McGregor, a cameo denied, and an exclusive easter egg, just for Fools!

Host: David Gardner Guest: Amor Towles Producer: Rick Engdahl

Do you remember when you were in school? Or maybe you have kids there now. That age-old question always comes up in math class: "What am I ever going to use this for?" Well, turns out the answer is "everyday life!" And as this week's author, Jordan Ellenberg, will show you, the power of mathematical thinking can lead you to smarter, happier, and richer outcomes.

Host: David Gardner Guest: Jordan Ellenberg Producer: Rick Engdahl

Maybe you built it from scratch. Maybe your grandparents built it. Maybe you inherited it from Logan Roy. In any case, there may come a time when you are ready to sell your business. But how? To whom? Is there an instruction manual? Turns out there is! Selling Without Selling Out is the book you're looking for, and author Sunny Vanderbeck is here to talk you through it. Authors in August continues with this conversation aimed at business owners, venture capitalists, and investors.

Host: David Gardner Guest: Sunny Vanderbeck Producer: Rick Engdahl

Do you like to go for walks? Long walks? Neil King went out his front door in Washington DC, and walked all the way to New York City. As described in his book, American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal, Neil's journey led to beautiful insights on the people, the history, and the landmarks along the way.

Host: David Gardner Guest: Neil King Jr. Producer: Rick Engdahl

On this month's mailbag episode we have more financial freedom tips, a shout-out to North Dakota, and a deeper dive into your sleep numbers.

• (00:06:50) AI Scoring for a Better World
• (00:10:55) Budgeting In Buckets
• (00:15:37) Helping Grandkids Towards Financial Freedom
• (00:18:45) 4 Reasons to Visit North Dakota
• (00:21:45) Going Deeper on Sleep Numbers and RBI Principles
• (00:32:00) Setting Separate Sleep Numbers for Each Stock
• (00:39:50) Setting Good Habits for Financial Freedom
• (00:43:30) Benefits of Micro-Journaling

Host: David Gardner Producer: Heather Horton

Early on, Bitcoin was supposed to be a currency. Is it? Does it matter? James Surowiecki returns to our podcast to review previous predictions of a cryptocurrancy bubble, look at the future of meme stocks, and play a round of the time-honored Foolish game of buy, sell, or hold.

Companies mentioned: BBBYQ, GME, COIN, UBER, ABNB, BTC, ETHER, BNB, NYT, MSTR

Host: David Gardner Guest: James Surowiecki Producer: Rick Engdahl

Are you a business leader looking to persuade your CFO to change course? Are you an entrepreneur looking for an edge? A parent looking for meaningful family connections? Whoever you are, we got ya covered!

• (08:04) Reallocate
• (12:30) Micro-journaling
• (16:14) "Dear Me"
• (19:50) Time-stamp your thoughts
• (23:03) Avert your gaze
• (27:53) Compete in unionized industries as a Conscious Capitalist
• (35:18) Intentional family traditions

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

• (00:03:54) Frugality
• (00: 11: 14) Extra Effort
• (00:14:19) Starting the Journey
• (00:18:26 ) Foolish Moves
• (00:30:06) Educating Others

After David recommended Royal Caribbean Cruises as a stock in 2007, he told members to sell it one year later. Should he have? What can we learn? Later, he’s joined by Emily Flippen to help investors get started investing, and then by Robert Brokamp as well to help investors get finished investing. That, and a preview of RBI’s Authors in August at the end!

• (00:09:18) Selling Royal Caribbean Cruises….
• (00:12:42) Sports History of the Southern Conference
• (00:16:15) Power of Regular Investing
• (00:23:11) “Make Your Portfolio Reflect” …Your Own Changing Views?
• (00:34:49) Where New Investors Should Put Their Money
• (00:45:50) Dividend Reinvestment Plan Management for The Retired

Host: David Gardner

Guests: Emily Flippen, Robert Brokamp

Producer: Heather Horton

Companies Discussed: PTON, RCL, META, GOOG, AMZN, DIS, MSFT, TSLA, NKE, SPDR 500, VOO, WFC

Sometimes you know the market cap, sometimes you're just guessing. And sometimes you're gaming the game! Just remember, "never get involved in a land war in Asia," and "never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!"

Companies Discussed: BABA, BOC, CAVA, CME, CMG, FCX, MKTX, SG, SGEN, STZ, TASK, TSLA, WMT

Host: David Gardner Guests: Jim Mueller, Bill Mann Producer: Rick Engdahl

Did you hear? We're back in a bull market! Not soon enough for these 5-stock samplers to recover, perhaps, but at least they're headed in the right direction. Today we're sending 5 Stocks for America off to Sad Foolhalla, but 5 Stocks, Pursued by a Bear has one more year to pull out a win. It's scorekeeping time, Fools!

• (06:39) 5 Stocks, Pursued by a Bear with Asit Sharma
• (37:02) 5 Stocks for America with Nick Sciple

Companies Discussed: PTON, TTD, AXON, U, Z, SAM, ETSY, SBUX, TTWO

Host: David Gardner Guests: Asit Sharma, Nick Sciple Producer: Rick Engdahl

The AIs are here, the AIs are here! Is it the end of the world? Nah. The end of the World Wide Web? Maybe... Today we discuss the opportunities, the ethics, and the inevitabilities of Artificial Intelligences (there are many) as they reach hockey-stick growth in our tech-driven society.

Companies Mentioned: UBER, GOOG, MSFT, AMZN

Host: David Gardner Guest: Mahan Tavakoli Producer: Rick Engdahl

What the heck is a Debt Ceiling anyway? Are we learning the wrong lessons from our government's fiscal policies? Maybe we should just focus on other stuff, like braving the stock market, simplifying life, and polishing up our digital brains. All that and a couple of Hills on this month's mailbag.

• (00:08:53) Daring to Invest
• (00:13:37) Cognitive Drag and your Digital Brain
• (00:17:39) Investing Early and the Value of a College Degree
• (00:31:24) Debt Ceiling and Leverage
• (00:39:01) Government Debt vs. Personal Debt
• (00:58:00) The First Hill: A Fond Farewell
• (01:09:30) The Second Hill: A Long and Foolish Life

Host: David Gardner Guests: Jeff Fischer, Tom King, Jason Moser, Chris Hill Producer: Rick Engdahl

Once again it's an old format, a new show, borrowed wisdom and a taste of the Faker-Breaker Blues. Drop a six-pence in your shoe and let's get Motley!

• (04:13) Aim for 60% accuracy
• (12:19) Managing the second-order effects of your business
• (25:18) Building a second brain
• (33:33) Spotting the Faker-Breaker

Companies Mentioned: APRN, KR, HELFY

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

We don't take breaks with this podcast, so there have been a lot of lessons over the years. That's why, for David's birthday, we ask you to help us distill it all down to the most salient points — the lessons that matter most to you!

• (10:42) Investing Lessons
• (26:08) Business Lessons
• (32:55) Life Lessons

Companies Mentioned: CMG, AMZN, MNST

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

If you want to earn your jester cap, you'll need to speak the language of Foolish investing. Today we're joined by a ship of top-notch Fools to review some simple and not-so-simple terms that will make you a smarter investor!

• (9:27) Bill Barker on share buybacks
• (17:29) Jason Moser on the debt ceiling
• (24:42) Tom King on leverage
• (31:12) Bill Barker on capital allocation
• (38:35) Jason Moser on dollar-based net retention
• (45:27) Tom King on return on incremental invested capital

Companies Mentioned: BRK.A, BRK.B, BBBY, GOOG, AAPL, SVB, CMG, FTNT, CRWD

Host: David Gardner Guests: Bill Barker, Jason Moser, Tom King Producer: Rick Engdahl

Not all advice is excellent, and not all futurists are right. But Kevin Kelly, Founder and Senior Maverick of Wired Magazine, is the exception on both fronts. Today he returns to Rule Breaker Investing to share his optimistic take on the generous nature of the universe and our place in it.

• (00:11:57) The Magic of Compounding
• (00:17:50) Why the Size of your Balcony Matters
• (00:20:45) Choosing Optimism
• (00:29:40) Ending Meetings Early
• (00:31:35) Saints and Superheroes
• (00:40:35) Underestimating Long Term Possibilities
• (00:45:18) Choose Options that Open Up More Options
• (01:00:37) The Cheapest Possible Therapy
• (01:06:38) Inevitable Updates

Companies Mentioned: AMZN, IRBT, ATVI, GOOG, BRK

Host: David Gardner Guest: Kevin Kelly Producer: Rick Engdahl

Whether you're entering Autumn in the Southern Hemisphere or toasting the Spring in the Northern, it's campfire season. So sit back, warm your hands, and enjoy some stories and lessons from the April mailbag!

• (00:07:09) Bear Market Heroes
• (00:16:30) Fitness Rule Breakers
• (00:37:37) Bringing Up Babies
• (00:48:54) Is a College Degree Worth It?
• (01:09:29) Financial Independence for Generations

Companies Discussed: XPOF, PLNT, LULU

Host: David Gardner Guests: Sanmeet Deo, Jeff Fischer, Kirsten Guerra Producer: Rick Engdahl

The most memorable stories are often the ones filled with... surprises! Today we begin a new storytelling series, bringing lessons on business, investing, and life. Expect the unexpected....

• (2:51) Hail to Dorothy — the Wicked Witch is Dead! 
• (8:58) Priceline and Me
• (16:11) How Do We Play?
• (21:51) Heather O'Reilly
• (29:34) Fill Your Own Piñata

Companies Discussed: BKNG

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” ― Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

...And as it turns out, also a tale of 5 Stocks for the Coronavirus as we send the sampler off to Sad Foolhalla. Luckily we also get to review 5 Stocks To Teach You Rule Breakers.

• (6:21) 5 Stocks To Teach You Rule Breakers with Jason Moser
• (37:59) 5 Stocks for the Coronavirus with Jim Mueller

Companies Discussed: ATVI, AVAV, ABNB, AAPL, AXON, SONY, MSFT, PTON, ROKU, SE, TDOC, ZM

Host: David Gardner Guests: Jason Moser, Jim Mueller Producer: Rick Engdahl

A world traveler sleeping on the sidewalk to save a buck... A geologist working the oil fields on a 12-hour night shift... It doesn't take a fancy degree to become a Rule Breaker. It takes a student of life, of business, and of investing. Today Jeff Fischer and Kirsten Guerra share their stories of how they've become investors, analysts, and Fools.

• (3:57) Jeff Fischer: Sometimes the stock graph of life goes up and down at the same time.
• (53:01) Kirsten Guerra: Burnt out by the oil industry, but ever curious to find new data to analyze.

Host: David Gardner GuestsL Jeff Fischer, Kirsten Guerra Producer: Rick Engdahl

The end of the month is here again, so we're tossing you the keys and letting you drive. Sure enough, you're taking us somewhere smarter, happier, and richer!

• (7:46) Is Gamifying Life Bad?
• (10:42) Pushing the Limits of the GKC Score
• (21:18) Diversification vs. Stock Concentration
• (31:13) Education and Questioning
• (44:06) Transparency and Scorekeeping
• (52:54) A Blind Spot for GAAP?
• (1:11:01) Bring Rule Breakers Together

Stocks Mentioned: AMZN, NFLX, SBUX, ATVI, NET

Host: David Gardner Guests: David Kretzmann, Andy Cross, Tim Beyers Producer: Rick Engdahl

We're talking market caps, Fool! And unlike Andy Cross and Jim Mueller, our game show contestants here in the studio, you get to play at home and out of the spotlight! But no one is off the hook as we put price tags on companies we love, companies our spouses hate, and companies we have never even heard of.

Companies Discussed: PANW, ABNB, ASML, CELH, PCOR, KYMR, MELI, ETSY, BOC, MA

Host: David Gardner Guests: Andy Cross, Jim Mueller Producer: Rick Engdahl

In 2019 Warren Berger joined us for an episode of Authors in August to discuss his groundbreaking book, "A More Beautiful Question." Today he's back for a more open-ended conversation about the whys, what-ifs, and hows of asking questions — in business, in education, and in life.

Companies Mentioned: NFLX, ABNB, SPOT, UBER

Host: David Gardner Guest: Warren Berger Producer: Rick Engdahl

Were you here before podcasts? Remember the NPR show? AM radio anyone? Today Mac Greer is back with the keys to our deep vault of audio gold. Tom Gardner joins David to revisit and discuss the conversations, predictions, and lessons from 20 years ago.

• (7:08) Jim Sinegal on competition and growth
• (13:09) Meg Whitman on eBay's acquisition of PayPal
• (18:00) John Antioco on Blockbuster's bright future
• (22:53) Roger Ebert on Blockbuster's imminent demise
• (25:23) Loretta Lynn on Growing Up Poor
• (30:45) Sir Bob Geldof on the futility of bribery
• (35:07) Mike Veeck on creative marketing

Companies Discussed: COST, WMT, EBAY, PYPL, NFLX

Host: David Gardner Guests: Tom Gardner, Mac Greer Voices from the Vault: Jim Sinegal, Meg Whitman, John Antioco, Roger Ebert, Loretta Lynn, Sir Bob Geldof, Mike Veeck Producers: Mac Greer & Rick Engdahl

We stand on the shoulders of giants, and one of the best ways to enjoy the view is to look back to the brilliant things they've said and contemplate how to apply those thoughts to our current situation. Whether from essays or military strategies or blockbuster movies, great quotes are there to help us become smarter, happier, and richer.

• (4:25 ) "If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success."
• (12:08) "Plans are worthless, but planning is everything."
• (17:25) "Leadership is not about invoking rank; leadership is about seeing clearly what must be done, taking action, and inspiring others to join you in throwing their energies’ full force into the task. "
• (21:39) "At the end of the day, it's really about results."
• (29:59) "Win the crowd and you will win our freedom." 

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

This month we spent some time looking back to the past in order to have a better view of the future. But our mailbag brings it all to the here and now! 

• (6:50) Trust is the Coin of the Realm
• (11:49) A Dismal Performance
• (18:42) The Trouble with Hindsight
• (34:01) Navigating the GKC
• (49:23) Dialing in your Sleep Number

Companies Discussed: AMZN,  FVRR, LMND, CRWD, TCEHY, TDOC, FSLY, AMD, NVDA, TTD

Host: David Gardner Guests: Jim Mueller, David Kretzmann Producer: Rick Engdahl

C. Thi Nguyen is back with David to discuss some of their all time favorite board and role playing games, along with some thoughts about ranking systems, scoring mechanics, and online recipes.

Host: David Gardner Guest: C. Thi Nguyen Producer: Rick Engdahl

Games can be good or bad. Or evil. Or stupid. But what happens when we apply the artificial constraints of game design to real world discourse? Philosophy professor C. Thi Nguyen is here to deepen our understanding of games and raise a few flags about the gamification of everyday life.

• (6:21) Definition of a game
• (23:42) Games as art in the medium of agency
• (37:04) Should games be fun?
• (47:37) Gaming in the real world, from Twitter to GPAs
• (1:05:12) The game of investing
• (1:18:45) Buy Sell or Hold

Host: David Gardner Guest: C. Thi Nguyen Produceer: Rick Engdahl

On this podcast we never repeat ourselves. On this podcast we never repeat... Oh alright, we sometimes repeat ourselves. But only to bring back important stories and lessons from the past that might otherwise be forgotten.

• (4:55) Establish your Sleep Number
• (12:48) Fools on The View
• (20:55) Buy High and Never Sell
• (25:43) Of Killers and Kings
• (30:20) Act Upon your Youthful Dreams

Companies discussed: SBUX, NVDA, NFLX

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

Seems like only yesterday we were traveling back in time. Wait a minute... maybe it was yesterday. Maybe it is yesterday! In any case, we're back in our time machines again, so rev up the Delorean, close the phone booth, and adjust your sonic screwdriver — we're looking back on some essays from yesteryear and seeing what they can teach us today.

• (4:42) A 14-Bagger's 14 Lessons
• (13:48) Two Small Innovations
• (20:27) Miss Chipotle Regrets?
• (33:23) The Beating Heart of Rule Breakers

Companies Discussed: DIS, ADBE, CMG, TSLA, SSYS, PRLB

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl 

The market is up in 2023! Of course less than a month in, that's not very meaningful. But still, we can embrace some optimism for the year. More importantly, we can remember that what really matters are the decades ahead.

• (8:55) Spelling out some gift ideas
• (15:05) Pros and cons of smart hydration
• (20:27) Dollar-cost averaging in a bear market
• (34:34) XPEL experience
• (46:10) Stock graphs: YTD vs All view
• (50:48) Poem: Make it Last
• (55:23) 5 Stocks that Spark Joy sailing to Foolhalla

Stocks Mentioned: AMZN, AAPL DIS, ETSY, XPEL, TSLA

Host: David Gardner Guest: Auri Hughes Producer: Rick Engdahl

Time to check the scoreboard again on two of our 5-stock samplers. It's been a rough market this last year, but we're in it for longer than that, Fool! Some stocks that seem to have been crushed recently look a lot better if you just step back a few years. Some of them.

• (13:07) 5 Stocks Rolled Up at Random
• (30:54) 5 Stocks that Spark Joy

Stocks Mentioned: AAPL, TEAM, SEDG, SBUX, TDOC, AMZN, ETSY, TSLA, DIS

Host: David Gardner Guests: Sanmeet Deo, Asit Sharma Producer: Rick Engdahl

Sit back and take a load off, let me tell you a story. Better yet, let's have some friends around to tell five stories. Stock stories. Full of ups and downs, lessons from history, hopes for the future... it's all there for the learning!

• (5:45) You Dropped Out of Harvard For THIS? 
• (13:58) Discover My Biggest Winning Stock!
• (22:15) Better Late Than Never
• (34:00) Changing the World Is Hard
• (45:50) Listen to, and Learn from, The Market Cap Game Show

Stocks Mentioned: CPNG, XPEL, MSFT, RDFN, SAM Host: David Gardner Guests: Rick Munarriz, Auri Hughes, Alyce Lomax, Jim Mueller Producer: Rick Engdahl

We're kicking off 2023 looking back, looking forward, looking outward, and looking past the same old blues. It's a new year, Fools — let's make it ever better!

• (3:18) Old: Tesla beats Ford
• (12:32) New: Cool stuff
• (23:29) Borrowed: Completing Capitalism
• (29:38) Blue: Reaching past peak polarization

Stocks mentioned: TSLA, F, DUO

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

As 2022 draws to a close, we answer a few burning questions from the mailbag: How do you play competitive games with kids? Can a handful of apps work together to build your second brain? Will Artificial Intelligence replace Shakespeare and upend the music industry? Has it already happened? Foolish minds want to know!

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

Small-cap, mid-cap, large-cap, mega-cap...? How do these companies compare? It's not enough to know the share price; you have to know the market cap! And that's why we play the game—now with the new “Throwdown Rule.” Play along with our guests, Andy Cross and Matt Argersinger to claim your fame as the market cap masters of 2022!

Stocks Mentioned:  NCNO, SJM, ULTA, HCA, LKQ, ZS, MTCH, SQ, STEM, CRI

Host: David Gardner Guests: Andy Cross, Matt Argersinger Producer: Rick Engdahl

Roll out the red carpet! It's time for the Besties – reviewing our top 10 episodes of 2022. And the carpet's not for nothing; we've got guest stars galore! Fools of all stripes who made us smarter, happier, and richer in this challenging year.

Host: David Gardner Guests: Dan Pink, Michael Hebb, Kara Chambers, Candice Millard, Sem Verbeek, Robert Brokamp, Chris Hill Producer: Rick Engdahl

We're here to make you smarter, happier, and richer, and today we're focusing on the happy. It's boardgame season once again and David is back to recommend 5 casual games (13:00) and 5 heavier strategy games (39:08) to put under a tree or break out with your friends and family when they visit for the season.

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

In this month of gratitude, we'll check in on the Fool Foundation, review the OG of 5-stock samplers, and have fun considering tax-based investment decisions. It must be mailbag!

Stocks Mentioned: HOOD, ATVI, MSFT, CASY, GOOG, MELI, MIDD

Host: David Gardner Guests: Rick Munarriz, Jennifer Gennaro Oxley, Robert Brokamp Producer: Rick Engdahl

In a world of ups and downs, let's up the ups! It's time to take a step back and express some gratitude for the year we've experienced together.

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

It's time to check in on some 5-stock samplers. Will 5 Stocks That Will Press On keep pressing on? Will 5 Stocks for Conscious Capitalism create some win-win-wins? Emily Flippen is here to talk us through the ups and downs.

• (11:14) 5 Stocks That Will Press On
• (31:05) 5 Stocks for Conscious Capitalism

Stocks Mentioned: CHWY, ECL, ZBRA, ODFL, CNI, CRUS, ETSY, CRM, NEE, ROKU

Host: David Gardner Guest: Emily Flippen Producer: Rick Engdahl

Longtime listeners will know that when Lee Burbage and Kara Chambers are on the show, it's time to take some notes. Over the years they've shared the best practices, tools, and philosophies that make The Motley Fool an award-winning and wonderful place to work. Today they're back to sort through years of practical advice to pick their top 10 tips for making your workplace culture thrive.

Host: David Gardner Guests: Kara Chambers, Lee Burbage Producer: Rick Engdahl

Little things can add up over time to make clutter. But little actions can add up over time to simplify. It's time for some mental tips, tricks, and lifehacks to guide you on the path to life-changing magic!

• (3:00) Gamify your hydration
• (10:40) Quiet the room
• (15:09) Aim for the golden mean
• (20:40) Highlight in color
• (27:03) Keep score by journaling
• (31:39) Tidy up and spark joy
• (41:59) Press "0"

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

In today's mailbag we talk about investing, business, and life... and ok, a little bit about death. We're still in the spooky season after all!

• (6:10) Rebalancing your portfolio
• (11:32) Swedish death cleaning
• (14:24) Vote! With your ballot and your dollars
• (20:54) Shave a few dollars off your shaving expenses
• (22:41) Abundance over money
• (27:24) Blue chip stocks in 2022

Stocks Mentioned: AAPL, AMZN, GOOG

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

We're all gonna die! Today's collection of cautionary tales will show you just how shocking and scary the world can be if you don't plan for the inevitable.

(7:17) The Ghost of Paisley Park (14:31) A Tale of Tractor Terror (18:15) The Headless Slugger (22:44) The Alien Who Loved Me (30:53) Night of the Living Document (35:41) No Mere Mortal Can Escape the Estate of the Thriller (43:53) A Nightmare on Wall Street

Host: David Gardner Guest: Robert Brokamp Producer: Rick Engdahl

Professional athletes have it made, right? Surely they're all millionaires and don't need any financial advice. Or maybe it's not that simple? Sem Verbeek is an up and coming tennis professional who has his eye on winning championships and promoting financial freedom for his fellow athletes. Foolishly.

Host: David Gardner Guests: Sem Verbeek, George Khalaf Producer: Rick Engdahl

Did Abe Lincoln really say that? Sometimes the quotes are worth repeating, even if the attribution is suspect. Somebody said it after all, and the wisdom of words rings true regardless.

• (4:15) Things That Matter
• (10:17) Your Best Vision
• (14:23) Sharpen The Axe
• (19:08) Understand More; Fear Less
• (30:11) A Mile In Their Shoes

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

How do you get started with a career in finance? What about a career in financial freedom? These questions, plus a look at stocks in the penalty box, on today's mailbag episode.

Stocks Mentioned: NFLX, SNOW, BLUE

Host: David Gardner Guests: Tim Beyers, Rick Munarriz, Megan Brinsfield, Jennifer Gennaro Oxley Producer: Rick Engdahl

Disclosure:  “Motley Fool Wealth Management, or Fool Wealth, is an investment adviser registered with the SEC. Fool Wealth is an affiliate of and a separate entity from The Motley Fool. While similar in name, we operate independently of each other, meaning Fool Wealth uses its own team, entirely separate from The Motley Fool, in its investment decision making and daily operations. The Motley Fool also conducts its investment decision making and daily operations independent of Fool Wealth. This discussion with Fool Wealth is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice.”

Last time we played the game, returning champions Yasser El-Shimy and Brian Stoffel had to be content with a tie at 5 points apiece. Of course we couldn't let that stand, so they're back to battle once more, and this time we have the listener-submitted "Stevens Sudden Death Rule" to prevent another draw. Will we need to invoke the new rule?

Stocks Mentioned: SNBR, MRK, CELH, MAA, MDB, AMZN, MELI, AXON, TTD, CFLT, COHR, SQ, ZG, CPRT, ETSY, NET

Host: David Gardner Guests: Yasser El-Shimy, Brian Stoffel Producer: Rick Engdahl

Some companies beat the market; some companies get in trouble with the law. So it's important for us to come back every year and check the score for our 5-stock samplers — warts and all.

(3:06) Pet peeves revisited (5:45) Why we review our stock picks (11:03) Review: 5 Stocks Indistinguishable from Magic (29:14) Review: 5 Stocks with a Tailwind Blow (56:54) Overall scorecard for all 30 5-stock samplers

Stocks Mentioned: PEGA, APPN, RGEN, SEDG, ASML, NVDA, ROKU, TTD, NEE, TDOC, WM

Host: David Gardner Guests: Sanmeet Deo, Rick Munarriz Producer: Rick Engdahl

Don't you hate it when people keep long lists of pet peeves? That's why we're here to get those peeves off the list and out into the airwaves. And you can do the same -- hit us up @RBIPodcast and let us know what bugs ya!

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

The hottest days of August are behind us as we gather to reflect on a tough market and look forward to better days. Whether you were with us at FoolFest earlier in the week or just gather here every Wednesday to tune-in to the Rule Breaker Investing community, we're all in this together. Because if you want to be better with money, the best thing you can do is hang out with people who are good at money. That's you, Fools!

Host: David Gardner Guest: Tyler Reber Producer: Rick Engdahl

Candice Millard, the author of four New York Times bestselling books, is here this week to discuss her newest book River of the Gods. The story of the search for the elusive source of the Nile by 19th-century explorers, it gives rise to a wide-ranging discussion across many dynamics, modern & historic.

(1:54) Introduction to Candice Millard

(3:20) The Source of the Story

(5:20) Importance of the source of the Nile 

(7:12) The Royal Geographic Society past and present

(9:55) A picture of Richard Francis Burton 

(13:25) Sidi Mubarak Bombay: the great unknown explorer

(17:45) Checking emotions and biases in historical writing 

(21:31) John Hanning Speke: Partner and Rival

(25:57) The hardships of exploration

(28:32) Bygone themes of the 19th century

(35:15) Candice Millard’s writing style and methods

(38:04) What is Candice reading now

(40:26) Candice’s tips for new writers

(47:21) Why these books and these stories? 

(48:40) What is the big takeaway from all four of these books

(50:05) Candice's next adventure…  

Host: David Gardner Guest: Candice Millard Producer: Heather Horton

President & CEO of Predictable Success Les McKeown is here to talk about his powerful definition of leadership and how it can lead to predictable success. 

(6:45) Do Lead & Do Series introduction 

(13:02) Definitions of leadership

(22:45) Heroic leadership in the media

(27:38) Les’ definition of leadership

(28:43) The four leadership styles

(38:24) Leadership Myths: (1) "You can only lead from the front," and (2) "Leadership is only revealed at times of crisis"

(48:50) Everyone CAN be a leader

(45:05) Effective goal-oriented leadership

(49:21) Enterprise commitment & organizational success

(54:10) Les’ two-minute description of successful leadership

(56:25) Importance of self-aware leadership

(1:04:10) Start small, start big

(1:14:03) Les’ book recommendations  

Host: David Gardner Guest: Les McKeown Producer: Heather Horton

Entrepreneur, author, and game designer Jesse Schell is here to talk about the art of design, the creation of experience, and the future of games.

(4:58) "What you pretend to be, you will become" (10:21) Creating the experience (12:35) Immersive play and iterating on the fly (16:56) "A problem-solving activity approached with a playful attitude" (22:44) Elements of game design: mechanics, story, aesthetics, and technology (33:31) Naming and reinforcing a theme (43:45) "People can steal your moves, but they can never steal your inspiration" (51:15) The rule of the loop - iterate quickly to accelerate the power of evolution (57:18) What the future holds: VR, meta, and games within games

Host: David Gardner Guest: Jesse Schell Producer: Rick Engdahl

It's August, which for this podcast means authors! There's a great lineup of interviews coming for the month, but we're kicking it off with a list of 5 recommendations and a few runners-up that will get you out on the beach.

(2:43) Runners-up: Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard, The Inevitable by Kevin Kelly, and Let's Talk About Death (Over Dinner) by Michael Hebb. 

(7:51) It's Not What You Sell, It's What You Stand For by Roy Spence. Are you looking to find the purpose of your organization? There's no better place to start.

(14:26) Selling The Invisible by Harry Beckwith. We are a service economy, and this precient work will guide you in the ways of modern marketing.

(21:30) Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman. A book of poetic prose that conjectures visions of the afterlife that make you think better of this life.

(27:30) Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) by Jerome K. Jerome. Heading back to the 19th Century, and off on a comic adventure, this book is escapist in all the best ways.

(37:14) The Why of Work by David & Wendy Ulrich. Finding purpose and passion in the workplace will lead to a culture of abundance. Wins all around! 

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

Investing. Business. Life. These things are full of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But through it all, the graph goes up and to the right.

(3:24) Hot takes from Twitter: David looks back on this month's episodes with input from the socials. (7:48) Preview: What's in store for Authors in August. (9:56) We're joined by Lead Analyst Tim Beyers to answer some questions about the latest changes to the premium Rule Breakers service. (25:54) The Motley Fools's head of User Experience Research is here to talk about accessibility on Fool.dom. (41:10) Should we be buying stocks while the market is down or putting away cash for emergencies? Robert Brokamp helps us prioritize, and then responds to a tragic story of what can happen if you don't have an estate plan. (59:57) A long-time Fool makes beautiful music, and shines a light on the importance of the Foolish community beyond just investing advice. (1:05) A final story about why we invest, and why financial freedom is a lifetime endeavor.

Stocks Mentioned: TTD, LULU, STNR, BAND

Host: David Gardner Guests: Tim Beyers, Holly Fake, Robert Brokamp

Producer: Rick Engdahl

When the facts change, what do you do? Today we begin a new series on changing our minds. When it happens, why it happens, and how we are rewarded — in business, in investing, and in life.

Shorting (9:10) - Is it wrong to short stocks? Is it worth the effort? Go Tar Heels (15:03) - What happens when the rival of your favorite team becomes your team? Loving Choices (19:36) - Have you confronted your own prejudices? Do you have a ______ friend? Moneyball (28:20) - Are you looking at the right data? Are you defying conventional wisdom? Are you winning? Netflix (34:57) - Are you able to recognize when Goliath has met his David?

Stocks Mentioned: NFLX Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

For over 17 years, Motley Fool Rule Breakers—the subscription service—has been recommending stocks and keeping score. It's been about a year since David stepped away from the service, so today we're checking back in on our namesake. Tim Beyers is here to talk about what has changed and what has stayed the same.

Rule Breakers Service Link: rbioffer.fool.com

Stocks Mentioned: XBI, SNOW, MDB, GOOG, HUBS, VEEV, ANET, BMBL Host: David Gardner Guests: Tim Beyers, Rick Engdahl Producer: Rick Engdahl

With all the horrible headlines these days, it's easy to forget the things that make America special. But for Amjad Masad, a Palestinian immigrant and successful entrepreneur who came here with little to his name, America's virtues are clear to see.

Also in this episode, we review 5 Stocks Celebrating the 2018 World Cup. In keeping with sports fandom, be prepared for the agony of defeat!

Stocks mentioned: YNDX, MELI, EA, BOOK, DASTY

Host: David Gardner Producer: Rick Engdahl

Today we learned that "Vorfreude" is the German word for pleasant anticipation. Fitting, as we always look forward to hearing from you! And of course, we've been looking forward to having Lee and Kara back to revisit some company culture tips. Finally, we'll leave you with a little more Rule Breaking Vorfreude at the end of the show!

Yasser El-Shimy made a great first impression with his win in the last match, but now he's back to face our previous champ, Brian Stoffel. Guessing market caps great and small, of companies ubiquitous  and obscure. Who will win? You will, Fool!

Remember when Reviewapaloozas were fun? Well, at some point they will be fun again, but in the meantime we have lessons to learn and some lumps to take. One day we will look back and reminisce about these times we lived through.

Not everyone has been listening to this podcast from the very beginning. And even if you have, can you possibly remember it all? This week we revisit some of our favorite moments, lessons, and stories from Foolishness past.

In our democracy, we are responsible. We are complicit. We share in the blame. And we are currently enabling one "Sorry Lunatic" after another to deprive our fellow citizens of their life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

What makes a quote great? Is it timeless wisdom? Is it eloquence? Sure! But for a quote to be both great and Foolish, add an air of contrariety, a wink of irreverence, and a spotlight on things that matter.

The best gifts are the ones that keep on giving, and that's what this episode is all about! The things you've learned here, given back and amplified to help us all navigate this difficult year. Thanks!

Our track record with 5-Stock Samplers has been simply astounding. So many times we've crushed the market! But remember when we said it wouldn't always be that way? That to win we sometimes have to lose? This is that time, Fools. This is that time.

Let's not dwell on a lousy market when we can talk some more about death, right? You've sent us some beautiful, life-affirming stories after all. Also, Jennifer Gennaro Oxley is back to answer your questions about the Fool Foundation. See? April wasn't all bad.

Last week we talked to author Michael Hebb about the importance of having conversations about death. Today, we're actually having the conversation. A gathering of friends, a bottle of wine, and a heartfelt, guided discussion about the end that awaits us all.

No joke, this year on April 1st we launched The Motley Fool Foundation. Today we take a closer look at the Foundation, its goals and strategies, and meet some of the visionary people leading the charge. Financial freedom for all. Imagine the possibilities! Learn more at foolfoundation.org

Hold for the long term or sell some losers to back the winners? Index funds or a basket of stocks? Concentrate the portfolio or diversify? On this month's mailbag, Bill Mann and David Kretzmann help us find the sweet spots of Foolish investing.

This week Yasser El-Shimy makes his impressive Market Cap Game Show debut against Tim Beyers. We discuss not one but two sleep apnea companies, worldwide sports franchises, and a Swiss company you may never have heard of! How will Yasser do on his first appearance? Tune in to find out!

If you're following the market or keeping up with the news, it sure seems bleak out there. We are living in the midst of real world events with real world consequences, and it can be hard to see a bright future under these conditions. But once again, as investors and as humans on this planet, time is our friend.

Bill Mann has been with The Motley Fool for a couple of decades. Auri Hughes has been here a couple of years. And while their journeys are quite different, they both approach investing – and life – as humble students of the game. Here are their stories....

Today we have an old format, a new show, borrowed wisdom, and the blue that evokes great emotion this month paired with gold. Are we experiencing a correction? Can you make money betting on sports? Is your dog a trick dog? Can sadness lead to pride? This show is heavy on the Motley, Fool!

What a rollercoaster this market has been! But wait, aren't rollercoasters supposed to be fun? Well, we've been to the future, haven't we? We've seen where investing will lead us in the long run. And we've learned how to avoid some regrets along the way. With that in mind, maybe we can throw our hands up and enjoy the ride a little.

It’s been a few decades since we’ve recorded an old fashioned podcast (remember those?) but here we are in 2052. David is joined by Chris Hill and an A-list of special guests to bring you a look back, a look forward, and a look at the timeless lessons learned over a lifetime of Foolishness.

Let’s review and see how those samplers are doing. 5 Stocks Shrouded in Mystery: off to Foolhalla in the win column! 5 Stocks that Spark Joy: still sparking joy! And 5 Stocks Rolled Up At Random... well as the late, great Meatloaf crooned, two out of three ain’t bad.

Do you regret giving up on piano? Do you regret a career that passed you by? Do you regret losing touch with old friends? Don't despair, gentle Fool! By studying our regrets, we learn what is most important in life. And that clears the way to make the future even better.

The market has been unkind to a lot of Rule Breaker stocks this month. So what are we doing about it? We're hitting the mailbag, of course! Answering questions, listening to stories, and keeping our sites on the distant future.

Would you hire somebody to work at your company sight unseen? No résumé, no background check, not even an interview? That would be crazy, right? Then again, fellow Rule Breakers, it might just be Foolish!

Bored Apes? Beeples? CryptoSkulls? Has the world gone mad or are these actually investment opportunities? Sit back, relax, and tune in — we've got Aaron Bush here to walk you through the burgeoning world of NFTs.

Well it's 2022, and while everyone is looking to the New Year, we can't help but be a little contrarian. So hop into your Tardis, your DeLorean, your phone booth — whatever your preferred method of time travel — we're heading to Yesteryear for today's education, amusement, and enrichment. 

Here we are at the close of 2021, with the final mailbag of the year. You brought your A-game to our inbox, including game recommendations, contrary opinions, redemption tales, and eureka moments. What better way to celebrate the year that was than to hear your incredible stories? 

Last time we played the Market Cap Game Show, Brian Feroldi and Brian Stoffel battled to a tie. Today we finally have a rematch. Which Brian will prevail? Will the sequel be even better than the original? Will there be an unexpected plot twist? Tune in to find out!

Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, Tonys… and of course, Besties. That’s right, it’s time to roll out the red carpet and bring on the celebrity guests! This is the best of 2021 here on the Rule Breaker Investing Podcast.

This year has had its ups and downs. The market has had its ups and downs. The world has had its ups and downs. What’s a Fool to do? Give it up for the ups, of course!

Investing is a game, so in order to beat the market you have to roll some dice, move some pawns, and draw some cards…. Oh, who are we kidding? Let’s just put investing aside for a moment and delve into this year’s holiday playlist of David’s favorite board games!

Do you like hearing about real estate investing or is it just Matt Argersinger's mellifluous voice? Either way, by popular demand Matt is back to answer some questions about REITs, Crowdfunding, and Foolish meet-and-greets. Plus: poetry, sound effects, and a reminder of why we invest.

It is time again to review three of our 5-stock samplers from the past three years. 5 Stocks That Will Press On, 5 Stocks for Conscious Capitalism, and for its final tally before setting sail to Foolhalla, 5 Stocks That Got Trouble. Spoiler alert: we're not troubled.

Howdy, partner. You know it ain’t easy out there on the ol’ stock trail. You may end up deep in some canyon where you think you’ll never make it out. But keep at it long enough and you’ll end up climbing a mountain where the views go on forever. But remember my friend, life is all about the journey. Take a load off, let me tell you a story....

What's that? You thought real estate investing was boring? Unfamiliar? Too much work? Out of reach? Well our old friend Matt Argersinger is here to tell you otherwise... and maybe dish out a little game show revenge while he's here. Hold on to your belled caps, we're talking properties!

Looking for a great investing success story? No problem. A cautionary tale of dreadful financial advice? No worries. A follow on Twitter? You’re welcome. Jim Gillies and Aaron Bush join us for another motley mailbag!

Earlier episodes mentioned on this show:

• Old, New, Borrowed & Blue
• 6 Principles Of A Rule Breaker Portfolio

On this show, we love to talk about Conscious Capitalism. We generally avoid talking about politics. But what happens when those worlds collide? When campaign strategist Matthew Dowd was introduced to Conscious Capitalism, he wrote about how much better our world would be if politics took a similar approach. Now that’s worth talking about!

Is this the most important episode of the past two years? Now, if you’re a longtime listener, these truths may indeed seem self-evident. But to much of the investing world, they’re still wildly contrarian. So please feel free to share this episode with someone who doesn’t get it yet!

Sometimes a few little tweaks in your daily routine can improve your life dramatically. Maybe it’s getting up early. Maybe it’s rooting for the right people. Maybe it’s remembering that not all trolls are evil—but they’re still trolls. Today is the day to try some new tricks and hack your way to a better life!

Sports, investing, and character.... Crypto without the currency.... Kudos for Candyland.... And of course, your pet peeves. This month's mailbag is unlike any other. Just like all the others.

It's time for some fresh blood here on The Market Cap Game Show, and so we've hit up to our A-list of analysts to bring you Brian Feroldi and Brian Stoffel. But which Brian has the best brain? And are you better than both Brians? Only one way to tell...

It's not that we're negative nellies around here. I mean, we're optimists, right? But still, every once in a while, even Fools need to air a few grievances. So get ready to shake your fist at the heavens – it's time for some pet peeves!

It’s time check on the progress of 5 Stocks Indistinguishable from Magic and 5 Stocks with a Tailwind Blow. But for 5 MM MMM Good Stocks it’s year three, so we’ll give it one last look and a final tally before sailing it off in honor and glory… to Foolhalla!

We delight in breaking rules. But laws – real laws – the ones that govern the universe and human behavior... well if we fight those, we'll likely lose. But if we know them well and abide by them, we just might find ourselves a little smarter, happier, and richer.

Sometimes we find inspiration from the incredibly insightful authors we interview. Sometimes it's from the stories of everyday Fools who have seen the light—and most importantly, taken action. Always we find inspiration from this, our monthly mailbag!

What is normal? What is taboo? How much have we learned in the last century? In Gods of the Upper Air, Charles King illuminates the anthropologists who broke the rules of 20th Century culture, and the science that refuted society's assumptions about race, gender, and sexuality.

"Stop the Busywork, and Start the Work that Matters" – the subtitle of Do More Great Work by Michael Bungay Stanier gets right to the point on how we can do more of what we love and be the best versions of ourselves.

You've heard Shirzad talk about the benefits of raising your PQ, or Positive Intelligence Quotient. Now it's time to hit the gym and build some mental muscle!

Is it possible to train your brain towards happiness and success? The science says yes! Shirzad Chamine's Positive Intelligence is your guide to weaken the saboteurs that haunt your mind and strengthen your inner sage.

Another great month in the books! On today's mailbag we hear a lot of love for Coach Reich, we get a little more airtime with our VC side-swami Ollen, and we round it off with some stories that remind us of what is truly important in life.

To be a Rule Breaker investor, you need to think like a venture capitalist. So... what's a venture capitalist? Glad you asked! The Fool's own Ollen Douglass is here to explain what it is, what it does, and how you can dip your toes in the VC pool.

You know that savvy investor we had on the show a few days ago? Turns out he also knows a thing or two about the game of football. Many thanks to Frank Reich for sticking around for an extra chat about his other passion.

You win some, you lose some. But if you turn those wins and losses into something bigger, something inspirational... well then you might just make the world smarter, happier, and richer. As an NFL quarterback and head coach, Frank Reich has won and lost under the brightest of lights, but his story rises well beyond the game of football. In fact, you might be surprised to hear just how much of a Fool he really is!

It's one year since David picked 5 Stocks For America, two years since he picked 5 Stocks That Pass The Snap Test, and three years since he picked 5 Stocks Celebrating the 2018 World Cup. Yep, it's time to check the score and see how the games-in-progress are going!

June has been a great month on the podcast. In fact it will be a hard month to top! But we can top it off, sure enough, with your top-notch questions, comments, and stories. From market caps to optionality, tune in and pay attention to the scuttlebutt.

Yankees vs. Red Sox... Barcelona vs. Real Madrid... Duke vs. North Carolina... The best rivalries are forged over time through heated competition. Today we give you Aaron Bush vs. Emily Flippen. Will the new format give Emily an edge? Will Aaron break the game again? Will you steal the crown from the comfort of your home? We won't know until we play... The Market Cap Game Show!

With a standing ovation and a few tears in our eyes, we watch the curtain fall on David's 30th and final 5-stock sampler. And as he takes his exit, is it...? Could it be? Is that a bear chasing these companies around? Well that might seem like tragedy today, but Fools know a comedy when we see one! Bravo!

Previous Great Quotes episodes have featured everyone from Shakespeare to Dr. Seuss. But today we're pulling from one of the best contemporary financial writers of our time. So contemporary that he's here with us as a guest on the show! It's best-selling author and forever-Fool, Morgan Housel.

Aaron Bush and Tim Beyers have taken very different paths to become Motley Fool analysts, but now they are the duo who will lead the Rule Breakers team into the future. Today we hear their stories, in their own words. Up and to the right, here we go!

"May you live in interesting times," is said to be an ancient curse. But is it really? Maybe it's just the result of leading a more interesting life. Well, May has been interesting, and the mailbag doesn't disappoint! We have perspectives from all ages, from around the world and even from the future! 

High risk? Low risk? MEDIUM risk? What does that even mean, and what the heck is risk anyway? Today, we define risk Foolishly and revisit our risk ratings, a system to quantify the long-term risk your companies may face.

This show from the vaults, recorded in 2015, asserts that you can make good investments the same way you make good radio. And to prove the point, we look at GoPro, Zoe's Kitchen, and... wait, what? Ok, they can't all be winners. But add Intuitive Surgical and Tesla to the mix and, well, you would have been pretty happy with this as a 5+ Stock Sampler!

Imagine: you’ve just stopped doing something that you’ve been doing for a very long time. Something great. Something that in many ways has defined you. But now you’ve stopped. What do you do? What would you do? What would David do?

One thing we've learned over the last year is that a lot of work can be done remotely. Meetings can happen over Zoom. Spare rooms can be turned into offices. But now that the old physical workplaces are starting to reopen, what does work even look like? As an employee? As a business? HR superstars Lee and Kara are here to help us make the best of what's to come.

We love to hear from all our listeners, especially those who are underrepresented in the world of investing and finance. This month we were delighted to hear from more women than usual, and are eager to highlight their contributions.

Plus, we got our first (but hopefully not last) video submission which rounds out the show. See Owen's video mailbag submission on YouTube at: mot.ly/owen

Today we review 5 Stocks for the Coronavirus, 5 Stocks For The Age of Miracles, and 5 Stocks I Own That You Should Too. Spoiler alert: one of these is not like the others! But do we beat the efficient market? Yes. Indeed we do.

What do golf, the US State Department, and The Motley Fool have in common? We'll find out today as we hear the life and investing stories of Foolish superstars Jason Moser and Matt Argersinger.

• To get 67% off our Rule Breakers service, go to RBIoffer.fool.com.

It's April! The days are warming, the cherry trees are in peak bloom, and David is back with an A-list of stocks that spell out the 6 traits of a Rule Breaker. 

To get 67% off our Rule Breakers service, go to RBIoffer.fool.com.

Here at Fool HQ, the end of March brings cherry blossoms, warm weather, and a mailbag full of wonder and connection. Just starting out? Sharing your passion with your family? Reflecting on life's challenges? Bring it on! This is why we invest.

It's the new and improved Market Cap Game Show, thanks to input from listeners like you! Especially if you are Adam Nelson, who gave us a tip to make the game even better for 2021. Get ready to take on returning stalwart Tim Beyers and new contestant Rick Munarriz for an all new market cap challenge!

Hmmmm, how to celebrate our 300th consecutive weekly show…. Maybe a big party with cameos from past guests, with free punch and balloons for all? Nope, not this time. Instead this: David’s audio-essay looks back and forward. How we make our money. How we treat each other. What we stand for.

If you've been around this podcast for a while, you already know Foolish superstars Emily Flippen and Rick Munarriz. Today we're bringing them back to tell their own stories: the highs and lows, the volatility, and the events that shaped them into the investors they are today.

Today we're adding up the score and closing the books on both 5 More Stocks to Feed the Next Bear and 5 Stocks The World Needs Right Now. Is the bear still hungry? Does the world still need them? Tune in to find out, Fools!

This month's mailbag is a celebration of the power of stories. The great stories. The ones that really matter. So what stands out? Where do you see yourself? What do you admire? And what actions will you take as a result of a great story?

Jim Surowiecki calls it a failed currency. Aaron Bush calls it the ultimate Rule Breaker. Who is right? Could it be both? Let's talk to these two crypto-luminaries and find out!

Some things can and should be forgotten over time. But the best things, the best songs, the best stories... they grow stronger in the retelling. That selfie with Jeff Bezos. Jerry Garcia shaking hands with Seth Godin. Business lessons from... Xena, Warrior Princess? Wait, what? I guess you'll have to just listen.

There are many faces who could appear on the Mt. Rushmore of Foolish Board Game Designers, but one place is most certainly reserved for Reiner Knizia. Not only for his brilliant games, but also his business acumen, his enthusiasm for life, and his dedication to his purpose of entertaining the people. Select any color but blue; it's your turn!

Whether you're a conscious leader in your community or some lucky kid's rich uncle, this month's mailbag demonstrates how you can bring someone along on your investing journey. Plus, improvements to the Market Cap Game Show, thoughts on when to sell, and more!

Surely it's not possible to beat the market with a random roll of the dice! But...what if we're dicing in a universe of great companies? What if we're randomizing Rule Breakers? Let's find out! And while we're at it, let's review a couple 5-Stock Samplers from the past few years.

By now you should know what Rule Breaker companies look like. And you should know what it means to be a Rule Breaker investor. But now it's time to look at what a Rule Breaker portfolio looks like, how is it built, and how is it stewarded.

If you want to let your winners win, you also have to let your losers lose. Sit back and enjoy the schadenfreude as we look at David's worst stock picks of the last three years.

The end is nigh! The end of 2020, that is. And with the new year comes new opportunities for growth and optimism. Your questions reflect that optimism in this, the final mailbag of a year unlike any other.

Returning champions Emily Flippen and Maria Gallagher are here to compete in your favorite game show. But have they hacked David's brain in the process? This is what happens when the contestants are so friendly that they help each other prepare!

Can you believe all that has happened in 2020? On this podcast, we've had authors, entrepreneurs, advisors, and leaders. It's time to revisit, not just the stories but many of the guests as well. It's a Rule Breaking year in review!

It would be easy, and indeed justified, to complain about 2020. It has been a difficult year in so many ways. But taking a contrary view, it is perhaps more important than ever to take some time to express gratitude. And yes, there’s a lot to be grateful for!

It's December, Fools, so naturally it's time for David's annual game recommendations! The only question is whether to put them on your gift-list or on your wishlist. The answer, of course, is both!

Today we're grateful for the queries, the comments, the stories, and the stanzas that we receive in our monthly mailbag. We're also grateful for the beautiful businesses that are shaping our future, and leading Fools like you to incredible returns!

Psychologists tell us that the pain of losing is three times the joy of winning. That's the rule. Are you ready to break it, Fool? We'll show you how, but first a final review after three years for 5 Stocks That Will Let You Eat Cake.

2020 has been a constant struggle, but Calvin Coolidge said it best, “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence." Which is why this week's 5-stock sampler looks at companies that press on through time and adversity. Plus, a review of 5 Stocks that Got Trouble (though maybe they're not so troubled now).

A company that takes decades to pay off. A company that fails before it succeeds. A company that goes from reviled to recommended. And a company that jumps and cuts by halves within a single year. Sit back on your rocking chair, it's time for some stock stories. Plus, a review of 5 Stocks for Conscious Capitalism.

So much to talk about in this month's mailbag: Positive Intelligence, financial poetry, rolling decahedron dice... But can we keep it under 50 minutes? Yes. Yes, we can.

Are you a Jedi, leaning on your strengths to become your best self? Or are you a Sith, giving in to the saboteurs who lead you to the Dark Side? Shirzad Chamine is our Yoda, here to guide us on the path of Light and help us strive towards self-actualization.

Whether you're trying to save some money, save some time, or save face on the hockey rink, we're here to help. It's time once again to tweak your life to make it smarter, happier, and richer!

How would you prefer to travel through time? Delorean? Phone booth? Hot tub? No need! Today we travel back for a fresh and futuristic look at David’s essays from the Stock Advisor and Rule Breakers archives. From dust mites to Dead Heads, there are decades of lessons to be found!

Is it still September? For this month's sixth show, join our all-star cast as we revisit work-from-home culture, tally up our GKC scores, and celebrate a spiffy stock that spiffy-popped. All that and MUCH more in this month's mailbag.

Purpose, love, integrity... are we talking about wedding vows? No, we're talking about the qualities that make for the most successful business leaders today. Whole Food's John Mackey joins us to talk about the power of Conscious Leadership.

What do you get when you multiply share price times shares outstanding? Yep, it's the market cap! And this is the game show where market cap matters most. Play from home and see if you can beat our contestants, Tim Beyers and Maria Gallagher.

How can a company's culture survive, much less thrive when we're all working from home? Never fear, Lee and Kara are here to share 10 tips on making work work in 2020!

In September of 2015 we offered podcast listeners a free taste of David's stock picks with 5 Stocks for the Next 5 Years. It became the first of many 5-stock samplers, including 5 Great Stocks You've Never Heard Of in 2017. Today we close out those two samplers, tally up the score, and see how much smarter, happier, and richer we are as a result.

Arthur C. Clarke once asserted that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. David Gardner adds that we should probably be investing in that! Today's stock sampler looks at some futuristic technology, but first we review some magical picks from the last two years.

Today we're joined by Foolish All-Stars, Dylan Lewis, Ross Anderson, and Jeff Fischer for questions, answers, and inspiring listener stories pulled from a bulging bag of August mail.

The views expressed in this podcast by Jeff Fischer are his own as an employee of 1623 Capital, and his views do not necessarily reflect the views of The Motley Fool, 1623 Capital, or any of our affiliates. Do not take anything said by Jeff as personalized investment advice. As always, we at 1623 Capital encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding personal finance issues. Also, please note that 1623 Capital, an affiliate of The Motley Fool LLC, is a separate legal entity, and all of our asset management decisions are made independently by Jeff Fischer and any other asset managers at 1623. Neither David Gardner, nor Tom Gardner, nor any other Motley Fool analyst, is involved in 1623 Capital’s investment decision-making or daily operations.

The Prodigal Son. King Lear. Logan Roy. What do they have in common? They all could have used a little help from Amy Castoro, co-author of Bridging Generations: Transitioning Family Wealth and Values. Amy is here not just to help you prepare your assets for the family but to prepare your family for the assets.

Dr. Jeremy Brown's book, Influenza: The Hundred-Year Hunt to Cure the Deadliest Disease in History, was published shortly before the outbreak of COVID-19, and yet its lessons are remarkably prescient and relevant to our situation. Guiding us through history and reflecting on our current crisis, it's Authors in August on RBI.

Find Dr. Brown's book here: https://mot.ly/influenza

Why do companies that don’t just manage their bottom-line profits so often outperform those that do? Because they are “seeing the whole picture.” Jay Jakub shares with us the Economics of Mutuality, helping investors and business professionals discover a new holistic approach to capitalism that is poised to win the future.

Is investing just gambling? Is there a better way to end a soccer game? Are we responsible for the sins of our fathers? We Fools rush in on questions big and small on this month's mailbag.

• Take the Foolish Podcast Survey!

How's your memory? Or are you new around here? Well there are a few stories, told over the past 5 years, that we occasionally need to revisit. The evolution of business. Stocks that don't make you think. The origin story of the GKC. Today we flip through the RBI photo album and remember where we've been.

White privilege. Black tax. Systemic racism. These may be uncomfortable topics for conversation, but with a little trust, vulnerability, and humanity, we can and must talk about them. We're joined by Stephen Baldi, Dan Simons, and Vennard Wright to open that conversation, for the sake of healing, justice, and progress in our personal and professional lives.

Are airline credit card offers worthwhile? Do tech stocks really exist? Why do we love penalty kicks so much? Or are those just a bunch of stupid questions? All that, plus a halftime review for 5 Stocks Celebrating the 2018 World Cup.

It's America's birthday! It's The Motley Fool's birthday! Is it your birthday too? Either way, we've got presents, in the form of great quotes on business and life.

Is investing like a fine wine, getting better with age? Or is it like a protopian science fiction story, reflecting our best vision for our future? Of course, we'll choose both, and much more, on this month's mailbag.

We're back with another edition of the Market Cap Game Show! Remember, you can play from home...well, I guess we're all playing from home now, aren't we. Can you out-guess our rookie contestants, Tim Beyers and Daniel Kline?

Liberty. Enterprise. Justice. Resilience. Kindness. These are America's Core Values, according to David, and the theme of today's 5-stock sampler. Plus, we'll review two samplers from the last two years, with guests Karl Thiel and Rick Munarriz.

Back in the olden days of flip phones and paper newsletters, every issue of Stock Advisor and Rule Breakers started with a short essay conveying timeless investing lessons. Well, as long as they're timeless, why not revisit them? Today we look back to yesterday's Foolishness with today's fresh eyes.

Should you let your winners win or keep your sectors diversified? How much should you spend on investment advice services? Is 50 too late to get your finances in order? All that, and how 'bout a stay-cation on Investor Island? It's mailbag time!

It's officially an annual event: we ask you what you've learned from this podcast, and we amplify! Side A is the greatest hits; Side B is the deep cuts--stories of what you've learned, and that we all can learn as we embrace the future as Foolish investors.

Time to tune up the ol' guitar and take out a harmonica for another round of campfire stories. Interviewing for Jobs, a drink with Wolfe, and breaking the cycle of being raised to be poor. And ooh, look! A shooting star!

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• http://www.molekule.com code fool10.

Today we're back to an old format, a new show, borrowed wisdom and some celebration blues. Drop a six-pence in your shoe and let's get Motley!

Are dividends worth more when the share price drops? Is it possible to get your friends and family interested in investing? And do we need a new stock-basket acronym now that FAANG has gone all BFAAAMN? The answer to at least one of those questions is yes. Find out which one on this month's mailbag!

It's time once again to review our 5 stock samplers from 1, 2, and 3 years past. Has the current market volatility crushed returns? Fool analysts Karl Thiel, Maria Gallagher, and Tom King join us to take a look at the score, review the performance, and bid adieu to APRIL the Giraffe.

Top dog and first mover? Check. Sustainable advantage? Check. Strong past price appreciation? Check. Increased dividend every year for at least 25 consecutive years? Ch... Wait, what?! Why are we talking about dividends on the RBI Podcast? Because you asked for it, Fools!

As lifelong investors, we save regularly and invest regularly. In any market. In good times and bad. So an event like the Coronavirus is not a buying opportunity, but rather a learning opportunity. How will we respond? How will we adapt? What are the businesses that will help us recover and improve our lives going forward? These represent our best vision for our future, and our portfolio should reflect that.

An atom is a tiny little thing. Throw a few together and you start to build big things. And within every atom lies enormous power. Same goes for atomic habits: small changes in behavior that work together to make big changes, holding the power to help you build your best self. Today we welcome James Clear, author of Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results, for an incredibly simple, practical, and powerful conversation that could change improve your life.

Did you sell at the top? Will you buy at the bottom? Does it really matter if you're in it for the long term? Andy Cross and Aaron Bush join David to hear your stories, answer your questions, and check your temperament as we slog through a brutal month's mailbag, only to find...inspiration!

When the market falls, we are very aware of stock prices and our portfolio performances. But don't forget that market caps are also dropping! How big are our businesses? How do they compare to each other? Can Aaron Bush get his head around these new numbers or will Andy Cross steal his throne? We'll find out, only on the Market Cap Game Show.

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• http://www.molekule.com code fool10.
• Post your job today at Indeed.com/motley and get a free sponsored job upgrade on your first posting

As a health issue, we should absolutely take the Coronavirus outbreak seriously. However that doesn't mean we need to change the way we invest, even when the market drops sharply. So please wash your hands and then sit on them, as we contemplate the troubled times we're living through.

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• Get the first $50 off your first job post at LinkedIn.com/fool. Terms and conditions apply.

The market has dropped! Investors are spooked! The end is nigh! What better time to step away from the fray and consider some timeless wisdom from our fellow humans. No news here; just 5 great quotes submitted by you and shared back out for Fools to ponder.

Should you be investing during the Coronavirus outbreak? Are dividends right for you? Where did our Foolish culture come from? All this and more as David is joined by his brother Tom Gardner, The Motley Fool Answers team, Aaron Bush, and others to answer your mailbag questions.

Show Links:

• Listener Survey
• Investor Island Message Board
• Investor Island Game Analysis Video

Two years ago the market seemed a little volatile, so David picked 5 More Stocks to Feed the Next Bear. Where did that hungry bear go? A year before that, the presidential election had lots of people in a tizzy, so David picked 5 Stocks The World Needs Right Now. Did the world need them after all? Join David and guest Emily Flippen as we look back and review these stock picks.

Do you remember when the Internet was new? When eBay was worth more than Amazon? When Blockbuster was streaming video and Netflix wasn't? Today, Tom Gardner and Mac Greer join David for another spin in the wayback machine, to visit some old friends — like Jeff Bezos, Reed Hastings, and Mr. Rogers — from the radio past.

Sponsor link:

• Get the first $50 off  your first job post at LinkedIn.com/fool. Terms and conditions apply.

Do you remember what makes a business win? How about the official signs of a Rule Breaker stock? The all-time greatest secret of investing? Well in case you didn't memorize 4 1/2 years of this podcast, or in case you're new around here (welcome!), we're circling back to revisit some of the most important lessons from the past.

• The Businesses That Win
• 6 Traits of a Rule Breaker: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
• The Greatest Investing Secret of All
• The Tale of Spiffy Pop
• David's Biggest Losers - Part 2

The market crashed in January, finally putting an end to a long bull market. Or did it? Depends how closely you were listening. Today we look back at a month full of losers, lessons, and outright fabrications.

DC area Fools: our next Conscious Capitalism DC event is a night with John Mackey, “Leading with Love,” with Tom Gardner conducting an interview, post-presentation. At the National Press Club on February 4th.

• https://consciouscapitalism.regfox.com/dc-chapter-john-mackey-event-february-42020
• Use code: RBI for 50% off! BONUS: next 48 hrs only use code RBI to attend the event FREE.

It's not about what you should get rid of; it's about what you want to keep forever. It's time to KonMari your portfolio! Plus, a review of last year's 5 Stocks Shrouded in Mystery.

Sponsor Links:

• Thanks to Health IQ. See if you qualify for lower rates! healthiq.com/fool.
• 20% off a Grammarly premium account at Grammarly.com/fool.

In this special episode, Chris Hill joins us to discuss the day the market tanked. Were you ready?

Sponsored links:

• http://www.molekule.com code fool10.
• Get the first $50 off  your first job post at LinkedIn.com/fool. Terms and conditions apply.

You win some, you lose some. And boy, did we lose some! Join us for our annual feast of crow as we look back at our worst stock picks of the last three years, hold them up for all to see, and hopefully learn a few lessons along the way.

The setting is the global economy. The protagonists, a handful of companies that we love. The illustrations are stock charts, full of ups and downs, success and failures. And these are the stories of our heroes' journeys.

Sponsor Link:

• Thanks Health IQ. See if you qualify for lower rates! healthiq.com/fool

As always, we wrap up the year with words of wisdom from you, our listeners. We also take a moment to consider why we invest, and find that often it is not for ourselves, but for those about whom we care the most.

When the players break the game, it's time to fix the game. We're back with our quarterly game show, but this time we're pitting our star contestants, Emily Flippen and Aaron Bush, against each other. Can you beat them both?

Sponsor Link:

• GETQUIP.COM/fool to save on gift sets and to get your first refill FREE with a refill plan.

It's game time! First, we've officially launched Investor Island, our first Motley Fool mobile game. On the investing side, we tally the final score for 5 Stocks To Put Under Your Tree. And finally, it's David's annual board game gift guide for both casual and diehard gamers.

Sponsor link:

• $50 off your first job post. Linkedin.com/fool

Today our ace Culture Fools, Kara and Lee, return to present 10 completely, 100%, entirely (almost) free things you can do to improve your workplace. From active listening to snowball fights, there's definitely something here to make your business better.

Sponsored links:

• Download Netsuite's FREE guide, “Seven Key Strategies to Grow your Profits” today at NetSuite.com/fool.
• Thanks to Brave for supporting our channel. Change your browser experience today by switching to Brave at brave.com/FOOL.

Today we give thanks for you, dear listeners! And how better to show our gratitude than by bringing your voices into the room. We'll share your stories and answer your questions as today you make us smarter, happier, and richer.

Thanks to Audible for supporting The Motley Fool Podcasts. For a limited time, get 3 months of Audible for $6.95 a month at audible.com/FOOL or text FOOL to 500500.

Emily Flippen is back to help us review a handful of 5-Stock Samplers from the last few years. And it's time to close the books on one of those samplers, but don't let that stop you from owning these stocks for years or decades to come.

Thanks to Audible for supporting The Motley Fool Podcasts. For a limited time, get 3 months of Audible for $6.95 a month at audible.com/FOOL or text FOOL to 500500.

We've talked a lot about Conscious Capitalism over the last few episodes, so it's time to put skin in the game. Good news: these are the kinds of companies that do business right, and you can feel good about investing in them. Great news: you'll probably make more money as a result!

Sponsor Links:

• Netsuite: Download their FREE guide, “Seven Key Strategies to Grow your Profits” today at NetSuite.com/fool.
• Linkedin: You can pay what you want and the first $50 is on them. Just visit LinkedIn.com/fool

Today it's an old format, a new show, some borrowed wisdom and a bit of the baseball blues. Drop a coin in your shoe for luck and let's get Motley! To get 50% off our Stock Advisor service, go to SAOffer.Fool.com.

It's not a costume! We wear our Motley every month on the mailbag episode, taking on a candy-bag of topics from the pedantic to the profound. And as a special treat, here's Brian Wither's stock-tracking spreadsheet, as promised in the show.

To get 50% off our Stock Advisor service, go to SAOffer.Fool.com

Sponsor Link:

• Get the money you need to run your small business today. Go to Kabbage.com and use the code FOOL to get $100 credit on your first loan statement. Offer ends November 30, 2019. Must take a minimum $5000 loan to qualify. Credit lines subject to review and change. Individual requests for capital are separate installment loans issued by Celtic Bank, Member FDIC.

We've talked a lot about Conscious Capitalism, and how business is better when it is purposeful and stakeholder-oriented. But today we're taking it up a notch to talk about how business should be a place of healing for employees, a source of healing for those it serves, and a force for healing for society at large. 

If you're running a business, you should know what it means to be Purpose-driven. You should know how to create wins across all stakeholders. You should know how to build and sustain a great culture. Today's focus on Conscious Capitalism will show how business can be better and more successful.

Sponsor Links:

• Thanks Zapier!  zapier.com/fool for a free 14-day trial.
• And get the money you need to run your small business. Go to Kabbage.com to get started. Credit lines subject to review and change. Individual requests for capital are separate installment loans issued by Celtic Bank, Member FDIC.

We like to pick and review stocks, play games, interview authors, and rant about pet peeves, but every so often we must go back to basics and recommit to the eternal verities of Rule Breaker Investing. Today is that day!

You know what really bothers us? Well you're about to. It's time for a little nit-picking and self-indulgence, but all in the name of making the world just a little bit better for everyone. 

To get 67% off our Rule Breakers service, go to http://RBIoffer.fool.com.

Why should we buy high instead of low? Is Tesla a fragile company? And did Aaron really break the Market Cap Game Show? All that and more on this autumnal mailbag.

Sponsor Links:

• Zapier: zapier.com/fool for a free 14-day trial.
• Linkedin: $50 off your first job post. >Linkedin.com/fool

The best game shows make you smarter for tuning in. And the best of the best have all-star contestants who constantly set the bar higher. Can Aaron Bush possibly live up to his 9 out of 10 performance from the last show?

Sponsor Links:

• Download Netsuite's FREE guide, "Seven Key Strategies to Grow your Profits" today at NetSuite.com/fool
• Get the money you need to run your small business. Go to Kabbage.com to get started. Credit lines subject to review and change. Individual requests for capital are separate installment loans issued by Celtic Bank, Member FDIC.

On this show, sometimes we pick stocks. We keep score so that we know how we’re doing over time. And then comes the day where we put it all out there and talk about results. All the hits, all the misses, and all the lessons along the way.

Sponsor Link: Download their FREE guide, “Seven Key Strategies to Grow your Profits” today at NetSuite.com/fool

Authors in August is all well and good, but we can't end the month without digging through the mailbag. So sit back, take in the tail end of summer, and enjoy this weekend edition of the Rule Breaker Investing Podcast.

High stakes. Conflicting opinions. Emotional engagement. These are the ingredients of Crucial Conversations -- which, for good or ill, are the most consequential in our lives. Today, as we wrap up our Authors in August series, Emily Gregory teaches us how to navigate these conversations successfully.

Sponsor Link: Download their FREE guide, “Seven Key Strategies to Grow your Profits” today at NetSuite.com/fool

Where is the richest, smartest, greenest, healthiest, and happiest place to live? You might be imagining an idyllic mountain valley somewhere, but our guest, Edward Glaeser, is here today to tell you that the heart of the city is the place to be.

Why do we so often talk about investing on this show? What if we interviewed some of our favorite authors instead? How would that make us smarter, happier, and richer? These are some of the beautiful questions that lead us to Authors in August, and so it's only right that we should kick this month off with our favorite Questionologist, Warren Berger.

Sponsor Link: Download their FREE guide, “Seven Key Strategies to Grow your Profits” today at NetSuite.com/fool

Mark Reagan's mom says that you can make money with your hands, your mind, or your money. We like the sound of that last one especially, so we are here to navigate your questions about crazy valuations, ESG investments, international exposure, and much more.

Sponsor link: Thanks to DataSiteOne from Merrill Corporation for supporting our show. To learn more and sign up for a free demo, go to merrillcorp.com/fool.

3,700,000 square miles, 1.4 billion people, panda bears... China is important! And upon returning from his travels to Hong Kong, Beijing and beyond, David has brought back some souvenirs in the form of investing, business, and life lessons.

• paypal.com/fool
• $50 off your first job post at Linkedin.com/fool

After much hullabaloo, Amazon decided to locate its second corporate headquarters in Crystal City, Virginia. But why? Did they just want to be our neighbor? Victor Hoskins, Director of the Arlington Economic Development Leadership Team, is here to tell us how it happened.

Sponsored link: www.molekule.com code fool75.

Why is it that some of the best Rule Breaker stocks have "crazy" valuations? Jim Mueller joins us for this mailbag-inspired show that looks back at some of our biggest winners, overlooked by so many investors because they were just "too expensive" by traditional metrics.

Download the FREE guide, “Seven Key Strategies to Grow your Profits” today at NetSuite.com/fool

This podcast is 4 years old, and to celebrate, we're re-running this very first episode, still as relevant today as it was back then (well, except for that bit about the pizza).

They're never all winners; they're never all losers. But we always learn something as we look back, measure up and keep score on our 5-Stock Samplers.

It doesn't happen every month, but sometimes a strong theme emerges as we dip into the mailbag. This time it's (almost) all about switching on to the essence of true investing and crossing the threshold into a lifetime of Foolishness.