Episodios

  • EP 56: Money Beyond Borders (with Barry Eichengreen)

    EP 56: Money Beyond Borders (with Barry Eichengreen)
    Apr 10 2026
    Welcome to a very special episode of the podcast, as we hear from eminent economic historian and prolific author Barry Eichengreen. Barry is the man who inspired our very own Russell Napier to realise that he could learn much more from the history of finance than he could from books on economic theory. That 'eureka' moment was inspired by Barry's first book, Golden Fetters – The Gold Standard and the Great Depression, but in this episode the pair discuss Barry's latest work, Money Beyond Borders – Global Currencies from Croesus to Crypto. As Russell dials in from a trip to the north of Scotland to speak to California-based professor, listen in for fascinating insights into international currencies, and mounting challenges to the dominance of the US dollar.

    www.libraryofmistakes.com
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    46 m
  • EP 55: The Swiss Franc, 1798 to 2055 (with Costa Vayenas)

    EP 55: The Swiss Franc, 1798 to 2055 (with Costa Vayenas)
    Apr 2 2026
    Join Russell Napier and Costa Vayenas as they explore a currency with a cult following – the Swiss Franc. Costa is author of The Swiss Franc, from 1798 to 2055 – and yes, that's not a typo. The book promises a treasure trove of deep data and insights, and explains how Switzerland manages with an ever-appreciating exchange rate. Looking ahead, it also discusses what long-term bond yield differentials might imply for the Swiss franc against the US dollar, and the importance of jurisdictions for asset values in a world where states and private individuals are shifting to new forms of digital money.

    www.libraryofmistakes.com
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    49 m
  • EP 54: The Weekend Of Mistakes (with Leila Johnston)

    EP 54: The Weekend Of Mistakes (with Leila Johnston)
    Mar 26 2026
    The much-anticipated Weekend of Mistakes 2026 took place on 20-22 March, with leading investment and ecomonic thinkers such as Russell Napier, Merryn Somerset Webb and Professor Helen Thompson entertaining an enthusiastic audience gathered from across the UK and far beyond. Topics included football finance, the water industry, a guide for countries hoping to avoid going bust, and the mafia's unlikely role in shaping queer nightlife. It all took place in the stunning setting of Hay Castle in Hay-on-Wye on the Welsh border – and our very own Leila Johnston was there. Enjoy her report from a lively and thought-provoking weekend, and hear from several of the speakers and guests that she met.

    www.weekendofmistakes.org

    www.librayofmistakes.com
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    34 m
  • EP 53: A Practical History of Financial Markets (with Russell Napier)

    EP 53: A Practical History of Financial Markets (with Russell Napier)
    Mar 20 2026
    Russell Napier, founder of the Library of Mistakes, joins Fraser Allen & Leila Johnston to discuss the Library’s Practical History of Financial Markets, which has been running for almost two decades. What does it cover? Who is it for? And what are the benefits of taking part?
    Didasko CEO David Clarke is also on hand to offer his perspective on the course, while our Librarian Helen Williams recommends relevant books from our collection
    This episode is introduced by Fraser (heckled by some sparrows on his window ledge) on a busy day that coincides with the Weekend of Mistakes in Hay-on-Wye and the finals of the Growing Future Assets investment competition in Edinburgh. Listen in to find out more!

    Info on the course: https://www.libraryofmistakes.com/course
    Info on The Weekend of Mistakes: https://www.weekendofmistakes.org
    Info on Future Asset: https://www.futureasset.org.uk
    Robbie Mochrie’s posts on The Smith Conversations: https://robbiemochrie.substack.com/p/no-mere-economist?r=1vva35
    Our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LibraryofMistakes
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    27 m
  • EP 52: Shelf Life #11 The Smith Conversations

    EP 52: Shelf Life #11 The Smith Conversations
    Feb 13 2026
    In this episode, Robbie Mochrie catches up with Leila Johnston and Fraser Allen to discuss a series of events he has organised to celebrate the 250-year anniversary of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations. Called The Smith Conversations, the programme begins on 9 March as a distinguished panel of guests assemble at the Library of Mistakes to discuss Smith on Equality. Further events explore Smith's thoughts on Wealth, Capitalism, Power and Education. See link below for tickets.
    We also hear from Didasko CEO David Clarke as he playfully plans a bus-trip beano to the Weekend of Mistakes in Hay-on-Wye, while Library of Mistakes Librarian Helen Williams provides her guide to books in the collection with a strong focus on that filthy lucre – money.

    Get your tickets for The Smith Conversations
    www.libraryofmistakes.com/lectures
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    46 m
  • EP 51: The Business of History (with Tom Levitt)

    EP 51: The Business of History (with Tom Levitt)
    Feb 4 2026
    Tom Levitt was exploring a course on 19th century history during the pandemic crisis when he stumbled upon WH Beable’s 'Romance of Great Businesses', a 1926 book exploring 32 iconic British companies. He was intrigued by the realisation that many of them still exist today (although mostly as brand names rather than intact corporations). It inspired the former teacher, MP and business advisor to delve into their stories and write his own book – The Business of History: Tales and Lessons from Two Centuries of British Commerce.
    Listen in to Tom's entertaining discussion with Russell Napier about famous names such as WH Smith, Boots and Cadbury – and, as an interesting aside, the thriving innovation of commercial lending libraries, before the advent of free public reading resources.
    And if you're interested in Tom's guided history walks around London, find out more by searching for The Business Of History at www.londonwalks.com

    www.libraryofmistakes.com
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    41 m
  • EP 50: Shelf Life #10 The Weekend Of Mistakes (with Alice Sherwood & Paul Greatbatch)

    EP 50: Shelf Life #10 The Weekend Of Mistakes (with Alice Sherwood & Paul Greatbatch)
    Jan 20 2026
    In the latest Shelf Life, we begin with a clip of Russell Napier speaking at this year's Mistake Of The Year awards at the Library of Mistakes - you can see the whole thing on YouTube (link below). We then discover the wonderful Weekend Of Mistakes, held every year in Hay-on-Wye, on the Welsh/English border. Inspired by the Library of Mistakes, the event shares the Library's mission of encouraging us all to learn from the mistakes of the past – and features a fantastic line-up of speakers in a wonderful setting. Organisers Paul Greatbatch and Alice Sherwood explain all to our regular hosts, Leila Johnston and Fraser Allen, and we also chat to our Librarian Helen Williams and our CEO David Clarke.
    www.weekendofmistakes.org
    www.libraryofmistakes.com

    Mistake of the Year: https://www.youtube.com/live/W6ibPkVvXaQ?si=Rf3N3Bhz7sZb7-kO

    To get in touch withn us, please email leila@libraryofmistakes.com or fraser@libraryofmistakes.com
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    43 m
  • EP 49: Good Money (with George Selgin)

    EP 49: Good Money (with George Selgin)
    Dec 11 2025
    Join Russell Napier and American economist George Selgin, as they discuss George’s book, ‘Good Money – Birmingham Button Makers, the Royal Mint and the Beginnings of Modern Coinage 1775-1821’. George’s colourful and impeccably researched insights into what served as money more than two hundred years ago remain every bit as relevant today.

    www.libraryofmistakes.com
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    55 m