The Library of Mistakes

Mary Duffy, trustee and chair who focuses on debt and mental health. Paul Greatbatch, festival co-creator and masterful session moderator. They discuss the Weekend of Mistakes festival, panels on debt, mental health and historical debt practices. Conversations cover festival identity, eclectic sessions like stablecoins, mafia and queer nightlife, and geopolitics. The report captures lively, thought-provoking highlights.

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 collectionThis 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/courseInfo on The Weekend of Mistakes: https://www.weekendofmistakes.orgInfo on Future Asset: https://www.futureasset.org.ukRobbie Mochrie’s posts on The Smith Conversations: https://robbiemochrie.substack.com/p/no-mere-economist?r=1vva35Our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LibraryofMistakes

Robbie Mochrie, academic and Adam Smith expert who organised The Smith Conversations for Wealth of Nations' 250th anniversary. He outlines themed events on inequality, wealth, capitalism, power and education. Short previews of speakers and debates, reflections on Smith’s relevance today, colonialism, AI, and why the series matters.

Tom Levitt, former teacher, MP and business adviser, explores two centuries of British companies. He discusses surviving brand names, company-built industrial villages and how founders raised capital. He also traces the rise of commercial lending libraries, shifting shareholder power and the impact of private equity on iconic firms.

Paul Greatbatch, a former investment manager and organizer of the Weekend of Mistakes, teams up with Alice Sherwood, an author and researcher, to explore the fascinating concept of learning from past errors. They discuss the intricate themes of this year’s event, including economics of crime, debt history, and even the measuring of well-being through sessions with unique participants. Both share insights on the event's intimate format that fosters deep interactions, showcasing a diverse audience eager to learn about financial mistakes and their implications.

In this discussion, economist George Selgin, author of *Good Money*, shares his insights on the historical landscape of money during the Industrial Revolution. He explores the Royal Mint's failures in producing small denominations, which led to shortages and rampant counterfeiting. Selgin explains how private tokens emerged to fill monetary gaps and details the innovative practices of Birmingham's button makers. He also touches on the storied Soho Mint and its contribution to modern coinage, unpacking the complex interplay between government policies and private enterprise.

Join financial journalists Jonathan Ford and Neil Collins, who share insights from their careers in finance. They discuss the origins of their podcast, A Long Time In Finance, and highlight memorable episodes, including unique topics like Green Shield Stamps. The duo engage in witty banter, showcasing their contrasting styles. They also delve into macroeconomic risks, warning about complacency in bank liquidity and the dangers of overinvestment in data centers. Lastly, Ian Fraser joins the conversation, revealing fascinating details about Fred Goodwin and RBS.

Perry Mehrling, an economist and author known for his work on Charles P. Kindleberger, dives into the life of the influential figure who shaped international monetary policy. They explore Kindleberger’s pivotal roles in post-war German reconstruction and his insights on the dollar system. Mehrling shares Kindleberger's views on the Marshall Plan and the significance of the Bretton Woods agreements. They also discuss Kindleberger's reaction to the Nixon Shock and the resilience of the dollar, emphasizing the importance of historical perspectives in contemporary economics.

In this lively discussion, Jen Mair, Strategic Initiative Lead at Franklin Templeton and Chair of Future Asset, shares her journey from a small-town background to a thriving finance career. She highlights the creative aspect of investment management and the importance of teamwork. Emilie Stewart, a journalism student and Future Asset alumna, co-hosts the interview, drawing out insights on balancing career ambitions with parenthood and the critical need for support for carers in the industry. Jen emphasizes the value of programs like Future Asset in empowering young women to pursue careers in finance.

Once again, Leila Johnston and Fraser Allen are backstage at the Library of Mistakes, sampling highlights from the book collection, hearing about the many events and activities coming up, and meeting members of the team. In this episode we have an in-depth chat with the newest member of the gang, economist and author Robbie Mochrie, who has taken on the mantle of 'Errorist In Residence'. Among other things, Robbie tells us what he's got planned for our upcoming Adam Smith celebrations (2026 marks 250 years since the publication of The Wealth of Nations) and reflects on his book, How To Think Like An Economist. We also include a taste of a recent talk by the Deputy Director of the HM Treasury, Mario Pisani, plus our usual catch-ups with librarian Helen Williams and the CEO of Didasko, David Clarke.To get in touch with anything Shelf Life-related, feel free to email us at fraser@libraryofmistakes.com or leila@libraryofmistakes.com, or contact us through social media.www.libraryofmistakes.com