The Library of Mistakes
Library of Mistakes
Based in Edinburgh, the Library of Mistakes is a free public library designed to improve understanding of finance, one mistake at a time. In this podcast series the Library's Keeper, Professor Russell Napier, speaks to leading financial history authors around the world, with Fraser Allen & Leila Johnston presenting an additional thread of episodes called Shelf Life.Series produced by Fraser Allen.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 20, 2022 • 37min
Ep 5: The Economics of the Stock Market (with Andrew Smithers)
Andrew Smithers, economist and long-time market practitioner known for his work on valuation, discusses corporate net worth versus market value. He debates why consensus Q theory is flawed. He explores how high Q can destabilize economies, the role of central bank policy in inflating market values, and incentives that push managers toward short-termism.
May 2, 2022 • 54min
Ep 4: Back from the Brink (with Lord Darling)
Alistair Darling, former UK Chancellor who steered Britain through the 2008 financial crisis, opens the Library of Mistakes. He tells dramatic stories of last‑minute rescues, urgent talks with bank chiefs and the reasoning behind nationalising RBS. He also reflects on regulatory failures, board governance and what tools might have avoided the worst.
49 snips
Apr 25, 2022 • 53min
Ep 3: Adapting to the New Economic World Order (Hidden Forces v Russell Napier)
This is a special episode, republished by kind permission of the Hidden Forces podcast series, in which Demetri Kofinas interviews our very own Professor Russell Napier about how investors should prepare for the greatest economic and financial revolution in 100 years. A great listen, particularly for investment experts and enthusiasts.
11 snips
Mar 18, 2022 • 46min
Ep 2: The Financial Cold War (with James Fok)
In this engaging discussion, James Fok, author of Financial Cold War and former executive at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, shares his insights on the escalating financial conflict between China and the US. He defines the concept of a financial Cold War and examines how sanctions and tariffs can evolve into a hot conflict. Fok also explores the complexities of moving Chinese savings into capital markets, the risks of stablecoins, and the implications of dollar dominance in international relations. This conversation offers a fascinating look at the intersection of geopolitics and finance.
Jan 21, 2022 • 36min
Ep 1: Iceland's Secret (with Jared Bibler)
In this first episode of the Library of Mistakes podcast series, Russell Napier explores the 2008 financial collapse of Iceland with Jared Bibler, author of Iceland's Secret – The Untold Story Of The World's Biggest Con. After moving from the US financial world to Iceland in search of a quieter life, Jared found himself working for the nation's tiny, cash-strapped regulator, digging into multi-billion-dollar crimes carried out by top executives. His page-turner of a book provides a fascinating basis for this entertaining discussion.
