As another year winds down, it’s time to pause and reflect on the year of 2024 and the gratitude we feel. From groundbreaking achievements in business (artificial intelligence) to investing home runs (Nvidia, and the S&P 500 overall) to the meaningful connections that enrich our lives, this week’s podcast is an expression of thankfulness for what inspires us, supports us, and keeps us moving forward… and reminds us why we invest. Let’s feel grateful together — let’s call it out! And find sparks of inspiration for the year ahead.   Host: David Gardner Producer: Desirée Jones   Companies mentioned: AMZN, ISRG, MELI, META, NVDA

This June, ChatGPT took its first swing with five big questions about Rule Breaker Investing, and a new episodic series was born. Now, we’re back for Volume 2—with a baseball twist! ChatGPT pitches David five questions, each a unique pitch type:   1. Hardball: What separates Rule Breakers built to last from those destined to fizzle out? 2. Softball: Can David sum up Rule Breaker Investing in one sentence? 3. Curveball: What would make him rethink a long-term winner? 4. Screwball: Is there a traditional investing rule David (begrudgingly) respects? 5. Knuckleball: If he could pass on just one Rule Breaker principle, what would it be?   Come for the hardball, stay for the knuckleball!   Host: David Gardner Guest: ChatGPT Producer: Desirée Jones Companies Mentioned: AAPL, AOL, ARM, AXON, BB, DDD, FIT, GPRO, IOM, K, META, NOK, P, TSLA, YHOO

Ever felt the chill of a silent room after asking for questions, only to be met with zero raised hands? Or maybe you’ve found yourself buried in commercials, losing valuable family moments during the big game. This week, David shares his latest volume of Mental Tips, Tricks, and Lifehacks with seven unique strategies to make life smoother, smarter, and a bit more joyful. From the Hemingway Bridge to transforming “FAILURE” into an unexpected love message, get ready for a dose of elegance, insight, and a little Rule Breaker flair — this week, only on Rule Breaker Investing!   Host: David Gardner Producer: Desirée Jones

Mailbag! This week, David welcomes back an expert as we open up focusing on risk... in its prominent forms of tolerance and also capacity. Then, a non-partisan look at the upcoming election: “What truly drives America forward—regardless of political tides?” Some chicken soup for American souls..... At close, a special missive from a Foolish investor who shares his Magnificent Seven score along with a story that cannot fail to inspire.   Producer: Desirée Jones Host: David Gardner Guest: Amanda Kish

Do you want to hear something really scary? The kind of scary that could drain your accounts and seize your assets? Do not adjust your podcatcher, Fool! Robert Brokamp is back to shock, scare, and surprise you with stories from the dark side of finance. But fret not! He will also give you the keys to your survival. (7:08) There's No Theft Like Home (13:19) A Broker Making You Broker (20:40) The Silence of the Hams (29:36) Scamazon Prime (37:32) The Perfect Storm (47:48) Guardians of the Graceland Host: David Gardner Guest: Robert Brokamp Producer: Rick Engdahl

You're already pretty smart, but let's go for even smarter! Our all-Fool cast is here to help you understand some common and not-so-common investing terms, so that you can be more fun at cocktail parties — and more importantly, be a better investor! Are we heroes? Are we zeros? Keep score and let us know. Host: David Gardner Guests: Amanda Kish, Andy Cross, Sanmeet Deo Producer: Rick Engdahl

This week on Rule Breaker Investing, David welcomes Elaine Hungenberg, Senior VP of Partnerships & Impact at XPRIZE. Elaine explains how XPRIZE’s unique competition model sparks world-changing innovations, from space exploration to clean water solutions. In this lively conversation, discover how prize-driven innovation accelerates breakthroughs, hear about some of the most exciting XPRIZE projects, and learn valuable lessons from Elaine’s journey as a thoughtful disrupter. Tune in for a deep dive into creating impact, followed by our always fun, signature round of Buy, Sell, Hold!   Host: David Gardner Guest: Elaine Hungenberg Producer: Desirée Jones

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

It's the gift that keeps on giving. As we celebrate David’s birthday, we'd like to thank you for all the notes, emails, and tweets summarizing the lessons that matter most to you. Let's celebrate! (8:51) Investing (41:26) Business (45:45) Life Companies Mentioned: AAPL, CMG, NFLX Host: David Gardner Producer: Dez Jones

In this week’s episode, the ninth in this historic series, David rummages around the archives to bring back another five standout Rule Breaker insights to improve your investing, business, and life. Featured Blast From The Past Topics: Style-Boxing Add Up, Don't Double Down Navigating the Emotional & Practical Challenges of Selling a Business The Power of Being a "For" Person 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

You know Bill Barker’s and Robert Brokamp’s investment advice from years of contributions to our podcasts and services. But did you know where and how they started? Sports, family, and finance keep popping back up in their life stories expressed in 10 sentences, in the stock graphs of their lives, and in the three key moments that have made these admirable men the Foolish investors that they are.   Host: David Gardner Guests: Bill Barker (3:11), Robert Brokamp (42:26) 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