Best Mark Szymanski Podcasts (2025)

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Spencer Forman: Identity, Money, and the State of WordPress Today | Ep. 89 1:41:18

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6d ago1:41:18

1:41:18

⚡Want to build a business that actually works? My team at Motive11 can help—websites, systems, and strategy for modern entrepreneurs → https://motive11.com A deep, raw conversation with Spencer Forman about the real state of WordPress, the entrepreneurial mindset, the cycles of reinvention, and how to build a life and business that actually makes s…

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Kody Frederick from Julien's Auctions discusses the 'Played, Worn & Torn' auction featuring cool collections of legendary rock stars 9:33

5h ago9:33

9:33

In the studio with Kody Frederick, Director and Head of Marketing at Julien's Auctions, and we are talking about a special 'Played, Worn & Torn' auction featuring the personal collections of Adam Clayton, Kirk Hammett and Tommy Lee (just imagine if U2, Metallica and Motley Crew all in one concert!! Whew!) The auction takes place November 20 and 21 …

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USAF fighter pilot Michelle 'Mace' Curran talks Thunderbirds, courage, and her new book 'The Flipside' 10:44

7h ago10:44

10:44

Welcome back subscribers! We are flight deck ready in the studio today for my interview with Michelle 'Mace' Curran, the second woman in history to serve as lead solo pilot for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds! Courage and strength is the focus of our interview today - and with 2,000 hours of F-16 flying time, Michelle knows what really leads up to …

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Convergence 31:59

17d ago31:59

31:59

How are private and liquid credit evolving into complementary forces? And how can combining these two distinct but interlinked markets be of benefit to both investors and issuers? In an in-depth conversation, Armen Panossian (Co-CEO and Head of Performing Credit), Raghav Khanna (Co-Portfolio Manager, Strategic Credit), and Danielle Poli (Assistant …

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Chris LaFay: How He Built a $1.3M Web Agency from a Small Town | Ep. 88 1:08:41

20d ago1:08:41

1:08:41

⚡Want to build a business that actually works? My team at Motive11 can help—websites, systems, and strategy for modern entrepreneurs → https://motive11.com Agency founder Chris LaFay joins me to talk about growing a web business from small-town freelancing to seven figures, the power of sharing experience instead of advice, and what it really takes…

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Television personality Rhonda Shear revives her late-night cult classic 'Up All Night' and tells why glam and camp make life oh so better 10:37

27d ago10:37

10:37

Hanging out in Florida today with the always entertaining comedienne, television personality and actress Rhonda Shear! It's a few days before that last night in October, and let me tell ya - the holiday just got a whole lot more thrilling when Rhonda starts talking about the all-new revival of 'Up All Night'. Join me when I sit down with Rhonda - a…

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Andy Milligan: From College Golfer to $15K/mo Agency (No Code, No WordPress) | Ep. 87 2:02:42

1M ago2:02:42

2:02:42

⚡Want to build a business that actually works? My team at Motive11 can help—websites, systems, and strategy for modern entrepreneurs → https://motive11.com In this episode, 24-year-old agency founder Andy Milligan reveals why he ditched WordPress, built 30+ sites on Webflow + Framer, and publicly tracks every dollar of revenue. 🔗 Connect with Andy …

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Fueled By Progress Is Back From The Dead | Ep. 86 21:32

1M ago21:32

21:32

Fueled By Progress is back. New studio, fresh clarity, same mission: candid conversations that document the journey and help us all move forward. In this solo relaunch, I share why “MJS Podcast” never fully resonated, the story behind the FBP name (and why I’m proud to bring it back), how my year reshaped my direction, and what’s coming next—guests…

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Big Stir Records dish ghoulish freaky music fun with their new double LP 'Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Haunted Harmonies" 17:47

1M ago17:47

17:47

In Los Angeles today with Rex Broome and Christina Bulbenko of Big Stir Records, who have created the ultimate Halloween mix 'o music! Listen in as we talk about their full on, freaky music double LP "Chilling, Thrilling Hooks and Haunted Harmonies"! This ultimate Halloween soundtrack, with loads of spine chilling audio, blends into spooky vibes wi…

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35 Years of Memos 30:47

2M ago30:47

30:47

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of his memos, Howard Marks recently held a fireside chat for Oaktree employees. Listen to an excerpt from the conversation to hear Howard discuss why he started writing and why he’s kept at it, and learn more about the enduring investment truths encapsulated by his memos.…

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Undercurrents 34:20

2M ago34:20

34:20

In the latest episode of The Insight: Conversations, Oaktree experts assess the bifurcation in equity and credit markets today, examine dislocation in the healthcare sector, and take a closer look at the recent resurgence of activity within commercial real estate. Steve Tesoriere (Co-Portfolio Manager, Value Opportunities), Olivia Guthorn (Managing…

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Secret Monkey Weekend in the studio with their new CD 'Lemon Drop Hammer' and why Chris Frantz (Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club) is listening 20:25

2M ago20:25

20:25

In North Carolina today to talk with indie pop rock band 'Secret Monkey Weekend' and yes, if you are taken in by the name, wait till you hear their story - it's even better! Jeff Hart (formerly of Jeff Hart and The Ruins) has now teamed up with his step-daughters Ella Hart and Lila Brown Hart, put together some new music, and came up with a new alb…

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Houston's tech house band darkEntity talks music, club DJ's and their new single 'Rewind' 14:47

3M ago14:47

14:47

Back in Houston today to talk with Michael Casiano and Andrew Rubio, who make up the dance music band of darkEntity. Their story - college students' planning to compose music and maybe do some music scoring - turned out to change a little - ok A LOT - to being club DJ's and going the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) route! Listen in as we talk about th…

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Musician Chris Church with Big Stir Records talks about his North Carolina roots, new albums, and songwriting inspiration 11:56

3M ago11:56

11:56

Just outside Lenoir, North Carolina today to chat with singer/songwriter Chris Church, who's been a part of the global pop indie rock music scene for over 30 years. Inspired by Carolina bands The dB's and Let's Active from Winston-Salem, Chris's diverse path to the songwriting studio comes together in his new CD 'Obsolete Path', which we talk about…

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On the Lookout 30:14

3M ago30:14

30:14

In the latest episode, Armen Panossian (Co-CEO and Head of Performing Credit) and David Rosenberg (Head of Liquid Performing Credit) assess today’s credit markets, including where pockets of relative value may be found, how a global approach can benefit investors, and why public and private credit markets are converging.…

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Christopher 'Play' Martin of hip-hop duo 'Kid 'n Play' talks music, Hall of Fame inductions and the bonds of friendship 10:13

3M ago10:13

10:13

In Queens today, talking with Christopher Martin, also known as 'Play' from the successful hip-hop group 'Kid 'n Play'! Christopher shares the stories about their contributions to a vibrant musical genre of hip-hop, which brought not only great music from the duo - 'Fun House', 'Rolllin' with Kid 'n Play' and 'Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody' - but who cou…

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Songwriter Martin Page talks melodies, lyrics, spirituality and his new CD 'First And Last Freedom' 30:48

4M ago30:48

30:48

Martin Page, the acclaimed songwriter behind hits like "We Built This City" and "These Dreams," is back with a new CD "First And Last Freedom" (available now on Bandcamp) which showcases not only his gift for songwriting, but offers a familiar sound from his first hit ‘In The House of Stone and Light’. We talk about everything from his early days i…

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Legendary improv artist Colin Mochrie discusses wit, timing and his new film Magnetosphere 21:27

4M ago21:27

21:27

In Toronto today to talk with Canadian actor and improv genius Colin Mochrie - yes, you know him from the TV phenomenon Whose Line Is It Anyway? - but after hearing this podcast episode, you'll find there's a whole lot more behind the Man of Improv! We not only talk about his new film Magnetosphere and Asking For Trouble (who, along with fellow Who…

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Keeping Composed 32:33

5M ago32:33

32:33

In the latest episode of The Insight: Conversations, Oaktree experts examine the recent volatility in the credit markets, discuss shifting perceptions of European credit, and take a closer look at asset-backed finance. Justin Quaglia (Managing Director, Credit Trading), Madelaine Jones (Portfolio Manager, European High Yield Bonds and Senior Loans)…

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John Jackson of the Bon Scott (AC/DC) Estate talks tribute concerts, rock and roll and the enduring legacy of rock's all-time great frontman 9:21

5M ago9:21

9:21

It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll, and in New York, it's gonna be the place for doing just that with a special birthday bash. The celebration? Honoring what would have been Bon Scott's 79th birthday: 'The Second Annual Official Bon Scott Birthday Bash', taking place July 9 at the Bowery Electric - and John Jackson, who works w…

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Talent Manager Jeffrey Umberger of ACM Talent talks about why your unique voice style, acting and improv skills matter in your voiceover career 29:58

5M ago29:58

29:58

So nice to get away to New York and catch up with voiceover talent manager Jeffrey Umberger, who works as a talent manager for ACM Talent in the city. Sitting down with Jeffrey gives you a whole new perspective inside the world of entertainment - including the voiceover business! And with the changing nature of the biz, combined with the speed in w…

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George The Tech talks voiceover skills, studio savvy - and why you need to embrace your entrepreneur self for voiceover success 41:57

6M ago41:57

41:57

Wrapping up a short series about tech + media with THE voiceover tech recording wiz George Whittam, also known as 'George The Tech' and okay, as a voiceover pro for a while, dang...I learned a lot from this interview with George! We start at the beginning of his career, working at WYSP in Philadelphia (The Howard Stern Show, Opie and Anthony): join…

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Supply and Demand 24:09

6M ago24:09

24:09

In the latest episode, we assess the state of the public and private credit markets, looking at the current balance of supply and demand and considering the risks and opportunities for investors. Join Wayne Dahl (Co-Portfolio Manager, Global Credit) and Suzana Perić (Managing Director, Sourcing & Origination) as they discuss topics from the recentl…

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Michael Garfield, The High Tech Texan talks studios, voiceover technology and what you should know about AI 25:13

6M ago25:13

25:13

Today in Houston for the first of my short mini-series on tech + media! This month's special episode starts with The High Tech Texan, known around town as Michael Garfield - and oh does he understand technology! But more than tech, he's also hip to lifestyle, too - so there's plenty to talk about in the studio from this television personality and r…

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30 Years of Oaktree 22:03

7M ago22:03

22:03

In celebration of Oaktree’s 30th anniversary on April 10, 2025, cofounders Howard Marks (Co-Chairman), Bruce Karsh (Co-Chairman and Chief Investment Officer), and Sheldon Stone (Principal and Co-Portfolio Manager, High Yield Bonds) held a fireside chat for employees where they shared stories about Oaktree’s origins and the firm’s journey over the l…

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Nick Saraev: Building High-ROI Services & Ruthless Effectiveness | Ep. 85 1:13:46

7M ago1:13:46

1:13:46

Join me for a conversation with Nick Saraev, AI automation expert, agency owner, and content creator who scaled his service business to $72K/month. In this episode, we explore the intersection of technology, business mindset, and content creation strategy. Nick shares his journey into AI automation, revealing why focusing ruthlessly on revenue-gene…

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Matt Medeiros: Building Digital Assets, Personal Branding & Playing the Long Game | Ep. 84 1:02:42

7M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

Join me for an enlightening conversation with Matt Medeiros, the "Podfather of WordPress" and creator of The WP Minute, as we dive deep into the world of content creation, personal branding, and playing the long game in the digital space. In this episode, Matt shares his 15+ years of experience as a digital professional and reveals why he conscious…

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Session guitarist Andy Timmons (Danger Danger) talks rock music, 60s influences and his new CD 'Recovery' 11:45

7M ago11:45

11:45

In the studio up near Dallas today talking with one of the most versatile guitar players in rock music - Andy Timmons. From his rock roots to his trademark melodic playing on songs from his new CD 'Recovery'; to touring with his 80's glam metal band 'Danger Danger' (and opening for Kiss and Alice Cooper!) Andy gives a glimpse into the world of rock…

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I Started A Podcast (And This Is The First Episode) | Ep. 83 18:46

8M ago18:46

18:46

Welcome to the first episode of the MJS Podcast! I'm Mark Szymanski, and in this introduction, I share why I'm starting this podcast journey to have authentic conversations with interesting minds who have mentored and influenced me. I explain my background in WordPress, digital marketing, and content creation, plus my previous podcasting experience…

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Off The Beaten Path 29:26

8M ago29:26

29:26

What do elevated interest rates mean for private equity? Why is demand for junior capital solutions growing? What is the impact of the current supply/demand imbalance in asset-backed finance? In the latest episode of The Insight: Conversations, Matt Wilson (Co-Portfolio Manager, Special Situations), Christina Lee (Co-Portfolio Manager, U.S. Private…

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Guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd talks guitars, blues legend Bobby Rush and a fresh spin on his album 'Young Fashioned Ways' 9:00

8M ago9:00

9:00

In the studio with blues rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, talking about his new music with blues legend Bobby Rush called 'Old Fashioned Ways', where the music not only spans generations, it brings two legends together in the studio that is special in every blues rock way possible. We also talk about his tour with Bobby; the early days of teach…

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Jamie Jamitkowski, marketing guru at Propstore, talks costumes and movie memorabilia from Star Wars to Top Gun 9:20

8M ago9:20

9:20

In Los Angeles to today, chatting with Jamie Jamitkowski, Senior Marketing Manager at Propstore, one of the world's leading film and television memorabilia auction houses. Their first major live auction of 2025 is happening March 26 - March 28 (for guests both in LA and online), so if you are a film fanatic, you gotta be there! From the incredible …

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Emmy-winning writer/producer Rick Mitchell takes on the creative/funny side of speech making with his new book 17:14

9M ago17:14

17:14

Studio ready in Los Angeles today with Emmy Award winning producer and writer Rick Mitchell (The Ellen DeGeneres Show/TMZ) to talk about his new book 'How To Write A Funny Speech...for a Wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Graduation & Every Other Event You Didn't Want To Go to in the First Place' - yes, he does cover all those nerve wracking/speech making event…

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Charismatic frontman Martin Fry of '80s pop group ABC talks touring with Howard Jones, songwriting and a new autobiography 'A Lexicon of Life' 8:29

9M ago8:29

8:29

Martin Fry, lead singer of ABC, the English pop band from the '80s who mixed a bit 'o disco funk, rhythm and blues along with their cool post-punk sound -'Poison Arrow', 'The Look Of Love', 'When Smokey SIngs' - stops by the studio to talk about music and his upcoming tour with Howard Jones! He also gives us the details about his new autobiography …

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Navigating LMEs with Armen Panossian, Ronnie Kaplan, and Ross Rosenfelt 36:49

10M ago36:49

36:49

Why have liability management exercises (LMEs) soared in prominence? What are the risks and opportunities associated with these transactions? And what factors determine successful navigation of the LME wave? Join Armen Panossian (Co-CEO and Head of Performing Credit), Ronnie Kaplan (Portfolio Manager, U.S. Senior Loans), and Ross Rosenfelt (Managin…

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Conversations: Recalibration with Danielle Poli, Julio Herrera, Mark Jacobs, and Todd Molz 35:20

11M ago35:20

35:20

Why have Treasury yields remained higher for longer and what does this mean for credit investors? What are the potential impacts of the historic stimulus recently announced in China? And what is the current outlook for income-generating real estate? In the latest episode of The Insight: Conversations, Danielle Poli (Assistant Portfolio Manager, Glo…

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Author Maria Castellucci Moore talks travel, curiosity and wonder in her new children's book 'Sofia In Rome' 14:32

11M ago14:32

14:32

In San Francisco this week with noted author and journalist Maria Castellucci Moore, as we talk about her new children's book 'Sophia In Rome'. This second book in her traveling mindfulness series shows how the world around us can inspire curiosity, wonder and surprise whether traveling abroad or right in our own back yard! We also discuss what ins…

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The Roundup: Top Takeaways from Oaktree’s Quarterly Letters – December 2024 Edition 15:39

12M ago15:39

15:39

Amid a strong U.S. economy and potentially inflationary policies from the incoming administration, yields may remain higher for longer. High-income assets will likely benefit, but investors should avoid complacency, particularly given the unpredictability of macroeconomic factors. In the current installment of The Roundup, Oaktree experts examine t…

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Author Gary Dean Petersen talks about his new book 'The Self-Education Manual', and how learning anything new can really be oh so easy 13:37

12M ago13:37

13:37

Find learning new things difficult? Can't seem to "grasp the material" when it comes to understanding that new way of doing your old job? Relax already! Author, teacher and inventor Gary Dean Petersen stops by the studio to talk about how to answer those questions and more. His award winning book 'The Self-education Manual' presents a logical learn…

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Conversations: The Evolution of Asset-Backed Finance with Armen Panossian, Brendan Beer, and Jennifer Marques 34:34

1y ago34:34

34:34

In the latest episode of The Insight: Conversations, Armen Panossian (Co-CEO and Head of Performing Credit), Brendan Beer (Co-Portfolio Manager, Structured Credit and Asset-Backed Finance) and Jennifer Marques (Head of Strategy and Structuring, Asset-Backed Finance) discuss topics from the recently published Performing Credit Quarterly 3Q2024: Who …

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Author Tripp Whetsell talks about television legend Norman Lear, show business stories and teaching gig at Emerson College 22:29

1y ago22:29

22:29

In Boston today with entertainment journalist Tripp Whetsell, author of the new book 'Norman Lear: His Life & Times'. A passionate fan of every show Lear created and produced, Whetsell takes us behind the scenes of American retro television and Lear's inspiration for his legendary comedy series All In The Family, Maude, Sanford and Son, The Jeffers…

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Performing Credit Quarterly 3Q2024: Who Are the Lenders Now? 43:46

1y ago43:46

43:46

In the latest Performing Credit Quarterly, Armen Panossian (Co-CEO and Head of Performing Credit) and Danielle Poli (Assistant Portfolio Manager, Global Credit) explore the next frontier of private credit: asset-backed finance. They discuss how major regulatory changes are causing traditional lenders to retrench from the space, leaving a significan…

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UK band 'The 286' talks about their orchestral rock music style, history of their band's name and why side hustles matter 19:15

1y ago19:15

19:15

Visiting London In the studio today with 'The 286', a visionary band mixing rock and roll guitar riffs along with cellos and violins! Sounds different - and it works! This unique sound experience is lead by guitarist Spencer Hannabuss, who discusses everything from how this special band got started, how they built their incredible fan base across t…

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Conversations: Looking Beyond the Headlines with Robert O’Leary, Steve Tesoriere, Kenya Williams, and Nicole Adrien 38:45

1y ago38:45

38:45

Where are we currently in the credit cycle? Why might issuers be delaying their day of reckoning? And how are investors using demographic shifts to find new opportunities in the real estate market? In the latest episode of The Insight: Conversations, Robert O’Leary (co-CEO), Steve Tesoriere (Co-Portfolio Manager, Value Opportunities), Kenya William…

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Bruce Blackman, lead singer for 70's band 'Starbuck' talks about Yacht Rock and the inspiration for his song 'Moonlight Feels Right' 20:42

1y ago20:42

20:42

In the studio this week with Bruce Blackman, lead singer from the iconic 70's band 'Starbuck' - talking about his music then and now - including his new single 'Jones About You'. Once you start listening to Bruce's story, you get the feeling this guy isn't slowing down for anything! We talk about how he met his college sweetheart (and the inspirati…

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The Roundup: Top Takeaways from Oaktree’s Quarterly Letters – September 2024 Edition 16:02

1y ago16:02

16:02

The Federal Reserve’s highly telegraphed interest rate cut in September has created a new market dynamic: interest rates are set to moderate, but perhaps not enough to help many companies still facing extraordinary debt burdens. In the current installment of The Roundup, Oaktree experts, including co-CEO Robert O’Leary, explore various topics relat…

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Author Frank Payne talks about his new children's book 'Webster The Beagle' and how this one special dog built a legacy of caring 15:28

1y ago15:28

15:28

In the studio today with children's book author Frank Payne, who has written a true adventure story about his beloved adopted pup named Webster in 'Webster the Beagle' (winner of the 'Mom's Choice Award and 'Readers' Favorite' Book Review Award). Initially adopted as a hunting dog, Payne eventually discovers Webster's true calling is really the lif…

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Conversations: The Changing Face of Private Credit at Oaktree Conference 2024 39:37

1y ago39:37

39:37

In this special edition of The Insight: Conversations, we’re airing an excerpt from the private credit panel held at Oaktree’s recent biannual client conference in London on May 15, 2024. Key members of Oaktree’s private credit platform discuss how the asset class has evolved in recent years and where it may be heading next. They explore the dramat…

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Children's book author Lisa Maggiore talks about her new book, the new rules on publishing and why scary stories matter 20:10

1y ago20:10

20:10

In Chicago today with children's book author Lisa Maggiore, who has paved a whole new world for herself in the world of publishing - and she's sharing her story today on the podcast! This social worker turned published author of 'Ava The Monster Slayer - Sleepover SuperHeroes', is a story for anyone who wants to overcome their fear of literally any…

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Marty Scott of 'Liverpool Legends' (a tribute band to the Beatles) talks about touring, a little luck and the late George Harrison's sister, Louise 25:43

1y ago25:43

25:43

Meeting up in the studio with Marty Scott, guitar player with world famous Beatles tribute band 'Liverpool Legends'. With support for the band from Sir Paul McCartney and one special gig which led to Marty being hand-picked for the band by Louise Harrison (sister of the late George Harrison), let's just say great talent, luck and timing is all part…