Sean Jacobs

Squares or Towers? Join economist Will Witheridge, businessman Jordan Shopov and I for a discussion on how networks and hierarchies have worked throughout history and in the modern age. We look at this by basing the discussion around Niall Ferguson's newest book on the subject. But you don't need to have read the book. Enjoy and remember to rate the podcast!

For this episode it's just me 'running solo' and talking about my recent article on books that I think young Aussies should read. Check out the article at www.seanjacobs.com.au and leave a message with your thoughts. Happy listening!

For this conversation I’m joined by the Beijing-based Enoch Li – founder of Bearapy (www.bearapy.me) – to talk about avoiding burnout, the nature of depression, mindfulness and how ‘play’ can lead to good outcomes in staying fresh and fulfilled.

Although I feel slightly indulgent speaking about my new book, I pass the interviewer’s mic to good friend Jordan Shopov. We talk about the lessons in my book, in particular, how an intolerance of your circumstances, developing focus, improving your writing and taking advantage of the unique opportunities Australia offers all conspired to fuel my turnaround. For a copy of the book please visit www.connorcourtpublishing.com.au.

On this episode I talk to Dr Sammut from the Centre for Independent Studies. We start a little differently by discussing personal history but then move onto the (re)emergence of identity politics, the state of universities and building cultural confidence in Australian history.

For something slightly different, I talk to Gold Coast Lifeguard Luke Ingwersen on the range of roles a lifeguard plays, from local tour guide to first responder. It’s a great discussion on rips, some general water safety, the changing nature of international beach-goers and the challenges of being responsible for public safety in one of the busiest places in the country.

This episode's title is borrowed from Robert Garran's satire of the Australia's State Premiers in 1934. While we oftentimes hear that the States should collect your income tax (the Feds currently do) they historically haven't been too keen on it. Federalism is hardly a 'fun' topic but join Jordan Shopov, Will Witheridge and I as we talk about some of the unique features of our federal system.

It’s not all about the United States, Trump or Brexit. All states and governments are under pressure, from technology and ‘automation’ to a new generation bringing all new grievances. Are robots really going to wipe out our workforce? And, in a more connected world, are we actually becoming more isolated? Join economist Will Witheridge and I for a discussion on the trends shaping our current world.

Renewable energy targets, power bills, nuclear power, Paris agreements and a 'carbon constrained environment'. Join energy policy specialist Lauren Timms and I as we come at the energy discussion from different angles. I even manage to throw Adam Smith in there.

From social media to our need for 24 hour news, we know that the world has changed. But how would past leaders survive today? And do we put our current political leaders under so much pressure, despite being able to do only so much? Talking through these topics with me is professional economist William Witheridge and Whig Capital's Jordan Shopov. A special thanks to Sam Muller for his help in producing this episode!

My interesting discussion with Stephen Foote on public safety and staying resilient in a complex world. Steve is a co-founder of the International Safer Institute at www.saferinstitute.org.au.

How unique is Australia's past? From the rule of law to civil society, and from Australia's first Governor to the slim prospects of the Australian Republican movement, Professor Flint and I look at the benefits of Australian history.

Like most I don't understand or really 'get' Blockchain? Or is it Bitcoin? Join Jordan Shopov and I as we discuss (in basic terms) what it is, how it works and if the hype is all worth it.

Joining me on this episode is my long-time friend from water polo Sam Robertson, founder of Scooter Tutor, who talks about his Australia-wide start-up and his thoughts on education, persistence and sharing ideas.

Not all about less avocados! After a quick Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day debrief we move onto the idea of shares over real estate, the concept of stocks and the important idea of values and wealth.

Andrew Cripps is a former Minister for Natural Resources and Mines in the Queensland Government. He shares his motivations for getting involved in politics at a young age, approaching policy, and staying principled in a challenging world.

In this episode I speak to Michael Coates, author of Manus Days: The Untold Story of Manus Island. His book is available at Connor Court Publishing. Happy listening.

Who do we think we are offering ‘wisdom’ in our early thirties? Jordan Shopov and I discuss what we wish we knew a decade ago around career, happiness and decision-making. Warren Buffett once again features heavily in terms of advice but also Steve Jobs and even Aussie cricketer Steve Waugh. Thanks for listening and please keep the feedback coming.

Episode 2 – People Are Looking For Depth What to talk about on the second podcast? Well, podcasts. In this episode we talk about the shows Jordan and I enjoy but also why people are tuning out of mainstream current affairs broadcasts. Our thoughts are that people are getting a tad over slim perspective, limited depth and no decent exchange of ideas in their current affairs – something that shows like ABC’s Q&A, Michelle Grattan’s ‘Conversations’ or The Project just don’t really seem to offer (and don’t seem to get). Some of Jordan’s favourite podcasts are Econtalk, Masters in Business and Conversations with Tyler Cowan, while some of mine are The Remnant, The Ricochet Podcast and The Art of Manliness. But don’t move on to these so swiftly! Please make sure you listen to Episode Two of the Jacobs Podcast and offer your thoughts on improvement, questions or issues for discussion. This episode’s lead in was by Okinawa Lifestyle with a jam called ‘Levan’. Thank you again to Elly McNee.

The inaugural episode of the Jacobs Podcast. It took me a while but we’re finally here. In the first episode I talk to Jordan Shopov – friend and founder of Whig Capital Management – about the benefits of reading. We touch on some pretty decent figures – Adam Smith, Warren Buffett and Harry Truman – while exploring how reading can help with accessing better arguments, ‘getting off the curriculum’ and cutting down ignorance. Thank you to producer Elly McNee.