Stephen Wolfram - Computation, Strategy, and a Life of Ideas
Some conversations feel like opening a secret door behind the everyday world. This one does. Stephen Wolfram joins us to trace how a teenage physicist became a toolmaker, language designer, and explorer of the computational fabric of reality—then shows why strategy, not bravado, is the quiet engine behind ambitious work. We start with the leap from Oxford to Caltech and what an international physics community taught Stephen about reputation, reinvention, and ambition. From there we dig into ...
26 Nov 2025
Costas Papaikonomou - Rethinking Innovation In The Real World
Disruption sounds exciting until it wrecks your margins and burns your runway. With innovation veteran Costas Papaikonomou, we get practical about what actually works: protecting your core with calendar-driven updates, growing into real openings, and saving transformation for when the house is truly on fire. We unpack how to make change feel inevitable by aligning ideas with the line you already have, the retailers you must persuade, and the way buyers really shop. Costas reframes factories ...
18 Jun 2025
Gummo - Hacking, The Fight for Privacy, and Quantum Computing
Hacker Gummo discusses their journey from a teenager using technology for survival to becoming a digital guardian, highlighting the fight for privacy and the complexities of quantum computing in an interview with Fat Tony.
14 Jun 2025
Chris Rawlinson - 42: The Answer to Everything (Including Education)
Chris Rawlinson, founder of 42 Courses, discusses how applying advertising principles and behavioral science to education revolutionizes online learning through engaging content and immediate feedback in this interview with Fat Tony.
18 May 2025
Megan Preston Meyer - Uncertainty, Supply Chains, and Stories that Matter
What happens when a data analytics expert trades boardrooms for bedtime stories? In this captivating conversation, Megan Preston Meyer reveals her remarkable journey from corporate number-cruncher to children's book author with a fascinating twist. For over a decade, Megan worked in analytics and supply chain management, helping companies extract value from their data. Yet beneath this corporate exterior lay a childhood dream of becoming an author. Five years ago, she took a leap of faith, s...
27 Apr 2025
Leila Johnston - Freelance Writing, AI Anxiety, and the Library of Mistakes
What if the greatest threat to creative careers isn't competition but rather the rapid advancement of technology itself? In this thought-provoking conversation, wordsmith Leila Johnston pulls back the curtain on the real world of freelance writing. Leila's journey from journalism to digital copywriting reveals the psychological challenges of freelancing – the constant pitching, the perpetual uncertainty, and the nagging feeling that AI might render an entire profession obsolete overnight. "I...
8 Feb 2025
Emanuel Derman - My Life as a Capetonian
Join us as we uncover the intriguing journey of Emanuel Derman, a pioneering figure in quantitative finance. Emanuel shares his compelling transition from a physicist to a quant, offering a firsthand look at how Wall Street came to embrace PhD physicists as essential contributors. Through entertaining anecdotes and insightful reflections, Emanuel illustrates the evolution of the quant profession from a misunderstood curiosity to a celebrated field that reshaped the finance industry. Emanuel ...
29 Nov 2024
Raphael Douady - From Theorems to Wall Street
Raphael Douady shares his remarkable journey from academia to Wall Street, revealing how mathematical techniques and adaptability can thrive in unpredictable financial environments.
14 Jul 2024
Henry Jeffreys - Sparkling Success: The Past, Present, and Future of English Wine
Discover the transformation of English wine from a laughingstock to a globally respected industry with our special guest, Henry Jeffreys. Henry is a celebrated drinks journalist and author. He has written for the Guardian, the Spectator, and most recently been editor at the Master of Malt blog. He is also the author of several books, including Empire of Booze, and Vines in a Cold Climate.
In this episode, through his lens, you'll meet the quirky personalities who have revolutionized English wine and explore the cultural significance of British and European identity in the wine trade.
We explore how the English wine landscape is evolving with unexpected players such as Californian winemakers joining the scene. Henry sheds light on how international vineyards, such as the Jackson family's initiatives in Essex, are reshaping the industry with innovative marketing strategies and expanding reach. We also delve into the consolidation trends among wineries and the rise of boutique wineries, making an intriguing comparison to the craft beer industry. We also discuss how the pivotal shift from Germanic grapes to Pinot Noir and sparkling wine marks a significant milestone, positioning English wine for future success.
Henry brings us into the world of sparkling wine production, discussing the strategic moves by major champagne houses to expand into England. The impact of climate change, branding challenges, and consumer perceptions all come under scrutiny. We also discuss the broader cultural shifts affecting drinking habits in the UK, especially among the younger generation. Wrapping up, we get a sneak peek into Henry's upcoming book on wine snobbery, promising a captivating exploration of wine status anxiety through the ages.
Don't miss this episode filled with rich stories, expert insights, and an optimistic view of the future of English wine.
Fat Tony's is more than a podcast - it's a community. Join our community at FatTonys.net (https://fattonys.net).
23 Jun 2024
Michael J. Bonner - In Defense of Civilization
Dr. Michael J. Bonner takes us on a fascinating journey from his early studies in classical and oriental languages to becoming a leading expert in Iranian history and a political advisor. We uncover the transition from academia to politics, driven by his early political engagement. Bonner's new book, "In Defence of Civilisation," born out of the COVID lockdowns, offers a critical reflection of what makes civilization, what we stand to lose from a collapse, and the path forward to renewal.
We also explore the unintentional rise of monasteries as educational powerhouses during the early Middle Ages. Initially serving basic administrative and religious needs, these institutions evolved into cultural havens due to the literate class of monks. Michael highlights the influence of Gregory the Great's missionaries in Britain and how civilizations often turn to their past for inspiration in times of decline, drawing a parallel to the current state of our world and questioning what has gone wrong, whilst reflecting on the disillusionment with the 1990s' promises of liberal democracy and social and technical harmony.
Finally, we critique modern town planning and the shift from traditional values to progressive ideologies, examining the resultant social isolation and disappointment with technological advancements. Emphasizing the need for stability, continuity, and shared culture, we reflect on the erosion of communal spaces and the balance between career success and inner fulfillment. The episode concludes with a look at global cultural trends and how Western societies might reclaim their heritage in the face of these challenges.
Fat Tony's is more than a podcast - it's a community. Join our community at FatTonys.net (https://fattonys.net).
6 May 2024
Porkchop Express - Dostoevsky
In this episode, we’ll be talking to Porkchop Express, who is known on Twitter for her love of killer boots, sardonic wit, and passion for Dostoevsky. Porkchop is going to be schooling us on how Dostoevsky's works can change your life. From the existential crises depicted in "Notes from Underground" to the moral conflicts of "Crime and Punishment" and the spiritual redemption found in "The Brothers Karamazov,"
Fat Tony's is more than a podcast - it's a community. Join our community at FatTonys.net (https://fattonys.net).
12 Mar 2024
Marc A. Ross - Always Be Communicating
Episode Summary
Marc A. Ross is the Founder and Chief Communications Strategist at Caracal, a global geopolical communications consultancy. He is also a Communications Director for the Center for AI Policy, based out of Washington DC. If that wasn't enough, he is also the founder of Brigadoon, which connects thought leaders and entrepreneurs through unique international events and salons.
Marc joins Fat Tony's to talk about the importance of geopolitical communications and AI policy.
Resources
Caracal Global (https://www.caracal.global/) - Marc's geopolitical communications consultancy
Brigadoon (https://www.brigadoon.live/) - International events and communications
Marc on Twitter (https://twitter.com/marcaross)
Marc on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@brigadoon2013)
Credits
Host: Sebastian Lees (https://x.com/sebs_tweets)
Music: Tim Hofmann (https://timhofmann.org/)
Voiceover: Brian Roberts
(https://voice123.com/voice-actor/BrianRoberts)
Fat Tony's is more than a podcast - it's a community. Join our community at FatTonys.net (https://fattonys.net).
25 Feb 2024
Jim O'Shaughnessy - Adventure Capital & AI
Wall Street Legend Jim O’Shaughnessey is an Investor and (Ad)venture Capitalist, currently serving as the CEO of O'Shaughnessy Ventures. He is also the founder of O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, an asset management firm that was later acquired by Franklin Templeton.
As if that wasn’t enough, He has also written several books, including the bestsellers What Works on Wall Street, and How to Retire Rich.
Jim joins us to talk about (amongst other thing) Human OS, The Great Reshuffle, the danger of information bubbles and why he doesn't watch TV news, and the future of Open Source AI.
Fat Tony's is more than a podcast - it's a community. Join our community at FatTonys.net (https://fattonys.net).
23 Jan 2024
Joan Shields - What Went Wrong During Covid?
Joan Shields returns to discuss how her experience as a nurse during the early AIDS epidemic in New York in the 1980's prepared her for Covid, the mistakes that were made amongst policy makers, and what we can learn to help us prepare for future pandemics.
We walk through the timeline of events, with particular emphasis on Nassim Taleb's Precautionary Principle paper, which was published early on in the Covid pandemic, warning us of what was to come...
Fat Tony's is more than a podcast - it's a community. Join our community at FatTonys.net (https://fattonys.net).
7 Jan 2024
Joan Shields - Healthcare and Home Grown Food
Joan spent her career working as a nurse and witnessing first hand the problems within the medical establishment before retiring and taking up growing her own organic produce. She has become wildly popular on Instagram for her recipes, and tips for eating healthier. She has since come under fire from shills for her anti GMO stance. Joan talks to us about her journey in healthcare, growing her own organic produce, and the benefits it confers.
Fat Tony's is more than a podcast - it's a community. Join our community at FatTonys.net (https://fattonys.net).
19 Dec 2023
Ernest Boehm - Energy, Gas, and the Polyfurcated life
Ernest is a Chemical Engineer my profession, a Classicist and Renaissance man by nature.
Ernest was a start up engineer for 5 years and lived in 20 different countries and started up 15 different processes, working in Gas Processing design and sales.
He joined fat Tony's to talk about the future of energy, the benefits of a classical education, tarot, Harry Potter, and more...
Fat Tony's is more than a podcast - it's a community. Join our community at FatTonys.net (https://fattonys.net).
5 Nov 2023
Shay Hill - Make Rules Without Making Enemies
Shay Hill joins Fat Tony's to talk about safety. Shay is an industrial safety and compliance expert, and is also the founder of foundationsafety.com, a skills based incident prevention consultancy. Shay is a man of many talents, most recently having released his new book; Make Rules Without Making Enemies: How to Draw the Lines Without Drawing Fire. It was an absolute pleasure talking with Shay - I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.
Shay's Consultancy, Foundation Safety
https://www.foundationsafety.com/ (https://www.foundationsafety.com/)
Shay's Blog
https://shayallenhill.com/ (https://shayallenhill.com/)
Shay's Book
Make Rules Without Making Enemies: How to Draw the Lines Without Drawing Fire (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/make-rules-without-making-enemies-shay-hill/1143376217)
Additional Credits
Host
Sebastian David Lees (https://sebs.website/)
Music
Tim Hofmann (https://timhofmann.org/)
Fat Tony's is more than a podcast - it's a community. Join our community at FatTonys.net (https://fattonys.net).
12 Oct 2023
Sara Lapsley - Psychopathy and Mental Health
Sara Lapsley on mental health, and why undiagnosed psychopathy might be one of the biggest challenges facing society today.
Fat Tony's is more than a podcast - it's a community. Join our community at FatTonys.net (https://fattonys.net).
5 Aug 2023
Welcome to Fat Tony's Podcast
Hello and welcome. This is a short introduction to tell you about the history of Fat Tony's, and what this podcast will be all about.
Fat Tony's is more than a podcast - it's a community. Join our community at FatTonys.net (https://fattonys.net).
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
17,241,482
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 41 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
18
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
68
Contact Fat Tony's Podcast
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Fat Tony's Podcast
Who hosts Fat Tony's Podcast?
Fat Tony host the show. Published by Sebastian David Lees.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Fat Tony's Podcast take guests?
The show does not typically feature guests, based on episode analyses.
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