Equity Mates Investing Podcast
Bryce and Alec bring you Australia's best investing podcast. Join them, as they breakdown the barriers to investing, to make the markets accessible to everyone. Start your journey now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where Bonds Go, Stocks Follow with Sam Watkins
Bond yields are climbing, inflation is proving stickier than expected, and the bond market is sending a very different message to the share market. Sam Watkins (Head of PIMCO Australia & New Zealand) joins us to unpack what rising yields mean for stocks, why AI enthusiasm may be masking broader risks, and how investors can think about fixed income in a world where bonds are once again offering compelling income and portfolio protection.
In this episode:
00:00 – What the bond market is telling investors
04:31 – Why bond yields are rising around the world
08:31 – Govern...
Let the oil flow, our IPO warning & last chance tax moves
Markets breathed a sigh of relief as the US and Iran confirmed a peace deal, sending stocks higher and oil lower. Bryce & Ren unpack what the agreement means for investors, why the biggest IPO in history has everyone talking, and how to think about the wave of mega-listings still to come. Plus, with tax time approaching fast, they run through a practical EOFY checklist that could save maximise your return.
In this episode:
00:00 – US-Iran peace deal confirmed
02:12 – How markets reacted: oil, stocks & gold
07:11 – Why long-term investors should ignore short-term panic
0...
Chris Judd Thinks You're Wrong About Rates, Bonds and AI
Former AFL champion turned macro investor Chris Judd returns to unpack the biggest forces shaping markets right now. From the Iran conflict and energy security to the AI arms race, US interest rates, gold and Australia’s productivity problem, Chris explains where he thinks consensus is getting it wrong and how he's positioning the Cerutty Macro Fund to take advantage of the next wave of macro trends.
In this episode:
00:00 – Chris changes his view on Australian small caps
03:24 – Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and why energy matters
08:07 – Is Australia at the top...
Global inflation is back, our search for Warren Buffett continues & your ETF portfolio questions answered
Inflation is proving stickier than expected, with the US now matching Australia at 4.2% and markets repricing the chance of rate hikes. Bryce and Ren unpack what higher inflation could mean for stocks, explore fresh signs of weakness in the Australian housing market, share the latest twist in their quest to land Warren Buffett on the podcast, and answer community questions about building & adjusting a core ETF portfolio.
In this episode:
00:00 – Inflation returns as a global concern
04:36 – Australian housing wobbles and bank shorts rise
07:37 – The latest update in the Warren Buffett quest<...
The Case For Owning Fewer, Better Stocks with Stephen Arnold
Most investors spend their time looking for the next stock to buy, Stephen Arnold, Founder and CIO of Aoris, argues that great investing starts by knowing what not to own. In this episode, he explains Aoris’ quality-first approach, why the fund avoids entire sectors like banks, mining and biotech, and how a concentrated portfolio of just 15 businesses helps them focus on companies with durable advantages, strong cultures and long runways for growth.
In this episode:
00:00 – Why Aoris runs a concentrated portfolio
02:22 – What “quality-first value investing” means
07:52 – Red flags and Aoris’ no-go zones
The stock market’s $400 billion test, Bryce’s thesis card reveal & a 3-in-1 pitch for the Community Portfolio
The biggest names in AI and technology are about to ask investors for an eye-watering $400 billion. SpaceX is heading to market, OpenAI and Anthropic are lining up behind it. Bryce and Ren unpack why the next few months could be the biggest test yet for the AI investment narrative, Bryce reveals his stock thesis framework using Intuitive Surgical as a case study, and for the first time 3 x stocks are pitched for the Equity Mates Community Portfolio.
In this episode:
00:00 — The $400 billion AI market stress test
01:31 — SpaceX IPO demand explodes
05:47 — Alphab...
The Inside Story of Eucalyptus: Tim Doyle on Starting, Scaling and Selling a $1.6 billion business
Fresh off the sale of Eucalyptus to Hims & Hers in a $1.6 billion deal, co-founder Tim Doyle joins Equity Mates to unpack the journey from startup idea to global healthcare platform. He shares what it was really like in the deal room, the early lessons from Koala and digital marketing, how GLP-1 medications transformed the business, why Australia needs better startup infrastructure, and what founders can learn about risk, ambition and building at scale.
In this episode:
00:00 – The $1.6 billion exit and signing day chaos
02:49 – Why Eucalyptus decided to sell
10:31 – The origins of Euc...
What Australians have been buying and selling in 2026
What did everyday Australian investors do when markets turned volatile in 2026? Using Betashares Direct data, Bryce and Ren unpack the ETFs, stocks and themes attracting the most capital. From buying the dip in quality companies to piling into leveraged ETFs, gold, critical minerals and defence, this episode reveals how retail investors navigated a year defined by geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns and market swings.
In this episode:
00:00 – What Betashares Direct data reveals about Australian investors
01:09 – The most bought ETFs in 2026 so far
03:04 – Top individual stocks and the rise of buying the dip
...Housing falls post-Budget, is adding to Super worth it & Pimp my Portfolio with Owen Rask
Australia’s property market is adjusting to a post-budget reality, South Korean investors are piling into leveraged AI bets at a breathtaking pace, and a community question sparks a deep dive into one of the biggest investing decisions Australians face: should you invest more through super or outside it? Plus, Owen Rask reviews a real Equity Mates portfolio featuring ETFs, individual stocks and a REIT.
In this episode:
00:00 – Property investing after the budget
08:41 – South Korea’s AI-fuelled stock market frenzy
12:49 – Community Question: Invest inside or outside super?
14:42 – The tax advantag...
Beyond the Budget: How Charlie Viola is approaching building wealth | Ask an Adviser
The federal budget has investors asking whether the old wealth-building playbook still works. Charlie Viola joins Bryce and Ren to unpack what proposed tax changes mean for trusts, super, property, private credit and portfolio construction and why the fundamentals still matter more than the tax noise.
In this episode:
00:00 — Why tax changes shouldn’t derail good investing
00:55 — Budget changes and the pressure on family trusts
05:14 — Capital gains tax: overreaction or real risk?
09:01 — How accumulators should think about structures
15:31 — Has the case for investment property changed?
17:22 — Pr...
Our Monthly Portfolio Update - May 2026
Bryce and Alec open the books on their portfolios after a big month in markets. AI continues to drive returns across the US and Asia, both portfolios saw core holdings run hard, and both made some tough sell decisions. They dig into thesis cards, active management, thematic ETFs, income investing and the challenge of balancing conviction with opportunity cost.
In this episode:
00:00 - May: The month of portfolio changes
01:49 - News & markets driving these changes
03:21 - Portfolio performance overviews
05:53 - Bryce’s thesis cards and portfolio sells
...
Humanoid Robots, Chinese EVs & AI: What Investors Still Get Wrong About Disruption
AI is moving from chatbots to agents, batteries are getting cheaper and longer-lasting, and China is emerging as a serious innovation engine across EVs, robotics and autonomous driving. Loftus Peak’s Anshu Sharma joins Bryce and Ren to unpack where disruption is accelerating, how investors can separate hype from real revenue, and why the best opportunities may still be early.
In this episode:
00:00 Cheaper to hire a human than to use AI?
01:51 What's changed since Anshu was last on
03:50 The third AI inflection point explained
06:26 Are we still ea...
Enhanced Games disappoints, we're chasing Warren Buffett & our big Community Portfolio mistake
The Enhanced Games promised superhuman performances, but the results told a different story. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly delivered another breakthrough in the race to dominate the global weight loss market. Plus, Bryce & Ren reveal their mission to land Warren Buffett on the podcast, and a community member pitches an Aussie healthcare giant for the Community Portfolio.
In this episode:
00:00 – The Enhanced Games fail to deliver superhuman results
05:18 – Eli Lilly’s new weight loss drug shocks the market
10:49 – Where's Warren: Our Mission to Interview Warren Buffett
15:03 – Calling Omaha to track down Buffe...
After the Budget: What Investors Should Do Next with Julie Bullen | Ask An Adviser
The federal budget has sparked plenty of investor anxiety, from negative gearing changes to capital gains tax and trust structures, but according to financial adviser Julie Bullen (Fox & Hare), most Australians shouldn’t be tearing up their strategy. Julie joins Bryce and Ren to unpack what actually matters for everyday investors, when debt recycling is worth it and how to think about property versus shares.
If you’d like to speak to Julie or anyone on our advice network head to https://equitymates.com/advice/
In this episode:
00:00 – Why the budget changes...
Nvidia blows us away, X Marks the Stock & Pimp My Portfolio with Luke Laretive
Nvidia has delivered another monster result, Google is taking another swing at smart glasses, and SpaceX’s prospectus suggests Elon Musk’s space company may really be an AI company in disguise. Plus, Simon brings a spicy AI infrastructure stock from X, and Luke Laretive reviews a simple, globally diversified portfolio.
In this episode:
00:00 Nvidia’s AI boom keeps booming
05:24 Google Glass is back?
09:43 SpaceX files its prospectus
16:45 X Marks the Stock
21:08 SharonAI: the AI Infrastructure stock buzzing on X
28:15 Pimp My Portfolio with Luke La...
Why private equity investors aren’t panicking about AI
AI has rattled public SaaS stocks, but private markets may be taking a more measured view. Schroders’ Claire Smith joins us to unpack how private equity is assessing AI risk, why boring businesses can be beautiful, and how Australian investors can access small private companies globally.
In this episode:
00:00 - Is AI Killing Software?
03:04 - Introducing Claire Smith
05:02 - SaaS Sell-Off: Public vs Private Markets
07:41 - Building an AI Threat Matrix
13:38 - AI Opportunities Inside Private Equity
18:37 - Boring Businesses with Sticky Revenues
...
Inflation panic takes hold, OpenAI beats Elon (sort of) & why "rentvesting is dead”
Bond markets are flashing warning signs and investors are finally taking inflation seriously again. Bryce and Ren unpack why soaring bond yields matter for your portfolio, how energy prices are driving global inflation fears, and why Trump only really fears the bond market. Then the boys’ mortgage broker Chris Bates drops in to break down the Australian budget changes that could completely reshape property investing, rentvesting, and how Aussies build wealth.
In this episode:
00:00 Bond Market Panic Begins
00:46 FinFest Announcement
01:31 Inflation Fears Hit Markets
05:10 Elon Musk vs OpenAI Co...
How AI improves the investing process with Arms Rosenberg
AI is everywhere in markets, but is it actually changing how great investors pick stocks? Bryce and Alec sit down with Armina Rosenberg, co-founder and portfolio manager at Minotaur Capital, to unpack how her team uses AI across idea generation, research, financial modelling, thesis validation and risk management.
From spotting structural change across thousands of articles to testing whether SaaS stocks are facing an AI reckoning, we take a practical look at where AI is genuinely useful, where humans still have the edge, and how everyday investors can start using it without switching their brain off.<...
CommBank's worst day, Mr Beat Up reviews a stock we all own & who would want to be Fed chair
Big moves at the top of the ASX, inflation heating up in the US, and a beaten-up healthcare names under the microscope. In this episode, Bryce, Alec and Mr.Beat-Up unpack BHP overtaking Commonwealth Bank, CSL’s brutal fall from grace, and whether TransMedics’ organ transplant technology can justify the risk after its share price has been cut by two-thirds.
In this episode:
00:00 — Intro & Welcome Mr Beat Up
01:31 — Budget Fallout Hits Banks & Housing Stocks
03:14 — BHP Overtakes CBA as Australia’s Biggest Company
06:06 — CSL Falls Out Of The ASX Top 10
0...
The $1.8 Trillion Space Opportunity with Hugh Lam
The space economy isn’t some far-off sci-fi bet, it’s already a US$630 billion industry powering the way we communicate, navigate and forecast weather.
Bryce and Ren are joined by Betashares investment strategist Hugh Lam to unpack falling launch costs, satellite internet, data-as-a-service, defence, tourism, SpaceX hype and why ETFs may offer a diversified way to access the theme.
In this episode:
00:00 — The US$630 billion space economy
01:32 — Betashares launches Australia’s first space ETF
02:19 — Hugh Lam’s first investment
04:02 — How to think about the space economy
05...
The budget hits all investors, how you can leverage into shares & is Bitcoin back?
The Federal Budget has landed, and two of Australia’s biggest investing sacred cows — negative gearing and capital gains tax — are in the firing line. Bryce and Ren unpack what the changes mean for property, shares, startups and long-term investors, before reviewing the community portfolio, debating Catapult, Berkshire and TSMC, adding Bitcoin to the mix, and closing with a practical 101 on gearing.
In this episode:
00:00 The Budget Winners and Losers
01:49 Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax Changes Explained
07:41 What the Budget Means for Investors and Startups
15:48 Community Portfolio Update...
Lump sums, inheritance and the mistakes that cost you with Dylan Pargiter-Green
Whether it’s an inheritance, separation payout, work bonus or lucky Powerball moment, a lump sum can change your financial trajectory...if you make the right calls.
Bryce and Alec are joined by Dylan Pargiter-Green from Bold Wealth to unpack the emotional, practical and tax considerations that come with sudden wealth, and why the best move might be taking a breath before doing anything.
If you’d like to speak to Dylan or anyone on our advice network head to https://equitymates.com/advice/
In this episode:
00:00 — Why windfal...
Apple’s battle with CBA, why even God can’t beat DCA & a community stock pick
Apple and Commonwealth Bank are squaring off over the future of payments, AI-linked stocks are still ripping, and the Equity Mates community portfolio gets a new ASX stock pitch. Plus, Riley brings the data on dollar cost averaging in Australia and proves that even God, with perfect market timing, still loses to simply getting invested and staying invested.
In this episode:
00:00 - Intro & FinFest Save the Date
01:27 - News and Markets: Apple Takes On CBA
05:22 - AMD Results Causes AI Boom
08:39 - Iran Moves Oil & Markets
09:50...
What’s Hot, What’s Not in Commercial Property with Jason Huljich
Centuria co-CEO Jason Huljich joins Bryce and Ren to unpack how higher rates hit REITs, why construction costs can support rents, and where Centuria is finding opportunities across office, industrial, data centres, healthcare, agriculture and retail.
Thank you to Centuria for sponsoring this episode and helping us keep all of our content free. If you want to learn more about Centuria’s range of ASX-listed and unlisted property funds, head to their website: https://centuria.com.au/equitymates
In this episode:
00:00 — Tariffs, inflation and commercial property
01:16 — What’s changed since Jas...
The fastest market recovery ever, 3 companies we both own & why stocks beat property
Markets have roared back at record speed, big tech earnings are still doing ridiculous things, and investors are once again being reminded why staying invested matters. Bryce and Alec unpack the Iran-driven market wobble, Australia’s rate rise and looming budget, before diving into results from Alphabet, Berkshire Hathaway and Eli Lilly, plus the long-term numbers showing shares can absolutely hold their own against property.
In this episode:
00:00 — The fastest market rebound ever
03:59 — Iran conflict, oil and market implications
05:49 — RBA lifts rates back to 4.35%
07:34 — Budget watch: housing, tax and spendi...
A better Australia is possible - David Pocock on Gas Taxes, Property & Gambling
From gas taxes to housing affordability and gambling reform, Senator David Pocock lays out a clear argument: Australia’s biggest problems aren’t unsolvable, they’re just not being tackled long-term.
We unpack why policy short-termism is costing Australians, where vested interests hold influence, and what a more ambitious, future-focused Australia could look like.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introducing David Pocock: from Wallabies captain to parliament
03:04 – Quickfire: Pocock’s backstory, activism, and personal values
07:29 – What gives Pocock hope in Australian politics?
09:24 – The problem with short-term decision making in government
Our Monthly Portfolio Update - April 2026
Bryce and Alec are back with their May portfolio update, looking back on April’s performance across their core ETFs, satellite stocks, income sleeve, crypto and active managers. It’s a strong month on paper, but the real story is underneath the surface: Spotify’s sharp post-earnings drop, TSMC’s monster quarter, and Alec’s growing conviction that infrastructure could play a bigger role in an income-focused portfolio.
Sharesight makes tracking your portfolios easy. Save 4 months on any paid Sharesight plan at www.sharesight.com/equitymates
In this episode:
00:00 – Welcome back: April portfo...
The How’s and Why’s of Private Credit with Henry Holm
Private credit has gone from niche to one of the fastest-growing parts of investing, but most people still don’t fully understand how it works, why borrowers use it, or where the risks sit.
In this episode, Bryce and Alec sit down with Balmain’s Henry Holm to unpack the private credit boom in Australia, why banks have stepped back, how non-bank lenders create value, and what investors should look for before backing a manager.
If you are interested in finding out more about how to Borrow or Invest with Balmain, then please visi...
Big Tech’s tiny tax bill, Elon v Altman goes to court & Mr Beat-Up’s “big catalyst” stock
Bryce, Ren and Simon unpack how Amazon, Google and Meta are shifting billions offshore while keeping tax bills low in Australia, why the Elon Musk v Sam Altman courtroom battle matters far beyond tech gossip, and whether Mr Beat Up's 65% "catalyst" stock is a buying opportunity or a fair reflection of deeper structural risks.
In this episode:
00:00 Welcome & Special Co-Host
01:06 Big Tech Tax Loopholes
04:25 Musk vs Altman Goes to Court
07:25 Strong US Earnings Q1 Results
11:05 Mr Beat Up is Back
12:11 Stock Breakdown
13:42...
Ask an Adviser: Tax traps and property decisions – Listener mailbag with Matt Ingram
From switching brokerage platforms to gearing, kids’ investing accounts, super catch-up contributions and the age-old mortgage-versus-investing debate, this listener mailbag covers the real questions investors are wrestling with right now. Bryce is joined by financial adviser Matt Ingram to work through how he’s positioning portfolios in a volatile market, where he’s seeing opportunity, and the practical decisions that matter most for long-term investors.
In this episode:
00:00 Listener Mailbag Intro
01:13 Market Volatility & Staying Calm
02:59 What Matt is Buying in Down Markets: ETFs, Tech & Resources
06:54 Moving Holdings Between Broker...
Which Aussie software stocks are ready to rebound with Jared Pohl
Software stocks have been smashed as AI hype reshapes the market narrative, but is this a structural shift or a classic overreaction? Bryce and Alec sit down with ECP’s Jared Pohl to unpack what’s really changed, what hasn’t, and where investors should be looking. From moats beyond code to why some SaaS names may come out stronger.
Thank you to ECP Asset Management for sponsoring this episode and helping us keep all of our content free. To learn more about ECP, visit their website at https://ecpam.com.
In this episod...
End of an era at Apple, the GLP-1 surprise & top holdings of global fund managers
It’s the end of an era at Apple, with Tim Cook stepping down after a remarkable run that turned the company into a multi-trillion-dollar giant. Bryce and Alec unpack what Cook leaves behind, whether Apple’s AI future is being underappreciated, and why serial founder Brad Jacobs has investors backing him again with QXO.
Plus, they open up the portfolio playbook to answer community questions on geared ETFs and debt recycling, before diving into the top holdings of 13 Australian global fund managers to see where the smart money is clustering.
In this epis...
Property is expensive but not out of reach: Rentvesting case study
Bryce and Alec sit down with Australian Property Scout founder Sam Gordon to walk through a rentvesting case study: a 28-year-old Sydneysider on $95,000 with $80,000 saved and a goal of eventually owning a $1.5 million Sydney home. They unpack how rentvesting can help bridge that gap, what kind of property could work at this price point, the risks to watch, and why strategy matters more than just maxing out your borrowing power.
In this episode:
00:00 — Why first-home buyers are struggling in Australia
00:23 — What rentvesting is and why it matters
01:10 — Jordan’s case study: $...
Allbirds' brazen move, Saudi’s abandoning LIV golf and Bryce’s investing strategy explained
A former sneaker darling reinventing itself as an AI compute business, a Saudi-backed golf league reportedly burning through cash at an eye-watering rate, and a practical look at how Bryce is trying to bring more structure to his stock picking. It’s a sharp reminder that markets can get irrational fast and that having a repeatable investment process matters when the noise gets loud.
In this episode:
00:00 - Allbirds' ditches shoes for AI
07:47 - Why LIV Golf may be running out of runway
14:39 - Bryce's new investment process
18:40...
4 investors, $100,000: 3 months in, who’s ahead? | Portfolio Challenge
Markets started the year strong, then geopolitics hit. With war tensions, oil volatility, and rate expectations shifting fast, the portfolio challenge is already testing conviction. But the real game is what happens next. Will Bryce, Alec, Cam and Ally seek the relief rally or draw down deeper?
In this episode:
00:00 – The $25K portfolio challenge explained
00:39 – Meet the competitors (and one strategic absence?)
03:11 – Market update: rallies, war, and oil shocks
08:16 – Bryce’s portfolio: down 5.5% and betting on a rebound
13:59 – Cam’s portfolio: uranium pain, long-term conviction
20:15 – Ally...
Crisis at Aston Martin, a new ETF pitch & Pimp my Portfolio with Luke Laretive
Bryce and Ren break down Aston Martin’s cash crunch, check in on a community portfolio that’s outperforming, and hear a timely pitch for an EV ETF as fuel prices reshape consumer behaviour. Then Luke Laretive returns with a sharp portfolio review full of lessons on concentration, overlap and investing young.
In this episode:
00:00 Episode Preview & Intro
01:46 Iran War Market Impact
04:44 Aston Martin Crisis Explained
08:10 Luxury Brands: Winners vs Losers
09:10 Community Portfolio
09:42 Portfolio Performance Update
11:59 Josh’s Investing Story & Pitch
13:2...
Ask an Adviser: Why earlier is better for life insurance with Phil Thompson
You’re working hard to build wealth, but what happens if you can’t earn an income tomorrow? In this episode, we go deep on life insurance, income protection, and everything in between with insurance specialist Phil Thompson (Skye Wealth). From real-life claims to common mistakes (including relying on super), this is a practical guide to protecting your biggest asset: your ability to earn.
If you'd like to speak to Phil or anyone on our advice network head to https://equitymates.com/advice/
In this episode:
00:00 – Why protecting wealth matters
00:4...
Wall Street’s secret agent, talking super with your parents & Buy or Sell is back
Markets ripped higher on hopes of a fragile ceasefire, but beneath the relief rally there’s still plenty of chaos to unpack. Bryce and Allly Selby dig into Bill Ackman’s audacious bid for Universal Music, a wild Wall Street research mission through the Strait of Hormuz, and a community question on how to talk to retired parents about super during volatile markets. Then they finish with a rapid-fire buy or sell with Bryce giving his take on five stocks making headlines right now.
In this episode:
00:00 War, Markets & Big Stories
04:05 Bill Ackm...
Finding opportunities in well-known names with Ryan Joyce
Bryce and Alec sit down with Magellan Investment Partners’ Ryan Joyce to unpack why some of the best opportunities can be found in the world’s biggest, most familiar companies. From TSMC and Booking Holdings to Dollar General and Apple, this is a masterclass in quality, patience, valuation discipline and the power of backing businesses with durable moats.
In this episode:
00:00 – Why the best investments can be hiding in plain sight
01:37 – Ryan Joyce’s first investing lessons: Orsenko and realestate.com
04:08 – Magellan’s philosophy: quality, concentration and valuation discipline
07:18 – Why...
Property prices under pressure, 3 stocks buzzing on X & a “no-brainer” Community Portfolio pitch
While uncertainty rattles markets, X is buzzing with bold stock calls and 10x claims. In this episode, we break down what’s actually moving markets, where the risks are building, and whether the hottest stocks online are real opportunities, or just noise. Plus, community member Ash pitches a Mag7 stock for the Community Portfolio.
In this episode:
00:00 Market Shake-up: Housing, War & Super Changes
02:13 Auction Clearance Rates Plunge: What’s Driving It?
04:08 Will Australian Property Fall in 2026?
04:48 Iran conflict: Ceasefire Hopes vs Escalation Risk
07:01 Australia's Fuel Supply Warn...
