Podcast Summary
WS supports iConnections funds for teachers: The Wall Street Skinny is backing an initiative to help educators access professional development opportunities through fundraising, while FTX creditors have been fully repaid
The Wall Street Skinny is supporting the iConnections funds for teachers initiative by joining their advisory board. This initiative aims to empower educators nationwide by providing access to the Ron Clark Academy's professional development opportunities. Proceeds from fundraising events will directly benefit teachers to participate in these groundbreaking training programs. Meanwhile, FTX creditors, who were owed money following the FTX bankruptcy, have been paid back in full. Previous speculation suggested that FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried might not have known where the missing funds were, but it appears they were located all along. The Wall Street Skinny team is currently working on their course and are excited to make it entertaining, fun, and informative for their audience.
FTX customers missed out on crypto market recovery: During bankruptcy, frozen crypto investments may not recover in time, potentially resulting in significant losses for investors
During the FTX bankruptcy, customers who had their funds frozen were unable to sell their crypto investments at the lowest point, but when the market recovered, they potentially missed out on significant gains. While some may view the recovery of funds as a positive outcome, it's important to remember that the interest rate on frozen funds was only around 9%. In typical bankruptcy cases, creditors don't usually receive their full investment back, and the value of their assets can fluctuate significantly. The FTX case is unique because the value of frozen crypto investments plummeted during the bankruptcy declaration but later recovered, potentially leaving some investors with substantial losses if they had been able to sell at the lowest point.
Investor autonomy and the consequences of poor decisions: Investors must be aware of terms and conditions, bear consequences of poor decisions, and maintain financial autonomy.
Individuals should have full control over their own investments and financial decisions, without interference. The discussion revolves around an incident where investors believed they were buying into an exchange, only to have their funds frozen for several years. While they were eventually reimbursed, the experience was frustrating and unfair. The situation serves as a reminder that investors must be aware of the terms and conditions of their agreements, and that the consequences of poor investment decisions are their own to bear. The criminal justice system's response to such situations, as in the case of the 25-year sentence, can be a topic of debate. Ultimately, the importance lies in maintaining individual financial autonomy and making informed decisions.
Kristen's reflections on comedy shows and Broadway plays: Infrequent cultural experiences like comedy shows and Broadway plays can leave a lasting impression
Kristen shared her recent experience of watching the Tom Brady roast on Netflix, which was politically incorrect yet entertaining. She also reminisced about her experiences of attending comedy shows and Broadway plays in New York City, which she missed since moving away. The roast, hosted by Kevin Hart, featured comedians crossing the line with their jokes, but the flooded nature of such content made it an enjoyable experience for Kristen. She also mentioned discovering new comedians like Nikki Glaser during her comedy club visits. Kristen's experiences highlighted the value of infrequent but memorable cultural experiences, such as comedy shows and Broadway plays, which left a lasting impression on her.
Creating memorable experiences through live theater: Attending live theater, whether professional or local, can create cherished memories and experiences, often at affordable prices.
Attending live theater performances, whether it be on Broadway in New York or in a local middle school production, can create memorable experiences. These experiences can be all the more special when the price is affordable and the performance is outstanding. The speaker fondly recalls attending Wicked and Rent in New York during her college years, and even a middle school production of The Hobbit in Boston was impressive to her. Despite the cold weather and long lines, the magic of live theater has stayed with her throughout her life. Even if one's own children's performances may not be up to par, the experience of supporting them and witnessing their hard work can make it worthwhile. The speaker's personal history with theater, from trying out for plays in middle school to eventually playing in the pit band in high school, highlights the importance of staying engaged with the arts.
Kristen's Determination and Aversion to Brass Instruments: Despite her own woodwind expertise, Kristen's dislike for brass instruments, particularly the trumpet, has persisted throughout her life, causing her to find ways to cope with disturbances from neighbors practicing them.
Kristen's competitive nature and determination to surpass her accomplished brother led her to become an excellent flautist and earn a varsity letter in her high school drama program. However, her aversion to the sound of brass instruments, specifically the trumpet, has remained a trigger for her throughout her life. Despite being a woodwind player herself, even the sound of a saxophone can annoy her. This aversion was reignited when her neighbor began practicing the trumpet at all hours of the day, forcing Kristen to find ways to work around the disturbance.
Finding Comfort and Enjoyment in Learning an Instrument: Personal preferences and comfort levels are crucial when choosing an instrument to learn. One's past experiences and discomforts with certain instruments should not deter them from exploring others they might enjoy, like the cello or piano.
While some musical instruments share similarities in terms of technique, like the saxophone and flute, personal preferences and comfort levels play a significant role in choosing an instrument to learn. The speaker shares her experiences with various instruments, including the flute, which she found competitive and uncomfortable due to her collarbone phobia. She also mentions her discomfort with eyes and the process of getting them checked during eye exams. Despite her past struggles, she expresses her love for the cello and the piano, which she finds more appealing. Additionally, she shares her thoughts on brass and woodwind instruments, expressing her preference for the strings and her consideration of having her children learn the tuba for character-building reasons. The conversation also touches on the importance of correctly sized equipment and the advancements in technology, such as the new edition AirPods. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of finding an instrument that one is comfortable with and enjoys playing, regardless of its perceived competitive landscape or shared techniques with other instruments.
The importance of finding the right fit for earbuds: Individual needs vary, ensure optimal comfort and sound quality by finding the right fit for your earbuds
Proper fitting is crucial when it comes to using earbuds, even for those with larger ears and smaller ear holes. Jen shared her personal experience of having to use the smallest-sized ear tips for her AirPods to ensure a snug fit. This anecdote serves as a reminder that individual needs vary, and it's essential to find the right fit for optimal comfort and sound quality. Moving on to more exciting news, Jen and Kristen are looking forward to their upcoming episode featuring John Normand, the former head of strategy for JPMorgan and the current head of strategy for an Australian superannuation fund. Listeners can expect an engaging conversation about John's career transition and insights into the world of Australian superannuation funds. Stay tuned for more information on this intriguing topic!