The Alternative Investor

Brad Johnson

How to invest outside of the stock market

  • 30 minutes 24 seconds
    Why Most First-Time Funds Fail And How GP Seeding Changes the Odds | Bridger Pennington

    In this episode, Brad Johnson sits down with Bridger Pennington, founder of FundLaunch and FundLaunch Partners, to break down why most first-time funds struggle and how GP seeding is reshaping the private markets. Bridger shares how his firm reviews more than 1,200 emerging manager applications a year, why micro-funds can outperform larger peers, and how GP stakes combined with operational support create asymmetric upside. The conversation also dives into FundLaunch AI, a new platform designed to cut fund formation timelines from months to days.


    What You’ll Learn

    • Why most first-time funds fail before they ever scale
    • How GP seeding works and why institutions are increasingly focused on it
    • The difference between institutional GP stakes and micro-fund seeding
    • How FundLaunch filters 1,200 managers down to roughly 10 investments
    • Why niche strategies outperform at smaller fund sizes
    • How tranche-based capital and option-like structures reduce downside risk
    • Why no-fee, no-carry GP economics matter for long-term compounding
    • What institutional investors actually look for in Fund II and Fund III
    • How FundLaunch AI aims to replace expensive early-stage legal and structuring work
    • Why ownership and private markets matter in today’s economic cycle


    Key Topics Discussed

    • GP seeding and GP stakes
    • Emerging and first-time fund managers
    • Micro funds vs institutional funds
    • Private equity, private credit, real estate, and niche strategies
    • Fund formation, compliance, and back-office infrastructure
    • AI and software in private fund creation
    • Long-term compounding through GP economics

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    13 December 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 27 minutes 11 seconds
    Richard Wilson: How Billionaires Structure Deals

    In this episode, we sit down with Richard Wilson, founder of the Family Office Club, to pull back the curtain on how the ultra-wealthy manage, protect, and grow their fortunes. With a community representing over $14 trillion in assets, Richard shares insider strategies that go far beyond standard wealth management.


    We dive deep into the "Billionaire" playbook for deal structuring—explaining why the wealthiest investors care less about fees and more about custom terms like warrants and gross revenue royalties. Richard also reveals how family offices are leveraging Artificial Intelligence to automate due diligence, acting as a "second brain" to process deals faster and more deeply.


    Whether you are an investor looking to start your own family office, or a sponsor seeking to raise capital from them, this episode provides a rare look into the operational and investment tactics of the super-rich.


    Evergreen Capital:

    www.evergreencap.com

    [email protected]


    Family Office Club: FamilyOffices.com

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 November 2025, 12:30 pm
  • 13 minutes 12 seconds
    How the Ultra-Wealthy Are Investing Right Now

    www.evergreencap.com

    [email protected]


    In this episode of "The CIO Brief," Brad Johnson, Managing Director and CIO of Evergreen Capital, delves into the complexities of the current economic landscape. From the lessons learned from legendary figures like Jamie Dimon to the evolving attitudes towards cryptocurrency, Brad offers insights into market trends and investment strategies. Join us as we explore the intricacies of family office investments, the impact of geopolitical concerns, and the future of digital currencies. Whether you're an investor or simply curious about the financial world, this episode provides valuable perspectives on navigating today's economic challenges.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 November 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 24 minutes 36 seconds
    Tax-Loss Harvesting on Steroids: Long/Short Direct Indexing

    In this episode, Brad Johnson explores the world of tax loss harvesting, covering basic to advanced strategies. Learn how to leverage these techniques to enhance your investment portfolio and reduce tax liabilities.


    www.evergreencap.com

    [email protected]



    0:00 Introduction to Tax Loss Harvesting

    5:00 Basic Tax Loss Harvesting Explained

    15:00 Direct Indexing and Its Benefits

    25:00 Advanced Strategies with Leverage

    35:00 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    45:00 The Future of Passive Investing

    55:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Disclaimer:

    This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Evergreen Capital or its affiliates. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Listeners should consult their own financial, tax, and legal professionals before making any investment decisions. Advisory services are offered through Evergreen Capital, a registered investment adviser.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    5 November 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 4 minutes 36 seconds
    The Most Important Investing Lesson of the Last 20 Years

    Brad shares his philosophy on the importance of holding prime assets and the compounding advantages of quality investments, whether in stocks or real estate.


    https://www.evergreencap.com/


    Keywords

    investing, quality assets, investment philosophy, market efficiency, long-term returns


    Takeaways

    • Quality over high returns is key in investing.
    • Market efficiency has increased over the years.
    • ETFs are recommended for most client portfolios.
    • Prime assets retain value even in downturns.
    • Quality investments compound advantages over time.
    • Real estate can offer long-term returns.
    • Distressed assets are risky but can be opportunities.
    • Holding quality assets leads to compounding capital.
    • Investing in quality can feel uncomfortable but pays off.
    • Focus on quality is the major lesson in investing.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 October 2025, 11:00 am
  • 4 minutes 36 seconds
    Robinhood Joins the S&P 500: No Crying in the Casino

    The episode discusses Robinhood's induction into the S&P 500, exploring its impact on the investment landscape. It highlights Robinhood's role in educating young investors, the risks of fast-paced trading, and the shift towards modern technology in investment platforms.


    Evergreen Capital

    www.evergreencap.com


    Takeaways

    • Robinhood's entry into the S&P 500 marks a significant shift in the investment landscape.
    • The app has 15 million customers and generates substantial revenue from brokerage fees.
    • Robinhood educates young investors but also encourages risky trading behaviors.
    • The experience of losing money can be a valuable lesson for young investors.
    • Robinhood's fast-paced trading style has both pros and cons.
    • The app's user-friendly interface appeals to younger generations.
    • There's a growing trend towards cryptocurrency and modern technology in investing.
    • Traditional investment platforms lack the sleek user experience of Robinhood.
    • The shift from old to new guard in the S&P 500 reflects changing market dynamics.
    • Future investors will likely prioritize modern technology in their investment choices.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 October 2025, 11:00 am
  • 41 minutes
    Royalty Investments and Niche Credit with Jillian Murrish

    Summary

    In this episode, Brad Johnson from Alternative Investor and Evergreen Capital interviews Jillian Murrish of Pier Asset Management. They delve into the world of alternative credit, focusing on niche areas like specialty finance, music royalties, and litigation finance. Jillian shares insights on how Pier Asset Management navigates these unique investment opportunities, emphasizing their strategy of targeting smaller, overlooked deals to generate returns. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of investing in niche credit markets.


    Evergreen Capital

    https://www.evergreencap.com/


    Pier Asset Management

    https://www.pieram.com/



    Takeaways

    • Alternative credit offers unique investment opportunities.
    • Peer Asset Management focuses on niche, overlooked deals.
    • Music royalties can be a lucrative investment.
    • Litigation finance supports small tech companies.
    • Niche credit markets require specialized knowledge.
    • Cashflow investing is a core strategy for Peer Asset Management.
    • Smaller deals often yield higher returns.
    • Peer Asset Management avoids mainstream asset gathering.
    • Investing in niche markets can diversify portfolios.
    • Understanding market dynamics is crucial for success.



    Keywords

    alternative credit, specialty finance, music royalties, litigation finance, niche investment, Pier Asset Management, Brad Johnson, Jillian Murrish, cashflow investing, private credit

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    13 October 2025, 11:26 pm
  • 9 minutes 21 seconds
    Opportunity Zone Investing 2.0

    Investment Strategy Spotlight: Understanding Opportunity Zone 2.0


    This episode focuses on the new regulations brought about by the Tax Act of July, specifically the enhancements in Opportunity Zones, termed Opportunity Zone 2.0. The speaker explains the original Opportunity Zones program, its benefits of tax deferrals and exemptions for investments in designated areas, primarily housing and development projects. The updated program continues to offer a rolling five-year deferral starting in 2027 and extends tax benefits for investments held over ten years without capital gains taxes. Additionally, the new Opportunity Zone 2.0 includes bonus depreciation advantages. Emphasis is placed on combining tax benefits with sound investment choices to avoid tax-driven pitfalls. Ideal candidates for this program include individuals with significant capital gains seeking real estate or high-quality development investments.


    00:00 Introduction to Investment Strategy Spotlight

    00:15 Opportunity Zones 1.0: A Recap

    01:44 Opportunity Zones 2.0: New Regulations and Benefits

    02:29 Maximizing Tax Benefits with Opportunity Zones

    03:49 Combining Tax Strategies with Great Investments

    05:27 Ideal Candidates for Opportunity Zone 2.0

    06:38 Considerations and Risks in Opportunity Zone Investments

    08:31 Future Opportunities and Conclusion


    www.evergreencap.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    20 September 2025, 4:33 pm
  • 37 minutes 13 seconds
    Private Market Investing with Tony Davidow of Franklin Templeton

    To learn more about private market investing, visit:


    www.evergreencap.com


    In this episode, Tony David from Franklin Templeton delves into the complexities and opportunities in private markets for wealth advisors. As Franklin Templeton's expert on private asset education, Tony discusses his journey from consulting to leading educational initiatives within the firm. The conversation covers essential topics like the importance of education in private markets, the evolving landscape of private credit, secondary markets, the growth of model portfolios, and the potential inclusion of private assets in 401(k) plans. Tony also emphasizes the significance of maintaining a balance between illiquidity and accessibility for investors. A must-listen for advisors looking to enhance their offerings and navigate the complexities of alternative investments.


    00:00 Introduction to Tony David and His Role

    00:16 The Importance of Education in Private Markets

    01:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Private Markets

    07:19 Franklin Templeton's Private Market Focus

    09:25 Understanding Private Credit and Secondaries

    16:39 The Future of Private Markets and Model Portfolios

    25:01 The Role of Private Assets in 401(k)s

    26:41 Overcoming Skepticism and Embracing Alternatives

    36:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 June 2025, 10:00 am
  • 11 minutes 50 seconds
    The Case for Real Estate Debt Investing: High, Defensive Yield

    Opportunities in Commercial Real Estate Debt: A Deep Dive


    Email for Commercial Real Estate Debt Investing Research:


    [email protected]


    The video discusses the current investment opportunities in commercial real estate debt, highlighting that investing is always challenging due to the unpredictability of the future and market factors. The speaker explains why now is a particularly opportune time for commercial real estate debt investment, given the recent substantial market correction, decreased property values, and higher interest rates. The video also covers the benefits of investing in multi-family and high-quality assets, the impact of increased capital reserve requirements on banks, and the resulting opportunities for private lenders. Key points include the growing role of private lenders, the protective structure of commercial real estate debt investments, diversification strategies, and projected returns that could rival equity investments. The script concludes with an invitation to contact evergreen cap.com for further information.


    00:00 Introduction: The Challenge of Investing

    00:39 Current Real Estate Market Context

    01:13 Understanding Commercial Real Estate Debt

    02:01 The New Lending Landscape

    03:28 Opportunities in Private Lending

    07:06 Future Outlook and Conclusion

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 May 2025, 2:37 pm
  • 10 minutes 18 seconds
    Real Estate Headwinds, PE Tailwinds: The Apollo-Bridge Deal

    Apollo's Strategic Acquisition: Bridge Investment Group


    In this episode, we delve into Apollo's recent acquisition of Bridge Investment Group for $1.5 billion, a strategic move involving the purchase of a real estate specialist known for its asset management capabilities. The discussion covers why this transaction occurred and its implications for the private equity and GP stakes investing worlds. The acquisition, which includes 50 billion in assets under management, highlights how Apollo can leverage Bridge's expertise in real estate and fundraising, driving future growth and diversifying their revenue streams. Additionally, it explores the contrasting challenges faced by public versus private equity firms and the advantages Apollo gains from this deal.


    00:00 Big News in Private Equity: Apollo's Acquisition of Bridge Investment Group

    00:38 Transaction Details and Financial Implications

    01:24 Strategic Benefits for Apollo and Bridge

    04:41 Challenges and Opportunities in Real Estate

    06:58 GP Stakes Investing Insights

    09:35 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 March 2025, 7:43 pm
  • More Episodes? Get the App