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PODCAST

The Derivative

RCM Alternatives

Welcome to The Derivative by RCM Alternatives, where we dive into what makes alternative investments go, analyze the strategies of unique hedge fund managers, and chat with interesting guests from across the investment world. Hosted by RCM Managing Partner, Jeff Malec, join us to take a ride through the world of alternative investments.

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All Episodes

01:20:36

The Hedge Fund that Polls Regular People Where...

The Derivative ·

2026/04/09

In this episode, Jeff Malec sits down with Vuk Vukovic and Scott Alford of Oraclum Capital (ORCA) to explore how an academic project on elections turned into a $70M hedge fund powered by crowd predictions. Vuk explains how he and his co-founders, coming from economics, physics, and computer science backgrounds, built a survey-based system that originally nailed events like Brexit and the 2016 and 2020 U.S. elections, then adapted the same framework to financial markets. Scott breaks down how ORCA

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00:48:25

Oil, War, and the Strait of Hormuz: What current...

The Derivative ·

2026/04/02

In this episode, Jeff Malec sits down with returning “resident oil guy” Brent Belote of Cayler Capital to unpack one of the wildest stretches in energy markets since COVID and Russia/Ukraine. They dig into recent oil volatility, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and why the Straits of Hormuz still matter more than most people think. Brent breaks down how traders are actually navigating this market, from tracking physical flows to managing extreme option volatility, and what could come next

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01:17:46

OpenSnow’s Joel Gratz built a Pod Shop for Powder...

The Derivative ·

2026/03/26

What happens when a data-obsessed mind that could have been optimizing portfolios decides to optimize powder days instead? This episode features meteorologist and OpenSnow founder Joel Gratz in a deep dive on snow, skiing, and the science of weather forecasting, told through the lens of someone who treats every incoming storm like a market opportunity.Joel shares how a childhood obsession with snow days in Pennsylvania led to studying meteorology, moving to Boulder, and eventually creating OpenSnow,

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01:11:01

Drone Wars, Space Intelligence, and AI-powered...

The Derivative ·

2026/03/12

In this episode of The Derivative, Jeff Malec sits down with Ian Winer, West Point grad and founder of Center 15 Capital, to unpack how modern warfare and national security are being reshaped by drones, AI, and space. Using the recent conflict with Iran as a case study, they explore how cheap one-way attack drones are challenging traditional air defenses, why firing multimillion-dollar interceptors at $15,000 drones is unsustainable, and what a proper layered counter-drone strategy looks like,

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01:28:37

SuperCars, Salad, and Sumo Wrestlers: Inside...

The Derivative ·

2026/03/05

In this episode of The Derivative, Jeff Malec is joined by Patrick Kazley of OneRiver explore how long volatility, convexity, trend following, and systematic macro can be combined in a capital‑efficient way to improve equity compounding and protect portfolios from major drawdowns. They discuss crisis “shapes,” why time-based rebalancing often beats intuitive drawdown triggers, how changing volatility microstructure (zero‑DTE, single-name vol, dispersion) creates new opportunities, and why behavioral

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00:54:56

Carry, Calendar Spreads, and Climate: Bruce Sinclair...

The Derivative ·

2026/02/26

In this episode of The Derivative, host Jeff Malec talks with South African grain spread trader Bruce Sinclair (Brent Trading) about how he went from a farming background to running a spread-focused commodities program trading Chicago grains from a remote game farm in South Africa. Bruce explains, in plain language, how carry and calendar spreads work, why he believes spreads offer a more manageable risk profile than outright futures, and how he enforces a hard 10% annual drawdown limit for

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01:03:50

Going Nuclear: How Uranium is Powering Portfolios...

The Derivative ·

2026/02/19

In this episode of The Derivative, host Jeff Malec talks with uranium analyst Justin Huhn and mining and commodities commentator Trevor Hall of the Going Nuclear podcast about why uranium and nuclear power may be the most compelling long-term solution for clean baseload energy. They dig into the current uranium bull market, how AI and data centers are driving a step-change in electricity demand, what makes the uranium supply–demand setup unique versus oil and gas, and why life extensions of existing

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00:56:24

Defensive Equity, Flex Options, and the Future of...

The Derivative ·

2026/02/12

In this new episode of The Derivative, host Jeff Malec talks with PGIM Quantitative Solutions’ Devang Gambhirwala and Lorne Johnson about managing over $100 billion in quant and multi-asset strategies inside a $1.5 trillion asset manager. They break down the boom in options-based ETFs, from covered calls and defensive equity to buffered and defined-outcome strategies powered by flex options, plus what today’s volatility and rate environment mean for investors. The trio also tackles the impact of AI,

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01:06:35

Timing, Triggers & Transparency: Inside Potomac...

The Derivative ·

2026/01/29

In this episode of The Derivative, Jeff Malec dusts off the dress shoes and steps out from behind the webcam for his first in-person interview since before COVID. He heads to Potomac's studio to sit down with Dan Russo, Portfolio Manager and CIO, for a conversation on why investing theory often breaks down when real life shows up. This chat covers why market timing isn't about catching every move, it's about avoiding the ones that cause lasting damage. Dan also explains how Potomac

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01:07:57

From Venezuelan Oil to Nuclear Frontiers: Navigating...

The Derivative ·

2026/01/22

This week on The Derivative, Jeff Malec is joined by seasoned resource investor Robert Mullin for a reality check on Venezuelan oil and the market narratives surrounding it. They dig into why headlines calling for cheap oil miss the point, what it actually takes to restart a broken energy system, and why “world’s largest reserves” isn’t the bullish mic drop many assume. Along the way, they unpack sanctions, shadow tanker fleets, Gulf Coast refinery hype, and where the real economic constraints lie

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00:59:41

The 2025 market review draft, talking Bears, Crypto...

The Derivative ·

2026/01/15

Kick off the first episode of 2026 with a fun, draft-style market showdown as host Jeff Malec is joined by David Dziekanski and Zed Francis on The Derivative. Using funky categories and plenty of hot takes, the trio drafts everything from “wait, that’s still a thing” trades to market overreactions, false idols, and narratives that didn’t survive the year. Along the way, they break down crypto cycles, volatility, cash, and derivatives, mixing sharp insight with dry humor and real debate. It’s a

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00:03:47

Signing Off for 2025: The Derivative Returns in January!

The Derivative ·

2025/12/11

Join Jeff Malec for a quick, fun season finale as he looks back on the year’s market highlights, standout episodes, and unforgettable guests. The Derivative is heading into a short holiday break, but we’ll be back with fresh conversations and a stacked guest lineup in January. SEND IT!Episode favs from 2026:Sal MerconglianoSolo Summer Six-packHarold De BoerGrant JaffarianPeter MadsenDon't forget to subscribe to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The

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01:17:19

Building a Commodity Trader Multi-Strat with Tom...

The Derivative ·

2025/11/20

In this episode, Jeff Malec sits down with Tom Holliday, founder and CIO of HIP Investments, for an in-depth conversation on reimagining multi-strategy investing in the commodity space. Tom shares insights from his distinguished career, from his early days at Refco to working with George Soros and launching both Titan Advisors and Hip Investments. Together, they explore the evolution from traditional fund-of-funds to collaborative, actively managed multi-strat funds, highlighting the advantages of

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00:57:05

When the Gales of November Come Early: the Wreck of...

The Derivative ·

2025/11/13

Set sail with maritime historian Sal Mercogliano as we dive deep into the enduring mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a legendary ship lost on the Great Lakes 50 years ago this week. From chilling tales of mariners’ lives and the critical role of iron ore trade, to the evolving challenges facing commercial shipping, this episode explores what really happened that stormy night in 1975—and why the story resonates today. Join host Jeff Malec and Sal for a wide-ranging conversation about Great Lakes

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01:04:22

Volatility's Heartbeat, the AI Boom, and MJ’s Bulls...

The Derivative ·

2025/11/06

Join Jeff Malec and Brian Stutland, Portfolio Manager at Equity Armor Investments, as they dive deep into the complex world of market volatility, AI's transformative potential, and strategic investing. Drawing from his extensive trading experience, Stutland offers unique insights into the VIX, option strategies, and navigating today's dynamic market landscape. From the dot-com era to the current AI revolution, they explore how volatility can be an asset class, discuss the potential economic

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01:03:40

Engineering Alpha using Trend and Volatility on...

The Derivative ·

2025/10/23

Buckle up for a wild ride through the markets with Eric Leake, founder of Altus Private Capital, as Jeff Malec explores the investment world with a quantitative maverick who's about to reveal the hidden playbook of market mastery! From analyzing market waves to navigating volatility, Eric uncovers his unique approach combining long-term equity market trend analysis with short-term volatility management. Discover the secret sauce of strategies that don't just follow the crowd - they dance to

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01:15:22

Overheard at a Stacked Portable Alpha Symposium

The Derivative ·

2025/10/16

Join Jeff Malec and Jason Buck as they dive deep into the inaugural Return Stacked Symposium held at the CBOE in Chicago. They break down key presentations from institutional leaders like Jonathan Glidden and Roxton McNeal, exploring how portable alpha and return stacking are revolutionizing portfolio construction. Hear their candid insights on leverage, uncorrelated strategies, and why this approach might be the future of investing. From pension fund strategies to practical advice for RIAs, this

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01:09:47

Beyond Buy and Hold: Q3 Asset Mgmt's Quantitative...

The Derivative ·

2025/10/02

Join Jeff Malec as he sits down with Brad Giaimo and Bruce Greig from Q3 Asset Management, two investment pros who turned trading floor grit into a modern, rules-based quant shop helping RIAs build out tactical trading models for clients. From Brad's formative days alongside Paul Tudor Jones to Bruce's mathematical approach to market analysis, you’ll hear how Q3 builds transparent, systematic models that aim to outperform while protecting downside risk. If you’re an RIA, allocator, or

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01:22:10

NASDAQ 100, Options & Volatility: 0DTE, Tail Hedges,...

The Derivative ·

2025/09/25

In this lively episode of The Derivative, Jeff Malec sits down with NASDAQ's Kevin Davitt and Nicholas Smith for a deep dive into the wild world of index options, with a special focus on the NASDAQ 100. These guys break down everything from the evolution of options trading to why the NASDAQ 100 is becoming the cool kid on the financial block. Kevin and Nick bring their A-game, unpacking the index's unique volatility, global revenue streams, and why younger investors are totally crushing on

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01:06:29

Bridgewater, Botany & Breaking the 2&20 mold with...

The Derivative ·

2025/09/18

In this episode of the Derivative podcast, we're hanging out with Bob Elliott, co-founder of Unlimited Funds. Bob used to work ata small shop you may have heard of… Bridgewater, working his way from (nearly) the mail room to Ray Dalio’s right hand man. And now he's doing something pretty interesting - he's figured out how to systematically replicate what hedge funds do and package it into ETFs that regular investors can actually access.We dive into Bob's journey from the hedge fund

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224 results

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