Lagniappe

Hosted by Stokes Family Office

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235

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Nov 2026

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About the show

Lagniappe is a weekly podcast from Stokes Family Office. Join Doug and Greg each week for an entertaining look at current news, personal finance, brotherly banter, and whatever else is on our minds!

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November 5, 202616 min

Election Shockwaves: Midterms, Markets, and What Comes Next

A sweeping Democratic victory may have reshaped the political landscape, but what does it mean for investors? This week, Greg and Doug Stokes break down the election results, Wall Street's volatile reaction, and the sectors that could emerge as winners and losers. Key Takeaways 00:01 - The Democratic wave and election surprises 03:15 - Wall Street reacts to the election results 05:39 - Market volatility and the presidential cycle 08:25 - SpaceX, Tesla, and the impact of political uncertainty 09:04 - Could Louisiana/New Orleans benefit from shifting investment? 10:55 - Data centers, inflation, and construction costs 12:33 - Why politics matters less to long-term investors 13:35 - The importance of financial planning and diversification 14:45 - The continued growth of Stokes Family Office View Transcript Connect with our hosts Doug Stokes Greg Stokes Stokes Family Office Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify SFO Podcast Page Disclosure The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate, qualified professional prior to making a final decision. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies referenced in our blogs/podcasts) or any other investment and/or non-investment-related content or services will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable or appropriate for a reader/listener’s individual situation, or prove successful. Moreover, no portion of the blog/podcast content should be construed as a substitute for individual advice or services from the financial professional(s) of a reader/listener’s choosing, including Stokes Family, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, with which the blogger/podcasters are affiliated.

October 30, 202618 min

Big Tech Stumbles, Bonds Shine, and Midterms Loom

Big Tech is taking a hit, but the broader market is holding its ground. This week on the Lagniappe Podcast, Greg and Doug Stokes examine the latest earnings disappointments among major tech companies, the changing influence of the Magnificent Seven, and why recent market volatility could present opportunities for long-term investors. The brothers also discuss the increasingly attractive risk-reward dynamics in the bond market, including Treasury and municipal bonds, before turning their attention to the upcoming midterm elections and California's proposed wealth tax. Plus, they explore the Federal Reserve's latest decision, the unintended consequences of higher interest rates, and how the ongoing conflict in Iran could influence inflation and financial markets. Key Takeaways 00:17 - Halloween and fall in New Orleans 02:40 - The Magnificent Seven and diversification 05:04 - The opportunity in bonds 07:22 - Midterm elections and prediction markets 09:31 - California's proposed billionaire tax 11:06 - The Fed's pause and a December outlook 12:46 - Can higher interest rates fuel inflation? 14:21 - Labor shortages, Iran, and oil prices 15:43 - Congress and the War Powers Act View Transcript Connect with our hosts Doug Stokes Greg Stokes Stokes Family Office Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify SFO Podcast Page Disclosure The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate, qualified professional prior to making a final decision. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies referenced in our blogs/podcasts) or any other investment and/or non-investment-related content or services will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable or appropriate for a reader/listener’s individual situation, or prove successful. Moreover, no portion of the blog/podcast content should be construed as a substitute for individual advice or services from the financial professional(s) of a reader/listener’s choosing, including Stokes Family, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, with which the blogger/podcasters are affiliated.

October 22, 202618 min

Oil, Interest Rates, and Europe's Economic Reckoning

With midterm elections approaching, Greg and Doug examine the forces shaping financial markets, from shifting political expectations and falling Treasury yields, to concerns surrounding AI investment. They explore how oil exports from the Persian Gulf have surpassed prewar levels despite ongoing conflict, and why rising energy costs could weigh on economic growth even as interest rates decline.  The conversation then turns to France, where widespread protests highlight deeper economic challenges. From government debt and stagnant growth to Europe's struggle with innovation, the brothers discuss the difficult choices facing France and what they could mean for the broader European economy. Key Takeaways 00:17 – Midterm elections and market uncertainty 02:42 – Falling Treasury yields and concerns over AI investment 05:21 – Oil exports surge despite Middle East conflict 07:54 – How rising oil prices impact economic activity 09:34 – What a time for the Saints to play in Paris  11:07 – France's debt crisis and economic stagnation 12:40 – Europe's innovation gap and economic challenges 16:02 – The political history behind Europe's economic struggles View Transcript Links More Oil Is Now Coming Out of the Persian Gulf Than Before the Iran War Connect with our hosts Doug Stokes Greg Stokes Stokes Family Office Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify lagniappe.stokesfamilyoffice.com Disclosure The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate, qualified professional prior to making a final decision. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies referenced in our blogs/podcasts) or any other investment and/or non-investment-related content or services will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable or appropriate for a reader/listener’s individual situation, or prove successful. Moreover, no portion of the blog/podcast content should be construed as a substitute for individual advice or services from the financial professional(s) of a reader/listener’s choosing, including Stokes Family, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, with which the blogger/podcasters are affiliated.

October 9, 202621 min

Higher Yields, Stronger Growth, and the SpaceX Shakeup

This week on the Lagniappe Podcast, Doug and Greg Stokes unpack what's really driving higher Treasury yields, and why stronger economic growth, rather than runaway inflation, may be the bigger story. They explore the resilience of the U.S. dollar, the relationship between bond yields and long-term returns, and how rising diesel prices could complicate the inflation outlook. Plus, the guys discuss the risks facing housing development, AI's surprising role in hurricane forecasting, and how SpaceX's satellite technology could disrupt the traditional telecommunications industry. Key Takeaways 00:01 — Hurricane forecasting gets an AI upgrade 02:28 — What's really driving higher Treasury yields?  03:37 — The U.S. dollar's staying power  09:30 — Why starting yields matter for bond returns 12:15 — Diesel prices and the inflation outlook  15:25 — The housing shortage hiding around the corner  16:54 — SpaceX takes aim at the telecom giants  View Transcript Links Why is the USD index moving higher and US stocks hitting new highs? Morningstar: Starting yield matters Connect with our hosts Doug Stokes Greg Stokes Stokes Family Office Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify lagniappe.stokesfamilyoffice.com Disclosure The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate, qualified professional prior to making a final decision. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies referenced in our blogs/podcasts) or any other investment and/or non-investment-related content or services will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable or appropriate for a reader/listener’s individual situation, or prove successful. Moreover, no portion of the blog/podcast content should be construed as a substitute for individual advice or services from the financial professional(s) of a reader/listener’s choosing, including Stokes Family, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, with which the blogger/podcasters are affiliated.

October 2, 202620 min

The AI Bet and the Case for Balance

Markets are knocking on the door of record highs even as the latest jobs report shows signs of a cooling labor market. Greg and Doug unpack why bad economic news can sometimes be good news for stocks, what’s keeping long-term interest rates elevated, and why today’s higher bond yields change the risk-reward equation for investors.  They also look at improving oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, the resilience of the U.S. economy, and the increasingly important question hanging over markets: will the massive investment in AI infrastructure ultimately produce the productivity and profits investors are counting on? Plus, why an uncertain outcome for AI may be one more argument for maintaining a balanced portfolio. Key Takeaways 00:17 — Bad news in the economy is good news for the markets 04:01 — Why higher bond yields provide more protection 07:40 — Why interest-rate forecasts keep missing the mark 09:45 — Oil flows return through the Strait of Hormuz 11:52 — What’s keeping long-term interest rates elevated? 15:40 — The market’s massive bet on AI 18:09 — Why AI uncertainty makes the case for balance View Transcript Connect with our hosts Doug Stokes Greg Stokes Stokes Family Office Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify lagniappe.stokesfamilyoffice.com Disclosure The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate, qualified professional prior to making a final decision. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies referenced in our blogs/podcasts) or any other investment and/or non-investment-related content or services will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable or appropriate for a reader/listener’s individual situation, or prove successful. Moreover, no portion of the blog/podcast content should be construed as a substitute for individual advice or services from the financial professional(s) of a reader/listener’s choosing, including Stokes Family, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, with which the blogger/podcasters are affiliated.

September 25, 202616 min

Why 5% Rates Aren’t Scaring the Market

Interest rates are climbing, but the market doesn’t seem particularly bothered. Greg and Doug dig into why the 10-year Treasury has pushed above 5%, arguing that stronger economic growth, persistent inflation, and the massive AI infrastructure buildout may be doing more to drive rates than fears about U.S. debt. They also look at the relationship between Iran, oil prices and inflation; why higher rates may hurt traditional parts of the economy without slowing AI investment; and what the approaching midterm elections could mean for markets. Finally, they examine the historically strong stretch that tends to follow the first three quarters of a midterm year, and why falling political uncertainty could provide another tailwind for investors. Key Takeaways 00:17 — Why 5% interest rates aren’t scaring the market 04:57 — Iran, oil and the inflation expectation 06:39 — Are the U.S. and Iran moving closer to a deal? 08:02 — Why higher rates aren’t slowing the AI buildout 11:15 — The historically strongest stretch of the midterm cycle 14:45 — Why markets like falling uncertainty View Transcript Links: In midterm years, October is usually the best month for stocks, with gains 73.7% of the time Connect with our hosts Doug Stokes Greg Stokes Stokes Family Office Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify lagniappe.stokesfamilyoffice.com Disclosure The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate, qualified professional prior to making a final decision. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies referenced in our blogs/podcasts) or any other investment and/or non-investment-related content or services will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable or appropriate for a reader/listener’s individual situation, or prove successful. Moreover, no portion of the blog/podcast content should be construed as a substitute for individual advice or services from the financial professional(s) of a reader/listener’s choosing, including Stokes Family, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, with which the blogger/podcasters are affiliated.

September 17, 202622 min

The Fed Hikes, Consumers Spend, & AI Doom Returns

The Fed is hiking again, bond yields are back above 5%, and inflation remains stubborn, but the economy and consumer continue to show surprising strength. Greg and Doug break down what the latest rate move means for markets, how the Iran conflict and massive infrastructure spending are pushing prices higher, and why retail sales and employment data don’t look particularly recessionary. Then they turn to AI, the latest warnings about its existential risks, and whether calls for tighter regulation are really about safety or established AI companies trying to protect themselves from competition. Key Takeaways 00:17 — The Fed raises rates as inflation stays hot 04:13 — Infrastructure, Iran and what’s driving inflation 06:31 — Why Iran could be the key to markets and inflation 09:44 — The American consumer keeps spending 11:06 — AI isn’t destroying the job market 13:27 — Is AI really going to destroy humanity? 15:03 — AI regulation and the case for regulatory capture 17:11 — Putting AI doomsday fears in perspective 19:21 — Guardrails, cyber defense and managing AI risk View Transcript Links Americans Without College Degrees Are Having One of the Best Job Markets in Years The Mall Comeback Is Here The Anonymous Math Geek Who Quit Anthropic—and Became the Face of AI Safety How a New Princeton Study Disproves AI Self-Improvement Alarmism Connect with our hosts Doug Stokes Greg Stokes Stokes Family Office Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify lagniappe.stokesfamilyoffice.com Disclosure The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate, qualified professional prior to making a final decision. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies referenced in our blogs/podcasts) or any other investment and/or non-investment-related content or services will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable or appropriate for a reader/listener’s individual situation, or prove successful. Moreover, no portion of the blog/podcast content should be construed as a substitute for individual advice or services from the financial professional(s) of a reader/listener’s choosing, including Stokes Family, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, with which the blogger/podcasters are affiliated.

September 10, 202620 min

Good News, Bad News, & the AI Boom

Doug and Greg break down a surprisingly strong jobs report and why good economic news can sometimes be bad news for markets when it raises the prospect of higher interest rates. They discuss the massive investment fueling the AI infrastructure boom, its impact on inflation and the bond market, and why Americans remain pessimistic about the economy despite strong employment and record markets. They also weigh the potential risks and enormous opportunities surrounding AI before closing with a reflection on NYC and the lasting significance of September 11. Key Takeaways 00:17  -  A strong jobs report shakes up rate expectations 03:29  -  Why the recent job numbers are dominated by women  05:09  -  When good economic news becomes bad market news 06:35  -  How AI is reshaping the bond market 09:21  -  New inflationary pressures 11:03  -  Why Americans still feel bad about the economy 15:14  -  Fear vs. optimism for AI 17:35  -  New York, 25 years after September 11 View Transcript Links Six Charts That Explain How Americans Really Feel About the Economy Anthropic Researcher Quits Over ‘Out-of-Control’ AI Fears Connect with our hosts Doug Stokes Greg Stokes Stokes Family Office Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify lagniappe.stokesfamilyoffice.com Disclosure The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate, qualified professional prior to making a final decision. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies referenced in our blogs/podcasts) or any other investment and/or non-investment-related content or services will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable or appropriate for a reader/listener’s individual situation, or prove successful. Moreover, no portion of the blog/podcast content should be construed as a substitute for individual advice or services from the financial professional(s) of a reader/listener’s choosing, including Stokes Family, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, with which the blogger/podcasters are affiliated.

September 3, 202623 min

Interest Rates, Iran, & the Midterm Markets

Markets are digesting shifting expectations for the Federal Reserve, stubbornly high interest rates, and continued uncertainty surrounding Iran. Doug and Greg discuss why government debt, not 5% interest rates, may be the bigger concern, how higher yields are changing the bond market, and why geopolitical tensions haven't derailed stocks. Plus, they look at what prediction markets are saying about the upcoming midterm elections, explain why politics shouldn't dictate your long-term investment strategy, and the good news behind interest rates. Key Takeaways 00:02 — The markets react to the Fed 03:00 — Government spending & the cost of debt 05:05 — Are 5% interest rates really that high? 08:10 — Households are in better shape than governments 09:30 — Iran's impact on rates, oil, & inflation 15:43 — What prediction markets say about the midterms 19:26 — Why politics shouldn't change your portfolio 20:36 — The good news about 5% bond yields View Transcript Connect with our hosts Doug Stokes Greg Stokes Stokes Family Office Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify lagniappe.stokesfamilyoffice.com Disclosure The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate, qualified professional prior to making a final decision. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies referenced in our blogs/podcasts) or any other investment and/or non-investment-related content or services will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable or appropriate for a reader/listener’s individual situation, or prove successful. Moreover, no portion of the blog/podcast content should be construed as a substitute for individual advice or services from the financial professional(s) of a reader/listener’s choosing, including Stokes Family, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, with which the blogger/podcasters are affiliated.

August 28, 202622 min

Louisiana’s Economic Rocket

Louisiana is having an economic moment. Doug and Greg talk about the massive new SpaceX investment and why it could be one of the biggest development wins in state history. Then, they turn to the markets, where Nvidia’s staggering growth and continued AI infrastructure spending are showing few signs of slowing down. The guys also discuss why today’s AI boom looks fundamentally different from the speculative excesses of 2020–2021, what an upcoming wave of major IPOs could signal, and what they’re watching for as the market continues to push near record highs. Key Takeaways [00:00] — Markets await the Fed at Jackson Hole [03:15] — SpaceX’s massive Louisiana investment [06:08] — The bullish economic case for Louisiana [10:15] — Nvidia & the AI spending boom [13:12] — Is an IPO wave still coming? [18:47] — The market fundamentally still looks great View Transcript Connect with our hosts Doug Stokes Greg Stokes Stokes Family Office Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify lagniappe.stokesfamilyoffice.com Disclosure The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate, qualified professional prior to making a final decision. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies referenced in our blogs/podcasts) or any other investment and/or non-investment-related content or services will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable or appropriate for a reader/listener’s individual situation, or prove successful. Moreover, no portion of the blog/podcast content should be construed as a substitute for individual advice or services from the financial professional(s) of a reader/listener’s choosing, including Stokes Family, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, with which the blogger/podcasters are affiliated.