John De Goey on Bullshift, Bias, and the Case for Alternative Investing | Modern Investing Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with John De Goey, portfolio manager at Design Wealth Management and author of Bullshift, to unpack how investors can navigate today’s financial turbulence through evidence-based decision-making and strategic diversification.

John shares his post-2008 pivot to discretionary portfolio management and explains why removing emotion from financial planning is critical in an era defined by market overvaluation and hype. He dives deep into the psychology of investing—particularly the dangers of optimism bias and overconfidence—and how these tendencies lead investors astray. Drawing insights from his three books, John advocates for a client-first model rooted in rational analysis and long-term sustainability.

You’ll learn:

• Why advisors need discretion to act objectively and decisively
• How alternative investments like music royalties and private equity real estate can create stability
• The importance of aligning portfolio strategy with personal liquidity needs and time horizons
• How to avoid falling into the trap of hot trends, including today’s AI investment boom
• Why cost-effectiveness and risk-adjusted returns should guide your portfolio construction

“If we want better outcomes, we have to change the way we think—about risk, cost, and the stories we tell ourselves about money.”

Whether you’re a cautious investor, financial professional, or simply tired of the rollercoaster of public markets, John’s grounded, data-informed approach offers a refreshing lens on building a portfolio that can weather any storm.

👤 About John De Goey:
John De Goey is a portfolio manager at Design Wealth Management, renowned author of Bullshift, and a vocal advocate for evidence-based investing. With over two decades of experience, he is committed to helping clients achieve long-term financial goals through objective strategy, rational decision-making, and broad diversification—including non-traditional asset classes.

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