“Rule Breaker Investing: Exclusive Audiobook Preview”

In this engaging podcast episode, we present a 5-minute excerpt from Chapter 3 of David Gardner’s latest book, Rule Breaker Investing. Titled “After Yesterday,” this segment narrates a captivating story from CNBC featuring a co-host who was astonished that David remained optimistic about cloud stocks despite recent market fluctuations. The underlying message emphasizes that Rule Breaker investors do not allow the past day’s market performance to dictate their future investment strategies. Enjoy this enlightening excerpt, and feel free to share it with a friend who may benefit from a more insightful, positive, and prosperous investing mindset.

To access full episodes of all The Motley Fool’s complimentary podcasts, please visit our podcast center. When you are prepared to invest, check out our curated list of the top 10 stocks to consider buying.

A complete transcript is provided below.

This podcast was recorded on September 13, 2025.

David Gardner: Greetings, Fools! I hope you are enjoying your weekend. David here, ready to share a special Weekend Extra from Rule Breaker Investing. Today, I have an exciting 5-minute audio excerpt from the upcoming audiobook, which will be released on September 16, alongside hardcover and eBook versions. If you prefer listening to ideas rather than reading them, this is your chance to get a sneak preview. This excerpt encapsulates the essence of my book, blending practicality with optimism and a dash of mischief. It intertwines essential habits, effective stock-picking traits, and sound portfolio principles, all aimed at making us smarter, happier, and wealthier. This segment features my own voice, presenting concepts you may recognize if you’re a regular listener, along with a story that might be new to you. If you enjoy it, consider pre-ordering from your favorite bookstore or audiobook platform. Here’s a pro tip: pre-orders send a powerful message that investors continue to read and listen. If you know someone who could benefit from a welcoming introduction to investing, share this episode with them. Think of it as an audio appetizer before the main course arrives on September 16. That’s enough from me; let’s get started, producer Bart Shannon, with five minutes from the Rule Breaker Investing Audiobook. I hope it brings you joy this weekend as a Weekend Extra, and may this audiobook prove to be a valuable investment for you for years to come. Let’s dive in. Fool on!

“Do you still have faith in cloud computing stocks?” my co-host asked during the commercial break. Following a challenging day in the markets, when the sector had dropped 7-10%, I had been co-hosting an early morning CNBC market show with a brilliant young anchor. Our investment viewpoints could not have contrasted more sharply. When I mentioned several of my favored stocks, including Salesforce, her reaction was almost comical—her jaw literally dropped. My co-host, whom we will refer to as “After Yesterday,” was not a day trader or a high-frequency trading algorithm. She was a well-educated, accomplished broadcast journalist who woke up at dawn to report on market activities. People relied on her insights for understanding the day’s business and market developments. In a way, however, she resembled a day trader. Anyone who makes a living following the markets closely and subtly implies that others are misguided for holding onto stocks after a market dip is, in essence, trading the headlines, trends, and buzz, even if they aren’t actively buying and selling stocks. When you are tuned into the markets minute by minute, every fluctuation, every trend, every piece of news becomes significant. It amplifies the feeling of urgency, and the notion of “after yesterday” can lead to misguided investment decisions. While she excels at her role, it is crucial not to conflate her viewpoint with sound financial wisdom, nor should it influence your investment choices. Many viewers tuning into CNBC might mistakenly believe the opposite. In various areas of life, I would wager that After Yesterday is exemplary and well-mannered. It’s only in the stock market that she seems to adopt a perspective that contradicts both her interests and those of her audience—a truly ironic situation. If you’ve ever wondered how everyday investors, like you and me, can outperform Wall Street and its indices, you now have your answer.

The most reliable strategy for long-term market success involves maintaining the same calmness and perspective regarding your investments that you apply in other life areas. Perhaps Billy Joel expressed the greatest investment secret when he sang, “don’t go changing.” In simpler terms, invest in stocks with the intention of holding them for the long haul, not for short-term trading. If you aim to invest for less than three years, you are likely heading in the wrong direction. There is often confusion surrounding the term “invest” and what the act of investing truly entails. The Latin root of “invest” is investire, meaning to put on, or to wear garments. Consider the imagery associated with related phrases like “priestly vestments.” Picture fans proudly wearing the jerseys of their favorite sports teams as they make their way to the stadium, find their seats, and cheer passionately for their teams. They sport their team colors, and regardless of whether their team wins or loses, they maintain that jersey. The same applies to the stock market; whether a company performs well or poorly, dedicated investors remain loyal to their investments. Why? Because they are emotionally invested. Ironically, many individuals may feel a stronger connection to their sports teams than to their financial investments, which hold far greater significance. Sports enthusiasts understand that their teams will not win every game or season, and Rule Breaker investors acknowledge the same reality concerning their stocks. If you identify a winning company, stick with it. Wearing your team’s colors can be literal; many people wear shirts emblazoned with the Apple logo, proudly don Lululemon apparel, or even sport Harley tattoos. These individuals are not the same, yet you likely have logo gear in your own wardrobe. My wish for you is twofold: first, that you own shares in those successful companies, and second, that your investments outlast your clothing. Regardless of whether you currently own the shirt, I want you to harbor a genuine appreciation for the companies you invest in. My portfolio consists of businesses that I believe contribute positively to the world, are driven by purpose, are managed for the long term, demonstrate resilience, and exhibit flexibility. I am convinced that their success will lead to a better world. When you are truly invested in this manner, it becomes instinctive, even during challenging times, to keep that jersey on. If individuals approached their financial investments with the same passion and commitment as their lifelong emotional investments in their favorite sports teams, they would undoubtedly be smarter, happier, and wealthier.