Podcast Summary: Earn Your Leisure – Top Biotech Investment Picks & How AI is Transforming Healthcare
Release Date: January 29, 2026
Hosts: Rashad Bilal & Troy Millings (iHeartPodcasts)
Main Theme & Purpose
This episode dives into emerging investment opportunities in biotech, with an emphasis on how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare. The hosts, joined by contributors and analysts, discuss their top biotech picks, the integration of AI in the industry, and personal experiences with innovators and investors at the forefront of these changes. The conversation aims to blend actionable finance advice with real-world case studies and cultural relevance.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. AI’s Impact on Healthcare & Biotech
- Nvidia's Role:
- The team recounts a recent Nvidia panel focused on medical applications of AI ([03:00]).
- “[Nvidia] gave us a whole blueprint of how the medical industry will change because of artificial intelligence and their technology specifically.” (Biotech/Tech Analyst, [03:01])
- AI’s speed is dramatically accelerating drug discovery, patient care, and hospital experiences.
- Example: Analysis of human genomes, formerly taking 8 years, now completed in 4 hours with AI and advanced technology ([04:58], [06:00]).
- The team recounts a recent Nvidia panel focused on medical applications of AI ([03:00]).
2. Top Biotech Investment Picks
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Hunter Woodhull's “Top Three” ([03:41], [04:58]):
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IBB ETF (iShares Biotechnology ETF): Provides broad exposure to the biotech sector.
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Amgen: Praised as “one of the greatest companies on the planet and one of the best run ones in the biotech space.”
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Gilead Sciences: Renowned for innovation in therapeutics.
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Also mentions the importance of Nvidia’s partnership with Lilly, and how Nvidia is akin to “the BlackRock of AI.”
“If I had to put my money all on three, it would be IBB, Amgen…, and Gilead Sciences. That will round out my top three.”
– Hunter Woodhull ([04:52])
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Tara Davis Woodhull’s Perspective ([04:58]–[07:35]):
- Adds her own “Top Three” for varied exposure and domain expertise:
- Lilly (Eli Lilly): For its leadership and consistent innovation, especially in diabetes and obesity drugs.
- Biogen: Pioneer in treatments for neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s).
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals: Niche dominance in cystic fibrosis treatment.
- Emphasizes the value of companies with clear specialty niches: "The riches [are] in those niches..." ([06:10])
- Highlights the unpredictability in biotech, given the lengthy process for scientific testing and FDA approval.
- Adds her own “Top Three” for varied exposure and domain expertise:
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Joint Reflections:
- Consensus on the value of dominant, specialized companies over generalist or fringe biotech firms.
“With this list—Vertex, Amgen, Biogen, Gilead—the cream rose to the top. The players that were kind of on the fringes have died out. So I don’t think you can go wrong with this list.”
– Hunter Woodhull ([07:39])
- Consensus on the value of dominant, specialized companies over generalist or fringe biotech firms.
3. Real-World Encounters & Industry Insights
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Nvidia’s Multi-Industry Reach ([08:52]):
- Nvidia is portrayed not just as a chipmaker, but as a pervasive tech enabler, from healthcare and robotics to gaming and autonomous vehicles.
“Most people would think Nvidia as a chip company, but I look at Nvidia as a medical company, as a gaming company, as a sports company…”
– Biotech/Tech Analyst ([09:20])
- Nvidia is portrayed not just as a chipmaker, but as a pervasive tech enabler, from healthcare and robotics to gaming and autonomous vehicles.
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Networking with Top Investors:
- Memorable dinner with Nas (rapper and prominent investor), who showed deep curiosity about biotech and AI trends ([10:11]):
“But he spent more time asking questions than talking…So somebody like that, who’s a legend icon, can, you know, spend time asking questions. You gotta…receive the information.”
– Biotech/Tech Analyst ([11:28]) - Peter, Nas’ business partner, follows Market Mondays and implements their advice.
- Memorable dinner with Nas (rapper and prominent investor), who showed deep curiosity about biotech and AI trends ([10:11]):
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Speed of Scientific Progress:
“They talked about doing genomes and how it used to take 8 years and now they’ve got it down to 4 hours…just insanity.”
– Tara Davis Woodhull ([04:58]) -
On Investment Philosophy:
“Sometimes things don’t need to be explicitly explained to you. It’s like the implicit intrinsic value of what’s being said.”
– Tara Davis Woodhull ([05:00]) -
On Dominance in Niches:
“The riches in those niches…when you look specifically at what they do and what they dominate at.”
– Tara Davis Woodhull ([06:10]) -
On Learning from Icons:
“He spent more time asking questions than talking…That goes without saying. But he spent more time asking questions than talking…never take the information for granted.”
– Biotech/Tech Analyst ([11:28])
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:36 | Start of biotech and AI discussion | | 03:41 | Top biotech picks introduced by Hunter Woodhull | | 04:58 | Tara Davis Woodhull’s biotech picks, speed of AI advances | | 08:22 | Recommendations for investors, “the Holy Trinity” list | | 08:52 | Reframing Nvidia as a multi-industry software company | | 10:11 | Dinner with Nas—learning and curiosity in investment icons |
Tone & Language
The episode blends casual, conversational language with actionable insights and occasional humor. The hosts relate market trends to broader cultural moments and personal experiences, keeping finance accessible but serious for listeners eager to learn and invest.
Takeaways
- AI is revolutionizing healthcare—not only in theory but in practical, measurable ways, with firms like Nvidia at the core.
- Top biotech investment ideas: Consider diversified ETFs, established leaders (Amgen, Gilead, Lilly, Biogen, Vertex), and specialist companies with unique niches.
- Look for dominant players in a biotech segment rather than betting on speculative or fringe firms.
- Remain teachable—even high-profile investors like Nas are still asking questions and learning from others.
- Never take information for granted, and use insights from trusted sources to inform your investment strategy.
