Does scientific, artistic or political brilliance translate into investing success? That's the question at the heart of a new Financial Times podcast episode featuring reporter Toby Nangle, who examined the investment portfolios of some of history's most celebrated geniuses. The investigation covers Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Winston Churchill, John Maynard Keynes, and other renowned figures.

Nangle's research reveals surprising results about how these brilliant minds handled their money. Newton, despite his mathematical genius, lost a significant fortune during the South Sea Bubble in 1720. Keynes, the economist whose theories shaped modern finance, proved to be a notably successful investor who outperformed the market for decades.

The episode also explores lesser-known figures including J.M.W. Turner, Jane Austen, and Einstein, examining what happened to their Nobel Prize earnings. The findings challenge assumptions about intelligence and investment success, with historical evidence suggesting that brilliance in one field doesn't necessarily translate to financial acumen.