The SPAC Podcast: Special Purpose Acquisition Company
🎙️ Welcome to The SPAC Podcast — your front-row seat to the dynamic world of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies.
Hosted by Michael Blankenship, a leading capital markets attorney and partner at Winston & Strawn LLP, and Joshua Wilson, executive producer and capital markets advisor, The SPAC Podcast brings you candid conversations, insider insights, and sharp analysis from the people shaping the future of the SPAC market.
Whether you’re a sponsor, investor, founder, attorney, banker, or just curious about the mechanics and momentum behind SPACs — this show is your go-to source for education, strategy, and real-world stories from the dealmakers behind the deals.
🚀 What You’ll Hear
In each episode, we’ll unpack:
- The structure, lifecycle, and mechanics of SPACs — from IPO to de-SPAC
- Legal and regulatory insights that matter to sponsors and targets
- Interviews with founders, investors, and advisors who’ve navigated successful transactions
- Trends and forecasts from the front lines of capital markets
- Lessons learned, deal strategies, and ways to leverage SPACs as a growth vehicle
We’re not just watching the SPAC market — we’re talking to the people building it.
🎧 Meet Your Hosts
Michael Blankenship is the Office Managing Partner of Winston & Strawn LLP (Houston) and Co-Chair of the firm’s Capital Markets practice. He has represented over 100 public companies, private equity firms, and SPACs in IPOs, M&A, de-SPACs, and securities offerings. Known for his clarity, legal acumen, and deal fluency, Michael brings unmatched insight into the regulatory, transactional, and strategic forces shaping the SPAC space.
Joshua Wilson is experienced in investment banking and the founder of multiple media brands, including The Investor Relations Podcast. With over 2,000 interviews under his belt and deep experience in real estate, private capital, and investor engagement, Josh brings a fresh voice and strategic lens to every conversation — helping connect deals with the stories and people behind them.
Together, they bridge law, finance, and media — guiding listeners through the world of SPACs with clarity, credibility, and curiosity.
🌎 Who This Show is For
- SPAC Sponsors & CEOs
- Institutional and Private Investors
- Investment Bankers & Corporate Attorneys
- Venture-backed Founders and Startups
- Private Equity & Family Offices
- Finance Professionals and Capital Markets Enthusiasts
🔔 Subscribe, Follow, and Join the Conversation
This isn’t just a show — it’s a platform for education, connection, and business development in the SPAC ecosystem. Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube. New episodes drop weekly.
Follow us on LinkedIn and share the show with colleagues, clients, and fellow capital markets pros.
The SPAC Podcast
Where sponsors meet stories, markets meet momentum, and strategy meets execution.
The SPAC Podcast: Special Purpose Acquisition Company
Why Boards Need a Broker Who Does More Than Just Place Insurance
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In this episode of The SPAC Podcast, Machua “Motsch” Millett, Chief Innovation Officer at Lockton Companies, outlines the critical role brokers play in guiding boards through the D&O insurance process before, during, and after a SPAC transaction.
Machua shares how his team approaches the role as a true risk advisor, not just an insurance placement firm. From educating boards on lifecycle risks, to designing cost-efficient coverage programs, to stepping in with claims advocacy during litigation or regulatory actions, he explains why working with a broker who deeply understands SPAC dynamics and can partner with outside counsel is essential to protecting directors, officers, and sponsors from personal liability.
Connect with the Guest:
Machua Millett – Chief Innovation Officer, Lockton Companies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/machuamillett/
View all of their episodes here:
https://www.thespacpodcast.com/guests/machua-millett/
Connect with the Hosts & The SPAC Podcast:
Michael Blankenship LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/
Joshua Wilson LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@Thespacpodcast
Contact The SPAC Podcast:
https://www.thespacpodcast.com/contact/
#SPACs #CapitalMarkets #SPACPodcast #DandOInsurance #RiskAdvisory #BoardGovernance #ClaimsAdvocacy
The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the guest are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The SPAC Podcast, its hosts, or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice.
Disclaimer: Michael J. Blankenship is a licensed attorney and partner at Winston & Strawn LLP. Joshua Wilson is a licensed Florida real estate broker and holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licensure. The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or compliance advice. All views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of any regulatory agency, law firm, organization, or employer. Listeners should consult their own legal counsel, compliance teams, or financial advisors to ensure adherence to applicable regulations, including SEC, FINRA, and other industry-specific requirements. This podcast does not constitute a solicitation or recommendation for any financial products or services. Let's
Connect on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeblankenship/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/
To Contact Us, Please Visit:
Michael Blankenship:
So for boards of SPACs and de-SPAC companies, how much should they be leaning on their broker versus outside counsel when evaluating D&O coverage?
Machua Millett:
Just like in any go-public transaction, it’s critical to have legal counsel who knows the space but it’s equally important to have a broker who truly understands risk, structure, and the insurance market.
We don’t just place policies. Our team acts as a full-fledged advisor across three key functions:
- Educate the board and officers about risk across the full SPAC and de-SPAC lifecycle.
- Design a policy that optimizes coverage and manages cost, based on the SPAC’s unique risk profile and tolerance.
- Claims advocacy—when litigation, regulatory action, or investigation happens, we guide the board through the claims process and make sure the insurance company actually pays.
My law firm background helps us speak both legal and risk languages. We’re constantly available to meet with board members and ensure everyone understands what’s covered, what’s not, and how to stay protected.