Emotional Balance Sheet with Paul Fenner
TAMMA Capital
Welcome to the Emotional Balance Sheet, the go-to podcast for parents with multiple kids, especially those with twins, triplets, or more, who are navigating the maze of modern family life and personal finance.
Whether you're overwhelmed by education costs, retirement planning, career transitions, or trying to define your purpose and plan, we're here to guide you with empathy, expertise, and encouragement.
Hosted by Paul Fenner, Founder of TAMMA Capital, a Certified Financial Planner®, and parent to 4 kids, including a set of triplets, our podcast is your ally in the quest for financial peace of mind, proving that money matters, but f...
How to Master Credit Card Reward Programs with Spencer Howard
Have you ever asked yourself what the best credit card to use for my family and me is? I get this question a lot and it is a topic I have wrestled with myself. Today, I am talking with someone who can help all of us navigate the complexity of credit card points and rewards systems. Spencer Howard is the founder of Straight To The Points. Spencer has built an entire business around helping individuals and families save money on travel and go to places they never would have dreamed of. Our conv
Understanding Make Sureing: The Fine Line Between Support and Control with Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
Have you ever heard of the term "make sureing?" Today, we delve into a term coined by Dr. Jennifer Dragonette to describe our frantic attempts to control situations or emotions beyond our control. Though often well-intentioned, we explore how this behavior can lead to unintended consequences, especially within family dynamics and relationships. Dr. Jen sheds light on the evolution of “make sureing” and its impact on those doing the make sureing and those being made sured. Dr. Jen explains how
Interrupting Stress with Microdoses of Relaxation with Dr. Teryn Clarke
How do you manage stress in the face of small or large-scale traumatic events? Dr. Teryn Clarke is back with us to tackle a pressing issue—how to manage stress when trauma feels like it is all around us, especially in the face of large-scale traumatic events like the recent fires in California. Dr. Teryn, who is based in Orange County, shares firsthand accounts of the devastation, highlighting the emotional toll on displaced families and communities. Our conversation centers on effective techniq
Cutting Through the Noise: Removing Distractions for Decision Making - Paul Fenner
Have you missed me on Instagram or Facebook? It's been two months since I shut down my accounts on those platforms, and I have not received one request for me to come back on. My point gets to the heart of the topic I am talking about today, the concept of 'noise' in decision-making, particularly in financial planning and portfolio management. There is a strong need to filter out irrelevant information, especially political noise, to focus on what truly impacts your personal and financial life.
Navigating Anxiety: Strategies for Managing Stress in a New Year - Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
In this conversation, Dr. Jen Dragonette and Paul Fenner explore the pervasive issue of anxiety, particularly during the start of a new year and in the context of recent societal events. Dr. Jen highlights the physical manifestations of anxiety, the importance of understanding its nature, and the role of mindset in managing anxious thoughts. Our conversation emphasizes the concept of agency, the need for connection, and the power of communication in overcoming feelings of isolation and fear. Thr
The Brain’s Role in Goal Achievement and Parenting Dr. Teryn Clarke
We all know this time of year spurs great interest in setting goals and resolutions, but do you know the difference between the two? Dr. Teryn Clarke, our resident neurologist expert, walks us through the difference between goals and resolutions and why we should focus on goals and not resolutions. Specifically, we address the acronym SMART when setting goals. We explore the vital role of tiny wins in habit building and the rewarding shift in medicine and financial planning towards a more coll
16 Days That "Made" 2024
Welcome to "Emotional Balance Sheet," and a Happy New Year to all our listeners! Back from a refreshing holiday break with my family, I wanted to take a retrospective look at the financial markets in 2024—a year marked by fascinating highs and lows. I'll break down the key moments that drove the S&P 500 to a 23% gain, highlighting just 16 critical trading days among 252. Most importantly, we'll discuss the implications for your wealth management and portfolio strategies as we navigate the new ye
Dr. Jennifer Dragonette – Learning How to Use Time as a Resource
Do you wish you had more time? If you did have more time for yourself, what would you do? Managing time and anxiety in a busy world, especially for parents, is an everyday occurrence. Our resident therapist expert, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, and I continue to press forward with our conversations around defining our purpose and supporting them with our time. During our conversation, we explore the importance of mindfulness, the myth of multitasking, and practical strategies for finding time for s
Dr. Teryn Clarke – Preventing Alzheimer's: The Power of Cognitive Exercise
Dr. Teryn Clarke – Preventing Alzheimer's: The Power of Cognitive Exercise What if you could prevent cognitive decline such as dementia or Alzheimer's? Would you do it, even if it meant you had to make significant life changes? Dr. Teryn Clarke, our resident neurologist expert, discusses the significance of cognitive exercise for maintaining brain health and preventing cognitive decline, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Our conversation explores various cognitive exercises, the importance of l
Jill Benedict – Planning Family Vacations: Cruise or All-Inclusive Resort
Summary Where do you want to take your family on vacation? What vacation would work best for you and your family? These are the questions I explored with Jill Benedict, our resident vacation planning expert. Jill and I explore the various vacation options, including cruises and all-inclusive resorts, and provide insights on choosing the best vacation type based on family needs and preferences. Our conversation delves into the differences between cruise experiences and resort stays, highlight
Dr. Jennifer Dragonette – Uncovering Core Values for Financial Clarity and Emotional Balance
Imagine trying to find your way in the dark without a light. Even if you have a plan, do you have a light to help show you the way? Our purpose and values are the light that helps to guide us along our lives and weaves itself into our financial plans. Our resident therapist expert, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, helps us explore how deeply our emotions and core values influence financial decisions, especially as we transition through various life stages. Dr. Jen shares a fascinating exercise to help
Ayelet Fischbach – The Science of Motivation and Strategies to Help You Achieve Your Purpose
Have you ever set a goal and wondered why is this really important to me? Or did you set an objective and lose your motivation while trying to achieve it?
Paul Fenner – Is the Election Over Yet?
By the time this episode is released, I sure hope we have an answer to who won the 2024 presidential election. I wanted to take a few minutes to explain my strategy of how I have handled this current election cycle, highlighting what I have done and, more importantly what I have not done. While tuning out the noise of the election is hard, patience and long-term strategies must win out vs. over-reactive decision-making based on political outcomes. Market performance is not solely dictated by wh
Dr. Teryn Clarke – Building Healthy Habits: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety Through Tiny Changes
Dr. Teryn Clarke – Building Healthy Habits: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety Through Tiny Changes Do you ever wonder why fear takes over when trying to gain traction when it comes to your physical or financial health? Dr. Teryn Clake, our resident neurologist expert, is back to discuss why negative feedback loops are stronger than positive ones, making change difficult. Making changes is challenging due to the conflict between the primitive "lizard brain" (focused on immediate gratification) and the
How to Use Emotions as Information - Dr. Jennifer Dragonette
Every day, we are surrounded by our emotions. But how can we use our emotions as information rather than be bullied by them? Our resident therapist expert, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, joins us once again to discuss the concept of emotions as information and explore how our feelings significantly impact our financial decisions, careers, and overall life choices. Dr. Jen shares practical techniques to navigate powerful emotions like fear and anger, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, groundin
Why Politics Should Stay Out of Your Portfolio
If you haven't heard, a presidential election is happening this year. This often leads to a topic of conversation or a series of questions about what will happen to the stock market, depending on who wins. In this episode, I dive into why politics should stay out of your portfolio. Why time invested in the market is better than trying to time the market. And there is data that squarely proves this concept. This is the first episode that might be better to watch/listen to on our YouTube channe
The Hidden Dangers of Seed Oils for Brain Health - Dr. Teryn Clarke
Dr. Teryn Clarke is back with us to delve into a topic affecting our health in surprising ways: seed oils. Have you ever wondered about the hidden impacts of common cooking oils on your brain and overall well-being? Dr. Clarke explains what seed oils are, where they come from, and how they contribute to inflammation—a key factor in diseases like Alzheimer's. In this episode, you'll gain clarity on which oils to avoid, discover healthier alternatives for your cooking, and understand how process
Jill Benedict – How to Master and Save Money on Family Vacations
I am often asked how families master planning for vacation from a financial and experience standpoint. Jill Benedict, a seasoned travel agent who runs a unique travel agency, emphasizes that vacations aren't just about booking trips—they are about creating memorable experiences that align with personal and financial goals. Jill shares her insights on navigating family cruises, optimizing vacation costs, and making the most of the trip experiences. I have personally found that working with some
Unlocking Your Personal Power: Embrace Your Control
You have more power and control than you realize, has become a powerful theme emerging from my recent planning sessions with families. In this episode, we'll explore how taking control of your emotional and financial well-being can profoundly impact your life. Drawing insights from my own experiences and the wisdom of expert guests like neurologist Dr. Taryn Clark and psychologist Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, we'll discuss practical ways to focus on the positive aspects of life and harness your in
Dr. Jennifer Dragonette – Understanding the Role of Money Conversations in Relationships
How do you have money conversations with your spouse or partner? And just as important, what are you trying to achieve by having them? Today, we're diving deep into the intricate dance of relationships, communication, and money with our resident therapist, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette. We explore the importance of understanding each other's upbringing and values, particularly hot-button topics like finances. Dr. Jen stresses how curiosity can replace fear in these conversations while sharing techni
Dr. Teryn Clarke – Unlocking Brain Health: The Power of Time-Restricted Eating
Dr. Teryn Clarke – Unlocking Brain Health: The Power of Time-Restricted Eating I am excited to have Dr. Teryn Clarke join us once again. Dr. Clarke also sheds light on the power of mindful and balanced eating over restrictive diets, sharing her insights from her research and personal experiences. We'll discuss practical tips for implementing time-restricted eating, including Dr. Clarke's meal timing and composition recommendations, ways to identify true hunger, and the importance of consulting
Tom McCarthy – Navigating the Housing and Interest Rate Markets with Trust and a Slice of Humor
Can you find trust and comedy within the highly personal and emotional arena of financial planning? Tom McCarthy has built a successful 24-year career in the mortgage industry based on trust, doing what is in the best interests of his clients, and with a little comedy. Tom shares his unique perspective on the current housing market, including the impact of fluctuating interest rates, while providing valuable insights for potential homebuyers navigating mortgage decisions in this environment. Bu
Multiple Retirement Options to Choose
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Dr. Benjamin Ritter – Becoming Fearless: Finding Harmony and Purpose in Personal and Professional Life
How do you find harmony between your personal and professional lives? Do emotions such as fear hold you back from finding your unique purpose? Dr. Benjamin Ritter rejoins us as we discuss his new book, "Becoming Fearless, 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery." Ben and I dive deep into the importance of focusing not just on our financial well-being but also on our emotional well-being. Ben shares strategies from his book for creating space for personal and professional growt
Carrie Schochet – Leveraging LinkedIn and Networks for Discreet Job Opportunities
Are you frustrated with your current job but aren't taking the first step you know you need to make to implement a positive change? Carrie Schochet, executive recruiter and founder of Purple Squirrel Advisors, rejoins us as we navigate career challenges and changes. We dive deep into the importance of networking and making meaningful connections, even in unexpected places. A concept we explore is "net giving" as opposed to simply "networking," drawing inspiration from the book "The Go-Giver" b
Two Pieces of Data Tells the World About You
Ep.153 – Two Pieces of Data Tells the World About You What if I told you that only two pieces of data would tell me everything I needed to know about you? Could you guess what they would be? These two data points show where your money goes and how you prioritize your time. I'll explore how understanding these elements can help align your spending and scheduling with your core values and life goals. Whether it's uncovering your financial patterns or evaluating how you allocate your time, small
Megan Brissette – The College Planning Journey: A Student's Perspective on Academics, Finances and Social Transition
Whether you're a parent looking for guidance on supporting your child through the college planning process or a high school student trying to figure out your own path, this episode is packed with relatable insights and practical advice from a student's perspective. 19-year-old Megan Brissette shares her journey from developing her college list to transitioning socially and academically into her freshman year at Michigan State University. You'll get a front-row seat to the challenges, surprises,
When Does a Cost Stop Being an Expense and Start Being an Investment
When does a cost stop being an expense and start being an investment? The answer to this question is part of a broader search for helping people identify and develop their purpose and supporting objectives, not solely from a financial perspective but more from a personal and lifestyle perspective. Ultimately, the transition from expense to investment often involves a shift in mindset. It requires thinking beyond immediate gratification and considering the long-term impact of your decisions. The
Productivity and Parenting: Raising Intrinsically Motivated Children
When you think of the word productivity, what is your first thought? Today, we're diving into a fascinating discussion on productivity, but not in the way you might expect. Recently, I had a conversation with one of my clients about what it means to raise productive children and the challenges parents face in this endeavor. Whether you have one child or several, the struggle to balance keeping them active and not overwhelming them is a familiar one. In this episode, I'll share my personal experi
Enjoy Your Holiday and Our Past Episodes
We are taking a break to spend time with friends and family this week as we celebrate the 4th of July holiday. Be sure to check out our 150th episode from last week, where I highlight some of my favorite conversations over the past four years of hosting the show. You can access that show here to find an episode I am sure you will love. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow P
Reflecting on 150 Episodes: Celebrating Awareness and Life Transitions
Welcome to the 150th episode of the Emotional Balance Sheet podcast! I can hardly believe it's been nearly four years since we launched our journey in October 2020. Through the ups and downs, your support has kept us going, and today, I want to celebrate this milestone by highlighting some of the most meaningful conversations we've had. In this special episode, we revisit insightful discussions with remarkable guests like Brian Portnoy on "funded contentment," Dr. Joy Leary on the deeper i
Striving For Efficient Lives
Inspired by a quote from psychologist Amos Tversky, I wanted to dive into the detrimental effects of over-scheduling and the importance of allowing ourselves time to wander and be creative. Cognitive scientist Scott Barry Kaufman's research finds that 72% of our best ideas often come to us in the shower. Why is that? And what other places could we generate that level of creativity and space to think about the important aspects of our lives? As we transition into the summer months, embrace the
Dreams and Dollars: Navigating a Vacation/Rental Home Purchase
As we dive into the summer vacation season, a frequently asked question arises: should I buy a vacation home or rental property? I share personal insights and experiences from when my family purchased a vacation home in Traverse City, Michigan, diving into the various considerations and decisions involved in such a significant financial commitment. Here are some key takeaways to consider Understand the purpose: investment property vs. future retirement home Factor in costs: property management
Data Breaches: What You Can Do to Help Protect Yourself
Recently, a massive breach at Ticketmaster potentially affected over 500 million people. While this is not an isolated incident, data breaches are becoming increasingly common. So what can you do? In this episode, I'll be sharing practical steps you can take to safeguard your personal information, including investing in a credit monitoring service, using a password manager, and possibly freezing your credit. Connect with Paul Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here. For res
Paul Fenner – The U.S. Government is Not Going Bankrupt
Do you believe the U.S. government is going bankrupt? It's becoming more of a common question as our national debt levels have ballooned to epic proportions. It might even conjure up emotions of fear if you listen to mainstream media sources. However, if we go beyond the headlines, we will find that the U.S. is not going bankrupt, and we should likely be thankful for the wealth we have created in part from our increase in national debt. I call on my friend and economic expert Cullen Roche's w
Dr. Shaan Patel - Decoding Test-Optional College Admissions
Have you ever wondered if standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are still relevant, especially when colleges offer test-optional admissions? The debate around standardized testing has become more nuanced than ever. With the rise of test-optional college admissions, many students and parents grapple with the question: Is taking the SAT or ACT still necessary? I wanted to speak with Dr. Shaan Patel, the founder and CEO of Prep Expert, a leading test preparation company, to shed light on this top
Paul Fenner – Unsolicited Advice for Everyone About to Graduate
Welcome to a special "Emotional Balance Sheet" graduation episode where we're diving into real-world advice for all the fresh graduates. Congratulations on this incredible milestone in your life! Now, let's talk about what comes next. While the world often echoes Steve Jobs' famous 2005 Stanford speech urging graduates to follow their passion, today, we will shake things up and challenge that narrative. Instead, I encourage you to pursue what you enjoy and what can sustain you financially bec
Christina Gossayn – Embracing Identity and Prioritizing Yourself in Parenthood
Have you ever taken the time to think about who you are? We all have multiple identities, but how do the different people we represent come together to form who we are? Christina Gossayn, a behavioral scientist and Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior candidate, has focused her research on how identities evolve over time, especially under the mantle of responsibility that comes with age. Our self-reflection can take a backseat as we juggle various roles, from professionals to parents. For many, pa
Ep.142 – Paul Fenner – A Lifetime of Teachable Moments
I am the product of a tight-knit, small-town community. While searching for a job during college, I was fortunate to cross paths with Darrell and Melodee Hoff, who became my first career mentors. Darrell recently passed, and I wanted to share not only the practical skills I learned from him but also the profound influence of his mentor in shaping my personal and professional outlook to this day. Here are a few key takeaways Mentors can deliver more than business lessons, How you define family
Holly Markiecki-Bennetts – Study Skills, Self-Advocacy, and Finding the "Right-Fit" College
Did you know that the path to choosing the "right-fit" college for your child could also lead to life lessons in self-advocacy? I welcome back Holly Markiecki-Bennetts, a high school guidance counselor and college advisor who is also a mom to one + twins! Holly is a testament to thoughtful and intentional educational decision-making. While many high school seniors embark on the nerve-wracking odyssey of college applications, laden with standardized test scores and wide nets, Holly worked with
Rising Dividends
ubscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify At retirement, your whole financial life essentially collapses down to one binary question: will your money outlive you, or will you outlive your money? Volatility in the market is often seen as a risk, but it's important to differentiate between the two. The real risk lies in not having a plan that can sustain your financial needs throughout retirement. It's not about meeting a benchmark; it's about developing a pl
Neil Dutta – How Mainstream Media Mis-shapes Your View About the Economy
What does the mainstream media get wrong in their economy and stock market coverage? How much does the economy influence the stock market and vice versa? Neil Dutta, a noted business economist from Renaissance Macro Research and father of 1 plus twins, takes us on a journey into investment advice's economics and shattering stereotypes mainstream media dishes out. Neil will debunk the myth of the 'doomer' in investment circles and offers a fresh perspective on current economic conditions, incl
Emotional Decision Making
Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify In the midst of disappointment, our emotions can run hot. Whether it's parenting, finances, or life in general, understanding the impact of emotions on our choices is crucial. Making decisions in the heat of the moment rarely leads to positive outcomes. Instead, creating space to step back, breathe, and gain clarity allows for better, more informed decisions. By being aware of our emotions, we can make strides t
Dr. Joy Lere – Finding Harmony Between Emotions and Finance in Relationships
Most couples think they end up in a therapist's office to talk about sex and money. But it's really deeper underlying issues couples are looking to hash out. Dr. Joy Lere, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of Shaping Wealth, is a leading voice in the psychology of money and applied behavioral finance. In her practice, Joy has observed that individuals find it easier to disclose the details of their intimate encounters than to reveal the figures in their bank accounts. Joy'
How to Lose Time and Money
Do you give an honest answer when someone asks, "How are you doing?" Or do you give the typical generic response about how "busy" you are? Paul Graham is an investor who has worked with thousands of startup companies and is also a prolific writer. I imagine that Paul has some valuable insights into what it means to be busy. The central thesis behind our discussion is Paul's essay "How to lose time and money." Within it, I go deep into the idea that the most dangerous way to lose time is not
Carrie Schochet – Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Career Changes
Trust that today's conversation holds valuable guidance for those grappling with the emotional hurdles of a career change or fine-tuning work-life balance, especially busy parents. We welcome back our resident career expert, Carrie Schochet of Purple Squirrel Advisors, to discuss everything from the delicate balance of flexibility in the workplace to maintaining privacy during a job search. Here are a few key topics The strategic use of AI to navigate resumes, job applications, and interview qu
The Gap and The Gain
The Gap and The Gain Do you see the horizon, but it’s not moving? Our purpose is a lot like the horizon; it is helpful to figure out your direction and to plan your journey, but you can’t reach your purpose any more than you can arrive at the horizon. A few years ago, I came across a book by Dan Sullivan titled The Gap and The Gain. It was somewhat life-changing at the time and continues to hold a theory I wrestle with today. A theory I discuss with the families I work with and even
Dr. Christine Gravert – Reducing Friction to Change Behaviors
Christina Gravert, a behavioral scientist and a new mother, has something to say about motivation and habits. Ten months after welcoming a baby into her life, Christina confronts a reality familiar to many: the struggle of balancing personal objectives, like returning to the gym, with the demands of parenthood. Her experiences have led her to probe deeper into the nature of motivation and its limitations. Christina understands firsthand that motivation, like any fleeting emotion, can wax and w
Navigating Tax Season: The Importance of Tax Planning vs. Tax Preparation
Do you know what the difference between tax planning and preparation is? Were you even aware that this is a difference between the two? Today, we delve into the often-misunderstood differences between tax preparation and tax planning. With tax season upon us, it's crucial for everyone to grasp the objectives and intricacies of both. We discuss practical examples of tax planning, from retirement account contributions to college planning and charitable contributions. Additionally, we outline the
Heidi King – College Planning: The Impact of FAFSA Changes on Families
oday, we're diving into the second part of our insightful series with college planning expert Heidi King. If you thought college planning was just about selecting the right campus vibes for your kids, prepare to think again. We continue unraveling the complexities of the modern financial aid landscape, a terrain changed by replacing the expected family contribution with the new student aid index, shifting how college costs are calculated and how families can prepare. Get ready to dive into the
Questions to Ask During Your College Search
Are you feeling overwhelmed with college planning? If you're a high school senior or a parent navigating the college search process, it's understandable if you're feeling anxious. To help guide you through this process, our host Paul Fenner shared a comprehensive list of questions to ask during your college search in the latest episode of Emotional Balance Sheet. Paul outlines key questions to ask during your college search, covering academic, social, and lifestyle aspects. From admissions and
Heidi King – The High Stakes of College Planning for Parents
When is the right time to talk with your kids about planning for college? Why is finding the "right fit" school so critical, and what criteria do you use to choose it? Heidi King has a front-row seat in helping parents guide their kids through the college planning process, especially regarding the tough emotional side. Heidi entered college advising after a mid-career change driven largely by not finding the resources her family needed as she went through the college planning journey with her
The Days Are Long But the Years Are Short
Today I reflect on the milestone of my triplets turning 13 years old and the anniversary of starting his firm, Tama Capital. I share the significance of the name "Tama" and how it represents families helping families. Through personal anecdotes and engaging conversations with others, I delves into the concept of time, emphasizing the importance of cherishing moments and being present in both parenthood and relationships. Join me as we explore the profound impact of the phrase "the days are long,
Cassie Holmes – How to Find Your Happier Hour
Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify Talk about your background and how you came into the field of behavioral science. Sometimes, we have to take a step back to take steps forward. Can you explain why this is so important? Why does paying greater attention to time predict higher levels of happiness? What critical points do you want readers, especially parents, to take away from your book? I grapple with how to define what “enough” is. Did this idea come up for yo
Unraveling the Illusion of Market Predictions
In this episode of Emotional Balance Sheet, I dive into the topic of predictions and why it's crucial to steer clear of them, especially when it comes to the stock market and the economy. Join me as I share insights on the impact of predictions and why having a flexible approach is key to successful portfolio management. This episode is brought to you by Tamma Capital. Key Takeaways: - The stock market and the economy are not always aligned. Understanding the distinction is crucial in making inf
Allison Schrager – From Brothels to Bonds: Unlocking the Mysteries of Risk
Allison Schrager is an economist and writer who has taken on the complex subject of risk in her illuminating works. With astute perception and a flair for engaging storytelling, Allison seeks to debunk commonly held myths about risk—challenging the widely accepted mantra of 'no risk, no reward.' Allison's work probes into the subtleties of risk management, emphasizing that while society often chooses to ignore the inherent trade-offs of pursuing greater rewards, acknowledging these risks is cru
Scott Hanselman – Scaling Yourself (replay)
Eight years ago, I was introduced to someone who helped change the direction of my life. I am quite positive that I am not the only person whose life has been impacted by this one person. The funny thing, this is the first time that I have been able to speak with and thank Scott Hanselman. Scott Hanselman is a programmer, teacher, and speaker. Although Scott maintains a full-time role for the Web Platform Team at Microsoft, it is his obsession and enthusiasm for technology and deliberate pract
Unplugging to Recharge: The Magic Number for Vacation Days
We all know the importance of taking a breather, stepping away from our daily grind and responsibilities to recharge and rejuvenate. But how many days of vacation do we truly need to achieve that state of zen, that perfect balance between work and life? In the whirlwind of life, we often find ourselves caught up in the vortex of work, family, and societal obligations. It's like a never-ending marathon, and we sometimes forget the necessity of pausing, of taking a breather. But, let's be hones
Bruce Fieler – Life is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age
How many life transitions have you been through? What did you learn about yourself going through them? Bruce Fieler is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers and an avid collector and analyzer of life stories. Years ago, Bruce began a journey when he embarked on a project to document the experiences of Americans from all walks of life. Little did he know that this venture would lead him to delve into the realm of transitions, a concept that seemed foreign to him initially. Bruce introd
How to Handle a Bonus
Strategically using a bonus can boost your financial health, increase your peace of mind, and even enjoy the fruits of your labor with limited regret. Instead of spending a bonus all at once, consider intentionally distributing it to different areas of your financial plan. This includes paying down debt, funding an emergency account, investing in retirement plans, investing in children's future (like a 529 college savings plan), and even some self-celebration. A balanced wealth management plan,
Debbie Gail: Living in Peace, Not Fear: A Mother's Journey of Healing and Helping Others
How would your life change emotionally, physically, and mentally after the loss of a child? Debbie Gail is a strong, resilient woman who has transformed her pain into her purpose. Her journey began when she faced the challenges of her son's mental illness and addiction, eventually leading to his tragic loss. Throughout our conversation, Debbie takes us on her journey of finding peace and purpose amidst the challenges of her loved one's mental illness and addiction struggles. Debbie realized ea
Paul Fenner Optimize Your Spending to Increase Your Happiness
One aspect or secret to happiness can be found through strategic spending— not just spending on possessions or experiences but on what truly holds purpose in your life. It's not about how much money you have, but how you spend it significantly affects your happiness. Research supports the idea that spending money on experiences rather than things leads to greater happiness, as the novelty of new possessions tends to fade quickly. Additionally, trying to keep up with wealthier peers, even if you'
Toby Brooks – Savoring the Now: Mid-Career Pivots and the Human Experience
Have you ever thought about a mid-career pivot? Staring down the uncertainty of making a bold decision when a new opportunity arises? Toby Brooks, a professor at Texas Tech University, has made his fair share of career pivots. With a background in athletic training, Toby and his wife crisscrossed the country trying to secure a position with a professional sports team. A pivotal life transition came to Toby when he realized he was missing out on precious time with his family. Upon seeing his
Are You Living a Life Less Ordinary?
Imagine waking up one day, taking a moment to reflect on everything you've done, only to realize that everything should have been… well, more. Not in the materialistic sense, but more in-depth, more in enthusiasm, more in meaning. This isn't about being greedy or trying to avoid regrets. If you've read Dan Pink's book "The Power of Regrets," you'll understand it's not about regret avoidance. It's more about truly understanding and defining what 'enough' feels like for you. Discover the three ke
Ann Coleman – Parenting and Emotional Wellness: Strategies for Navigating Adolescence
What would you do as a parent to save your struggling relationship with your kid? Ann Coleman is a former attorney who specialized in divorce, child custody, and adoption cases. Through raising her adopted son, Ann found herself deep in research, becoming a parenting expert on how to talk with teenagers struggling with anxiety, substance abuse, and mental health challenges. Sharing the details of her experiences as a parent, Ann walks us through her extensive research on the teenage brain and h
Every Dollar is a Choice: Parenting & Building Families with Conscious Spending
Understand how financial decisions, big or small, can impact your family's happiness and well-being while equipping your children with an understanding of financial responsibility that ensures they make informed, conscious decisions aligned with their values and life purpose. Conscious financial decision-making contributes to happiness: Every expenditure, big or small, reflects our priorities and affects our overall happiness and well-being. Teaching financial responsibility is essential for kid
Michelle Zak – Making Opportunities Where There Are None
What would frequent relocations mean to your career? How would you be able to handle the constant transitions? Michelle Zak has seen her share of transitions as a former Army officer. But as Michelle moved from military to civilian life, her husband remained in the military, requiring constant relocation. Finding a career that could move with her was a daunting task. Ultimately deciding to control her own destiny, Michelle was able to carve out opportunities on her own, leading to her laun
Financial Reality Through an Unfiltered Lens: The Honest Instagram
Have you ever wondered what Instagram would look like if it showed the real financial stories behind those perfect snapshots — the bills, budgets, and sacrifices — and how it could transform our understanding of wealth and financial planning? An honest reflection of our lives on platforms like Instagram, including the financial challenges and sacrifices behind the scenes, would provide a more realistic understanding of wealth and lifestyle. While it's easy to be enticed by the glamorous life tha
Dr. Erin Halligan-Avery – From Struggles to Solutions: Choosing Between Career Stability and Entrepreneurship
The Covid pandemic impacted all of us in some way, but for some, it changed their lives for better and worse. As a mental health counselor at an academic institution, Dr. Erin Halligan-Avery needed a creative and effective way to connect students with the help they needed without meeting 1:1 with every student. This difficult situation ultimately set the foundation for Erin to become an entrepreneur. There are often negative connotations associated with reaching out for mental health support.
Ep. 112– Damon Parker – Finding Joy in Progress: From Tragedy to Transformation
What do we do when we reach a crossroads in life? How can we transform a tragedy into something meaningful that helps others? Damon Parker comes from a family of educators, with his parents and grandparents all having careers in teaching. But after reaching a crossroads in his teaching career, Damon found an opportunity in coaching wrestling and public speaking. After successfully building a championship wrestling team, Damon's perspective shifted, which led him to help co-found the Jones Proj
Sarah Kahn – Career Rehab: Breaking Free from Corporate Mindsets to Build a Life-Aligned Business
Do you feel unsupported in your current career position? Is the grind of your current corporate role more than you can bear? After being laid off multiple times, including once during her maternity leave, Sarah Khan felt unsupported by her employers multiple times, including during the pandemic lockdown. Sarah decided to detox herself from the corporate programming that had run her life and begin a new journey as an entrepreneur, specifically working with women. Sarah's rehab transition made h
Marisa Lonic – Breaking the Busy Stereotype: Redefining Time Management for Parents
As parents, what does it mean to have harmony between your personal and financial life? A demanding career, demanding kids, demanding spouse? As a mom of four, including a set of twins, Marisa Lonic checked all those boxes (except for maybe the demanding husband) but was also asking, "What about me?" Marisa, like most parents, was not in a position to just quit her job and start something new, especially considering that her career was part of her ambitious self. However, eventually, she trans
Dr. Wendy Troxel – Sharing the Covers: Every Couple's Guide to Better Sleep
Have you reached a point where you want to sleep in a different room because you can no longer physically sleep in the same bed as your spouse or partner? Full disclosure, my wife and I had reached this point where sleep loss was negatively impacting both of us. This is where internationally recognized sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel comes into play. Wendy is a Senior Behavioral and Social Scientist at the RAND Corporation and holds adjunct faculty positions at the University of Pittsburgh and th
Lori Oberbroeckling – Secrets of a Super Mom
Parents, can we really have it all? A thriving career, time with our significant other, and relationships with our kids? Lori Oberbroeckling is a wife, mom of four, author, photographer, and corporate leader. Lori helps parents, especially moms who want to be extraordinary, present, and have an amazing career. So how can you find harmony amid the daily grind? Lori shares insights from her book Secrets of Supermom (dads, this book also applies to us, so don't let the title fool you) on real-li
Anne Wilson – Making Long-Term Decisions Despite Roadblocks
Are you struggling to make decisions that will benefit your future self? Are you constantly prioritizing short-term gains over long-term success? Anne Wilson is a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University and part of Laurier's Social Psychology program. Anne is fascinated by how people behave, think, and understand themselves and their social worlds, especially regarding how people make decisions. During our conversation, we explore the science behind motivation and decision-making for our long-
Hal Hershfield – Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today
Have you ever looked into the mirror to give your future self the time it deserves? Hal Hershfield is a social psychologist whose research focuses on decision making. As a professor of marketing and behavioral decision making at UCLA's Anderson School of Management, he has an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how people make their decisions. In his new book, Your Future Self, Hal delves into the philosophy and psychology of how we perceive ourselves over time, identifying three comm
Corrie LoGiudice – The Five Cs: A Blueprint for Overcoming Overwhelming Situations for Parents
How many life transitions have you been through? Big or small? How often? Corrie LoGiudice has transitioned through abuse, homelessness, and divorce, to name a few life-changing events. But as a successful career and business coach, Corrie has turned her life-changing transitions into a unique ability to help others through their own life transitions. As a mother of two, Corrie understands the pressures working parents face, so she developed a concept called the "five Cs" to help parents add
Steven Bier – Popcorn For The People
Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify What if you had a child on the autism spectrum who couldn’t find a job? Not because they couldn’t work but because of a lack of opportunities. This was the challenge that Steve Bier was facing with his autistic son Sam who was highly functional. After being challenged by his wife, Barb, Steve invested $30,000 and bought a popcorn company in 2014. Today, Popcorn For The People employs between 70 and 80 men and wo
Steph Morris – Living in the Trenches: How Good Design Tells a Story
Have you ever come to a fork in the road where the home you have today is not the home you need now or in the future? How do you answer the question, do we stay and remodel our existing home, or do we look to relocate? Steph Morris is an experienced expert in design who helps families make emotional and financial decisions regarding home living. Similar to what I do as a financial advisor and a quarterback in football, Steph and her team at North + Birth get people into the right places, commu
Katy Bertodatto and Mark Keely – Vacation Real Estate You Can Understand
Have you ever wanted to own an investment or vacation rental property? A place that could become a long-term retirement haven for you and your family? Katy Bertodatto and Mark Keely are co-founders of Golden Swan Management, a property management and real estate development company located in Traverse City, Michigan. Golden Swan properties extend throughout the northwest Michigan region, with a variety of rentals—intown condos, waterfront, rural escapes—available in every season. Probably the
Railey Molinario – The Ultimate Guide to a Thriving Relationship
Are you tired of constant fighting in your relationship? Can you imagine a life where conflicts are resolved with understanding and connection instead of anger and disconnection? Railey Molinario, a renowned Love Educator & Relationship Coach, empowers individuals to live fulfilling lives through her teachings on relationship intelligence. With a remarkable journey from abandonment at birth, Railey has become a respected leader in the industry, providing couples with the skills and knowledge n
Kassy Scarcia – How to Build a Sustainable Success System for Parents
As a parent, how often do you let the stress and pressure of life bury the vision you once had inside of you? How can you pull the purpose back up to the forefront of your life? Kassy Scarcia is a certified life coach who is on a mission to help women reclaim their confidence, take charge of their personal and professional success, and move forward without holding themselves back! As Kassy put it, she helps women learn how to listen to their internal GPS again. Kassy has built a Sustainable Su
Dr. Jennifer Dragonette – How To Stay Connected in Your Most Important Relationship
Parents, do you ever feel like passing ships in the night while trying to raise active kids with your spouse/partner? How can we stay better connected during this stage of life, so we don't lose each other once our kids are grown? Dr. Jennifer Dragonette is a licensed psychologist with expertise in relationship dynamics and trauma and is trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, specializing in working with families. According to Jennifer's work, awareness sits at the forefront of change, espe
[REPLAY] - Jackie Ghedine & Mimi Bishop – Helping Gen X Women Bridge the Worth Deficit Gap
Did you know that research shows that 92% of people do not keep their new year's resolutions or goals? What if you could find a way to be part of the 8% who see success pursuing their lifestyle and financial goals? With this data in mind, Jackie Ghedine and Mimi Bishop launched their firm, The Resting Mind, to help gen X women who are struggling to define themselves personally and professionally. They developed the 8% rule of taking small steps to help women determine who they want to be, wher
[REPLAY] Joline Godfrey – Raising Financially Fit Kids
How do you raise financially fit kids? Joline Godfrey has spent a lifetime helping families to do just this. Trained as a social worker, Joline has spent most of her career being involved with kids; much of it focused on resilience. Joline has focused on this issue in a way that few people have been able. Joline believes that financial fluency is a family activity, not just something to help kids with. When the values, practices, and conversations are woven into the family culture, this work
[REPLAY] Laura Vanderkam – Tranquility by Tuesday: Making Time for What Matters
Are you trying to find time to do more things that matter to you? Are you trying to squeeze more enjoyment out of your life? Laura Vanderkam, a time management expert, walks us through her latest book, Tranquility by Tuesday, in which she identifies 9 ways to calm the chaos and make time for what matters. A topic that we address by asking, how can you ensure you have time to work on your long-term goals? A returning guest to our podcast, Laura previously did extensive research on the transitio
[REPLAY] Meg Wagner – The Goal Guru: How to Learn to Develop Achievable Goals
Have you ever wondered how to make realistic goals that you could achieve? Maybe a goal guru could help? After making her own career pivot which turned into a career identity crisis, Meg Wagner launched her coaching and consulting practice, The Goal Guru. A firm that helps you define your work, align your life, and design your future. While there is a strong emphasis on outcomes in setting goals, Meg stresses the essential element of paying attention to your feelings about what you want to ach
Jason Feifer – Build for Tomorrow: An Action Plan for Embracing Change
Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify What can an entrepreneur teach a non-entrepreneur? What value could a relationship like that even bring? With an open mind, it may help you build for tomorrow. Jason Feifer is the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine. But that is not who he is or what defines what he does. Instead, Jason Feifer is a person who tells stories in his own voice. As a successful editor, author, speaker, and podcast host (there i
Jordan Jackson – A Guide to the Markets
Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify Are we in a recession, headed for a recession, and does it really matter given that in 2022 we experience one of the worst-performing stock and bond markets ever? How will a continued robust job market, slowing inflation, and higher interest rates impact corporate earnings this year? These are all topics that will have some impact on your portfolio performance this year and potentially into 2024. Jordan Jackson is
Ayelet Fishbach – Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation
What happens when the person you most want to influence is you? Setting and achieving goals for yourself at work, home, and in relationships—is harder than it seems. So how do you know where to start? Ayelet Fishbach, professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, has focused much of her career on determining what motivates people. From, how do you carry on in the face of roadblocks and distractions to how do you decide which tasks and ambitions to prio
Mercedes Coffman – A Willingness to Learn to Increase Relationship Success
How does knowing your ideals and purpose how help you to figure out what you want out of life? How does someone begin to identify what their ideals and purpose are? Mercedes Coffman is a licensed marriage and family therapist. Born in Suriname, South America, Mercedes has experienced a wide range of different cultures and dynamics, which have led to a better understanding of sensitive issues among culturally diverse groups. Having a background in working with people challenged by addictions,
Dr. Morgan Levy – Understanding Burnout & How to Create Sustainable Harmony
Did you know that there are 12 stages of burnout? Did you also know that burnout can show up in many different forms within your life, such as physically, mentally, and emotionally? Dr. Morgan Levy is a licensed psychologist focusing on working with executives and professionals from all over the world. As a high-achieving professional, you’ve always valued your drive, perseverance, and ability to get things done. Dr. Levy helps people to channel these skills to optimize their life in the workp
[REPLAY] - Melody Wilding – Strategies to Stop Overthinking and Make Decisions Faster
Do you feel overworked and on your way to burnout? Have you returned to running a chaotic life as we move into a post-Covid world? Burnout is the number one topic that Melody Wilding, a licensed therapist and coach is helping to address with her current clients. A year ago, Melody was on our show when she launched her book, Trust Yourself, and how she helps highly sensitive and high-achieving professionals overcome the emotional challenges of leadership, management, and success. One of the way
[REPLAY] - Dr. Amber Selking – The Playbook for Building Championship Mindsets
Are you setting yourself up for success, joy, and excellent and extraordinary outcomes based on the things you choose to focus on? For example, can you choose to "Think Like a Champion?" From the locker room to the board room, Dr. Amber Selking has dedicated much of her life's work to the power of Mindset and Leadership to drive lasting change in businesses, on athletic teams, and in individual lives. Amber has turned her knowledge of mindsets into a playbook that can bring awareness, choice, a
Barbara Oakley – Learning How to Learn: Insights for Parents on How to Help Their Kids Learn
How can parents help their kids make the most of their studying time? And why is it okay for kids not to like their parents when it comes to studying? Barbara Oakley is a distinguished engineering professor at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Her work focuses on the complex relationship between neuroscience and social behavior—a focus that has driven her curiosity about how people, especially kids, learn how to learn. As a parent who struggles with getting their kids to study, Barbar
Avivah Wittenberg-Cox – The Hidden Secret: The Best Decades of Your Life For Parents
What if you woke up and suddenly realized you had more time? Not just hours, days, or weeks, but decades? Avivah Wittenberg-Cox thinks about time in not only decades but in 25-year increments. As someone who thought in her thirties she would be retired at age 60, she now finds herself starting anew again, refreshed by the ability to start something new because she may only be at the halfway point of her life. With this point of view, Avivah wrote a Harvard Business Review article that, instead
Laura Vanderkam – Tranquility by Tuesday: Making Time for What Matters
Are you trying to find time to do more things that matter to you? Are you trying to squeeze more enjoyment out of your life? Laura Vanderkam, a time management expert, walks us through her latest book, Tranquility by Tuesday, in which she identifies 9 ways to calm the chaos and make time for what matters. A topic that we address by asking, how can you ensure you have time to work on your long-term goals? A returning guest to our podcast, Laura previously did extensive research on the transitio
[REPLAY] Jim Sexton – How to Stay in Love: A Divorce Lawyer's Guide to Staying Together
How would you go about staying out of a divorce attorney's office? Find a great divorce attorney to listen to? Jim Sexton is an accomplished New York divorce attorney who has seen it all throughout his 20 plus year career focused on divorce law. What makes Jim unique is that he took his life experience and work as a divorce attorney and created a book, How to Stay in Love: A Divorce Lawyer's Guide to Staying Together. Jim's experience has led him to believe that marriages and other committed re
Bill Dwight – Helping Your Kids Develop Good Money Habits
How do you help your kids develop good money habits? How can you overcome the challenges that simply talking about money can bring? Bill Dwight, a lifelong software engineer, faced these questions while he and his wife were raising their five kids. So, Bill did what any reasonable person would do facing a problem such as this; he started his own company, a "Virtual Family Bank." FamZoo, the company Bill created, integrates prepaid card accounts with family finance software to help parents and
Gary Noesner – It's Not About the Nail; Lessons in Listening From a Hostage Negotiator
How can you link hostage negotiating with building better relationships with your family, spouse/partner, and kids? How can you keep your emotions in check when situations become intense? Gary Noesner spent over 30 years in the FBI, ten of which were as the Chief Crisis Negotiator. A few of you may know Gary from the Netflix series Waco, as Gary was one of the negotiators between the FBI/ATF and religious cult, the Branch Davidians, in Waco, TX. From dealing with highly intense situations, Gar
Ed Coambs – How to Work Towards Healthy Love and Money
Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify How does your view or interaction with money affect your relationships? How does your spouse or partner view money? Have you ever been challenged getting on the same page with money? Ed Coambs, a firefighter turned financial advisor turned marriage and family financial therapist, knows a lot about walking into high-intensity situations, navigating "the flames," and walking everyone out safely. These proverbial "fi
Margaret Echelbarger – The Living Lab; Engaging Kids in Conversations About Money
How can parents engage their kids in conversations about money? And how do those conversations shape kids' thoughts and future financial choices? Margaret Echelbarger has spent much of her career researching the unique connections between kids and their financial decision-making processes. Currently, Margaret is an assistant professor of marketing at Stony Brook University. She also explores the behavioral side of marketing by learning how kids make those financial decisions now and into the
Jenny Wood – Finding The Meaningful Moments in Career, Parenting & Life
What do you want to go after in life unapologetically? Are you willing to be strategic and give yourself the intentionality you deserve? Jenny Wood is an executive at Google who helps people thrive in their careers. So much so that she founded and led Own Your Career (go/OYC), one of Google's largest and fastest-growing career development initiatives. "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." This quote by James Clear, author of the best-selling boo
Leidy Klotz – Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less
Why do we look to make additions when trying to solve a problem or work through one of our many life transitions? What if we reversed the equation and considered what we could subtract to improve our lives? University of Virginia engineering professor Leidy Klotz has given this idea much thought. So much so that he wrote the book, Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. I believe the ability to subtract helps us in our journey to define what "enough" is within our lives. A topic that has bee
Cullen Roche – The Most Important Financial Question to Ask
Am I providing my family with the best possible life I can? That was the question that Cullen Roche, an accomplished author, writer, and expert in global macroeconomics, behavioral finance, and monetary theory, brought to our attention during our conversation. We also discussed the topic of inflation, what it is, how to understand it, and where it is going. Do you ever wonder why the US government is not bankrupt because of the national debt? It's because the US government is not your average
Dr. Riley Moynes – Squeezing All The Juice Out Of Retirement
Ep.82 – When you envision what retirement looks like, what comes to mind first? Bucket lists, freedom, the ability to do anything you want? What about the loss of identity, purpose, or relationships? Our lives are full of under-rated transitions, and the transition from your career to retirement, in my mind, is one of the most critical transitions that we do not talk about enough. I'm not talking from the financial side; I am more concerned about the emotional side of retirement. Fortunately
Jayne Monroe – A Triplet Mom's Fight For Her Kids
What if you had to choose between your family or your career? While the answer may seem obvious, the complications behind such a decision can be endless. This is the precise situation that Jayne Monroe and her husband Mike found themselves in after having one of their triplet boys diagnosed with ADHD. A situation that came to a tipping point after their son was kicked out of multiple schools and childcare facilities. While Jayne, above all else, wanted to put her family first, taking a step ba
Todd Adams – How to Evolve as a Parent
As a parent, do you see raising your kids as an opportunity to improve yourself? Does being a parent help or force you to change the behavior you want to model for your kids? Todd Adams is a regular dad trying to do extraordinary things. While maintaining a full-time career, he and his wife, Cathy, started Zen Parenting Radio over 11 years ago. A podcast that helps expand compassion through the lens of a spiritual & emotional mom and a logical & practical dad. But being a dad, Todd wanted to
Anya Kamenetz – The Stolen Year
What if, one day, you decided to quit your job? Without having another one already lined up? This is the email Anya Kamenetz sent, which instantly grabbed my attention. Anya covered education for many years at NPR. She speaks, writes, and thinks about learning and the future. Anya is a returning guest. You can find our previous conversation in the show notes. Our conversation focuses on two main points How does someone finally reach their tipping point to make such a bold career decision,
[REPLAY] - Scott Hanselman – Scaling Yourself
Eight years ago, I was introduced to someone who helped change the direction of my life. I am quite positive that I am not the only person whose life has been impacted by this one person. The funny thing, this is the first time that I have been able to speak with and thank Scott Hanselman. Scott Hanselman is a programmer, teacher, and speaker. Although Scott maintains a full-time role for the Web Platform Team at Microsoft, it is his obsession and enthusiasm for technology and deliberate p
[REPLAY] Scott Kapeller – Reflections of a Layoff While Raising Triplet Girls
My guest this week is Scott Kapeller, a leader in pharmaceutical sales and, more importantly, the father of triplet girls. Scott is a good friend and neighbor of mine in which we share a lot of similar life experiences, one of which is being the father of triplets. One of the life-changing experiences that Scott and I share is that we both went through a significant job loss within our careers. I can always see with great clarity the day I was delivered the news that I was no longer wanted.
Holly Bennetts – The Emotional & Financial Sides to College Planning
How do you help your kids determine what they want to be when they grow up? Furthermore, how do you balance the emotional and financial sides of going through the college planning process to help them find their way? These are questions that almost every parent and family wrestle with when it comes to raising kids. Fortunately, there are professionals to help parents along this journey, like Holly Bennetts, a high school guidance counselor and licensed counselor with multiple master's degrees.
Cathy Adams – Parenting With No Age Limits
Are you willing to do the work and focus on someone else besides yourself? Are you willing to be a better person for it? These are the same questions that drive Cathy Adams, a self-awareness expert, podcast host, & author focus on helping parents and empowering families. Cathy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Parent Coach, Certified Elementary School Teacher, Certified Yoga Teacher, and teaches in the Sociology Department at Dominican University and Elmhurst College. 11 Years ag
Dr. Lindsay Malloy – Parenting After COVID
Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify How are you adjusting to parenting as we move into a post-Covid world? Are you back to the rat race and overscheduling that so many parents experience before Covid? Dr. Lindsay Malloy is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Ontario Tech University, specializing in developmental and forensic psychology. Lindsay is also the co-founder of Pandemic Parenting, a nonprofit organization providing free and accessible sc
Dr. Teryn Clarke – Optimizing Your Brain Health
What has a bigger impact on our brain health, genetics, or environment? And if we can't change our genetics, can we change our environment to improve our brain health? Dr. Teryn Clarke, a board-certified neurologist with a primary focus on memory and cognitive health, rejoins us on the show to talk about how we can optimize our brain health. As Dr. Clarke puts it, genetics may load the gun, but our environment pulls the trigger when it comes to having a healthy brain. Throughout our conversati
Jay Rooke – Upping Your Communication Skills as a Parent
Aren't we all selling something? Our time, ideas, or influence. But what are we selling to our kids as parents? Jay Rooke is charting a new way to become a salesperson to your kids as parents; he calls it parenting with comedy, otherwise known as Gonzo Parenting! Jay, the father of twins, considers parenting a full-contact sport, and I couldn't agree with him more. Being in the thick of the messy, authentic, barely-controlled chaos. Sharing the humorous moments and humbling lessons learned.
Melody Wilding – Strategies to Stop Overthinking and Make Decisions Faster
Do you feel overworked and on your way to burnout? Have you returned to running a chaotic life as we move into a post-Covid world? Burnout is the number one topic that Melody Wilding, a licensed therapist and coach is helping to address with her current clients. A year ago, Melody was on our show when she launched her book, Trust Yourself, and how she helps highly sensitive and high-achieving professionals overcome the emotional challenges of leadership, management, and success. One of the way
Josh Brown – Just Like That It's Over
How did we go from one extreme to another with the stock market and inflation? How is inflation changing the way we go about our daily lives? Josh Brown is the CEO of Ritholtz Wealth Management and a contributor on CNBC, and these are just a few of the topics and questions we address during our conversation. Josh is a person I have been following for over a decade within the finance world who speaks with a level of energy and plain English that cuts through the noise when it comes to financial
Mariel Beasley – The Mint in Life Planning
Have you stopped for a moment and thought about your future self? Go ahead, take a few moments. It’s not a natural state to think about what your future self may look like, but you could be doing yourself a huge disservice by only thinking about your present self. Mariel Beasley is the co-director of the Common Cents Lab at Duke University, where they focus on helping people make better financial and life decisions based on behavioral science. Science that helps us determine how to treat our f
[REPLAY] Sandy Hodde – Critical Skills That High School Students are Missing
My guest this week is Sandy Hodde. Sandy is a certified professional English Language Arts and Social Studies educator and taught at the high school level for 22 years. After seeing increases in high school class sizes, Sandy decided to launch her own business, Your Coach for College, to help prepare and teach kids the skills they would need to succeed in college that they weren’t receiving in high school. In our conversation, we discuss some critical skills such as note-taking, listening, and
[REPLAY] Rebecca Maxcy – How to Talk With Your Kids About Money
Research shows that parents are the most influential factors in their kids' money life development. What you model to your kids growing up lays the foundation for how they think and treat money into adulthood. So how do you model good financial decision making for your kids? How do you even begin to talk with your kids about money? Rebecca Maxcy is director of the UChicago Financial Education Initiative at the University of Chicago and leads a team of researchers who help parents talk with th
Grant Copple – An Alternative Gameplan for Scary Markets
What if there was a way to limit your investment risk exposure? A defined outcome where you could have a good sense of what your range of results could be? Given the volatile stock market we have seen to begin 2022, I wanted to dedicate an episode to how I help families manage risk within our portfolio management process at TAMMA. The best way I knew how to do this was to have a conversation with Grant Copple of Innovator ETF. Grant is a product specialist for Innovator ETFs, responsible for d
[REPLAY] Dan Pink – How a Side Hustle Turned into the Journey of a Lifetime
In this episode, Dan Pink talks about finding your motivation, figuring out what you're good at, and combining the two to create success for yourself. How does someone become a multi New York Times best-selling author? First, ask yourself, what do you do when no one is watching? Dan Pink, a 4-time New York Times Best Selling author, shares his story on becoming a prolific researcher and writer. How his side hustle of writing, and a conversation with his wife, turned into the journey of a lifeti
Dr. Amber Selking – The Playbook for Building Championship Mindsets
Are you setting yourself up for success, joy, and excellent and extraordinary outcomes based on the things you choose to focus on? For example, can you choose to "Think Like a Champion?" From the locker room to the board room, Dr. Amber Selking has dedicated much of her life's work to the power of Mindset and Leadership to drive lasting change in businesses, on athletic teams, and in individual lives. Amber has turned her knowledge of mindsets into a playbook that can bring awareness, choice, a
[REPLAY] Brian Portnoy – Funded Contentment: Am I Going to Be Okay?
Am I going to be okay? The question—not explicitly about money is posed by everyone from the ultra-wealthy to the just-getting-by, from the retiree to the just-getting-started. No matter the lifestyle, accent, politics, or favorite sports team, everyone I meet wants to take care of their families, remain or get healthy, be generous to others, enjoy their hobbies, and excel at work. These words set the stage for Brian Portnoy's book, The Geometry of Wealth: How to Shape a Life of Money and Mean
[REPLAY] Kristen Rajagopal – Providing the Gift of Peace of Mind to Your Family
Who wouldn't want to provide their family with peace of mind during an emotionally difficult life situation such as losing a loved one? Or the ability to tell your story about how you would like your children to be cared for when you are no longer able? There are many misconceptions about what an estate plan is and isn't, but one thing is for sure, it allows you to tell your story on how to protect your family and provide them peace of mind when you need it most. This week I speak with estate p
Carl Richards – Running Towards the Challenge of Why and Enough
Why do we tend to avoid the question of "why" when it comes to our personal and financial lives? In over 20 years of being an advisor, I have learned that financial planning is more about feelings than numbers. And no expert epitomizes this point more than Carl Richards. For ten years, Carl was the creator of the Sketch Guy column, appearing weekly in The New York Times. Carl, a Certified Financial Planner™ as well, works with advisors such as myself to help break down complex financial concep
Diane Soulliere – The Journey of a Financial Cleanse Leading to Emotional Understanding
Who doesn't think about resolutions and creating new goals to achieve at the beginning of the year? But what drives us to make those resolutions and goals? And more importantly, how will we reach them? Each new year, Diane Soulliere would begin a cleanse to help detox her physical body from the toxins that had built up over the prior year and to help herself promote a healthy lifestyle. But then, she paused and asked, "I perform this cleanse for my body, but could I do a cleanse to improve my
Allison White – Not Taking Simple Joys for Granted
What do you think of first when you hear the term behavioral science? It is a topic that I research and read about constantly as it sits at the precipice of my work with families. Behavioral science, to me, is a toolbox that I use to help families be happier, healthier, and wealthier. There is no better person to talk about this topic than a behavioral researcher. Allison White is just that person. Allison works for Dan Ariely at the Common Cents Lab, where she leverages behavioral science t
Nicole Martinez – Helping Kids Prepare for Their First Year of College
You may save for years to help pay for your kids to go to college, but what happens when they get there? Will they have the skills to succeed or know where to find the right resources to help them figure out this new life transition? Nicole Martinez has spent her entire career in academia helping prepare kids to have a successful college career. Nicole currently works in the exploratory advising office at Purdue University Northwest. Additionally, Nicole has taught strategies for academic suc
Emil Izrailov – Living the American Dream
Starting over is hard, but what if you were starting over in a new country where you didn't even speak the language? This is precisely where Emil Izrailov found himself as a seven-year-old when his parents made the courageous decision to immigrate to the US. Growing up, Emil found himself helping to support his father's restaurant business and learning firsthand what true grit and determination were. Traits that would serve him well when he began his own career. Today, Emil works in helping pe
Ben Feller – Big Problems, Little Problems; A Father & Son Journey
What would having a better perspective mean to us? Would it allow us to see little problems for what they are, little? Or big challenges for what they are? Ben Feller is a former award-winning Chief White House Correspondent for The Associated Press. A journalist for 20 years, Ben spent many years questioning and covering Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, gaining perspective like no other. Through his experiences in working within the White House, Ben discusses how this unique persp
Dr. Thomas Kay – A Holistic Way to Finding Your Identity
How often are we looking for the quick fix to a health, personal, or financial problem? How often do we dismiss looking at the root cause and attacking a problem from within vs. searching outward for a quick remedy, someone to blame, or an investment that has the potential to shoot to the moon? Dr. Thomas Kay has seen these scenarios play out within his missionary work and working with his patients as a primary care physician in a life full of transitions. Rather than going with the flow of a b
Jim Sexton – How to Stay in Love: A Divorce Lawyer's Guide to Staying Together
How would you go about staying out of a divorce attorney's office? Find a great divorce attorney to listen to? Jim Sexton is an accomplished New York divorce attorney who has seen it all throughout his 20 plus year career focused on divorce law. What makes Jim unique is that he took his life experience and work as a divorce attorney and created a book, How to Stay in Love: A Divorce Lawyer's Guide to Staying Together. Jim's experience has led him to believe that marriages and other committed re
Karen Allen – Stop and Shift: How to Make Life Beautiful in the Mess
What if you had a superpower that you didn't realize you had? A superpower that had the potential to change things from bad to good? Karen Allen would tell you that superpower is your ability to make choices. Karen knows the power of making choices firsthand which she describes in her TEDtalk centered on the tragic loss of her husband and instantly becoming a single mother, changing her life forever. An experience that eventually springboarded her into a career of helping others make life beau
Joline Godfrey – Raising Financially Fit Kids
How do you raise financially fit kids? Joline Godfrey has spent a lifetime helping families to do just this. Trained as a social worker, Joline has spent most of her career being involved with kids; much of it focused on resilience. Joline has focused on this issue in a way that few people have been able. Joline believes that financial fluency is a family activity, not just something to help kids with. When the values, practices, and conversations are woven into the family culture, this work
Laura Vanderkam – Building the Life You Want
How many times per day do you tell someone that you are busy? How often do you wish you had more time? Laura Vanderkam is the author of several time management and productivity books and whose TED talk has been viewed more than 12Million times! She is also a wife and mother to five kids, so I believe she would know a thing or two about time and being busy. Throughout our conversation, we touched on several critical topics that go beyond what you would traditionally think about when it comes to
Lisa Hennessey – Developing Work-Life Harmony
What does the future of work look like? Is it an in-person, fully remote, or hybrid situation? Lisa Hennessey, the Chief People Officer at Happy Money, has a front-row seat answering this question. When Lisa started with Happy Money over three years ago, they were a traditional company offering in-person work. Today, they have embraced a fully remote model with employees throughout the country. Lisa talks through the transition from in-person to completely virtual work and how they are still
Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary – Parents & Kids Working Together to be Better Digital Citizens
All of us are constantly trying to navigate our digital relationships. What they mean, how we interact with others, the various platforms that we choose to use. But for parents, this is especially hard when trying to navigate the digital relationships between our kids and their devices and platforms. I first came across Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary by watching a Diane Sawyer report, Letting your phone get between you and your child, which featured Tracy's work. The piece focused on screen time's e
Dr. Benjamin Ritter – Live For Yourself
Do you feel stuck, overworked, and under-utilized in your career or life? Do you realize that your life needs to change, but you are not sure how? At some point in our lives, most of us feel this way and arrive at this level of frustration. Dr. Benjamin Ritter was no different. Feeling incredibly reactive when it came to how he was running his life, he reached a point where the pain threshold was great enough to force him to take action. During our conversation, Ben talks about the three C's
Shana Schneider – FitStyle: Changing Your Mindset on How You Think About Exercising
We all know that self-care is critically important to our overall health and well-being. But how do you find the time for it? Where do you even begin? Shana Schneider helps people find time in their busy schedules for fitness where they never realized they could. Her emphasis on fitness is unique in that she helps people focus on their schedules, building habits, and changing mindsets vs. simply exercising alone. Shana, founder of the "FitStyle Your Life" approach that brings fitness into eve
Gurpreet Mann – How to Develop Your Personal Brand When Searching for a New Career
If someone told you that you could land a new job, making more money, in 30 days, how interested would you be? This is precisely the offer and what interested me in speaking with career coach and consultant Gurpreet Mann. Gurpreet, who comes from both a human resources and entrepreneurial background, re-engineered the traditional sales process to help her clients find a career that fits their personal brand. Part of Gurpreet's journey and her focus on building her brand all began when her fath
Michael Duffy – The Journey of a Lifetime in College Athletics
Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if "this" opportunity had come about? Or, what would have happened if you did take that job? As we know, the world works in mysterious ways, and part of that mystery is having conversations about the joys of the journey. Michael Duffy thought that he was going to work for GM some 40 years ago, but as fate would have it, the job offer fell through. So instead of working for a bigger corporation, a career in academia and college athletics began
Kim Butler – Breaking Through the Ceiling of Complexity
Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify How can we help ourselves define what "enough" is? I have struggled with this question personally, along with many people that I care about and work with. So how would knowing the difference between an ideal and goals help us to answer this question? Kim Butler, the founder of Prosperity Thinkers and an affiliate coach with Strategic Coach, elaborates on the financial and mental constructs we build to achieve the f
The Fenner Triplets+1 – The Journey of a Lifetime Raising Multiples
When I say triplets, what is the first thing you think about? What about when I say triplets + 1? For me, the first feelings I had when I found out that my wife and I were having triplets were fear, and was my wife going to be okay? The next thought was that I had to call the auto dealership, which was our next stop after the ultrasound appointment because we would need a bigger car! Our one-day approach to raising our triplets+1 has turned into 11 years. And if that wasn’t enough, I decided to
Bonnie Dimmick – Helping Parents Help Their Kids to Sleep
We all know that sleep is a critical component to help us function. But what if you're a parent who is struggling to help your child fall asleep? Bonnie Dimmick was having this exact issue with her newborn and wasn't finding the help and support she needed. So, she decided to take matters into her own hands and became a child sleep consultant. Her firm, Sleep, Love, and Happiness, provides support to parents nationwide. Although Bonnie focuses on infants and toddlers, we talk about issues fac
Elin Barton – Becoming a Serial Entrepreneur
Are you struggling, feeling anxious, disconnected, or know that you're operating below your full potential? Do you talk about being "stuck" or "spinning your wheels?" These are the same questions that serial entrepreneur Elin Barton was asking herself. Elin discusses how she moved crossed the country on the belief that something else was possible. When she finally let go of "how" to make it happen and just did it. After seeing initial success in her first business, Elin decided to launch her s
Chris Belfi – Learning How to Accomplish More While Working Less
Would you agree that life is too short not to get the most out of every single day? So how do we get more out of our day without burning ourselves out? Curiosity and a drive to improve his own career and personal life led Chris Belfi to take a less-traveled path. After building a career in finance working for a large multi-national corporation, Chris found that he had a unique skill for helping others stay on top of their work. The foundation that Chris developed to build processes and systems
Scott Hanselman – Scaling Yourself
Eight years ago, I was introduced to someone who helped change the direction of my life. I am quite positive that I am not the only person whose life has been impacted by this one person. The funny thing, this is the first time that I have been able to speak with and thank Scott Hanselman. Scott Hanselman is a programmer, teacher, and speaker. Although Scott maintains a full-time role for the Web Platform Team at Microsoft, it is his obsession and enthusiasm for technology and deliberate p
Amanda Zelechoski – Pandemic Parenting
Wasn't parenting already challenging before COVID hit? What if you could connect with real-world resources and parents struggling right along with all of us who are trying to figure out how to meet our children's needs amid a global pandemic? Meet Dr. Amanda Zelechoski, a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist and attorney specializing in trauma, who decided to start a non-profit to help parents like you and me. Pandemic Parenting began as a collaboration between Dr. Zelechoski and Dr. Li
Dr. Teryn Clarke – A Non-Political Take on Treating COVID
How can you develop a baseline understanding of the COVID virus? For me, it wasn't about getting political, but instead, searching for people dealing with the virus on the frontlines and reading medical journals to help develop treatments. Dr. Teryn Clarke is a problem solver by nature. She is an MD who specializes in neurology working with high-risk elderly patients. Dr. Clarke realized early on during the COVID outbreak that to help protect her patients, she would need to dive into the data
Meg Wagner – The Goal Guru: How to Learn to Develop Achievable Goals
Have you ever wondered how to make realistic goals that you could achieve? Maybe a goal guru could help? After making her own career pivot which turned into a career identity crisis, Meg Wagner launched her coaching and consulting practice, The Goal Guru. A firm that helps you define your work, align your life, and design your future. While there is a strong emphasis on outcomes in setting goals, Meg stresses the essential element of paying attention to your feelings about what you want to ach
Jackie Ghedine & Mimi Bishop – Helping Gen X Women Bridge the Worth Deficit Gap
Did you know that research shows that 92% of people do not keep their new year's resolutions or goals? What if you could find a way to be part of the 8% who see success pursuing their lifestyle and financial goals? With this data in mind, Jackie Ghedine and Mimi Bishop launched their firm, The Resting Mind, to help gen X women who are struggling to define themselves personally and professionally. They developed the 8% rule of taking small steps to help women determine who they want to be, wher
Carrie Schochet – Having Transparent Conversations In Your Career Search
Have you ever seen a purple squirrel? It's a term used within the recruiting industry that means a hard-to-find candidate. But the term and meaning go well beyond that. Carrie Schochet, a mom of three, wife, and entrepreneur, founded her boutique recruiting firm Purple Squirrel to help both employers and candidates find the perfect fit with their search. A process focused on integrity, ethics, and communication, allowing her firm to stand out in a crowd, just like a purple squirrel. We talk ab
Joe Ferraro – How to Have a Damn Good Conversation
Have you ever wondered what makes a great conversation? How being present, curious, and creative affect the quality of our conversations? Joe Ferraro, a high school English teacher, thinks about having conversations a lot. But, more specifically, Joe focuses is on how to have damn good conversations. During our damn good conversation, Joe talks about his journey from being a high school teacher to launching the 1% Better Podcast over four years ago. An event that has now helped him launch a ne
Lisa Miller – How to Find Career Clarity
Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify Are you struggling with career clarity? The ability to determine what you need or want from your career and how you would go about finding it? Lisa Miller knows first-hand the ups and downs a career can bring, which led her to transition from a corporate role/career into a business owner/entrepreneur. Lisa's transition did not happen overnight and required her to set aside time to honestly think about what may be p
Dan Pink – How a Side Hustle Turned into the Journey of a Lifetime
How does someone become a multi New York Times best-selling author? First, ask yourself, what do you do when no one is watching? Dan Pink, a 4-time New York Times Best Selling author, shares his story on becoming a prolific researcher and writer. How his side hustle of writing, and a conversation with his wife, turned into the journey of a lifetime. Dan's story leads us into an inspiring conversation about the advice we give to our kids and ourselves. When we give our kids advice or try to f
Cameron Huddleston – Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk
Have you noticed how organized your parents used to be? Or maybe you see that they have stopped taking care of themselves physically when you see them in-person or via FaceTime or Zoom. If so, it may be time that you have a conversation with your parents about their health and financial well-being. Cameron Huddleston, a mom of three awesome kids, was also a caregiver for her own mom, who had Alzheimer's disease. "It was a stressful situation I wouldn't wish on anybody, but it gave me great ins
Lisa Mallis – Helping People Recognize Their Light Bulb Moment
What happens when life transitions occur and what was working, suddenly stops working? What if you ask yourself, even though I am good at this work or career, do I really enjoy doing it? These are a few of the types of questions that Lisa Mallis has asked herself and her clients on her own journey from being a high school math teacher to a coach focused on time management. Lisa shares her insights on how she helps empower business owners and parents to create a life where you focus on the most
Melody Wilding – Trust Yourself
Do you feel like you're "not good enough" or "take things too personally" at work? Or, do you feel overworked and on your way to burnout? If so, you may be a sensitive striver. Melody Wilding, a licensed therapist, turned coach, helps highly sensitive and high-achieving professionals overcome the emotional challenges of leadership, management, and success. Her goal is to empower people to produce high-caliber work without burning out or sacrificing who they are. Throughout our conversation, we
[REPLAY] - Sarah Green Carmichael – How to Tame Your Inner Workaholism
What if you had a heart attack, but instead of calling your spouse or partner to get medical attention, your first thought was, "I need to meet with my manager tomorrow; this isn't convenient?" This is precisely what Jonathan Frostick, an IT lead at HSBC, experienced and explained in a LinkedIn post that went viral. A post that caught the eye of Sarah Green Carmichael, an editor with Bloomberg, and she needed to know more about why someone would think about a meeting before calling for medical
Cristin Wipfler – Helping You Feel Your Best
Have you ever wondered what a health coach does? If you are like me, you may have assumed that a health coach primarily deals with food, nutrition, and eating. I was wrong. Cristin Wipfler, a registered dietician and health coach, put it this way, "health coaching is to help you feel your best, and is not a one size fits all process." Cristin takes a unique approach and is focused on helping people shift their mindsets when it comes to how they feel about themselves. While diet and nutrition
Dr. Paula Ruffin – It's All Gonna Be Okay
For parents, have you ever thought about how your child has made you refocus your own life? For Dr. Paula Ruffin, an unexpected pregnancy forced her to re-evaluate her own life, which brought her to the brink of bankruptcy as a single mom and business owner. While not seeking any empathy for being a single mother and entrepreneur, there is a difficult balance to be struck that all working parents tend to face. In our conversation, Paula and I talk about balance coming from our ability to make
Sarah Green Carmichael – How to Tame Your Inner Workaholism
What if you had a heart attack, but instead of calling your spouse or partner to get medical attention, your first thought was, "I need to meet with my manager tomorrow; this isn't convenient?" This is precisely what Jonathan Frostick, an IT lead at HSBC, experienced and explained in a LinkedIn post that went viral. A post that caught the eye of Sarah Green Carmichael, an editor with Bloomberg, and she needed to know more about why someone would think about a meeting before calling for medical
The College Planning Process Part 3: Taking Out the Financial Guesswork
Do you know what financial aid optimization is or means? Or, what about the tax and financial aid implications that taking money out of a retirement account could cause? In part three of our three-part series focused on our college planning process, we dive deep into the financial aspects of sending your child off to college. Specifically, we will address saving, how schools optimize financial air packages, loans, and much more. My objective with this college planning series is to help educate
The College Planning Process Part 2: Finding the Best Fit for Your Kid(s)
Do you know the right questions you should be asking schools for how they will be teaching your kids to learn at their institutions? Or how the skills they may learn will translate into the working world? In part 2 of the college planning process, we build off part 1, where I spoke about the cruel optimism we face as parents when balancing all the financial and lifestyle challenges facing us. In this episode, we focus on how to find a college or university that best fits your kids. Our need t
The College Planning Process Part 1: Cruel Optimism
Are you concerned about the rising costs of college? What college or university would best fit your kids? Or curious about how critical a mentor for your kids in college could be? This week I kick off a special three-part series focused on the college planning process. It’s not just about saving, financial aid, or loans. The college process that I am building at TAMMA is a comprehensive look at how to plan, have conversations with your kids, and the right questions to ask students and college
Justin Bright – Passing the Bus Test
What is the difference between seizing an opportunity and not? The ability to take action in the face of fear and anxiety? Husband, father, and serial entrepreneur, Justin Bright, has believed in himself to start not one but three businesses within the last ten years. One of which he launched in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. Justin felt that he had some to offer in starting each of the three businesses, which are all in completely different industries and unrelated to each other. Like most
Leah Nauseda – Being Open in Raising 6 Boys and to New Opportunities
People often ask me what it is like raising triplets? However, I have often wondered what it has been like for a mom with a full-time career to raise six boys ranging from age 29 down to 7? Leah Nauseda is just the person to help answer this question. Transitions have been a way of life for Leah as she talks about going through a divorce, being a stay-at-home mom, and then slowly working her way back into a new sales career. A career that highlights her natural abilities to be a great network
Chris Dyer – Finding an Opportunity to Change How We Work
Have you ever heard the phrase, "never let a good crisis go to waste?" Whether it is a global pandemic, a housing crash, or a great financial recission, recognizing and seizing an opportunity can be a life-changer. This is precisely what Chris Dyer decided to do back in 2009 amongst one of the worse recessions we have seen since the great depression. Faced with cutting costs and laying off people to keep his business alive, Chris went from a sticks and bricks business to a completely virtual co
Daniel Crosby – Seeing the World Through New Eyes
Did you know that financial planning is more emotional than it is financial? That your cognitive biases help to shape your lifestyle and financial decisions? Daniel Crosby is a psychologist and behavioral finance expert who wrote the book on investor and financial psychology that dovetails into our individual biases. In our conversation, we talk about Daniel's New York Times best-selling book, The Behavioral Investor, where Daniel lays out the four consistent types of behavioral risks - Ego, E
Mark Salisbury – Walking the Tightrope of College Planning
What if you were about to make a massive investment but were unsure what you would have to pay for the investment? Add on the fact; this investment would be one of the most emotional decisions that you would make not only in your life but the life of your child. This is the situation that most parents find themselves in when determining what they will pay for their kids to attend college. Mark Salisbury, who spent much of his career working in higher education, wanted to change this by helping
Paul Fenner – Everyone Has a Story
You often hear the phrase, "when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade." We don't need to be in a global pandemic for this phrase to ring true. Imagine a doctor staring you in the eyes and says, "congratulations, you are having triplets." As much as we try to plan for our futures, I often tell my Family Office clients that financial and lifestyle goals will take a back seat to unexpected priorities. You cannot prepare for everything, and that is okay. Being told that I was having triplets
Kim Shepherd – Working Remote
What if you found yourself 20 years ahead of a curve that no one saw coming? Could you imagine what working remotely full-time was 20 years ago? This is precisely where Kim Shepherd was at the turn of 2000. A common theme with this podcast is discussing both the challenges and opportunities that life transitions can bring. Kim found herself in the middle of a life and career transition from being in broadcast journalism to business owner of a virtual recruiting business. Kim and I dive deep i
Brenda Meller – Social Media Pie
"Have you filled a bucket today" is a book that I read to my kids growing up about being kind and giving back to others? When it comes to your professional and personal networks and relationships, how much are you giving back? How full is your bucket? Brenda Meller is a person who believes strongly in helping to fill people's buckets. A lover of pie, Brenda's social media pie, which is also the title of her new book, represents how she shares her knowledge and helps others build their network
Rich Spriggle – A Net-Giver Focused on Helping People "Between Successes"
80% of jobs come from networking. And 80% of those jobs come from a third level connection. A friend of a friend of a friend. Then why is it that 95% of people are not good at networking? Someone who knows a great deal about the human side of networking is Rich Spriggle, a net-giver focused on meaningful work, helping people who are "between successes." Rich is a Senior Vice President at Challenger, Gray & Christmas, where he supports individuals going through a career transition. One of the
Rebecca Maxcy – How to Talk With Your Kids About Money
Research shows that parents are the most influential factors in their kids' money life development. What you model to your kids growing up lays the foundation for how they think and treat money into adulthood. So how do you model good financial decision making for your kids? How do you even begin to talk with your kids about money? Rebecca Maxcy is director of the UChicago Financial Education Initiative at the University of Chicago and leads a team of researchers who help parents talk with th
Dennis Mosley Williams – Being the Light for Your Family
How does a husband, father of two girls, and entrepreneur whose business pre-COVID required him to be on over 150 planes a year crisscrossing the country be the light that his family needs him to be? Knowing who you are and what you want as a person, spouse/partner, and parent are the critical elements that help people keep stress and financial strife out of their relationships. An essential component that allows Dennis Mosley Williams to do this is quite simple, every 60 days, have something f
Terry Bean – Being Intentional About Your Social Networks
No matter if you are in a job transition, looking for a new career, trying to grow your business, or simply wanting to expand your knowledge, networking is a skill that should be in your toolset. But how do you network in the age of CVOID when most everything is virtual? Terry Bean, a foremost expert in networking, especially within LinkedIn, discusses how to utilize social networks best to help you give and get the support you need and want. The first step of networking successfully is to be i
Brian Portnoy – Funded Contentment: Am I Going to Be Okay?
Am I going to be okay? The question—not explicitly about money is posed by everyone from the ultra-wealthy to the just-getting-by, from the retiree to the just-getting-started. No matter the lifestyle, accent, politics, or favorite sports team, everyone I meet wants to take care of their families, remain or get healthy, be generous to others, enjoy their hobbies, and excel at work. These words set the stage for Brian Portnoy's book, The Geometry of Wealth: How to Shape a Life of Money and Mean
Lindsay & Mike Dillon – Deciding to Partner Together Rather Than Blame
The fastest way to create strife within your finances is to marry or partner with someone who has wildly different spending expectations. Layer on considerable amounts of debt, either from student loans or credit cards, can be a recipe for disaster. Mike & Lindsay Dillon may have been headed down this road, but then something changed. They changed their mindset and decided to partner together rather than blame one another for their differing financial management styles. Lindsay and Mike talk a
Anthony Tomey – From Professional Baseball Pitcher to Family Entrepreneur, Husband, and Father
Timing in sports, just like life, can take you to places that you would never think twice about. When one door of opportunity closes, do you have the courage to open another door? Today's conversation with former professional baseball pitcher turned family entrepreneur Anthony Tomey is focused on Anthony's story to take a risk and open a new door of opportunity when he decided to end his professional sports career. Anthony and his family started with one Jimmy John's franchise nearly two decade
Anya Kamenetz – The Art of Screen Time: Digital Parenting Without Fear
How worried should we really be about kids and tech? With kids on devices more than ever due to virtual learning, where is all of this heading? And what should we actually do about it? Today I speak with Anya Kamenetz, the author of The Art of Screen Time: Digital Parenting Without Fear. Anya is also an education correspondent for NPR, and her work can be found in The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Slate, and O, the Oprah Magazine. Specifically, we talk about the effec
Molly Reeser – How a Little Girl with Cancer Changed the Life of Another Young Woman
Have you ever wondered how a chance encounter with a stranger could change the total direction of your life? How life planning meets your calling and creates a new journey for you. This episode is focused on the story of an impressionable young college student whose life would be changed by a 10-year old girl named Casey Foote who was battling cancer. In my conversation with Molly Reeser, Molly shares the details of her attending Michigan State University and working part-time teaching horseba
Noelle Essig – Helping Students & Families Through the College & Career Planning Process
Are you concerned about college and career planning for your children? While this stage in your kids' lives can be an overwhelming and emotional experience, it doesn't need to be with open lines of communication and good planning. This week I speak with Noelle Essig, College & Career Counselor in the West Bloomfield School district located in Metro Detroit. Noelle brings decades of experience working with students and families to help navigate them through the career and college planning proc
Bill Kieffer – Experiencing Career & Life Transitions from Multiple Angles
Going through a job transition can be an emotional situation for most people in corporate America. But what about transitioning from military life to civilian life? Today I speak with Bill Kiefer, a corporate executive, coach, speaker, and former officer in the U.S. Army who has experienced career and life transitions from virtually all angles. In our conversation, we discuss the difficulties of career transitions, especially for veterans transitioning from military life into civilian life. Th
Kristen Rajagopal – Providing the Gift of Peace of Mind to Your Family
Who wouldn't want to provide their family with peace of mind during an emotionally difficult life situation such as losing a loved one? Or the ability to tell your story about how you would like your children to be cared for when you are no longer able? There are many misconceptions about what an estate plan is and isn't, but one thing is for sure, it allows you to tell your story on how to protect your family and provide them peace of mind when you need it most. This week I speak with estate p
Jillian Moutafis – A Non-traditional Journey into a New Career While Raising Three Kids
Have you ever thought about making a mid-life career shift while raising a family? A change to a completely unrelated career you already spent thousands of hours and multiple degrees to pursue? This week, my guest is Jillian Moutafis, a leading real estate agent in the Metro Detroit area. The mother to three girls, Jillian, discusses her non-traditional journey into real estate from being an elementary school teacher for 12 years before deciding to make a career change. Jillian talks about why
Dr. Patrick Qatsha – Being a Healthcare Professional, Business Owner and Father of Multiple Kids in a Global Pandemic
What if the business that you had worked your entire life to build suddenly had to shut down? During the COVID pandemic, you likely heard of many companies that had to shut down abruptly. However, what if your business was in the medical field that put yourself and your entire family at risk? My guest this week is Dr. Pat Qatsha, a Dentist and owner of Dream Dental. This is precisely the situation that Pat faced with his business and family. To make the situation even more complicated, Pat,
Dr. JR Muldoon – Finding the Counter Balance in Life Raising Multiple Kids and a Business
As someone who has dealt with migraines for most of my life, stress management has always been a critical component of managing my migraines. But like most people with multiple kids, a demanding career or business, and a plethora of tugging priorities, managing stress can be extremely difficult. Additionally, to help manage my migraines, I turned to the field of Chiropractic. Chiropractic care can often be misunderstood. To explain what Chiropractic care is and isn't, my guest this week is Dr
Nick Raich – The Stock Market is Not the Economy
Are you curious as to why the stock market has skyrocketed higher when the economy feels stuck in first gear during this global pandemic? Or why, when a company reports great earnings, its stock price can go down? This week I speak with Nick Raich, Founder, and CEO of the Earnings Scout. The Earnings Scout is the premier provider of corporate earnings data and trend analysis. Full disclosure I am a client of the earnings scout and utilize their data in making portfolio management decisions fo
Shayna Levin – Managing Twins, a Business During COVID-19, and Explaining Home & Auto Insurance
Have you ever wondered why you pay what you pay for auto and homeowners insurance, also known as property and casualty insurance? Did you know that there is a greater emphasis on tickets and accidents and frequency and severity on your insurance rates for both auto and home, respectively than any other factors from a cost perspective? Shayna Levin, a mom of twins, licensed property & casualty insurance agent, and owner of Levin Insurance Agency with her husband, Jeff, talks about all facets of
Sandy Hodde – Critical Skills That High School Students are Missing
My guest this week is Sandy Hodde. Sandy is a certified professional English Language Arts and Social Studies educator and taught at the high school level for 22 years. After seeing increases in high school class sizes, Sandy decided to launch her own business, Your Coach for College, to help prepare and teach kids the skills they would need to succeed in college that they weren’t receiving in high school. In our conversation, we discuss some critical skills such as note-taking, listening, and
Dr. Laura Hutchison – Parenting in the Age of COVID-19 with Compassion & Empathy
My guest this week is Dr. Laura Hutchison, a licensed psychologist, specializing in helping children and their families. Laura's private practice offers psychotherapy for children aged 2 - 12, teen girls, women, and families using a humanistic, client-centered approach. As a Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT/S), Laura also supervises clinicians and is the founder/director of the Michigan Play Therapy Training Academy that provides high-quality, affordable play therapy training for clinicians. A
Scott Kapeller – Reflections of a Layoff While Raising Triplet Girls
My guest this week is Scott Kapeller, a leader in pharmaceutical sales and, more importantly, the father of triplet girls. Scott is a good friend and neighbor of mine in which we share a lot of similar life experiences, one of which is being the father of triplets. One of the life-changing experiences that Scott and I share is that we both went through a significant job loss within our careers. I can always see with great clarity the day I was delivered the news that I was no longer wanted.