Inspired Money

Episode 256: Singer songwriter H. Jack Williams talks about starting from humble beginnings, chasing his dream, and working with Academy Award winner Kevin Costner.

Guest Biography

You’d be hard-pressed to find a life, a career, or a body of work quite like that of singer/songwriter/performer/composer H. Jack Williams.

Jack himself credits equal parts luck, talent, and tenacity. “My whole life, I’ve gone out and gotten stuff done,” he says. “I think I have unique emotional connections within me, and I’ve always found a way to make that connection musically.” But for one of Nashville’s hardest-working songwriters and most in-demand co-writers – and now with flourishing work in film and television – it’s been a one-of-a-kind 40+ year ride with some of the biggest names in Folk, Rock, and Country. And in many ways, he’s just getting started.

This episode is brought to you by Runnymede Capital Management. Let's connect on LinkedIn. www.linkedin.com/in/andywang888/    

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Going straight to the person you want to work with… that often means going around gatekeepers.
• The emotional rollercoaster of being a songwriter or creative.
• Why Jack says you have to be an artist with an album to give your music a chance to be featured on tv and film.

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/256

Episode 255: Rob Nestor, CEO of Qraft Technologies USA, talks about how artificial intelligence can revolutionize asset management by improving performance, mitigating risk, and lowering fees.

Guest Biography

Robert Nestor is U.S. CEO of Qraft Technologies. Nestor has over 30 years in the financial services industry. Most recently, he was President of Direxion ETFs, and prior head of Factor ETFs at BlackRock.

This episode is brought to you by SeekingAlpha.com.   

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How AI can complement human intuition to generate better returns with less risk
• The impact that AI could have on fees and expenses
• How AI could help investors entering the decumulation stage

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/255

Episode 254: Former accountant turned fashion designer, Mugzy McFly talks about building a streetwear brand from scratch and following his passion as a creative entrepreneur.

Guest Biography

Mugzy is the Founder of Signed By McFly, a streetwear label catching the eye of professional athletes, musicians, and celebrities worldwide. Born and raised in the fashion capital of the world, New York City, Mugzy grew up with a deep appreciation and a keen eye for fashion, first experimenting with creative design at the age of thirteen when he began hand-making apparel to match his favorite sneakers. In 2013, displaying the same hustle and grit his hometown of the Bronx is so famous for, Mugzy started his own fashion label, Signed by McFly, since then he has gone onto to work with the GRAMMYs for the last two years and runs regular pop-up shops to highlight BIPOC independent designers in the fashion space.

This episode is brought to you by Yaahdy.com, my source for Blue Mountain Coffee and other unique Jamaican products. Use discount code 'money' for 10% off your entire order.   

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Learning marketing lessons from the New York club scene
• How real-world observations lead to good product design
• Why Mugzy strives to create experiences including partnering with a basketball league

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/254

Episode 253: Full-time influencer Gigi Robinson talks about building a brand including money tips for influencers, how to land bigger brand deals, and strategies for getting paid what you're worth.

Guest Biography

Gigi Robinson is known for many things. From being a finalist in the Sports Illustrated Swim Search, to her advocacy in the chronic illness and body positivity spheres, all the way to NFT research and navigating life as a small business owner. She truly does it all. With features in Bustle, Business Insider, Forbes, and Vogue Business, Gigi combines beauty and brains as GenZ’s forefront thought leader in the content creation space.

Having been diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome at the age of 14, Gigi knows how hard it is to be different. However, her lively spirit, positive demeanor, and elevated work ethic have made her and her Spotify Live Podcast “Everything You Need Is Within” an instant hit. Listeners of her podcast have the opportunity to learn how to become their own advocates, challenge the status quo and dominate in professional settings. Gigi truly has everything you need to unlock your inner girl boss.

When she is not working on her podcast or posing for national campaigns, Gigi can be found working on her newsletter, “The Creator Chronicles.” Her latest project is aimed at documenting life as a young woman with a chronic illness and unlocking behind-the-scenes tips and tricks for rising content creators.

With so much more on the horizon including an upcoming speaking tour, creative production for brands, advising brands and a top-secret book project, Gigi, Robinson is just getting started.

This episode is brought to you by Yaahdy.com, my source for Blue Mountain Coffee and other unique Jamaican products. Use discount code 'money' for 10% off your entire order.   

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Money tips for influencers – that means managing money, taxes, and retirement planning.
• Tips for landing bigger brand deals
• About influencer pricing and strategies for getting paid what you're worth.

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/253

Episode 252: Entrepreneur Jay Schweid talks tennis, building an AI and blockchain-enabled platform to produce independent film projects, and the power of philanthropy.

Guest Biography

Episode 251: Award-winning producer Michael Cerenzie talks about filmmaking, money, and how Stratagem Studios is creating jobs in his native Canada.

Episode 250: Dr. John Demartini returns to discuss turning a crisis into an opportunity, good investing principles, and his views on cryptocurrency.

Guest Biography

Dr. John Demartini spent much of his childhood being told by his teachers, and even his parents, that he'd never amount to anything. After being constrained to arm and leg braces until he was four years old and living out his teenage years on the streets, Dr. Demartini chose to be liberated, rather than limited by his experiences.

Today after decades of extensive studying, he inspires others to do the same, traveling across the world and providing inspirational and practical advice to people across all disciplines and industries, helping them gain a better sense of self-awareness and empowerment.

“If we blame outer circumstances for why we are not empowered, we will hinder our empowerment. But if we start acting and doing the things that are proven to empower, we rise in power,” he says.

Dr. John Demartini is a world-renowned specialist in human behavior, a researcher, polyglot, author, and global educator is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on human behavior, leadership and entrepreneurialism. He has studied over 30,000 books across all the defined academic disciplines and is the founder of the Demartini Institute. He has authored more than 40 books on a wide range of topics such as corporate and financial empowerment, self-development, relationships, and social transformation.

He has appeared on Larry King Live and regularly contributes to Oprah Magazine.

This episode is brought to you by Seeking Alpha. Get a free trial at http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/alpha 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to turn a crisis into an opportunity
• Principles of investing and when it’s good to have cash reserves
• Stay tuned to the end to hear John’s thoughts on blockchain and digital currencies

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/250

Episode 249: Robert Breedlove, host of The "What Is Money?" Show, talks about his former life as an accountant and why he believes Bitcoin will change the world.

Guest Biography

Asking yourself that all-important question "What is Money?" is the rabbit which will lead you down the proverbial rabbit hole of new inquiries, perspectives on socioeconomic reality, and worldview-shattering revelations. Undoubtedly, it is the single most significant question we can ask ourselves in a world drowning in deception. By engaging in deep conversations with a diversity of deep thinkers from all walks of life, we will doggedly pursue this "rabbit" in our relentless hunt for truth. Robert Breedlove is a freedom maximalist, ex-hedge fund manager, and philosopher in the Bitcoin space. To him, Bitcoin is fundamentally a humanitarian movement exposing the greatest con in human history: central banking. By learning about the connection between honest money, entrepreneurship, and civilization, we are renewing hope for the future of humanity. To this end,Robert's mission is to restore freedom, truth, and virtue in our world by tenaciously asking the question: "What is Money?"

This episode is brought to you by Runnymede Capital Management. Schedule a call with me.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Robert’s path from accountant to bitcoin-focused entrepreneur
• Why Robert believes so strongly in Bitcoin over all other currencies
• Government regulation, the biggest known risk to Bitcoin

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/249

Episode 248: Financial independence expert and hospice doctor, Jordon Grumet shares advice about building wealth and living a regret-free life.

Guest Biography

Jordan Grumet was born in Evanston, Illinois in 1973. His interest in becoming a doctor was ignited when his father, an oncologist, died unexpectedly in the prime of life. This profound loss not only inspired him to practice medicine, it has given him a unique perspective as a financial expert, challenging him to think deeply and critically about concepts like wealth, abundance, and financial independence.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, Jordan received his medical degree from Northwestern University, and began practicing Internal Medicine in Northbrook, Illinois. He currently is an associate medical director at Journeycare Hospice.

After years of blogging about financial independence and wellness, Jordan launched the Earn & Invest podcast in 2018. In 2019 he received the Plutus Award for Best New Personal Finance Podcast and was nominated in 2020 and 2021 for Best Personal Finance Podcast of the year. His book, Taking Stock: A Hospice Doctor’s Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free Life is being published by Ulysses Press in August 2022.

This episode is brought to you by Yaahdy.com -- Use coupon code "money" for 10% off your entire order.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why soul searching and finding purpose are important parts of financial independence
• The art of subtracting parts of your life that are unfulfilling or ungratifying
• Putting your money on autopilot so you can live an intentional life

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/248

Episode 247: Beate Chelette talks about the importance of a healthy money mindset that helped her go from $138,000 in debt to a millionnaire.

Guest Biography

Beate Chelette is the Growth Architect and Founder of The Women’s Code and provides visionaries and leaders with proven strategies, blueprints and growth maps that provide clear steps to improve business systems, strengthen leadership skills and teams so that our clients and audiences can maximize profits and scale their impact.

Beate is known as a straight shooter and her ability to inspire, empower and overcome adversity. Her super skill is working with unique personalities and big thinkers and building executable systems.

A first-generation immigrant who found herself $135,000 in debt as a single parent Beate bootstrapped her passion for photography into a global business that licensed content into 79 countries. She exited in a multimillion-dollar deal when she sold the company to Bill Gates.

She is the Podcast host of The Business Growth Architect Show and listed amongst the “Top 100 Global Thought Leaders” by PeopleHum and “One of 50 Must Follow Women Entrepreneurs” by HuffPost.

This episode is brought to you by Runnymede Capital Management. Schedule a call with me.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What a healthy money mindset looks like
• Changing your programming for success
• Why it’s important to invest in yourself

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/247

Episode 246: Alexis Castorina, Head of Consumer Education at Zelle®, shares tips for Zelle electronic payments and keeping yourself safe from online scams.

Guest Biography

Alexis Castorina is Head of Consumer Education, for Early Warning, the operator of Zelle®. In this role she leads the company’s support of financial education to help people invest in their financial futures and bank safely in the digital age. Alexis joined Early Warning, a FinTech owned by seven of the country’s largest banks, in 2015, and previously played a key role in the 2017 launch of Zelle®, the digital payments service now found in 75% of bank apps. Outside of work she serves on the board of directors of Girls in Tech Phoenix and on the advisory board of the Cybercrime Support Network. Alexis holds a B.A. in journalism and an M.B.A. with a concentration in marketing

This episode is brought to you by Runnymede Capital Management. Schedule a call with me.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Tips for using Zelle for electronics payments
• Keeping yourself safe from scammers and cybercrime
• Advice for dealing with inflation

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/246

Episode 245: Communication Coach and YouTuber, Brenden Kumarasamy talks about how to become a world-class communicator.

Episode 244: Fitness influencer Katie Kasten-Wasilisin talks about monetizing online businesses, social media followers, and building a community to treat chronic pain through correct body movement.

Guest Biography

Athletic from a young age, Katie always kept her body moving, participating in sports such as roller hockey, basketball, and even figure skating briefly. The need to move was vital to her. After graduating high school and being out of sports, she found herself perplexed and dove into running and watching what she ate. This quickly developed into an unhealthy obsession with being “skinny,” which led to an eating disorder and severe body dysmorphia. Luckily, through a scary and sudden discovery of scoliosis, Katie was informed she had to stop partaking in all impact activities. Frustrated with the need to move her body, her doctor recommended Yoga – An unexpected turn into what is now the origin story of her career in health and fitness. She fell in love with how Yoga empowered her to find love and strength within herself, discovering and teaching various forms of it. Her energy quickly translated into her classes, deviating them from your standard practices and making them the most sought-after in San Diego.

Her magnetic energy quickly caught the attention of Dr. Michael Wasilisin, creator of MoveU, who insisted she shares her talents with the world. Falling right into the health and fitness world, like she always dreamed of, Katie is currently one of MoveU’s leading instructors, a model, coach, and assistant teacher at several other brands, including her recent On-Demand classes via Bosu Ball.

This episode is brought to you by Runnymede Capital Management. Schedule a call with us to discuss your financial planning and investing needs.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Going from a traditional chiropractic office to an online business
• Monetizing social media followers
• See Katie demonstrate an exercise that helps alleviate her sciatica caused by scoliosis

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/244

Episode 243: Award-winning personal finance blogger and author, Alyssa Davies talks about financial independence, mental health, and tracking your emotions for smarter spending.

Guest Biography

ALYSSA DAVIES is a content manager for Zolo and a published author living in Calgary, Alberta. She is the founder of the two-time award-winning Canadian Personal Finance Blog of the Year, Mixed Up Money. As of 2022, she has over 80,000 followers across social media. Through her work, she has been featured in many notable publications, including The Globe and Mail, CNBC, CBC, and more. Alyssa is a freelance writer and enjoys writing about personal finance, homeownership, and more.

This episode is brought to you by Runnymede Capital Management. Schedule a call with us to discuss your financial planning and investing needs.. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Tracking, budgeting, and sound money principles
• When mental health is your biggest unexpected expense
• Tracking your emotions in a journal to better understand your spending

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/243

Episode 242: Renowned master hula teacher, cultural leader, and Hawaiian activist, Vicky Holt Takmine talks about perpetuating Hawaiian arts, hula as resistance, and non-profit fundraising. 

Episode 241: American philanthropist Maggie Doyne talks about the benefit of a gap year, finding purpose, and educating children in Nepal to create a better future.

Guest Biography

Maggie is originally from New Jersey and has dedicated the last 13+ years of her life to educating children and empowering women. Maggie created the BlinkNow Foundation to sustain, grow, and support Kopila Valley Children’s Home and School in Nepal, and to serve as a vehicle to share her ideas with young people, especially children in the U.S. Maggie believes that in the blink of an eye, we can all make a difference. At age 19, Maggie used her life savings to build a home for orphaned children in war-ravaged Nepal. Since then, she has helped provide a loving home to over 50 children. In 2010, BlinkNow opened a school for the region’s most impoverished children. The school now serves 400 students and is rated top in the region. Maggie was named 2015 CNN Hero of the Year. She was honored by the Dalai Lama as an Unsung Hero of Compassion in 2014. Her work was championed by Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Nicholas Kristof in a cover story for The New York Times Magazine. In 2012, Maggie shared her story at the Forbes 400 Summit on Philanthropy, and in 2013 she received the Forbes Award for Excellence in Education. Her work has been recognized by  Elizabeth Gilbert, Katie Couric, and Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan of Sussex. While Maggie’s work as CEO is focused on Nepal, she speaks all over the world in the hope of inspiring others to start projects of their own that will generate positive change. She shares her memoir in Between the Mountain and the Sky: A Mother’s Story of Love, Loss, Healing, and Hope — released in March, 2022.

This episode is brought to you by Seeking Alpha. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Forging your own path vs doing what is expected of you
• Gap years and college tuitions
• Finding happiness through purpose

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/241

Episode 240: Dancer and singer, Etty Lau Farrell, talks about being an artist, feeling like an outcast, and recovering from dark financial days.

Episode 239: Hi Inspired Money Maker!

Due to work and personal events this week, I'm publishing a short solo episode for Mental Health Awareness Month. Please let me know what you think.

Next week, the usual interview format returns.

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/239

Episode 238: 

Author and personal finance expert Bobbi Rebell, CFP® talks about helicopter parenting and tips for teaching your kids important money lessons.

Guest Biography

Bobbi Rebell, CFP® is the author of Launching Financial Grownups: Live Your Richest Life by Helping Your (Almost) Adult Kids Become Everyday Money Smart. She is a speaker, conference host, and moderator, and works as a spokesperson for brands aligned with her values. Bobbi is also the host of the critically acclaimed Money Tips for Financial Grownups podcast, which has more than 700,000 downloads. In 2021 she launched a new venture, GrownupGear.com as a fun way to promote adulting and being a financial grownup. Earlier in her career Bobbi was a global business news anchor and personal finance columnist at Reuters and held various journalist positions at top news outlets including CNBC, CNN and PBS. Bobbi is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and received her Certificate in Financial Planning from New York University. Her first book “How to be a Financial Grownup: Proven Advice from High Achievers on How to Live Your Dreams and Have Financial Freedom” was released in 2016. She lives in New York City with her family.

This episode is brought to you by Seeking Alpha. Use this link for 50% off an annual premium membership.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How not to be a helicopter parent
• Tips for teaching your kids important money lessons
• Why Bobbi’s daughter bought a Disney season pass… was it a wise financial decision?

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/238

Episode 237: Computer Programmer turned Songwriter, Dave Combs talks about creating and selling his music full-time.

Guest Biography

A native of Erwin, Tennessee, Dave grew up in a family that enjoyed making music. Both of his parents and his grandmother Combs played the piano, which began his musical journey that included being a church choir director and pianist.

After college, Dave move to Winston-Salem, North Carolina where he served as Minister of Music at a church while working as a computer programmer at a Fortune 500 company.

His songwriting began with the now popular standard, Rachel’s Song, which was arranged and recorded by Gary Prim in 1986. Since then, Dave has written over 120 songs and recorded 15 albums of soft, soothing, and relaxing instrumental music that has touched the lives of millions around the world.

An article written by Dave about how music has changed his life and touched the lives of millions of people appeared in Guideposts magazine. Click here to see the article.

A multitude of inspiring stories about Dave’s lifelong journey with his music can be found in his best-selling biographical book, Touched by the Music: How the Story and Music of “Rachel’s Song” Can Change Your Life.

Dave and his wife, Linda, live in Winston-Salem.

This episode is brought to you by www.Yaahdy.com, your online source for Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, jerk spice, and other gifts. Save 10% off your entire order with coupon code 'money'.  

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Dave wrote a song and 9 years later was able to quit his corporate job
• The importance of forging one’s own way in the music business
• Tune in to the end to hear why the local librarian could be every entrepreneur’s secret weapon

Show notes: http://www.inspiredmoney.fm/237