Episodes

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we sit down with Caleb Brown, CFP®, CEO of New Planner Recruiting, practicing financial advisor, and adjunct faculty at the University of Georgia. Caleb shares his unique journey from struggling new grad to becoming a leader in placing next-generation talent at fee-only RIAs. We cover: How Caleb balances three careers at once Why the CFP® designation remains the gold standard Common mistakes job seekers and firm owners make during hi...

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we sit down with Dominic Monk, CFP®, CIMA®, and partner at The Hedley Hoeger Group at Baird. Dominic shares his journey from growing up without financial stability to becoming a leader in wealth management—and why he always knew he wanted to be a financial advisor. We dive into: His early start in financial planning through Ohio University’s CFP® program The power of mentorship and intentional career planning His transition from clie...

In this episode, we’re joined by Landon Warmund, CFP®, CSLP® and 2025 FPA NexGen Chair. Landon shares his journey from Kansas State student to building his own independent financial planning practice, with a focus on serving school district employees and navigating student loan planning. He discusses the early challenges of growing a book of business, including grassroots marketing, direct mail, and client education. Landon also highlights his passion for developing student communities and bro...

On this episode of The Blueprint, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Colin Day, CFP®, a Financial Planner at Mercer Advisors and active FPA leader. Colin opens up about his journey from working in banking to becoming a nationally recognized voice in the financial planning profession. He shares his experiences navigating burnout, finding the courage to pivot, and discovering the power of vulnerability in both leadership and life. Colin also discusses his role within FPA, his...

In this episode of The Blueprint, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Paul Gaudio, CFP®, a client advisor at Crestwood Advisors and NexGen Chair of FPA New England. Paul opens up about his early skepticism toward designations like the CFP®, how industry involvement shaped his career, and why taking out the trash at his first job helped him stand out. He shares reflections from FPA's Gathering, discusses the power of mentorship, and explores how staying “comfortably uncomforta...

In this episode, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Victoria O’Tool, a finance major and President of the FPA student chapter at the University of Alabama. Victoria shares her inspiring journey from being a self-described introvert to becoming a bold student leader and advocate for financial planning. She discusses how solo travel and public speaking pushed her outside her comfort zone and into a growth mindset. Victoria details how she revitalized her FPA chapter—growing it...

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Mike Zarrelli and Deshawn Peterson sit down with Noah Gay, Associate Advisor at Savant Wealth Management, to explore what it really looks like to launch a career in financial planning in 2025. Noah shares his transition from a small-town community college student to a University of Illinois graduate, emphasizing the pivotal role mentorship played in discovering the financial planning profession. He reflects on the often-overlooked ...

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, Mike and Deshawn sit down with Hannah Moore, CFP®, founder of Amplified Planning and creator of The Externship. Hannah shares her journey, professional challenges, and the purpose behind her work. You’ll hear about: How simple client conversations can have transformational impact Building scalable systems without losing human connection The burnout moment that changed everything Why the first five years in this profession matter mos...

In this episode of The Blueprint, hosts Mike Zarrelli and Deshawn Peterson sit down with Gloria Garcia-Cisneros, CFP®, a Wealth Manager at LourdMurray, to discuss her journey as a first-generation professional in the financial planning industry. Gloria shares how her personal experiences shaped her career, from navigating personal finance as a first generation immigrant to becoming a CFP®. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, building confidence, and finding mentorship in a male-dom...

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Alayna Woodall and Adam Taylor, two Virginia Tech seniors majoring in financial planning. They discuss their journey into the profession, their experiences with Virginia Tech’s Financial Planning program, and the mentorship and networking opportunities that helped shape their career paths. The conversation also dives into CFP exam prep, job hunting, internships, and the value of FPA N...

Financial Planning with Odaro – A Different Kind of Mix In this episode, we dive into the world of financial planning with Odaro Aisueni, a financial professional by day and DJ by night. Odaro shares his journey into financial planning, the importance of building wealth early, and how he helps clients navigate their financial futures. From budgeting and investing to long-term wealth strategies, we discuss the mindset shifts needed to achieve financial success. Tune in for an engaging conversati...

In today's episode of The Blueprint, we sit down with Cody Garrett, CFP®, a career changer whose journey from music to financial planning is spectacular to hear. Cody shares his insights on the transformative power of giving without expecting in return, drawing from one of his favorite books: The Go-Giver by Bob Burg. We dive into his passion for music—ranging from Motown gospel to big band jazz—and explore how these influences shape his personal and professional life. Tune in for a heartfelt co...

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli are joined by Julie Johnson and Jack Heintzelman, two financial professionals passionate about fostering the next generation of advisors. The conversation delves into the importance of advocating for oneself, cultivating next-gen talent, and bridging the gap between seasoned professionals and emerging advisors. Julie shares her experiences as a former advisor turned coach, emphasizing the value of ...

In this episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, hosts Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli sit down with Colin Overweg, founder and CEO of Advize Wealth Management, to explore his journey from insurance sales to establishing a successful independent advisory firm. Colin shares how his frustrations with outdated financial industry practices and clunky brokerage systems inspired him to launch a client-centric, technology-forward wealth management service. Colin offers a candid look at the...

In this episode of The Blueprint, Deshawn Peterson and Mike Zarrelli chat with Kimberly Mamaril of Los Olas Capital Advisors about her career journey and lessons learned along the way. Kim highlights the importance of betting on yourself, especially when you consider that others are betting on you as well. She discusses her vision to elevate the financial planning profession to the level of doctors and lawyers, pushing the industry upward. Kim also opens up about her personal story, including ho...

In this episode of The BluePrint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we’re excited to have Blake Pinyan, CFP®, EA, and 2024 President of FPA NexGen, as our guest. As a financial planner at Anchor Bay Capital and a dedicated leader in the NexGen community, Blake offers a unique blend of professional expertise and a passion for fostering growth in the financial planning profession. Blake shares his journey, insights into his leadership vision for FPA NexGen, and what it means to create meaningful change in ...

In this captivating episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we are excited to host Jolisa Gonzalez, a visionary Latina professional who is making significant strides in the financial industry. Jolisa talks about the importance of pro bono work and her relationship with SER - an organization that focuses on supporting, educating, and recharging individuals in the latino community through the power of financial planning. In addition to her research and professional contributions, Jolis...

In our final installment of the "FPA NexGen® Gathering" series, check out Nichole Graham, our 2024 NexGen Gathering Co-Chair, as she ask questions from the audience for Michael Kitces.

Join us for the third installment of the "FPA NexGen Gathering" series, as Riley Saunders steps from behind the booth to interview attendees of Gathering, specifically those that are 2nd generation financial planners. Riley is a second generation CFP® and wants to uncover how other 2nd generation financial planners navigate having family in the business. At the top of the video, Riley speaks with Deshawn Peterson about lessons learned from both his father and figures outside of the financial p...

Join Mike and Deshawn as they sit down with students who are studying financial planning at their respective universities. In today's episode, you will find our second issue of the "FPA NexGen® Gathering" series. Deshawn and Mike were lucky enough to meet students who were willing to share their unique perspectives that come from being new to the field of financial planning. Whether it's the importance of finding a mentor in your career, why they chose to be in the field of financial planning, ...

In today's episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® podcast, we get to hear first hand from attendees of FPA's NexGen® Gathering conference. Deshawn and Mike sit down with several financial planners from all over the country and ask a few questions on why they decided to go to Gathering, what shaped their views towards finance, and why community or "finding your tribe" is critical towards forward progress in your career. Further reflections from attendees dove into the lessons they have alread...

In this engaging episode of The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast, we sit down with Lizbeth G. Menjivar-Muñoz, an Investment Consultant at Fidelity. Lizbeth masterfully juggles the demanding world of finance with the joys and challenges of motherhood. Lizbeth opens up about her journey into the financial sector, sharing how she carved out her path in a competitive industry and what motivates her to excel at her role. Lizbeth shares heartfelt anecdotes about the balancing act of managing her ca...

Welcome to "The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast," where hosts Deshawn Peterson, CFP® and Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA, invite you into the dynamic world of financial planning. In the intro episode, they share their vision for the podcast: a platform to explore the journeys and experiences of the next generation of financial planners. Mike and Deshawn dive into their own personal stories, emphasize the podcast's mission to inspire, and educate listeners through candid conversations. Mike and Desh...

In this trailer episode, listen as our co-host, Mike Zarrelli, CFP®, EA, details what he hopes to achieve by starting a new podcast with FPA NexGen®.