Episodes

What’s the future of ETFs in a transforming global economy? Join Brent Mekosh as he welcomes Vince Lorusso, the president and CEO of Clough Capital Partners, to explore the shifting landscapes of ETFs and financial markets. Delve into Vince’s personal industry journey, the evolution of Clough Capital, and his insights on dynamic market changes. Unravel the complexities of ETF management and discover how advanced strategies like hedged equity can safeguard investments in uncertain times. Vince di...

Are traditional investment strategies enough to secure a future? Join Brent Mekosh as he sits down with Eric Knauss, Chief Investment Officer at Proteus, a seasoned advisor with over 40 years of experience in major firms like Merrill Lynch and T. Rowe Price. They delve into the nuances of private equity, real estate, and hedge funds, emphasizing their potential to enhance and stabilize financial portfolios. Eric discusses: The benefits of private investment exposure [00:10:20] Understanding the...

How can venture capital strategies transform the nonprofit world? Brent Mekosh sits down with Amy Armstrong, CEO of Social Venture Partners Arizona, to explore the synergy between business acumen and charitable initiatives. They discuss the significance of multi-year giving and trust-based philanthropy, emphasizing the profound impact these approaches can have on supporting charitable endeavors. Top takeaways include: The venture capital approach to philanthropy Amy’s inspiring story from inter...

What makes private aviation more accessible and appealing today than ever before? Join host Brent Mekosh and special guest Brent Wouters, CEO of JetLinx, as they navigate the skies of private aviation in this episode of Smart Money Simplified. They dive deep into the world of private jets, exploring everything from the unmatched convenience of bypassing TSA lines to the strategic benefits of fractional jet ownership. Brent discusses: The rise of fractional jet ownership and its accessibility to...

What does it take to build a successful financial advisory career from the ground up while navigating life’s unpredictabilities and decisions? Join Brent Mekosh as he sits down with Ryan Reming, an elite advisor and associate partner at The Wealth Stewards. Ryan shares his journey from his early economics studies through the volatility post-financial crisis, to becoming a key player at The Wealth Stewards. By tuning in, you’ll discover how Ryan transitioned through various roles and challenges, ...

How is Canada’s approach to tariffs shaping its economic landscape? Join Brent Mekosh on Smart Money Simplified as he unpacks the complexities of tariffs and trade between the US and Canada with renowned Canadian tax expert Kim Moody, founder of Moody’s Private Client. Dive into a conversation brimming with insights, from the chaotic effects of tariff policies to political shifts in Canada and their implications for the future of North American trade. Brent and Kim discuss: The impact of US-Can...

What makes some financial advisors stand out from the pack? It’s time to discover a unique approach to investment management and portfolio construction. Join Brent Mekosh as he teams up with Joe Cortese from Fiducient Advisors to discuss mastering risk management and improving investment strategies. They share lessons learned, how to incorporate AI in financial advising, forward-thinking insights, and actionable advice. Key discussion points include: Risk management strategies and unexpected ma...

What does it truly mean to pursue wholeness as a leader? This week, Brent Mekosh chats with Andy Maurer, a leadership dynamics and emotional well-being professional. Discover how reconciling high performance with emotional connection can transform leadership and personal fulfillment. Brent and Andy also unravel the complexities of leadership isolation and the importance of emotional maturity. They explore how past trauma can impact present success and why many successful leaders still feel empty...

What does the future of investing look like in 2025? Brent Mekosh sits down with Bill Tucker on Smart Money Simplified to tackle the pressing issues shaping today’s financial landscape. From the growing risks of market concentration to innovative asset diversification strategies, this episode delivers key insights for investors navigating an uncertain economy. Brent and Bill discuss: The fragility of stock market concentration and its potential implications for investors [00:02:56] The rising i...

What’s sparking the Arizona real estate market despite rising interest rates? In this episode, Brent Mekosh sits down with Caroline Van Arsdale, a seasoned realtor from Silverleaf Realty, to unravel the dynamics of Arizona’s luxury real estate scene. From understanding the cash-rich high-end market to analyzing the motivations behind homeowners’ shifts due to economic and environmental factors, they paint a vivid picture of the area’s evolving landscape. Brent and Caroline dive into: The resili...

How can the right processes transform your investment strategy and elevate client relationships? In this landmark 100th episode of Smart Money Simplified, Brent Mekosh explores this topic with special guest Eddy Augsten from Concurrent. Together, they delve into crafting cohesive investment frameworks and integrating institutional processes into wealth advisory practices. Tune in and gain an inside look at scaling up your practice, the significance of emotional detachment in the investment proce...

What’s driving the spirit of community and kindness in your neighborhood? Brent Mekosh has an enlightening conversation with Ryan Corry, the Chief Philanthropy Officer at St. Vincent de Paul. Ryan shares insights from his journey into philanthropy, illustrating how early volunteering led him to a lifelong commitment to service. Together, Brent and Ryan discuss the organization’s mission to feed, clothe, house, and heal, detailing their expansive services like medical and dental clinics and trans...

What makes alternative assets so valuable? Let’s find out with our latest guest! Brent Mekosh dives into an enlightening conversation with John Hampton, Executive Director at Campbell Corp, to uncover the fascinating world of alternative asset classes. With 2022 and 2024 bringing unexpected market correlations and disruptions, Brent and John explore why diversifying beyond traditional stocks and bonds can offer compelling strategies for portfolio management. Discussion points include: The defin...

What does it truly mean to listen, and how can it transform your personal and professional relationships? Brent Mekosh sits down with Matt Halloran, co-founder of ProudMouth, the company producing this very podcast, and a long-time advocate for effective communication. Their conversation weaves through the art of listening with depth—and how it can address the epidemic of loneliness prevalent today. Matt’s new book, “Shut the F Up and Listen,” introduces seven types of listening that can revolut...

Are we on the brink of World War III, or are we already in it? Many believe that a modern world conflict would heavily mimic those of the past, yet today’s global dynamics suggest a much more intricate design. Brent Mekosh and Semaj McDowell are here to clarify why the landscape is dramatically different this time around. With a focus on the volatile situations in regions like the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe, this conversation highlights how various alliances and strategic movements co...

Can regenerative agriculture save the planet and your portfolio? This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Craig Wichner, Founder & Managing Partner of Farmland LP, reveals how transitioning from conventional farming to organic and regenerative practices is reshaping agriculture and creating stable, high-return investment opportunities. Craig conveys why healthier soil leads to healthier ecosystems—and stronger portfolios. He also explains how regenerative farming drives environmental progress whil...

Infrastructure investments might be the stability boost your portfolio needs—are you ready? This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Steve Pointer, Regional Director at Cantor Fitzgerald, explains why assets like power grids, water systems, and digital networks are redefining essential investments for today’s markets. Steve shares three key trends reshaping the landscape: Digital Transformation: Skyrocketing demand for data infrastructure Energy Shift: Renewables and nuclear are paving the way fo...

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Dr. Andrea Mata, clinical child psychologist and founder of BrightSpot Families, joins Brent Mekosh to unpack the teen mental health crisis while sharing practical strategies to help parents raise resilient, adaptable children. Dr. Mata highlights three critical areas reshaping parenting today: The Alarming Trends: Half of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14; 42% of teens experience persistent sadness; 22% have seriously considered suicide Parent...

Ultra-processed foods. Skyrocketing obesity rates. A growing health crisis. It’s time to ask: What can you do to fight back? This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh is joined by wellness professional Shiran Romero, who unveils powerful, science-backed strategies to transform your health. Brent also opens up about his remarkable health journey, sharing how cutting-edge peptide therapies like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide helped him regain energy, normalize his bloodwork, and return to h...

Global tensions may be more relevant to you than you realize—are you prepared? This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh shares some eye-opening takeaways from his recent trip to South Korea, where he saw the country’s booming economy, high-tech ports, and welcoming culture firsthand. (A visit to the DMZ was a stark reminder of global tensions we often overlook!) Back in the U.S., Brent breaks down pressing issues like the national debt and what the upcoming election could mean for mar...

The financial industry is transforming at breakneck speed—are you ready for what’s next? Fresh from the Future Proof Conference in Huntington Beach, where over 4,500 professionals converged to discuss the future of finance and technology, in this episode of Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh explores the most important insights shaping the industry. Discover how AI is revolutionizing financial services, creating new efficiencies, and changing the way advisors serve their clients. Brent explo...

Leadership isn’t just about giving orders. It’s about inspiring, guiding, and sometimes, learning from everyone around you. Are you ready to elevate your leadership game and drive your team to new heights? This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh welcomes Matthew Mitchell, the winningest coach in the history of the University of Kentucky Women’s Basketball Program. Matthew shares his incredible journey from high school coaching to becoming a top college coach, his principles of leader...

AI has exploded into our lives, moving from theoretical to practical applications in record time. Remember the days when Siri was clunky and unreliable? Now, AI tools like ChatGPT are seamlessly integrated into our workflows, offering unprecedented capabilities. This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh dives into the world of artificial intelligence with serial entrepreneur Ravi Koka, founder and CEO of Stocksnips. Together, they explore the seismic shifts AI is causing in finance and...

Did you know that over 70% of business succession efforts fail, and even successful entrepreneurs often regret their decisions a year later? This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh sits down with Geoff Eliason from SDR Ventures to delve into the critical aspects of business succession planning, the importance of having a coordinated team, and how to prepare for a successful exit strategy. Geoff’s extensive experience in investment banking and understanding of the entrepreneurial land...