Month: November 2022

What You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI) Part 2 With David Martin (Ep. 10)

What You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI) Part 2 With David Martin (Ep. 10)

While improvements in technology create opportunities for many people, adverse reactions are equally abundant. From fear of competitors to transforming medical technology into recreational tools, there is a reality to accept when talking about artificial intelligence.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh and David Martin, founder, and president of Fantasy Interactive, continue their conversation on Artificial Intelligence (AI). They dive back into AI technology, discussing the current applications of technology and how advancement will change our interactions within the medical and entertainment fields. David shares examples of his interactions with virtual reality, and why AI technology advancements will move into recreational use.

David discusses:

  • What cybersecurity is from a technical standpoint
  • The perceived threat from competitors’ advancements in technology
  • How virtual reality provides opportunities for experiences
  • Why advancement in medical technology will also advance recreational opportunities
  • And more

Resources:

  • What You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI)  with David Martin (Ep. 9)

Connect with David Martin:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

David Martin is the president and founder of Fantasy Interactive. Fantasy is a human-centered product innovation team that ships premium products and ecosystems for the world’s biggest.

Since launching the company in 1999, David has worked with some of the world’s most important companies, including Netflix, X-Box, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, MTV Ford, Samsung, Tinder, and Masterclass.  

What You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI) with David Martin (Ep. 9)

What You Should Know About Artificial Intelligence (AI) with David Martin (Ep. 9)

We’ve all seen or heard of at least one rogue artificial intelligence movie, where the main character rises and stops the machines from taking over or destroying humanity. 

But the reality of the technology is a little different from the silver screen. 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh sits down with the founder and president of Fantasy Interactive, David Martin. David shares his experience in the digital world, what current AI looks and acts like, and what the future holds for the technology. 

He also reveals the importance of a democratic system established to maintain the morality and ethics of technology and the value of including such aspects in future advanced AI technologies.

David discusses:

  • Artificial intelligence technology outside of movies
  • The struggles of morality as technology evolves
  • What you should know about Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI)
  • How humanity evolves as technology takes over jobs
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with David Martin:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

David Martin is the president and founder of Fantasy Interactive. Fantasy is a human-centered product innovation team that ships premium products and ecosystems for the world’s biggest.

Since launching the company in 1999, David has worked with some of the world’s most important companies, including Netflix, X-Box, Google, Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, MTV Ford, Samsung, Tinder, and Masterclass.  

Transforming Tax Credit Into Education with Katie Charles and Kristie Berg (Ep.8)

Transforming Tax Credit Into Education with Katie Charles and Kristie Berg (Ep.8)

You want the best education possible for your child. Sometimes that education costs more than you can afford, regardless of how high above the poverty line you are.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Katie Charles, the director of annual giving and stewardship, and Kristie Berg, the director of financial aid at Phoenix Country Day School. Together they outline the mechanics and benefits surrounding the Arizona Private School Tax while revealing the role of donations for students in financial need.

Katie and Kristie discuss:

  • How individuals and corporations can redirect a portion of their income tax 
  • Who benefits from the Arizona Private School Tax Credit
  • Potential concerns around the Arizona Private School Tax credit program
  • How the program works compared to other financial aid programs
  • And more!

Connect with Katie Charles and Kristie Berg:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guests:

Katie Charles:

When Katie arrived at Phoenix Country Day School in 2014, she brought many years of fundraising experience and expertise to her position of director of annual giving and stewardship. Mrs. Charles says she feels so blessed to be part of the PCDS family and is truly grateful for all the ways the PCDS community supports its students, teachers, and staff. In her free time, Mrs. Charles enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, and lovable boxer dog.

Kristie Berg:

For over two decades, just about every PCDS family has received a warm welcome from Kristie, as she works closely with families during the admissions process and also handles all financial aid. She especially loves the Lower School Garden, and she is not afraid of getting a little dirty during the annual Kindergarten Mud Mania, which happens to be one of her most anticipated events. When she is not at school, Ms. Berg enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and going on travel adventures, especially ones that include beachcombing.

An Unlucky Yet Successful NBA Career with Tom Van Arsdale (Ep. 7)

An Unlucky Yet Successful NBA Career with Tom Van Arsdale (Ep. 7)

We know stories about the Hall of Famers and the Superstars of the sports world. 

However, the truth is the world of sports is filled with so many professional players that don’t quite get the same spotlight.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by former professional basketball player Tom Van Arsdale. Tom shares his personal experience in an unlucky yet successful career as a basketball player and his memoir “Journey Man.” He also reveals some behind the scenes of professional athletes, from his views on racism while playing for the NBA to the financial side of sports.

Tom discusses:

  • What led him to write his story
  • The importance of sharing one’s life with the next generation
  • The impact of racism within the NBA
  • The financial risk and rewards taken by sports team owners
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About our Guest:

Tom Van Arsdale was born in the great state of Indiana, the heartbeat of the game of basketball. He and his twin brother became Co-Mr. Basketball in the state, at Indianapolis Manual High School. Tom was an All-American at Indiana University and spent 12 years in the NBA, becoming a three-time NBA All-Star. 

Tom holds two NBA Records: He’s played the most games without a playoff appearance and scored more points than anyone without a playoff appearance. It was rotten luck to break those records, but Tom’s career is more than those unwitting accomplishments.

At the age of 77, Tom wrote “Journey Man: Celebrating an Unlucky, Unpredictable, and Undeniably Successful NBA Career,” a  book dedicated to his reflections of his time in the NBA.

Healthy Body Equals Healthy Life With Lacey Byrd (Ep. 6)

Healthy Body Equals Healthy Life With Lacey Byrd (Ep. 6)

Your physical well-being is just as important, if not more, important as your financial plan.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Lacey Byrd, co-founder of Hybrid Athlete Training. Lacey highlights the importance of creating a personal schedule and how discipline can be a form of freedom. She shares her personal habits in life and how simple steps such as a shorter workout can help you stick to your routine.

Lacey discusses:

  • How discipline creates a form of freedom
  • Reasons why people are disconnected from the present
  • The impact of the pandemic on routines and personal fitness
  • How to take control of your future
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With Lacey Byrd:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About our Guest:

Coming from a strong background of explosive sports training, such as high-level track and field, obstacle course racing, Crossfit, Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, and much more, Lacey Byrd is exactly what a Hybrid Athlete would be characterized as.

Her passion to facilitate change in others’ mindsets and health are her primary driver. Lacey has been a personal trainer for over 10 years, helping hundreds of people customize the perfect fitness programs.

As a female entrepreneur, Lacey is constantly motivating those who need to take their business to the next level.

The Wide World of Investments – Part 2 with Sami Chowdhury (Ep. 5)

The Wide World of Investments – Part 2 with Sami Chowdhury (Ep. 5)

When investing close to home, you know what is happening within the country.

Investing overseas is a bit more challenging.

Dive even deeper into the overseas markets with the director of Royal Capital in Bangladesh, Sami Chowdhury.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh returns with Sami to talk about the markets overseas. Sami reveals how China’s investments impact the US and its relationship with the country. He outlines the problems faced by China and India when it comes to their economy and how those decisions influence our investment opportunities.

Sami discusses:

  • How China influences the US through funding
  • The role of policy-makers in addressing the threat
  • The importance of balancing imports and exports
  • What investors should look at when investing overseas
  • And more!

Resources:

  • The Wide World of Investments With Sami Chowdhury

Connect with Sami Chowdhury:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Exploring China, India, and Southeast Asia with Sami Chowdhury (Ep. 4)

Exploring China, India, and Southeast Asia with Sami Chowdhury (Ep. 4)

Knowing what is happening in your own backyard is only a small part of other relevant global events. 

But, what’s making headlines on the other side of the world? How’s the economic scenario looking like in countries like China and Southeast Asia?

Get the answers to these questions in this episode of SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED. with the director of Royal Capital in Bangladesh, Sami Chowdhury.

This week, Sami joins Brent Mekosh to reveal the recent events in Bangladesh in relation to their neighboring countries, India and China. Sami highlights the current economic scheme in Bangladesh, their trade agreements with their neighbors, and how India and China’s conflict impacts their current financial situation.

Sami discusses:

  • The imports and exports of Bangladesh with their bordering countries and internationally
  • How and why Bangladesh entered the apparel industry
  • What investors need to know about current events in and around China
  • How conflicts between India and China could impact Bangladesh
  • And more!

Connect with Sami Chowdhury:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Starting Your Financial Solutions Journey at MP Advisors, LLC (Ep. 3)

Starting Your Financial Solutions Journey at MP Advisors, LLC (Ep. 3)

You’ve had the first meeting. You’ve signed the dotted line. What happens after you become an MP Advisor client?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh shares the next steps after a client has signed on the dotted line. He reveals the paperwork and meetings that will happen, the type of questions asked to help build your financial plan and why consistent meetings are important for your financial future and success.

Brent discusses:

  • The role paperwork plays in your financial planning
  • Why he checks in with clients beyond their financial plans
  • How consistent meetings benefit your financial plan
  • The importance of goals within your financial plan
  • And more!

Resources:

  • Achieve More Than You Could Have Ever Imagined with Brent Mekosh, CFP®, CIMA®
  • Everybody Needs Somebody In Financial Planning

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Everybody Needs Somebody In Financial Planning (Ep. 2)

Everybody Needs Somebody In Financial Planning (Ep. 2)

What happens when you first call your current or a potential new financial advisor?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh walks you through his business model at MP Advisors, LLC, starting from when you (and the team) pick up the phone for the first time.

He discusses who you talk to when first calling, what happens during a discovery meeting, and why people are reluctant to make the initial call. Brent reveals the importance of understanding the client and their money when building their portfolio and financial plans. And what are some of the conversations Brent has with potential clients and those who aren’t the right fit.

Brent discusses:

  • The process of becoming an MP Advisor client
  • The importance of considering personal values when building a portfolio
  • Why he needs a clear picture of the client’s current financial situation
  • How he advises clients who aren’t the right fit
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Achieve More Than You Could Have Ever Imagined with Brent Mekosh, CFP®, CIMA® (Ep. 1)

Achieve More Than You Could Have Ever Imagined with Brent Mekosh, CFP®, CIMA® (Ep. 1)

When selecting a financial services company, the people you will be working with matter just as much as the company itself. 

And at MP Advisors, LLC, you are the hero. The team simply guides you to help you get there.

Welcome to SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED. with Brent Mekosh, CFP®, CIMA® of MP Advisors, LLC!

In this inaugural episode, Brent Mekosh introduces you to who he is as a financial advisor and, more importantly, as a person. Brent outlines how he entered the financial services industry, from his father’s influence to his first earnings in lawn care.

Brent discusses:

  • His first experience in the financial services industry
  • Who is his hero in life 
  • His inspiring life motto
  • How he spends his time outside the office
  • And more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Your Host:

Brent’s strategic vision for MP Advisors is to understand what motivates his clients and leverage that knowledge to align their financial resources with their most important goals. His passion for this business centers on helping clients achieve more than they could have ever imagined.

Brent is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional and Certified Investment Management Analyst®, holding Series 4,7,24,31,51,63 and 65 licenses. He is also a member of Valley Estate Planners, East Valley Estate Planners and serves on the board of A 2nd Act.