Month: December 2024
Are We Already in World War III? Insights with Geopolitical Professional Semaj McDowell (Ep. 96)

Are We Already in World War III? Insights with Geopolitical Professional Semaj McDowell (Ep. 96)

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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 could shape the future, providing listeners with a clearer understanding of current geopolitical dynamics and potential outcomes. 

Key discussions include: 

  • Understanding the dynamics of global alliances and tensions amid escalating conflicts
  • The complex relationship and strategic positioning of major world powers like Russia, China, and NATO
  • Insights on the broader implications of international decisions and their potential impacts on global stability
  • The role of geopolitical strategies in shaping future peace or conflict scenarios on the global stage
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With Semaj McDowell:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Geopolitical Enthusiast – National Security, Defense, Foreign Policy, and International Politics. 

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Semaj McDowell has been interested in politics since a young age. While growing up, he witnessed events both in his community and around the world that informed his views on equity and justice.

Semaj firmly believes leadership is crafted through service and empowering others to succeed.

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Harvesting Returns: The Business Case for Regenerative Agriculture with Craig Wichner (Ep. 95)

Harvesting Returns: The Business Case for Regenerative Agriculture with Craig Wichner (Ep. 95)

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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 while offering compelling returns through innovative strategies like carbon credits and partnerships with top-tier buyers.

Curious about how Farmland LP could work for your portfolio?

Craig outlines accessible opportunities for investors to align profit with purpose, paving the way for a sustainable future!

Key Highlights:

  • Restoring the Land: Regenerative agriculture revitalizes soil through crop rotation, livestock integration, and reduced chemical dependency, creating healthier ecosystems
  • Superior Returns: Organic farmland can generate up to five times more revenue per acre than conventional farming
  • A Stable Asset Class: Farmland LP delivers consistent 11% annual returns with low volatility, offering a safe, reliable investment
  • New Revenue Streams: Carbon credits and partnerships with top buyers like Driscoll’s add unique value to farmland investments
  • Scaling Sustainability: Farmland LP’s large-scale transition to organic farming is set to expand its portfolio to $3 billion, creating measurable environmental and social impact
  • And much more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Craig Wichner:

About Our Guest:

Craig Wichner is responsible for day-to-day management, business strategy, and all investment activity. An experienced technology and real estate investor, Craig has helped build numerous companies over the past 30 years. But it was his work on California farms as a teenager that ultimately inspired him to start Farmland LP. Craig’s mission has not changed since day one – prove that regenerative farming is more profitable and maximizes returns for investors.

Craig strives to ensure that investors and consumers can look beyond misleading labels and support beneficial farming practices. His efforts were recognized in 2021 when Farmland LP achieved the highest sustainability rating among 10,000+ global corporations reviewed by HIP (Human Impact +Profit) Investor. Craig has a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with a minor in Economics, from the University of California, San Diego.

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Digital Networks to Power Grids: Investing in Modern Infrastructure with Steve Pointer (Ep. 94)

Digital Networks to Power Grids: Investing in Modern Infrastructure with Steve Pointer (Ep. 94)

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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 forward
  • Modernizing Aging Systems: Revitalizing U.S. infrastructure with significant investments

Want to make these resilient assets work for you? 

Steve explains accessible fund options and tax strategies for diversifying and deferring capital gains, no matter the market conditions.

Key Highlights:

  • The New Era of Infrastructure: Insights on expanding infrastructure to include digital networks, water systems, and beyond, opening up a wider range of investment opportunities
  • Stabilizing Through Diversification: How infrastructure and real estate investments provide non-correlated returns, adding stability to portfolios in volatile markets
  • Reliable Returns with Government Support: Infrastructure investments benefit from stable, long-term government-backed contracts, making them a dependable choice
  • Greater Access for Investors: Cantor Fitzgerald’s interval funds allow both average and high-net-worth investors to participate in these resilient asset classes
  • Tax-Efficient Real Estate Strategies: How Section 721 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) enable investors to defer capital gains, diversify portfolios, and potentially achieve tax-free growth
  • And much more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Steve Pointer:

About Our Guest:

Steve Pointer is a Senior Vice President and Regional Director at Cantor Fitzgerald Asset Management, a global financial services and wholesale distribution firm. Steve brings over 15 years of experience in working with wealth management, accounting, tax, and legal professionals on the education and implementation of sophisticated private and public market solutions, including Real Estate, Infrastructure, 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges, Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds, Mutual Funds, Exchange Traded Funds, and Separately Managed Accounts.

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