Category: Financial
Cracking the Permian Code: Oil’s Ground Zero with David Messler (Ep. 57)

Cracking the Permian Code: Oil’s Ground Zero with David Messler (Ep. 57)

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Ever wondered how shale technology is reshaping oil production?

Are you intrigued about the economic impact on oil companies?

Get ready to explore this and more in this week’s episode of SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED with David Messler, an oil industry veteran with a 38-year career.

This week, David covers the current state of the oil industry, focusing on the Permian Basin and the impact of shale technology on oil production. David also shares his insight on the changes within the arena while shedding light on what the future holds for oil and alternative energy sources.

David explores:

  • The current state of the industry and how it will likely change
  • How oil production has evolved over the years
  • How the geopolitical landscape impacts oil production
  • What alternative energy sources are most viable for the future
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with David Messler:

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About Our Guest:

David Messler is an oilfield veteran who recently retired from a major service company. During his thirty-eight-year career, David worked in six continents (field and office assignments). He currently maintains an independent training and consulting practice while writing energy-related topics.

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What Happens When We Die? – A Conversation with Dr. Raymond Moody and Paul Perry (Ep. 56)

What Happens When We Die? – A Conversation with Dr. Raymond Moody and Paul Perry (Ep. 56)

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Even with all the advancements in technology and the knowledge we have gained, we still know little about near-death experiences and the afterlife.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Paul Perry, best-selling author and founder of Sakkara Productions, and Dr. Raymond Moody, renowned author, professor, public speaker, and creator of the term ‘near-death experience.’ Together, they explore what happens after death, the concept of near-death experiences, and the idea of an afterlife.

Dr. Moody and Paul discuss:

  • How Dr. Moody was introduced to the study of near-death experiences and the afterlife
  • What are some common themes in near-death experiences
  • How shared death experiences can occur to those near someone who may pass away
  • How has their research changed their worldview
  • And more!

Resources:

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About Paul Perry:

Paul Perry is the co-author of several New York Times bestsellers, including Closer to the Light, Transformed by the Light, and Saved by the Light, which was made into a popular movie by Fox-TV. His work has appeared in National Geographic Adventure, Outside Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and several other popular periodicals. His books have been published in more than 30 languages around the world. Paul is also a documentary filmmaker whose work has appeared on worldwide television.

In 1986, Paul’s interest in the effects and meaning of near-death experiences led him to a professional involvement with Dr. Raymond Moody, considered to be the founder of near-death studies. 

About Dr. Raymond Moody:

In 1975, Dr. Raymond Moody coined the term ‘near-death experience’ in his book Life After Life. For half a century, he has researched some of life’s greatest mysteries. As both a Ph.D. in philosophy and an MD, Dr. Raymond has had a strong interest in how medical realities intersect with the ineffable realm of philosophy. In his multiple roles as author, professor, public speaker, and grief counselor, he has heard thousands of accounts of near-death, shared death, and after-death experiences. Dr. Raymond never expected that his interest in the afterlife would become such a focus of his life’s work, but it has led him to great associations, friendships, and insights.

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Revisiting ‘Fast and Furious’ with Peter Forcelli – A Whistleblower’s Perspective (Ep. 55)

Revisiting ‘Fast and Furious’ with Peter Forcelli – A Whistleblower’s Perspective (Ep. 55)

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No matter how clean or nice a company or group looks from the outside, there could be something not-so-good happening on the inside. 

Whistleblowers looking to do what they think is right can face immense backlash, especially when it comes from someone with a higher authority.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Peter Forcelli, retired Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Justice with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and a former police officer and detective. Together, they explore Operation Fast and Furious, government whistleblowing, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in different districts.

Peter discusses:

  • How his law enforcement career in New York City led him to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
  • The challenge with prosecuting gun-related crimes when Operation Fast and Furious started 
  • His actions against the wrongdoings he witnessed at the ATF
  • What he learned as a whistleblower and his advice for others looking to become whistleblowers
  • And more!

Connect with Peter Forcelli:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Peter J. Forcelli is a retired Deputy Assistant Director from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Before joining ATF, he served for 15 years with the N.Y.P.D. before retiring from the Bronx Homicide Task Force.

He is now an author, public speaker, and advocate for law enforcement and government accountability. He is a volunteer at Empower Oversight, a government watchdog organization.

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The Road to Rebuilding Institutional Trust: Lessons from the Frontline with Geoff Hudson-Searle, Douglas Lines, and Karen Jones (Ep. 54)

The Road to Rebuilding Institutional Trust: Lessons from the Frontline with Geoff Hudson-Searle, Douglas Lines, and Karen Jones (Ep. 54)

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With trust declining in existing institutions, what can corporations do better? 

At the end of the day, it’s all about slowing down to speed up.

Would you agree?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Geoff Hudson-Searle, Douglas Lines, and Karen Jones to talk about the lack of trust in institutions. Join in as they cover the role of politics and the media and ways we can work together as a society to rebuild trust within corporations. 

Brent, Geoff, Douglas, and Karen discuss:

  • Reasons trust has declined in larger institutions
  • Toxic leadership and how it impacts different organizations 
  • The value of embracing long-term strategies, feedback, and new perspectives as a team leader
  • How to incorporate self-awareness, empowerment, and purpose to achieve company success
  • And more! 

Connect with Geoff Hudson-Searle:

Connect with Karen Jones:

Connect with Douglas Lines:

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About Geoff Hudson-Searle:

Geoff Hudson-Searle is an independent non-executive director across regulation, technology, and internet security, a C-Suite executive on private and listed companies, and a serial business advisor for growth-phase tech companies.

With more than 30 years of experience in international business and management, he is the author of five books and lectures at business forums, conferences, and universities. He has been the focus of TEDx and RT Europe’s business documentaries across various thought leadership topics and his authorisms.

About Karen Jones:

Using data that indicates where to focus attention, Karen Jones specializes in high-impact development programs for teams and one-to-one coaching that operate at the deep level of attitudes and habits. This work leads to effective management and leadership styles that drive compassionate accountability and progress.

About Douglas Lines:

Douglas Lines is a digital-first leader with a successful track record of growing and transforming businesses as well as innovating and commercializing new digital business models, including successfully launching a global EdTech start-up, amongst others. Douglas has been enabled by building a design thinking school in collaboration with Duke and Stanford Universities, appreciating the application of new technologies and having mastered business model innovation and cultural transformation practices.

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Rethinking Medicine: Dr. Lufkin’s Quest for Authentic Health Wisdom (Ep. 53)

Rethinking Medicine: Dr. Lufkin’s Quest for Authentic Health Wisdom (Ep. 53)

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With an unprecedented rise in cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, health and wellness are on everyone’s minds. 

What has led to the increase of these chronic diseases? How to change our lifestyle to improve our health? 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Dr. Robert Lufkin, a physician and medical professor at UCLA and USC, in discussing the role of our metabolism and its connection to chronic diseases, the impact of nutrition on health, and the benefits of a low-carb diet. 

Dr. Lufkin stresses the value of steering clear of junk food, going back to the basics with unprocessed foods, and making those little everyday changes that can really boost our health.

Dr. Lufkin explores:

  • The current health scenario in the United States 
  • The role of our metabolism in the development of chronic diseases
  • Ways our diet influences certain types of diseases 
  • Reasons exercise is crucial for our overall health
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Robert Lufkin:

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About Our Guest:

Dr. Robert Lufkin is a physician/medical school professor (UCLA & USC) focusing on the applied science of health, longevity, and consciousness. Dr. Lufkin helps to reimagine the conventional healthcare model with evidence-based, clinically proven lifestyle modifications and other tools. Through this, we prevent/reverse chronic diseases, cultivate consciousness, and live life to the fullest.

Author of over 200 peer-reviewed scientific papers, 32 chapters, and 13 books translated into five languages on medical imaging. Dr. Lufkin has been elected President of the American Society of Head and Neck Radiology and President of the Society for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and awarded the society’s highest honor for his research. 

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Life’s Turning Points: Aric’s Farewell, Podcasting’s Rise, and the Mission of Boys Town (Ep. 52)

Life’s Turning Points: Aric’s Farewell, Podcasting’s Rise, and the Mission of Boys Town (Ep. 52)

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After 20 months of working with Brent Mekosh as his podcast host, Aric Johnson is passing the torch as he starts the next phase of his life with a not-so-new career path.

In this episode, Brent speaks with Aric as he prepares to embark on the next phase of life. Brent and Aric reflect on the joy and sadness of Aric’s departure while navigating the journey that led him to podcasting, including his involvement with Boys Town, an organization that helps at-risk youth and families. 

Aric and Brent discuss:

  • The background and purpose of Brent’s podcast
  • Why podcasting has risen in popularity
  • How Aric became involved in Boys Town
  • The value of family teachers 
  • The struggle many of the boys face and how Boys Town works to help them
  • The importance of self-worth for young men from challenging backgrounds
  • And more!

Connect with Aric Johnson:

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About Our Guest:

Aric Johnson is extremely passionate about helping others find success and fulfillment in all they do. He has been coaching and mentoring for over 20 years and finds his greatest fulfillment when helping others achieve more. Aric started his own coaching and consulting company in 2015, a second company focused on teaching BRI to advisors, and joined ProudMouth as one of their podcast producers.

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Here’s What’s Happening in the Commercial Real Estate Space with Andrew Cheney (Ep. 51)

Here’s What’s Happening in the Commercial Real Estate Space with Andrew Cheney (Ep. 51)

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While many people are focused on the cost of homes and residential real estate, many others are focused on commercial properties and office spaces. 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Andrew Cheney from The Coppola Cheney Group at Lee & Associates to explore the ins and outs of commercial properties and how they are driving the market in cities such as Phoenix, Arizona.

Listen in and find out how location, construction costs, and vacancy rates play a crucial role in determining the pricing of these spaces.

Andrew discusses:

  • What drives the real estate market growth
  • The value of office collaboration and reasons why real estate is cyclical 
  • Ways the amenities of a property adds to the market pricing
  • A snapshot of commercial real estate across different cities in the United States  
  • Potential challenges in the commercial real estate market, including the impact of the pandemic, commute time, and upcoming debt
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Andrew Cheney:

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About Our Guest:

Andrew Cheney is an experienced commercial real estate broker who specializes in office & industrial sales and leasing. He became a Principal at Lee & Associates Arizona in 2009, the fastest Associate to complete this process in the Arizona office.

Within Lee & Associates, Craig Coppola, Gregg Kafka, and Andrew lead The Coppola-Cheney Group. The Coppola-Cheney Group is the number one office leasing and sales team in Lee & Associates’ history. They provide a higher level of brokerage skills, market knowledge, and the ability to negotiate our clients’ transactions.

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A Conversation on Civilizations and Civilizational Cycles with Daniel Hood (Ep. 50)

A Conversation on Civilizations and Civilizational Cycles with Daniel Hood (Ep. 50)

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What do ancient Rome, the 2008 financial crisis, and geopolitics all have in common?

Want to know?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh sits down with Daniel Hood, a multifaceted thought leader on civilizational cycles and geopolitics, to explore the cyclic nature of societies and their implications on today’s global landscape. 

This riveting interview brings together elements of history, psychology, and real-world geopolitics to dissect the state of Western civilization and its far-reaching impact on finance, business, and policy-making.

Brent and Daniel discuss:

  • The rise and fall of civilizations, with a particular focus on the parallels between ancient Rome and today’s Western society
  • A look at the Western powers, notably the U.S. and the UK, in dealing with Russia and how it could lead to broader geopolitical consequences
  • The implications of outsourcing vital industries, especially how it strategically weakens the West’s position against rising powers like China
  • The role of behavior and temperament when it comes to different civilizations and societies
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Daniel Hood:

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About Our Guest:

Daniel Hood is a scholar in history and finance with a unique perspective on the mechanics of civilization. His first introduction to geopolitics began with military service in the renowned Parachute Regiment, formed by Winston Churchill himself. After serving during a pivotal era, Daniel transitioned into the world of finance, where he worked as an investment advisor right around the turbulence of the 2008 global financial crisis. He has also lived and worked in Israel, adding a third dimension to his understanding of civilizational cycles. 

With experiences spanning from 9/11 to the Middle East conflicts, Daniel brings a multi-disciplinary approach to his studies that explores the cyclical nature of civilizations. He is currently writing books that aim to decode the intricate mechanics of societal rise and fall.

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Startling Border Revelations with Todd Bensman (Ep. 49)

Startling Border Revelations with Todd Bensman (Ep. 49)

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With immigration constantly being a major topic and new strategies being rolled out, it can be confusing to try and understand everything that is happening. 

What are the regulations surrounding immigration, and how are the new strategies impacting potential immigrants? 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh speaks with Todd Bensman, renowned author, investigative journalist, and Texas-based Senior National Security Fellow for the Center for Immigration Studies. Todd dives into the United States border situation while breaking down what’s coming out of Washington.

Todd also explains the tactics the administration is using and the surge in individuals crossing the border in the US and around the world. 

Todd discusses:

  • How the administration is looking to control the American border
  • How is the administration handling abuse, trafficking, and drug issues at the border
  • What are the potential consequences of unchecked immigration
  • How could the country handle the influx of people crossing the border
  • The reality of different nations around the world when it comes to immigration 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Todd Bensman:

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About Our Guest:

Todd Bensman is an acclaimed newspaper reporter and magazine writer who transitioned to a career as a national security intelligence professional for the Texas Department of Public Safety and then returned to the journalism trade. He currently serves as the Texas-based Senior National Security Fellow for the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), a Washington, D.C. policy institute for which he writes, lectures, and grants media interviews about the nexus between immigration and national security.

Todd has testified before Congress as an expert witness and regularly appears on radio and television outlets for his national security and border security expertise.

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A Navy SEALs Entrepreneurial Journey with Mack Alexander (Ep. 48)

A Navy SEALs Entrepreneurial Journey with Mack Alexander (Ep. 48)

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Transitioning from the Navy SEALs to a civilian can be physically and emotionally hard. 

For some, finding a passion can help bring them a sense of peace and create a path toward their next phase in life.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Mack Alexander, the founder and CEO of Macks Belts™ and a retired Navy SEAL. Mack reveals his journey from a Navy SEAL to a business owner while diving into the life lessons he learned as a Navy SEAL, how they translated into his daily life, and how he helps others (like him) through his business. 

Mack discusses:

  • Why he decided to join the Navy SEALs
  • How his experience with the Navy SEALs impacted his motivation and perseverance
  • The financial and personal struggles he faced after returning home from duty
  • How he started selling dog collars and grew that business into a belt company
  • Why he markets his products on LinkedIn instead of other social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook
  • And more!

Connect with Mack Alexander:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Mack Alexander serves as the CEO, Owner, and Founder of Macks Belts™, headquartered in Tampa, FL. The company specializes in steel and leather manufacturing and is one of the largest producers of American-made belts. Previously, Mack served as a Navy SEAL Assaulter and Breacher deploying to Africa and Yemen. He retired early after sustaining a major TBI while deployed. He is devoted to supporting all who have served and has been an advocate for many military, first responder, and law enforcement charities and is an official partner and advisor to Support Our Troops®.

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