Tag: SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED.
The Nexus Between Immigration & National Security with Todd Bensman (Ep. 33)

The Nexus Between Immigration & National Security with Todd Bensman (Ep. 33)

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When Trump was in office, he introduced a policy that limited immigration to less than 10% of applicants. That policy will soon expire and allow many to enter the US by claiming asylum. 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Todd Bensman, renowned author, journalist, and Texas-based Senior National Security Fellow for the Center for Immigration Studies. Todd details his expertise in immigration and national security while explaining the ins and outs of  Title 42 and how its expiration will change the way immigration works for those looking to enter the country.

Todd discusses:

  • Biden’s approach to the current immigration policy 
  • What lessening the policy further could mean for the number of immigrants, both legitimate and illegitimate
  • Ways immigration expansion impacts border patrol careers
  • And more!

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

Todd Bensman is a full-time Texas-based Senior National Security Fellow for the Center for Immigration Studies, a D.C.-based policy institute examining immigration, and he is the author of the forthcoming book, “ Overrun: How Joe Biden Unleashed the Greatest Border Crisis in U.S. History” (Post Hill Press/Bombardier Books coming February 2023) and “America’s Covert Border War” (Bombardier Books 2021).

He joined CIS following nine years in counterterrorism intelligence and, before that, a two-decade-long career as a journalist. He writes, speaks, and grants media interviews as an expert on immigration security and counterterrorism, about which he has testified before Congress. 

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The Latest in Blockchain, Crypto & Digital Assets with Michael Creadon (Ep. 32)

The Latest in Blockchain, Crypto & Digital Assets with Michael Creadon (Ep. 32)

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There has been a lot of discussion over the past few years about digital assets and the way they continue to be an enigma to many people.

What are they? What can be expected from them in the future? These are some of the most common questions around this topic.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh interviews Michael Creadon, President of DeFi Devs, to talk about the most questioned concepts surrounding digital assets, such as blockchains and NFTs. Additionally, Michael explains what led the cryptocurrency exchange firm, FTX, to collapse.

Michael discusses:

  • His background in the financial industry and how he got into technology and blockchain
  • The definition of blockchain and how it keeps data organized as an audit trail
  • Cryptocurrencies explained with a Chuck E. Cheese analogy
  • NFTs and how this trend compares to the dot-com era
  • Ways to store your digital assets and the risks involved
  • The story behind FTX’s collapse 
  • His view on blockchain’s adoption to the economy in the coming years
  • And more!

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About Our Guest:

Michael Creadon is President of Inveniam DeFi Devs, a fintech company sponsoring the development of the Accumulate network and protocol. Accumulate is an identity-based, high-performance blockchain that enables interoperability with other protocols and networks. He works closely with leading global exchanges and custodians to further expand the digitization of assets on the Inveniam platform. 

Mike spent over 20 years in capital markets, serving as CEO of Traditum Group, a proprietary trading firm specializing in U.S. interest-rate trading and energy-market making. He is also an experienced journalist and has published articles in Bloomberg and Time Magazine. Today, Mike continues to blog regularly on LinkedIn and is widely followed on blockchain, bitcoin, and numerous other topics.

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Building Client Relationships Through Communication and Connections with Lou Diamond (Ep. 31)

Building Client Relationships Through Communication and Connections with Lou Diamond (Ep. 31)

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Having the best services or the best advisors won’t help a business that can’t explain its services to its clients. 

So, how to share our services in a way that promotes client relationships? 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh speaks with Lou Diamond, the founder, and CEO of Thrive LouD. Lou talks about how building connections requires clear communication, both in marketing and in one-on-one conversations. He also shares why he focuses on the communication aspect of businesses and their role when it comes to company growth and success.

Lou discusses:

  • Why he built Thrive LouD and how he used his experience on Wall Street to help other advisors
  • The link between communication and connections
  • How communication is moving away from the virtual world and skills business owners need to focus on when returning to in-person meetings
  • Success stories he has seen thanks to others building and implementing clear communication strategies
  • And more!

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

Lou Diamond is a dynamic speaker and master connector who has consulted, mentored, and presented to hundreds of companies the world over.

He is the CEO of THRIVE. A company focused on helping brands become even more amazing through the power of connecting.

When he isn’t speaking or working on his top-rated Thrive LOUD podcast, he is watching his kids grow up too fast, obsessing over how bad his sports teams are, listening to country music, and playing some ‘not-so-great’ golf.

If you or your organization are trying to find the right way to make the connections essential to achieve your business goals, Lou is the man to help you make it happen.

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Travel to Discover & Heal: Returning to Ghana as an African American with Lester Young (Ep. 30)

Travel to Discover & Heal: Returning to Ghana as an African American with Lester Young (Ep. 30)

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After being incarcerated and receiving a passport for the first time in over 20 years, Lester Young decided to take his first international trip outside of America and travel to Ghana. 

What started as a journey to learning about his history and culture eventually became a larger mission to bring awareness to the challenges African Americans face when it comes to incarceration, past trauma, and rehabilitation. 

This week, Lester Young, renowned author, and Re-Entry Expert Coach, is back to talk about his experience in his motherland, what he learned, and how he plans to use this information to support others through his organization, Path2Redemption.

Lester discusses:

  • How getting a passport transformed his life and why he chose Ghana as his first trip 
  • What he learned about his ancestors before they were enslaved
  • How he experienced Ghanaian culture and some of its daily traditions 
  • The powerful connection he made with his ancestral history and family lineage
  • And a lot more!

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

Lester Young Jr. is a native of Hilton Head Island, SC. At the age of 19, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole until 20 years had been served. Entering prison without the proper education was Lester’s biggest struggle. With the support of family and friends, he was able to obtain his G.E.D. and then later enroll in a Business Management Course (via mail) as a student at Ashworth College. 

Lester began drawing attention from prison chaplains, correctional officers, as well as wardens for the interest he expressed in NOT only educating himself but encouraging others to educate themselves as well. 

With permission for the warden, Lester began meeting with Chaplain Gerald Potoka to create templates, course outlines, programs, and classes to instruct and mentor those incarcerated along with him. This is where the idea of “Path2Redemption” was born.

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Epic Lessons on Life and Business with Justin Breen (Ep. 29)

Epic Lessons on Life and Business with Justin Breen (Ep. 29)

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Balancing a successful business and a fulfilling life can come with many roadblocks. 

So, how can you build your epic business while maintaining an epic life? 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh speaks with Justin Breen, best-selling author and the founder of BrEpic Communications, LLC. Justin unveils the tips you need to balance your business and personal life while detailing how his family influenced the way he does business.

Justin discusses:

  • The trade-off between family time and business meetings
  • Four major struggles entrepreneurs face when trying to build successful businesses
  • Why entrepreneurs prefer in-person meetings
  • Ways our habits influence the type of people we meet
  • And more!

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

Justin Breen is the founder and CEO of BrEpic Communications, LLC, and the exclusive connectivity platform BrEpic Network. His first book, “Epic Business,” was a bestseller in six countries and No. 1 for Entrepreneurship in the US.

Justin started BrEpic Communications in 2017 and launched BrEpic Network in 2022. He has built an international network of extraordinary people and believes strongly in the power of introductions and creating essential relationships.

Justin is an active member of Strategic Coach 10x Ambition Program and Abundance 360 Summit. He also mentors countless emerging entrepreneurs.

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Focusing On The Wine In Wining And Dining with Arden Montgomery (Ep.28)

Focusing On The Wine In Wining And Dining with Arden Montgomery (Ep.28)

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Wines are a product no one can ever experience from start to finish. From the ever-changing flavor as wine ages to the international options that aren’t available everywhere. 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Arden Montgomery, the co-founder, and head of marketing and sales of Argaux, in discussing the wine industry and how it has evolved during the pandemic. She shares the journey to where the business currently stands and how it continues to evolve with each challenge they face.

Arden discusses:

  • The struggles Argaux faced during the pandemic in terms of supply and demand
  • Ways the pandemic impacted wine perception and consumption 
  • Reasons why the company is so passionate about sharing new wines with clients
  • How climate changes the availability of certain wines
  • Her favorite experience with wine
  • And more!

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

Arden Montgomery is one of the co-founders of Argaux and oversees sales and marketing for the company. After graduation from U of A (where she met Margaux), she enrolled in The International Culinary Centers Intensive Sommelier Training program to become a Certified Sommelier to kickstart her desire to pursue a career in food & wine. She is incredibly proud of how Argaux is shaping the way consumers discover wine and how the brand shows up for consumers in their lives. For her, Argaux is a way of living life through delicious wine, good food, and storytelling. 

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A Deep Dive into Cattle Ranching with Ethan Lane (Ep.27)

A Deep Dive into Cattle Ranching with Ethan Lane (Ep.27)

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The cattle industry is one of the fastest-growing exports of beef across the world, with higher selling rates each year. 

However, with climate change affecting the production of cattle and the global response to Ukraine, several changes have impacted these markets.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Ethan Lane, the vice president of government affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Ethan unpacks all things cattle, from the production, the genetic composition they have been able to maintain, and what goes into managing farms all year long. 

Ethan discusses:

  • What you should know about cattle harvest within the United States and across the world 
  • How the loss of Ukrainian exports has affected our markets 
  • Reasons the United States is the best market in the world to sell beef  
  • Ways climate change is impacting beef production in the Southwest areas 
  • NCBA’s role in the exchange of beef
  • The age factor within the farming and ranching industry 
  • And more!

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

Ethan Lane is the Vice President of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Ethan is a 5th generation Arizonan with more than 20 years of experience in natural resources, land use issues, and advocacy on behalf of the cattle industry.

Before his role as the Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan was the Executive Director for the Public Lands Council and Senior Executive Director of the NCBA Federal Lands portfolio. Before joining PLC and NCBA, Ethan operated a consulting firm where he worked on multiple high-profile political campaigns and advised a variety of private companies and industries on regulatory and legislative issues impacting their businesses.

Before moving to Washington, Ethan spent ten years helping to grow and manage a large real estate and ranch portfolio in Arizona. His diverse background gives him a unique perspective on the challenges producers face daily.

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The Future of Human Interaction will be Based on Trust with Geoff Hudson-Searle (Ep.26)

The Future of Human Interaction will be Based on Trust with Geoff Hudson-Searle (Ep.26)

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Technology has advanced almost to the point of doing our jobs for us. What will happen to human interaction without the human part?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Geoff Hudson-Searle, Independent Digital Non-Executive Director, C-Suite Executive, Serial Business Advisor for Growth-Phase Tech Companies, and best-selling author. Together, they unpack the value of using technology to connect and not separate while detailing technology’s impact on human interaction and communication from a personal and professional perspective. 

Geoff discusses:

  • How technology impacts trust within the workplace
  • Ways the pandemic advanced the use of technology
  • Why going fully digital isn’t a great idea
  • What does Gen Z look for in a business after growing up with technology
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Geoff Hudson-Searle:

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About Our Guest:

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.

Geoff is a member and fellow of the Institute of Directors, an associate of The International Business Institute of Management,  a co-founder and board member of the Neustar International Security Council (NISC), and a distinguished member of the Advisory Council for The Global Cyber Academy. He holds a master’s degree in business administration.

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Does Gold Have a Role in the Future Global Economy? Part 2 with Andy Schectman (Ep.25)

Does Gold Have a Role in the Future Global Economy? Part 2 with Andy Schectman (Ep.25)

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The global currency is shifting away from the US dollar and gravitating towards gold and other currencies.

What does it mean for future investment options? Do you know?

In this episode, the President of Miles Franklin Precious Metals Investments, Andy Schectman, is back with Brent Mekosh to explain how world events impact gold and silver investment options and their future in investment portfolios. 

Andy discusses:

  • Reasons behind countries moving away from the US dollar
  • How BRICS nations influence the market 
  • Digital currency and its transparency factor 
  • The role of gold as a world currency 
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Andy Schectman:

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About Our Guest:

Before starting Miles Franklin, Ltd. in 1989, Andy Schectman became a Licensed Financial Planner specializing in Swiss Franc Investments and alternative investments. At Miles Franklin Ltd., a company that has eclipsed $5 billion in sales, Andy has developed an operation that maintains trust, collaboration, ethical behavior, superior customer service, and satisfaction to better serve its clients. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and business functions, including strategy and planning, account management, finance, and new business.

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Precious Metals & What Makes the Dollar the World’s Reserve Currency with Andy Schectman (Ep.24)

Precious Metals & What Makes the Dollar the World’s Reserve Currency with Andy Schectman (Ep.24)

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Gold has been considered a solid investment option by many, having lasted several centuries and survived market rise and fall. 

But is gold still a solid investment in today’s market?  

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the President of Miles Franklin Precious Metals Investments, Andy Schectman. Andy explains everything you need to know about precious metals, their role in investment planning, and why they have remained a solid long-term investment. Andy also reveals the current state of gold and silver markets and what that means for the future.

Andy discusses:

  • Why do individuals choose alternative investments
  • Where gold and silver fit within investment planning
  • What makes the dollar the world reserve currency
  • How have world events changed the way gold and silver are valued and traded
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Andy Schectman:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Before starting Miles Franklin, Ltd. in 1989, Andy Schectman became a Licensed Financial Planner specializing in Swiss Franc Investments and alternative investments. At Miles Franklin Ltd., a company that has eclipsed $5 billion in sales, Andy has developed an operation that maintains trust, collaboration, ethical behavior, superior customer service, and satisfaction to better serve its clients. He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and business functions, including strategy and planning, account management, finance, and new business.

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