Tag: SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED.
From Prison to a Path 2 Redemption with Lester Young (Ep.21)

From Prison to a Path 2 Redemption with Lester Young (Ep.21)

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Once you enter the prison system, a stigma becomes a part of your life no matter where you go or what you try to do. 

Why aren’t prison systems trying to change that?

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Lester Young, renowned author and Re-Entry Expert Coach. Lester shares his life in prison, the ways he has created opportunities for himself once released, and the mental and physical obstacles faced by those who have been incarcerated.

Lester discusses:

  • How one moment can change your entire life
  • How he reclaimed himself despite everyone else
  • The definition of being paid under the table 
  • The stigma of incarceration
  • Why programs benefiting inmates aren’t encouraged within the prison system
  • The foundation of Path2Redemption
  • And more!

Connect with Lester Young:

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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 from 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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Some Hard Truths About Law Enforcement with Deon Joseph (Ep.20)

Some Hard Truths About Law Enforcement with Deon Joseph (Ep.20)

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Law enforcement plays an essential role in keeping everyone safe. 

But who would want to become a police officer if the entire system is labeled racist?

This week, Brent Mekosh is joined by Deon Joseph, a law enforcement consultant, and an LAPD Officer with over 25 years of experience. Deon shares the changes in public perception of law enforcement due to technology, specific events, and weakened laws.

Deon discusses:

  • How the perception of police officers has changed overnight
  • The fall of belief in law enforcement
  • The difference between police officers and other careers 
  • Ways the law has negatively impacted police officers and their job
  • The lack of future for law enforcement
  • And more!

Resources:

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About Our Guest:

Officer Deon Joseph is a law enforcement consultant who has worked for the LAPD for over 25 years, twenty-three of those years in downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row community. From patrolling the streets or providing a shoulder for the community to lean on to meeting with public figures and advocating for change, Deon is all about creating an environment for the homeless and those trying to reclaim their lives from the grip of addiction.

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A Conversation on Baby Goods & International Production with Ashley Andrews (Ep.18)

A Conversation on Baby Goods & International Production with Ashley Andrews (Ep.18)

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Since the world has reopened shipping routes, the cost of transporting products has dramatically increased. 

In this episode, Ashley Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Tiny Twinkle, joins Brent Mekosh to explore the baby goods industry and her journey as a businesswoman. Ashley details how the pandemic shutdown has impacted supply and transportation costs between China and the US.

Ashley discusses:

  • Her experience as a businesswoman in China
  • How she started in the baby goods industry
  • Why freight costs have increased since 2019
  • Advice she would give to her younger self 
  • And more!

Connect with Ashley Andrews:

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About Our Guest:

Ashley Andrews is the Chief Executive Officer of Tiny Twinkle. A U.S.-based company focused on creating high-quality, safe products for babies and parents. Based in Arizona, Ashley uses her keen sense of business and creative eye for Tiny Twinkle’s silky soft swaddles, silicone bibs, teething products, and dishware for babies.

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Buying Insurance For A Lifetime of Possibilities with Robyn Haun (Ep.15)

Buying Insurance For A Lifetime of Possibilities with Robyn Haun (Ep.15)

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There are many preconceived notions about what insurance can and should cover.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by Robertson Ryan and Associates’ Robyn Haun. Robyn explains the details around insurance purchases — focusing on specific scenario coverage you may not have thought about. She also provides examples of insurance coverage while sharing tips for first-time insurance buyers.

Robyn discusses:

  • How your location impacts coverage requirements
  • What you as a homeowner are liable for 
  • Exclusions in personal property coverage
  • The latest insurance for digital and identity theft
  • And more!

Connect with Robyn Haun:

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About Our Guest:

Robyn Haun is a Phoenix native who studied elementary education in college. While attending school full time, she had a part-time job filing paperwork at a local insurance agency in Arizona. Upon graduation, Robyn parlayed her love of education into insurance and has since moved up from filing insurance papers. She now educates affluent clients about their personal insurance protection.

Robyn spent 15 years at the 6th largest agency in the nation and most recently worked at the 3rd largest agency in the nation. She understands the diverse needs of highly successful clients. Throughout her 25 years in the industry, Robyn has built strong relationships with premier insurance companies such as Chubb, AIG, Pure, Safeco, Travelers, and Cincinnati. She has earned her CISR designation and is very close to earning her PRIMA certificate.

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The Curvature of Commodities with Pierre Lapan (Ep.13)

The Curvature of Commodities with Pierre Lapan (Ep.13)

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When you think of commodities in the current market, you first think of oil and wheat due to Russia and Ukraine. What you may not think about are commodities such as fertilizer and their future impact.

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by the President of General Holdings, Pierre Lapan. Together, they explore the current commodities impacted by Russia and Ukraine while revealing the impact of decreased exports from Russia and Ukraine on farmers and the agricultural industry.

Pierre discusses:

  • How decreased imports of fertilizer will impact future crops
  • The geopolitical ramifications of the current gas market
  • The truth about gold as a commodity 
  • How other metals are fairing in the market
  • And more!

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A Second Chance At Life With Judith Pearson (Ep.11)

A Second Chance At Life With Judith Pearson (Ep.11)

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When faced with the news of being cancer-free, patients have a second chance at life. 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh is joined by award-winning author and breast cancer survivor Judith Pearson. Judith shares the story of her friend’s journey with cancer and her own experiences that led to her novels and building A 2nd Act, a nonprofit organization that helps guide female cancer survivors to their second act in life.

Judith discusses:

  • The story of her friend’s journey with cancer
  • Reasons she started A 2nd Act
  • What the term ‘survivor’ means for former cancer patients
  • How past experiences led to the present person and writer she is today
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Judith Pearson:

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About our Guest:

Judy Pearson’s career began in a tree: a wonderful old maple in her parents’ backyard, with a perfect branch on which to sit and write. Now hundreds of thousands of words later, this Michigan native’s voice is still inspiring! She is a best-selling author, an accomplished presenter, and a graduate of Michigan State University. But her favorite title is “story teller.”

Judy is also the founder of A 2nd Act, a nonprofit organization that helps guide female cancer survivors to their second act in life.

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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)

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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:

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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:

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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)

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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.

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