GDS Unplugged Podcast

About This Episode: Gina Mullen, founder of the Gina Mullen Realty Group, joins Robert Casey for a practical conversation on the seller side of today’s real estate market.  Gina brings a unique background to real estate. Before building her real estate business, she spent more than 20 years in the legal industry, including time running a high-volume litigation department. That experience shaped th...

About This Episode: Entrepreneur, EOS Implementer, business coach, and Rocket Fuel co-author Mark C. Winters joins Glen Smith for a conversation on leadership, accountability, business growth, and the challenges entrepreneurs face as their companies evolve.  Mark's path to entrepreneurship did not begin with a startup. It began at Procter & Gamble, where he was quickly moving up the corporate...

About This Episode: Former NFL player, Navy SEAL officer, entrepreneur, and leadership speaker Clint Bruce joins host Glen Smith for a wide-ranging conversation on hardship, preparation, leadership, faith, and what it means to steward the time you’ve been given.  From being a fifth-string middle school football player to earning a spot at the Naval Academy, spending time in the NFL, and later beco...

About this Episode  In this episode of  GDS Unplugged , we break down Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, including what it is, how it works, who may qualify, and why many people overlook a benefit they may have already paid into throughout their working years.  SSDI can be a complex topic because it sits at the intersection of government benefits, disability planning, taxes, and retire...

About this Episode  In this episode of  GDS Unplugged,  we take an honest look at a common question: Do you actually need a financial advisor?  The answer isn’t always, “yes”. Some people are fully capable of managing their own finances. But doing it well requires more than just picking investments. It involves managing risk, staying disciplined during market swings, understanding taxes, and build...

About this Episode  In this episode of GDS Unplugged, we break down tax strategies for high-net-worth individuals, including common pitfalls around capital gains, passive income, charitable planning, tax-loss harvesting, and Roth conversions. We also discuss why tax planning should be treated as an ongoing process, not a one-time event, especially as wealth, income, and tax laws continue to evolve...

About this Episode: In this episode of  GDS Unplugged , we break down what asset allocation really means, how risk tolerance shapes investment decisions, and why factors like time horizon, diversification, and discipline play a far greater role than most investors realize.  Most investors focus on picking the right investments. But what actually drives long-term results is how your portfolio is st...

About This Episode: In this episode of  GDS Unplugged , we unpack one of the most misunderstood milestones in retirement planning: age 59½. For many investors, 59½ feels like a finish line. It’s the age when the 10% early withdrawal penalty on qualified retirement accounts typically disappears. And because of that, it often feels like freedom. But as Robert and Glen discuss in this episode, 59½ is...

About This Episode  Master Sommelier Ian Cauble joins GDS Unplugged to unpack what it really takes to reach the top of the wine world, and how to enjoy wine without overcomplicating it. Known for the documentary SOMM and for earning one of the most difficult titles in hospitality, Cauble shares the journey from college kitchens and international travel to passing the Master Sommelier exam. Along t...

About This Episode: Money is one of the most common sources of stress in our lives, and one of the leading causes of conflict in relationships. For many couples, financial disagreements aren’t really about numbers. They’re about values, fear, priorities, and uncertainty about the future.  In this episode of Money, Marriage, and the Meaning of Financial Success, Glen and Robert explore why personal...

About This Episode: When it comes to investing and wealth management, most mistakes aren’t about picking the wrong stock. They’re about lacking clarity, structure, and foresight. In this podcast conversation, we unpacked the most common—and costly—missteps people make with their money, and what they can do differently.  Here’s a breakdown of the key themes, along with practical takeaways you can a...

About This Episode:  When it comes to investing, there’s a simple truth most people don’t appreciate until they live it:  Some lessons are far more expensive to learn the hard way.  You can read about market cycles.  You can study risk tolerance questionnaires.  You can even understand, intellectually, that markets recover.  But it’s very different when you watch your net worth fall by 30% in real...

About This Episode:  In this episode of GDS Unplugged, we’re tackling one of the most subtle, and potentially costly behaviors in investing: Market FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). It’s that urge to chase returns when markets are going up and to pull back when markets are sliding. But as Robert and Glen discuss, reacting to headlines and social buzz can lead investors away from thoughtful, goals-based...

About This Episode  “Invest like the top 1%.”  It’s a phrase that’s everywhere right now, used by influencers, fintech platforms, and self-proclaimed wealth coaches who boldly promise access to strategies once reserved for the ultra-wealthy.  In this episode, Robert and Sebastian take a hard look at that claim. And more importantly, they revisit a far better question: Why are we investing at all? ...

About This Episode  Most people think a financial plan is a simple yes-or-no question: Can I retire?  But in this episode of GDS Unplugged, Glen and Robert talk through how a retirement plan that looks solid initially may tell a different story once you take a closer look.  This time, they walk through a real client plan (with details changed, of course) and highlight the various levers that can q...

About This Episode  In this episode, Robert and Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional, Sebastian Carrillo take aim at the growing wave of financial advice spreading through social media, the kind that promises quick wins, viral stock tips, or “secret” strategies the pros don’t want you to know.  From meme stocks and crypto hype to AI investing tools and private equity ads, Robert and Se...

About This Episode  Many investors default to a single broad index fund, often the S&P 500, because it’s simple and low-cost. In this episode, Glen and Robert discuss how that approach can work for certain types of investors and when it may not align with specific objectives or risk profiles.   They also dive into ETFs vs. mutual funds, explore diversification across asset classes and regions,...

About This Episode  If you’ve ever wondered “How do 401(k)s really work? Should I use the Roth option? How much should I contribute, and when?” this conversation breaks it down. Glen and Robert walk through traditional vs. Roth 401(k)s, company matches, “true-up” rules, catch-up contributions in your 50s and early 60s, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and how employee stock purchase plans (E...

About This Episode  Dr. Gary Chapman, best‑selling author of The 5 Love Languages®, joins host Glen Smith to share practical ways couples, parents, and teams can feel more connected. From the 0–10 check‑in to learning a language that doesn’t come naturally, you’ll hear simple, repeatable habits you can start this week. We also explore how these ideas lower stress around money and decisions at home...

About This Episode If you’ve ever opened a statement and wondered, “Am I taking the right amount of risk? Are my returns on track? Should I own funds or individual stocks? Would two advisers protect me more?”—this one’s for you. Glen and Robert unpack the four questions they’re asked most often and share practical frameworks you can consider and discuss with an adviser. The goal isn’t a one size f...

About this Episode  Most retirement savers know their 401(k) is their biggest account. What many don’t realize is just how many rules, fees, and strategies surround these plans, and how costly missteps can be.  On this episode of GDS Unplugged, adviser Tim Allin, CFP®, CEPA®, shared insights on everything from early withdrawal provisions to the much-talked-about “Mega Backdoor Roth.” Below are the...

About This Episode  In this episode of GDS Unplugged, Glen Smith and Robert Casey open a candid conversation most investors rarely hear in plain English: how to protect yourself from adviser fraud, from the subtle red flags to the urgent steps to take if you suspect something’s wrong.  It’s a practical, no‑nonsense guide grounded in decades of experience and recent real‑world headlines. The goal i...

About This Episode  In this episode of GDS Unplugged, Glen Smith and Robert Casey dive deep into one of the most critical topics in personal finance: the biggest retirement mistakes people make, and how to avoid them. With over two decades of experience guiding clients through retirement planning, they share real-life stories, expert insights, and practical advice for both DIY investors and those...

About This Episode In this episode of GDS Unplugged, Glen and Robert tackle a frequently asked question in personal finance: Which investment strategy makes more money, real estate or stocks? With decades of experience and a practical approach to financial planning , they break down the pros, cons, and nuances of each investment type.     If you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this ep...

About This Episode  In this episode of GDS Unplugged, Glen and Robert dive into the world of do-it-yourself (D.I.Y.) financial planning. While managing your own investments can be empowering, it also comes with significant risks. From emotional decision-making to tax missteps and sector bias, this episode unpacks the common challenges that can derail even the most well-intentioned D.I.Y. investor....