Modern Investing Podcast

Message the Host In this episode, we explore the extraordinary rise of the commercial space economy with Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba—scientist astronaut candidate and founder of Omega Spaceport, the world’s first commercially operating equatorial spaceport. Wanjiku brings a bold and visionary perspective: investing in space today could mirror the opportunity of investing in the internet in the 1990s....

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Jorge Nader—software engineer, entrepreneur, and founder of Cognito Labs—to explore how creative thinking, technical innovation, and resilience can unlock new doors in both investing and entrepreneurship. An immigrant from Mexico, Jorge’s path to financial independence is a remarkable story of grit and ingenuity. From building gadgets as a child t...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with John De Goey, portfolio manager at Design Wealth Management and author of Bullshift , to unpack how investors can navigate today’s financial turbulence through evidence-based decision-making and strategic diversification. John shares his post-2008 pivot to discretionary portfolio management and explains why removing emotion from financial planning...

Message the Host In this episode, we welcome Dr. Aaron Cook, an orthopedic surgeon whose passion for numbers and economics led him from the operating room to building a thriving investment portfolio. With a deep curiosity for financial systems and a disciplined mindset shaped by years in medicine, Dr. Cook shares how he taught himself to navigate markets, diversify his assets, and develop a purpos...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Ken Hubbard, Partner at Salvare Fund, to unpack how he's transforming the world of merchant cash advance (MCA) investing. With a background as a serial entrepreneur and a sharp eye for alternative lending, Ken shares how he’s reshaping MCA structures to create more stable returns for investors—while empowering small businesses with smarter ac...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Adam Koós, President and Portfolio Manager at Libertas Wealth Management Group. With more than two decades of experience and a background as a Certified Market Technician (CMT), Adam brings a strategic and data-driven lens to investing that helps clients avoid costly financial pitfalls. Originally on the path to becoming a trauma surgeon, Adam sha...

Message the Host In this episode, we welcome Katie Welch—a multifaceted performer, entrepreneur, and new mom—as she shares her inspiring evolution from artist to financially empowered creator. Katie opens up about her career journey, starting in a girl group and eventually navigating a multifaceted creative life in Los Angeles. She reflects on the instability of the entertainment industry and how...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Jamila Abston Mayfield—accredited investor, former SEC regulator, and founder of The Jamila Mayfield Group—to explore how she’s championing financial inclusion through strategic investing. Jamila’s story is as unique as it is inspiring. From pursuing Broadway dreams to becoming a trusted advisor in regulatory compliance and financial services, her...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Mark Willis, Certified Financial Planner™ and owner of Lake Growth Financial Services, to explore a radically different path to building wealth—by transforming debt into financial freedom. Mark shares his personal story of paying off six figures in student loans and how that challenge led him to question conventional financial advice. Now a nation...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Shridhar Swaminathan, Co-Founder and CTO of Sidepocket, to explore how automation, quantitative investing, and behavioral risk management are reshaping the future of wealth management. With 20+ years of experience spanning data science, technology startups, and financial strategy, Shridhar shares: His transition from tech consulting to quant inves...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Anmol Singh—veteran trader, investor, and founder of LiveTraders—to explore how mastering the psychology behind trading can lead to long-term investing success. With 14+ years of experience and over 10,000 students coached, Anmol shares: How he began trading at 18 and built a successful career through discipline and mindset Why coaching and mentor...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Evan Shubin, a 6x founder, 3x exited entrepreneur, and angel investor in over 25 startups. Now leading Candlelight Partners, LLC, Evan offers a rare window into what it takes to build, scale, and exit successful ventures—and how he now invests full-time across multiple asset classes. With 25+ years of experience, Evan shares: How he bootstrapped E...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with James Fellus, a veteran investor and owner of one of the largest private Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) funding firms in the U.S., facilitating over $1 billion in deals each year. With more than 30 years of experience in financial markets, James shares a behind-the-scenes look at how high-yield fixed-income opportunities can be found through MCA synd...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Zecca Lehn , General Partner at Responsibly Ventures , a California-based VC firm investing in U.S. PreSeed startups that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals . With a background as an Environmental Economist, Data Scientist, and Nonprofit Board Member , Zecca brings a rare blend of analytical rigor and human-centered investing to the v...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Justin Dixon , founder of Hire Tomorrow , who shares his journey of leaving the corporate W2 world to launch a recruiting firm and build a diversified investment portfolio —all during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Justin shares: How he prepared financially to make the leap into entrepreneurship The importance of spending discipline and savi...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Todd Sullivan , serial entrepreneur and CEO of ExitWise , to explore the art and science of successful business exits . With four successful exits under his belt, Todd shares what most founders overlook—and what makes the difference between a mediocre and a life-changing M&A deal. Todd reveals: Why professional representation is non-negotiable...

Message the Host In this episode, we’re joined by AJ Bubb , fractional product and innovation leader, former CTO of Lion Rocket Entertainment, and experienced real estate investor —to explore what it takes to invest and build with confidence during challenging market conditions . AJ shares: How he live-streamed a 25,000-person NASA event from a remote airfield—and what it taught him about innovati...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Creswell —Head of Product, angel investor, and syndicate lead at Swell Ventures —to explore how deep product expertise can drive smarter, more strategic early-stage investments. Nathan shares: His journey from early product roles at Bay Area startups to leadership at Salesforce and Zuora How product thinking informs his angel investment the...

Message the Host In this episode, we speak with Israel Suero , a seasoned investor and Limited Partner at Dash VC , whose journey spans Wall Street, tech leadership at Uber Eats and DoorDash , and bold investments across real estate, crypto, angel deals, and venture capital . Israel shares: His evolution from stock trading with family to strategic VC and angel investments How he leveraged career t...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Ronald Flores , CEO of Curious Finance , to explore how personalized, team-based financial strategies are reshaping wealth management—especially for business owners and high-achievers navigating today’s fast-changing economy. Ronald shares: Why goal-based planning outperforms one-size-fits-all financial advice How business owners can build wealth...

Message the Host In this episode, we explore the intersection of technology, strategy, and entrepreneurship with Guy Reams , investor, tech executive, and member of New Fund Venture Group . Guy shares: His journey from computer science professor to tech executive and founder of a non-profit chess club Lessons from transitioning between academia, corporate roles, and startup investing His approach...

Message the Host In this episode, we’re joined by Kris Mathis —entrepreneur, author, and creator of Let’s Help Her Win , a new reality series aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs through capital, mentorship, and visibility. Kris shares: His personal story of resilience, reinvention, and rising above setbacks What pushed him to leave a traditional path and step boldly into full-time entrepreneur...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Mike Clark , a financial advisor with a bold background in investment banking, capital raising, and alternative strategies . From selling medical devices to raising millions and guiding clients through self-directed IRAs , Mike brings a unique, tactical approach to building and protecting wealth. Mike shares: His non-traditional path into finance...

Message the Host In this episode, we’re joined by Austin McCulloh , a former financial advisor turned tech entrepreneur, to explore how innovation is reshaping both the financial advisory industry and personal wealth-building. Austin shares: His journey from financial advisor to founder of Reply Assist , a tool built to help advisors scale meaningful client conversations Why he left the traditiona...

Message the Host In this episode, we sit down with Nick Larson —Silicon Valley investor, CRO of Unity Central , and host of the top 5% globally ranked podcast Silicon Zombies —to explore how to stay ahead of the curve by aligning values with vision. Nick shares: His journey from startup founder in supply chain tech to active investor in deep tech and agrosonics Why he believes in "skating to...