After losing nearly everything - her marriage, her business, and her sense of self -Nicole Middendorf, CDFA, rebuilt her life from the ground up. In this inspiring conversation, Nicole shares how she transformed personal hardship into a movement: The Live It List™. What began as a simple bucket list became a life philosophy that helps people stop waiting for “someday” and start living intentionally now.

Nicole discusses the power of choosing experiences over things, surrounding yourself with positive people, and measuring fulfillment through her “Happiness Wheel” - eight dimensions that keep life balanced and thriving. From surviving domestic violence to founding ProsperWell Financial and traveling the world empowering others, Nicole’s story is a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the courage to live fully.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered what your next chapter could look like, this episode will remind you that joy isn’t something to chase later - it’s something you can create today.

In this episode, Jay, Brett, and Jared dive into the financial implications of the Los Angeles Lakers' recent $10 billion sale by the Buss family. The hosts examine the viral social media claims about the investment's returns, breaking down the difference between absolute and annualized returns.

They explore why comparing a sports franchise investment to S&P 500 returns is problematic, discussing factors often overlooked in such comparisons: cash flows, expenses, taxes, inflation, lifestyle benefits, and the illiquid nature of private businesses. The episode emphasizes the importance of comparing "apples to apples" when evaluating investment opportunities and highlights how sensational return percentages can be misleading without proper context.

The discussion also touches on the intangible benefits of owning a sports franchise - from lifestyle perks to legacy planning - that pure stock market investments can't provide, reinforcing their "wealth beyond numbers" philosophy.

Join Jay, Jared, and Brett as they take a reflective look back at the diverse guests who have shared their stories on For the Wealth of It. In this introspective episode, the three CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS® discuss the common threads they've discovered among their guests - from Wall Street executives to barbers to dietitians - and how each has redefined what it means to live a wealthy life.

The hosts explore key takeaways including the power of living with intention, the importance of systematization in business, and how wealth extends far beyond financial metrics to include health, family time, and personal fulfillment. They also share their evolving vision for the podcast, hinting at future episodes that will expand the definition of wealth to encompass multiple dimensions of a fulfilling life.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a parent, or someone seeking more intentionality in your daily life, this episode offers valuable insights from real people who have successfully created their own version of a wealthy life - and it might just inspire you to redefine what wealth means to you.

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Monk, founder and CEO of The Underdog Mentality, to explore his powerful philosophy that we are all underdogs capable of extraordinary growth. Tyler shares his four pillars to the power of choice:

• Perspective
• Potential
• Possibility
• Prioritization

He also explains why gratitude is the foundation of lasting happiness. From his journey through 20-plus jobs to becoming a sought-after speaker, Tyler offers practical insights on overcoming fear, building systems over relying on motivation, and embracing the "challenging conversations" that lead to real growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, employee, or anyone looking to unlock your potential, Tyler's authentic approach to personal development will inspire you to bet on yourself and change your perspective on what's possible.

Guest: Tyler Monk - Founder, Speaker, Inspirational Storyteller at The Underdog Mentality

Website: https://theunderdogmentality.net/

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In this episode of "For the Wealth of It," hosts Jay Boekeloo, Brett Maikowski, and Jared Tanimoto sit down with Dr. Joy Lere, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Shaping Wealth, to explore the often-overlooked psychological aspects of retirement. Dr. Lere discusses how our "work-centered identities" often create unique challenges when transitioning to retirement, and why she views retirement as an "existential transition" rather than just a financial milestone.

The conversation covers the importance of Dr. Brian Portnoy's "Four C's" framework for human flourishing (connection, control, competence, and context), why successful retirement planning should begin early by cultivating relationships, hobbies, and purpose outside of work, and offers actionable advice for both pre-retirees and those already in retirement that may be feeling lost in their post-career years.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Arielle Tucker, CFP®, a financial planner and enrolled agent who specializes in cross-border financial planning for US expats living in Europe. 

After feeling trapped by the predictable suburban American lifestyle, Arielle and her husband made the bold decision to move to Switzerland, where she discovered her passion for helping Americans navigate the complex world of international finances.

In this episode, Arielle shares her personal journey from travel agent to specialized financial planner, explaining the unique challenges US citizens face when living abroad - from dual tax filing requirements to investment account restrictions. She breaks down the key considerations for different types of expats, whether you're moving for love, career, or retirement, and discusses the critical importance of pre-planning before making an international move.

Arielle also reflects on finding community abroad, the value of living intentionally, and how true wealth means having the freedom to design your life on your own terms.

Whether you're dreaming of an international move or already living abroad, this episode provides essential insights for building and maintaining wealth while pursuing your global adventures.

Guest: Arielle Tucker, CFP® & Enrolled Agent - Connected Financial Planning

Connected Financial Planning Website: https://www.connectedfinancialplanning.com/

Passport to Wealth (Podcast) Website: https://www.passporttowealth.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@connectedfinancialplanning

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connected-financial-planning

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usexpatabroad/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usexpatfinancialplanning/

Zac Reese is the Founder/CEO of Danckuts, a barbershop that has grown from a single chair to multiple locations. He shares how he transformed the traditionally subjective art of cutting hair into a systematized, technology-driven enterprise by developing proprietary software that records and replicates haircuts with precision. 

Zac reveals his entrepreneurial journey, including creative fundraising methods, high-interest loans, and the constant financial challenges of scaling a business. He explains his vision of creating a nationwide network where clients can get consistent haircuts anywhere, his expansion into mobile services, and his newest venture - a barber training school. 

Throughout the conversation, Zach provides insights on entrepreneurship, systematization, and his personal definition of wealth as balancing the pursuit of ambitious goals while maintaining meaningful relationships. 

Guest: Zac Reese, Founder/CEO, Danckuts

Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/zacreese/

Instagram (Business): https://www.instagram.com/danckuts/

Danckuts Website: https://danckuts.com/home/

Registered Dietitian Teresa Spirlin shares insights on making sustainable healthy choices, debunks nutrition myths, and draws fascinating parallels between financial planning and nutrition planning. 

From discussing the truth about "superfoods" to exploring how small dietary changes can lead to long-term health wealth, Teresa offers practical wisdom for anyone looking to invest in their wellbeing. She also shares her personal approach to work-life balance while managing multiple roles and pursuing continued education. 

Whether you're curious about cholesterol, confused about supplements, or just wanting to make better food choices, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building true wealth through health.

Guest: Teresa Spirlin
Email: [email protected]

To connect with a Registered Dietitian in your area:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
https://www.eatright.org/

Josh Passler shares his inspiring journey from financial advisor to artist, showcasing how he combines creativity with financial branding to enhance communication and value for clients. The episode explores themes of wealth, creativity, and the importance of client collaboration in branding.

• Josh's transition from finance to art 
• Discovering the vital connection between art and financial concepts 
• Emphasizing the importance of holistic planning services 
• The role of collaboration in effective branding 
• Redefining wealth as time and creativity 
• Insights on audience-targeted branding strategies 
• Importance of understanding client values and mission

Guest: Josh Passler
Website: https://www.thefinartist.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh.finart/
X: https://x.com/TheFinArtist
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finart/

Podcast Guest:

Jerry Petrick
Certified Business Advisor
America's SBDC - Washington
https://wsbdc.org/advisors/jerry-petrick/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Find your local SBDC Advisor

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It

Nolo.com