How Did We Get Here?

By Jess Bost and Mark Newfield

Welcome to "How Did We Get Here?" - the podcast where our two Talking Heads, Jess Bost and Mark Newfield, bring on guests to learn more about their past lives before landing where they are today.</

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FAQs about How Did We Get Here?:

How many episodes does How Did We Get Here? have?

The podcast currently has 29 episodes available.

How Did We Get Here? episodes:

April 24, 2025 29. From Sushi Entrepreneur to Financial Advisor with John Stoj
John Stoj’s career took some unexpected turns—Wall Street trader, sushi entrepreneur, and reluctantly, a financial advisor. Along the way, he realized he loved helping people with money, just not in the way big firms do it.
This may just be the least straight-line journey we’ve gone through yet! Stay tuned as we get into John’s story, where he “kicked and screamed” his way into a rewarding career.
Connect with us!
John Stoj on LinkedIn
Verbatim Financial
Jess Bost on LinkedIn
Lake Avenue Financial
Mark Newfield on LinkedIn
Journey Strategic Wealth
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40min
April 10, 2025 28. From Lacrosse to Cross-Border Finance: Building Bird’s Eye with Sam Rook
In this episode, Mark and Jess talk to Sam Rook, a Canadian financial advisor who went from studying physical education to becoming a go-to expert in cross-border and founder of Bird’s Eye Wealth. How did that happen? A $10,000 investment, and an inspiring mentor who changed his path forever.
In this episode:
- Sam’s career switch from teaching to wealth management
- Why he left a big firm to start his own business
- What U.S. advisors must know about Canadian clients
- Why hiring outside the industry creates more impactful marketing
Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you take a risk. Listen now!

Connect with us!
Sam Rook on LinkedIn
Bird’s Eye Wealth Planners
Jess Bost on LinkedIn
Lake Avenue Financial
Mark Newfield on LinkedIn
Journey Strategic Wealth

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37min
March 27, 2025 27. From College Dropout to Grief Guru with Kathi Balasek
Kathi Balasek shares her remarkable journey from flunking college, becoming a physical education teacher and then eventually, a grief expert. Kathi demonstrates how seemingly unrelated skills create a unique path for helping others navigate loss.
Key Takeaways:
• Grief is not a competition – "the only loss that matters is your loss"
• Focusing on emotions rather than comparing experiences creates connection
• How financial professionals can support grieving clients
Whether you're navigating personal grief or supporting someone through loss, this conversation offers practical wisdom for showing up when life gets messy.
Connect with us!
Kathi Balasek on LinkedIn
Kathi’s Website
Jess Bost on LinkedIn
Lake Avenue Financial
Mark Newfield on LinkedIn
Journey Strategic Wealth
...more
41min
March 13, 2025 26. How Did We Get From Rock ‘n’ Roll to Financial Planning? Part 2 with Matt Zeigler
Matt Zeigler’s journey shows the power of curiosity and adaptability in navigating one's career through uncertainties. From his unexpected pivots during the global financial crisis to initiating his podcast "Just Press Record," Matt emphasizes the importance of embracing chaos as a path to growth.
Key takeaways:
• Resilience during the global financial crisis
• Turning career challenges into opportunities
• The power of curiosity
• The value of non-traditional networking

Connect with us!
Matt Zeigler on LinkedIn
Sunpointe Investments
Cultish Creative
Jess Bost on LinkedIn
Lake Avenue Financial
Mark Newfield on LinkedIn
Journey Strategic Wealth
...more
29min
February 27, 2025 25. How Did We Get From Rock ‘n’ Roll to Financial Planning? with Matt Zeigler
Matt Zeigler started out as a guitarist, hustling to make it in the music industry. Then, the dawn of the internet sent him along a different path, to financial services. He talks about how he was able to see his ADHD as a strength, and inspires listeners to embrace setbacks and not be afraid to pivot towards finding their passions.
Key Takeaways:
• Matt's transition from music to finance
• Happiness in the workplace as a catalyst for change
• Overcoming career setbacks and rejections
• Harnessing ADHD as a unique strength
• Lessons learned on resilience

Connect with us!
Matt Zeigler on LinkedIn
Sunpointe Investments
Cultish Creative
Jess Bost on LinkedIn
Lake Avenue Financial
Mark Newfield on LinkedIn
Journey Strategic Wealth
...more
30min
February 13, 2025 24. How Did We Get From Manufacturing to Financial Planning? with Cris Wallace
Cris Wallace shares his remarkable journey from being a plant manager to becoming a dedicated financial planner. We discuss his motivations, the challenges he faced, and how relationships and understanding emotions around money can lead to success in financial advising.
Key Takeaways:
• Cris’s shift from plant management to financial planning
• The inspiration behind helping others financially
• Challenges and fulfillment in making career transitions
• Importance of relationships and trust in financial advising
• Addressing retirement fears and spending strategies

Connect with us!
Cris Wallace on LinkedIn
WG Financial Group
Jess Bost on LinkedIn
Lake Avenue Financial
Mark Newfield on LinkedIn
Journey Strategic Wealth
...more
38min
January 16, 2025 23. How Did We Get From UConn Track to Index Funds? with Justin Carbonneau
Justin Carbonneau’s journey from track and field to military service to the world of finance is a powerful example of turning challenges into opportunities. Justin has had to navigate tough transitions, from a demanding New York City internship to managing financial crises. Whether it’s finding encouragement online or the power of teamwork, his story shows how resilience and the right relationships can shape a rewarding career path.
Connect with us!
Justin Carbonneau on LinkedIn
Validea
Validea Capital Management
Justin’s Blog
Jess Bost on LinkedIn
Lake Avenue Financial
Mark Newfield on LinkedIn
Journey Strategic Wealth
...more
49min
January 09, 2025 22. How Did We Get From Wall Street to CEO? with Ryan Krueger
In this episode, we chat with Ryan Krueger about how discomfort can lead to real growth. Ryan shares his thoughts on staying positive, finding joy in your work, and creating success that aligns with your values. We also talk about how challenges can teach us important lessons and why discomfort is often the key to becoming stronger and more resilient. It's a warm and inspiring conversation filled with practical insights for navigating life and work.
Connect with us!
Ryan Krueger on LinkedIn
Ryan Krueger on X
Freedom Day Solutions
Jess Bost on LinkedIn
Lake Avenue Financial
Mark Newfield on LinkedIn
Journey Strategic Wealth

Referenced in our conversation:
Ryan Krueger’s letter to his daughter
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41min
December 31, 2024 21. How Did We Get From Advisor to Mentor? with Julie Johnson
Today we chat with Julie Johnson, a financial advisor turned mentor, as she shares her journey of helping families and advisors navigate the challenges of wealth transfer. Julie blends empathy and expertise, shaped by her own personal experiences, in a fresh perspective to managing finances across generations.
We also explore the growing role of women in finance, the importance of mental health, and the concept of "funded contentment"—a balance between financial security and living a fulfilled life.
Connect with us!
Julie Johnson on LinkedIn
XY Communication
Jess Bost on LinkedIn
Lake Avenue Financial
Mark Newfield on LinkedIn
Journey Strategic Wealth
Referenced in our conversation:
Warren Buffett's Shareholder Letter
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49min
December 19, 2024 20. How Did We Get From Theology to Financial Planning? with Morgan Ranstrom
What makes someone trade academia for financial advising during a recession? In this episode, we sit down with Morgan Ranstrom as he takes us through his remarkable journey from theology to finance. Combining technical skills with a deep understanding of human behavior, Morgan proves that financial planning is about more than numbers—it’s about people.
From navigating life transitions to balancing risk and reward, Morgan shares insights that go beyond investments, inspiring advisors and clients alike.
Connect with us!
Morgan Ranstrom on LinkedIn
Trailhead Planners
Jess Bost on LinkedIn
Lake Avenue Financial
Mark Newfield on LinkedIn
Journey Strategic Wealth
...more
58min

FAQs about How Did We Get Here?:

How many episodes does How Did We Get Here? have?

The podcast currently has 29 episodes available.