Ideas by Mike™

Why do few family businesses reach a third generation? Jason Shupp shares how legacy, work ethic, and advisory boards help businesses endure.

Did you know crossing an income line by just $1 in retirement could cost you and your spouse thousands of dollars every year?

In this episode 60 of the Ideas by Mike, Mike Milligan, CFP sits down with Mark Annese, IRMAACP, a technologist, data analyst, and creator of the IRMAA Certified Planner designation (now merged with the National Social Security Association).

Mark Annese explains how the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) acts as a hidden tax surcharge on Medicare Part B and Part D premiums—and why most retirees don’t realize they’ve triggered it until it’s too late.

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After listening to this episode, you'll consider thinking about these provocative thoughts and ask yourself, 'Does your business treat customers as mere transactions, or as the organizing principle for every decision you make?', 'If your market dipped by 25% tomorrow, would your team simply execute your orders, or would they proactively challenge you to stick to your long-term plan?', 'Are you using AI to build a more efficient machine, or to empower your team to provide a higher level of human service?'

Well... If these questions challenge your current business model, watch the full episode to learn how to evolve your leadership and subscribe for more insights on building a lasting, customer-obsessed legacy.

Dan Chuparkoff is an international keynote speaker, technology strategist, and AI expert. Having previously worked as a team lead at Google, Dan left the tech giant to help individuals and businesses navigate the massive transformation brought on by Artificial Intelligence.

With decades of experience at the forefront of major technological shifts (including cloud computing, web platforms, and mobile tech), Dan specializes in translating complex technical concepts into clear, practical strategies.

In this episode, he explains how generative transformers operate, why AI should be used as a personal "ranking coach" rather than a decision-maker, and how both professionals and retirees can safely integrate AI tools into their long-term planning.

In this episode of the Ideas by Mike™ podcast, host Mike Milligan, CFP sits down with Cody Lutz, a coach who helps high-performing people think more clearly, act more courageously, and get better results with less wasted effort. Cody shares the path that took him from rural farm kid to event coordinator, SaaS leader, entrepreneur, and full-time executive coach.They also dig into practical tools for major life transitions, including retirement, business growth, and figuring out what you actually want before you chase it.

Mike and Cody also go deep on why money is a lagging indicator of value and impact, how blind spots keep even high performers stuck, and why the best coaching often starts by asking what you really want - not just what you think you should want.

This one is especially powerful if you’re considering a career move, nearing retirement, building a business, or simply feeling pulled in too many directions. Cody’s perspective is practical, direct, and refreshingly different - and it just might be the nudge you need to move before you feel ready.

In this episode of the Ideas by Mike™ podcast, host Mike Milligan sits down with Tracy Lownsberry, an industry-leading financial professional, trusted trainer, and founder of The Annuity Giants.

Tracy shares his unique journey from a small Michigan town to serving in the U.S. Army Special Operations and law enforcement, and how his faith and family values ultimately guided him into reshaping the financial services industry.

The two dive deep into the nuances of portfolio construction, the reality of diversification, and how to effectively use wealth as a tool to buy back your time.

Tracy also pulls back the curtain on the annuity market, debunking blanket statements and explaining how both consumers and advisors can navigate financial planning with total clarity and transparency.

In this prequel episode of Ideas by Mike™, Mike steps up to the mic alone to break down the 6 Moves to Stop Borrowing Desires and Start Living a One-of-a-Kind Life.

Is your financial advisor still stuck in the 1960s? In this episode of Ideas by Mike™, host Mike Milligan, CFP sits down with Eric Runge, a third-generation entrepreneur and founder of Veritas Wealth, to discuss the institutionalization of financial planning and why standard commoditized products like the 60/40 portfolio are failing modern investors.

In this episode of Ideas by Mike™, financial therapist Erica Wasserman joins host Mike Milligan, CFP to explore the emotional side of retirement planning. Moving beyond just the spreadsheet, they discuss the concept of "Phase Three," how childhood "money scripts" unconsciously influence adult financial decisions, and the importance of aligning retirement visions as a couple. Erica provides practical frameworks—including her M.O.N.E.Y. communication method—for navigating tough conversations and setting healthy boundaries, emphasizing that a successful retirement is an emotional journey built on purpose, values, and intentionality.

Stop focusing only on the spreadsheet and start designing a life that matters. Join Mike Milligan, CFP® and design sociologist Dr. Gary David as they explore the human side of retirement, from navigating the “identity cliff” to the sociology of meaningful moments.

Learn how to transition from a job title to a purposeful new chapter, bridge the communication gap with your spouse about legacy and money, and create “storyable” experiences that last a lifetime. Whether you are a pre-retiree or already in your next phase, discover why retirement is a sociology project, not just a financial one.

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About our Guest: Dr. Gary David is a professor of sociology and experience design at Bentley University, where he has taught for over 25 years. He holds a PhD in sociology from Wayne State University and specializes in the intersection of how humans relate to one another and the art of designing meaningful experiences.

As a design sociologist, keynote speaker, and host of the Experience by Design podcast, Dr. David studies how individuals build connection, belonging, and meaning, particularly during major life transitions like retirement.

His professional background also includes judging international customer experience awards and applying his expertise in conversational analysis and linguistics to help people navigate the complex human elements of work, identity, and personal relationships.

Websites: https://www.garycdavid.com/ | https://garyconnects.com/

LinkedIn: Gary C. David

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