Invest Like a Boss

Sam and Johnny kick off the episode talking Sam's trip to Andorra and revisiting the past appearances of our guest this week, Michael Foster. Michael has appeared twice before on ILAB in episodes 63 (Listen Here) and 68 (Listen Here) both back in 2017. Sam then interviews Michael Foster on both the advantages of Closed End Funds (CEFs) and how much money one can really earn from having an investment newsletter subscription. Sam learns he may have been investing with his CEFs in a less effective way as Michael explains his strategy. Johnny & Sam circle back and discuss their investing philosophies for 2023 after a rough last year and if CEFs fit into them.   

About Michael Foster:  

Michael Foster is the Lead Research Analyst for Contrarian Outlook, where he writes CEF Insider. He has written on high-income assets, dividends, closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds for a number of publications including Forbes, Bankrate and SeekingAlpha. Michael finished his PhD in 2008 and has been advising investors since 2011.

Discussed: 

• CEF Insider Website (Contrarian Outlook)
• Michael's 1st ILAB Appearance - July 2017
• MIchael's 2nd ILAB Appearance - August 2017
• CEF Tickers Mentioned: $AIO, $BST, $BSTZ, $ETG, $ETY

Where we are:

• Johnny FD – Ukraine / IG @johnnyfdj
• Sam Marks – Andorra / IG @imsammarks
• Derek Spartz – Los Angeles / IG @DerekRadio

Sponsor:

• Nom Nom
  At Nom Nom, we make food that looks like food. Tailored to your pet’s exact needs and backed by years of scientific research. Get 50% off your first 2 week trial when you visit trynom.com/ilab

Like these investments? Try them with these special ILAB links:

• ArtofFX – Start with just a $10,000 account (reduced from $25,000)
• Fundrise – Start with only $1,000 into their REIT funds (non-accredited investors OK)
  *Johnny and Sam use all of the above services personally.

Time Stamp:

• 01:30 – Sam's Trip to Andorra
• 04:50 - Why we Brought Michael Back on the Show
• 11:15 - Michael Foster Interview Starts
• 22:40 - Why Do You Need to Write a Newsletter if You're a Good Investor?
• 35:20 - Michael's Buy & Sell Strategy for CEFs
• 43:25 - How Much Money Can You Make on a Newsletter?
• 59:58 - Would Johnny Invest in CEFs and will Sam Buy More? 

If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and share it! If you haven't already, please take a minute to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

ChatGPT has taken over the conversations of the internet and (literally) writing millions of new conversations utilizing generative AI technology. We bring back guest Tom Taulli (last on ILAB 163) to break down the basics of ChatGPT technology, the company that created it and how we may be able to invest int he future of Artificial Intelligence. Sam and Derek then go through their experiments with using ChatGPT and its potential world changing impact on technology as we know it. 

About Tom Taulli: 

Tom Taulli is an advisor/board member to startups and the author of Artificial Intelligence Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction and The Robotic Process Automation Handbook: A Guide to Implementing RPA Systems. He also writes for various publications like Forbes.com, Kiplinger and Barron's. Besides his writings, Tom has founded several high-tech companies. They include WebIPO, BizEquity and Hypermart.net, which was sold to InfoSpace.

Discussed: 

• ChatGPT Module
• @TTaulli on Twitter
• Tom's book: Artificial Intelligence Basics (Amazon)

Where we are:

• Johnny FD – Ukraine / IG @johnnyfdj
• Sam Marks – Barcelona / IG @imsammarks
• Derek Spartz – Los Angeles / IG @DerekRadio

Sponsor:

• Shopify
  Shopify simplifies selling online and in-person so you can focus on successfully growing your business. Sign up for a $1/month trial period at Shopify.com/ilab

Like these investments? Try them with these special ILAB links:

• ArtofFX – Start with just a $10,000 account (reduced from $25,000)
• Fundrise – Start with only $1,000 into their REIT funds (non-accredited investors OK)
  *Johnny and Sam use all of the above services personally.

Time Stamp:

• 01:41 – Sam & Derek Catch Up
• 07:56 - Tom Taulli Interview Starts
• 22:45 - Elon Musk's Involvement
• 30:15 - AI Investment Ideas
• 48:30 - Sam & Derek's Experiments with ChatGPT
• 60:00 - OpenAI Taking on Google

If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and share it! If you haven't already, please take a minute to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

OmegaBall Founder Anthony Dittmann sits down with Derek Spartz to discuss what it takes to create a whole new sport, how to market and monetize it and how they're raising capital. Sam and Derek catch up and discuss their experiences at an OmegaBall event as well as what potential they see in this very early investment opportunity in the sports industry. 

About Anthony Dittmann: 

Anthony Dittmann began his career working for the San Diego Chargers until 1998.  After the NFL, he worked for ESPN in several capacities; all involving the design, construction and management of ESPN-owned events including the ESPY Awards and culminating as the Director of Operations as well as Event Director for X Games in Los Angeles, Barcelona, Aspen and Tignes, France. Since the X Games, Dittmann has produced events for NBC Sports and The Enthusiast Network before ultimately starting Kilowatt Events with several colleagues.  Kilowatt specializes in designing and executing major events in music, sports and entertainment that are typically televised.  Major clients include ESPN, NetJets, C3 Presents, Pepsi, The LA Times and the NFL.  

In 2018, Dittmann patented (with his colleague Rafael Munaro), a foldable (to 2” wide) dual stream event recycle/trash bin that is poised to rid the industry of the ubiquitous, but ineffective cardboard event trash can. Cerobins have since been bought by major events and facilities including Sofi Stadium and Climate Pledge Arena.

In 2020, Anthony invented a new sport called OmegaBall.  Reimagining and revolutionizing the game of soccer with three teams, three goals, no offsides, and no throw-ins (cornerkicks only) in a circular field. All packed into a one-hour match in a field that is half the size of a traditional soccer field.  Headquartered in San Diego, OmegaBall has already appeared on the Fox and ESPN networks with semi-professional players on the pitch.  OmegaBall is also expanding into competitive youth and recreational opportunities through a new partnership with USSSA.  OmegaBall is….  Chaos on the Pitch!

Anthony also spent several years as an adjunct professor in the sport business graduate program at California State University, Long Beach and the University of San Francisco.  He is also a helicopter pilot.

DISCLOSURE: Sam Marks is related to Anthony Dittmann and, as of this episode's release, has not invested any capital into OmegaBall. 

Discussed: 

• OmegaBall.com
• @Omegaball_ on TikTok
• Omegaball YouTube
• Email Anthony for OmegaBall Investment Deck at [email protected]

Where we are:

• Johnny FD – Ukraine / IG @johnnyfdj
• Sam Marks – Barcelona / IG @imsammarks
• Derek Spartz – Los Angeles / IG @DerekRadio

Like these investments? Try them with these special ILAB links:

• ArtofFX – Start with just a $10,000 account (reduced from $25,000)
• Fundrise – Start with only $1,000 into their REIT funds (non-accredited investors OK)
  *Johnny and Sam use all of the above services personally.

Time Stamp:

• 00:20 – Sam/Derek catchup California Rain & Traffic
• 03:06 - About OmegaBall and our guest
• 06:33 - Anthony Dittmann Interview Starts
• 10:20 - Basics of OmegaBall Rules
• 19:25 - Derek's Attendance at an OmegaBall Event
• 32:28 - Wagering on OmegaBall
• 34:50 - How to Invest in OmegaBall
• 37:10 - Sam & Derek's Thoughts on OmegaBall

If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and share it! If you haven't already, please take a minute to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Johnny and Derek kick off the episode with New Year's updates, including a scary moment for Johnny in Kyiv. Then Johnny interviews "The Real Asset Investor" Dave Zook on his various funds and their structures for self-storage, car washes & ATMs. Dave lays out how to invest, who can invest and how to get your federal tax rate into the single digits! Then Johnny & Derek follow up on their thoughts into Dave's investing philosophy and provide an exciting new feature for ILAB Patreons. 

About Dave Zook: 

Dave is a successful Business owner, Syndicator and an Investment and Tax Strategist.

Dave and his team at The Real Asset Investor have placed more than $800M across various asset classes which offer Cash Flow, Tax Impact and Equity Growth for investors. These asset classes include ATMs, Car Washes, Energy, Self-Storage and more.

He and his team are one of the Top 5 ATM Fund Operators in the country.

Dave was an early investor in Bitcoin and Digital Assets, and he holds an advisory role at Off the Chain Capital, one of the top performing funds in the world for the last 5 years.

Dave is a sought-after speaker and has shared his knowledge across various media platforms such as The International Business Conference, The Real Estate Guys Radio Show, Cashflow Ninja and others.

Dave and his wife Susan along with their 4 children live in Lancaster, PA.

Discussed: 

• TheRealAssetInvestor.com
• Dave Zook Facebook
• Dave Zook Instagram
• Email Dave Zook's team directly at [email protected]

Where we are:

• Johnny FD – Ukraine / IG @johnnyfdj
• Sam Marks – Barcelona / IG @imsammarks
• Derek Spartz – Los Angeles / IG @DerekRadio

Sponsor:

• Nom Nom
  At Nom Nom, we make food that looks like food. Tailored to your pet’s exact needs and backed by years of scientific research. Get 50% off your first 2 week trial when you visit trynom.com/ilab

Like these investments? Try them with these special ILAB links:

• ArtofFX – Start with just a $10,000 account (reduced from $25,000)
• Fundrise – Start with only $1,000 into their REIT funds (non-accredited investors OK)
  *Johnny and Sam use all of the above services personally.

Time Stamp:

• 02:00 – Rockets over Kyiv
• 07:55 - About Dave Zook
• 11:10 - Dave Zook Interview Starts
• 22:35 - How Dave Pays Nearly Zero Tax
• 40:15 - Johnny & Derek's Thoughts on Investing with Dave 

If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and share it! If you haven't already, please take a minute to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Johnny and Sam go over the end of year 2022/Quarterly Updates. They talk about settling into their respective homes in Barcelon and Kyiv. Johnny traveled to Greece to await his permanent Ukraine residency and Sam went on a month long trip through Japan. The guys talk what daily life looks like in Ukraine during the war, Sam's upcoming job freedom and more! This is only the public portion of the podcast, if you'd like the entire show in audio and video formats including our actual portfolios, you can instantly access when you join the ILAB Patreon. 

Where we are:

• Johnny FD – Ukraine / IG @johnnyfdj
• Sam Marks – Barcelona / IG @imsammarks
• Derek Spartz – Los Angeles / IG @DerekRadio

Sponsor:

• Shopify
  Get serious about selling and try Shopify today. Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at Shopify.com/ilab

Like these investments? Try them with these special ILAB links:

• ArtofFX – Start with just a $10,000 account (reduced from $25,000)
• Fundrise – Start with only $1,000 into their REIT funds (non-accredited investors OK)
  *Johnny and Sam use all of the above services personally.

Time Stamp:

• 05:40 – Sam's South Carolina House
• 12:12 - Johnny on Kyiv
• 18:16 - Ukraine Blackout Schedule
• 24:40 - Johnny in Greece.
• 29:45 - Sam's New Freedom 
• 38:00 - Sam's 2023 Travel Plans

If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and share it! If you haven't already, please take a minute to leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Johnny and Derek go over the Top 10 guests of 2022 on the Invest Like a Boss podcast. List was compiled using votes and download numbers and topics range anywhere from crypto to wine to traveling the world and more! Tune in to find out who made the top guest of the year!

Listen to ILAB 257 on iTunes here or subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

Where we are:

• Johnny FD – Ukraine / IG @johnnyfdj
• Sam Marks – Barcelona / IG @imsammarks
• Derek Spartz – Los Angeles / IG @DerekRadio

Sponsor:

• Nth Venture
  Nth Venture is a venture studio building businesses from scratch. Their mission is to bring genuine ownership to Main Street. Learn how to invest now at nthventure.com

Like these investments? Try them with these special ILAB links:

• ArtofFX – Start with just a $10,000 account (reduced from $25,000)
• Fundrise – Start with only $1,000 into their REIT funds (non-accredited investors OK)
  *Johnny and Sam use all of the above services personally.

Time Stamp:

• 10:34 – #10 : 229: Sam's Firsthand Bordeaux En Primeurs Week Experience
• 15:09 – #9 : 226: Economics of Adult Entertainment with Dan Leal
• 21:58 – #8 : 231: Investing in Luxury Watches with European Watch Company's Joshua Ganjei
• 29:21 – #7 : 217 : Codie Sanchez on Overcoming Obstacles to Hustle & Think Like a Contrarian
• 34:31 – #6 : 218: Saifedean Ammous Explains The Bitcoin Standard
• 42:38 – #5 : 241: Buy This, Not That with Financial Samurai Sam Dogen
• 41:55 – #4 : 244: Meb Faber Returns to Talk Inflation
• 53:39 – #3 : 254: Return of the “King of Self-Storage” Kevin Shee
• 59:45 – #2 : 221: "Adventure Capitalist" Author Jim Rogers
• 66:46 – #1 : 227: Travel for (Almost) Free with Credit Card Points Hacking

If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and share it! Also if you haven’t already, please take a minute to leave us a 5-star review on iTunes and claim your bonus here! 

Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Read our disclaimer here.

In the wake of the FTX collapse, we invite BTCGandalf to the show. He is a mysterious supporter of Bitcoin under the guise of Lord of the Rings’ Gandalf. Gandalf talks about what happened to FTX, how healthy other exchanges may be, and the most secure way to store your coins. Derek reveals to Sam a major change in his crypto investment and seeks advice on what to do next in this wild market.

In his previous life, Gandalf was a real estate broker and entrepreneur for a decade. He created his pseudonymous Twitter in early 2021 as he began to get interested in Bitcoin and now dedicates his full time-attention to Bitcoin both independently and through his work with Companies in the space.

Listen to ILAB 256 on iTunes here or subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

Where we are:

• Johnny FD – Moldova / IG @johnnyfdj
• Sam Marks – Barcelona / IG @imsammarks
• Derek Spartz – Los Angeles / IG @DerekRadio

Sponsor:

• Shopify
  Get 14 days free and access Shopify’s full suite of features to get selling online today! Just go to Shopify.com/ilab to get started.

Discussed:

• Twitter: @BTCGandalf
• Bitcoin, Not Blockchain - Unchained Capital
• Bitcoin Fundamentals: A Podcast on Bitcoin
• Don't Buy Bitcoin! | Andreas M. Antonopoulos & Simon Dixon | Bitcoin HARDTalk #5
• only the strong survive | stuff by allen
• 21 Lessons
• FTX Super Bowl Don't miss out with Larry David 

Like these investments? Try them with these special ILAB links:

• ArtofFX – Start with just a $10,000 account (reduced from $25,000)
• Fundrise – Start with only $1,000 into their REIT funds (non-accredited investors OK)
  *Johnny and Sam use all of the above services personally.

Time Stamp:

• 10:30 – How did you come up with the persona of Gandalf?
• 13:50 – Should we be concerned about other crypto sites?
• 15:26 – Did you have any direct experience with FTX?
• 18:30 – What happened to anyone who was holding funds with FTX?
• 23:15 – How can you protect your money in crypto?
• 28:10 – What's the process for selling your crypto?
• 30:24 – Is Bitcoin your go to crypto currency?
• 33:09 – Do you think the drop in Bitcoin is connected to the FTX collapse?
• 36:47 – Any thoughts on the economies that embrace bitcoin as a currency?
• 38:51 – Do you see any restrictions being put on crypto currency?
• 41:30 – What happens when bitcoin “halves”?
• 44:45 – Patreon: Any action people can take who have investments in Celsius?
• 45:18 – Patreon: Is crypto a speculation or money remittance instrument?
• 46:53 – Are there any good indicators that tell you a coin will go up in value?

If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and share it! Also if you haven’t already, please take a minute to leave us a 5-star review on iTunes and claim your bonus here! 

Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Read our disclaimer here.

Johnny and Derek do a one-on-one episode to talk about the effects of inflation across the World. Although media outlets may make it seem like inflation is solely an American issue, it is something that affects every country. Johnny and Derek will go over their next travel plans and what they are seeing in each of their respective locations as far as inflation is concerned. Johnny also gives advice on some hacks to fight inflation that anyone can use to their advantage.

Listen to ILAB 255 on iTunes here or subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

Where we are:

• Johnny FD – Moldova / IG @johnnyfdj
• Sam Marks – Japan / IG @imsammarks
• Derek Spartz – Los Angeles / IG @DerekRadio

Sponsor:

• Indeed
  Indeed knows that when you’re doing everything for your company, you can’t afford to overspend on hiring. Visit indeed.com/ILAB for more details.

Discussed:

• 12-month percentage change, Consumer Price Index
• Inflation Rate - Countries

Like these investments? Try them with these special ILAB links:

• ArtofFX – Start with just a $10,000 account (reduced from $25,000)
• Fundrise – Start with only $1,000 into their REIT funds (non-accredited investors OK)
  *Johnny and Sam use all of the above services personally.

Time Stamp:

• 04:50 – Why is it that Spending US in other countries an inflation hack?
• 14:13 – Is it better to exchange currency in the US or in the country you are traveling to?
• 16:09 – Which countries have the lowest and highest inflations?
• 19:10 – How does the US compare to the rest of world with inflation?
• 25:44 – Has Derek felt the effect of inflation?
• 32:30 – How is the inflation rate calculated?
• 34:55 – Do you think Gas and electricity is high or low now in the US?
• 39:07 – Has the cost of some electronics reduced?
• 45:06 – How has the cost of clothing and apparel changed?
• 47:20 – What about real estate and how has inflation had an effect?
• 52:40 – How has inflation affected purchase of new and old cars?

If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and share it! Also if you haven’t already, please take a minute to leave us a 5-star review on iTunes and claim your bonus here! 

Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Read our disclaimer here.

Sam’s friend and Hong Kong “King of Self-Storage” Kevin Shee returns to the podcast for his 3 rd appearance. Kevin previously appeared on ILAB 07 & ILAB 106. Kevin goes over his attempted transition out of self-storage and into passive investor and why it failed. He goes over his current business model in Hong Kong and why he’s brought Sam along for a new business venture in Japan. Sam and Kevin also go over the intricacies of Japan’s daily life and why it’s so traveler unfriendly to visit. Then Sam and Johnny recap their status and discuss their thoughts on Kevin, as they both personally know him. And Johnny reveals that he recently attempted to get a very odd job in Japan.

Kevin Shee is the owner of SC Storage, Hong Kong’s leading low-cost self-storage provider with over 60 convenient locations in Hong Kong and Macau, and more than 18,000 self-storage units. He started his self-storage business 18 years ago and has consistently grown in locations and customers. When it comes to self-storage, he is the king!

Listen to ILAB 254 on iTunes here or subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

Where we are:

• Johnny FD – Greece / IG @johnnyfdj
• Sam Marks – Japan / IG @imsammarks
• Derek Spartz – Los Angeles / IG @DerekRadio

Sponsor:

• Shopify
  Get 14 days free and access Shopify’s full suite of features to get selling online today! Just go to Shopify.com/ilab to get started.

Discussed:

• SC Storage

Like these investments? Try them with these special ILAB links:

• ArtofFX – Start with just a $10,000 account (reduced from $25,000)
• Fundrise – Start with only $1,000 into their REIT funds (non-accredited investors OK)
  *Johnny and Sam use all of the above services personally.

Time Stamp:

• 11:33 – Why is Japan difficult for foreigners to travel within?
• 16:15 – How did you become semi-fluent in Japanese?
• 20:14 – How did we get into biking?
• 22:23 – What impressed Sam about Japan?
• 27:55 – Why wouldn’t you move to Japan?
• 29:43 – Can you tell us about your Bali residence and how you got to purchase it?
• 36:51 – Why is Sam so impressed with Dubai?
• 39:33 – What's the state of self storage?
• 49:49 – Do you plan to open more properties in Hong Kong or abroad?
• 53:00 – What is Sam’s plan for 2023?
• 56:40 – What is Kevin Shee's new “fashion item”?

If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and share it! Also if you haven’t already, please take a minute to leave us a 5-star review on iTunes and claim your bonus here! 

Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Read our disclaimer here.

Johnny & Derek sit down for a one on one episode to compare their respective cost of living expenses. Johnny has utilized location arbitrage by living in cheaper countries outside the U.S. while Derek lives in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., Los Angeles. They’ll break it down by category and find out who is getting the better deal in each. Johnny also gives helpful tips for those considering relocating from the U.S.

Listen to ILAB 253 on iTunes here or subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

Where we are:

• Johnny FD – Greece / IG @johnnyfdj
• Sam Marks – Thailand / IG @imsammarks
• Derek Spartz – Los Angeles / IG @DerekRadio

Sponsor:

• Indeed
  Indeed knows that when you’re doing everything for your company, you can’t afford to overspend on hiring. Visit indeed.com/ILAB for more details.

Discussed:

• Cost of Living
  
• Gasoline prices around the world
  

Like these investments? Try them with these special ILAB links:

• ArtofFX – Start with just a $10,000 account (reduced from $25,000)
• Fundrise – Start with only $1,000 into their REIT funds (non-accredited investors OK)
  *Johnny and Sam use all of the above services personally.

Time Stamp:

• 07:18 – Where did you start Johnny and where have you been living the last 10 years?
• 09:05 – Are there any cities out there that are surprisingly quite cheap to live in?
• 15:41 – First let’s talk about housing?
• 19:32 – What about how the cost of utilities varies?
• 24:55 – How much do you think air bnb’s cost in california? And how does it compare to other countries?
• 28:33 – How does insurance vary from country to country?
• 31:05 – Johnny and Derek compare their monthly grocery bills
• 37:15 – What's the average price of having a night out for drinks?
• 44:29 – What's the “Big Mac” Index?
• 50:55 – How does Health insurance compare?
• 58:57 – Transportation costs between owning a car and public transit?

If you enjoyed this episode, do us a favor and share it! Also if you haven’t already, please take a minute to leave us a 5-star review on iTunes and claim your bonus here! 

Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Read our disclaimer here.