Modern Investing Podcast

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In this episode, we dive into the fast-moving frontier of biotech innovation and precision medicine with Christopher Lucas, co-founder of DNA Nanobots, a platform creating non-viral gene therapies designed to save lives, reduce toxicity, and democratize access to cutting-edge treatments.

Chris brings a rare blend of deep scientific expertise and business savvy to the conversation, sharing how his team is reimagining drug delivery using DNA itself as a building block to target diseases with precision, efficiency, and safety.

We explore:

• How DNA Nanobots builds non-viral delivery systems from the gene itself
• Why this technology could replace viral vectors for gene therapy, lowering cost and enabling re-dosing
• The company’s breakthrough partnerships in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), lysosomal storage diseases, and acute myeloid leukemia
• How they’re balancing platform strategy and single-asset development to hedge against biotech market cycles
• Why Chris and his co-founder believe success = saving even one life
• Fundraising lessons from biotech, navigating early-stage VC, proof-of-concept milestones, and partner collaborations
• Key advice for new biotech investors on identifying early signals, managing risk, and finding trustworthy teams

Whether you're a startup founder, an early-stage investor, or simply biotech-curious, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the future of personalized medicine.

🎧 Listen now and discover how the next wave of biotech could transform medicine, and how smart investors can be part of it.

👤 About Christopher Lucas:

Chris is the co-founder and officer of DNA Nanobots, a biotech platform pioneering non-viral gene delivery systems that promise safer, more targeted, and cost-effective therapies. With a PhD in biomedical sciences and a postdoc in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University, Chris has spent the last decade pushing the boundaries of drug delivery to make precision therapies more accessible.

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About Sidepocket:

If you don't have the time to professionally trade and are tired of being at the whim of the market's ups and downs, consider using Sidepocket to automate investing.

Sidepocket monitors the markets 24/7 and automatically rebalances your holdings each month. To maximize returns while protecting against loss. 

That's why Sidepocket applies sophisticated quantitative methods, including tactical asset allocation to systematically minimize these drawdowns and consistently protect and grow your hard earned savings.

To learn more, visit www.sidepocket.com 

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In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood (and fast-evolving) areas of finance: crypto tax compliance.

Our guest, Janna Scott, is the founder of Defi Tax, a platform built to solve what multi-billion-dollar crypto tax tools failed to do: deliver audit-ready, regulator-validated tax reports for digital asset investors and businesses.

Her journey from a government insider to a watchdog for crypto investors, exposes a hidden flaw in the system that nearly no one’s talking about.

We explore:

• How she discovered 14+ crypto tax platforms were dangerously inaccurate
• Why CSV-based reporting and API misreads are quietly putting investors at legal risk
• How Defi Tax shut down two waves of IRS audits and what’s coming next
• Why the IRS is gearing up for mass audits and how you can protect yourself
• The importance of showing your work and avoiding accidental fraud
• How Janna’s work with the IRS, SEC, and top universities is shaping a new crypto tax standard
• What every founder, investor, and accountant needs to know before the audits begin

Whether you're trading altcoins, staking NFTs, running an exchange, or just dabbling in Web3, this episode is a must-listen. Janna’s insights could save you from costly mistakes… and possibly an audit.

👤 About Janna Scott:
Janna is the founder of Defi Tax, a crypto tax platform built for audit-readiness, regulatory integrity, and maximum protection for investors. Her research has been cited by the IRS, validated by university partnerships, and is actively reshaping crypto compliance standards.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to stay ahead of the crypto tax curve, before it’s too late.

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Investing Events

About Sidepocket:

If you don't have the time to professionally trade and are tired of being at the whim of the market's ups and downs, consider using Sidepocket to automate investing.

Sidepocket monitors the markets 24/7 and automatically rebalances your holdings each month. To maximize returns while protecting against loss. 

That's why Sidepocket applies sophisticated quantitative methods, including tactical asset allocation to systematically minimize these drawdowns and consistently protect and grow your hard earned savings.

To learn more, visit www.sidepocket.com 

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In this episode, we explore a different kind of wealth - one rooted in experience, freedom, and connection.

Our guest, Hayley Melidonis, is the founder and CEO of Bubbl (www.bubbl.co), a travel platform reimagining how we connect with others and with ourselves through meaningful, shared journeys. From launching community-based ski houses in Tahoe to building a tech platform that enables solo travelers to find safety, affordability, and friendship, Hayley is crafting a new path for both travel and entrepreneurship.

Her story weaves together real estate investing, startup grit, and a passion for living fully - on your own terms.

We explore:

• How Hayley used property investing to unlock financial freedom (and her first ski pass!)
• What it really means to build an AI-proof business rooted in human connection
• The psychology of solo travel, and how Bubbl eliminates the loneliness
• Why points hacking, shared housing, and mindful debt can be powerful financial tools
• How experiences, not stuff, can deliver the best ROI of all
• Her insights from working at Uber, Intel, and building Bubbl from the ground up

Whether you’re designing your next chapter, traveling solo, or building something that honors both profit and purpose, this conversation is a reminder that freedom is a financial strategy, and connection is the most valuable asset of all.

👤 About Hayley Melidonis:
Heyley is the founder of Bubbl, a platform helping people travel better, together. With over 30 years of global experience, she blends real estate investing, startup innovation, and a love of human connection to unlock new models for wealth and wellbeing.

🎧 Listen in and get inspired to build a life you don’t need a vacation from.

Click Here to Check Out Our Upcoming Online
Investing Events

About Sidepocket:

If you don't have the time to professionally trade and are tired of being at the whim of the market's ups and downs, consider using Sidepocket to automate investing.

Sidepocket monitors the markets 24/7 and automatically rebalances your holdings each month. To maximize returns while protecting against loss. 

That's why Sidepocket applies sophisticated quantitative methods, including tactical asset allocation to systematically minimize these drawdowns and consistently protect and grow your hard earned savings.

To learn more, visit www.sidepocket.com 

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In this episode, we sit down with Anmol Verma - investor, fintech founder, and co-architect of a $100M Global Impact Fund-to explore what it means to invest with clarity, purpose, and adaptability in today's changing world.

From leading high-conviction investments across emerging markets at Arisaig Partners, to co-founding Finvest, an AI-powered wealth platform for mass-affluent millennials, Anmol shares a uniquely grounded yet visionary perspective on the future of finance.

We explore:

• What she learned launching a $100M impact fund-and how she measured real-world outcomes like healthcare and menstrual hygiene access
• The macro insights and risk management frameworks that help her evaluate complex opportunities
• How AI is transforming wealth management by reducing friction and increasing personalization
• Why Finvest is building an all-in-one platform that unifies tracking, investing, and intelligent automation
• What she believes wealth platforms must evolve into for the next generation of investors

Anmol also reflects on building with integrity, the importance of "strong opinions, loosely held," and how operating from deep self-trust has guided her career pivots.

Whether you're managing your portfolio, building a fintech product, or navigating uncertainty in your own investing journey, this episode will equip you with tools-and perspective-for what comes next.

About Anmol Verma:
Anmol is the co-founder of Finvest, an AI wealth advisor platform helping time-strapped professionals manage their money with confidence and intelligence. She previously led due diligence for concentrated emerging market portfolios and helped launch a $100M Global Impact Fund at Arisaig Partners.

Click Here to Check Out Our Upcoming Online
Investing Events

About Sidepocket:

If you don't have the time to professionally trade and are tired of being at the whim of the market's ups and downs, consider using Sidepocket to automate investing.

Sidepocket monitors the markets 24/7 and automatically rebalances your holdings each month. To maximize returns while protecting against loss. 

That's why Sidepocket applies sophisticated quantitative methods, including tactical asset allocation to systematically minimize these drawdowns and consistently protect and grow your hard earned savings.

To learn more, visit www.sidepocket.com 

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In this episode, we sit down with Santosh Ramesh, CEO and President of KA Technology, to explore how the future of innovation isn't always in chasing hype-but in solving real problems.

Santosh shares how his team is transforming overlooked sectors like real estate education and martial arts gyms through simple, targeted software solutions that free people to focus on what they do best. His approach: build quietly, serve deeply, and create value by eliminating friction where others aren't looking.

We also dig into:

• Why small tech can drive big returns, and how to spot it
• The power of investing in inefficiencies, not trends
• How human connection is becoming the most in-demand tech feature
• Why Sidepocket-style platforms are essential for busy professionals
• Santosh's take on diversification, asymmetric risk, and staying grounded while scaling smart

From sustainable software to strategic investing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone building or backing businesses that are simple, scalable, and soulful.

👤 About Santosh Ramesh:
Santosh is the President & CEO of KA Technology, a company focused on solving niche pain points with high-impact software tools. His cross-industry background and people-first mindset are redefining how technology can serve overlooked markets.

Click Here to Check Out Our Upcoming Online
Investing Events

About Sidepocket:

If you don't have the time to professionally trade and are tired of being at the whim of the market's ups and downs, consider using Sidepocket to automate investing.

Sidepocket monitors the markets 24/7 and automatically rebalances your holdings each month. To maximize returns while protecting against loss. 

That's why Sidepocket applies sophisticated quantitative methods, including tactical asset allocation to systematically minimize these drawdowns and consistently protect and grow your hard earned savings.

To learn more, visit www.sidepocket.com 

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In this episode, we sit down with Joy Osaka-Lu, founder and strategic solutions partner at One Ripple, LLC, to explore how business transformation starts with people-not just processes. With over 30 years of experience across operations, data systems, and change management, Joy shares her approach to designing businesses that work better by honoring the human element behind every metric.

We explore:

• How Joy helped an investment firm reduce manual processing by 80%-by shifting the paradigm, not just the software
• Why legacy systems often fail not because they're outdated, but because they ignore human behavior
• The role of story, empathy, and systems thinking in unlocking innovation across finance and operations
• How Joy approaches investing with the same lens of freedom, resilience, and long-term alignment
• Why building adaptive businesses today requires unlearning old rules and embracing what's real, personal, and dynamic

Whether you're scaling a company, streamlining operations, or investing in your own evolution, this conversation with Joy will shift how you think about efficiency, risk, and transformation.

👥 About Joy Osaka-Lu:

Joy Osaka-Lu is the founder of One Ripple, LLC, a strategic consulting firm focused on building human-centered systems and solutions that drive sustainable business change. With three decades of experience, she's known for her ability to dissolve inefficiencies, champion authentic leadership, and bridge data, strategy, and empathy in one fluid motion.

Click Here to Check Out Our Upcoming Online
Investing Events

About Sidepocket:

If you don't have the time to professionally trade and are tired of being at the whim of the market's ups and downs, consider using Sidepocket to automate investing.

Sidepocket monitors the markets 24/7 and automatically rebalances your holdings each month. To maximize returns while protecting against loss. 

That's why Sidepocket applies sophisticated quantitative methods, including tactical asset allocation to systematically minimize these drawdowns and consistently protect and grow your hard earned savings.

To learn more, visit www.sidepocket.com 

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In this episode, we sit down with Jake Martyn, CEO of Martyn & Co., to explore the unconventional path from content creation to multi-million dollar entrepreneurship - and how it led him into the world of alternative investing. Starting with Pokémon livestreams and evolving into a thriving collectibles empire, Jake's journey proves that creativity, agility, and curiosity can drive serious business success.

We explore:

• How Jake turned a pandemic-era hobby into a 7-figure live commerce business
• The rise of collectible assets and the new rules of creator-led entrepreneurship
• Jake's shift into investing-and how he's approaching portfolio building with a founder's mindset
• Why Sidepocket became his go-to tool for gaining access to institutional-grade investment strategies
• The lessons he's learned about risk, education, and staying open to evolution in both business and wealth creation

Whether you're a business builder, creator, or investor looking to tap into emerging asset classes and creator-led ventures, this episode offers a fresh take on what it means to build and grow in today's economy.

About Jake Martyn:

Jake Martyn founded a collectibles commerce company that scaled to 7 figures in under a year by blending livestream content, smart inventory strategies, and authentic community building. Jake now focuses on growing his business while learning the ropes of investing-with a passion for education, efficiency, and unlocking financial freedom.

Click Here to Check Out Our Upcoming Online
Investing Events

About Sidepocket:

If you don't have the time to professionally trade and are tired of being at the whim of the market's ups and downs, consider using Sidepocket to automate investing.

Sidepocket monitors the markets 24/7 and automatically rebalances your holdings each month. To maximize returns while protecting against loss. 

That's why Sidepocket applies sophisticated quantitative methods, including tactical asset allocation to systematically minimize these drawdowns and consistently protect and grow your hard earned savings.

To learn more, visit www.sidepocket.com 

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In this episode, we sit down with Corey White, founder and CEO of Cyvatar.Ai, to explore how cybersecurity and diversity are reshaping the tech and investing landscape. With decades of experience in tech and a proven entrepreneurial track record, Corey is redefining what it means to build a resilient, future-ready business—one that’s secure, scalable, and inclusive.

We explore:

• How Cyvatar.Ai simplifies cybersecurity as a growth enabler, not just a defensive shield
• Why investing in cybersecurity is essential for modern portfolios—and how to evaluate opportunities in the space
• The power of organic diversity in tech teams and how it drives better innovation and outcomes
• Corey's journey from tech executive to founder, and what it really takes to thrive in rapidly evolving markets
• The role of grit, adaptability, and inclusive leadership in building companies that can weather disruption

Whether you're an investor exploring tech opportunities or a founder building from the ground up, this episode delivers strategic insight into the intersection of cybersecurity, diversity, and high-growth investing.

About Corey White:

Corey White is the founder and CEO of Cyvatar.Ai, a next-gen cybersecurity platform that offers comprehensive protection with simplicity and scale. A tech veteran and visionary leader, Corey champions diversity and innovation in the cybersecurity sector, helping companies and investors alike navigate risk and resilience in the digital age.

Click Here to Check Out Our Upcoming Online
Investing Events

About Sidepocket:

If you don't have the time to professionally trade and are tired of being at the whim of the market's ups and downs, consider using Sidepocket to automate investing.

Sidepocket monitors the markets 24/7 and automatically rebalances your holdings each month. To maximize returns while protecting against loss. 

That's why Sidepocket applies sophisticated quantitative methods, including tactical asset allocation to systematically minimize these drawdowns and consistently protect and grow your hard earned savings.

To learn more, visit www.sidepocket.com 

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In this episode, we sit down with Katie Fenner, CFA, former private wealth advisor at Goldman Sachs, to explore why financial literacy is one of the most powerful forms of legacy planning. Katie shares her journey from managing portfolios for ultra-high-net-worth families to her current mission: empowering everyday investors and parents to build generational wealth with confidence and clarity.

We explore:

• The surprising knowledge gaps among well-educated families when it comes to 529 plans, custodial accounts, and early investment strategies
• Why open conversations about money are critical for raising financially savvy children
• The importance of building long-term, adaptable portfolios without falling into emotional traps
• How Katie’s time at Goldman Sachs shaped her philosophy on risk, diversification, and managing wealth through market cycles
• Why access to simple, educational financial tools can transform how families approach investing

Whether you’re a parent, a young investor, or someone looking to demystify the path to financial security, Katie’s insights offer an actionable blueprint for creating sustainable wealth and meaningful legacies.

About Katie Fenner:

Katie Fenner is a former private wealth advisor at Goldman Sachs, where she guided ultra-high-net-worth families through complex investment landscapes. She now focuses on expanding access to financial literacy, helping families build generational wealth through simple, actionable strategies that empower parents and children alike.

Click Here to Check Out Our Upcoming Online
Investing Events

About Sidepocket:

If you don't have the time to professionally trade and are tired of being at the whim of the market's ups and downs, consider using Sidepocket to automate investing.

Sidepocket monitors the markets 24/7 and automatically rebalances your holdings each month. To maximize returns while protecting against loss. 

That's why Sidepocket applies sophisticated quantitative methods, including tactical asset allocation to systematically minimize these drawdowns and consistently protect and grow your hard earned savings.

To learn more, visit www.sidepocket.com 

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In this episode, we sit down with Ketty Minissale, co-founder of The Energy Lab, to explore the powerful relationship between physical health and financial performance. After leaving a secure career in the automotive industry, Ketty embraced entrepreneurship with a mission: to help leaders optimize energy, clarity, and well-being—because true wealth starts with health.

We explore:

• Why burnout and chronic stress silently sabotage decision-making, risk tolerance, and wealth creation
• How Ketty made the leap from corporate stability to launching a wellness business rooted in science and soul
• Practical tools for integrating mindfulness and nervous system regulation into your leadership and investment routines
• How physical vitality directly supports financial confidence, strategy, and long-term resilience
• The future of health tech and AI—where Ketty sees massive potential for proactive wellness and smarter financial outcomes

Whether you're a high-performing entrepreneur or investor looking to sharpen your edge, Ketty’s perspective offers a paradigm shift: longevity, energy, and emotional clarity are the real drivers of wealth that lasts.

About Ketty Minissale:

Ketty Minissale is the co-founder of The Energy Lab, a high-impact wellness company focused on optimizing energy, nervous system health, and mental clarity for leaders and founders. Her background spans corporate leadership and holistic health, giving her a unique lens on how physical and financial success are deeply intertwined. Through coaching, retreats, and technology-forward wellness solutions, Ketty helps people lead from a place of vitality, not burnout.

Click Here to Check Out Our Upcoming Online
Investing Events

About Sidepocket:

If you don't have the time to professionally trade and are tired of being at the whim of the market's ups and downs, consider using Sidepocket to automate investing.

Sidepocket monitors the markets 24/7 and automatically rebalances your holdings each month. To maximize returns while protecting against loss. 

That's why Sidepocket applies sophisticated quantitative methods, including tactical asset allocation to systematically minimize these drawdowns and consistently protect and grow your hard earned savings.

To learn more, visit www.sidepocket.com