Modern Investing Podcast

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In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Schwab, founder and CEO of Shepherd Premier Senior Living, to explore how boutique senior housing can deliver both meaningful impact and high-performing returns. Sparked by a personal experience with subpar elder care, Brandon set out to reimagine the traditional big-box model—replacing it with warm, residential communities that prioritize dignity, intimacy, and human connection.

We explore:

• Why small-scale, home-style senior living outperforms traditional facilities on both quality of care and investment metrics
• How Brandon transitioned from real estate investor to care-focused operator without a healthcare background
• The growing demand for personalized elder care—and how investors can meet it with purpose-driven capital
• Key financial advantages of boutique senior housing, from strong occupancy rates to recession resilience
• The balance of mission and margin: creating legacy-level returns by solving a deeply human problem

Whether you're an investor exploring alternative real estate assets or someone passionate about elder care innovation, this episode reveals how senior living can be a powerful vehicle for compassionate capitalism.

About Brandon Schwab:

Brandon Schwab is the founder and CEO of Shepherd Premier Senior Living, a company redefining elder care through intimate, boutique-style homes across the Midwest. With a background in real estate and a deep personal mission, Brandon has built one of the most compelling hybrid models in healthcare and residential investing—one that delivers comfort, connection, and consistent returns.

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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 

Message the Host

In this episode, we sit down with Alexander Flecker, VP of Sales and Marketing at Measured Risk Portfolios, to talk about what it really takes to navigate volatility with confidence. Blending insights from a blue-collar upbringing and white-collar finance career, Alex shares his journey into structured credit, wealth management, and his mission to help investors stay steady—especially when markets get shaky.

We explore:

• How Alex’s 2020 market experience shaped his views on risk tolerance and investor behavior
• The importance of sticking to a strategy through emotional turbulence
• Measured Risk’s “Synth Equity” strategy—combining short-term Treasuries with S&P 500 call options for asymmetric growth potential
• The launch of their new ETF and how it brings active risk management to everyday investors
• Why structured portfolios can outperform when fear dominates the market

“Discipline in the face of chaos isn’t luck—it’s a plan. The question is: do you have one?”

Whether you're a business owner preparing for a liquidity event, or an individual investor seeking growth without losing sleep, Alex’s grounded, practical approach offers a refreshing take on building wealth through turbulent times.

About Alexander Flecker:
Alexander Flecker is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Measured Risk Portfolios. With a background that straddles construction grit and Wall Street strategy, Alex brings a unique, grounded perspective to financial risk management. He’s passionate about helping investors achieve clarity in chaos and is a key advocate for the firm’s signature Synth Equity strategy.

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 Michael Harries, partner at Robotics Hub and a veteran investor in artificial intelligence, robotics, and deep tech. From his early fascination with Isaac Asimov’s sci-fi to advising startups at the cutting edge of automation and machine learning, Michael brings a rare depth of insight into how transformative technologies are funded, built, and scaled.

We explore:

• What sets deep tech apart from traditional startups—and why it matters for investors
• How Robotics Hub identifies, vets, and supports startups solving real-world problems in automation, logistics, and advanced manufacturing
• Emerging trends at the intersection of AI, cloud infrastructure, and energy systems
• How to evaluate risk, runway, and technical feasibility in early-stage deep tech
• The importance of founder-market fit and talent density in complex, high-stakes sectors

“If you want asymmetric returns, you need to be where real breakthroughs are happening—and that’s deep tech.”

Michael also shares a behind-the-scenes look at investments like Agility Robotics and offers strategic advice for investors seeking differentiated opportunities in the age of AI. Whether you’re a seasoned VC or a forward-looking angel investor, this conversation offers a roadmap to navigating the bold frontier of high-impact innovation.

About Michael Harries:
Michael Harries is a partner at Robotics Hub, where he invests in early-stage companies solving major global problems through robotics, AI, and next-gen infrastructure. With a background in computer science and a career spanning startups, venture capital, and research leadership, Michael is recognized for his sharp ability to translate technical potential into long-term commercial success.

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 

Message the Host

In this episode, we sit down with Mariane Becker and Kristopher Floyd—two investors reimagining the future of venture capital by blending high-return strategies with deep purpose. Mariane, an early investor in Amazon and Google, shares her journey from Wall Street to championing underrepresented founders. Kristopher, a military veteran turned VC strategist, brings a disciplined, mission-oriented lens to identifying startups poised for transformative impact.

We explore:

• Why women-founded startups receive less than 2% of VC funding—and what Mariane and Kristopher are doing to change that
• The Founders Bay community and how it bridges capital, mentorship, and opportunity for diverse founders
• Emerging tech trends in AI, robotics, and defense—and how to spot companies positioned for exponential growth
• How their upcoming VC fund is creating a new standard for investing with impact, integrity, and long-term vision
• The role of intuition, adaptability, and values in building a resilient, future-facing investment portfolio

“If we want a better future, we have to start funding it today—with intention.”

Whether you're an emerging investor or an entrepreneur navigating the venture landscape, this episode is packed with insights on how to align purpose with profit—and why the next great companies will come from founders previously overlooked by the system.

About Mariane Becker & Kristopher Floyd:
Mariane Becker is an experienced investor, operator, and advisor with a track record that includes early positions in Amazon and Google. She now leads initiatives supporting women and underrepresented founders. Kristopher Floyd is a former military officer and founder turned VC strategist, known for bringing clarity and structure to early-stage investing. Together, they co-lead Founders Bay and are launching a venture fund focused on high-impact innovation and inclusive capital allocation.

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 

Message the Host

In this episode, we sit down with Anmol Goel, CEO of Gacsym Ventures, to explore how he’s rewriting the playbook for early-stage investing. Blending the operational rigor of a venture studio with the patient capital of a family office, Anmol shares a hybrid model that’s helping founders build durable companies—while offering investors more aligned, long-term value.

We explore:

• Why Gacsym focuses on Indian-origin founders and leverages cultural fluency as a competitive edge
• How combining syndicates, strategic mentorship, and global family offices enables faster, smarter deals
• The shortcomings of traditional VC and how Anmol’s model removes friction for both capital and founders
• Why defense tech and medtech are emerging as top sectors for high-impact investing
• What adaptive investing looks like in a world of accelerating complexity and geopolitical shifts

“This isn’t about fast money—it’s about building foundational value with long-term partners.”

Anmol’s approach is especially relevant for investors frustrated by slow deal cycles and founders seeking more than just a check. His global perspective and commitment to intentional growth offer a refreshing alternative to status quo venture capital models.

About Anmol Goel:
Anmol Goel is the founder and CEO of Gacsym Ventures, a venture fund and growth studio that blends the agility of early-stage investing with the stability of long-term capital from global family offices. His work focuses on backing high-integrity founders—especially those of Indian origin—while supporting sectors like defense tech and medtech that are poised for transformational impact.

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 

Message the Host

In this episode, we’re joined by Ariel Fu, Partnerships Lead at Neo Ventures and a global digital nomad who’s redefining what financial success looks like on the move. Ariel shares her bold journey from Canada’s traditional finance world to a fully remote lifestyle rooted in purpose, mobility, and investing with intention.

We explore:

• How the pandemic sparked her leap into digital nomadism and financial independence
• The benefits of geo-arbitrage and tax optimization for remote professionals
• Why financial stability—not just flexibility—is the real foundation of location freedom
• Her long-term, passive investing philosophy and how it supports global living
• Investment insights from her role at Neo Ventures, including emerging opportunities in deep tech, biotech, and space

“Digital nomadism isn’t just about freedom—it’s about designing a lifestyle that aligns with your values and financial goals.”

Ariel also speaks candidly about the emotional and social realities of nomad life, including the importance of building intentional communities. Her story is packed with practical tips for anyone curious about remote work, lifestyle design, or investing beyond borders.

bout Ariel Fu:
Ariel Fu is the Partnerships Lead at Neo Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on deep tech innovation. Formerly in the Canadian financial sector, Ariel now lives as a digital nomad, blending her passion for travel with strategic investing and remote business development. Her experience spans corporate finance, international living, and long-term portfolio management—all anchored in a values-aligned, global approach to wealth building.

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 

Message the Host

In this episode, we sit down with Tejal Shah, VP of Investment Banking at US Capital, whose career journey spans mechanical engineering, wealth management, entrepreneurship, and investment banking. Tejal brings a rare, multidimensional lens to capital strategy—highlighting how founders and investors can leverage diverse funding mechanisms beyond traditional equity-based approaches.

We explore:

• Why non-dilutive capital (like grants, credit, and debt) is a powerful tool for founders
• How Tejal’s background as a founder informs her investment decision-making
• The psychology behind capital allocation and the role of automation in mitigating emotional bias
• Strategic relationship-building as the cornerstone of scalable success
• How to differentiate between a single product feature and a high-growth business opportunity

“Capital is more than just money—it’s the energy you’re bringing into your business. Be intentional about the trade-offs.”

Tejal’s candid perspective is a must-listen for founders looking to scale with strategic funding, and investors who want to evaluate businesses through a holistic, founder-first lens. Her practical take on wealth building integrates financial acumen with emotional intelligence and personal growth—making this episode both insightful and empowering.

About Tejal Shah:
Tejal Shah is the VP of Investment Banking at US Capital and a former startup founder with a background in engineering and wealth management. Known for her relationship-first approach to dealmaking, Tejal specializes in guiding founders through non-dilutive capital strategies, helping them preserve equity while accessing smart capital for growth. Her experience across sectors allows her to see the bigger picture and support businesses at every stage of the journey.

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 

Message the Host

In this episode, we sit down with JB Butler, Founder of Just Be Unlimited and Head of Growth Strategy at Consumer 51, for a powerful conversation on redefining success through empathy-driven growth. JB’s philosophy centers around leading with humanity—whether in business, investing, or community development—and his stories challenge the idea that financial growth and emotional intelligence are mutually exclusive.

We explore:

• What it means to lead with empathy in entrepreneurship and investment
• A real-world case study on transforming police recruitment through community mirroring
• How to diversify and adapt your investment strategy during market disruption
• The intersection of personal values, family priorities, and long-term wealth building
• Why passion and self-investment are often the most underutilized success tools

“Empathy isn’t just soft—it’s smart. It’s how we build businesses and portfolios that truly matter.”

JB’s approach to business and investing is a refreshing take for entrepreneurs, impact investors, and changemakers who want to align growth with values. His insights are especially relevant in a post-COVID world where adaptability, innovation, and emotional intelligence are essential for navigating change.

About JB Butler:
JB Butler is a growth strategist, creative entrepreneur, and founder of Just Be Unlimited. As the head of growth strategy at Consumer 51, he helps organizations scale with intention—merging marketing, purpose, and empathy to create lasting value. JB is known for championing people-first innovation and designing systems that empower communities, clients, and teams to thrive.

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 

Message the Host

In this episode, we sit down with Christian Khoury, founder and CEO of Easy Audit—the world’s first AI-powered compliance platform transforming how investors and companies manage risk. With roots at Deloitte and a passion for innovation, Christian unpacks the urgent need for smarter, automated compliance systems in today’s fast-moving financial landscape.

But this conversation goes far beyond tech. Christian dives into the emotional and psychological side of entrepreneurship, sharing how storytelling frameworks like the Hero’s Journey can help founders pitch more effectively, build trust, and find clarity in their personal path. His perspective bridges high-stakes finance with human insight, making this episode both practical and deeply motivating.

Listen in to explore:

• How AI is revolutionizing compliance and reshaping investor due diligence
• Why storytelling matters in finance, leadership, and life
• The concept of “Mindshare Investing” and how attention drives capital
• How poker, emotional intelligence, and investing intersect under pressure
• Christian’s biggest lessons from startup life, and how to stay aligned as you scale

“Great founders don’t just manage numbers—they manage attention, emotion, and narrative.”

This episode is a must-listen for founders, investors, and forward-thinking professionals looking to merge tech, mindset, and meaningful strategy in the world of modern finance.

About Christian Khoury:
Christian Khoury is the founder and CEO of Easy Audit, an AI-driven compliance platform designed to bring speed, clarity, and trust to financial oversight. A former Deloitte consultant turned entrepreneur, Christian blends deep regulatory expertise with a creative storytelling edge—helping business leaders make smarter decisions and communicate with impact. His work explores the intersection of emotional intelligence, technology, and investor psychology.

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 

Message the Host

In this episode, we welcome Ariadne Prieto—Head of Strategy and Business Development at Green Day Finance and the voice behind the globally recognized sustainable finance blog, Flick Talks. Ariadne shares her unconventional path from mergers and acquisitions into the fast-evolving world of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, revealing how values-aligned capital allocation can offer both impact and strong returns.

Ariadne explains how ESG frameworks are more than a trend—they’re a practical risk management tool in today’s volatile markets. She highlights how commercial solar tax strategies and diversified sustainable investments are being used by savvy investors to reduce risk and optimize tax efficiency, all while supporting a greener future.

Tune in to learn:

• Why ESG investing is gaining traction as a financial advantage, not just a moral choice
• How solar tax incentives can transform an investor’s tax burden and portfolio
• Common ESG myths that limit investor engagement—and the truth behind them
• The rapid growth of climate tech, sustainable architecture, and impact-driven finance
• How high-net-worth individuals are rethinking risk through a sustainability lens

“ESG investing is no longer niche—it’s becoming a core part of long-term financial planning.”

Whether you're an investor, advisor, or simply curious about how to align purpose with profit, Ariadne offers an insightful and practical take on how sustainable investing is reshaping wealth strategy for the next generation.

About Ariadne Prieto:
Ariadne Prieto is a strategic leader in ESG investing and climate-aligned tax strategies. She currently serves as Head of Strategy and Business Development at Green Day Finance and is the creator of Flick Talks, a globally followed blog focused on sustainable finance, climate tech, and conscious capital. Her background in mergers & acquisitions and her commitment to real-world education make her a sought-after voice for those navigating the intersection of profit and purpose.

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