Modern Investing Podcast

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In this episode, we sit down with Gavin Nathan—digital economy strategist and tokenization expert—to explore how blockchain is fundamentally changing the way we invest. Gavin demystifies tokenization, explaining how real-world assets can now be converted into digital tokens, offering fractional ownership, enhanced liquidity, and greater access to traditionally illiquid markets.

He walks listeners through the mechanics of tokenization and why it's such a powerful evolution in modern finance—especially for investors eager to participate in asset classes like commercial real estate, collectibles, or private equity without needing millions in capital.

Tune in to discover:

• What tokenization really means—and how it works in practice
• Why it opens up previously exclusive investment opportunities
• How it improves transparency, liquidity, and trust in financial markets
• Risks and regulatory challenges to be aware of
• How to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly shifting digital economy

“Tokenization is doing for investing what the internet did for information—making it accessible to everyone.”

Whether you're a seasoned investor, fintech founder, or curious learner, Gavin’s perspective offers essential insight into the future of asset ownership and portfolio diversification.

About Gavin Nathan:
Gavin Nathan is a fintech strategist and investor with deep experience in the digital economy. He’s spent the last several years at the forefront of tokenization, helping firms and individuals understand how blockchain technology can unlock new levels of financial inclusion and investment efficiency. Gavin’s expertise spans decentralized finance, real-world asset tokenization, and digital infrastructure design for the future of capital markets.

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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 speak with Mohit Avadhanula—a rising fintech innovator, programmer, and former Sidepocket intern—about how technology is reshaping the future of investing. Mohit shares his early journey into financial markets, beginning with his first brokerage account in college and evolving into the development of an automated options trading bot driven by technical indicators like moving averages and RSI.

His story offers a compelling look at how combining programming skills with financial strategy can empower individuals to manage risk, reduce emotional bias, and automate success.

Tune in to hear:

• How Mohit built a rule-based bot for options trading
• What he learned at Sidepocket about tactical asset allocation and managing drawdowns
• Why automation is key to reducing emotional investing decisions
• How technology is enabling new investors to access sophisticated tools previously reserved for professionals
• What’s next in fintech for curious minds looking to build, trade, and grow

“Finance isn’t just about money anymore—it’s about code, strategy, and staying curious.”

Whether you’re a student, developer, or investor curious about the intersection of tech and finance, Mohit’s journey offers powerful takeaways for mastering modern investing.

About Mohit Avadhanula:
Mohit Avadhanula is a programmer, fintech enthusiast, and former intern at Sidepocket. While still in college, Mohit combined his love for finance and technology to build an automated trading bot, leveraging technical indicators to optimize options strategies. His time at Sidepocket deepened his understanding of tactical asset allocation and sparked his mission to democratize sophisticated investing tools through automation and smart software.

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 Dhruv Vig, CEO of Langar Holdings, to explore how his firm is redefining the way investors approach Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). With a background spanning health tech, venture capital, and finance, Dhruv brings a multidisciplinary perspective to solving a critical issue in today’s ETF landscape: misclassification.

Many investors assume their ETFs offer focused exposure—only to discover hidden holdings that don’t align with their sector strategy. Dhruv explains:

• Why most ETFs don’t do what they claim—and how this erodes portfolio performance
• What “pure-play” ETFs are and how they’re changing the game for targeted investing
• How active ETF management can offer greater control, precision, and adaptability
• The growing role of AI and analytics in creating smarter, more transparent investment products
• Why investor values and financial goals must work in sync

“Your portfolio should reflect what you believe in—and what you’re aiming for. Clarity matters.”

Whether you’re seeking focused sector exposure or exploring the next evolution in ETF strategy, Dhruv’s insights offer a blueprint for smarter investing in a market that’s only getting more complex.

About Dhruv Vig:
Dhruv Vig is the CEO of Langar Holdings, an ETF firm committed to bringing clarity and precision to thematic investing. With a background in health tech and early-stage investing, Dhruv now leads innovation in ETF design—building products that eliminate misclassification and align closely with investor intentions. His mission: to help investors take more control of their strategies in an era of growing complexity, rapid innovation, and evolving personal values.

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 Bethany Jeanfreau—fractional Chief Marketing Officer and founder of Red Rhino Exec—to explore her unconventional path to building wealth while living and working abroad.

From China to Portugal, Bethany has crafted a lifestyle that blends business savvy with personal freedom. Her investment approach is equally unorthodox: instead of spreading capital across passive assets, she doubles down on companies where she has a direct impact. Her story reveals how strategic, hands-on investing can be a powerful engine for financial independence.

Listen in as Bethany shares:

• Why she prioritizes influence over diversification in her portfolio
• Her lessons from working in family manufacturing and global consultancy
• The mindset shifts required to invest as a digital nomad and expat
• How emerging tech, including AI, is reshaping the modern investment landscape
• Her mission to support other women through leadership mentorship

“Freedom isn’t a location—it’s how you design your investments, time, and energy.”

Whether you’re a founder, freelancer, or future expat, this episode is packed with insights on building a purpose-driven, financially empowered life across borders.

About Bethany Jeanfreau:
Bethany Jeanfreau is the founder of Red Rhino Exec and a fractional CMO for fast-growing companies. With experience spanning global consulting, family manufacturing, and executive leadership, she brings a strategic edge to every investment. A committed digital nomad and advocate for women in leadership, Bethany actively mentors the next generation of entrepreneurs through organizations like the Girl Scouts’ leadership initiative. She now splits her time between Europe and the U.S., living proof that wealth-building and world-travel can go hand-in-hand.

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 explore the often-overlooked link between inner clarity and financial success with Jason Connell—former CEO, world-traveling speaker, and now a psychotherapist for high-achieving professionals.

Jason’s journey defies convention: from magician and leadership consultant to walking away from outward success in search of deeper meaning. Today, he helps high-net-worth individuals rewire their relationship to achievement and align their lives with purpose.

Tune in to hear Jason discuss:

• Why true wealth begins with the mind—not your bank account
• The career path that took him from center stage to the therapist’s chair
• How psychological blocks quietly sabotage smart financial decisions
• The role of emotional mastery in navigating leadership, money, and personal relationships
• Why high performers benefit from therapy rooted in somatic and relational psychology

“Success without inner clarity is just a louder version of confusion.”

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking more than just external wins—it’s for those ready to align financial strategy with emotional intelligence, purpose, and peace of mind.

About Jason Connell:
Jason Connell is a former CEO and sought-after speaker turned psychotherapist for leaders and high-net-worth individuals. Drawing from his unique background in stage performance, leadership consulting, and advanced studies in psychology, Jason supports clients in mastering the inner world so they can thrive in the outer one. His private practice blends somatic insight with emotional resilience to help achievers unlock true freedom—internally and financially.

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 explore the extraordinary rise of the commercial space economy with Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba—scientist astronaut candidate and founder of Omega Spaceport, the world’s first commercially operating equatorial spaceport.

Wanjiku brings a bold and visionary perspective: investing in space today could mirror the opportunity of investing in the internet in the 1990s. With deep experience in aerospace and a global mission to make space more accessible, she walks us through the fast-evolving frontier of space investing—and why now is the time to pay attention.

You’ll discover:

• What’s driving the commercial space boom: satellite deployment, tourism, and in-space manufacturing
• How falling launch costs are creating a tipping point for biotech, AI, and aerospace convergence
• Why public-private partnerships and space-focused ETFs are opening the door for everyday investors
• How Omega Spaceport is pioneering affordable access to low-Earth orbit from the equator
• Why early-stage space investing is more than financial—it’s legacy building for humanity

“This isn’t just about space. It’s about the infrastructure of tomorrow’s economy—one that orbits the Earth.”

Whether you're a futurist, investor, or entrepreneur, this episode offers a powerful look at how investing in space can unlock economic opportunity, global connectivity, and transformational impact.

About Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba:
Wanjiku Chebet Kanjumba is the founder of Omega Spaceport and a graduate of the scientist astronaut candidate program. A global voice in space accessibility and aerospace innovation, she is leading efforts to make space a viable economic and infrastructural opportunity for both emerging nations and forward-thinking investors. Her mission is simple: make the final frontier a force for progress.

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 Jorge Nader—software engineer, entrepreneur, and founder of Cognito Labs—to explore how creative thinking, technical innovation, and resilience can unlock new doors in both investing and entrepreneurship.

An immigrant from Mexico, Jorge’s path to financial independence is a remarkable story of grit and ingenuity. From building gadgets as a child to earning a degree in electrical and computer engineering from Oregon State University, Jorge has always lived at the intersection of curiosity and capability. Along the way, he contributed to cutting-edge research in AI and flexible electronics before shifting his focus toward the markets.

Faced with the financial pressure of student loans, Jorge took control by building his own trading bots and sentiment analysis systems. His journey—from early trial-and-error to data-driven investing success—offers a compelling look at how automation, discipline, and persistence can reshape your financial trajectory.

You’ll learn:

• How Jorge built algorithmic trading tools using AI and market sentiment
• What early investing mistakes taught him about emotional discipline and risk
• Why automation and creative thinking are vital in today’s fast-moving financial landscape
• How his company, Cognito Labs, is powering innovation across industries from robotics to diagnostics
• Why blending logic with intuition can be your greatest investing edge

“Tech isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge to freedom. You just have to build it.”

Whether you're a tech-savvy investor, startup founder, or someone looking to create wealth on your own terms, this conversation offers powerful insights into leveraging technology, adapting through challenges, and investing with purpose.

About Jorge Nader:
Jorge Nader is the founder and CEO of Cognito Labs, LLC, a venture platform supporting breakthrough innovation in science and engineering. A former AI researcher and flexible electronics pioneer, Jorge now applies his deep technical background to investing, trading, and empowering others to achieve financial and creative independence through automation, strategy, and bold vision.

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 John De Goey, portfolio manager at Design Wealth Management and author of Bullshift, to unpack how investors can navigate today’s financial turbulence through evidence-based decision-making and strategic diversification.

John shares his post-2008 pivot to discretionary portfolio management and explains why removing emotion from financial planning is critical in an era defined by market overvaluation and hype. He dives deep into the psychology of investing—particularly the dangers of optimism bias and overconfidence—and how these tendencies lead investors astray. Drawing insights from his three books, John advocates for a client-first model rooted in rational analysis and long-term sustainability.

You’ll learn:

• Why advisors need discretion to act objectively and decisively
• How alternative investments like music royalties and private equity real estate can create stability
• The importance of aligning portfolio strategy with personal liquidity needs and time horizons
• How to avoid falling into the trap of hot trends, including today’s AI investment boom
• Why cost-effectiveness and risk-adjusted returns should guide your portfolio construction

“If we want better outcomes, we have to change the way we think—about risk, cost, and the stories we tell ourselves about money.”

Whether you’re a cautious investor, financial professional, or simply tired of the rollercoaster of public markets, John’s grounded, data-informed approach offers a refreshing lens on building a portfolio that can weather any storm.

👤 About John De Goey:
John De Goey is a portfolio manager at Design Wealth Management, renowned author of Bullshift, and a vocal advocate for evidence-based investing. With over two decades of experience, he is committed to helping clients achieve long-term financial goals through objective strategy, rational decision-making, and broad diversification—including non-traditional asset classes.

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 welcome Dr. Aaron Cook, an orthopedic surgeon whose passion for numbers and economics led him from the operating room to building a thriving investment portfolio. With a deep curiosity for financial systems and a disciplined mindset shaped by years in medicine, Dr. Cook shares how he taught himself to navigate markets, diversify his assets, and develop a purpose-driven approach to wealth building.

We explore how Dr. Cook began investing in real estate and stocks early in his career, and how living below his means created the foundation for long-term financial freedom. He emphasizes the importance of understanding personal risk tolerance, making data-informed decisions, and developing a strategy that works in both stable and volatile markets.

You’ll learn:

• Why curiosity and discipline are more valuable than formal financial training
• How Dr. Cook approaches asset allocation and strategic diversification
• The mindset shift from saving to scaling wealth through calculated investing
• How to manage volatility by staying within your personal financial comfort zone
• Why he believes impact investing is just as important as ROI

“Investing isn’t just about growing your money—it’s about aligning your values with your financial decisions.”

Dr. Cook’s story is especially powerful for professionals looking to take ownership of their finances without giving up their primary careers. Whether you're a physician, business owner, or executive, this episode offers timeless lessons in financial independence, legacy-building, and investing with purpose.

About Dr. Aaron Cook:
Dr. Aaron Cook is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, real estate investor, angel investor, and philanthropist. Passionate about financial literacy and impact-driven investing, he applies analytical rigor from his medical training to help build resilient, values-aligned portfolios. His work supports not only long-term wealth creation, but also education and community development through strategic charitable giving.

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 Ken Hubbard, Partner at Salvare Fund, to unpack how he's transforming the world of merchant cash advance (MCA) investing. With a background as a serial entrepreneur and a sharp eye for alternative lending, Ken shares how he’s reshaping MCA structures to create more stable returns for investors—while empowering small businesses with smarter access to capital.

Ken reveals how MCA investing, when done with discipline and innovation, can serve as a bridge for business owners during critical cash flow moments. But he also offers an important caveat: MCAs are a last-resort funding tool, not a first-choice strategy. For investors, his approach emphasizes due diligence, risk mitigation, and consistent returns through carefully structured deals.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Ken went from building businesses to building better financing tools
• What makes MCA investing attractive—and how it can go wrong without the right guardrails
• How Salvare Fund structures MCAs to align investor interests with borrower success
• Why capital access and investor protection don’t have to be at odds
• Strategic insights for entrepreneurs planning to raise or exit

“There’s nothing passive about smart investing—especially when it comes to alternative finance. But done right, it works.”

This episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs exploring funding options and investors seeking yield beyond traditional fixed income. Whether you’re raising capital or allocating it, Ken’s perspective can help you avoid common pitfalls and pursue smarter financial outcomes.

About Ken Hubbard:
Ken Hubbard is a Partner at Salvare Fund, an innovative investment firm focused on merchant cash advance syndication. With a background in entrepreneurship and business building, Ken applies founder empathy and financial acumen to structure funding solutions that benefit both borrowers and investors. His work aims to modernize MCA investing through transparency, consistency, and strategic risk management.

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