Modern Investing Podcast

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In this episode, we sit down with Adam Koós, President and Portfolio Manager at Libertas Wealth Management Group. With more than two decades of experience and a background as a Certified Market Technician (CMT), Adam brings a strategic and data-driven lens to investing that helps clients avoid costly financial pitfalls.

Originally on the path to becoming a trauma surgeon, Adam shares how a deep desire to help people—combined with a disillusionment with traditional financial advice—led him to launch his own firm. Through a mix of tactical asset rotation, trend-following, and relative strength analysis, Adam has built a reputation for designing portfolios that adapt to changing markets while protecting wealth through both upturns and downturns.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Adam transitioned from medicine to finance—and how that shaped his client-first philosophy
• The difference between tactical and strategic investing (and why both matter)
• How investors can use data-driven models to rotate out of risk and into strength
• His approach to safeguarding wealth for business owners post-exit
• How emotion-free, rules-based investing can outperform conventional wisdom

“You don’t need to be the fastest runner in the woods. You just can’t be the slowest one when the bear shows up.”

This is a must-listen for investors seeking smarter, more resilient approaches to wealth building. Whether you're a high-net-worth entrepreneur or simply looking to future-proof your financial strategy, Adam's methodology offers a playbook for navigating volatility with confidence.

About Adam Koós:
Adam Koós is the President and Portfolio Manager at Libertas Wealth Management Group, a Columbus-based investment advisory firm. With over 20 years of experience and a CMT designation, Adam specializes in technical and tactical investing, helping clients preserve and grow wealth through all market cycles. Known for his outspoken stance against traditional financial dogma, Adam educates investors to make smarter decisions through discipline, data, and deep strategy.

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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 welcome Katie Welch—a multifaceted performer, entrepreneur, and new mom—as she shares her inspiring evolution from artist to financially empowered creator.

Katie opens up about her career journey, starting in a girl group and eventually navigating a multifaceted creative life in Los Angeles. She reflects on the instability of the entertainment industry and how evolving technology and social platforms have shifted the dynamics of creative entrepreneurship. These changes, she explains, present both challenges and new opportunities for building sustainable income and generational wealth.

The conversation explores:

• Katie’s path from gig-based income to intentional financial planning
• How becoming a mother reshaped her relationship with money and security
• The role of financial education in achieving long-term creative freedom
• Why she uses Sidepocket to build and diversify her portfolio
• Her message to fellow creators on letting money work for you

“I used to think making more money was the answer. Now I know that making money work is where true power begins.”

This episode is essential listening for creatives, entrepreneurs, and new parents navigating financial uncertainty while striving to build a more secure and abundant future. Katie’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right tools and mindset, anyone can grow wealth—on their own terms.

About Katie Welch:
Katie Welch is a Los Angeles-based performing artist, entrepreneur, and mother. Known for her vocal talent and vibrant personality, she’s appeared on numerous stages and screens, including as a guest on The Kardashians. As a vocal advocate for financial literacy, Katie partners with platforms like Sidepocket to empower creators and entertainers to build sustainable, diversified wealth beyond their careers in the spotlight.

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 Jamila Abston Mayfield—accredited investor, former SEC regulator, and founder of The Jamila Mayfield Group—to explore how she’s championing financial inclusion through strategic investing.

Jamila’s story is as unique as it is inspiring. From pursuing Broadway dreams to becoming a trusted advisor in regulatory compliance and financial services, her journey reflects grit, vision, and intentional wealth-building. She shares:

• The career pivot that led her from musical theater to Ernst & Young and the SEC
• How she evaluates VC opportunities through alumni networks and impact lenses
• Her approach to residential and commercial real estate investing
• The case for local business investments as community wealth-building vehicles
• Key insights on regulatory shifts, SEC compliance, and AI’s role in finance

“You don’t need to write million-dollar checks to be a meaningful investor. What you do need is clarity, access, and strategy.”

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, early-stage investors, and anyone curious about diversifying their investment portfolio while staying grounded in values. Jamila’s multifaceted lens—spanning compliance, venture capital, and real estate—offers an empowering blueprint for building wealth with purpose.

About Jamila Abston Mayfield:
Jamila Abston Mayfield is the founder and CEO of The Jamila Mayfield Group, a boutique consulting firm focused on compliance, risk, and strategy for financial services. A former SEC regulator and Ernst & Young partner, Jamila brings over 20 years of experience advising top firms in the finance world. She is also an active angel and venture investor, passionate about financial inclusion, real estate, and helping others build generational wealth through informed, values-aligned decisions.

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 Mark Willis, Certified Financial Planner™ and owner of Lake Growth Financial Services, to explore a radically different path to building wealth—by transforming debt into financial freedom.

Mark shares his personal story of paying off six figures in student loans and how that challenge led him to question conventional financial advice. Now a nationally recognized expert on alternative wealth strategies, Mark walks us through:

• Why 401(k)s, IRAs, and deferred taxes may not serve entrepreneurs as well as promised
• How management fees and market volatility quietly erode long-term gains
• The mechanics behind the “Bank on Yourself” strategy using dividend-paying whole life insurance
• How to access capital for your business while building predictable wealth
• Real client stories that prove safe, liquid, and tax-efficient strategies can outperform the norm

“Don’t just park your money and hope—make it move, and make it work for you.”

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to escape debt, invest in your business, or avoid the traps of traditional retirement plans, this episode is a must-listen for rethinking how to grow and protect your wealth.

About Mark Willis, CFP®:
Mark Willis is a Certified Financial Planner™, bestselling author, and the founder of Lake Growth Financial Services, a financial firm helping thousands of clients nationwide rethink their relationship with money. He specializes in alternative wealth-building strategies that prioritize liquidity, stability, and control. As co-host of the Not Your Average Financial Podcast™, Mark has become a go-to resource for entrepreneurs seeking smarter ways to manage debt and achieve long-term financial 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 

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In this episode, we sit down with Shridhar Swaminathan, Co-Founder and CTO of Sidepocket, to explore how automation, quantitative investing, and behavioral risk management are reshaping the future of wealth management.

With 20+ years of experience spanning data science, technology startups, and financial strategy, Shridhar shares:

• His transition from tech consulting to quant investing and fintech innovation
• Why Sidepocket was built to solve the “drawdown problem” for everyday investors
• How automation eliminates emotional decision-making and supports portfolio resilience
• Tactical advice for entrepreneurs selling their businesses and reallocating capital
• Why systematic investing, diversification, and risk modeling matter more than ever

“Don’t be emotionally attached to your money—be strategic. Let the system do the heavy lifting.”

Whether you're building a business or exiting one, this episode offers powerful insights into preserving and growing wealth without needing to be hands-on with the market. Learn how Sidepocket’s data-driven platform empowers investors to make smarter, more stable decisions for the long haul.

 About Shridhar Swaminathan:
Shridhar Swaminathan is the Co-Founder and CTO of Sidepocket, a fintech platform pioneering accessible quant investing. He brings over two decades of experience at the intersection of startup technology, data science, and portfolio risk management. Shridhar’s approach blends rigorous modeling with a human understanding of how entrepreneurs and investors behave under pressure—leading to tools that help users stay the course and build long-term financial security.

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 Singh—veteran trader, investor, and founder of LiveTraders—to explore how mastering the psychology behind trading can lead to long-term investing success.

With 14+ years of experience and over 10,000 students coached, Anmol shares:

• How he began trading at 18 and built a successful career through discipline and mindset
• Why coaching and mentorship are essential for new traders
• The importance of risk management in both short-term trading and long-term investing
• His “two-bucket” strategy for balancing income generation and wealth building
• Why trading psychology matters just as much as technical analysis
• How tools like Sidepocket support disciplined, diversified investing across asset classes

“If you don’t have a risk management plan, you don’t have a trading plan.”

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring traders, active investors, and anyone looking to elevate their financial strategy through proven techniques and psychological resilience.

About Anmol Singh:
Anmol Singh is a professional stock trader, investor, and the founder of LiveTraders. Since launching his trading career in college, he has trained thousands of students and built a reputation for coaching high-performance traders across asset classes. He is also an angel investor, real estate investor, and a vocal advocate for tools that bring structure and discipline to personal finance. Anmol's work focuses on helping others master the mindset needed to achieve financial success in dynamic 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 Evan Shubin, a 6x founder, 3x exited entrepreneur, and angel investor in over 25 startups. Now leading Candlelight Partners, LLC, Evan offers a rare window into what it takes to build, scale, and exit successful ventures—and how he now invests full-time across multiple asset classes.

With 25+ years of experience, Evan shares:

• How he bootstrapped Exhibitor Invites into a million-dollar trade show marketing firm
• Why he now works as a fractional C-suite leader in exchange for equity
• His investing playbook across startups, real estate, and public markets
• Key lessons from three exits—and what founders often overlook
• Why understanding customer pain points is the most underutilized growth strategy

“If you're building something great, the market will tell you—if you're listening.”

This episode is packed with firsthand insights for founders preparing to scale, exit, or start investing themselves. A must-listen for anyone balancing entrepreneurship and long-term wealth creation.

About Evan Shubin:
 

Evan Shubin is a veteran entrepreneur, investor, and strategic advisor with over 25 years of experience building, scaling, and exiting companies. As President of Candlelight Partners, LLC, he now serves as a fractional C-suite executive for startups, taking equity in exchange for his leadership.

A 6x founder with 3 exits under his belt, Evan has invested in over 25 startups while maintaining a diversified portfolio that includes real estate and public equities. His expertise spans marketing, operations, and go-to-market strategy, making him a sought-after partner for early-stage companies navigating growth or preparing for acquisition.

Evan’s career reflects a deep belief in listening to the customer, building around market pain points, and maintaining disciplined business fundamentals—even in fast-moving sectors.

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 James Fellus, a veteran investor and owner of one of the largest private Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) funding firms in the U.S., facilitating over $1 billion in deals each year.

With more than 30 years of experience in financial markets, James shares a behind-the-scenes look at how high-yield fixed-income opportunities can be found through MCA syndication and alternative lending. He unpacks:

• The mechanics of MCA investing—and how it differs from traditional lending
• Why MCA syndication can generate double-digit returns
• How his firm evaluates a business’s cash flow and credit profile in real time
• Risk management principles that have helped his firm grow in volatile markets
• Why diversified portfolios that include real estate, equities, and private credit are essential for long-term wealth

“If you're looking for real returns, you've got to be willing to look beyond Wall Street.”

This episode is a must-listen for investors exploring passive income strategies, and for entrepreneurs considering non-traditional funding to support growth.

About James Fellus:
James Fellus is the founder of one of the largest private funders of Merchant Cash Advances in the U.S., with over $1 billion in annual funding volume. With three decades of experience across asset classes—including equities, real estate, and alternative lending—James brings deep expertise in both investor strategy and small business capital deployment.

Known for his rigorous underwriting, operational acumen, and ability to scale high-yield investment vehicles, James is a sought-after voice in the alternative finance ecosystem. He’s passionate about helping business owners access working capital fast—and enabling investors to share in the upside of this growing asset class.

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 Zecca Lehn, General Partner at Responsibly Ventures, a California-based VC firm investing in U.S. PreSeed startups that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

With a background as an Environmental Economist, Data Scientist, and Nonprofit Board Member, Zecca brings a rare blend of analytical rigor and human-centered investing to the venture world. He shares:

• His journey from living off-grid on a remote island to launching a mission-driven fund
• What it means to invest at the intersection of purpose and profit
• How Responsibly Ventures selects startups tackling climate, equity, and global wellbeing
• Why he believes early-stage investing is a lever for long-term systems change

This episode is a compelling listen for anyone passionate about aligning capital with conscience and investing in a better tomorrow.

About Zecca Lehn:

Zecca Lehn is the General Partner of Responsibly Ventures, a PreSeed VC firm backing mission-driven U.S. startups across social impact and sustainable technology sectors. With over 15 years of experience spanning environmental economics, data science, and entrepreneurship, Zecca brings deep insight into what it takes to build ventures that are both scalable and regenerative.

His upbringing in an off-grid, Japanese-style home in the Pacific Northwest—and later travels through Scandinavia—shaped a lifelong commitment to equity, ecology, and innovation. Through Responsibly Ventures, Zecca continues to champion founders building a more inclusive and sustainable future.

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 Justin Dixon, founder of Hire Tomorrow, who shares his journey of leaving the corporate W2 world to launch a recruiting firm and build a diversified investment portfolio—all during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justin shares:

• How he prepared financially to make the leap into entrepreneurship
• The importance of spending discipline and savings before leaving a stable job
• His strategy for strategic networking, including landing consistent business from a private equity firm
• Insights on building wealth through multifamily real estate and angel investing
• How to approach risk with clarity and confidence, especially during uncertain times

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a transition from employee to founder—or anyone looking to build financial independence through smart, intentional investing.

About Justin Dixon:

Justin Dixon is the founder of Hire Tomorrow, a boutique recruiting firm that connects top talent with high-growth companies. After spending years as a recruiter in the W2 world, Justin made the leap into entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic—relying on strong financial preparation and sharp business instincts to build a thriving firm.

Justin is also an active investor, with holdings in multifamily real estate, angel deals, and alternative assets. He’s passionate about helping others navigate the journey from financial security to entrepreneurial freedom, and believes deeply in strategic risk-taking, disciplined saving, and networking with 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