In this episode of The Alternative Mason, Brittany Mason chats with John Davi — founder of Astoria Portfolio Advisors and one of the sharpest minds in the ETF world. John shares how growing up in Queens shaped his hustle, how early stints at Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley fueled his love for markets, and what drove him to launch Astoria back in 2017.

They dive into how Astoria blends macro insights with quantitative research, what it’s really like to build an independent firm from the ground up, and where John sees the next big wave — from alternative investments to the rise of AI in finance.

Key Takeaways:

• Diversification is Crucial: It's the only free lunch in the market. A well-diversified portfolio can protect against market volatility.
• Blend of Macro and Quant: Astoria's approach of marrying macro insights with quantitative research offers a unique edge in financial strategies.
• Embrace Innovation: John Davi emphasizes the role of AI and crypto in modern investment strategies, highlighting their potential to transform portfolios.
• Calculated Risk-Taking: Davi advises taking calculated risks for higher rewards, a strategy that has propelled his success.

Connect with us below!

• John Davi on LinkedIn
•  Astoria Portfolio Advisors
• Brittany Mason on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

Join Brittany Mason in this engaging episode of 'The Alternative Mason' as she sits down with Dennis Morton, co-founder of Morton Brown Family Wealth and an army veteran with a background in history. Dennis shares his unconventional path into the finance industry, discussing the importance of humanities education, his transition from the military to finance, and the founding and growth of Morton Brown Family Wealth. This discussion serves as an inspiring reminder that the financial industry is not solely about numbers—it's about people, leadership, and the ability to continuously evolve in a rapidly changing world.

Key Takeaways:

• Human connection is paramount in the financial industry; understanding clients leads to meaningful relationships.
• Reinvention and adaptability are crucial for overcoming setbacks and seizing new opportunities.
• Alternative investments, such as private credit, offer valuable diversification and risk management options for clients.
• Foundational beliefs like "Reimagine, Simplify, and Thrive" can guide financial firms in crafting innovative and client-centric experiences.

Connect with us below!

• Dennis Morton on LinkedIn
• Morton Brown Family Wealth
• Brittany Mason on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

What happens when a banker’s son builds a venture firm in a place most investors overlook? Brad Zapp, Cp-Founder, President and Head of Strategy & Marketing at Connetic Ventures, shares how rejection fueled his pivot into early-stage investing, eventually leading to Wendal, an AI-powered associate that reviews founders 24/7. With this remarkably innovative tool, Brad is reimagining who gets funded and who gets to invest. This episode unpacks how AI, behavioral science, and fund structure innovation are opening venture capital to a much broader audience.

Key takeaways:

• AI can scale deal sourcing and diligence, even from outside traditional VC hubs.
• Psychometric screening helps identify unconventional but high-potential founders.
• Interval funds are breaking down access barriers for everyday investors.

Connect with us below!

• Brad Zapp on LinkedIn
• Connetic Ventures
• Brittany Mason on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

Greg Friedman has a financial journey that starts in his early childhood, investing his birthday money, and has brought him to launching Peachtree Group in 2007. In this episode, he explains what he calls the Mispriced Risk Business and how he’s overseen $11 billion in real estate investments.

Key takeaways:

• Greg’s first memories and how they shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.
• The difference between happiness and fulfillment.
• Mispriced risk and how to make money out of it.
• The importance of relationships for any business.

Connect with us below!

• Greg Friedman on LinkedIn
• Peachtree Group
• Brittany Mason on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

What do elite school districts have to do with resilient real estate investing? In this episode, Sean O’Dowd, Managing Partner of Scholastic Capital, shares how his “Scholastic Thesis” turns high-demand education zones into a powerful, defensive investment strategy. With multi-year leases, strict buy-box criteria, and a data-driven mindset, his approach offers stability in uncertain markets. He also unpacks the growing insurance crisis in states like Florida and why it may reshape U.S. real estate for years to come.

Key takeaways:

• Multi-year leases in elite school districts create predictable income and economic stability.
• A disciplined 17-point property selection process limits risk and maximizes tenant satisfaction.
• Skyrocketing insurance costs may spark major demographic shifts in the U.S. real estate market.

Connect with us below!

• Sean O’Dowd on LinkedIn
• Scholastic Capital
• Brittany Mason on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

Connor Lapean, Investment Research Associate at Banríon Capital Management, opens up about breaking into alternative investments while still in college. From battling imposter syndrome to embracing AI and spotting opportunities in private credit, Connor shares what it really takes to earn trust and grow fast in a high-stakes industry.

With a grounded mindset and a no-excuses attitude, he shows how Gen Z is reshaping finance—one bold move at a time.

Connect with us below!

• Connor Lapean on LinkedIn
• Brittany Mason on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

This episode features Neil Azous, Founder and CIO at Rareview Capital, and his insights from working at Goldman Sachs and the evolution of investment management towards a more personalized, goals-driven approach.

Neil breaks down:

• His career journey from inspiration to industry expert

• The importance of goals-based investment management

• Emotional decision-making in finance

• Global macro trading

• The perception of risk and the mindset of underdog investors

Connect with us below!

• Neil Azous on LinkedIn
• Rareview Capital
• Brittany Mason on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

In this episode Brittany talks with Dr. Renée Baker, who shares her journey from corporate stability to entrepreneurial freedom, emphasizing the importance of courage, vulnerability, and financial education. She discusses strategies for preparing for financial emergencies, breaking the stigma around money conversations, and finding fulfillment in aligning one's passion with purpose.

They break down:

• Dr. Baker’s early money memories and their impact

• The transition from corporate career to entrepreneurship

• Essential attributes for becoming a successful entrepreneur

• Importance of financial preparedness and emergency planning

• Exploring alternative investments and market trends

• Overcoming financial setbacks through resilience

• Normalizing discussions about money in personal relationships

Connect with us below!

• Dr. Renée Baker on LinkedIn
• The RBI Group
• Dr. Renée Baker’s website
• Brittany Mason on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

What do a fog machine, digital assets, and mentorship have in common? They’re all part of Jamie Hopkins’ journey in finance. From his childhood experiences with money to his career as foremost retirement expert, Jamie shares insights on building a secure financial future and shaping the next generation of advisors.

Connect with us below!

• Jamie Hopkins on LinkedIn
• Bryn Mawr Trust
• Brittany Mason on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management

In this episode, David Meyncke, Managing Director of Clough Capital Partners, shares his journey in finance. From his start at Dean Witter to leading growth and tech innovation in advisory services, he talks about the industry’s shift from commission-based to fee-based models, making investment more client-friendly. David also explains the rise of ETFs, why they’re popular, and how advisors can pick the right ones. He gives advice on leadership and teamwork, plus his thoughts on where the industry is headed with new tech, demographic shifts, and insights from leaders like Warren Buffett, Jamie Dimon, and Elon Musk.

Connect with us below!

• David Meyncke on LinkedIn
• Clough Capital Partners
• Brittany Mason on LinkedIn
• Banríon Capital Management