The BamCam

If you live in Alabama, you probably know “The Weather Lady,” Harmony Mendoza. It’s almost a year since she hung up her television hat after 13 years with WVTM 13, so we wanted to connect for a temperature check to see what she’s been up to.

Join our host, Alison Castellano and her husband, former meteorologist turned financial advisor, Adrian Castellano as they sit down with Harmony to discuss her transition from TV to philanthropy. Listen as Harmony shares insights from her broadcasting experience and involvement in community organizations like Black Warrior Riverkeeper and Goodwill. 

She also delves into her passion for environmental issues and community service through the Vortex Project – a study with Dr. Laura Myers that they hope will enhance household risk, improve crisis communication during severe weather events, and save lives through improved warning systems. 

Droplets of information shared in this episode include: 

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About Harmony Mendoza:

Harmony Mendoza has been actively forecasting the weather as an On-Air Meteorologist in The Deep South for almost 25 years. Meteorologist Harmony Mendoza can be seen on WVTM 13 On-Air/Online, serving as their Weekend Morning Meteorologist for almost 13 years.

Harmony received degrees from Florida State University, majoring in meteorology and geography and minors in physics and mathematics. After graduation, Harmony continued her education at Mississippi State University’s Certified Broadcast Meteorology Program emphasizing satellite interpretation.

After graduation, Harmony forecasted the weather for WRBL in Columbus, GA, then off to Sweet Home Alabama in 2010. Meteorologist Harmony Mendoza joined the WVTM 13 Weather team in 2010 and has seen central Alabama through record-breaking historic weather events including the April 27, 2011, Super Tornado Outbreak.

There used to be a time when working with a Financial Advisor was just for the extremely wealthy. Those days are gone! Now, due to the increasing complexity of financial matters, combined with demographic shifts and a greater awareness of the value of personalized financial guidance, more people are working with advisors.

Join Jack Burnette, Alison Castellano, and Adrian Castellano as they delve into the journey of why they started Iter Financial Wellness and their focus on helping younger generations achieve financial success. They discuss the importance of accountability, providing emotional and tangible support, and the importance of setting realistic goals. 

Jack, Alison, and Adrian discuss: 

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Tighten your shoelaces and set your watch for an incredible episode of The BamCam. 

In this installment, Jack Burnette talks with Meb Keflezighi and Randy Lyle about marathon running, and their experience during the tragic 2013 Boston Marathon. Share in their tales of perseverance and faith that unfolded during the tragic 2013 Boston Marathon and the incredible friendship that continues more than a decade later.

Winning highlights from this episode include:

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Connect with Randy Lyle: 

About Meb Keflezighi:

Meb Keflezighi is a world-class distance runner, best-selling author, and philanthropist. He is the first runner in history to win the New York City Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and an Olympic medal. Today, Meb is committed to helping others Run To Win and nurturing the sport of running for the next generation through the MEB Foundation.

About Randy Lyle:

Randy is a high achiever on and off the track. Day to day he manages all aspects of budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, expense management, operations, and administration for White Cap. He is a team leader who effectively meets goals and deadlines through strong leadership, interpersonal communication, and analytical abilities. 

Beyond work, Randy is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband, streak runner, and RRCA certified running coach.

Do you want to learn how to maximize your deductions, understand the latest tax laws, and optimize your financial planning strategies for the upcoming tax season?

Join Jack Burnette and Alison Castellano with their guest Jim Sumpter, President of CMC Financial and Vice President of RFG Advisory. Jim’s insights on tax deductions, IRA options, state tax implications, and new IRS reporting requirements offer valuable information for listeners looking to navigate their financial affairs effectively.

Jack, Alison, and Jim discuss: 

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About Our Guest:

Jim has more than 20 years of experience helping clients achieve their financial goals. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER CFP® and holds FINRA Series 7, 65, 63, 31 licenses in Alabama, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. He also holds Life, Health, and Variable Annuity Licenses. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), and Leadership Shelby County. He is also a StrongHer Money Ambassador.

The BamCam podcast strives to explore how life and financial well-being are intertwined. We look into areas concerning motivation and attitude, financial planning, and investing.

In this installment, we focus on the importance of achieving balance and joy as the Burnette-Castellano family vacations in Park City, Utah.

What can a day on the slopes teach us about balancing leisure with financial discipline? 

Listen as Jack, Alison, and Adrian talk about: 

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Join Alison and her husband Adrian as they share how their quarterly Money Date has helped them establish financial objectives, improve their communication, and plan for a future as a family.

They review the goals they discussed during their date including intentional spending, learning the difference between wants and needs, and how to stay focused on your goals and not compare yourself to those on social media.

Gain insight from Mr. and Mrs. Castellano as they discuss:

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What’s holding you back from starting your fitness journey? Is it the cost? Or an uncertainty of whether it will truly benefit you? 

Karen Broadwater, president of Irontribe Fitness, a gym that’s all about functional fitness and a holistic well-being approach joins Jack and Alison to discuss the importance of investing in your well-being.

Jack, Alison, and Karen touch on: 

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About Karen Broadwater:

Karen Broadwater is the President of Iron Tribe Fitness, a national gym franchise that provides personalized fitness programs through professional coaches in an encouraging environment. In her 12+ years with Iron Tribe, Karen has had a hand in every part of brand development — from leading individual gyms to overseeing massive shifts in the overall Iron Tribe experience. Today, Karen leads a team of product experts and brand ambassadors to directly impact the overall member experience. Check out more information on Karen and Iron Tribe Fitness here. 

Weight loss is a common New Year’s resolution, but what goes into planning for weight loss? And what is required to keep the weight off?

Jack Burnette and Alison Castellano speak with Dr. Brytney Cobia, obesity medicine specialist with Vulcan Wellness and Aesthetics, to shed some light on how GLP-1 drugs can help with weight loss and other advancements within obesity medicine.

Jack, Alison, and Brytney discuss: 

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About Brytney Cobia:

Dr. Cobia is double-boarded in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. She was born and raised in Birmingham, which is where she has ultimately settled to raise her family and grow her medical practice. She attended the University of Alabama where she double majored in Biology and Psychology. She then attended the University of South Alabama School of Medicine in Mobile, AL. She returned to Birmingham where she completed her residency at the Brookwood Baptist Health Internal Medicine Residency Program. She was then invited to remain a part of the program to serve a one-year term as Chief Medical Resident. Since completion of residency, she has enjoyed practicing as a hospitalist, caring for new patients as well as familiar faces from her childhood in Birmingham.

She became interested in the pathology and physiology of Obesity Medicine after the birth of her first child in 2018 and gained board certification in 2021. Since that time, she has been growing her interest in all aspects of wellness, including how hormone balance affects weight and well-being, as well as training in modern aesthetics practices.

Jack Burnette and Alison Castellano kick off this year with a bang, as they list financial tips and tricks that will set you on the path to success in the new year. Whether you’re looking to finally tackle that mountain of debt, boost your savings, or make strategic investments, they’ve got you covered. 

Obtain beneficial information about the importance of budgeting, emergency funds, investing, the role of a good financial advisor, and the need for proper asset allocation when planning for retirement. 

Start the new year off right as you gain insight into:

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How well do you know your health insurance? Do you understand the different options available and how to choose the right one for you?

In this episode, Jack Burnette and Alison Castellano dive into the world of health insurance and break down important terms like deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance. They also explain the distinctions between HMO and PPO plans.

Learn along with Jack and Alison as they discuss: 

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