In less than two minutes, a routine experience can turn into a moment that defines every decision that follows. This episode explores how the human brain reacts under extreme pressure and why those same instincts often take over when markets become volatile.

In this episode of the Power of Wealthness Podcast, Todd Barney and Kevin Swanson sit down with Joe Hart, a seasoned investment professional and survivor of the Miracle on the Hudson, to explore how people make decisions under extreme pressure. Joe retells his experience aboard Flight 1549, from the bird strike to “brace for impact,” and the rapid mental shifts he felt in the moments that followed. He explains how the brain defaults to emotional shortcuts, fight, flight, and fast pattern-matching, before logic has a chance to catch up. The conversation connects those same reactions to investor behavior during market corrections, when fear (or exuberance) can override long-term plans. Joe also discusses how financial media and constant account-checking can amplify emotional decision-making. Together, they emphasize the value of a clear plan, realistic expectations, and advisors who can help clients stay steady when stress is high. The episode reinforces the core Wealthness theme: money decisions are deeply human, shaped by values, emotion, and guidance, not just numbers.

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About our guest:

Joe Hart is a professional investor and survivor of US Airways Flight 1549 (Miracle on the Hudson), an experience that profoundly shaped his understanding of decision-making under pressure. A longtime student and speaker on behavioral finance, Joe is passionate about helping investors understand how emotions, past experiences, and cognitive biases influence financial choices, especially during times of uncertainty.

Headlines compete for attention every day, each claiming urgency and importance. With so much noise, how do you focus on what actually impacts your financial future?

In this episode, Todd Barney and Kevin Swanson sit down with Bill Tucker, The Power of Wealthness Podcast Producer at ProudMouth, to address the confusion surrounding today’s biggest investment questions. They tackle interest rates and their broader impact, AI sector valuations, geopolitical uncertainty, and midterm election concerns. Bill brings his unique perspective from years of market coverage to help separate media sensationalism from investment reality, showing how to build portfolios that work regardless of daily headlines.

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Bitcoin started with a pizza purchase and somehow became one of the most debated assets in modern investing. Some people think it’s the future. Others think it’s pure speculation. Most investors just want a clear explanation.

Todd and Kevin sit down with Kathy Kriskey, Head of Alternatives at Invesco, to discuss what cryptocurrency is and how to think about it in a real-world portfolio. Kathy breaks down why Bitcoin was created, why it’s now viewed more like a store of value than a spending currency, and what people get wrong about mining, supply, and security.

From there, she explains the differences among Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana using a simple analogy that makes the space easier to understand. The episode also digs into stablecoins, tokenization, and why more institutions are starting to take crypto seriously, even if most investors should approach it carefully.

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About our guest:

Kathy Kriskey is the Head of Alternatives at Invesco, where she leads the firm’s work across the “three Cs”: commodities, crypto, and currency. She previously helped build commodities businesses at UBS, RBC, and CIBC, and brings a long-range, institutional perspective to how alternative assets are evaluated, implemented, and managed.

Commercial real estate headlines are loud right now, and most of them leave people confused. One channel says it is collapsing. Another calls it a once-in-a-generation opportunity. 

Todd and Kevin sit down with commercial real estate expert Susan Caccia, who brings fifteen years of hands-on experience working with multifamily, office, land, gas stations, and more.

Instead of reacting to fear or hype, Susan breaks down what is actually happening behind the curtain. She shares how depreciation, lending cycles, bonus depreciation rules, and property health all factor into smart decisions. Listeners will also hear how to think about liquidity, diversification, passive losses, and the difference between owning an asset and owning a financial product.

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About Our Guest:

With an unwavering dedication to guiding clients through the intricate landscape of real estate investments, Susan leverages a dynamic skill set of data analysis, market acumen, and a client-centric ethos.

Prior to joining Vantage Commercial, Susan honed her expertise at The Trafton Group, where her commitment to realizing clients’ real estate ambitions garnered widespread acclaim. Her professional journey is marked by stints in private equity, where she consistently surpassed investors’ financial objectives in biotech and new media sectors.

Susan’s proficiency extends to the nuts and bolts of property enhancement, drawn from her hands-on involvement in remodeling and up-fitting projects. From her time serving on trade association boards to her immersion within construction trade companies, she possesses a deep-seated understanding of the intricacies that define property potential.

Her track record speaks volumes, characterized by a string of successful deals across multifamily, retail, industrial, and net lease properties. Susan’s adaptability to diverse markets underscores her mastery of the ever-evolving real estate terrain.

Outside her professional endeavors, Susan remains deeply committed to philanthropy and community enrichment, channeling her resources toward housing and educational initiatives. Her genuine drive for excellence, coupled with an unwavering dedication to client satisfaction, cements Susan Caccia’s status as a trusted advisor and stalwart advocate in the competitive realm of commercial real estate.

What really happens behind the scenes in college athletics? 

In this episode, Kevin Swanson and Todd Barney sit down with Jeff Konya, Director of Athletics at San José State University, for an inside look at how the world of college sports is transforming.

From name, image, and likeness (NIL) to revenue sharing and the realities of the transfer portal, Jeff shares how schools like San José State are helping student-athletes balance opportunity, education, and long-term success. He also reveals how the university’s Beyond Sparta program gives athletes real-world skills, from financial literacy to career readiness, that set them up for life after graduation.

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About our guest:

Jeff Konya was named Director of Athletics at San José State in 2021 and began his leadership of the department on July 12, 2021. Konya is responsible for athletics department stewardship and is the 15th Athletics Director in department history.

Under his guidance, SJSU athletics has reached peak performance as football and men’s basketball made postseason appearances for the first time in the same year in athletics history, while men’s basketball advanced to the Mountain West tournament semifinals for the first time and won a program-best 21 games in 2022-23. The women’s golf team continues to be ranked inside the top 10 in the country, making consecutive appearances at the NCAA Championships and Lucia Lopez Ortega became the second straight Spartan to earn an NCAA runner-up finish at the national championships.

Konya hired Associate Head Coach Tina Estrada to take over the reigns of the women’s soccer program in 2022, and she became the first head coach to win the Mountain West regular season and tournament championship in their first year of leadership. He also hired new women’s basketball coach April Phillips that made history at the conference championship, becoming the first No. 10 seed to win a game at the tournament with a win over Air Force in the opening round.

Over the course of his first two years at San José State, Konya re-imagined the executive leadership team and organization of the department to provide a cutting-edge experience for the student-athletes. The Spartans enhanced their brand by signing strategic partnerships with NBC Sports Bay Area, increased their multimedia rights deal by significant dollars with Playfly Sports and became one of the first Mountain West institutions to provide Alston awards to student-athletes. SJSU produce a first-class Sammy Awards, recognizing nearly 500 student-athletes at the historic downtown San Jose California Theatre, televising the show on NBC Sports Bay Area.

When it comes to your financial plan, your home isn’t just a roof over your head; it’s one of your most influential investments.

In this episode of The Power of Wealthness, Kevin Swanson and Todd Barney sit down with Ryan Leeder of Kal Financial to explore how real estate financing impacts your long-term goals, cash flow, and emotional confidence.

From understanding loan types to preparing for future refinancing opportunities, this episode brings clarity to a complex, but deeply personal, piece of the wealthness puzzle.

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About our guest:

Ryan Leeder is a seasoned mortgage professional, getting his start by supporting one of the top mortgage advisors in the country. He has worked on 1000+ transactions over the past 8+ years, developing valuable skills and gaining a wealth of knowledge working on some of Silicon Valley’s most unique and difficult loans.

Ryan grew up in Wisconsin in a family of mortgage and real estate professionals and has always felt at home in the industry. He is proud to now call the Bay Area his home since 2006. Ryan has also worked as a professional caddie (he’s a golf enthusiast), catering to executives and honing his interpersonal skills.

The client experience and proper execution is truly Ryan’s priority when it comes to his business. Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, dogs, and of course playing golf. He graduated from San Jose University and has dedicated his time since graduation to becoming a leader in the mortgage industry.

Ryan really looks forward to helping you achieve your homeownership goals. Please feel free to reach out via Phone, Text Message, or Email to find out what options are available for you.

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT concern; it’s a financial one.

In this episode of The Power of Wealthness, hosts Kevin Swanson and Todd Barney sit down with Divyash Patel, President of MX2 Technology, to uncover how scams, phishing, and data breaches can threaten both personal and business finances.

From fake “free” iPhone offers to cloned devices and phishing emails that look too real to question, Divyash explains how today’s cybercriminals operate and what simple steps can protect your money, your identity, and your peace of mind. The conversation covers everything from password managers and multi-factor authentication to recognizing suspicious links, using VPNs on public Wi-Fi, and safeguarding elderly parents and tech-savvy teens alike.

It’s a timely reminder that digital security is part of financial wellness. Protecting your assets means protecting your access.

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About our Guest:

Divyash Patel is the President of MX2 Technology, a cybersecurity and managed IT solutions firm that helps businesses strengthen their digital infrastructure, safeguard sensitive data, and stay ahead of evolving threats in today’s connected world.

What if your most important financial plan isn’t about growth, but caregiving?

In this emotionally powerful episode, hosts Kevin Swanson and Todd Barney sit down with The Dementia Whisperer, Laura Wayman, to explore how dementia reshapes families financially, emotionally, and spiritually. 

With over 20 years of experience, Laura shares wisdom on how to spot early warning signs, navigate denial, create “positive action statements,” and prepare for the profound role reversal that caregiving demands.

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About Our Guest:

Laura Wayman helps families and professionals deal with one of the most horrific illnesses of our time.

She is the author of “A Loving Approach to Dementia Care,” (now in its third edition, a 36-Hour Day Book), published by Johns Hopkins University Press. She has more than a decade of experience in and a strong dedication to quality aging. She is a professional dementia care consultant, trainer, the CEO of The Dementia Whisperers and a speaker on dementia and issues of aging.

Prior to becoming a full-time professional speaker, Laura was a successful entrepreneur. She built a senior care empire from the ground up, relying on her deep understanding of the crushing responsibility a family or professional caregiver faces in the demanding role of providing dementia care to a loved one or client.

For more information on Laura’s resources and training services for family caregivers and professional caregivers, visit laurawayman.com. 

Is a college degree still worth it?

In this powerful episode of The Power of Wealthness, Kevin Swanson and Todd Barney sit down with Dr. Vincent Del Casino Jr., Provost of San José State University, to explore how education intersects with economics, equity, and opportunity.

From affordability and alumni impact to AI, interdisciplinary learning, and legacy planning, this conversation unpacks the real-world value of education and what families should consider when planning for it.

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About Our Guest:

Dr. Vincent Del Casino is the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at San José State University. In his role, he oversees the colleges and academic mission of the campus. He provides leadership for undergraduate and graduate education.

Before taking up his post as Provost Dr. Del Casino, he was Interim Senior Vice Provost and Vice President for Academic Initiatives and Student Success at the University of Arizona. He has held the position of Vice Provost for Digital Learning and Student Engagement/Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management (2014-2017) and Associate Dean in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (2011-2014) at the University of Arizona.

He also is a Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Development with interests in social and cultural geography, health geography, geographic thought and history, sexuality studies, HIV/AIDS, and sexual and health politics in Southeast Asia and the United States.

He has collectively published five single-authored, co-authored, and edited books as well as over 30 articles and invited book chapters. He has held grants from the Metrans Transportation Center of the University of Southern California and the University-wide AIDS Research Foundation of the University of California and been part of collaborative research funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services administration (SAMSHA). He has held a Visiting Research Fellowship at The Australian National University and given numerous conference presentations and invited lectures at a number of national and international venues.

Behind every family office is a story, but rarely one like this.

In this foundational episode of The Power of Wealthness, co-hosts Kevin Swanson and Todd Barney share how Potentia Wealth evolved from a solo financial practice into a multigenerational team built for real families.

You’ll hear how confusing, siloed advice inspired Kevin to integrate planning, tax, estate, and investment guidance under one roof, long before it was trendy. And how Todd’s early client experience reshaped his belief in the power of financial empathy and long-term impact.

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