The SoulFire Sessions

Introduction
Grow Through What You Go Through is a special three-part mini-series within The SoulFire Sessions exploring what it looks like to keep moving forward through life’s hardest seasons.

Throughout the series, Jamye Perry joins Alex and Mariah for honest conversations about resilience, strength, community, healing, and finding purpose through pain. Together, they explore the lessons we discover not because the hard things happen, but through the ways we choose to navigate them, one step at a time.

Summary
In Episode 1 of Grow Through What You Go Through, One Step at a Time, Alex and Mariah sit down with Jamye Perry, a registered nurse, entrepreneur, wife, and mother whose story has been shaped by seasons that tested her strength in ways she never expected.

Jamye shares her experience answering the call to serve as a critical care nurse in New York City during the height of COVID-19, where she witnessed tremendous loss and isolation. She also opens up about experiencing the unimaginable loss of her son and what it has meant to continue showing up for her family, herself, and the people around her. 

Together, they explore what courage actually looks like when life feels overwhelming. For Jamye, it has often meant simply putting one foot in front of the other, staying present, and focusing on the next step rather than trying to figure out everything that comes next. 

The conversation also explores the importance of allowing yourself to feel difficult emotions, leaning into faith and community, setting boundaries when your own tank is empty, and learning that strength does not mean doing everything alone. Jamye shares how hardship has changed the way she approaches relationships, where she invests her energy, and how she shows up for others.

At the heart of this first conversation is a simple reminder: when you cannot see ten steps ahead, you do not have to. Sometimes courage is simply taking one step at a time.

Takeaways
~ Courage does not always look fearless. Sometimes it looks like simply taking the next step.
~ Stay present instead of trying to figure out everything that comes next.
~ Your healing journey does not have to look like anyone else’s.
~ Community matters. You do not need a huge circle; sometimes you just need one person willing to stand beside you.
~ Strength includes knowing your limits, setting boundaries, and allowing others to help you.
~ Growth often comes through the seasons we never would have chosen for ourselves.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Grow Through What You Go Through
02:37 Meet Jamye Perry
03:11 From Critical Care to COVID-19
06:36 What Courage Looks Like in the Hardest Seasons
09:01 Carrying Pain Others Cannot See
10:29 Faith, Community & Finding Your People
14:26 How Hardship Changes the Way We Show Up
16:49 Boundaries & Protecting Your Energy
17:36 Growing Through What You Go Through
20:11 Bringing Purpose Into Her Work
26:19 What Sets Jamye’s Soul on Fire
27:37 Connect With Jamye & Closing

Connect with Jamye
Facebook: http://facebook.com/jamye.perry
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/zivanwa
Website: www.zivaaesthetics.net
Email: [email protected] 

Keywords
Jamye Perry; Grow Through What You Go Through; resilience through adversity; grief and healing; life after loss; finding strength; overcoming difficult seasons; faith and resilience; importance of community; setting healthy boundaries; personal growth; one step at a time 

Connect with The SoulFire Collective

Website: thesoulfire.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

Introduction
This Money Matters for Real People series is designed to explore the intersection of financial strategy, mindset, and long-term decision making. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, actionable insights to help individuals, families, and business owners make more confident financial decisions.

Summary
In this sixth and final episode in this round of Money Matters for Real People, Alex Widener is joined by Josh Montanez to explore the intersection of money, marriage, and building a financial future together. They discuss why finances can become such an emotional topic in relationships and how different backgrounds, habits, priorities, and experiences with money can shape the way each partner approaches financial decisions.  

Throughout the conversation, Josh shares practical guidance for creating a healthier financial partnership through intentional communication, shared goals, and regular financial check-ins. They explore combined, separate, and hybrid approaches to managing money, how couples can adjust their financial structure as life and income change, and why planning together matters regardless of who handles the day-to-day finances.  

Alex and Josh also discuss balancing today's financial demands with tomorrow's goals, navigating debt while continuing to plan for the future, and making decisions with both partners' future selves in mind. Listeners will walk away with a simple but powerful reminder for building a financial future together: be intentional, be consistent, and be a team.

Disclosure
Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. No investment strategy can assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Indexes and/or benchmarks are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance and are not indicative of any specific investment.

Members use Montanez Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (Investment Brokerage Services), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (Investment Advisory Services) , a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI.

To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at www.montanezwealth.com.

Key Takeaways
~ Healthy financial partnerships start with communication, shared goals, and intentionality.
~ Both partners should understand their finances, even if one person manages them day to day.
~ Combined, separate, and hybrid financial models can all work when couples plan together.
~ Small, consistent financial decisions can make a significant impact over time.
~ Financial plans should evolve as income, responsibilities, goals, and life circumstances change.
~ Building a financial future together requires teamwork, grace, and a shared vision for the future.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Money, Marriage & Your Future Self
01:44 Common Money Challenges for Couples
05:10 Financial Habits of Thriving Couples
08:57 Having Healthier Conversations About Money
11:28 Combined, Separate & Hybrid Finances
16:08 Balancing Today’s Expenses with Tomorrow’s Goals
20:49 Managing Debt Without Losing Sight of the Future
22:27 Planning Together for Long-Term Goals
25:13 Making Decisions for Your Future Selves
28:42 Final Advice: Be Intentional, Be Consistent & Be a Team
29:39 Wrapping Up the Money Matters Series

Connect with Montanez Wealth Advisors
Scheduling Link: 15 Minute Phone Call with Josh Montanez
Instagram: Montanez Wealth Advisors Instagram
Facebook: Montanez Wealth Advisors Facebook
LinkedIn: Josh Montanez LinkedIn

Keywords
 Money and marriage; couples and finances; financial planning; financial communication; shared financial goals; combined finances; separate finances; hybrid finances; budgeting as a couple; financial habits; debt management; retirement planning; long-term financial goals; financial teamwork; financial intentionality; future planning; financial wellness; wealth building; money conversations; financial partnership

Connect with The SoulFire Collective

Website: thesoulfire.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

Introduction
This Money Matters for Real People series is designed to explore the intersection of financial strategy, mindset, and long-term decision making. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, actionable insights to help individuals, families, and business owners make more confident financial decisions.

Summary
In this episode of Money Matters for Real People, Alex Widener is joined by Evan Bell to simplify the world of investing and help listeners better understand how investing fits into their overall financial plan. Together, they break down the difference between saving and investing, explain common investment options like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, and explore how retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs can be used to build long-term wealth.

Throughout the conversation, Evan shares practical guidance on diversification, risk and reward, dollar-cost averaging, and the importance of consistency when investing. They also discuss common investing mistakes, including trying to time the market, reacting emotionally to market changes, chasing trends, and waiting too long to get started.

Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of investing fundamentals and the reminder that they don't have to be an expert to begin. With the right resources, a plan, and consistent action, investing can become less intimidating and more about creating future choices, flexibility, and opportunity.

Disclosure
Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. No investment strategy can assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Indexes and/or benchmarks are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance and are not indicative of any specific investment.

Members use Montanez Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (Investment Brokerage Services), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (Investment Advisory Services) , a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI.

To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at www.montanezwealth.com.

No investment strategy can assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. All investments carry some level of risk, including loss of principal invested.

Key Takeaways
~ Saving and investing serve different purposes, and both can play an important role in a financial plan.
~ Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs provide different ways to participate in the investment market.
~ Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are accounts that hold investments rather than investments themselves.
~ Taking advantage of an employer match can help maximize the benefits of a workplace retirement plan when it fits within your financial situation.
~ Diversification can help spread investment risk across different companies, industries, and investments.
~ Emotional decisions, market timing, and chasing trends can interfere with a long-term investment strategy.
~ Consistency and patience can be more important than trying to find the perfect time to invest.
~ Building confidence as an investor starts with understanding the basics, creating a plan, and taking action.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction & Investing Made Simple
01:04 Saving vs. Investing
02:20 Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds & ETFs
04:14 Understanding 401(k)s, Roth IRAs & Traditional IRAs
06:49 Employer Matches & Retirement Options
09:07 Diversification & Managing Risk
11:27 Common Investing Mistakes & Emotional Decisions
14:32 Understanding Risk vs. Reward
15:57 Dollar-Cost Averaging & Consistency
18:11 Building Confidence as an Investor
19:20 Final Advice: Start Today

Connect with Montanez Wealth Advisors
Scheduling Link: 15 Minute Phone Call with Josh Montanez
Instagram: Montanez Wealth Advisors Instagram
Facebook: Montanez Wealth Advisors Facebook
LinkedIn: Josh Montanez LinkedIn

Keywords
Investing; investment basics; saving vs investing; stocks; bonds; mutual funds; ETFs; retirement planning; 401(k); Roth IRA; Traditional IRA; diversification; risk and reward; dollar-cost averaging; long-term investing; wealth building; financial planning; investing for beginners; financial confidence

Connect with The SoulFire Collective

Website: thesoulfire.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

Introduction
The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions.

While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they're doing today.

Summary
In this episode of the Sparks Series, Alex Widener sits down with September Spark, Jamye Perry, a registered nurse, longtime leader, entrepreneur, wife, and mother whose leadership journey has been shaped by decades of caring for people through both professional and deeply personal seasons.

Together, they explore how Jamye’s understanding of leadership has evolved from being task-focused and title-driven to becoming more people-centered, authentic, and purpose-driven. Jamye shares why strong leadership requires knowing the people you lead, adapting how you communicate, creating a culture rooted in good people rather than just good skills, and recognizing that strength does not mean carrying everything alone.

They also talk about growth, reinvention, learning to lean on the right people in different seasons, and why purpose may shift as life changes. Jamye reflects on Esther 4:14, “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this," and the importance of being present in the season you are in, even when it is uncomfortable. At the heart of the conversation is Jamye’s reminder that finding your spark often requires getting quiet, asking yourself hard questions, being patient, and continuing to move forward even when the path is not yet clear. 

Takeaways
~ Leadership is bigger than a title or task list.
~ Great leadership requires understanding the people you lead.
~ Authenticity and purpose go hand in hand.
~ Skills can be taught, but character matters.
~ Strong leaders know when to lean on others.
~ Different seasons may require different sources of support.
~ Purpose can change as your life changes.
~ Growth often requires being willing to get uncomfortable.
~ Reinvention can be part of living out your purpose.
~ Finding your spark often starts with getting quiet and asking better questions.
~ Be patient, stay open, and keep going.
~ Sometimes growth requires being willing to “embrace the suck.”

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Sparks & Meet Jamye Perry
02:22 How Jamye’s Definition of Leadership Has Changed
07:10 Authenticity, Purpose & Leading the Whole Person
11:22 Building a Team Around Good Humans
12:10 How Hard Seasons Shaped Jamye’s Leadership
18:39 Choosing to Step Away & Reinvent Herself
19:19 Answering the Call During COVID
26:57 Strength, Community & Learning to Lean In
31:04 Purpose, Seasons & Esther 4:14
35:10 Finding Your Spark & Embracing Discomfort
39:19 Grow What You Go Through & Closing 

Connect with Jamye
Facebook: http://facebook.com/jamye.perry
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/zivanwa
Website: www.zivaaesthetics.net
Email: [email protected] 

Keywords
Jamye Perry; Sparks Series; SoulFire Sessions; leadership podcast; purpose-driven leadership; authentic leadership; leadership growth; reinvention; purpose; authenticity; people-centered leadership; nursing leadership; entrepreneurship; Ziva Aesthetics and Wellness; resilience; workplace culture; team culture; personal growth; seasons of life; finding your purpose; finding your spark; Esther 4:14; community; asking for help; embracing discomfort; keep going

Connect with The SoulFire Collective

Website: thesoulfire.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

Introduction
The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions.

While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they're doing today.

Summary
In this episode of the Sparks Series, Alex Widener sits down with August Spark, Paul Kilsch, an experienced people leader, problem solver, and self-described “Swiss Army knife” whose career has spanned more than two decades across creative work, strategy, operations, product management, and leadership.

Together, they explore the experiences that shaped Paul's people-first approach to leadership and why empathy, authenticity, and trust are at the center of how he shows up for others. Paul shares why leadership isn't defined by a title, how leaders can create environments where people feel safe to contribute and grow, and what it means to develop an authentic leadership “brand” people can trust.

They also dig into the balance between empathy and accountability, the importance of investing in relationships, and why the impact of a leader often lasts much longer than the projects or deadlines they complete.

At the heart of Paul's story is a simple reminder: people matter. When we take the time to see them, invest in them, and create space for them to discover what they're capable of, we have the opportunity to make an impact that extends far beyond the workplace.

Takeaways
 ~ Leadership is about how you show up, not your title.
 ~ Authenticity builds trust and consistency.
 ~ Psychological safety creates space for people to grow.
 ~ Great leaders help others discover their potential.
 ~ Empathy and accountability can coexist.
 ~ Invest in people, not just the work.
 ~ Projects end. Relationships and impact last.
 ~ Your spark lives where strengths, interests, and purpose intersect.
 ~ Don't wait for a title to lead. 

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Sparks & Meet Paul Kilsch
02:06 A High School Talent Show & Paul's First Leadership Moment
06:21 Getting Your Hands Dirty & Leading by Doing
08:49 Building Your Authentic Leadership Style
11:24 Creating Trust & Psychological Safety
16:11 Creating Opportunities for People to Grow
18:30 Leadership Isn't a Title
20:34 Authenticity & Your Leadership Brand
23:00 What It Means to Over-Index in Empathy
26:03 Empathy vs. Enablement
28:48 “Life's a Garden, Dig It”
32:08 Relationships, People & the Impact That Lasts
34:35 What Compassion Looks Like in the Small Moments
37:08 Finding What Sets Your Soul on Fire
41:38 Don't Wait to Be Labeled a Leader
42:51 Connect with Paul & Closing

Connect with Paul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kilsch/ 

Keywords
Paul Kilsch; Sparks Series; SoulFire Sessions; leadership podcast; people-first leadership; authentic leadership; empathy; authenticity; compassion; purpose; psychological safety; trust; accountability; people development; workplace culture; relationships; personal growth; leadership without titles; finding your spark; finding purpose; leadership brand; community

Connect with The SoulFire Collective

Website: thesoulfire.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

Introduction
This Money Matters for Real People series is designed to explore the intersection of financial strategy, mindset, and long-term decision making. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, actionable insights to help individuals, families, and business owners make more confident financial decisions.

Summary
In this episode of Money Matters for Real People, Cristina Easterling and Josh Montanez simplify one of the most misunderstood areas of financial planning: life insurance. Together, they explain the differences between term and whole life insurance, how to determine the right amount of coverage, and why life insurance is about protecting the people and goals that matter most—not simply purchasing a policy. 

Throughout the conversation, Josh shares practical guidance for evaluating life insurance needs based on debt, income replacement, future goals, and major life transitions. They also discuss common mistakes people make, including relying solely on employer-provided coverage, waiting too long to purchase insurance, and failing to review beneficiaries or update coverage as life changes. 

Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how life insurance fits into a comprehensive financial plan and why protecting your family's future is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. 

Disclosure
Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. No investment strategy can assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Indexes and/or benchmarks are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance and are not indicative of any specific investment.

Members use Montanez Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (Investment Brokerage Services), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (Investment Advisory Services) , a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI.

To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at www.montanezwealth.com.

Key Takeaways
~  Life insurance is designed to protect your family and financial goals if the unexpected happens. 
~ The right type and amount of coverage depends on your unique stage of life and financial needs. 
~ Employer-provided life insurance is valuable but may not be enough on its own. 
~ Your coverage should account for debt, income replacement, final expenses, and future goals. 
~ Review your life insurance and beneficiaries regularly, especially after major life events. 
~ Estate planning and beneficiary designations are important parts of protecting your loved ones. 
~ Waiting to purchase life insurance can increase costs and reduce your options. 
~ A comprehensive financial plan balances wealth building with protecting what matters most. 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:45 Why Life Insurance Feels So Confusing
02:25 Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance
05:00 Employer Coverage vs. Private Policies
07:00 How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
11:00 Common Life Insurance Mistakes
15:15 When to Review Your Coverage
18:20 How Life Insurance Fits into Your Financial Plan
20:45 Beneficiaries, Estate Planning & Probate
27:30 Final Advice: Protecting What Matters Most 

Connect with Josh Montanez
Scheduling Link: 15 Minute Phone Call with Josh Montanez
Instagram: Montanez Wealth Advisors Instagram
Facebook: Montanez Wealth Advisors Facebook
LinkedIn: Josh Montanez LinkedIn

Keywords
Life insurance; term life insurance; whole life insurance; financial planning; income protection; estate planning; beneficiaries; financial security; family protection; risk management; employer life insurance; debt protection; legacy planning; financial wellness 

Connect with The SoulFire Collective

Website: thesoulfire.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

Introduction
The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions.

While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they're doing today.

Summary
In this episode of the Sparks Series, Mariah Newman turns the microphone around to interview July Spark, Alex Widener, a coach, consultant, podcast host, and storyteller who believes every person has a story worth telling.

Together, they explore the experiences that shaped Alex's leadership philosophy, the role faith and healing have played in her journey, and why she believes leadership is more about influence than titles. From higher education and coaching to Celebrate Recovery and storytelling, Alex shares how learning to ask better questions has transformed the way she leads and serves others.

This conversation is a reminder that purpose isn't something you have to have all figured out before you begin. Sometimes it's been woven through your story all along.

Takeaways
~ Leadership is about influence, not titles.
~ Every person has a story worth telling.
~ Asking better questions is often more powerful than giving advice.
~ Purpose doesn't require having everything figured out.
~ Healing begins when people feel safe enough to be honest.
~ Authenticity creates connection, courage, and growth.
~ The greatest impact we leave is often found in how we make people feel.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Sparks & Turning the Microphone Around
02:10 A Different Definition of Leadership
07:55 "She's Just a Secretary": A Defining Leadership Moment
14:20 Influence, Relationships & Becoming the Leader You Needed
22:45 The Impact We Leave on Others
27:30 Storytelling, Faith & Discovering Purpose
32:40 Coaching Through Questions Instead of Answers
37:15 Purpose While You're Still Figuring It Out
39:10 Closing Reflections

Connect with Alex
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmwidener/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.musgrove.9
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandriamwidener/

Keywords
Alex Widener; Sparks Series; SoulFire Sessions; leadership; leadership podcast; authentic leadership; purpose; storytelling; influence; coaching; personal growth; faith; healing; Celebrate Recovery; emotional intelligence; curiosity; career transitions; women in leadership; identity; community; finding your spark

Connect with The SoulFire Collective

Website: thesoulfire.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

Introduction
This Money Matters for Real People series is designed to explore the intersection of financial strategy, mindset, and long-term decision making. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, actionable insights to help individuals, families, and business owners make more confident financial decisions.

Summary
In this episode of Money Matters for Real People, Cristina Easterling and Josh Montanez explore what it means to future-proof your finances through every stage of life. From young adults just beginning their financial journey to those approaching retirement, they discuss the key decisions, habits, and mindset shifts that can help create long-term financial confidence.

Together, they break down the importance of understanding your personal goals, building strong financial habits early, and adapting your plan as life changes. The conversation covers the power of mentorship, compound interest, intentional financial check-ins, and how major life events, from career changes and marriage to retirement and legacy planning, can impact your financial strategy.

Cristina and Josh also discuss common financial mistakes, the importance of balancing both the offensive and defensive sides of financial planning, and why focusing on where you are today is more valuable than comparing yourself to where you think you should be. Listeners will walk away with practical insights for building a financial plan that can grow and adapt alongside their life.

Disclosure
Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. No investment strategy can assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Indexes and/or benchmarks are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance and are not indicative of any specific investment.

Members use Montanez Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (Investment Brokerage Services), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (Investment Advisory Services) , a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI.

To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at www.montanezwealth.com.

Key Takeaways
~ Financial planning should evolve as your life, goals, and circumstances change.
~ Starting early allows compound interest and good habits to work in your favor.
~ Major life events are a good time to revisit and adjust your financial plan.
~ Consistent financial check-ins help keep your goals and strategy aligned.
~ Retirement planning is about lifestyle and purpose, not just accumulating money.
~ Legacy planning should reflect your values and long-term priorities. 
~ A strong financial plan includes both growth opportunities and risk protection.
~ The best time to start paying attention to your finances is today.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:30 Future-Proofing Your Finances
05:00 Financial Planning Through Life's Transitions
10:00 Building Habits That Last
14:00 Preparing for Retirement
17:20 Common Financial Planning Mistakes
20:00 Legacy Planning and Long-Term Goals
24:00 Balancing Growth and Protection

Connect with Josh Montanez
Scheduling Link: 15 Minute Phone Call with Josh Montanez
Instagram: Montanez Wealth Advisors Instagram
Facebook: Montanez Wealth Advisors Facebook
LinkedIn: Josh Montanez LinkedIn

Keywords
Financial planning; investing by age; retirement planning; compound interest; money mindset; financial goals; wealth building; financial habits; financial confidence; legacy planning; mentorship; emergency fund; life transitions; financial wellness 

Connect with The SoulFire Collective

Website: thesoulfire.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/

Introduction
The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions.

While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they’re doing today.

Summary
In this episode of Sparks, Alex sits down with June Spark, Alex Hawkins, founder of Wildwood Connections, a nature-based community experience company helping people reconnect with themselves, each other, and the outdoors.

After years of pursuing success as a compliance lawyer, Alex found herself burned out, disconnected, and questioning whether the path she had worked so hard to achieve was truly her own. What followed was a season of slowing down, healing, and rediscovering what brought her to life.

Together, Alex and Alex explore burnout, perfectionism, identity, entrepreneurship, the healing power of nature, and the courage it takes to choose a different path. They discuss the importance of listening to your body, finding community during seasons of transition, and why resilience sometimes looks less like pushing through and more like stepping back.

This conversation is a reminder that purpose isn't always found by doing more. Sometimes it's found by slowing down enough to hear what's calling you forward.

Takeaways
~  Burnout can be an invitation to reevaluate what truly matters.  
~  The path that looks successful isn't always the path that's right for you. 
~  Resilience isn't about pushing through everything—it can also mean resting and recalibrating. 
~  Nature has a unique ability to reconnect us with ourselves and what matters most.  
~  Community and meaningful connection are powerful catalysts for healing and growth.   
~  Small, intentional habits can create lasting change over time. 
~  It's never too late to come back to yourself. 

Chapters
00:00:  Welcome to Sparks & Introducing Alex Hawkins 
04:45: Life on the Achievement Treadmill 
10:40: The Conversation That Changed Everything 
17:15: Burnout, Resilience & Choosing a Different Path 
16:20: Identity Beyond Job Titles & Leadership Through Influence
26:30: Healing Through Nature 
36:00: Building Wildwood Connections 
40:55: Advice for Finding Your Spark
47:10: Connecting with Alex & Final Reflections   

Connect with Alex
Website:  https://www.wildwoodconnections.com 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildwoodconnections
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578799715588
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexehawkins/
Email:  [email protected] 

Keywords
Alex Hawkins; Wildwood Connections; Sparks Series; SoulFire Sessions; burnout recovery; nature connection; purpose-driven leadership; authentic leadership; entrepreneurship; personal growth; resilience; outdoor wellness; community building; identity and purpose; Northwest Arkansas; women entrepreneurs; finding your spark 

Connect with The SoulFire Collective

Website: thesoulfire.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180
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Introduction
The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions.

While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they’re doing today.

Summary
In this episode of Sparks, Alex sits down with May Spark Kelley Drebes, a leader whose impact is rooted in connection, community, and helping people feel like they belong.

Known by many as a “human dot connector,” Kelley shares how experiences of loneliness and searching for community shaped the way she leads today. Through mentorship, culture-building, intentional relationships, and creating spaces where people feel seen and valued, Kelley has built a leadership style grounded not in authority, but in influence and authenticity.

Together, Alex and Kelley explore leadership beyond titles, workplace culture, mentorship, motherhood, friendship, books that shaped them, and the importance of staying true to yourself in every season of life.

This conversation is a reminder that leadership is not about position, but rather it’s about how we show up for the people around us. 

Takeaways
~ Leadership is about influence, not authority. 
~ Community and belonging can change lives. 
~ People want to feel seen, heard, and valued.  
~ Authenticity matters in every season of life.  
~ Small acts of connection can change someone’s world.   
~ Creating belonging starts with intentional relationships.  
~ Your spark and purpose may evolve through different seasons of life.

Chapters
00:00: Welcome to Sparks & Introducing Kelley Drebes
03:55: What It Means to Be a “Human Dot Connector”
06:45: Loneliness, Community & Why Connection Matters
10:40: The Questions Kelley Uses to Truly Know People
16:20: Identity Beyond Job Titles & Leadership Through Influence
20:40: Kelley’s Career Journey in Healthcare & Walmart
24:15: Growing a Mentorship Community Through Connection
28:25: Family, Reading, Friendship & Life Outside of Work 

Connect with Kelley
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelleydrebes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelleyRaeBell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleydrebes/
Favorite Book (A Raisin in the Sun): walmart.com 

Keywords
Kelley Drebes; Sparks Series; SoulFire Sessions; connection; community; belonging; leadership; mentorship; authentic leadership; workplace culture; women in leadership; human connection; personal growth; leadership podcast 

Connect with The SoulFire Collective

Website: thesoulfire.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/